Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

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

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended October 2, 2010

Commission File Number 1-11605

 

 

LOGO

 

 

 

Incorporated in Delaware   I.R.S. Employer Identification No.

500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California 91521

(818) 560-1000

  95-4545390

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $.01 par value   New York Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing price on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter as reported on the New York Stock Exchange-Composite Transactions) was $64.4 billion. All executive officers and directors of the registrant and all persons filing a Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect to registrant’s common stock have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.

There were 1,893,583,594 shares of common stock outstanding as of November 16, 2010.

 

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the 2011 annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  
PART I   

ITEM 1.

  

Business

     1   

ITEM 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     17   

ITEM 1B.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

     22   

ITEM 2.

  

Properties

     22   

ITEM 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

     24   

Executive Officers of the Company

     24   
PART II   

ITEM 5.

  

Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     25   

ITEM 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

     26   

ITEM 7.

  

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

     27   

ITEM 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     52   

ITEM 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     53   

ITEM 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     53   

ITEM 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

     53   

ITEM 9B.

  

Other Information

     54   
PART III   

ITEM 10.

  

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     55   

ITEM 11.

  

Executive Compensation

     55   

ITEM 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     55   

ITEM 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     55   

ITEM 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     55   
PART IV   

ITEM 15.

  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     56   

SIGNATURES

     59   

Consolidated Financial Information — The Walt Disney Company

     61   


Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

PART I

 

ITEM 1. Business

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in five business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, Consumer Products and Interactive Media. For convenience, the terms “Company” and “we” are used to refer collectively to the parent company and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted. On December 31, 2009, the Company completed an acquisition of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (Marvel). See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Marvel businesses are reported primarily in our Studio Entertainment and Consumer Products segments.

Information on the Company’s revenues, operating income, and identifiable assets appears in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof. The Company employed approximately 149,000 people as of October 2, 2010.

MEDIA NETWORKS

The Media Networks segment is comprised of a domestic broadcast television network, television production and distribution operations, domestic television stations, international and domestic cable networks, domestic broadcast radio networks and stations, and publishing and digital operations.

Domestic Broadcast Television Network

The Company operates the ABC Television Network, which as of October 2, 2010, had affiliation agreements with 234 local stations reaching 99% of all U.S. television households. The ABC Television Network broadcasts programs in the following “dayparts”: daytime, primetime, late night, news, kids and sports.

The ABC Television Network produces its own programs or acquires broadcast rights from third parties, as well as entities that are owned by or affiliated with the Company and pays varying amounts of compensation to certain of the affiliated stations for broadcasting the programs and commercial announcements included therein. In certain cases the ABC Television Network receives fees for its broadcast feed. The ABC Television Network derives the majority of its revenues from the sale to advertisers of time in network programs for commercial announcements. The ability to sell time for commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily dependent on the size and nature of the audience that the network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser demand for time on network broadcasts.

ABC.com is the official web site of the ABC Television Network and provides access to full-length episodes of ABC shows online. ABCNews.com provides in-depth worldwide news coverage online. ABCNews.com also offers broadband subscriptions to the 24-hour live internet news channel, ABC News Now and to video-on-demand news reports from all ABC News broadcasts.

Television Production and Distribution

The Company produces and distributes live action and animated television programming under the ABC Studios, ABC Media Productions, and ABC Family Productions labels. Program development is carried out in collaboration with independent writers, producers, and creative teams, with a focus on half-hour comedies, one-hour dramas, and reality series primarily for primetime broadcasts. Primetime programming produced either for our networks or for third parties in the 2010/2011 television season include the returning one-hour dramas Army Wives, Brothers & Sisters, Castle, Criminal Minds, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and Private Practice; the returning half-hour comedy Cougar Town; and new primetime series that premiered in the fall of 2010 which include the one-hour dramas Body of Proof, Detroit 187, and No Ordinary Family. Ugly Betty and Brothers & Sisters entered the domestic syndication market during 2010. We also produce Jimmy Kimmel Live for late night and a variety of primetime specials for network television and live-action syndicated programming. Syndicated programming includes Live! with Regis and Kelly, a daily talk show, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, a game show.

Disney-ABC Domestic Television and Disney Media Distribution distribute the Company’s productions, including certain programming aired on our cable networks, domestically and internationally, respectively. The Company’s productions are also distributed in DVD format by the Studio Entertainment segment and also online via Company internet sites such as ABC.com and on third party services such as iTunes.

 

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Domestic Television Stations

The Company owns ten television stations, six of which are located in the top-ten markets in the United States. All of our television stations are affiliated with the ABC Television Network and collectively reach 23% of the nation’s television households. Each owned station broadcasts three digital channels: the first consists of local, ABC Television Network, and syndicated programming; the second is the Live Well Network; and the third consists of weather reports powered by AccuWeather.

Live Well Network debuted in April 2009 and provides high-definition programming focusing on lifestyle topics such as interior design, healthy cooking, and outdoor activities.

Markets and details for the stations we own are as follows:

 

Market

   TV Station      Television
Market
Ranking(1)
 

New York, NY

     WABC-TV         1   

Los Angeles, CA

     KABC-TV         2   

Chicago, IL

     WLS-TV         3   

Philadelphia, PA

     WPVI-TV         4   

San Francisco, CA

     KGO-TV         6   

Houston, TX

     KTRK-TV         10   

Raleigh-Durham, NC

     WTVD-TV         26   

Fresno, CA

     KFSN-TV         55   

Flint, MI

     WJRT-TV         68   

Toledo, OH

     WTVG-TV         73   

 

(1)

Based on Nielsen Media Research, U.S. Television Household Estimates, January 1, 2010

In November 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to sell two of its TV stations in the Flint, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio markets. The sale is expected to close in fiscal year 2011 subject to satisfaction of closing conditions.

Cable Networks

Our cable networks group provides national programming networks, licenses television programming in domestic and international markets and invests in foreign television broadcasting, programming, production and distribution entities. Programming at our cable networks is both internally produced and acquired from third parties. The two primary brands for our cable networks are ESPN and Disney Channel. In addition to cable network operations, we have ESPN- and Disney- branded radio operations, which are managed together with the cable operations.

Cable networks derive a majority of their revenues from fees charged to cable, satellite and telecommunications service providers (Multi-channel Video Service Providers or MVSPs) and, for certain networks (primarily ESPN and ABC Family), the sale to advertisers of time in network programs for commercial announcements. Generally, the Company’s cable networks operate under multi-year carriage agreements with MVSPs that include contractually determined fees. The amounts that we can charge to MVSPs for our cable network services are largely dependent on competition and the quality and quantity of programming that we can provide. The ability to sell time for commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily dependent on the size and nature of the audience that the network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser demand. Certain programming developed by our cable networks is also distributed in DVD format by our home entertainment division in the Studio Entertainment segment and also online via Company internet sites such as ESPN.com and also on third party services such as iTunes.

 

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The Company’s significant cable networks and our ownership percentage and estimated subscribers as of October 2, 2010 are set forth in the following table:

 

     Estimated
Domestic

Subscribers
(in  millions)(1)
     Estimated
International

Subscribers
(in  millions)(2)
     Ownership %  

ESPN

        

ESPN

     100         —           80.0   

ESPN2

     100         —           80.0   

ESPNEWS

     74         —           80.0   

ESPN Classic

     41         —           80.0   

ESPN Deportes

     5         —           80.0   

ESPNU

     74         —           80.0   

Disney Channels Worldwide

        

Disney Channel

     100         109         100.0   

Playhouse Disney

     —           45         100.0   

Disney XD

     78         84         100.0   

Disney Cinemagic

     —           10         100.0   

Hungama

     —           7         100.0   

ABC Family

     99         —           100.0   

SOAPnet

     76         —           100.0   

A&E/Lifetime

        

A&E

     100         —           42.1   

Lifetime Television

     100         —           42.1   

The History Channel

     99         —           42.1   

Lifetime Movie Network

     79         —           42.1   

The Biography Channel

     62         —           42.1   

History International

     61         —           42.1   

Lifetime Real Women (2)

     16         —           42.1   

 

(1)

Estimated U.S. subscriber counts according to Nielsen Media Research as of September 2010

(2)

Subscriber counts are not rated by Nielsen and are based on internal management reports. ESPN and A&E programming is distributed internationally through other networks discussed below.

ESPN ESPN is a multimedia, multinational sports entertainment company that operates six domestic television sports networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes (a Spanish language network) and ESPNU (a network devoted to college sports). ESPN also operates four high-definition television simulcast services, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, ESPNEWS HD and ESPNU HD, and in June 2010 launched ESPN 3D featuring approximately 100 live events in its first year. ESPN programs the sports schedule on the ABC Television Network, which is branded ESPN on ABC. ESPN owns, has equity interests in or has distribution agreements with 46 international sports networks reaching households in more than 200 countries and territories in 16 languages including a live sports network in the UK. ESPN holds a 50% equity interest in ESPN Star Sports, which distributes sports programming throughout most of Asia, and a 30% equity interest in CTV Specialty Television, Inc., which owns The Sports Network, The Sports Network 2, Le Réseau des Sports, ESPN Classic Canada, the NHL Network and Discovery Canada.

ESPN also operates:

 

   

ESPN.com - which delivers comprehensive sports news, information and video each month through its national hub and five local sites – ESPNBoston.com, EPSNChicago.com, ESPNDallas.com, ESPNLosAngeles.com and ESPNNewYork.com

 

   

ESPN3.com - which is a broadband service available to 53 million subscribers that delivers more than 4,000 live events

 

   

ESPN Mobile Properties - which delivers content, including live game coverage, alerts and highlights, to mobile service providers

 

   

ESPN Regional Television - which is a syndicator of collegiate sports programming

 

   

The ESPN Radio Network and five owned ESPN Radio stations

 

   

ESPN The Magazine

 

   

ESPN Enterprises - which develops branded licensing opportunities

 

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ESPN Zone – which provides a complete sports dining and entertainment experience. In June 2010, the Company closed five ESPN Zone restaurants. The Company continues to operate one ESPN Zone restaurant located in Anaheim, California and also licenses an ESPN Zone restaurant located in Los Angeles, California.

The Company holds an 18% equity interest in The Active Network, Inc., a domestic online community and marketing platform for individuals and event organizers to participate in and promote sports and recreational activities.

The ESPN Radio Network is carried on more than 750 stations, of which 355 are full-time, making it the largest sports radio network in the United States.

Markets and details for the stations we own are as follows:

 

Market

   Radio
Station
     Broadcast
Band
     Radio
Market
Ranking(1)
 

New York, NY

     WEPN         AM         1   

Los Angeles, CA

     KSPN         AM         2   

Chicago, IL

     WMVP         AM         3   

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

     KESN         FM         5   

Pittsburgh, PA

     WEAE         AM         25   

 

(1)

Based on Fall 2010 Arbitron Radio Market Rankings

Disney Channels Worldwide

Disney Channel Disney Channel is a 24-hour cable network with original series and movie programming targeted to children and families. Shows developed and produced internally for initial exhibition on Disney Channel include live-action comedy series, animated programming and educational preschool series, as well as projects for the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise. Live-action comedy series include Good Luck Charlie, Hannah Montana, JONAS, Sonny With A Chance, The Suite Life on Deck and Wizards of Waverly Place. Disney Channel also airs the animated programs, Phineas and Ferb and Fish Hooks. Original series for preschoolers include the animated series Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, My Friends Tigger & Pooh and Special Agent Oso, as well as the live-action series Imagination Movers. Programming is also acquired from third parties and includes content from Disney’s theatrical film and television programming library.

Playhouse Disney Playhouse Disney provides learning-focused programming for preschoolers. In the U.S., the daily Playhouse Disney programming block is aired on the Disney Channel. Playhouse Disney is aired internationally with channels in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Beginning in 2011, the Playhouse Disney block will be rebranded as Disney Junior, followed in 2012 with the launch of Disney Junior as a dedicated 24-hour basic channel for preschool-age children, parents and caregivers, featuring animated and live action programming which blends Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and beloved characters with learning, including early math and language skills and featuring healthy eating, lifestyle, and social skills.

Disney XD Disney XD has a mix of live-action and animated programming for kids ages 6-14, targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. The programming includes original series such as the Emmy Award-winning animated hit, Phineas and Ferb, Kick Buttowski, and the new live-action series, Pair of Kings, as well as movies and short-form content including sports-themed content developed with ESPN.

In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour network. Disney XD channels have launched in Latin America, Europe and Asia, building its distribution base to 107 countries/territories.

 

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Disney Cinemagic Disney Cinemagic is a premium subscription service in Europe. Disney Cinemagic shows Disney movies, classic and newer Disney cartoons and shorts as well as animated television series such as Disney’s House of Mouse, Lilo & Stitch: The Series, and Tarzan.

Hungama Hungama is a kids general entertainment cable network in India which features a mix of anime, Hindi-language series and game shows.

ABC Family ABC Family is a U.S. television programming service that targets adults 18-34. ABC Family produces and acquires original programming including the returning series The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Greek, Lincoln Heights and new series Make It or Break It, Pretty Little Liars and Huge. Additionally, ABC Family airs content from our owned theatrical film library. ABC Family also features branded programming holiday events such as “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas”.

ABCFamily.com creates digital extensions to ABC Family programming that feature interactivity and social networking. The site also features user-generated content and online programming that can be downloaded and customized based on individual user preferences.

SOAPnet SOAPnet offers same-day episodes of daytime dramas at night and also original programming. Programming includes same-day episodes of daytime dramas such as All My Children, Days of Our Lives, One Life to Live, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless; primetime series The O.C., One Tree Hill, Beverly Hills 90210, and The Gilmore Girls; and original programs like Being Erica. Beginning in 2012, SOAPnet will transition to Disney Junior, which will be a 24-hour channel carrying children’s programming.

Content related to SOAPnet’s programming is available on SOAPnet.com, including video extras, games, blogs, community forums, photos and downloadable content. Additionally, SOAPNETIC is a broadband fee-based service that provides behind-the-scenes coverage of the world of daytime dramas.

AETN/Lifetime The A&E Television Networks (AETN) include A&E, The History Channel, The Biography Channel and History International. A&E offers entertainment ranging from reality series to original movies, dramatic series, and justice shows. The History Channel offers original non-fiction series and event-driven specials. The Biography Channel offers original series about prominent people and their lives, including the “Biography” series. History International focuses on the culture and history of various countries throughout the world from the perspective of locals. Internationally, A&E programming is available in 125 countries through joint ventures and distribution agreements with affiliates.

Lifetime Entertainment Services (Lifetime) includes Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women. Lifetime Television is devoted to women’s lifestyle programming. Lifetime Movie Network is a 24-hour movie channel. Lifetime Real Women is a 24-hour cable network with programming from a woman’s point of view.

The Company’s share of the financial results of AETN/Lifetime is reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Radio Disney Radio Disney is a 24/7 radio network for kids, tweens and families. Radio Disney is available on 37 terrestrial radio stations, 31 of which we own and on RadioDisney.com, Sirius and XM satellite radio, iTunes Radio Tuner, XM/DIRECTV and mobile phones. Radio Disney programming can be downloaded via the iTunes Music Store. Radio Disney is also available throughout most of South America via a separate Spanish language terrestrial broadcast.

 

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Radio Disney stations we own are as follows:

 

Market

   Station      Broadcast
Band
     Market
Ranking  (1)
 

New York, NY

     WQEW         AM         1   

Los Angeles, CA

     KDIS         AM         2   

Chicago, IL

     WRDZ         AM         3   

San Francisco, CA

     KMKY         AM         4   

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

     KMKI         AM         5   

Houston, TX

     KMIC         AM         6   

Atlanta, GA

     WDWD         AM         7   

Philadelphia, PA

     WWJZ         AM         8   

Boston, MA

     WMKI         AM         10   

Detroit, MI

     WFDF         AM         11   

Miami, FL

     WMYM         AM         12   

Seattle, WA

     KKDZ         AM         13   

Phoenix, AZ

     KMIK         AM         15   

Minneapolis, MN

     KDIZ         AM         16   

Denver, CO

     KDDZ         AM         19   

Tampa, FL

     WWMI         AM         20   

St. Louis, MO

     WSDZ         AM         21   

Portland, OR

     KDZR         AM         23   

Charlotte, NC

     WGFY         AM         24   

Sacramento, CA

     KIID         AM         27   

Cleveland, OH

     WWMK         AM         29   

Salt Lake City, UT

     KWDZ         AM         30   

San Antonio, TX

     KRDY         AM         31   

Kansas City, MO

     KPHN         AM         32   

Orlando, FL

     WDYZ         AM         35   

Milwaukee, WI

     WKSH         AM         38   

Indianapolis, IN

     WRDZ         FM         39   

Providence, RI

     WDDZ         AM         41   

Hartford, CT

     WDZK         AM         50   

New Orleans, LA

     WBYU         AM         52   

Louisville, KY

     WDRD         AM         54   

Richmond, VA

     WDZY         AM         55   

Albany, NY

     WDDY         AM         63   

Tulsa, OK

     KMUS         AM         65   

Albuquerque, NM

     KALY         AM         68   

Little Rock, AR

     KDIS         FM         84   

Jacksonville, FL

     WBWL         AM         86   

 

(1)

Based on Fall 2010 Arbitron Radio Market Rankings

Competition and Seasonality

The Company’s Media Networks businesses compete for viewers primarily with other television and cable networks, independent television stations and other media, such as DVDs, video games and the internet. With respect to the sale of advertising time, our broadcasting operations, certain of our cable networks and our television and radio stations compete with other television networks and radio stations, independent television stations, MVSPs and other advertising media such as newspapers, magazines, billboards, and the internet. Our television and radio stations primarily compete for viewers in individual market areas. A television or radio station in one market generally does not compete directly with stations in other markets.

The growth in the number of networks distributed by MVSPs has resulted in increased competitive pressures for advertising revenues for both our broadcasting and cable networks. The Company’s cable networks also face competition from other cable networks for carriage by MVSPs. The Company’s contractual agreements with MVSPs are renewed or

 

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renegotiated from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Consolidation and other market conditions in the cable and satellite distribution industry and other factors may adversely affect the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain contractual terms for the distribution of its various cable programming services that are as favorable as those currently in place.

The Company’s Media Networks businesses also compete for the acquisition of sports and other programming. The market for programming is very competitive, particularly for sports programming. The Company currently has sports rights agreements with the National Football League (NFL), college football (including college bowl games) and basketball conferences, National Basketball Association (NBA), National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), Major League Baseball (MLB), World Cup and various soccer leagues, and Golf and Tennis Associations.

The Company’s internet web sites and digital products compete with other web sites and entertainment products in their respective categories.

Advertising revenues at the Media Networks are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership levels. Revenues are typically somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer months. Affiliate revenues are typically collected ratably throughout the year. Certain affiliate revenues at ESPN are deferred until annual programming commitments are met, and these commitments are typically satisfied during the second half of the Company’s fiscal year, which generally results in higher revenue recognition during this period.

Federal Regulation

Television and radio broadcasting are subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under federal laws and regulations, including the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Violation of FCC regulations can result in substantial monetary forfeitures, limited renewals of licenses and, in egregious cases, denial of license renewal or revocation of a license. FCC regulations that affect our Media Networks segment include the following:

 

   

Licensing of television and radio stations. Each of the television and radio stations we own must be licensed by the FCC. These licenses are granted for periods of up to eight years, and we must obtain renewal of licenses as they expire in order to continue operating the stations. We (or the acquiring entity in the case of a divestiture) must also obtain FCC approval whenever we seek to have a license transferred in connection with the acquisition or divestiture of a station. The FCC may decline to renew or approve the transfer of a license in certain circumstances. Although we have generally received such renewals and approvals in the past, there can be no assurance that we will always obtain necessary renewals and approvals in the future.

 

   

Television and radio station ownership limits. The FCC imposes limitations on the number of television stations and radio stations we can own in a specific market, on the combined number of television and radio stations we can own in a single market and on the aggregate percentage of the national audience that can be reached by television stations we own. Currently:

 

   

FCC regulations may restrict our ability to own more than one television station in a market, depending on the size and nature of the market. We do not own more than one television station in any of the ten markets in which we own a television station.

 

   

Federal statutes permit our television stations in the aggregate to reach a maximum of 39% of the national audience (for this purpose, FCC regulations attribute to UHF television stations only 50% of the television households in their market). For purposes of the FCC’s rules, our 10 stations reach approximately 23% of the national audience.

 

   

FCC regulations in some cases impose restrictions on our ability to acquire additional radio or television stations in the markets in which we own radio stations, but we do not believe any such limitations are material to our current operating plans.

 

   

Dual networks. FCC rules currently prohibit any of the four major television networks — ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC — from being under common ownership or control.

 

   

Regulation of programming. The FCC regulates broadcast programming by, among other things, banning “indecent” programming, regulating political advertising and imposing commercial time limits during children’s programming. Broadcasters face a heightened risk of being found in violation of the indecency prohibition by the FCC because of recent FCC decisions, coupled with the spontaneity of live programming. In the past several years, the FCC increased enforcement activities with respect to indecency, and a number of significant indecency cases against various

 

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broadcasters remain pending in the courts. Moreover, the penalties for broadcasting indecent programming are a maximum of $325,000 per violation.

Federal legislation and FCC rules also limit the amount of commercial matter that may be shown on broadcast or cable channels during programming designed for children 12 years of age and younger. In addition, broadcast channels are generally required to provide a minimum of three hours per week of programming that has as a “significant purpose” meeting the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and younger. FCC rules also give television station owners the right to reject or refuse network programming in certain circumstances or to substitute programming that the licensee reasonably believes to be of greater local or national importance.

 

   

Cable and satellite carriage of broadcast television stations. With respect to cable systems operating within a television station’s Designated Market Area, FCC rules require that every three years each television station elect either “must carry” status, pursuant to which cable operators generally must carry a local television station in the station’s market, or “retransmission consent” status, pursuant to which the cable operator must negotiate with the television station to obtain the consent of the television station prior to carrying its signal. Under the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act and its successors, including most recently the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA), which also requires the “must carry” or “retransmission consent” election, satellite carriers are permitted to retransmit a local television station’s signal into its local market with the consent of the local television station. Under must carry, if a satellite carrier elects to carry one local station in a market, the satellite carrier must carry the signals of all local television stations that also request carriage.

 

   

Digital television. Pursuant to FCC regulations, all of the Company’s stations now operate exclusively on digital channels. Each station broadcasts three digital channels: the main channel, affiliated with the ABC Television Network; the Live Well Network; and weather reports powered by AccuWeather, along with news and sports headlines.

 

   

Cable and satellite carriage of programming. The Communications Act and FCC rules regulate some aspects of negotiations regarding cable and satellite retransmission consent, and some cable and satellite companies have sought regulation of additional aspects of the carriage of programming on cable and satellite systems. Litigation has been instituted against the Company, other program providers and distributors seeking among other things to achieve similar ends. New legislation, court action or regulation in this area could, depending on its specific nature, have an impact on the Company’s operations.

The foregoing is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and other legislation and of specific FCC rules and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, other legislation, FCC rules and public notices and rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of the FCC’s regulatory authority.

FCC laws and regulations are subject to change, and the Company generally cannot predict whether new legislation, court action or regulations, or a change in the extent of application or enforcement of current laws and regulations, would have an adverse impact on our operations.

PARKS AND RESORTS

The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Disneyland Resort in California, the Disney Vacation Club, the Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. The Company manages and has effective ownership interests of 51% and 47%, respectively, in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The Company also licenses the operations of the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan. The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit designs and develops new theme park concepts and attractions as well as resort properties. On November 5, 2010, the Shanghai government and the Company announced a detailed agreement to build and operate a Disney theme park in the Pudong district of Shanghai. We are awaiting final approval from the central government on the incorporation of the related joint venture companies and the completion of the necessary regulatory processes.

The businesses in the Parks and Resorts segment generate revenues predominately from the sale of admissions to the theme parks; charges for room nights at the hotels; merchandise, food and beverage sales; sales and rentals of vacation club properties; and sales of cruise vacations. Costs consist principally of labor; depreciation; costs of merchandise, food and beverage sold; marketing and sales expense; repairs and maintenance; and entertainment.

 

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Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort is located 22 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida, on approximately 25,000 acres of owned land. The resort includes theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom); hotels; vacation club properties; a retail, dining and entertainment complex; a sports complex; conference centers; campgrounds; golf courses; water parks; and other recreational facilities designed to attract visitors for an extended stay.

The Walt Disney World Resort is marketed through a variety of international, national and local advertising and promotional activities. A number of attractions in each of the theme parks are sponsored by other corporations through long-term agreements.

Magic Kingdom — The Magic Kingdom, which opened in 1971, consists of seven themed lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Mickey’s Toontown Fair and Tomorrowland. Each land provides a unique guest experience featuring themed rides and attractions, live Disney character interaction, restaurants, refreshment areas and merchandise shops. Additionally, there are daily parades and a nighttime fireworks extravaganza, Wishes.

Epcot — Epcot, which opened in 1982, consists of two major themed areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World dramatizes certain historical developments and addresses the challenges facing the world today through major pavilions devoted to showcasing science and technology improvements, communication, energy, transportation, using your imagination, nature and food production, the ocean environment and space. World Showcase presents a community of nations focusing on the culture, traditions and accomplishments of people around the world. Countries represented with pavilions include the United States, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway and the United Kingdom. Both areas feature themed rides and attractions, restaurants and merchandise shops. Epcot also features Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, a nighttime entertainment spectacular.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which opened in 1989, consists of four themed areas: Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Animation Courtyard, and Backlot. The four areas blend together as a large movie set and provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood-style action based on movies and TV shows. The park provides various shows, attractions, themed food service and merchandise facilities. Disney’s Hollywood Studios also features Fantasmic!, a nighttime entertainment spectacular.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which opened in 1998, consists of a 145-foot Tree of Life centerpiece surrounded by six themed areas: Dinoland U.S.A., Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, Discovery Island and Camp Minnie-Mickey. Each themed area contains adventure attractions, entertainment shows, restaurants and merchandise shops. The park features more than 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and 3,000 varieties of trees and plants.

Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — As of October 2, 2010, the Company owned and operated 17 resort hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort, with a total of approximately 22,000 rooms and 468,000 square feet of conference meeting space. In addition, Disney’s Fort Wilderness camping and recreational area offers approximately 800 campsites.

The Walt Disney World Resort also hosts a 120-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex known as Downtown Disney, which consists of the Marketplace, West Side and Pleasure Island. Downtown Disney is home to the 51,000-square-foot World of Disney retail store featuring Disney-branded merchandise, Cirque du Soleil, the House of Blues, and the Company’s DisneyQuest facility. A number of the Downtown Disney facilities are operated by third parties that pay rent and license fees to the Company. In September 2008, the Company commenced a multi-year project to enhance Pleasure Island, which will feature new shopping and dining experiences to entertain guests of all ages.

ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, which opened in 1997 under the name Disney’s Wide World of Sports, is a 220-acre sports complex providing professional caliber training and competition, festival and tournament events and interactive sports activities. The complex’s venues accommodate multiple sporting events, including baseball, tennis, basketball, softball, track and field, football and soccer. Its stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 9,500, is the spring training site for MLB’s Atlanta Braves. The Amateur Athletic Union hosts more than 40 national events per year at the facility.

In the Downtown Disney Resort area, seven independently-operated hotels are situated on property leased from the Company. These hotels include approximately 3,700 rooms. Additionally, the Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotels, which have approximately 2,300 total rooms, are independently operated on property leased from the Company near Epcot.

 

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Other recreational amenities and activities available at the Walt Disney World Resort include four championship golf courses, miniature golf courses, full-service spas, tennis, sailing, water skiing, swimming, horseback riding and a number of other noncompetitive sports and leisure time activities. The resort also includes two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Disneyland Resort

The Company owns 461 acres and has the rights under long-term lease for use of an additional 49 acres of land in Anaheim, California. The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three hotels and Downtown Disney, a retail, dining and entertainment complex designed to attract visitors for an extended stay.

The entire Disneyland Resort is marketed as a destination resort through international, national and local advertising and promotional activities. A number of the attractions and restaurants at both of the theme parks are sponsored by other corporations through long-term agreements.

Disneyland — Disneyland, which opened in 1955, consists of Main Street USA and seven principal areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland and Toontown. These areas feature themed rides and attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disneyland offers daily parades and a nighttime entertainment spectacular, Fantasmic!.

Disney California Adventure — Disney California Adventure, which opened in 2001, is adjacent to Disneyland and includes four principal areas: Golden State, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Paradise Pier and “a bug’s land”. These areas include rides, attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disney California Adventure offers a new nighttime water spectacular, World of Color, as the first major element of the multi-year expansion that will add new entertainment and family-oriented attractions, including a Cars Land, a new 12-acre themed area, inspired by the animated film Cars.

Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — Disneyland Resort includes three Company-owned and operated hotels with a total of approximately 2,400 rooms, 50 vacation club units, and 180,000 square feet of conference meeting space.

Disneyland Resort also includes Downtown Disney, a themed 15-acre outdoor complex of entertainment, dining and shopping venues, located adjacent to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. A number of the Downtown Disney facilities are operated by third parties that pay rent and license fees to the Company.

Disneyland Paris

The Company has a 51% effective ownership interest in Disneyland Paris, a 5,510-acre development located in Marne-la-Vallée, approximately 20 miles east of Paris, France, which has been developed pursuant to a master agreement with French governmental authorities. The Company manages and has a 40% equity interest in Euro Disney S.C.A., a publicly-traded French entity that is the holding company for Euro Disney Associés S.C.A., the primary operating company of Disneyland Paris. Euro Disney S.C.A. and its subsidiaries operate Disneyland Paris, which includes two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park); seven themed hotels; convention centers; a shopping, dining and entertainment complex; and a 27-hole golf facility. Of the 5,510 acres comprising the site, approximately half has been developed to date, which includes the Val d’Europe development discussed below. An indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company is responsible for managing Disneyland Paris. Euro Disney S.C.A. is required to pay royalties and management fees to the Company based on the operating performance of the resort.

Disneyland Park — Disneyland Park, which opened in 1992, consists of Main Street and four principal themed areas: Adventureland, Discoveryland, Fantasyland and Frontierland. These areas include themed rides, attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Disneyland Park also features a daily parade.

Walt Disney Studios Park — Walt Disney Studios Park opened in March 2002 adjacent to Disneyland Park. The park takes guests into the worlds of cinema, animation and television and includes four principal themed areas: Front Lot, Toon Studios, Production Courtyard and Backlot. These areas each include themed rides, attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands.

Hotels and Other Facilities — Disneyland Paris operates seven resort hotels, with a total of approximately 5,800 rooms and 250,000 square feet of conference meeting space. In addition, several on-site hotels opened between 2003 and 2006 that are owned and operated by third-party developers and provide approximately 2,400 rooms.

 

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Disneyland Paris also includes Disney Village, a seven-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex, located between the theme parks and the hotels. A number of the Disney Village facilities are operated by third parties that pay rent and license fees to a subsidiary of Euro Disney S.C.A.

Val d’Europe is a planned community that is being developed near Disneyland Paris. The completed phases of the development include: a town center, which consists of a shopping center; a 150-room hotel; office, commercial, and residential space; and a regional train station. Third parties operate these developments on land leased or purchased from Euro Disney S.C.A. and its subsidiaries.

In fiscal 2005, Euro Disney S.C.A. completed a financial restructuring, which provided for an increase in capital and refinancing of its borrowings. Pursuant to the financial restructuring, the Company agreed to conditionally and unconditionally defer certain management fees and royalties and convert them into long-term subordinated debt and provide a ten-year line of credit, with a current limit of €100 million for liquidity needs.

In fiscal 2010, Euro Disney S.C.A signed an amendment to the master agreement entered into between the Company and French governmental authorities in 1987 for the creation and the operation of the resort. This amendment extends the duration of the agreement from 2017 to 2030. In addition, the amendment provides for updated land entitlements that allow Euro Disney S.C.A to develop, in partnership with Groupe Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs, Les Villages Nature de Val d’Europe, an innovative eco-tourism project.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

The Company owns a 47% interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort through Hongkong International Theme Parks Limited, an entity in which the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) owns a 53% majority interest. A separate Hong Kong subsidiary of the Company is responsible for managing Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Located on 311 acres on Lantau Island, the resort is in close proximity to the Hong Kong International Airport. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes one theme park and two themed hotels.

Hong Kong Disneyland — Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005 and consists of the following themed lands: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. These areas feature themed rides and attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, there are daily parades and a nighttime fireworks extravaganza.

Hotels — Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes two themed hotels with a total of 1,000 rooms.

In July 2009, the Company and the HKSAR agreed to a capital realignment and expansion plan for Hong Kong Disneyland. The expansion, which is scheduled to be completed in phases by 2014, will bring three new themed areas to Hong Kong Disneyland: Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point. Pursuant to the plan, the Company converted a loan to Hong Kong Disneyland into equity and to date, has made additional capital contributions of $106 million and the HKSAR has contributed like amounts of capital by converting a portion of its loan to Hong Kong Disneyland into equity. This has increased the Company’s effective ownership interest from 43% to 47% as of October 2, 2010. The Company expects to make additional capital contributions over the next four years to fund the expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Based on the operating performance of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the Company is entitled to receive royalties and management fees.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is located on approximately 494 acres of land, six miles east of downtown Tokyo, Japan. The resort includes two theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea); three Disney-branded hotels; six independently operated hotels; and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.

 

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Tokyo Disneyland — Tokyo Disneyland, which opened in 1983, was the first Disney theme park to open outside the United States. Tokyo Disneyland consists of seven principal areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Toontown, Westernland and World Bazaar.

Tokyo DisneySea — Tokyo DisneySea, adjacent to Tokyo Disneyland, opened in 2001. The park is divided into seven “ports of call,” including Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island and Arabian Coast.

Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — The resort includes three Disney-branded hotels with a total of more than 1,700 rooms. The resort also includes the Disney Resort Line monorail, which links theme parks and resort hotels with Ikspiari, a retail, dining and entertainment complex; Bon Voyage, a Disney-themed merchandise location; as well as the first Cirque du Soleil theatre in Japan.

The Company earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disney Resort, which is owned and operated by Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC), a Japanese corporation in which the Company has no equity interest. OLC markets the Tokyo Disney Resort through a variety of local, domestic and international advertising and promotional activities. In addition, third parties sponsor many of the theme park attractions under long-term arrangements.

Disney Vacation Club

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers ownership interests in 11 resort facilities located at the Walt Disney World Resort; Disneyland Resort; Vero Beach, Florida; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Oahu, Hawaii. Available units at each facility are offered for sale under a vacation ownership plan and are operated as rental property when not occupied by vacation club members. DVC inventory consists of a mix of units ranging from one bedroom studios to three bedroom villas. Unit counts in this document are presented in terms of two bedroom equivalents. DVC has 3,060 vacation club units as of October 2, 2010 and is scheduled to open an additional 481 units at Aulani, a 21-acre oceanfront resort on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The resort, which will also include 359 traditional hotel rooms, will open in phases beginning in August 2011. Vacation club presales for this property commenced in July 2010.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line, which is operated out of Port Canaveral, Florida, is a vacation cruise line that includes two 85,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Both ships cater to children, families and adults, with distinctly-themed areas and activities for each group. Each ship features 877 staterooms, 73% of which are outside and provide guests with ocean views. Cruise vacations often include a visit to Disney’s Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre private Bahamian island.

The Company is expanding its cruise business by adding two new ships, the Disney Dream in January 2011 and the Disney Fantasy in April 2012. The new ships will each be approximately 130,000 tons with 1,250 staterooms. The Disney Wonder will move its home to the Port of Los Angeles in 2011, to accommodate Pacific itineraries.

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney, which began operations in 2005, offers a series of all-inclusive guided vacation tour packages at predominantly non-Disney sites around the world. The Company provided 22 specialized excursion packages during 2010.

Walt Disney Imagineering

Walt Disney Imagineering provides master planning, real estate development, attraction and show design, engineering support, production support, project management and other development services, including research and development for the Company’s operations.

Competition and Seasonality

The Company’s theme parks and resorts as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club compete with other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. The profitability of the leisure-time industry may be influenced by various factors that are not directly controllable, such as economic conditions including business cycle and exchange rate fluctuations, travel industry trends, amount of available leisure time, oil and transportation prices and weather patterns.

 

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All of the theme parks and the associated resort facilities are operated on a year-round basis. Typically, the theme parks and resort business experiences fluctuations in theme park attendance and resort occupancy resulting from the seasonal nature of vacation travel and local entertainment excursions. 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

The Studio Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures, direct-to-video content, musical recordings and live stage plays.

The Company distributes produced and acquired films (including its film and television library) in the theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. The primary banners for our films are Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Pixar, Miramax and Dimension. The Company’s primary focus is Disney-branded films under the Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar banners. Each of the market windows is discussed in more detail below.

In August 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with DreamWorks Studios (“DreamWorks”) to distribute live-action motion pictures produced by DreamWorks over the next seven years under the Touchstone Pictures banner. As part of the agreement, the Company will provide certain financing, which as of October 2, 2010, totaled $92 million.

The Company has an agreement with a third-party studio to distribute the Marvel films Iron Man and Iron Man 2, which have been released, and Thor and Captain America which are still in production, and a separate agreement with another third-party studio to distribute the Marvel film The Incredible Hulk, which has also been released. Under these arrangements, the Company incurs the cost to produce the films and pays a fee to the third party studio to distribute the film. Beginning with The Avengers, which is scheduled for release in 2012, the Company intends to distribute all Marvel produced films. The Company recently purchased the distribution rights for The Avengers and Iron Man 3 from a third party studio and will pay certain fees to that studio associated with the performance of those films, subject to a minimum guarantee.

The Company has also licensed the rights to produce and distribute feature films for certain other Marvel properties including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, and X-Men to third-party studios. Under these licensing arrangements, the third-party studio incurs the cost to produce and distribute the films and pays the Company a licensing fee.

On July 29, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the majority of the assets of Miramax Film Corp. (Miramax) for $663 million, subject to closing conditions and adjustments. The transaction is expected to close by the end of calendar 2010. The sale includes both Miramax and Dimension film assets.

Theatrical Market

During fiscal 2011, we expect to distribute domestically approximately 14 feature films. These releases include several live-action family films and full-length animated films, with the remainder targeted to teenagers and/or adults. As of October 2, 2010, the Company had released domestically 962 full-length live-action features, 88 full-length animated features, approximately 549 cartoon shorts and 53 live action shorts.

We distribute and market our filmed products principally through our own distribution and marketing companies in the U.S. theatrical market. In the international theatrical markets, we distribute our filmed products both directly and through independent distribution companies or joint ventures. Films released theatrically in the U.S. can be released simultaneously in international territories or generally up to four months later.

The Company incurs significant marketing and advertising costs before and throughout the theatrical release of a film in an effort to generate public awareness of the film, to increase the public’s intent to view the film and to help generate consumer interest in the subsequent home entertainment and other ancillary markets. These costs are expensed as incurred;

 

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therefore, we typically incur losses on a film in the theatrical markets, including in periods prior to the theatrical release of the film.

Home Entertainment Market

In the domestic market, we distribute home entertainment releases directly under each of our motion picture banners. In the international market, we distribute home entertainment releases under each of our motion picture banners both directly and through independent foreign distribution companies. In addition, we acquire and produce original content for direct-to-video release.

The domestic and international home entertainment window typically starts four to six months after the theatrical release in each market. The home entertainment releases may be distributed in both physical (DVD and Blu-Ray) and electronic versions. Most titles are sold simultaneously to both retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy, and “rentailers,” such as Blockbuster, Redbox and Netflix.

As of October 2, 2010, we had approximately 1,800 active produced and acquired titles, including 1,400 live-action titles and 400 animated titles, in the domestic home entertainment marketplace and approximately 2,700 active produced and acquired titles, including 2,200 live-action titles and 500 animated titles, in the international marketplace.

Television Market

Pay-Per-View (PPV)/Video-on-Demand (VOD): Concurrently with, or up to two months after, the home entertainment window begins, the studio’s television distributors, Disney-ABC Domestic Television and Disney Media Distribution, license titles for use on a PPV/VOD basis, as well as for internet, console games, and mobile platforms. PPV/VOD services deliver one-time rentals electronically to consumers at a price comparable to that of physical media rentals.

Pay Television (Pay 1): There are generally two pay television windows. The first window is generally sixteen months in duration and follows the PPV/VOD window. The Company has licensed exclusive domestic pay television rights to substantially all films released under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, and Touchstone Pictures banners to the Starz pay television service through fiscal 2016. Miramax theatrical releases through calendar year 2008 were licensed under the Starz agreement. In 2010, the Company negotiated a new license with Showtime for selected Miramax films with theatrical release dates beginning calendar year 2009 through the first six months of calendar year 2011.

Free Television (Free 1): The Pay 1 window is followed by a television window with telecasts accessible to consumers without charge. This free window may last up to 84 months. Motion pictures are usually sold in the Free 1 window on an ad-hoc basis to major networks, including the ABC Television Network, and basic cable services.

Pay Television 2 (Pay 2) and Free Television 2 (Free 2): In the U.S., Free 1 is generally followed by a fourteen-month Pay 2 window under our license arrangement with Starz, and finally by a Free 2 window. The Free 2 window is a syndication window where films are licensed both to basic cable networks and to third-party television station groups. Major packages of the Company’s feature films have been licensed for broadcast under multi-year agreements.

International Television: The Company also licenses its theatrical and television properties outside of the U.S. The typical windowing sequence is broadly consistent with the domestic cycle such that titles premiere on television in PPV/VOD then air in pay TV before airing in free TV. Windowing strategies are developed in response to local market practices and conditions, and the exact sequence and length of each window can vary country by country.

Disney Music Group

The Disney Music Group includes Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records (including the Mammoth Records and Buena Vista Records labels), Lyric Street Records, Buena Vista Concerts and Disney Music Publishing.

Walt Disney Records produces and distributes compact discs and music DVDs in the United States and licenses our music properties throughout the rest of the world. Music categories include infant, children’s read-along, teens, all-family and soundtracks from film and television series distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and Disney Channel. Hollywood Records develops, produces and markets recordings from talent across a spectrum of popular music. In April 2010, the Company announced that it will close Lyric Street Records. However, the Company will continue to distribute catalog titles under the Lyric Street Records label.

 

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Each of the labels commissions new music for the Company’s motion picture and television programs, records the songs and licenses the song copyrights to others for printed music, records, audio-visual devices, public performances and digital distribution. Buena Vista Concerts produces live-entertainment events with artists signed to the Disney Music Group record labels.

Disney Music Publishing controls the copyrights of thousands of musical compositions derived from the Company’s motion picture, television, record and theme park properties, as well as musical compositions written by songwriters under exclusive contract. It is responsible for the management, protection, and licensing of the Disney song catalog on a worldwide basis, including licensing for printed music, records, audio-visual works and new media.

Disney Theatrical Productions

Disney Theatrical Productions develops, produces and licenses live entertainment events. The Company has produced and licensed Broadway musicals around the world, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida, Mary Poppins (a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), TARZAN®, the professional touring stage version of High School Musical, and The Little Mermaid. In addition, the Company licenses musicals for local school and community theatre productions.

Disney Theatrical Productions also delivers live shows globally through its license to Feld Entertainment, producer of Disney On Ice and Disney Live!. Disney On Ice’s newest ice show, Toy Story 3, launched in September 2010 for a North America tour. Mickey’s Musical Festival, the latest from Disney’s Live!, was launched in September 2010.

Competition and Seasonality

The Studio Entertainment businesses compete with all forms of entertainment. A significant number of companies produce and/or distribute theatrical and television films, exploit products in the home entertainment market, provide pay television programming services and sponsor live theater. We also compete to obtain creative and performing talents, story properties, advertiser support and broadcast rights that are essential to the success of our Studio Entertainment businesses.

The success of Studio Entertainment operations is heavily dependent upon public taste and preferences. In addition, Studio Entertainment operating results 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

The Consumer Products segment engages with licensees, manufacturers, publishers and retailers throughout the world to design, develop, publish, promote and sell a wide variety of products based on existing and new characters and other Company intellectual property through its Merchandise Licensing, Publishing and Retail businesses. In addition to leveraging the Company’s film and television properties, Consumer Products also develops new intellectual property with the potential of also being used in the Company’s other businesses.

Merchandise Licensing

The Company’s worldwide merchandise licensing operations include a diverse range of product categories, the most significant of which are: toys, apparel, home décor and furnishings, stationery, accessories, health and beauty, food, footwear, and consumer electronics. The Company licenses characters from its film, television and other properties and earns royalties, which are usually based on a fixed percentage of the wholesale or retail selling price of the products. Some of the major properties licensed by the Company include Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, Toy Story, Winnie the Pooh, Cars, Disney Fairies, Hannah Montana and the Marvel properties including Spider-Man and Iron Man. The Company also designs individual products and creates exclusive themed and seasonal promotional campaigns for retailers based on characters, movies and TV shows.

Publishing

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) publishes children’s books and magazines in multiple countries and languages. DPW’s businesses include Disney Global Books, Disney Global Magazines and Disney English. In fiscal 2010, Disney Global Books (DGB) published titles around the world in support of such franchises as Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, Winnie the Pooh, Cars, Disney Fairies and Toy Story. DGB has extended its publishing content into new digital books,

 

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comics and applications, including applications for the Toy Story films and The Princess and the Frog. Disney Global Magazines issues Disney FamilyFun magazine in the United States. Disney English operates 15 English language learning centers in Shanghai and Beijing, offering more than 500 hours of classroom programming for more than 7,000 young children. DPW also includes publishing revenues from the sale of Marvel comic books.

Retail

The Company markets Disney-themed products directly through retail stores operated under the Disney Store name and through internet sites in North America (DisneyStore.com and DisneyOutlet.com), the United Kingdom (DisneyStore.co.uk) and Japan (DisneyStore.co.jp). The stores, which are generally located in leading shopping malls and other retail complexes, carry a wide variety of Disney merchandise and promote other businesses of the Company. On March 31, 2010, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Retail Networks Company Limited, which operates The Disney Store Japan, and terminated its existing licensing arrangement with Retail Networks Company Limited. The Company currently owns and operates 211 stores in North America, 104 stores in Europe, and 48 stores in Japan.

Competition and Seasonality

The Company’s merchandise licensing, publishing and retail businesses compete with other licensors, publishers and retailers of character, brand and celebrity names. Based on independent surveys, we believe the Company is the largest worldwide licensor of character-based merchandise based on retail sales. Operating results for the licensing and retail businesses are influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing behavior and by the timing and performance of animated theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA

The Disney Interactive Media Group creates and delivers Disney-branded entertainment and lifestyle content across interactive media platforms. The primary operating businesses of the Disney Interactive Media Group are Games which produces multi-platform games for global distribution, and Online which produces internet websites in the United States and internationally. The Disney Interactive Media Group derives revenues from a combination of wholesale sales, licensing, advertising, sponsorships, subscription services and online game accessories (micro transactions). The Disney Interactive Media Group also manages the Company’s Disney-branded mobile phone business in Japan which provides mobile phone service and content to consumers.

Games

The Games business creates, develops, markets and distributes console, handheld, online and mobile games worldwide based on properties created elsewhere in the Company, including 2010 titles such as Toy Story 3, Alice in Wonderland and The Princess and the Frog, as well as new game properties such as Split Second. The Games business also produces online games, such as Disney’s Club Penguin and Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow, interactive games for social networking websites and games for smartphone platforms. Certain properties are also licensed to third-party video game publishers including an agreement with THQ, Inc. that includes one remaining Pixar title.

On August 27, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of Playdom, Inc., a company that develops and publishes online games for social networking websites.

Online

Online develops, publishes and distributes content for Disney-branded online services intended for family entertainment. Disney Online produces kids and family-targeted entertainment through a portfolio of websites including Disney.com and the Disney Family Network. Disney.com integrates many of the Company’s Disney-branded internet sites including sites for the Disney Channel, Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney Pictures and Disney Consumer Products.

Competition and Seasonality

The Company’s online sites and products compete with a wide variety of other online sites and products. The Company’s video game business competes primarily with other publishers of video game software and other types of home entertainment. Operating results for the video game business fluctuate due to the timing and performance of video game

 

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releases which are determined by several factors including theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts, competition and the timing of holiday periods. Revenues from certain of the Company’s online and mobile operations are subject to similar seasonal trends.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION

The Company’s businesses throughout the world are affected by its ability to exploit and protect against infringement of its intellectual property, including trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Important intellectual property includes rights in the content of motion pictures, television programs, electronic games, sound recordings, character likenesses, theme park attractions, books and magazines. Risks related to the protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights are set forth in Item 1A – Risk Factors.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available without charge on our website, www.disney.com/investors, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. We are providing the address to our internet site solely for the information of investors. We do not intend the address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents of the website into this report.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

For an enterprise as large and complex as the Company, a wide range of factors could materially affect future developments and performance. In addition to the factors affecting specific business operations identified in connection with the description of these operations and the financial results of these operations elsewhere in this report, the most significant factors affecting our operations include the following:

Changes in U.S., global, or regional economic conditions could have an adverse effect on the profitability of some or all of our businesses.

A decline in economic activity in the United States and other regions of the world in which we do business can adversely affect demand for any of our businesses, thus reducing our revenue and earnings. The most recent decline in economic conditions reduced spending at our parks and resorts, purchase of and prices for advertising on our broadcast and cable networks and owned stations, performance of our home entertainment releases, and purchases of Company-branded consumer products, and similar impacts can be expected should such conditions recur. A decline in economic conditions could also reduce attendance at our parks and resorts or prices that MVSPs pay for our cable programming. Economic conditions can also impair the ability of those with whom we do business to satisfy their obligations to us. In addition, an increase in price levels generally, or in price levels in a particular sector such as the energy sector, could result in a shift in consumer demand away from the entertainment and consumer products we offer, which could also adversely affect our revenues and, at the same time, increase our costs. Changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies may reduce international demand for our products, increase our labor or supply costs in non-United States markets, or reduce the United States dollar value of revenue we receive from other markets.

Changes in public and consumer tastes and preferences for entertainment and consumer products could reduce demand for our entertainment offerings and products and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.

Our businesses create entertainment, travel or consumer products whose success depends substantially on consumer tastes and preferences that change in often unpredictable ways. The success of our businesses depends on our ability to consistently create and distribute filmed entertainment, broadcast and cable programming, online material, electronic games, theme park attractions, hotels and other resort facilities and travel experiences and consumer products that meet the changing preferences of the broad consumer market. Many of our businesses increasingly depend on acceptance of our offerings and products by consumers outside the United States, and their success therefore depends on our ability to successfully predict and adapt to changing consumer tastes and preferences outside as well as inside the United States. Moreover, we must often invest substantial amounts in film production, broadcast and cable programming, electronic games, theme park attractions, or hotels and other resort facilities before we learn the extent to which these products will earn consumer acceptance. If our

 

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entertainment offerings and products do not achieve sufficient consumer acceptance, our revenue from advertising sales (which are based in part on ratings for the programs in which advertisements air) or subscription fees for broadcast and cable programming and online services, from theatrical film receipts or home video or electronic game sales, from theme park admissions, hotel room charges and merchandise, food and beverage sales, from sales of licensed consumer products or from sales of our other consumer products and services may decline and adversely affect the profitability of one or more of our businesses.

Changes in technology and in consumer consumption patterns may affect demand for our entertainment products or the cost of producing or distributing products.

The media entertainment and internet businesses in which we participate depend significantly on our ability to acquire, develop, adopt and exploit new technologies to distinguish our products and services from those of our competitors. In addition, new technologies affect the demand for our products, the time and manner in which consumers acquire and view some of our entertainment products and the options available to advertisers for reaching their desired markets. For example, the success of our offerings in the home entertainment market depends in part on consumer preferences with respect to home entertainment formats, including DVD players and personal video recorders, as well as the availability of alternative home entertainment offerings and technologies, including web-based delivery of entertainment offerings. In addition, technological developments offer consumers an expanding array of entertainment options which may include options we have not yet fully developed, or options we have developed but on which we realize a smaller return than on traditional options and thus the income from our entertainment offerings may decline or increase at slower rates than our historical experience.

The success of our businesses is highly dependent on the existence and maintenance of intellectual property rights in the entertainment products and services we create.

The value to us of our intellectual property rights is dependent on the scope and duration of our rights as defined by applicable laws in the United States and abroad and the manner in which those laws are construed. If those laws are drafted or interpreted in ways that limit the extent or duration of our rights, or if existing laws are changed, our ability to generate revenue from our intellectual property may decrease, or the cost of obtaining and maintaining rights may increase.

The unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights may increase the cost of protecting these rights or reduce our revenues. New technologies such as the convergence of computing, communication, and entertainment devices, the falling prices of devices incorporating such technologies, and increased broadband internet speed and penetration have made the unauthorized digital copying and distribution of our films, television productions and other creative works easier and faster and enforcement of intellectual property rights more challenging. There is evidence that unauthorized use of intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry generally is a significant and rapidly growing phenomenon. Inadequate laws or weak enforcement mechanisms to protect intellectual property in one country can adversely affect the results of the Company’s operations worldwide, despite the Company’s efforts to protect its intellectual property rights. These developments require us to devote substantial resources to protecting our intellectual property against unlicensed use and present the risk of increased losses of revenue as a result of unlicensed digital distribution of our content and sales of unauthorized DVDs, Blu-ray discs and other products.

With respect to intellectual property developed by the Company and rights acquired by the Company from others, the Company is subject to the risk of challenges to our rights in intellectual property by third parties. Successful challenges to our rights in intellectual property may result in increased costs for obtaining rights or the loss of the opportunity to earn revenue from the intellectual property that is the subject of challenged rights. The Company is not aware of any challenges to its intellectual property rights that it currently foresees having a material effect on its operations.

A variety of uncontrollable events may reduce demand for our products and services, impair our ability to provide our products and services or increase the cost of providing our products and services.

Demand for our products and services, particularly our theme parks and resorts, is highly dependent on the general environment for travel and tourism. The environment for travel and tourism, as well as demand for other entertainment products, can be significantly adversely affected in the United States, globally or in specific regions as a result of a variety of factors beyond our control, including: adverse weather conditions or natural disasters (such as excessive heat or rain, hurricanes and earthquakes) arising from short-term weather patterns or long-term climate change; health concerns; international, political or military developments; and terrorist attacks. These events and others, such as fluctuations in travel and energy costs and computer virus attacks, intrusions or other widespread computing or telecommunications failures, may also damage our ability to provide our products and services or to obtain insurance coverage with respect to these events. In addition, we derive royalties from the sales of our licensed goods and services by third parties and the management of businesses operated under brands licensed from the Company, and we are therefore dependent on the successes of those third

 

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parties for that portion of our revenue. A wide variety of factors could influence the success of those third parties and if negative factors significantly impacted a sufficient number of our licensees, that could adversely affect the profitability of one or more of our businesses. We obtain insurance against the risk of losses relating to some of these events, generally including physical damage to our property and resulting business interruption, certain injuries occurring on our property and liability for alleged breach of legal responsibilities. When insurance is obtained it is subject to deductibles, exclusions and caps. The types and levels of coverage we obtain vary from time to time depending on our view of the likelihood of specific types and levels of loss in relation to the cost of obtaining coverage for such types and levels of loss.

Changes in our business strategy or restructuring of our businesses may increase our costs or otherwise affect the profitability of our businesses.

As changes in our business environment occur we may need to adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we may otherwise find it necessary to restructure our operations or particular businesses or assets. In addition, external events including acceptance of our theatrical offerings and changes in macro-economic conditions may impair the value of our assets. When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and may need to write down the value of assets. We may also need to invest in new businesses that have short-term returns that are negative or low and whose ultimate business prospects are uncertain. In any of these events, our costs may increase, we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets or returns on new investments may be lower than prior to the change in strategy or restructuring.

Turmoil in the financial markets could increase our cost of borrowing and impede access to or increase the cost of financing our operations and investments.

U.S. and global credit and equity markets experienced significant disruption beginning in late 2008, making it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing on acceptable terms. In addition, equity markets experienced rapid and wide fluctuations in value. These conditions tended to increase the cost of borrowing and if they recur, our cost of borrowing could increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our operations or investments. In addition, our borrowing costs can be affected by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies which are based, in significant part, on the Company’s performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A decrease in these ratings would likely increase our cost of borrowing and/or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing. The disruption in the global financial markets also impacted some of the financial institutions with which we do business. A similar decline in the financial stability of financial institutions could affect our ability to secure credit-worthy counterparties for our interest rate and foreign currency hedging programs and could affect our ability to settle existing contracts.

Increased competitive pressures may reduce our revenues or increase our costs.

We face substantial competition in each of our businesses from alternative providers of the products and services we offer and from other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. We also must compete to obtain human resources, programming and other resources we require in operating our business. For example:

 

   

Our broadcast and cable networks, stations and online offerings compete for viewers with other broadcast, cable and satellite services as well as with home video products and internet usage.

 

   

Our broadcast and cable networks and stations compete for the sale of advertising time with other broadcast, cable and satellite services, and the internet, as well as with newspapers, magazines and billboards.

 

   

Our cable networks compete for carriage of their programming with other programming providers.

 

   

Our broadcast and cable networks compete for the acquisition of creative talent and sports and other programming with other broadcast and cable networks.

 

   

Our theme parks and resorts compete for guests with all other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreation activities.

 

   

Our studio operations compete for customers with all other forms of entertainment.

 

   

Our studio operations, broadcast and cable networks and publishing businesses compete to obtain creative and performing talent, story properties, advertiser support, broadcast rights and market share.

 

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Our consumer products segment competes in the character merchandising and other licensing, publishing, and retail activities with other licensors, publishers and retailers of character, brand and celebrity names.

 

   

Our interactive game operations compete with other publishers of console, online and mobile games and other types of home entertainment.

Competition in each of these areas may divert consumers from our creative or other products, or to other products or other forms of entertainment, which could reduce our revenue or increase our marketing costs. Competition for the acquisition of resources can increase the cost of producing our products and services.

Sustained increases in costs of pension and postretirement medical and other employee health and welfare benefits may reduce our profitability.

With approximately 149,000 employees, our profitability is substantially affected by costs of pension benefits and current and postretirement medical benefits. We may experience significant increases in these costs as a result of macro-economic factors, which are beyond our control, including increases in the cost of health care. In addition, changes in investment returns and discount rates used to calculate pension expense and related assets and liabilities can be volatile and may have an unfavorable impact on our costs in some years. These macro-economic factors as well as the decline in the fair value of pension plan assets may put upward pressure on the cost of providing pension and medical benefits and may increase future funding contributions. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs, there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce the profitability of our businesses.

Our results may be adversely affected if long-term programming or carriage contracts are not renewed on sufficiently favorable terms.

We enter into long-term contracts for both the acquisition and the distribution of media programming and products, including contracts for the acquisition of programming rights for sporting events and other programs, and contracts for the distribution of our programming to MVSPs. As these contracts expire, we must renew or renegotiate the contracts, and if we are unable to renew them on acceptable terms, we may lose programming rights or distribution rights. Even if these contracts are renewed, the cost of obtaining programming rights may increase (or increase at faster rates than our historical experience) or the revenue from distribution of programs may be reduced (or increase at slower rates than our historical experience). With respect to the acquisition of programming rights, particularly sports programming rights, the impact of these long-term contracts on our results over the term of the contracts depends on a number of factors, including the strength of advertising markets, effectiveness of marketing efforts and the size of viewer audiences. There can be no assurance that revenues from programming based on these rights will exceed the cost of the rights plus the other costs of producing and distributing the programming.

Changes in regulations applicable to our businesses may impair the profitability of our businesses.

Our broadcast networks and television stations are highly regulated, and each of our other businesses is subject to a variety of United States and overseas regulations. These regulations include:

 

   

United States FCC regulation of our television and radio networks, our national programming networks, and our owned television stations. See Item 1 — Business — Media Networks, Federal Regulation.

 

   

Environmental protection regulations.

 

   

Federal, state and foreign privacy and data protection laws and regulations.

 

   

Regulation of the safety of consumer products and theme park operations.

 

   

Imposition by foreign countries of trade restrictions or motion picture or television content requirements or quotas.

 

   

Domestic and international tax laws or currency controls.

Changes in any of these regulatory areas may require us to spend additional amounts to comply with the regulations, or may restrict our ability to offer products and services that are profitable.

 

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Our operations outside the United States may be adversely affected by the operation of laws in those jurisdictions.

Our operations in non-U.S. jurisdictions are in many cases subject to the laws of the jurisdictions in which they operate rather than United States law. Laws in some jurisdictions differ in significant respects from those in the United States, and these differences can affect our ability to react to changes in our business and our rights or ability to enforce rights differently than would be expected under United States law. Moreover, enforcement of laws in some overseas jurisdictions can be inconsistent and unpredictable, which can affect both our ability to enforce our rights and to undertake activities that we believe are beneficial to our business. As a result, our ability to generate revenue and our expenses in non-United States jurisdictions may differ from what would be expected if United States law governed these operations.

Labor disputes may disrupt our operations and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.

A significant number of employees in various of our businesses are covered by collective bargaining agreements, including employees of our theme parks and resorts as well as writers, directors, actors, production personnel and others employed in our media networks and studio operations. In addition, the employees of licensees who manufacture and retailers who sell our consumer products may be covered by labor agreements with their employers. In general, a labor dispute involving our employees or the employees of our licensees or retailers who sell our consumer products may disrupt our operations and reduce our revenues, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs.

Provisions in our corporate documents and Delaware state law could delay or prevent a change of control, even if that change would be beneficial to shareholders.

Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision regulating the ability of shareholders to bring matters for action before annual and special meetings and authorizes our Board of Directors to issue and set the terms of preferred stock. The regulations on shareholder action could make it more difficult for any person seeking to acquire control of the Company to obtain shareholder approval of actions that would support this effort. The issuance of preferred stock could effectively dilute the interests of any person seeking control or otherwise make it more difficult to obtain control. In addition, provisions in our Restated Certificate of Incorporation require supermajority shareholder approval of some acquisition transactions and we are subject to the anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, either of which could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control in some circumstances.

The seasonality of certain of our businesses could exacerbate negative impacts on our operations.

Each of our businesses is normally subject to seasonal variations, as follows:

 

   

Revenues in our Media Networks segment are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership levels. In general, advertising revenues are somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer months. Affiliate revenues are typically collected ratably throughout the year. Certain affiliate revenues at ESPN are deferred until annual programming commitments are met, and these commitments are typically satisfied during the second half of the Company’s fiscal year, which generally results in higher revenue recognition during this period.

 

   

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

 

   

Revenues in our Studio Entertainment segment 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.

 

   

Revenues in our Consumer Products segment are influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing behavior and by the timing and performance of theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts.

 

   

Revenues in our Interactive Media segment fluctuate due to the timing and performance of video game releases which are determined by several factors, including theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts, competition and the timing of holiday periods. Revenues from certain of our internet and mobile operations are subject to similar seasonal trends.

Accordingly, if a short term negative impact on our business occurs during a time of high seasonal demand (such as hurricane damage to our parks during the summer travel season), the effect could have a disproportionate effect on the results of that business for the year.

 

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The Company’s acquisition of Marvel is expected to cause short term dilution in earnings per share and there can be no assurance that anticipated improvements in earnings per share will be realized.

On December 31, 2009, the Company acquired Marvel Entertainment, Inc. in a merger transaction in which the Company distributed approximately 59 million shares and paid approximately $2.4 billion in cash. We expect that the merger will initially result in lower earnings per share than we would have earned in the absence of the merger. We expect that over time the merger will yield benefits to the combined company such that the merger will ultimately be accretive to earnings per share. However, there can be no assurance that the increase in earnings per share expected in the long term will be achieved. In order to achieve increases in earnings per share as a result of the merger, the combined company will, among other things, need to effectively continue the successful operations of Marvel after the merger, develop successful new content (including future feature films and television series or sequels to Marvel productions) based on Marvel characters and successfully integrate Marvel products into the combined company’s various distribution channels.

 

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

The Company has received no written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that were issued 180 days or more preceding the end of its 2010 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.

 

ITEM 2. Properties

The Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and other properties of the Company and its subsidiaries are described in Item 1 under the caption Parks and Resorts. Film library properties are described in Item 1 under the caption Studio Entertainment. Radio and television stations owned by the Company are described under the caption Media Networks.

 

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The Company and its subsidiaries own and lease properties throughout the world. In addition to the properties noted above, the table below provides a brief description of other significant properties and the related business segment.

 

Location

  

Property /

Approximate Size

  

Use

  

Business Segment(1)

Burbank, CA    Land (52 acres) & Buildings (2,000,000 ft2)    Owned Office/Production/Warehouse    Corp/Studio/Media/CP
Burbank, CA & surrounding cities (2)    Buildings (1,800,000 ft2 )    Leased Office/Warehouse (includes 12,000 ft2 sublet to third party tenants)    Corp/Studio/Media/CP/IMG
Glendale, CA & North Hollywood, CA    Land (145 acres) & Buildings (2,500,000 ft2)    Owned Office/Warehouse (includes 500,000 ft2 sublet to third party tenants)    Corp/Studio/Media/CP/TP&R/IMG
Glendale, CA    Buildings (160,000 ft2)    Leased Office/Warehouse    Corp
Los Angeles, CA    Land (22 acres) & Buildings (600,000 ft2 )    Owned Office/Production/Technical    Media
Los Angeles, CA    Buildings (250,000 ft2 )    Leased Office/Production/Technical    Media/Studio/IMG
New York, NY    Land (6.5 acres) & Buildings (1,400,000 ft2 )    Owned Office/Production/Technical (includes 16,000 ft2 sublet to third party tenants)    Media
New York, NY    Buildings (770,000 ft2 )    Leased Office/Production/Warehouse (includes 14,000 ft2 sublet to third party tenants)    Studio/Media /IMG
Bristol, CT    Land (115 acres) & Buildings (720,000 ft2 )    Owned Office/Production/Technical    Media
Bristol, CT    Buildings (450,000 ft2 )    Leased Office/Warehouse/Technical    Media
Emeryville, CA    Land (20 acres) & Buildings (270,000 ft2 )    Owned Office/Production/Technical    Studio
Emeryville, CA    Buildings (126,000 ft2 )    Leased Office/Storage    Studio
USA & Canada    Land and Buildings (Multiple sites and sizes)    Owned and Leased Office/ Production/Transmitter/Retail/ Warehouse    Corp/Studio/Media/CP/ TP&R/IMG
Hammersmith, England    Land (1 acre) & Building (85,000 ft2 )    Owned Office    Corp/Studio/Media/CP/IMG
Hammersmith, England    Building (225,000 ft2 )    Leased Office (includes 27,000 ft2 sublet to third party tenants)    Corp/Studio/Media/CP/IMG
Europe, Asia, Australia & Latin America    Buildings (Multiple sites and sizes)    Leased Office/Retail/Warehouse    Corp/Studio/Media/CP/IMG

 

(1)

Corp – Corporate, CP – Consumer Products, TP&R – Theme Parks and Resorts and IMG – Interactive Media Group

(2)

Surrounding cities include North Hollywood, CA and Sun Valley, CA

 

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ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

Celador International Ltd. v. The Walt Disney Company. On May 19, 2004, an affiliate of the creator and licensor of the television program, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” filed an action against the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, including American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. and Buena Vista Television, LLC, alleging it was damaged by defendants improperly engaging in certain intra-company transactions and charging merchandise distribution expenses, resulting in an underpayment to the plaintiff. On July 7, 2010, the jury returned a verdict for breach of contract against certain subsidiaries of the Company, awarding plaintiff damages of $269.4 million. The Company has stipulated with the plaintiff to an award of prejudgment interest of $50 million, which amount will be reduced pro rata should the trial court or Court of Appeals reduce the damages amount. If a new trial is ordered the stipulation will have no effect. Although we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit, the Company believes the jury’s verdict is in error and has moved alternatively for a new trial or for judgment as a matter of law, and intends to vigorously pursue its position on appeal if those motions are unsuccessful. The Company has determined that it does not have a probable loss under the applicable accounting standard relating to probability of loss for recording a reserve with respect to this litigation and therefore has not recorded a reserve.

The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in various other legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its businesses. Management does not expect the Company to suffer any material liability by reason of these actions.

Executive Officers of the Company

The executive officers of the Company are elected each year at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors, which follows the annual meeting of the shareholders, and at other Board of Directors meetings, as appropriate. Each of the executive officers has been employed by the Company in the position or positions indicated in the list and pertinent notes below. Except as noted, each of the executive officers has been employed by the Company for more than five years.

At October 2, 2010, the executive officers of the Company were as follows:

 

Name

   Age     

Title

   Executive
Officer  Since
 

Robert A. Iger

     59      

President and Chief Executive Officer(1)

     2000   

James A. Rasulo

     54      

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer (2)

     2010   

Alan N. Braverman

     62      

Senior Executive Vice President, General

Counsel and Secretary

     2003   

Kevin A. Mayer

     48       Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development(3)      2005   

Christine M. McCarthy

     55      

Executive Vice President, Corporate Finance,

Corporate Real Estate, Sourcing, Alliance and Treasurer(4)

     2005   

Mary Jayne Parker

     49       Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer(5)      2009   

 

(1)

Mr. Iger was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective October 2, 2005.

(2)

Mr. Rasulo was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2010. He was Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide from 2005 to 2009, and was President, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts from 2002 to 2005.

(3)

Mr. Mayer was named Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Technology of the Company in June 2005 and was designated an executive officer in October 2005.

(4)

Ms. McCarthy was named Executive Vice President, Corporate Finance and Real Estate in June 2005 and has been Treasurer since January 2000.

(5)

Ms. Parker was named Executive Vice President – Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company, effective September 1, 2009, and designated an executive officer of the Company October 2, 2009. Ms. Parker was previously Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts from October 2005 to July 2007 and Vice President Human Resources Administration for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts from March 2003 to October 2005.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “DIS”. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported in the Bloomberg Financial markets services.

 

     Sales Price  
     High      Low  

2010

     

4th Quarter

   $ 35.41       $ 31.38   

3rd Quarter

     37.98         30.72   

2nd Quarter

     35.60         28.71   

1st Quarter

     32.75         27.00   

2009

     

4th Quarter

   $ 28.68       $ 22.05   

3rd Quarter

     26.29         17.54   

2nd Quarter

     24.83         15.14   

1st Quarter

     32.95         18.60   

The Company declared a $653 million dividend ($0.35 per share) on December 2, 2009 related to fiscal 2009, which was paid in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The Board of Directors has not declared a dividend related to fiscal 2010 as of the date of this report.

As of October 2, 2010, the approximate number of common shareholders of record was 998,373.

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 October 2, 2010:

 

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
     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)
 

July 4, 2010 – August 3, 2010

     14,364,058         32.89         14,270,000         120 million   

August 4, 2010 – September 3, 2010

     11,826,550         33.46         11,685,700         108 million   

September 4, 2010 – October 2, 2010

     9,669,949         33.98         9,417,300         99 million   
                       

Total

     35,860,557         33.37         35,373,000         99 million   
                       

 

(1)

487,557 shares were purchased on the open market to provide shares to participants in the Walt Disney Investment Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 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 May 1, 2007, following share repurchases made through May 1, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the 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. Selected Financial Data

(in millions, except per share data)

 

     2010 (1)     2009 (2)     2008 (3)     2007 (4)(5)     2006 (4)(6)  

Statements of income

          

Revenues

   $ 38,063      $ 36,149      $ 37,843      $ 35,510      $ 33,747   

Income from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes

     4,313        3,609        4,729        4,851        3,487   

Income from continuing operations attributable to Disney before the cumulative effect of accounting changes

     3,963        3,307        4,427        4,674        3,304   

Per common share

          

Earnings from continuing operations attributable to Disney before the cumulative effect of accounting changes

          

Diluted

   $ 2.03      $ 1.76      $ 2.28      $ 2.24      $ 1.60   

Basic

     2.07        1.78        2.34        2.33        1.65   

Dividends

     0.35        0.35        0.35        0.31        0.27   

Balance sheets

          

Total assets

   $ 69,206      $ 63,117      $ 62,497      $ 60,928      $ 59,998   

Long-term obligations

     16,234        16,939        14,889        14,916        13,974   

Disney shareholders’ equity

     37,519        33,734        32,323        30,753        31,820   

Statements of cash flows

          

Cash provided (used) by:

          

Continuing operating activities

   $ 6,578      $ 5,319      $ 5,701      $ 5,657      $ 6,133   

Continuing investing activities

     (4,523     (1,755     (2,162     (618     (220

Continuing financing activities

     (2,750     (3,148     (4,208     (3,878     (5,339

 

(1)

During fiscal 2010, the Company completed a cash and stock acquisition for the outstanding capital stock of Marvel for $4.2 billion (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion). In addition, results include restructuring and impairment charges ($0.09 per diluted share), gains on the sales of investments in two television services in Europe ($0.02 per diluted share), a gain on the sale of the Power Rangers property ($0.01 per diluted share), and an accounting gain related to the acquisition of The Disney Store Japan ($0.01 per diluted share). Including the impact of rounding, these items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.04 per diluted share.

(2)

The fiscal 2009 results include restructuring and impairment charges ($0.17 per diluted share), a non-cash gain in connection with the AETN/Lifetime merger ($0.08 per diluted share) and a gain on the sale of our investment in two pay television services in Latin America ($0.04 per diluted share). Including the impact of rounding, these items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.06 per diluted share.

(3)

The fiscal 2008 results include an accounting gain related to the acquisition of the Disney Stores North America and a gain on the sale of movies.com (together $0.01 per diluted share), the favorable resolution of certain income tax matters ($0.03 per diluted share), a bad debt charge for a receivable from Lehman Brothers ($0.03 per diluted share) and an impairment charge ($0.01 per diluted share). These items collectively had no net impact on earnings per share.

(4)

During fiscal 2007, the Company concluded the spin-off of the ABC Radio business and thus reports ABC Radio as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

(5)

The fiscal 2007 results include gains from the sales of E! Entertainment and Us Weekly (together $0.31 per diluted share), the favorable resolution of certain income tax matters ($0.03 per diluted share), an equity-based compensation plan modification charge ($0.01 per diluted share) and an impairment charge ($0.01 per diluted share). These items collectively resulted in a net benefit of $0.32 per diluted share.

(6)

During fiscal 2006, the Company completed an all stock acquisition of Pixar for $7.5 billion. In addition, results include gains on sales of a Spanish cable equity investment and Discover Magazine (together $0.02 per diluted share), the resolution of certain income tax matters ($0.02 per diluted share), a net benefit associated with the completion of the Pixar acquisition ($0.01 per diluted share) and an impairment charge ($0.01 per diluted share). These items collectively resulted in a net benefit of $0.04 per diluted share.

 

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ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

(in millions, except per share data)

 

                       % Change
Better/(Worse)
 
     2010     2009     2008     2010
vs.
2009
    2009
vs.
2008
 

Revenues

   $ 38,063      $ 36,149      $ 37,843            (4 ) % 

Costs and expenses

     (31,337     (30,452     (30,400     (3 )%      —  

Restructuring and impairment charges

     (270     (492     (39     45      nm   

Other income (expense)

     140        342        (59     (59 )%      nm   

Net interest expense

     (409     (466     (524     12      11 

Equity in the income of investees

     440        577        581        (24 )%      (1 ) % 
                            

Income before income taxes

     6,627        5,658        7,402        17      (24 ) % 

Income taxes

     (2,314     (2,049     (2,673     (13 )%      23 
                            

Net income

     4,313        3,609        4,729        20      (24 ) % 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (350     (302     (302     (16 )%      —  
                            

Net income attributable to The Walt Disney Company (Disney)

   $ 3,963      $ 3,307      $ 4,427        20      (25 ) % 
                            

Earnings per share attributable to Disney (1):

          

Diluted

   $ 2.03      $ 1.76      $ 2.28        15      (23 ) % 
                            

Basic

   $ 2.07      $ 1.78      $ 2.34        16      (24 ) % 
                            

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:

          

Diluted

     1,948        1,875        1,948       
                            

Basic

     1,915        1,856        1,890       
                            

 

(1)

The calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes the conversion of the Company’s convertible senior notes into 45 million shares of common stock for periods presented prior to their redemption in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Related after-tax interest expense of $12 million for fiscal 2008 has been added back for the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

 

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Organization of Information

Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a narrative on 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

 

   

Business Segment Results — 2010 vs. 2009

 

   

Non-Segment Items — 2010 vs. 2009

 

   

Pension and Benefit Costs

 

   

Business Segment Results — 2009 vs. 2008

 

   

Non-Segment Items — 2009 vs. 2008

 

   

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

   

Contractual Obligations, Commitments, and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

   

Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

   

Accounting Changes

 

   

Forward-Looking Statements

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

2010 vs. 2009

Revenues for the year increased 5%, or $1.9 billion, to $38.1 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 20%, or $656 million, to $4.0 billion; and diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney (EPS) increased 15% to $2.03.

Net income attributable to Disney for the current year included restructuring and impairment charges ($0.09 per diluted share), gains on the sales of investments in two television services in Europe ($0.02 per diluted share), a gain on the sale of the Power Rangers property ($0.01 per diluted share), and an accounting gain related to the acquisition of The Disney Store Japan ($0.01 per diluted share), which collectively had a net adverse impact of $0.04. Fiscal 2009 included restructuring and impairment charges ($0.17 per diluted share), a non-cash gain in connection with the merger of Lifetime and AETN ($0.08 per diluted share) and a gain on the sale of our investment in two pay television services in Latin America ($0.04 per diluted share). Including the impact of rounding, these items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.06 per diluted share. The current year results also include one fewer week of operations compared to fiscal 2009 due to our fiscal period end.

The increase in EPS for the current year reflected higher operating results due to higher revenues from MVSPs (Affiliate Fees), increased advertising revenues at our cable and broadcast businesses, the strong worldwide theatrical performance of Toy Story 3, Alice in Wonderland and Iron Man 2, and lower distribution and marketing costs at our home entertainment business, partially offset by higher programming, general and administrative and production costs at our cable business and higher costs at our domestic parks and resorts operations.

2009 vs. 2008

Revenues for fiscal 2009 decreased 4%, or $1.7 billion, to $36.1 billion; net income attributable to Disney decreased 25%, or $1.1 billion, to $3.3 billion; and EPS decreased 23% to $1.76.

As discussed above, net income attributable to Disney for fiscal 2009 included certain items which affected comparability. Fiscal 2008 included an accounting gain related to the acquisition of the Disney Stores North America and a gain on the sale of movies.com (together $0.01 per diluted share), the favorable resolution of certain income tax matters ($0.03 per diluted share), a bad debt charge for a receivable from Lehman Brothers ($0.03 per diluted share) and an impairment charge ($0.01 per diluted share). These items collectively had no net impact on EPS. Fiscal 2009 results also include the benefit from one additional week of operations compared to fiscal 2008 due to the timing of our fiscal period end.

The decrease in EPS for fiscal 2009 reflected lower operating results and the items discussed above, partially offset by a decrease in weighted average shares outstanding. The decrease in operating results was primarily due to lower broadcast and cable advertising revenues, a decline in worldwide sales of DVD units, decreased guest spending at our parks and resorts, higher programming costs and production cost amortization at our cable and broadcast businesses, lower performance of our movies in worldwide theatrical and television distribution and lower earned revenue at our licensing business. These decreases were partially offset by contractual rate increases on Affiliate Fees, cost mitigation activities at parks and resorts and higher international and domestic sales of programs at broadcasting.

 

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Restructuring and Impairment Charges

The Company recorded $270 million of restructuring and impairment charges in the current year related to organizational and cost structure initiatives primarily at our Studio Entertainment and Media Networks segments. Restructuring charges of $138 million were primarily for severance and other related costs. Impairment charges of $132 million consisted of writeoffs of capitalized costs primarily related to abandoned film projects, the closure of a studio production facility and the closure of five ESPN Zone locations.

The Company recorded charges totaling $492 million in fiscal 2009 which included impairment charges of $279 million and restructuring costs of $213 million. The most significant of the impairment charges were $142 million related to FCC radio licenses and $65 million related to our investment in UTV Software Communications Limited (UTV). The restructuring charges included severance and other related costs as a result of organizational and cost structure initiatives across our businesses. Restructuring and impairment charges for fiscal 2008 consisted of an impairment charge of $39 million related to FCC radio licenses.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) is as follows (in millions):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Gain on sales of investments in television services in Europe

   $ 75       $ —         $ —     

Gain on sale of Power Rangers property

     43         —           —     

Gain related to the acquisition of The Disney Store Japan

     22         

Gain on AETN/Lifetime transaction (1)

     —           228         —     

Gain on sale of investment in two pay television services in Latin America

     —           114         —     

Gain related to the acquisition of The Disney Store North America

     —           —           18   

Gain on sale of movies.com

     —           —           14   

Bad debt charge for Lehman Brothers receivable

     —           —           (91
                          

Other income (expense)

   $ 140       $ 342       $ (59
                          

 

(1)

On September 15, 2009, the Company and the Hearst Corporation both contributed their 50% interest in Lifetime to AETN in exchange for an increased interest in AETN. The transaction resulted in a $228 million non-cash gain. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of this transaction.

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS — 2010 vs. 2009

Below is a discussion of the major revenue and expense categories for our business segments. Costs and expenses for each segment consist of operating expenses, selling, general, administrative and other expenses and depreciation and amortization. Selling, general, administrative and other costs include third party and internal marketing expenses.

Our Media Networks segment generates revenue from Affiliate Fees charged to MVSPs, advertising revenues from the sale to advertisers of time in programs for commercial announcements and other revenues which include the sale and distribution of television programming. Operating expenses include programming and production costs, technical support costs, distribution costs and operating labor.

Our Parks and Resorts segment generates revenue from the sale of admissions to theme parks, the sale of room nights at hotels, merchandise, food and beverage sales, sales and rentals of vacation club properties and the sale of cruise vacation packages. Operating expenses include labor, costs of sales, repairs and maintenance and entertainment.

Our Studio Entertainment segment generates revenue from the distribution of films in the theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. Operating expenses include film cost amortization, which consists of production cost amortization, participations and residuals, costs of sales and distribution expenses.

Our Consumer Products segment generates revenue from licensing characters from our film, television and other properties, publishing children’s books and magazines, and operating retail stores and internet shopping sites. Operating expenses include costs of goods sold, distribution, operating labor and retail occupancy costs.

 

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Our Interactive Media segment generates revenue from the sale of multi-platform games, licensing, advertising, sponsorships, subscriptions and micro transactions, and from our Disney-branded mobile phone business in Japan. Operating expenses include product development, costs of goods sold and distribution expenses.

 

           % Change
Better/(Worse)
 

(in millions)

   2010     2009     2008     2010
vs.
2009
    2009
vs.
2008
 

Revenues:

          

Media Networks

   $ 17,162      $ 16,209      $ 15,857        6     2

Parks and Resorts

     10,761        10,667        11,504        1     (7 )% 

Studio Entertainment

     6,701        6,136        7,348        9     (16 )% 

Consumer Products

     2,678        2,425        2,415        10     —  

Interactive Media

     761        712        719        7     (1 )% 
                            
   $ 38,063      $ 36,149      $ 37,843        5     (4 )% 
                            

Segment operating income (loss):

          

Media Networks

   $ 5,132      $ 4,765      $ 4,981        8     (4 )% 

Parks and Resorts

     1,318        1,418        1,897        (7 )%      (25 )% 

Studio Entertainment

     693        175        1,086        >100     (84 )% 

Consumer Products

     677        609        778        11     (22 )% 

Interactive Media

     (234     (295     (258     21     (14 )% 
                            
   $ 7,586      $ 6,672      $ 8,484        14     (21 )% 
                            

The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management uses aggregate segment operating income as a measure of the overall performance of the operating businesses. The Company believes that information about aggregate segment operating income assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from factors other than business operations that affect net income. The following table reconciles segment operating income to income before income taxes.

 

           % Change
Better/(Worse)
 

(in millions)

   2010     2009     2008     2010
vs.
2009
    2009
vs.
2008
 

Segment operating income

   $ 7,586      $ 6,672      $ 8,484        14     (21 )% 

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

     (420     (398     (460     (6 )%      13

Restructuring and impairment charges

     (270     (492     (39     45     nm   

Other income (expense)

     140        342        (59     (59 )%      nm   

Net interest expense

     (409     (466     (524     12     11
                            

Income before income taxes

   $ 6,627      $ 5,658      $ 7,402        17     (24 )% 
                            

 

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Table of Contents

Media Networks

Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Affiliate Fees

   $ 8,082      $ 7,407        9

Advertising

     7,028        6,566        7

Other

     2,052        2,236        (8 )% 
                  

Total revenues

     17,162        16,209        6

Operating expenses

     (9,961     (9,556     (4 )% 

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (2,285     (2,249     (2 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     (222     (206     (8 )% 

Equity in the income of investees

     438        567        (23 )% 
                  

Operating Income

   $ 5,132      $ 4,765        8
                  

Revenues

The 9% increase in Affiliate Fees, which are generally derived from fees charged on a per-subscriber basis was primarily due to contractual rate increases and subscriber growth at Cable Networks which resulted in revenue increases of 5% and 4%, respectively, partially offset by the impact of one fewer week of operations.

Higher advertising revenues were due to increases of $362 million at Cable Networks from $2,689 million to $3,051 million and of $100 million at Broadcasting from $3,877 million to $3,977 million. The increase at Cable Networks reflected an increase of 9% due to higher sold inventory. The increase at Broadcasting reflected increases of 4% due to higher network advertising rates and sold inventory and 3% due to higher local television advertising, partially offset by decreases due to lower network ratings of 4% and one fewer week of operations.

Other revenues decreased $94 million at Cable Networks and $90 million at Broadcasting. The decrease at Cable Networks was driven by the closure of five ESPN Zone restaurants in June 2010. The decrease at Broadcasting reflected lower domestic television syndication revenues due to the prior-year sales of According to Jim and Grey’s Anatomy.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include an increase in programming and production costs of $383 million from $8,223 million to $8,606 million. At Cable Networks an increase in programming and production costs of $452 million was driven by higher sports rights costs due to new international sports programming rights and increased contractual costs for college and professional sports programming. At Broadcasting a decrease in programming and production costs of $69 million was driven by costs savings at news and daytime and a lower cost mix of programming in primetime.

The increase in selling, general, administrative and other costs and expenses was driven by higher pension and postretirement medical and other employee costs, partially offset by a decrease of approximately $60 million due to the absence of a bad debt charge in connection with a bankruptcy of a syndication customer in the prior year and also a decrease due to the closure of five ESPN Zone restaurants in June 2010.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased 8%, or $367 million, to $5.1 billion. The increase was primarily due to higher affiliate fees, increased advertising sales and the absence of a bad debt charge from a syndication customer, partially offset by higher programming costs, higher general and administrative expenses and lower domestic television syndication revenues. Segment operating income includes income from equity investees of $438 million for the year, compared to $567 million in the prior year. The decrease was driven by a $58 million charge for our share of programming writeoffs at AETN/Lifetime in the current year.

 

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

 

     Year Ended      % Change  
(in millions)    October 2,
2010
     October 3,
2009
     Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

        

Cable Networks

   $ 11,475       $ 10,555         9

Broadcasting

     5,687         5,654         1
                    
   $ 17,162       $ 16,209         6
                    

Segment operating income

        

Cable Networks

   $ 4,473       $ 4,260         5

Broadcasting

     659         505         30
                    
   $ 5,132       $ 4,765         8
                    

Restructuring and impairment charges

The Company recorded charges totaling $95 million, $315 million and $39 million for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The charges in fiscal 2010 were for severance and related costs and the closure of five ESPN Zone locations. The charges in fiscal 2009 were primarily due to $142 million of radio FCC license impairments, a $65 million impairment charge related to our investment in UTV Group and severance and related costs. The charge in fiscal 2008 was due to impairments of radio FCC licenses. These charges were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Parks and Resorts

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

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Domestic

   $ 8,404      $ 8,442        —  

International

     2,357        2,225        6
                  

Total revenues

     10,761        10,667        1

Operating expenses

     (6,787     (6,634     (2 )% 

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (1,517     (1,467     (3 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     (1,139     (1,148     1
                  

Operating Income

   $ 1,318      $ 1,418        (7 )% 
                  

Revenues

Parks and Resorts revenues increased 1%, or $94 million, to $10.8 billion due to an increase of $132 million at our international operations, partially offset by a decrease of $38 million at our domestic operations.

The decline in revenue at our domestic operations reflected the impact of one fewer week of operations and a 1% volume decrease reflecting lower vacation club ownership sales, lower hotel occupancy and lower passenger cruise ship days. These decreases were partially offset by higher guest spending primarily due to higher average ticket prices and higher average daily hotel room rates.

The 6% revenue increase at our international operations reflected increases of 3% due to higher guest spending and 3% due to the sale of a real estate property as well as higher attendance and hotel occupancy. Higher guest spending was driven by higher average ticket prices and average daily hotel room rates.

 

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The following table presents supplemental attendance, per capita theme park guest spending, and hotel statistics:

 

     Domestic     International (2)     Total  
     Fiscal Year
2010
    Fiscal Year
2009
    Fiscal Year
2010
    Fiscal Year
2009
    Fiscal Year
2010
    Fiscal Year
2009
 

Parks

            

Increase/ (decrease)

            

Attendance

     (1 )%      2     1     1     (1 )%      2

Per Capita Guest Spending

     3     (6 )%      3     (12 )%      3     (7 )% 

Hotels (1)

            

Occupancy

     82     87     85     85     82     86

Available Room Nights (in thousands)

     9,629        9,549        2,466        2,473        12,095        12,022   

Per Room Guest Spending

   $ 224      $ 214      $ 273      $ 261      $ 234      $ 223   

 

(1)

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

(2)

Per capita guest spending and per room guest spending include the impact of foreign currency translation. Guest spending statistics for Disneyland Paris were converted from Euros into US Dollars at weighted average exchange rates of 1.36 and 1.35 for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses included an increase in operating labor of $173 million from $3,105 million to $3,278 million driven by labor cost inflation and higher pension and postretirement medical expenses, partially offset by a decrease in costs of sales of $57 million from $1,167 million to $1,110 million due to decreased sales volume. In addition, operating expense reflected increased costs for new guest offerings including World of Color at Disneyland Resort.

The increase in selling, general, administrative and other costs and expenses was driven by increased marketing costs in support of the Disney Cruise Line fleet expansion and also World of Color at Disneyland Resort as well as labor cost inflation.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased 7%, or $100 million, to $1.3 billion, due to a decrease at our domestic operations, partially offset by an improvement at our international operations.

Restructuring and impairment charges

The Company recorded charges totaling $54 million in fiscal 2009 for severance and related costs which were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Studio Entertainment

Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Theatrical distribution

   $ 2,050      $ 1,325        55

Home entertainment

     2,666        2,762        (3 )% 

Television distribution and other

     1,985        2,049        (3 )% 
                  

Total revenues

     6,701        6,136        9

Operating expenses

     (3,469     (3,210     (8 )% 

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (2,450     (2,687     9

Depreciation and amortization

     (89     (60     (48 )% 

Equity in the income of investees

     —          (4     nm   
                  

Operating Income

   $ 693      $ 175        nm   
                  

 

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Table of Contents

Revenues

The increase in theatrical distribution revenue was due to the strong performance of Toy Story 3, Alice in Wonderland and Iron Man 2 in the current year. Other key releases included A Christmas Carol and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time in the current year and Up and The Proposal in the prior year.

The decrease in home entertainment revenues was primarily due to a 2% decrease reflecting lower net effective pricing and a 2% decrease driven by lower sales volume of new releases in domestic markets. Net effective pricing is the wholesale selling price adjusted for discounts, sales incentives and returns.

The decrease in television distribution and other reflected the strong prior-year performance of High School Musical 3 and Rascal Flatts CD titles as well as the Cheetah Girls concert tour in the prior year.

Cost and Expenses

Operating expenses included an increase in film cost amortization of $385 million from $1,757 million to $2,142 million driven by the strong performance of our key theatrical releases and higher film cost write-downs, partially offset by a decrease in costs of goods sold of $35 million from $384 million to $349 million driven by cost reduction initiatives at our home entertainment business.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs and expenses reflected a decrease in marketing costs at our theatrical and home entertainment businesses.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased from $175 million to $693 million primarily due to the improvements in our theatrical and home entertainment businesses, partially offset by higher film cost write-downs.

Restructuring and impairment charges

The Company recorded charges totaling $151 million and $47 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. The charges in fiscal 2010 were for severance and related costs and writeoffs of capitalized costs primarily related to abandoned film projects and the closure of a studio production facility. The charges in fiscal 2009 were primarily severance and related costs. These charges were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Consumer Products

Operating results for the Consumer Products segment are as follows:

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Licensing and publishing

   $ 1,725      $ 1,584        9

Retail and other

     953        841        13
                  

Total revenues

     2,678        2,425        10

Operating expenses

     (1,236     (1,182     (5 )% 

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (687     (597     (15 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     (78     (39     nm   

Equity in the income of investees

     —          2        nm   
                  

Operating Income

   $ 677      $ 609        11
                  

Revenues

The increase in licensing and publishing revenue was primarily due to an increase of $221 million resulting from the acquisition of Marvel and the strong performance of Toy Story merchandise, partially offset by a higher revenue share with the Studio Entertainment segment of $90 million.

Higher retail and other revenues were driven by a $69 million increase due to the acquisition of The Disney Store Japan and an increase of $33 million at The Disney Store North America and Europe reflecting higher comparable store sales.

 

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Table of Contents

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses included cost of goods sold of $521 million which was comparable to the prior year as increases due to the acquisition of The Disney Store Japan and sales of Marvel merchandise were offset by lower third-party royalties and decreased costs of sales at The Disney Store North America due to an improved global purchasing strategy. Other operating costs increased due to the addition of Marvel and The Disney Store Japan.

The increase in selling, general, administrative and other was driven by the acquisitions of Marvel and The Disney Store Japan.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased 11%, or $68 million, to $677 million due to improved results at our retail business and an increase in our publishing business driven by Marvel titles.

Restructuring and impairment charges

The Company recorded charges totaling $16 million and $19 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. The charges in fiscal 2010 and 2009 were for severance and related costs which were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Interactive Media

Operating results for the Interactive Media segment are as follows:

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Game sales and subscriptions

   $ 563      $ 565        —  

Advertising and other

     198        147        35
                  

Total revenues

     761        712        7

Operating expenses

     (581     (623     7

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (371     (336     (10 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     (43     (50     14

Equity in the income of investees

     —          2        nm   
                  

Operating Loss

   $ (234   $ (295     21
                  

Revenues

Game sales and subscription revenue was essentially flat as lower unit sales of self published console games were offset by higher subscription revenues at Club Penguin. Significant titles in the current year included Toy Story 3, Split Second and Sing It 2 while the prior year included High School Musical 3, Sing It and Bolt.

Higher advertising and other revenue was driven by increases at our mobile phone service business in Japan and in online advertising.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses included a decrease in costs of goods sold of $70 million from $266 million to $196 million due to lower video game costs reflecting a sales mix shift from higher cost new releases, which included bundled accessories, in the prior year to lower cost catalog titles in the current year. This decrease was partially offset by increased product development expense of $24 million.

The increase in selling, general, administrative and other costs reflected higher marketing costs driven by Toy Story 3 and Split Second.

Segment Operating Loss

Segment operating loss decreased 21%, or $61 million, to $234 million driven by improved results at our games and Japan mobile phone service businesses, partially offset by the impact of purchase accounting for Playdom.

 

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Restructuring and impairment charges

The Company recorded charges totaling $2 million and $42 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. The charges in fiscal 2010 were for severance and related costs. The charges in fiscal 2009 were for goodwill impairment and severance and related costs. These charges were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

NON-SEGMENT ITEMS – 2010 vs. 2009

Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses increased 6%, from $398 million to $420 million, primarily due to higher information technology and compensation costs.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense is detailed below:

 

(in millions)

   2010     2009     % Change
Better/
(Worse)
 

Interest expense

   $ (456   $ (588     22

Interest and investment income

     47        122        (61 )% 
                  

Net interest expense

   $ (409   $ (466     12
                  

The decrease in interest expense for the year was primarily due to lower effective interest rates and lower average debt balances, partially offset by expense related to the early redemption of a film financing borrowing.

The decrease in interest and investment income for the year was primarily due to a gain on the sale of an investment in the prior year, lower effective interest rates and lower average cash balances.

Effective Income Tax Rate

The effective income tax rate decreased 1.3 percentage points from 36.2% in 2009 to 34.9% in 2010. The lower effective income tax rate for the year was primarily due to favorable adjustments related to prior-year income tax matters, partially offset by a $72 million charge related to the health care reform legislation enacted in March 2010.

Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year increased $48 million to $350 million driven by improved operating results at Hong Kong Disneyland and ESPN. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined based on income after royalties, financing costs and income taxes.

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL BENEFIT COSTS

Pension and postretirement medical benefit plan costs affect results in all of our segments, with approximately one-half of these costs being borne by the Parks and Resorts segment. The Company recognized pension and postretirement medical benefit plan expenses of $482 million, $214 million, and $255 million for fiscal years 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The increase in fiscal 2010 was primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate used to measure the present value of plan obligations and asset returns that were below the assumed return. The assumed discount rate reflects market rates for high-quality corporate bonds currently available. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed from a large population of high quality corporate bonds. The resulting discount rate reflects the matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves.

We expect pension and postretirement medical costs to increase by approximately $94 million to $576 million in fiscal 2011 driven by a decrease in the discount rate used to measure the present value of plan obligations. The decrease in the discount rate also resulted in an increase in the underfunded status of our plans and an increase in unrecognized pension and postretirement medical expense which is $3.0 billion ($1.9 billion after tax) as of October 2, 2010. If our investment performance does not improve relative to our long-term assumption and/or discount rates do not increase, we expect that

 

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pension and postretirement medical costs will continue at levels comparable to fiscal 2011 for the next few years as a result of amortizing these unrecognized expenses. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of the impacts of our pension and postretirement medical plans on our financial statements. During fiscal 2010, the Company made contributions to its pension and postretirement medical plans totaling $433 million, which included discretionary contributions above the minimum requirements for pension plans. The Company expects pension and postretirement medical plan contributions in fiscal 2011 of approximately $450 million, which is expected to include discretionary contributions above the minimum requirements. Final minimum funding requirements for fiscal 2011 will be determined based on our January 1, 2011 funding actuarial valuation which will be available in late fiscal 2011. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors” for the impact of factors affecting pension and postretirement medical costs.

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS – 2009 vs. 2008

Media Networks

Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 3,
2009
    September 27,
2008
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Affiliate Fees

   $ 7,407      $ 6,793        9

Advertising

     6,566        7,136        (8 )% 

Other

     2,236        1,928        16
                  

Total revenues

     16,209        15,857        2

Operating expenses

     (9,556     (9,011     (6 )% 

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (2,249     (2,273     1

Depreciation and amortization

     (206     (188     (10 )% 

Equity in the income of investees

     567        596        (5 )% 
                  

Operating Income

   $ 4,765      $ 4,981        (4 )% 
                  

Revenues

The 9% increase in Affiliate Fees was due to contractual rate increases and subscriber growth at Cable Networks which resulted in revenue increases of 6% and 3%, respectively, and the impact of the additional week of operations.

Lower advertising revenues were due to decreases at Broadcasting of $421 million from $4,298 million to $3,877 million and Cable Networks of $149 million from $2,838 million to $2,689 million. The decrease at Broadcasting reflected a decrease of 6% due to lower network ratings and a decrease of 5% in local television advertising, partially offset by the benefit of one additional week of operations. The decrease at Cable Networks reflected a decrease of 8% due to fewer units sold, partially offset by an increase of 4% due to higher rates.

Other revenues increased $259 million at Broadcasting and $49 million at Cable Networks. The increase at Broadcasting reflected higher international and domestic sales of programs driven by Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Criminal Minds.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include an increase in programming and production costs of $455 million from $7,768 million to $8,223 million. At Cable Networks an increase in programming and production spending of $200 million was driven by higher sports rights costs due to contractual rate increases for key contracts and costs of new and renewed contracts for college and international sports programming. At Broadcasting the increase in programming and production spending of $255 million was driven by more hours of original scripted primetime programming and higher production cost amortization related to program sales.

The decrease in selling, general, administrative and other costs and expenses included lower marketing and sales expense, partially offset by a bad debt charge in connection with a bankruptcy of a syndication customer of approximately $60 million.

 

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Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased 4%, or $216 million, to $4.8 billion. The decrease was primarily due to lower advertising sales, higher programming costs and the syndication customer bad debt charge, partially offset by higher affiliate fees, increased program sales and lower marketing and sales expense.

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

 

     Year Ended      % Change  
(in millions)    October 3,
2009
     September 27,
2008
     Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

        

Cable Networks

   $ 10,555       $ 10,041         5

Broadcasting

     5,654         5,816         (3 )% 
                    
   $ 16,209       $ 15,857         2
                    

Segment operating income

        

Cable Networks

     4,260         4,139         3

Broadcasting

     505         842         (40 )% 
                    
   $ 4,765       $ 4,981         (4 )% 
                    

Parks and Resorts

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

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 3,
2009
    September 27,
2008
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Domestic

   $ 8,442      $ 8,973        (6 )% 

International

     2,225        2,531        (12 )% 
                  

Total revenues

     10,667        11,504        (7 )% 

Operating expenses

     (6,634     (6,921     4

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (1,467     (1,541     5

Depreciation and amortization

     (1,148     (1,145     —  
                  

Operating Income

   $ 1,418      $ 1,897        (25 )% 
                  

Revenues

Parks and Resorts revenues decreased 7%, or $837 million, to $10.7 billion due to decreases of $531 million at our domestic operations and $306 million at our international operations.

The decline in our domestic operations reflected a 6% decrease due to lower guest spending driven by lower average ticket prices, lower average daily hotel room rates, and decreased merchandise spending. In addition, lower gains on securitized sales of vacation ownership interests (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) were partially offset by an increase in revenue recognition in connection with the completion of a vacation club property.

The decrease in our international operations reflected the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of 7% as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro at Disneyland Paris.

 

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The following table presents supplemental attendance, per capita theme park guest spending, and hotel statistics:

 

     Domestic     International (2)     Total  
     Fiscal Year
2009
    Fiscal Year
2008
    Fiscal Year
2009
    Fiscal Year
2008
    Fiscal Year
2009
    Fiscal Year
2008
 

Parks

            

Increase/ (decrease)

            

Attendance

     2     2     1     6     2     3

Per Capita Guest Spending

     (6 ) %      3     (12 ) %      13     (7 ) %      5

Hotels (1)

            

Occupancy

     87     89     85     89     86     89

Available Room Nights (in thousands)

     9,549        9,367        2,473        2,472        12,022        11,839   

Per Room Guest Spending

   $ 214      $ 233      $ 261      $ 294      $ 223      $ 246   

 

(1)

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

(2)

Per capita guest spending and per room guest spending include the impact of foreign currency translation. Guest spending statistics for Disneyland Paris were converted from Euros into US Dollars at weighted average exchange rates of 1.35 and 1.50 for fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses included a decrease in operating labor of $119 million from $3,224 million to $3,105 million driven by savings from cost mitigation activities, partially offset by labor cost inflation and a decrease in cost of sales of $54 million from $1,221 million to $1,167 million due to decreased sales volume, partially offset by expense recognition in connection with the completion of a vacation club property. In addition to these decreases, operating expense reflected a 2% reduction from the favorable impact of foreign currency translation as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro.

The decrease in selling, general, administrative and other costs and expenses was driven by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and savings from cost mitigation activities.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased 25%, or $479 million, to $1.4 billion, due to decreases at our domestic operations and at Disneyland Paris.

Studio Entertainment

Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 3,
2009
    September 27,
2008
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Theatrical distribution

   $ 1,325      $ 1,230        8

Home Entertainment

     2,762        3,740        (26 )% 

Television distribution and other

     2,049        2,378        (14 )% 
                  

Total revenues

     6,136        7,348        (16 )% 

Operating expenses

     (3,210     (3,452     7

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (2,687     (2,760     3

Depreciation and amortization

     (60     (50     (20 )% 

Equity in the income of investees

     (4     —          nm   
                  

Operating Income

   $ 175      $ 1,086        (84 )% 
                  

Revenues

The increase in theatrical distribution was due to the success of key films released in fiscal 2009. Key titles in fiscal 2009 included Up and The Proposal while fiscal 2008 included National Treasure 2 and WALL-E.

 

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The decrease in home entertainment revenues was primarily due to a 25% decrease reflecting lower unit sales and a 5% decrease driven by lower net effective pricing reflecting the overall decline in the DVD market and the strength of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End in fiscal 2008. Other significant titles included WALL-E and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian in fiscal 2009 while fiscal 2008 included Ratatouille, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets and Enchanted.

The decrease in television distribution and other reflected fewer significant titles in fiscal 2009 at television distribution and the strong performance of the Hannah Montana concert tour and Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers CD titles in fiscal 2008.

Cost and Expenses

Operating expenses included a decrease in film cost amortization of $134 million from $1,891 million to $1,757 million and a decrease in costs of goods sold of $44 million from $428 million to $384 million, both of which were driven by a decline in DVD unit sales at home entertainment. Additionally, distribution costs decreased due to the absence of costs associated with the Hannah Montana concert tour which occurred in fiscal 2008. The decrease in film cost amortization due to lower DVD volume was partially offset by higher film cost write-downs.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs and expenses reflected a decrease in marketing costs driven by a decline in DVD unit sales at home entertainment, partially offset by higher marketing costs for fiscal 2009 theatrical releases.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased 84%, or $911 million, to $175 million primarily due to decreases at worldwide home entertainment and worldwide television distribution and higher film cost write-downs.

Consumer Products

Operating results for the Consumer Products segment are as follows:

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 3,
2009
    September 27,
2008
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Licensing and publishing

   $ 1,584      $ 1,681        (6 )% 

Retail stores and other

     841        734        15
                  

Total revenues

     2,425        2,415        —  

Operating expenses

     (1,182     (962     (23 )% 

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (597     (646     8

Depreciation and amortization

     (39     (29     (34 )% 

Equity in the income of investees

     2        —          nm   
                  

Operating Income

   $ 609      $ 778        (22 )% 
                  

Revenues

The decrease in licensing and publishing revenue was due to lower royalty revenue of $129 million across multiple product categories, due to the difficult retail environment as well as the strength of Hannah Montana and High School Musical properties in fiscal 2008, and lower magazine sales driven by the closure of Wondertime magazine.

Higher retail and other revenue was primarily due to an increase of $231 million from the inclusion of seven additional months of operations at The Disney Store North America which was acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2008, partially offset by a decrease of $55 million from the impact of foreign currency translation at The Disney Store Europe as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the British pound and Euro.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses included an increase in costs of goods sold of $123 million, from $397 million to $520 million, as well as other cost increases due to the acquisition of The Disney Store North America in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. This increase was partially offset by a favorable impact of foreign currency translation at The Disney Store Europe as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the British pound and Euro and lower costs of sales and other operating costs at Publishing driven by the closure of Wondertime magazine.

 

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The decrease in selling, general, administrative and other was driven by cost savings initiatives.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased 22%, or $169 million, to $609 million due to lower results at our licensing and retail businesses, which reflected the adverse impact of a full year of company-owned operations at The Disney Store North America in fiscal 2009 whereas fiscal 2008 included five months of company-owned operations and seven months of licensed operations.

Interactive Media

Operating results for the Interactive Media segment are as follows:

 

     Year Ended     % Change  
(in millions)    October 3,
2009
    September 27,
2008
    Better /
(Worse)
 

Revenues

      

Game sales and subscriptions

   $ 565      $ 603        (6 )% 

Advertising and other

     147        116        27
                  

Total revenues

     712        719        (1 )% 

Operating expenses

     (623     (578     (8 )% 

Selling, general, administrative and other

     (336     (349     4

Depreciation and amortization

     (50     (47     (6 )% 

Equity in the income of investees

     2        (3     nm   
                  

Operating Loss

   $ (295   $ (258     (14 )% 
                  

Revenues

The decrease in game sales and subscription revenue of $38 million was driven by decreased net effective pricing and unit sales of self-published console games and lower revenues from licensed titles primarily due to the performance of WALL-E, Cars and Ratatouille in fiscal 2008, partially offset by increased subscription revenues at Club Penguin. Significant titles in fiscal 2009 included High School Musical 3, Sing It and Bolt as compared to fiscal 2008, which included High School Musical, Turok, Hannah Montana 2 and Pure.

The increase in advertising and other revenue was driven by an increase at our mobile phone service business in Japan, which was launched in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include an increase in costs of goods sold of $46 million from $220 million to $266 million driven by higher unit costs for fiscal 2009 titles that included bundled accessories and higher music royalties for certain game titles.

The decrease in selling, general, administrative and other costs and expenses was driven by lower marketing costs at Disney Online.

Segment Operating Loss

Segment operating loss increased 14%, or $37 million, to $295 million driven by lower games results partially offset by higher online advertising.

NON-SEGMENT ITEMS – 2009 vs. 2008

Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses decreased 13%, from $460 million to $398 million, driven by savings from cost mitigation activities and an increase in allocation of costs to the business segments.

 

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Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense is detailed below:

 

(in millions)

   2009     2008     %  Change
Better/(Worse)
 

Interest expense

   $ (588   $ (712     17

Interest and investment income

     122        188        (35 )% 
                  

Net interest expense

   $ (466   $ (524     11
                  

The decrease in interest expense and interest and investment income for the year was driven by lower effective interest rates.

Effective Income Tax Rate

The effective tax rate was comparable to the prior year at 36.2% as the favorable impact of legislative changes in fiscal 2009 was offset by the favorable resolution of certain income tax matters in fiscal 2008.

Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was flat at $302 million as the impact of lower financing costs at Hong Kong Disneyland and improved operating results at ESPN were offset by lower performance at Disneyland Paris. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined on income after royalties, financing costs and income taxes.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

 

(in millions)

   2010     2009     2008  

Cash provided by operations

   $ 6,578      $ 5,319      $ 5,701   

Cash used by investing activities

     (4,523     (1,755     (2,162

Cash used by financing activities

     (2,750     (3,148     (4,208
                        

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (695   $ 416      $ (669
                        

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2010 increased 24% or $1.3 billion to $6.6 billion as compared to fiscal 2009. The increase was driven by higher operating cash receipts at our Media Networks, Parks and Resorts and Studio Entertainment businesses and lower cash payments at our Studio Entertainment segment driven by a decrease in distribution and marketing expense, partially offset by higher income tax payments. The increase in cash receipts at our Media Networks and Studio Entertainment segments was driven by higher revenues, while the increase in cash receipts at Parks and Resorts was driven by the timing of advance travel deposits.

Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2009 decreased 7% or $382 million to $5.3 billion as compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease was driven by lower operating cash receipts at our Parks and Resorts and Studio Entertainment businesses and higher contributions to our pension plans, partially offset by lower income tax payments and higher operating cash receipts at Media Networks. The decrease in cash receipts at our Parks and Resorts and Studio Entertainment segments was driven by lower revenues, while the increase in cash receipts at Media Networks was driven by higher revenues and the timing of collections of accounts receivable.

 

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Depreciation expense is as follows:

 

(in millions)

   2010      2009      2008  

Media Networks

        

Cable Networks

   $ 118       $ 108       $ 89   

Broadcasting

     95         89         90   
                          

Total Media Networks

     213         197         179   
                          

Parks and Resorts

        

Domestic

     807         822         803   

International

     332         326         342   
                          

Total Parks and Resorts

     1,139         1,148         1,145   
                          

Studio Entertainment

     56         50         41   

Consumer Products

     33         29         18   

Interactive Media

     19         28         21   

Corporate

     142         128         123   
                          

Total depreciation expense

   $ 1,602       $ 1,580       $ 1,527   
                          

The Company’s Studio Entertainment and Media Networks segments incur costs to acquire and produce television and feature film 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, 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.

The Company’s film and television production and programming activity for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

(in millions)

   2010     2009     2008  

Beginning balances:

      

Production and programming assets

   $ 5,756      $ 5,935      $ 5,682   

Programming liabilities

     (1,193     (1,108     (1,210
                        
     4,563        4,827        4,472   
                        

Spending:

      

Film and television production

     3,370        3,421        3,237   

Broadcast programming

     4,316        3,896        3,812   
                        
     7,686        7,317        7,049   
                        

Amortization:

      

Film and television production

     (3,593     (3,486     (3,076

Broadcast programming

     (4,331     (3,788     (3,672
                        
     (7,924     (7,274     (6,748
                        

Change in film and television production and programming costs

     (238     43        301   
                        

Other non-cash activity

     136        (154     54   

Ending balances:

      

Production and programming assets

     5,451        5,756        5,935   

Programming liabilities

     (990     (1,040     (1,108
                        
   $ 4,461      $ 4,716      $ 4,827   
                        

 

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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 last three years are as follows:

 

(in millions)

   2010      2009      2008  

Media Networks:

        

Cable Networks

   $ 132       $ 151       $ 206   

Broadcasting

     92         143         132   

Parks and Resorts:

        

Domestic

     1,295         1,039         793   

International

     238         143         140   

Studio Entertainment

     102         135         126   

Consumer Products

     97         46         51   

Interactive Media

     17         21         40   

Corporate

     137         75         90   
                          
   $ 2,110       $ 1,753       $ 1,578   
                          

Capital expenditures for the Parks and Resorts segment are principally for theme park and resort expansion, new rides and attractions, cruise ships, recurring capital and capital improvements. The increase in capital expenditures at domestic and international parks and resorts in fiscal 2010 reflected higher construction progress payments on two new cruise ships, the expansion at Hong Kong Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and the construction of a Disney Vacation Club Resort in Hawaii. The increase in capital expenditures at domestic parks and resorts in fiscal 2009 reflected spending on the Disney California Adventure expansion and construction progress payments on two new cruise ships.

Capital expenditures at Media Networks primarily reflect investments in facilities and equipment for expanding and upgrading broadcast centers, production facilities, and television station facilities.

Capital expenditures at Corporate primarily reflect investments in information technology and other equipment and corporate facilities. The increase in fiscal 2010 was driven by investments in equipment and corporate facilities.

Other Investing Activities

During fiscal 2010, acquisitions totaled $2.5 billion and included the acquisitions of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and Playdom, Inc. (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), partially offset by net proceeds totaling $170 million from the sale of our investments in two television services in Europe and the sale of the rights and assets related to the Power Rangers property.

During fiscal 2009, acquisitions totaled $176 million and included the purchase of additional interests in UTV (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), offset by proceeds totaling $185 million from the sale of our investment in two pay television services in Latin America.

During fiscal 2008, acquisitions totaled $660 million which included an additional interest in UTV.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2010 decreased by $398 million to $2.8 billion compared to fiscal 2009 and consisted of repurchases of common stock, repayments of borrowings, the payment of dividends partially offset by exercises of stock options. The decrease from fiscal 2009 was due to lower repayments of borrowings and increased proceeds from stock option exercises, partially offset by higher share repurchases. Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2009 decreased by $1.1 billion to $3.1 billion compared to fiscal 2008 and consisted of repayments of borrowings, the payment of dividends, the liquidation of a noncontrolling interest and repurchases of common stock. The decrease from fiscal 2008 was due to lower share repurchases, partially offset by higher repayments of borrowings, the liquidation of the noncontrolling interest and decreased proceeds from stock option exercises.

 

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During the year ended October 2, 2010, the Company’s borrowing activity was as follows:

 

(in millions)

   October 3,
2009
     Additions      Payments     Other
Activity
    October 2,
2010
 

Commercial paper borrowings

   $ —         $ 1,190       $ —        $ —        $ 1,190   

U.S. medium-term notes

     7,618         —           (807     4        6,815   

European medium-term notes

     347         —           (88     14        273   

Other foreign currency denominated debt (1)

     904         —           —          61        965   

Capital Cities / ABC debt

     116         —           —          (1     115   

Film financing

     350         —           (350     —          —     

Other (2)

     498         —           (5     43        536   

Euro Disney borrowings (3)

     2,344         —           (121     (110     2,113   

Hong Kong Disneyland borrowings (4)

     524         —           —          (51     473   
                                          

Total

   $ 12,701       $ 1,190       $ (1,371   $ (40   $ 12,480   
                                          

 

(1)

The other activity is primarily the impact of foreign currency translation as a result of the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen.

(2)

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

(3)

The other activity is primarily the impact of foreign currency translation as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro.

(4)

The other activity is due to the conversion of the HKSAR’s loan to equity pursuant to the capital realignment and expansion plan (See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

The Company’s bank facilities are as follows:

 

(in millions)

   Committed
Capacity
     Capacity
Used
     Unused
Capacity
 

Bank facilities expiring February 2011

   $ 2,225       $ 225       $ 2,000   

Bank facilities expiring February 2013

     2,250         —           2,250   
                          

Total

   $ 4,475       $ 225       $ 4,250   
                          

These bank facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, which depends on the Company’s public debt rating and can range from 0.18% to 4.5%. The Company also has the ability to issue up to $800 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring in February 2011, which if utilized, reduces available borrowing under this facility. As of October 2, 2010, $225 million of letters of credit had been issued under this facility.

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.

The Company paid a $653 million dividend ($0.35 per share) during the second quarter of fiscal 2010 related to fiscal 2009. The Company paid a $648 million dividend ($0.35 per share) during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 related to fiscal 2008; and paid a $664 million dividend ($0.35 per share) during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 related to fiscal 2007. As of the filing date of this report, the Board of Directors had not yet declared a dividend related to fiscal 2010.

During fiscal 2010, the Company repurchased 80 million shares of Disney common stock for $2.7 billion. During fiscal 2009, the Company repurchased 5 million shares of Disney common stock for $138 million. During fiscal 2008, the Company repurchased 139 million shares of Disney common stock for $4.5 billion. As of October 2, 2010, the Company had remaining authorization in place to repurchase 99 million additional shares. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

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

 

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impacted by macroeconomic factors outside of its control. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors”. In addition to macroeconomic factors, the Company’s borrowing costs can be impacted by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent 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 October 2, 2010, Moody’s Investors Service’s long and short-term debt ratings for the Company were A2 and P-1, respectively, with stable outlook; Standard & Poor’s long and short-term debt ratings for the Company were A and A-1, respectively, with stable outlook; and Fitch’s long and short-term debt ratings for the Company were A and F-1, respectively, with stable outlook. The Company’s bank facilities contain only one financial covenant, relating to interest coverage, which the Company met on October 2, 2010, by a significant margin. The Company’s bank facilities also specifically exclude certain entities, such as Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland, from any representations, covenants or events of default.

Euro Disney has annual covenants under its debt agreements that limit its investment and financing activities and require it to meet certain financial performance covenants. Subject to final third-party review as provided in its debt agreements, Euro Disney was in compliance with these covenants for fiscal year 2010.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS AND OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has various contractual obligations which are recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the footnotes to the financial statements. For example, the Company is contractually committed to acquire broadcast programming and make certain minimum lease payments for the use of property under operating lease agreements.

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments on an undiscounted basis at October 2, 2010 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash. In addition, the table reflects the timing of principal and interest payments on outstanding borrowings. Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as referenced in the table:

 

     Payments Due by Period  

(in millions)

   Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3
Years
     4-5
Years
     More than
5 Years
 

Borrowings (Note 9) (1)

   $ 16,616       $ 2,756       $ 4,143       $ 2,145       $ 7,572   

Operating lease commitments (Note 15)

     2,019         424         671         375         549   

Capital lease obligations (Note 15)

     797         38         76         89         594   

Sports programming commitments (Note 15)

     17,777         3,239         6,685         4,020         3,833   

Broadcast programming commitments (Note 15)

     2,927         1,882         550         326         169   
                                            

Total sports and other broadcast programming commitments

     20,704         5,121         7,235         4,346         4,002   

Other(2)

     4,392         1,588         1,663         333         808   
                                            

Total contractual obligations (3)

   $ 44,528       $ 9,927       $ 13,788       $ 7,288       $ 13,525   
                                            

 

(1)

Amounts exclude market value adjustments totaling $315 million, which are recorded in the balance sheet. Amounts include interest payments based on contractual terms for fixed rate debt, and on current interest rates for variable rate debt.

(2)

Other commitments primarily comprise contractual commitments for the construction of two new cruise ships, creative talent and employment agreements and unrecognized tax benefits. Creative talent and employment agreements include obligations to actors, producers, sports personnel, television and radio personalities and executives.

(3)

Contractual commitments include the following:

 

Liabilities recorded on the balance sheet

   $ 14,179   

Commitments not recorded on the balance sheet

     30,349   
        
   $ 44,528   
        

 

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The Company also has obligations with respect to its pension and postretirement medical benefit plans. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contingent Commitments and Contractual Guarantees

The Company also has certain contractual arrangements that would require the Company to make payments or provide funding if certain circumstances occur. The Company does not currently expect that these arrangements will result in any significant amounts being paid by the Company. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s contingent commitments and contractual guarantees.

Legal and Tax Matters

As disclosed in Notes 10 and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has exposure for certain legal and tax 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.

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 estimates of Ultimate Revenues increase, 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 domestic theatrical performance. Revenues derived from other markets subsequent to the domestic theatrical release (e.g., the home entertainment or international theatrical markets) have historically been highly correlated with domestic theatrical performance. Domestic 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 domestic 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 extent of home entertainment sales achieved. Home entertainment sales vary based on the number and quality of competing home video 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 factor affecting estimates of Ultimate Revenues is the program’s rating 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 eventual sale of the program rights in the syndication, international and home entertainment markets. Alternatively, poor ratings may result in a television series cancellation, which would require the immediate write-off of any unamortized production costs. A significant decline in the advertising market would also negatively impact our estimates.

The cost of television broadcast rights for acquired movies, series and other programs are expensed 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. Rights costs for multi-year sports programming arrangements are amortized during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value of each year in the arrangement. The estimated values of each year are based on our projection 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 relative value, we expense the related contractual payment during

 

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the applicable season. If planned usage patterns or estimated relative values by year were to change significantly, amortization of the 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 daytime, late night, primetime, news, children, and sports (includes network and cable). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated basis for each cable channel. 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.

Revenue Recognition

The Company has revenue recognition policies for its various operating segments that are appropriate to the circumstances of each business. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of these revenue recognition policies.

We reduce home entertainment and software product 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 and concessions in a particular period, we may record less revenue in later periods when returns exceed the estimated amount. Conversely, if we overestimate the level of returns and concessions for a period, we may have additional revenue in later periods when returns and concessions are less than estimated.

Revenues from advance theme park ticket sales are recognized when the tickets are used. For non-expiring, multi-day tickets, revenues are recognized over a three-year time period based on estimated usage, which is derived from historical usage patterns. If actual usage is different than our estimated usage, revenues may not be recognized in the periods the related services are rendered. In addition, a change in usage patterns would impact the timing of revenue recognition.

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. 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. We decreased our discount rate to 5.25% at the end of fiscal 2010 from 5.75% at the end of fiscal 2009 to reflect market interest rate conditions at our October 2, 2010 measurement date. This decrease in the discount rate will affect net periodic pension and postretirement medical expense (benefit expense) in fiscal 2011. The assumed discount rate reflects market rates for high-quality corporate bonds currently available. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed of a large population of high quality corporate bonds. The resulting discount rate reflects the matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves. A one percentage point decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase total benefit expense for fiscal 2011 by $199 million and would increase the projected benefit obligation at October 2, 2010 by $1.6 billion, respectively. A one percentage point increase in the assumed discount rate would decrease total benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation by $167 million and $1.3 billion, respectively.

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. Our long-term expected return on plan assets was 7.75% for the 2010 and 2009 actuarial valuations. A one percentage point change in the long-term asset return assumption would impact fiscal 2011 annual benefit expense by approximately $60 million.

See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our pension and postretirement medical plans.

 

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Goodwill, 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 generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill.

To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow) 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. 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 useful life of an asset group against the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by the 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 the 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 its carrying value. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amount, 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 the asset’s fair value. 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 for these investments, we consider these factors, as well as the forecasted financial performance of our 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.

During the current year, the Company tested its goodwill and other intangible assets, investments and long-lived assets for impairment, and the impairment charges recorded were immaterial. During fiscal 2009, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $279 million, which included $142 million for FCC radio licenses and $65 million for our investment in UTV. During fiscal 2008, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $39 million related to FCC radio licenses. The FCC radio license impairment charges reflected overall market declines in certain radio markets in which we operate. These impairment charges, which were estimated using a discounted cash flow model, were recorded in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts and estimate collectibility 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

 

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which we do business. In times of domestic or global economic turmoil, our estimates and judgments with respect to the collectibility 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, cost 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 claims. These estimates have been developed in consultation with outside counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. 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 these proceedings. See Note 15 to the 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 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.

Stock Option Compensation Expense

Each year during the second quarter, the Company awards stock options and restricted stock units to a broad-based group of management and creative personnel (the Annual Grant). To value these awards, the Company uses a binomial valuation model which takes into account variables such as volatility, dividend yield, and the risk-free interest rate. The binomial valuation model also considers the expected exercise multiple (the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average) and the termination rate (the probability of a vested option being cancelled due to the termination of the option holder) in computing the value of the option. Accordingly, the Company believes that the binomial valuation model should produce a fair value that is representative of the value of an employee option.

In fiscal years 2010, 2009, and 2008, the weighted average assumptions used in the options-pricing models were as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Risk-free interest rate

     3.5     2.0     3.6

Expected volatility

     32     47     29

Dividend yield

     1.41     1.19     1.02

Termination rate

     2.5     7.5     7.5

Exercise multiple

     1.40        1.39        1.39   

Although the initial fair value of stock options is not adjusted after the grant date, changes in the Company’s assumptions may change the value of, and therefore the expense related to, future stock option grants. The assumptions that cause the greatest variation in fair value in the binomial valuation model are the expected volatility and expected exercise multiple. Increases or decreases in either the expected volatility or expected exercise multiple will cause the binomial option value to increase or decrease, respectively.

The volatility assumption considers both historical and implied volatility and may be impacted by the Company’s performance as well as changes in economic and market conditions. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information. If the expected volatility of 32% used by the Company during 2010 was increased or decreased by five percentage points (i.e. to 37% or to 27%), the weighted average grant date fair value of our 2010 stock option grants would have increased by 9% or decreased by 9%, respectively.

The expected exercise multiple may be influenced by the Company’s future stock performance, stock price volatility, and employee turnover rates. If the exercise multiple assumption of 1.4 used by the Company during 2010 were increased to 1.6 or decreased to 1.2, the weighted average binomial value of our 2010 stock option grants would have increased by 10% or decreased by 12%, respectively.

 

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ACCOUNTING CHANGES

Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables

In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance on revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables effective for the Company’s 2011 fiscal year. The guidance revises the criteria for separating, measuring, and allocating arrangement consideration to each deliverable in a multiple element arrangement. The guidance requires companies to allocate revenue using the relative selling price of each deliverable, which must be estimated if the Company does not have a history of selling the deliverable on a stand-alone basis or third-party evidence of selling price. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance on transfers and servicing of financial assets to eliminate the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity, change the requirements for off balance sheet accounting for financial assets including limiting the circumstances where off balance sheet treatment for a portion of a financial asset is allowable, and require additional disclosures. The guidance is effective for the Company’s 2011 fiscal year. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its financial statements.

Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance to revise the approach to determine when a variable interest entity (VIE) should be consolidated. The new consolidation model for VIEs considers whether an entity has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and shares in the significant risks and rewards of the VIE. The guidance on VIE’s requires companies to continually reassess VIEs to determine if consolidation is appropriate and provide additional disclosures. The guidance is effective for the Company’s 2011 fiscal year. The Company is assessing the potential effect this guidance will have on its financial statements.

Collaborative Arrangements

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that defines collaborative arrangements and establishes accounting and reporting requirements for such arrangements. A collaborative arrangement is a contractual arrangement that involves a joint operating activity, for example an agreement to co-produce and distribute a motion picture with another studio. The Company adopted the provisions of this collaborative arrangement guidance at the beginning of fiscal year 2010. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that establishes principles and requirements for determining how a company recognizes and measures the fair value of certain assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, including noncontrolling interests, contingent consideration, and certain acquired contingencies. The guidance on business combinations also requires acquisition-related transaction expenses and restructuring costs be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized. The Company adopted the provisions of this business combination guidance prospectively at the beginning of fiscal year 2010.

Noncontrolling Interest (Minority Interest)

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting and reporting for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary which requires that noncontrolling interests be reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and that net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests and net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company be presented separately in the consolidated statement of income. The Company adopted the provisions of this noncontrolling interest guidance at the beginning of fiscal year 2010.

Employee Compensation – Retirement Benefits

In September 2006, the FASB issued guidance that requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and changes in that funded status to be recognized in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. The guidance on retirement benefits also requires measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the end of the fiscal year. The Company adopted the recognition provision in fiscal year 2007 which resulted in a $261 million charge to accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company adopted the measurement date provision by remeasuring plan assets and benefit obligations at the beginning of fiscal 2009. Adoption of the measurement date provisions resulted in a reduction of $35 million to retained earnings and a $100 million benefit to accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

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Income Tax

In July 2006, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company adopted the guidance on income taxes at the beginning of fiscal year 2008. Applying the guidance on income taxes to all tax positions upon adoption resulted in reductions of $148 million and $15 million to retained earnings and noncontrolling interests, respectively.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 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. Such statements may, for example, express expectations or projections about future actions that we may take, including restructuring or strategic initiatives, or about developments beyond our control including changes in domestic or global economic conditions. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions as of the time the statements are made and we undertake no obligation to update these statements. There can be no assurance, however, that our expectations will necessarily come to pass. Significant factors affecting these expectations are set forth under Item 1A – Risk Factors of this Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About 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.

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, commodities, and the fair market value of certain investments in debt and equity securities 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.

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.

 

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Value at Risk (VAR)

The Company utilizes a VAR model to estimate the maximum potential one-day loss in the fair value of its interest rate, foreign exchange, and market sensitive equity financial instruments. The VAR model estimates were made assuming normal market conditions and a 95% confidence level. Various modeling techniques can be used in a VAR computation. The Company’s computations are based on the interrelationships between movements in various interest rates, currencies, and equity prices (a variance/co-variance technique). These interrelationships were determined by observing interest rate, foreign currency, and equity market changes over the preceding quarter for the calculation of VAR amounts at fiscal year end. The model includes all of the Company’s debt as well as all interest rate and foreign exchange derivative contracts and market sensitive equity investments. Forecasted transactions, firm commitments, and receivables and accounts payable denominated in foreign currencies, which certain of these instruments are intended to hedge, were excluded from the model.

The VAR model is a risk analysis tool and does not purport to represent actual losses in fair value that will be incurred by the Company, nor does it consider the potential effect of favorable changes in market factors.

VAR on a combined basis decreased to $33 million at October 2, 2010 from $34 million at October 3, 2009. The decrease in VAR primarily reflected a decrease in the amount of fixed rate debt during the year offset by higher volatility of interest rates and foreign exchange rates and decreased diversification benefits across foreign currency rates.

The estimated maximum potential one-day loss in fair value, calculated using the VAR model, is as follows (unaudited, in millions):

 

Fiscal Year 2010

   Interest  Rate
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
     Currency
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
     Equity  Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
     Combined
Portfolio
 

Year end VAR

   $ 19       $ 22       $ 1       $ 33   

Average VAR

   $ 21       $ 20       $ 1       $ 37   

Highest VAR

   $ 32       $ 22       $ 1       $ 46   

Lowest VAR

   $ 14       $ 19       $ 1       $ 32   

Beginning of year VAR (year end fiscal 2009)

   $ 24       $ 19       $ 0       $ 34   

The VAR for Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland is immaterial as of October 2, 2010 and accordingly, has been excluded from the above table.

 

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data on page 61.

 

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

 

ITEM 9A. 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 October 2, 2010, 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.

 

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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s report set forth on page 62 is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in Internal Controls

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended October 2, 2010, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. Other Information

None.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding Section 16(a) compliance, the Audit Committee, the Company’s code of ethics, background of the directors and director nominations appearing under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Committees,” “Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Ethics”, “Director Selection Process” and “Election of Directors” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2011 annual meeting of Shareholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3).

 

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

Information appearing under the captions “Board Compensation” and “Executive Compensation” in the 2011 Proxy Statement (other than the “Compensation Committee Report,” which is deemed furnished herein by reference) is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information setting forth the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing under the caption “Stock Ownership” and information in the “Equity Compensation Plans” table appearing under the caption “Equity Compensation Plans” in the 2011 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information regarding certain related transactions appearing under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and information regarding director independence appearing under the caption “Director Independence” in the 2011 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information appearing under the captions “Auditor Fees and Services” and “Policy for Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services” in the 2011 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(1) Financial Statements and Schedules

See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data at page 61.

 

(2) Exhibits

The documents set forth below are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference to the location indicated.

 

    

Exhibit

  

Location

  3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company    Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated March 10, 2010
  3.2    Bylaws of the Company    Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated March 10, 2010
  4.1    Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement dated as of February 22, 2006    Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, filed March 31, 2006
  4.2    Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of February 22, 2010    Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed February 25, 2010
  4.3    Indenture, dated as of Nov. 30, 1990, between DEI and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee    Exhibit 2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of DEI, dated Jan. 14, 1991
  4.4    Indenture, dated as of Mar. 7, 1996, between the Company and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee    Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, dated March 7, 1996
  4.5    Senior Debt Securities Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2001, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee    Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, dated September 24, 2001
  4.6    Other long-term borrowing instruments are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The Company undertakes to furnish copies of such instruments to the Commission upon request   
10.1    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2008, between the Company and Robert A. Iger    Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended December 27, 2008
10.2    Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2010 between the Company and James A. Rasulo    Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated January 8, 2010
10.3    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2008 between the Company and Thomas O. Staggs    Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended December 27, 2008
10.4    Amendment dated as of January 1, 2010 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2008 between the Company and Thomas O. Staggs    Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated January 8, 2010
10.5    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2008 between the Company and Alan N. Braverman    Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated October 8, 2008
10.6    Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008 between the Company and Kevin A. Mayer    Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated October 8, 2008
10.7    Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 2009 between the Company and Jayne Parker    Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended October 3, 2009

 

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Exhibit

  

Location

10.8    Description of Directors Compensation    Filed herewith
10.9    Amended and Restated Director’s Retirement Policy    Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended January 2, 2010
10.10    Form of Indemnification Agreement for certain officers and directors    Annex C to the Proxy Statement for the 1987 annual meeting of DEI
10.11    1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors    Exhibit 20 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-57811) of DEI, dated Feb. 23, 1995
10.12    Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Incentive Plan and Rules    Exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended September 27, 2008
10.13    Amendment to Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Incentive Plan    Item 1.01(a) of Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed September 23, 2004
10.14    Amended and Restated 2002 Executive Performance Plan    Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, filed March 12, 2009
10.15    Management Incentive Bonus Program    The section of the Proxy Statement for the 2009 annual meeting of the Company titled “Performance Based Compensation”
10.16    Amended and Restated 1997 Non-Employee Directors Stock and Deferred Compensation Plan    Annex II to the Proxy Statement for the 2003 annual meeting of the Company
10.17    Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan    Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated March 10, 2010
10.18    The Walt Disney Company/Pixar 1995 Stock Plan    Exhibit 10.1 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement (N0. 333-133840) of the Company dated May 5, 2006
10.19    Amended and Restated The Walt Disney Company/Pixar 2004 Equity Incentive Plan    Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed December 1, 2006
10.20    Amended and Restated Key Employees Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plan    Exhibit 10.28 to the Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended September 27, 2008
10.21    Amended and Restated Benefit Equalization Plan of ABC, Inc.    Exhibit 10.29 to the Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended September 27, 2008
10.22    Group Personal Excess Liability Insurance Plan    Exhibit 10(x) to the Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended September 30, 1997
10.23    Family Income Assurance Plan (summary description)    Exhibit 10(y) to the Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended September 30, 1997
10.24    Amended and Restated Severance Pay Plan    Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended December 27, 2008
10.25    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Time-Based Vesting)    Exhibit 10(aa) to the Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended September 30, 2004
10.26    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Bonus Related)    Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed December 15, 2006

 

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Exhibit

  

Location

10.27   Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award Agreement (Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)    Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed January 12, 2010
10.28   Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award Agreement (Three-Year Vesting subject to Total Shareholder Return/EPS Growth Tests/Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)    Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed January 12, 2010
10.29   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement (Seven-year/Ten Year Form)    Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed January 12, 2010
10.30   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement in Lieu of Equitable Adjustment    Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended June 30, 2007
10.31   Disney Savings and Investment Plan as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2010    Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended July 3, 2010
21   Subsidiaries of the Company    Filed herewith
23   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP    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 herewith
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 herewith
101   The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 2, 2010 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and (v) related notes    Furnished herewith

 

* 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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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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)
Date: November 24, 2010   By:  

/S/    ROBERT A. IGER          

    (Robert A. Iger,
    President and Chief Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

     

Title

     

Date

Principal Executive Officer        

/S/    ROBERT A. IGER          

    President and Chief Executive Officer     November 24, 2010
(Robert A. Iger)        
Principal Financial and Accounting Officers        

/S/    JAMES A. RASULO          

    Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer     November 24, 2010
(James A. Rasulo)        

/S/    BRENT A. WOODFORD          

    Senior Vice President-Planning and Control     November 24, 2010
(Brent A. Woodford)        
Directors        

/S/    SUSAN E. ARNOLD          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Susan E. Arnold)        

/S/    JOHN E. BRYSON          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(John E. Bryson)        

/S/    JOHN S. CHEN          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(John S. Chen)        

/S/    JUDITH L. ESTRIN          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Judith L. Estrin)        

/S/    ROBERT A. IGER          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Robert A. Iger)        

/S/    STEVEN P. JOBS          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Steven P. Jobs)        

/S/    FRED H. LANGHAMMER          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Fred H. Langhammer)        

/S/    AYLWIN B. LEWIS          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Aylwin B. Lewis)        

 

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Signature

     

Title

     

Date

/S/    MONICA C. LOZANO          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Monica C. Lozano)        

/S/    ROBERT W. MATSCHULLAT          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Robert W. Matschullat)        

/S/    JOHN E. PEPPER, JR.          

    Chairman of the Board and Director     November 24, 2010
(John E. Pepper, Jr.)        

/S/    SHERYL SANDBERG          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Sheryl Sandberg)        

/S/    ORIN C. SMITH          

    Director     November 24, 2010
(Orin C. Smith)        

 

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THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

 

     Page  

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     62   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     63   

Consolidated Financial Statements of The Walt Disney Company and Subsidiaries

  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended October 2, 2010, October  3, 2009, and September 27, 2008

     64   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009

     65   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended October 2, 2010, October  3, 2009, and September 27, 2008

     66   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended October 2, 2010,  October 3, 2009, and September 27, 2008

     67   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     68   

Quarterly Financial Summary (unaudited)

     111   

All schedules are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements or notes.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements prepared for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 2, 2010.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 2, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries (the Company) at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 2, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 2, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for uncertainty in income taxes in 2008, its method of accounting for pension and other postretirement benefit plans in 2009 and its method of accounting for and reporting noncontrolling interests in 2010.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
November 24, 2010

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except per share data)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Revenues

   $ 38,063      $ 36,149      $ 37,843   

Costs and expenses

     (31,337     (30,452     (30,400

Restructuring and impairment charges

     (270     (492     (39

Other income (expense)

     140        342        (59

Net interest expense

     (409     (466     (524

Equity in the income of investees

     440        577        581   
                        

Income before income taxes

     6,627        5,658        7,402   

Income taxes

     (2,314     (2,049     (2,673
                        

Net Income

     4,313        3,609        4,729   

Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (350     (302     (302
                        

Net Income attributable to The Walt Disney Company (Disney)

   $ 3,963      $ 3,307      $ 4,427   
                        

Earnings per share attributable to Disney:

      

Diluted

   $ 2.03      $ 1.76      $ 2.28   
                        

Basic

   $ 2.07      $ 1.78      $ 2.34   
                        

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:

      

Diluted

     1,948        1,875        1,948   
                        

Basic

     1,915        1,856        1,890   
                        

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except per share data)

 

     October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,722      $ 3,417   

Receivables

     5,784        4,854   

Inventories

     1,442        1,271   

Television costs

     678        631   

Deferred income taxes

     1,018        1,140   

Other current assets

     581        576   
                

Total current assets

     12,225        11,889   

Film and television costs

     4,773        5,125   

Investments

     2,513        2,554   

Parks, resorts and other property, at cost Attractions, buildings and equipment

     32,875        32,475   

Accumulated depreciation

     (18,373     (17,395
                
     14,502        15,080   

Projects in progress

     2,180        1,350   

Land

     1,124        1,167   
                
     17,806        17,597   

Intangible assets, net

     5,081        2,247   

Goodwill

     24,100        21,683   

Other assets

     2,708        2,022   
                
   $ 69,206      $ 63,117   
                

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

   $ 6,109      $ 5,616   

Current portion of borrowings

     2,350        1,206   

Unearned royalties and other advances

     2,541        2,112   
                

Total current liabilities

     11,000        8,934   

Borrowings

     10,130        11,495   

Deferred income taxes

     2,630        1,819   

Other long-term liabilities

     6,104        5,444   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

    

Equity

    

Preferred stock, $.01 par value
Authorized — 100 million shares, Issued — none

     —          —     

Common stock, $.01 par value
Authorized — 4.6 billion shares at October 2, 2010 and 3.6 billion shares at October 3, 2009
Issued — 2.7 billion shares at October 2, 2010 and 2.6 billion shares at October 3, 2009

     28,736        27,038   

Retained earnings

     34,327        31,033   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,881     (1,644
                
     61,182        56,427   

Treasury stock, at cost, 803.1 million shares at October 2, 2010 and 781.7 million shares at October 3, 2009

     (23,663     (22,693
                

Total Disney Shareholder’s equity

     37,519        33,734   

Noncontrolling interests

     1,823        1,691   
                

Total Equity

     39,342        35,425   
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 69,206      $ 63,117   
                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

 

     2010     2009     2008  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net income

   $ 4,313      $ 3,609      $ 4,729   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,713        1,631        1,582   

Gains on dispositions

     (118     (342     (14

Deferred income taxes

     133        323        (128

Equity in the income of investees

     (440     (577     (581

Cash distributions received from equity investees

     473        505        476   

Net change in film and television costs

     238        (43     (301

Equity-based compensation

     522        457        402   

Impairment charges

     132        279        39   

Other

     (122     (67     (36

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

      

Receivables

     (686     468        (594

Inventories

     (127     (117     (329

Other assets

     42        (565     (64

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

     649        (250     570   

Income taxes

     (144     8        (50
                        

Cash provided by operations

     6,578        5,319        5,701   
                        

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Investments in parks, resorts and other property

     (2,110     (1,753     (1,578

Sales of investments

     —          46        70   

Proceeds from dispositions

     170        185        14   

Acquisitions

     (2,493     (176     (660

Other

     (90     (57     (8
                        

Cash used in investing activities

     (4,523     (1,755     (2,162
                        

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Commercial paper borrowings, net

     1,190        (1,985     (701

Borrowings

     —          1,750        1,706   

Reduction of borrowings

     (1,371     (1,617     (477

Dividends

     (653     (648     (664

Repurchases of common stock

     (2,669     (138     (4,453

Exercise of stock options and other

     753        (510     381   
                        

Cash used in financing activities

     (2,750     (3,148     (4,208
                        

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (695     416        (669

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     3,417        3,001        3,670   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 2,722      $ 3,417      $ 3,001   
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Interest paid

   $ 393      $ 485      $ 555   
                        

Income taxes paid

   $ 2,170      $ 1,609      $ 2,768   
                        

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in millions, except per share data)

 

     Equity Attributable to Disney              
     Shares     Common
Stock
     Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

(Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
    Total
Disney
Equity
    Non-controlling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 29, 2007

     1,917      $ 24,207       $ 24,805      $ (157   $ (18,102   $ 30,753      $ 1,295      $ 32,048   

Net income

     —          —           4,427        —          —          4,427        302        4,729   

Market value adjustments for investments and hedges

     —          —           —          120        —          120        —          120   

Foreign currency translation and other

     —          —           —          (27     —          (27     5        (22

Pension and postretirement medical plan adjustments:

                 

Reclassification of prior losses to net income

     —          —           —          25        —          25        —          25   

Net actuarial loss

     —          —           —          (42     —          (42     —          (42
                                   

Comprehensive income

                4,503        307        4,810   

Equity compensation activity

     31        1,012         —          —          —          1,012        —          1,012   

Redemption of convertible senior notes

     45        1,320         —          —          —          1,320        —          1,320   

Common stock repurchases

     (139     —           —          —          (4,453     (4,453     —          (4,453

Dividends

     —          7         (671     —          —          (664     —          (664

Distributions and other

     —          —           —          —          —          —          (243     (243

Adoption of new income tax guidance

     —          —           (148     —          —          (148     (15     (163
                                                                 

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

     1,854      $ 26,546       $ 28,413      $ (81   $ (22,555   $ 32,323      $ 1,344      $ 33,667   

Net income

     —          —           3,307        —          —          3,307        302        3,609   

Market value adjustments for investments and hedges

     —          —           —          (57     —          (57     —          (57

Foreign currency translation and other

     —          —           —          (33     —          (33     (13     (46

Pension and postretirement medical plan adjustments:

                 

Reclassification of prior net gains to net income

     —          —           —          (4     —          (4     —          (4

Net actuarial loss

     —          —           —          (1,569     —          (1,569     —          (1,569
                                   

Comprehensive income

                1,644        289        1,933   

Adoption of new pension and postretirement medical plan measurement date and other (net of tax of $37 million)

     —          —           (32     100        —          68        —          68   

Equity compensation activity

     12        485         —          —          —          485        —          485   

Common stock repurchases

     (5     —           —          —          (138     (138     —          (138

Dividends

     —          7         (655     —          —          (648     —          (648

Acquisition of Jetix

     —          —           —          —          —          —          (86     (86

Distributions and other

                  (253     (253

Conversion of HKDL loan to equity

     —          —           —          —          —          —          397        397   
                                                                 

BALANCE AT OCTOBER 3, 2009

     1,861      $ 27,038       $ 31,033      $ (1,644   $ (22,693   $ 33,734      $ 1,691      $ 35,425   

Net income

     —          —           3,963        —          —          3,963        350        4,313   

Market value adjustments for investments and hedges

     —          —           —          (113     —          (113     —          (113

Foreign currency translation and other

     —          —           —          (25     —          (25     (12     (37

Pension and postretirement medical plan adjustments:

                 

Reclassification of prior net losses to net income

     —          —           —          109        —          109        —          109   

Net actuarial loss

     —          —           —          (208     —          (208     —          (208
                                   

Comprehensive income

                3,726        338        4,064   

Equity compensation activity

     54        1,498         —          —          —          1,498        —          1,498   

Acquisition of Marvel

     59        188         —          —          1,699        1,887        90        1,977   

Common stock repurchases

     (80     —           —          —          (2,669     (2,669     —          (2,669

Dividends

     —          9         (662     —          —          (653     —          (653

Distributions and other

     —          3         (7     —          —          (4     (296     (300
                                                                 

BALANCE AT OCTOBER 2, 2010

     1,894      $ 28,736       $ 34,327      $ (1,881   $ (23,663   $ 37,519      $ 1,823      $ 39,342   
                                                                 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

1 Description of the Business and Segment Information

The Walt Disney Company, together with the subsidiaries through which businesses are conducted (the Company), is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in the following business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Media Networks

The Company operates the ABC Television Network and ten owned television stations, as well as the ESPN Radio Network and Radio Disney Network (the Radio Networks) and 42 owned radio stations. Both the television and radio networks have affiliated stations providing coverage to households throughout the United States. The Company has cable networks that are principally involved in the production and distribution of cable television programming, the licensing of programming in domestic and international markets, and investing in foreign television broadcasting, production, and distribution entities. Primary cable programming services that operate through consolidated subsidiaries are the ESPN-branded networks, Disney Channel Worldwide, SOAPnet, Disney XD and ABC Family. The Company also has interests in joint ventures that operate programming services and are accounted for under the equity method including AETN/Lifetime. The Company also produces original television programming for network, first-run syndication, pay, and international syndication markets, along with original animated television programming for network, pay, and international syndication markets. Additionally, the Company operates ABC-, ESPN-, ABC Family- and SOAPnet-branded internet businesses.

Parks and Resorts

The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California. The Walt Disney World Resort includes four theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), 17 resort hotels, a retail, dining, and entertainment complex, a sports complex, conference centers, campgrounds, golf courses, water parks, and other recreational facilities. The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three resort hotels, and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. The Company manages and has an effective 51% ownership interest in Disneyland Paris, which includes two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park), seven themed hotels, two convention centers, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, and a 27-hole golf facility. The Company also manages and has a 47% ownership interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which includes one theme park and two resort hotels. The Company earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disneyland Resort, which includes two theme parks and three Disney-branded hotels, and is owned and operated by an unrelated Japanese corporation. The Company also manages and markets vacation club ownership interests through the Disney Vacation Club, and operates the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney, a guided family vacation business. The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit designs and develops theme park concepts and attractions, as well as resort properties.

Studio Entertainment

The Company produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures for worldwide distribution to the theatrical, home entertainment, and television markets. The Company distributes these products through its own distribution and marketing companies in the United States and foreign markets primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Miramax, Pixar, and Disneynature banners, as well as Dimension prior to September 30, 2005. The Company also produces stage plays, musical recordings and live entertainment events.

Consumer Products

The Company licenses trade names, characters and visual and literary properties, to various manufacturers, retailers, show promoters, and publishers throughout the world. The Company also engages in retail and online distribution of products through The Disney Store and DisneyStore.com. The Disney Store is owned and operated in Europe, North America and Japan. The Company publishes entertainment and educational books and magazines for children and families and operates English language learning centers in China.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Disney Interactive Media Group

The Company creates and delivers Disney-branded entertainment and lifestyle content across interactive media platforms. The primary operating businesses are Games which produces and distributes console, online and mobile games, and Online which develops Disney-branded online services in the United States and internationally. The Interactive Media Group also manages Disney-branded mobile phone business in Japan which provides mobile phone service and downloadable content to consumers.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The operating segments reported below are the segments of the Company for which separate financial information is available and for which segment 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 (expense), net interest expense, income taxes, and noncontrolling interests. Segment operating income includes equity in the income of investees. Equity investees consist primarily of AETN/Lifetime, which is a cable business included in the Media Networks segment. Corporate and unallocated shared expenses principally consist of corporate functions, executive management, and certain unallocated administrative support functions.

Equity in the income of investees by segment is as follows:

 

     2010      2009     2008  

Media Networks (1)

   $ 438       $ 567      $ 596   

Studio Entertainment

     —           (4     —     

Consumer Products

     —           2        —     

Interactive Media

     —           2        (3

Corporate

     2         10        (12
                         
   $ 440       $ 577      $ 581   
                         

 

(1)

Substantially all of these amounts relate to investments at Cable Networks.

The following segment results include allocations of certain costs, including information technology, pension, legal, and other shared services costs, which are allocated based on metrics designed to correlate with consumption. These allocations are agreed-upon amounts between the businesses and may differ from amounts that would be negotiated in arm’s length transactions. In addition, all significant intersegment transactions have been eliminated except that Studio Entertainment revenues and operating income include an allocation of Consumer Products and Interactive Media revenues, which is meant to reflect royalties on sales of merchandise based on certain Studio film properties.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Revenues

      

Media Networks

   $ 17,162      $ 16,209      $ 15,857   

Parks and Resorts

     10,761        10,667        11,504   

Studio Entertainment

      

Third parties

     6,495        6,016        7,167   

Intersegment

     206        120        181   
                        
     6,701        6,136        7,348   
                        

Consumer Products

      

Third parties

     2,876        2,533        2,569   

Intersegment

     (198     (108     (154
                        
     2,678        2,425        2,415   
                        

Interactive Media

      

Third parties

     769        724        746   

Intersegment

     (8     (12     (27
                        
     761        712        719   
                        

Total consolidated revenues

   $ 38,063      $ 36,149      $ 37,843   
                        

Segment operating income (loss)

      

Media Networks

   $ 5,132      $ 4,765      $ 4,981   

Parks and Resorts

     1,318        1,418        1,897   

Studio Entertainment

     693        175        1,086   

Consumer Products

     677        609        778   

Interactive Media

     (234     (295     (258
                        

Total segment operating income

   $ 7,586      $ 6,672      $ 8,484   
                        

Reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes

      

Segment operating income

   $ 7,586      $ 6,672      $ 8,484   

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

     (420     (398     (460

Restructuring and impairment charges

     (270     (492     (39

Other income (expense)

     140        342        (59

Net interest expense

     (409     (466     (524
                        

Income before income taxes

   $ 6,627      $ 5,658      $ 7,402   
                        

Capital expenditures

      

Media Networks

      

Cable Networks

   $ 132      $ 151      $ 206   

Broadcasting

     92        143        132   

Parks and Resorts

      

Domestic

     1,295        1,039        793   

International

     238        143        140   

Studio Entertainment

     102        135        126   

Consumer Products

     97        46        51   

Interactive Media

     17        21        40   

Corporate

     137        75        90   
                        

Total capital expenditures

   $ 2,110      $ 1,753      $ 1,578   
                        

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Depreciation expense

        

Media Networks

   $ 213       $ 197       $ 179   

Parks and Resorts

        

Domestic

     807         822         803   

International

     332         326         342   

Studio Entertainment

     56         50         41   

Consumer Products

     33         29         18   

Interactive Media

     19         28         21   

Corporate

     142         128         123   
                          

Total depreciation expense

   $ 1,602       $ 1,580       $ 1,527   
                          

Amortization of intangible assets

        

Media Networks

   $ 9       $ 9       $ 9   

Parks and Resorts

     —           —           —     

Studio Entertainment

     33         10         9   

Consumer Products

     45         10         11   

Interactive Media

     24         22         26   

Corporate

     —           —           —     
                          

Total amortization of intangible assets

   $ 111       $ 51       $ 55   
                          

Identifiable assets(1)(2)

        

Media Networks

   $ 27,112       $ 26,936      

Parks and Resorts

     17,529         16,945      

Studio Entertainment

     12,742         11,104      

Consumer Products

     4,786         1,486      

Interactive Media

     1,756         988      

Corporate(3)

     5,281         5,658      
                    

Total consolidated assets

   $ 69,206       $ 63,117      
                    

Supplemental revenue data

        

Media Networks

        

Advertising(4)

   $ 7,099       $ 6,624       $ 7,197   

Affiliate Fees

     8,082         7,407         6,793   

Parks and Resorts

        

Merchandise, food and beverage

     3,457         3,445         3,653   

Admissions

     3,504         3,403         3,623   

Revenues

        

United States and Canada

   $ 28,279       $ 27,508       $ 28,506   

Europe

     6,550         6,012         6,805   

Asia Pacific

     2,320         1,860         1,811   

Latin America and Other

     914         769         721   
                          
   $ 38,063       $ 36,149       $ 37,843   
                          

Segment operating income

        

United States and Canada

   $ 5,474       $ 4,923       $ 6,500   

Europe

     1,275         1,158         1,423   

Asia Pacific

     620         430         386   

Latin America and Other

     217         161         175   
                          
   $ 7,586       $ 6,672       $ 8,484   
                          

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     2010      2009  

Long-lived assets (5)

     

United States and Canada

   $ 47,766       $ 43,570   

Europe

     5,090         3,708   

Asia Pacific

     1,828         1,805   

Latin America and Other

     237         188   
                 
   $ 54,921       $ 49,271   
                 

 

(1)

Identifiable assets include amounts associated with equity method investments. Equity method investments by segment are as follows:

 

     2010      2009  

Media Networks

   $ 2,103       $ 2,166   

Studio Entertainment

     2         2   

Interactive Media

     10         —     

Corporate

     8         5   
                 
   $ 2,123       $ 2,173   
                 

 

(2)

Goodwill and intangible assets by segment are as follows:

 

     2010      2009  

Media Networks

   $ 17,442       $ 17,438   

Parks and Resorts

     171         172   

Studio Entertainment

     6,416         5,032   

Consumer Products

     3,699         618   

Interactive Media

     1,323         650   

Corporate

     130         20   
                 
   $ 29,181       $ 23,930   
                 

 

(3)

Primarily fixed assets, deferred tax assets, cash and cash equivalents.

(4)

Advertising revenue includes amounts reported in Interactive Media.

(5)

Long-lived assets include total assets less current assets, financial investments and derivatives recorded in other non-current assets.

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of The Walt Disney Company and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In December 1999, DVD Financing, Inc. (DFI), a subsidiary of Disney Vacation Development, Inc. and an indirect subsidiary of the Company, completed a receivable sale transaction that established a facility that permitted DFI to sell receivables arising from the sale of vacation club memberships on a periodic basis. In connection with this facility, DFI prepares separate financial statements, although its separate assets and liabilities are also consolidated in these financial statements. DFI’s ability to sell new receivables under this facility ended on December 4, 2008. (See Note 16 for further discussion of this facility)

Reporting Period

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to September 30 and consists of fifty-two weeks with the exception that approximately every six years, we have a fifty-three week year. When a fifty-three week year occurs, the Company reports the additional week in the fourth quarter. Fiscal 2009 was a fifty-three week year beginning on September 28, 2008 and ending on October 3, 2009.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in the fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 financial statements and notes to conform to the fiscal 2010 presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Broadcast advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. Revenues from television subscription services related to the Company’s primary cable programming services are recognized as services are provided. Certain of the Company’s contracts with cable and satellite operators include annual live programming commitments. In these cases, recognition of revenues subject to the commitments is deferred until the annual commitments are satisfied, which generally results in higher revenue recognition in the second half of the year.

Revenues from advance theme park ticket sales are recognized when the tickets are used. For non-expiring, multi-day tickets, revenues are recognized over a three-year time period based on estimated usage, which is derived from historical usage patterns.

Revenues from the theatrical distribution of motion pictures are recognized when motion pictures are exhibited. Revenues from DVD and video game sales, net of anticipated returns and customer incentives, are recognized on the date that video units are made available for sale by retailers. Revenues from the licensing of feature films and television programming are recorded when the content is available for telecast by the licensee and when certain other conditions are met.

Merchandise licensing advances and guarantee royalty payments are recognized based on the contractual royalty rate when the licensed product is sold by the licensee. Non-refundable advances and minimum guarantee royalty payments in excess of royalties earned are generally recognized as revenue at the end of the contract term.

Revenues from our internet and mobile operations are recognized as services are rendered. Advertising revenues at our internet operations are recognized when advertisements are viewed online.

Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a net basis.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on our analysis of trends in overall receivables aging, specific identification of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid, past collection experience and current economic trends. In times of domestic or global economic turmoil, the Company’s estimates and judgments with respect to the collectability of its receivables are subject to greater uncertainty than in more stable periods.

Advertising Expense

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $2.6 billion, $2.7 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less.

Investments

Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity” and reported at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity and marketable equity securities are classified as either “trading” or “available-for-sale”. Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings or accumulated other comprehensive

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

income/ (loss), respectively. All other equity securities are accounted for using either the cost method or the equity method.

The Company regularly reviews its investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written down to fair value.

Translation Policy

The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for the majority of our international operations. The local currency is the functional currency for Euro Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland, and international locations of The Disney Stores.

For U.S. dollar functional currency locations, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates, except for nonmonetary balance sheet accounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each period, except for those expenses related to the non-monetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in income.

For local currency functional locations, assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period rates while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the period. Equity is translated at historical rates and the resulting cumulative translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Inventories

Inventory primarily includes vacation timeshare units, merchandise, materials, and supplies. Carrying amounts of vacation ownership units are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Carrying amounts of merchandise, materials, and supplies inventories are generally determined on a moving average cost basis and are recorded at the lower of cost or market.

Film and Television Costs

Film and television costs include capitalizable production costs, production overhead, interest, development costs, and acquired production costs and are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. Acquired programming costs for the Company’s television and cable networks are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or net realizable value. Acquired television broadcast program licenses and rights are recorded when the license period begins and the program is available for use. Marketing, distribution, and general and administrative costs are expensed as incurred.

Film and television production, participation and residual costs are expensed based on the ratio of the current period’s revenues to estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each production. For film productions, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from the date of the initial theatrical release. For television network 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. For acquired film libraries, remaining revenues include amounts to be earned for up to twenty years from the date of acquisition. Costs of film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments which compare the estimated fair values with the unamortized costs. The amount by which the unamortized costs of film and television productions exceed their estimated fair values is written off. Film development costs for projects that have been abandoned or have not been set for production within three years are generally written off.

The costs of television broadcast rights for acquired movies, series and other programs are expensed 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. Rights costs for multi-year sports programming arrangements are amortized during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value of each season in the arrangement. The estimated values of each season are based on our projections of revenues over the contract period which include advertising revenues and an allocation of Affiliate Fees. If the contractual payments related to each season approximate each season’s relative value, we expense the related payment during the applicable season. Individual programs are written-off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program.

 

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(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The net realizable values of network 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 daytime, late night, primetime, news, children, and sports (includes network and cable). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated basis for each cable channel.

Internal-Use Software Costs

The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project stage of developing or acquiring internal use software, such as research and feasibility studies, as well as costs incurred in the post-implementation/operational stage, such as maintenance and training. Capitalization of software development costs occurs only after the preliminary-project stage is complete, management authorizes the project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used for the function intended. As of October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, capitalized software costs, net of accumulated depreciation, totaled $476 million and $595 million, respectively. The capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, ranging from 3-10 years.

Software Product Development Costs

Software product development costs incurred prior to reaching technological feasibility are expensed. We have determined that technological feasibility of our video game software is generally not established until substantially all product development is complete.

Parks, Resorts and Other Property

Parks, resorts, and other property are carried at historical cost. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Attractions

     25 – 40 years   

Buildings and improvements

     20 – 40 years   

Leasehold improvements

     Life of lease or asset life if less   

Land improvements

     20 – 40 years   

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     3 – 25 years   

Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets

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 generally an operating segment or one reporting level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill.

To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow) 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. 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.

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. Fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, as appropriate.

 

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(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

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 useful life of an asset group against the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by the 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 the 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 its carrying value. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amount, but only to the extent the carrying value of an 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.

During the current year, the Company tested its goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, and the impairment charges recorded were immaterial. During fiscal years 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded impairment charges of $142 million and $39 million, respectively, related to FCC radio licenses. During fiscal 2009, the Company also recorded a goodwill impairment charge totaling $29 million. The FCC radio license impairment charges reflected overall market declines in certain radio markets in which we operate. The FCC radio license and goodwill impairment charges, which were determined based on a discounted cash flow model, were recorded in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Amortizable intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 40 years. The costs to periodically renew our intangible assets are expensed as incurred. The Company has determined that there are currently no legal, competitive, economic or other factors that materially limit the useful life of our FCC licenses and trademarks.

The Company expects its aggregate annual amortization expense for existing amortizable intangible assets for fiscal years 2011 through 2015 to be as follows:

 

2011

   $ 151   

2012

     136   

2013

     111   

2014

     105   

2015

     104   

Risk Management Contracts

In the normal course of business, the Company employs a variety of financial instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and investments in equity and debt securities, including interest rate and cross-currency swap agreements; forward, option and “swaption” contracts and interest rate caps.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. There are two types of derivatives into which the Company enters: hedges of fair value exposure and hedges of cash flow exposure. Hedges of fair value exposure are entered into in order to hedge the fair value of a recognized asset, liability, or a firm commitment. Hedges of cash flow exposure are entered into in order to hedge a forecasted transaction (e.g. forecasted revenue) or the variability of cash flows to be paid or received, related to a recognized liability or asset (e.g. floating rate debt).

The Company designates and assigns the financial instruments as hedges of forecasted transactions, specific assets or specific liabilities. When hedged assets or liabilities are sold or extinguished or the forecasted transactions being hedged are no longer expected to occur, the Company recognizes the gain or loss on the designated hedging instruments.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Option premiums and unrealized gains on forward contracts and the accrued differential for interest rate and cross-currency swaps to be received under the agreements are recorded on the balance sheet as other assets. Unrealized losses on forward contracts and the accrued differential for interest rate and cross-currency swaps to be paid under the agreements are included in liabilities. Realized gains and losses from hedges are classified in the income statement consistent with the accounting treatment of the items being hedged. The Company accrues the differential for interest rate and cross-currency swaps to be paid or received under the agreements as interest rates and exchange rates change as adjustments to interest expense over the lives of the swaps. Gains and losses on the termination of effective swap agreements, prior to their original maturity, are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the underlying hedged transactions.

The Company enters into risk management contracts that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. These contracts are intended to offset certain economic exposures of the Company and are carried at market value with any changes in value recorded in earnings. Cash flows from hedging activities are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows under the same category as the cash flows from the related assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions (see Notes 9 and 17).

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for current and deferred income taxes and when appropriate, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded with respect to temporary differences in the accounting treatment of items for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes. Where, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some amount of recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established for that amount that, in management’s judgment, is sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

In July 2006, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company adopted this guidance on its income tax positions at the beginning of fiscal year 2008 which resulted in reductions of $148 million and $15 million to retained earnings and noncontrolling interests, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year which is calculated using the treasury-stock method for equity-based awards (Awards) and assumes conversion of the Company’s convertible senior notes which were redeemed during fiscal 2008 (see Note 12). Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods for which they have an anti-dilutive effect. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price over the period are anti-dilutive and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Reconciliations of income and the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding for calculating diluted earnings per share from net income and Awards excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as they were anti-dilutive, are as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Net income

   $ 4,313      $ 3,609      $ 4,729   

Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (350     (302     (302
                        

Net income attributable to Disney

     3,963        3,307        4,427   

Interest expense on convertible senior notes (net of tax)

     —          —          12   
                        
   $ 3,963      $ 3,307      $ 4,439   
                        

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic)

     1,915        1,856        1,890   

Weighted average dilutive impact of equity-based compensations awards

     33        19        34   

Weighted average assumed conversion of convertible senior notes

     —          —          24   
                        

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

     1,948        1,875        1,948   
                        

Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share

     37        145        70   
                        

3 New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables

In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance on revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables effective for the Company’s 2011 fiscal year. The guidance revises the criteria for separating, measuring, and allocating arrangement consideration to each deliverable in a multiple element arrangement. The guidance requires companies to allocate revenue using the relative selling price of each deliverable, which must be estimated if the Company does not have a history of selling the deliverable on a stand-alone basis or third-party evidence of selling price. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance on transfers and servicing of financial assets to eliminate the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity, change the requirements for off balance sheet accounting for financial assets including limiting the circumstances where off balance sheet treatment for a portion of a financial asset is allowable, and require additional disclosures. The guidance is effective for the Company’s 2011 fiscal year. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its financial statements.

Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance to revise the approach to determine when a variable interest entity (VIE) should be consolidated. The new consolidation model for VIEs considers whether an entity has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and shares in the significant risks and rewards of the entity. The guidance on VIE’s requires companies to continually reassess VIEs to determine if consolidation is appropriate and provide additional disclosures. The guidance is effective for the Company’s 2011 fiscal year. The Company is assessing the potential effect this guidance will have on its financial statements.

Collaborative Arrangements

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that defines collaborative arrangements and establishes accounting and reporting requirements for such arrangements. A collaborative arrangement is a contractual arrangement that involves a joint operating activity, for example an agreement to co-produce and distribute a motion picture with another studio. The Company adopted the provisions of this collaborative arrangement guidance at the beginning of fiscal year 2010. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that establishes principles and requirements for determining how a company recognizes and measures the fair value of certain assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, including noncontrolling interests, contingent consideration, and certain acquired contingencies. The guidance on business combinations also requires acquisition-related transaction expenses and restructuring costs be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized. The Company adopted the provisions of this business combination guidance and applied the guidance prospectively at the beginning of fiscal year 2010.

Noncontrolling Interest (Minority Interest)

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting and reporting for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary which requires that noncontrolling interests be reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and that net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests and net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company be presented separately in the consolidated statement of income. The Company adopted the provisions of this noncontrolling interest guidance at the beginning of fiscal year 2010.

Employee Compensation – Retirement Benefits

In September 2006, the FASB issued guidance that requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and changes in that funded status to be recognized in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. The guidance on retirement benefits also requires measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the end of the fiscal year. The Company adopted the recognition provision in fiscal year 2007 which resulted in a $261 million charge to accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company adopted the measurement date provision by remeasuring plan assets and benefit obligations at the beginning of fiscal 2009. Adoption of the measurement date provisions resulted in a reduction of $35 million to retained earnings and a $100 million benefit to accumulated other comprehensive income.

Key assumptions used for the measurement of pension and postretirement medical plans at the beginning of fiscal 2009 were 7.80% for the discount rate, 7.50% for the rate of return on plan assets, and 5.00% for salary increases. Based on this measurement of plan assets and benefit obligations, pension and postretirement medical costs decreased to approximately $214 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $255 million for fiscal 2008. The decrease in pension and postretirement medical expense was primarily due to an increase in the discount rate used to measure the present value of plan obligations.

Income Tax

In July 2006, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company adopted the guidance on income taxes at the beginning of fiscal year 2008. Applying the guidance on income taxes to all tax positions upon adoption resulted in reductions of $148 million and $15 million to opening retained earnings and noncontrolling interests, respectively.

4 Acquisitions

Playdom

On August 27, 2010, the Company acquired Playdom, Inc. (Playdom), a company that develops online social games. This acquisition is designed to strengthen the Company’s digital gaming portfolio and provide access to a new customer base. Playdom shareholders will receive total consideration of approximately $563 million, subject to certain conditions and adjustments, of which approximately $125 million will be paid subject to vesting conditions and recognized as post-close compensation expense. Additional consideration of up to $200 million may be paid if Playdom achieves predefined revenues and earnings targets for calendar year 2012. The Company has recognized the fair value (determined by a probability weighting of the potential payouts) of the additional consideration as a

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

liability and subsequent fair value changes, measured quarterly, up to the ultimate amount paid, will be recognized in earnings.

The Company is in the process of finalizing the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The Disney Store Japan

On March 31, 2010, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Retail Networks Company Limited (The Disney Store Japan) in exchange for a $17 million note. At the time of the acquisition, The Disney Store Japan had a cash balance of $13 million. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recognized a $22 million non-cash gain from the deemed termination of the existing licensing arrangement. The gain is reported in “Other income” in the fiscal 2010 Consolidated Statement of Income.

Marvel

On December 31, 2009, the Company completed a cash and stock acquisition for the outstanding capital stock of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (Marvel), a character-based entertainment company. This acquisition is consistent with the Company’s strategic value creation through utilization of intellectual properties across Disney’s multiple platforms and territories.

The acquisition purchase price totaled $4.2 billion. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition, Marvel shareholders received $30 per share in cash and 0.7452 Disney shares for each Marvel share they owned. In total, the Company paid $2.4 billion in cash and distributed shares valued at $1.9 billion (approximately 59 million shares of Disney common stock at a price of $32.25).

The Company is required to allocate the purchase price to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values is recorded as goodwill.

The following table summarizes our allocation of the purchase price:

 

     Estimated Fair
Value
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 105   

Accounts receivable and other assets

     137   

Film costs

     304   

Intangible assets

     2,870   

Goodwill

     2,269   
        

Total assets acquired

     5,685   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (320

Deferred income taxes

     (1,033

Noncontrolling interests

     (90
        
   $ 4,242   
        

Intangible assets primarily consist of character-based intellectual property with an estimated useful life of approximately 40 years.

The goodwill reflects the value to Disney from leveraging Marvel intellectual property across our distribution channels, taking advantage of Disney’s established global reach. The goodwill recorded as part of this acquisition is not amortizable for tax purposes.

AETN / Lifetime

On September 15, 2009, the Company and the Hearst Corporation (Hearst) both contributed their 50% interests in Lifetime Entertainment Services LLC (Lifetime) to A&E Television Networks, LLC (AETN) in exchange for an increased interest in AETN. Prior to this transaction, the Company and Hearst each held 37.5% of AETN while

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

NBC Universal (NBCU) held 25%. The Company accounted for the transaction as a sale of a portion of its interest in Lifetime which resulted in a $228 million non-cash pre-tax gain ($142 million after-tax) reflecting the difference between the Company’s carrying amount of the Lifetime interest sold and the fair value of the incremental AETN interest received. Following the transaction the Company’s ownership interest in the combined AETN/Lifetime is approximately 42%. Under the terms of the agreement, NBCU may elect or be required to exit the combined AETN/Lifetime over a period of up to 15 years, in which event the Company and Hearst would each own 50%. The Company accounts for its interest in the combined AETN/Lifetime as an equity method investment consistent with how it previously accounted for AETN and Lifetime.

Jetix Europe

In December 2008, the Company acquired an additional 26% interest in Jetix Europe N.V., a publicly traded pan-European kids’ entertainment company, for approximately $354 million (bringing our total ownership interest to over 99%). The Company intends to acquire the remaining outstanding shares through market purchases and other means.

UTV

On May 9, 2008, the Company acquired a 24% interest (bringing its undiluted interest to 37%) in UTV Software Communications Limited (UTV), a media company headquartered and publicly traded in India, for approximately $197 million. In accordance with Indian securities regulations, the Company was required to make an open tender offer to purchase up to an additional 23% of UTV’s publicly traded voting shares for a price equivalent to the May 9th, 2008 Indian rupee purchase price. In November 2008, the Company completed the open offer and acquired an incremental 23% of UTV’s voting shares for approximately $138 million bringing its undiluted interest to 60%. Due to the change in the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Indian rupee from May to November, the US dollar price per share was lower in November than in May. UTV’s founder has a four-year option which expires in November 2012 to buy all or a portion of the shares acquired by the Company during the open-offer period at a price no less than the Company’s open-offer price. If the trading price upon exercise of the option exceeds the price paid by the Company, then the option price is capped at the Company’s open-offer price plus a 10% annual return. The Company does not have the right to vote the shares subject to the option until the expiration of the option and accordingly the Company’s ownership interest in voting shares is 48%. In January 2010, UTV issued additional shares in exchange for the outstanding noncontrolling interest of one of its subsidiaries diluting the Company’s direct interest in UTV to 50% (39% voting interest) while increasing the Company’s indirect interest in the subsidiary. In addition to the acquisition of UTV, on August 5, 2008, the Company invested $28 million in a UTV subsidiary, UTV Global Broadcasting Limited (along with UTV, the “UTV Group”). The Company’s investment in the UTV Group is accounted for under the equity method.

In fiscal 2009, the Company wrote down its investment in UTV to fair value and recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $65 million. The fair value of the Company’s investment in UTV was estimated based on the Company’s internal valuation of the UTV business using an income approach (discounted cash flow model). The Company believes the principal market for its long-term strategic investment in UTV would be a privately negotiated transaction with another strategic investor and that the participants in this market would value this investment using the income approach. Accordingly, the income approach provided the most appropriate indicator of fair value of the Company’s investment in UTV rather than the price of individual shares traded on Indian stock exchanges. The value of the Company’s investment in the UTV Group based on the current trading price exceeds the book value of $253 million at October 2, 2010 by approximately 5%.

The Disney Stores North America

On April 30, 2008, the Company acquired certain assets of the Disney Stores North America for approximately $64 million in cash from, and terminated its long-term licensing arrangement for the Disney Stores with, The Children’s Place, the former licensee. The Company acquired the inventory, leasehold improvements, and certain fixed assets of, and assumed the leases on, 229 stores. The Company conducted the wind-down and closure of an additional 88 stores but did not assume the leases on these stores.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company waived its rights to certain claims against The Children’s Place and in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance recorded an $18 million non-cash gain for the estimated fair value of the claims. The gain is classified in “Other income (expense)” in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

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(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 are as follows:

 

     Media
Networks
    Parks and
Resorts
    Studio
Entertainment
    Consumer
Products
    Interactive
Media
    Total  

Goodwill

   $ 15,500      $ 172      $ 4,751      $ 423      $ 619      $ 21,465   

Accumulated impairments

     —          —          —          —          —          —     
                                                

Balance at September 27, 2008

   $ 15,500        172        4,751        423        619        21,465   

Acquisitions

     258        —          —          —          20        278   

Impairments

     —          —          —          —          (29     (29

Other, net

     (14     —          (14     (1     (2     (31
                                                

Balance at October 3, 2009

   $ 15,744      $ 172      $ 4,737      $ 422      $ 608      $ 21,683   

Goodwill

   $ 15,744      $ 172      $ 4,737      $ 422      $ 637      $ 21,712   

Accumulated impairments

     —          —          —          —          (29     (29
                                                

Balance at October 3, 2009

     15,744        172        4,737        422        608        21,683   

Acquisitions

     —          —          781        1,394        511        2,686   

Dispositions

     (3     —          —          (9     —          (12

Other, net (1)

     (4     (1     (250     (2     —          (257
                                                

Balance at October 2, 2010

   $ 15,737      $ 171      $ 5,268      $ 1,805      $ 1,119      $ 24,100   
                                                

 

(1)

The amount for Studio Entertainment includes a reclassification of $232 million for Miramax goodwill to “Other Assets” in the fiscal 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 5.

5 Dispositions and Other Income (Expense)

Miramax

On July 29, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the majority of the assets of the Miramax business (Miramax) for $663 million, subject to closing conditions and adjustments. The Miramax assets along with $232 million of allocable goodwill have been classified as held for sale and reported in “Other Assets” in the fiscal 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The transaction is expected to close by the end of calendar 2010.

Other Dispositions

The following dispositions occurred during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008:

 

   

On May 12, 2010, the Company sold the rights and assets related to the Power Rangers property for $65 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $43 million

 

   

On January 27, 2010, the Company sold its investment in a pay television service in Europe for $78 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $48 million

 

   

On November 25, 2009, the Company sold its investment in a television service in Europe for $37 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $27 million

 

   

On December 22, 2008, the Company sold its investment in two pay television services in Latin America, for approximately $185 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $114 million

 

   

The movies.com business was sold for $17 million on June 18, 2008, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $14 million.

These gains are reported in “Other income (expense)” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

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(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Other income (expense)

Other income (expense) is as follows:

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Gain on sales of investments in television services in Europe

   $ 75       $ —         $ —     

Gain on sale of Power Rangers property

     43         —           —     

Gain related to the acquisition of The Disney Store Japan

     22         

Gain on Lifetime/AETN transaction

     —           228         —     

Gain on sale of investment in two pay television services in Latin America

     —           114         —     

Gain related to the acquisition of The Disney Store North America

     —           —           18   

Gain on sale of movies.com

     —           —           14   

Bad debt charge for Lehman Brothers receivable

     —           —           (91
                          

Other income (expense)

   $ 140       $ 342       $ (59
                          

6 Investments

Investments consist of the following:

 

     October 2,
2010
     October 3,
2009
 

Investments, equity basis(1)

   $ 2,123       $ 2,173   

Investments, other

     354         341   

Investment in aircraft leveraged leases

     36         40   
                 
   $ 2,513       $ 2,554   
                 

 

(1)

Equity investments consist of investments in companies over which the Company has significant influence but not the majority of the equity or risks and rewards.

Investments, Equity Basis

A summary of combined financial information for equity investments, which primarily includes cable investments such as AETN/Lifetime, is as follows:

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Results of Operations:

        

Revenues

   $ 5,148       $ 4,656       $ 4,981   
                          

Net Income

   $ 1,166       $ 1,346       $ 1,455   
                          
     October 2,
2010
     October 3,
2009
     September 27,
2008
 

Balance Sheet

        

Current assets

   $ 3,055       $ 2,928       $ 3,230   

Non-current assets

     5,643         5,561         1,653   
                          
   $ 8,698       $ 8,489       $ 4,883   
                          

Current liabilities

   $ 1,504       $ 1,369       $ 1,403   

Non-current liabilities

     1,039         1,002         1,191   

Shareholders’ equity

     6,155         6,118         2,289   
                          
   $ 8,698       $ 8,489       $ 4,883   
                          

 

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(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Investments, Other

As of October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, the Company held $79 million and $78 million, respectively, of securities classified as available-for-sale and $275 million and $263 million, respectively, of non-publicly traded cost-method investments.

In 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company had no significant gains or losses on available-for-sale securities.

In 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $26 million, $86 million (principally related to our investment in UTV Group) and $26 million, respectively, to reflect other-than-temporary losses in value of certain investments.

7 Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland

The Company has a 51% effective ownership interest in the operations of Euro Disney and a 47% ownership interest in the operations of Hong Kong Disneyland, both of which are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

The following table presents summarized balance sheet information for the Company as of October 2, 2010, reflecting the impact of consolidating the balance sheets of Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland.

 

     Before Euro Disney
and Hong Kong
Disneyland
Consolidation
     Euro Disney,
Hong Kong
Disneyland and
Adjustments
    Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,065       $ 657      $ 2,722   

Other current assets

     9,264         239        9,503   
                         

Total current assets

     11,329         896        12,225   

Investments

     3,581         (1,068     2,513   

Fixed assets

     13,610         4,196        17,806   

Other assets

     36,564         98        36,662   
                         

Total assets

   $ 65,084       $ 4,122      $ 69,206   
                         

Current portion of borrowings

   $ 2,182       $ 168      $ 2,350   

Other current liabilities

     8,069         581        8,650   
                         

Total current liabilities

     10,251         749        11,000   

Borrowings

     7,712         2,418        10,130   

Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities

     8,582         152        8,734   

Equity

     38,539         803        39,342   
                         

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 65,084       $ 4,122      $ 69,206   
                         

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The following table presents summarized income statement information of the Company for the year ended October 2, 2010, reflecting the impact of consolidating the income statements of Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland.

 

     Before Euro
Disney and Hong
Kong Disneyland
Consolidation (1)
    Euro Disney,
Hong Kong
Disneyland and
Adjustments
    Total  

Revenues

   $ 36,010      $ 2,053      $ 38,063   

Cost and expenses

     (29,333     (2,004     (31,337

Restructuring and impairment charges

     (270     —          (270

Other expense

     140        —          140   

Net interest expense

     (299     (110     (409

Equity in the income of investees

     409        31        440   
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

     6,657        (30     6,627   

Income taxes

     (2,298     (16     (2,314
                        

Net income

   $ 4,359      $ (46   $ 4,313   
                        

 

(1)

These amounts include Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland under the equity method of accounting. As such, royalty and management fee income from these operations is included in Revenues and our share of their net income/(loss) is included in Equity in the income of investees.

The following table presents summarized cash flow statement information of the Company for the year ended October 2, 2010, reflecting the impact of consolidating the cash flow statements of Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland.

 

     Before Euro
Disney and Hong
Kong Disneyland
Consolidation
    Euro Disney,
Hong Kong
Disneyland and
Adjustments
    Total  

Cash provided by operations

   $ 6,166      $ 412      $ 6,578   

Investments in parks, resorts, and other property

     (1,872     (238     (2,110

Other investing activities

     (2,442     29        (2,413

Cash used in financing activities

     (2,598     (152     (2,750
                        

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (746     51        (695

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     2,811        606        3,417   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 2,065      $ 657      $ 2,722   
                        

Euro Disney Financial Restructuring

Effective October 1, 2004, Euro Disney, the Company, and Euro Disney’s lenders finalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) related to the financial restructuring of Euro Disney (the 2005 Financial Restructuring) which provided for new financing as well as the restructuring of Euro Disney’s existing financing at that time. The transactions contemplated by the MOA were fully implemented on February 23, 2005 with the completion of a €253 million equity rights offering in which the Company invested €100 million. The MOA included provisions for deferral of certain royalties and management fees payable by Euro Disney to the Company as follows:

 

   

Royalties and management fees for fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2009, totaling €125 million, payable to the Company have been deferred and converted into subordinated long-term borrowings

 

   

Royalties and management fees for fiscal 2007 through fiscal 2014, of up to €25 million per year, are subject to conditional deferral and conversion into subordinated long-term borrowings if operating results do not achieve specified levels. Royalties and management fees for fiscal 2008 and 2007, subject to conditional deferral, were not deferred and have been paid. Royalties and management fees for fiscal 2009, subject to conditional deferral, have been deferred and converted into subordinated long-term borrowings. Based on

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

operating results and subject to third-party confirmation, the Company will defer €25 million of royalties and management fees subject to conditional deferral for fiscal 2010

Certain indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company have liability as current or former general partners of Disney S.C.A. In addition to their equity interest in Disney S.C.A., certain of these subsidiaries of the Company have been capitalized with interest-bearing demand notes with an aggregate face value of €200 million. In addition, interest of €38 million has accrued on the notes from the date of issuance and has been added to the amount owed.

Hong Kong Disneyland capital realignment

In July 2009, the Company entered into a capital realignment and expansion plan for Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Hong Kong Disneyland’s majority shareholder. Key provisions of the plan include:

 

   

The Company converted its $354 million term and revolving credit facility loan to HKDL into equity during fiscal 2009. This was accompanied by conversion of an equal amount of the HKSAR loan to HKDL into equity

 

   

The Company would make approximately $0.45 billion of equity contributions over approximately five years to fund an expansion of HKDL and other financial needs during this period. The actual amount of equity contributions by the Company may differ depending on the actual final cost of the expansion and operating results of HKDL during the relevant timeframe. The HKSAR will convert an additional amount of its loan to HKDL equal to these contributions into equity, subject to a maximum conversion amount that would leave approximately $128 million (HK $1.0 billion) of the HKSAR loan to HKDL outstanding. At October 2, 2010, the HKSAR loan to HKDL was $473 million. During fiscal 2010 and 2009, the Company made equity contributions totaling $66 million and $40 million, respectively.

As a result of the above arrangement, the Company’s interest in HKDL has increased from 43% to 47% and is projected to increase to approximately 48% although the Company’s ending ownership will depend on the aggregate amount of equity contributions made by the Company pursuant to the expansion plan.

8 Film and Television Costs

Film and Television costs are as follows:

 

     October 2,
2010
     October 3,
2009
 

Theatrical film costs

     

Released, less amortization

   $ 1,551       $ 1,513   

Completed, not released

     290         379   

In-process

     1,325         1,516   

In development or pre-production

     138         136   
                 
     3,304         3,544   
                 

Television costs

     

Released, less amortization

     790         824   

Completed, not released

     164         204   

In-process

     153         129   

In development or pre-production

     6         17   
                 
     1,113         1,174   
                 

Television broadcast rights

     1,034         1,038   
                 
     5,451         5,756   

Less current portion

     678         631   
                 

Non-current portion

   $ 4,773       $ 5,125   
                 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Based on management’s total gross revenue estimates as of October 2, 2010, approximately 82% of unamortized film and television costs for released productions (excluding amounts allocated to acquired film and television libraries) is expected to be amortized during the next three years. Approximately $694 million of accrued participation and residual liabilities will be paid in fiscal year 2011. The Company expects to amortize, based on current estimates, approximately $1.4 billion in capitalized film and television production costs during fiscal 2011.

At October 2, 2010, acquired film and television libraries have remaining unamortized costs of $287 million, which are generally amortized straight-line over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 10 years.

9 Borrowings

The Company’s borrowings at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, including the impact of interest rate swaps designated as hedges, are summarized below:

 

                   2010  
                         Interest rate and
Cross-Currency Swaps (2)
              
     2010      2009      Stated
Interest
Rate  (1)
    Pay
Floating
     Pay Fixed      Effective
Interest
Rate  (3)
    Swap
Maturities
 

Commercial paper borrowings

   $ 1,190       $ —           0.23   $ —         $ —           0.23  

U.S. medium-term notes

     6,815         7,618         5.71     1,350         —           4.47     2011-2018   

European medium-term notes

     273         347         2.15     273         —           0.78     2011-2013   

Other foreign currency denominated debt

     965         904         0.91     965         —           0.71     2013   

Capital Cities/ABC debt

     115         116         8.75     —           —           6.06  

Film financing

     —           350         —          —           —           —       

Other(4)

     536         498         —          —           —           —       
                                          
     9,894         9,833         4.21     2,588         —           3.27  

Euro Disney (ED) and Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL):

                  

ED – CDC loans

     1,417         1,480         5.04     —           —           5.12  

ED – Credit facilities & other

     228         362         3.89     —           —           5.74  

ED – Other advances

     468         502         3.02     —           —           3.10  

HKDL – Borrowings

     473         524         3.34     —           —           3.19  
                                          
     2,586         2,868         4.25     —           —           4.45  
                                          

Total borrowings

     12,480         12,701         4.22     2,588         —           3.51  

Less current portion

     2,350         1,206         2.01     439         —           1.32  
                                          

Total long-term borrowings

   $ 10,130       $ 11,495         $ 2,149       $ —          
                                          

 

(1)

The stated interest rate represents the weighted-average coupon rate for each category of borrowings. For floating rate borrowings, interest rates are based upon the rates at October 2, 2010; these rates are not necessarily an indication of future interest rates.

(2)

Amounts represent notional values of interest rate and cross-currency swaps as of October 2, 2010

(3)

The effective interest rate includes the impact of existing and terminated interest rate and cross-currency swaps on the stated rate of interest and reflects the estimated market interest rate for certain Euro Disney borrowings as of the time that they were modified during the 2005 Financial Restructuring. Other adjustments to the stated interest rate such as purchase accounting adjustments and debt issuance costs did not have a material impact on the overall effective interest rate.

(4)

Includes market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges totaling $315 million and $291 million at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Commercial Paper

At October 2, 2010, the Company had $1.2 billion of commercial paper debt outstanding and two bank facilities totaling $4.5 billion to support the commercial paper borrowings. One of the facilities is scheduled to expire in February 2011 and the other in February 2013. These bank facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, which depends on the Company’s public debt rating and can range from 0.18% to 4.5%. The Company also has the ability to issue up to $800 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring in 2011, which if utilized, reduces available borrowing under this facility. As of October 2, 2010, $225 million of letters of credit had been issued under this facility. The Company’s bank facilities contain only one financial covenant, relating to interest coverage, which the Company met on October 2, 2010 by a significant margin. The Company’s bank facilities also specifically exclude certain entities, including Euro Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland, from any representations, covenants, or events of default.

Shelf Registration Statement

At October 2, 2010, the Company had a shelf registration statement which allows the Company to issue various types of debt instruments, such as fixed or floating rate notes, U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes, redeemable notes, global notes, and dual currency or other indexed notes. Issuances under the shelf registration will require the filing of a prospectus supplement identifying the amount and terms of the securities to be issued. Our ability to issue debt is subject to market conditions and other factors impacting our borrowing capacity.

U.S. Medium-Term Note Program

At October 2, 2010, the total debt outstanding under U.S. medium-term note programs was $6.8 billion. The maturities of current outstanding borrowings range from 1 to 83 years and stated interest rates range from 0% to 7.55%.

European Medium-Term Note Program

At October 2, 2010, the Company had a European medium-term note program for the issuance of various types of debt instruments such as fixed or floating rate notes, U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes, redeemable notes and index linked or dual currency notes. The size of the program is $4.0 billion. The remaining capacity under the program is $3.7 billion, subject to market conditions and other factors impacting our borrowing capacity. The remaining capacity under the program replenishes as outstanding debt under the program matures. At October 2, 2010, the total debt outstanding under the program was $273 million. The maturities of outstanding borrowings range from 1 to 3 years, and stated interest rates range from 0.72% to 4.90%. The Company has outstanding borrowings under the program denominated in U.S. dollars and Japanese Yen (JPY).

Other Foreign Currency Denominated Debt

In connection with the acquisition of Club Penguin Entertainment, Inc. in July 2007, the Company executed a credit agreement denominated in Canadian dollars (CAD) and borrowed CAD328 million ($319 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates). The loan bears interest at CAD LIBOR plus 0.225% (1.46% at October 2, 2010) and matures in 2013.

In July 2008, the Company executed a loan agreement denominated in JPY and borrowed JPY54 billion ($647 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates). The loan bears interest at Japanese LIBOR plus 0.42% (0.64% at October 2, 2010) and matures in 2013.

Capital Cities/ABC Debt

In connection with the Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. acquisition in 1996, the Company assumed various debt previously issued by Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. At October 2, 2010, the outstanding balance was $115 million, matures in 2021 and has a stated interest rate of 8.75%.

Film Financing

In August 2005, the Company entered into a film financing arrangement with a group of investors to fund up to approximately $500 million for 40% of the production and marketing costs of a slate of up to thirty-two live-action films, in return for approximately 40% of the future net cash flows generated by these films. By entering into this transaction, the Company was able to share the risks and rewards of the performance of its live-action film production and distribution activity with outside investors. The cumulative investment in the slate by the investors, net of the cash flows generated by the slate that are returned to the investors, is classified as borrowings.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Interest expense recognized from these borrowings is variable and is determined using the effective interest method based on the projected profitability of the film slate.

The last film of the slate was completed in fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2010, the Company purchased the investors’ remaining interest in the slate. As of October 2, 2010, there were no outstanding borrowings under this arrangement.

Euro Disney Borrowings

 

     October 2,
2010
     October 3,
2009
 

CDC senior debt

   $ 326       $ 349   

CDC subordinated debt – original and 1994 financing

     373         400   

CDC subordinated debt – Walt Disney Studios Park financing

     718         731   
                 

CDC loans

     1,417         1,480   

Credit facilities and other

     228         362   

Other advances

     468         502   
                 
   $ 2,113       $ 2,344   
                 

Euro Disney — Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) loans. Pursuant to Euro Disney’s original financing and the terms of a 1994 financial restructuring, Euro Disney borrowed funds from the CDC, a French state bank. As of October 2, 2010, these borrowings consisted of approximately €239 million ($326 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) of senior debt and €274 million ($373 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) of subordinated debt. The senior debt is collateralized primarily by the Disneyland Park, certain hotels, and land assets of Disneyland Paris with a net book value of approximately €1.2 billion ($1.6 billion at October 2, 2010 exchange rates), whereas the subordinated debt is unsecured. Interest on the senior and subordinated debt is payable semiannually. Of these CDC loans, €470 million ($640 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.15%. The remaining CDC loans of €43 million ($58 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.15%. The loans mature from fiscal year 2011 to fiscal year 2024.

Euro Disney also executed a credit agreement with the CDC to finance a portion of the construction costs of Walt Disney Studios Park. As of October 2, 2010, approximately €527 million ($718 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) of subordinated loans were outstanding under this agreement. The loans bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.15% per annum. The loans mature between fiscal years 2015 and 2028.

Pursuant to the 2005 Financial Restructuring, the CDC agreed to conditionally defer and convert to subordinated long-term borrowings, if operating results do not achieve specified levels, interest payments up to a maximum amount of €20 million ($28 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) per year for fiscal year 2005 through fiscal year 2012 and €23 million ($31 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) for each of the fiscal years 2013 and 2014. Euro Disney has deferred €20 million of interest originally payable for each of fiscal year 2005 and 2006 as well as €7 million of accrued interest on these amounts (collectively €47 million). Euro Disney did not defer any CDC interest for fiscal years 2007 and 2008. Euro Disney deferred €20 million ($28 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) of interest related to fiscal 2009, deferred €15 million ($21 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) of interest related to fiscal 2010, and will defer the remaining €5 million ($7 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) related to fiscal 2010 in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The interest deferral related to fiscal 2010 is subject to third party confirmation of Euro Disney’s operating results.

Euro Disney — Credit facilities and other. Pursuant to Euro Disney’s original financing with a syndicate of international banks and the terms of a 1994 financial restructuring, Euro Disney borrowed funds which are collateralized primarily by the Disneyland Park, the hotels, and land assets of Disneyland Paris with a net book value of approximately €1.2 billion ($1.6 billion at October 2, 2010 exchange rates). At October 2, 2010, the total

 

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(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

balance outstanding was €167 million ($228 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates). The loans mature between fiscal years 2011 and 2013 and bear interest at a rate of EURIBOR plus 3% (3.89% at October 2, 2010).

Euro Disney — Other advances. Advances of €331 million ($451 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) are collateralized by certain hotel assets and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.0%. The remaining advances of €12 million ($17 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) are collateralized by certain hotel assets and bear interest at EURIBOR plus 3% (3.89% at October 2, 2010). The advances are expected to mature between fiscal years 2011 and 2017.

Euro Disney has covenants under its debt agreements that limit its investment and financing activities and require it to meet certain annual financial performance covenants. Subject to final third-party review as provided in its debt agreements, Euro Disney has complied with its financial performance covenants for fiscal year 2010.

Hong Kong Disneyland — Borrowings. Hong Kong Disneyland has an unsecured loan facility of HK$3.7 billion ($473 million at October 2, 2010 exchange rates) from the HKSAR that is scheduled to mature on dates through September 12, 2030. The interest rate on this loan is subject to biannual revisions, but is capped at an annual rate of 6.75% (until March 12, 2014), 7.625% (until March 12, 2022) and 8.50% (until September 12, 2030). As of October 2, 2010, the rate on the loans was 3.34%.

Hong Kong Disneyland Capital Realignment Plan

In July 2009, the Company entered into a capital realignment and expansion plan (the Plan) for Hong Kong Disneyland with the HKSAR. See Note 7 for further details of the Plan.

Total borrowings excluding market value adjustments, have the following scheduled maturities:

 

     Before Euro Disney
and Hong Kong
Disneyland
Consolidation
     Euro Disney and
Hong Kong
Disneyland
     Total  

2011

   $ 2,165       $ 167       $ 2,332   

2012

     1,288         208         1,496   

2013

     1,813         182         1,995   

2014

     1,467         51         1,518   

2015

     68         132         200   

Thereafter

     2,778         1,846         4,624   
                          
   $ 9,579       $ 2,586       $ 12,165   
                          

The Company capitalizes interest on assets constructed for its parks, resorts, and other property and on theatrical productions. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, total interest capitalized was $82 million, $57 million, and $62 million, respectively. Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, for 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $456 million, $588 million and $712 million.

 

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(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

10 Income Taxes

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Income Before Income Taxes

      

Domestic (including U.S. exports)

   $ 6,074      $ 5,472      $ 6,692   

Foreign subsidiaries

     553        186        710   
                        
   $ 6,627      $ 5,658      $ 7,402   
                        

Income Tax Expense / (Benefit)

      

Current

      

Federal

   $ 1,530      $ 1,278      $ 2,072   

State

     236        195        366   

Foreign

     432        312        362   
                        
     2,198        1,785        2,800   
                        

Deferred

      

Federal

     307        296        (95

State

     (191     (32     (32
                        
     116        264        (127
                        
   $ 2,314      $ 2,049      $ 2,673   
                        

 

     October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
 

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

    

Deferred tax assets

    

Accrued liabilities

   $ (2,270   $ (2,083

Foreign subsidiaries

     (553     (626

Equity-based compensation

     (379     (409

Noncontrolling interest net operating losses

     (375     (328

Other

     (290     (122
                

Total deferred tax assets

     (3,867     (3,568
                

Deferred tax liabilities

    

Depreciable, amortizable and other property

     4,510        3,238   

Licensing revenues

     328        373   

Leveraged leases

     49        49   

Other

     189        199   
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

     5,076        3,859   
                

Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance

     1,209        291   

Valuation allowance

     404        388   
                

Net deferred tax liability

   $ 1,613      $ 679   
                

The valuation allowance principally relates to a $375 million deferred tax asset for the noncontrolling interest share of operating losses at Euro Disney. The ultimate utilization of the noncontrolling interest share of the net operating losses, which have an indefinite carryforward period, would not have an impact on the Company's net income attributable to Disney as any income tax benefit would be offset by a charge to noncontrolling interest in the income statement.

As of October 2, 2010, the Company had undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $167 million for which deferred taxes have not been provided. The Company intends to reinvest these earnings for the foreseeable future. If these amounts were distributed to the United States, in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes. Assuming the permanently reinvested foreign earnings were repatriated under laws and rates applicable at 2010 fiscal year end, the incremental U.S. tax applicable to the earnings would be approximately $16 million.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the federal rate is as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Federal income tax rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

State taxes, net of federal benefit

     2.6        2.6        3.0   

Domestic production activity deduction

     (1.7     (1.8     (1.3

Other, including tax reserves and related interest

     (1.0     0.4        (0.6
                        
     34.9     36.2     36.1
                        

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 made a number of changes to the income tax laws including the creation of a deduction for qualifying domestic production activities. The deduction equals three percent of qualifying net income for fiscal 2007, six percent for fiscal 2008 through 2010, and nine percent for fiscal 2011 and thereafter. Our tax provisions for fiscal years 2010, 2009, and 2008 reflect benefits of $111 million, $100 million and $97 million, respectively, resulting from this deduction.

The Company adopted new accounting guidance for income taxes at the beginning of fiscal year 2008. See Note 2 for the impact of adopting this guidance.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the related accrual for interest, is as follows:

 

     2010     2009  

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 686      $ 655   

Increases for current year tax positions

     58        63   

Increases for prior year tax positions

     141        17   

Decreases in prior year tax positions

     (192     (7

Settlements with taxing authorities

     (13     (42
                

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 680      $ 686   
                

The year end 2010 and 2009 balances include $473 million and $367 million, respectively, that if recognized, would reduce our income tax expense and effective tax rate. These amounts are net of the offsetting benefits from other tax jurisdictions.

As of year end 2010 and 2009, the Company had $163 million and $142 million, respectively, in accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits. During 2010 and 2009, the Company accrued additional interest of $28 million and $27 million, respectively, and recorded reductions in accrued interest of $7 million and $12 million, respectively, as a result of audit settlements and other prior-year adjustments. The Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.

During the current year, the Company resolved various refund claims and other matters with tax authorities. The Company is also subject to U.S. federal, state and local and foreign tax audits. The Company is no longer subject to examination in any of its major state or foreign tax jurisdictions for years prior to 2003.

In the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could change due to the resolution of tax matters, including payments on the tax matters discussed above. These resolutions and payments could reduce our unrecognized tax benefits by $44 million.

In fiscal 2010, income tax benefits attributable to equity-based compensation transactions exceeded the amounts recorded based on grant date fair value. Accordingly, $61 million was credited to shareholders’ equity. In fiscal year 2009, income tax benefits attributable to equity-based compensation transactions were less than the amounts recorded at grant date and a shortfall of $26 million was charged to shareholder’s equity. In fiscal year 2008,

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

income tax benefits attributable to equity-based compensation transactions exceeded amounts recorded at grant date and accordingly $45 million was credited to shareholders’ equity.

11 Pension and Other Benefit Programs

The Company maintains pension and postretirement medical benefit plans covering most of its employees not covered by union or industry-wide plans. Employees generally hired after January 1, 1994 and employees generally hired after January 1, 1987 for certain of our media businesses are not eligible for postretirement medical benefits. With respect to its defined benefit pension plans, the Company’s policy is to fund, at a minimum, the amount necessary on an actuarial basis to provide for benefits in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA). Pension benefits are generally based on years of service and/or compensation.

The following chart summarizes the benefit obligations, assets, funded status and balance sheet impacts associated with the pension and postretirement medical benefit plans based upon the actuarial valuations prepared as of October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009.

 

     Pension Plans     Postretirement Medical Plans  
     October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
    October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
 

Projected benefit obligations

        

Beginning obligations

   $ (6,992   $ (5,249   $ (1,227   $ (1,030

Adoption of new measurement date

     —          452        —          102   

Service cost

     (263     (164     (21     (17

Interest cost

     (396     (363     (70     (71

Actuarial (loss) / gain

     (641     (1,835     7        (235

Plan amendments and other

     16        (8     —          —     

Benefits paid

     192        175        31        24   
                                

Ending obligations

   $ (8,084   $ (6,992   $ (1,280   $ (1,227
                                

Fair value of plans' assets

        

Beginning fair value

   $ 4,833      $ 4,955      $ 297      $ 351   

Adoption of new measurement date

     —          (420     —          (33

Actual return on plan assets

     649        25        34        (9

Contributions

     421        468        12        12   

Benefits paid

     (192     (175     (31     (24

Expenses

     (27     (20     (1     —     
                                

Ending fair value

   $ 5,684      $ 4,833      $ 311      $ 297   
                                

Underfunded status of the plans

   $ (2,400   $ (2,159   $ (969   $ (930
                                

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet

        

Non-current assets

   $ 40      $ 8      $ —        $ —     

Current liabilities

     (17     (14     (14     (14

Non-current liabilities

     (2,423     (2,153     (955     (916
                                
   $ (2,400   $ (2,159   $ (969   $ (930
                                

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost and key assumptions are as follows:

 

     Pension Plans     Postretirement Medical Plans  
     2010     2009     2008     2010     2009     2008  

Service costs

   $ 263      $ 164      $ 187      $ 21      $ 17      $ 22   

Interest costs

     396        363        325        70        71        63   

Expected return on plan assets

     (415     (370     (356     (26     (26     (25

Amortization of prior year service costs

     14        14        13        (2     (2     (1

Recognized net actuarial (gain)/loss

     154        (9     25        7        (8     2   
                                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 412      $ 162      $ 194      $ 70      $ 52      $ 61   
                                                

Assumptions:

            

Discount rate

     5.25     5.75     7.00     5.25     5.75     7.00

Rate of return on plan assets

     7.75     7.75     7.50     7.75     7.75     7.50

Salary increases

     4.00     4.50     5.00     n/a        n/a        n/a   

Year 1 increase in cost of benefits

     n/a        n/a        n/a        8.25     8.50     9.00

Rate of increase to which the cost of benefits is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

     n/a        n/a        n/a        4.75     5.00     5.00

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     n/a        n/a        n/a        2022        2019        2016   

Net periodic benefit cost is based on assumptions determined at the prior-year end measurement date.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, as of October 2, 2010 consists of the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost:

 

     Pension Plans     Postretirement
Medical  Plans
    Total  

Unrecognized prior service credit / (cost)

   $ (60   $ 9      $ (51

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     (2,788     (159     (2,947
                        

Total amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,848     (150     (2,998

Prepaid / (accrued) pension cost

     448        (819     (371
                        

Net balance sheet liability

   $ (2,400   $ (969   $ (3,369
                        

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, as of October 2, 2010 that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during fiscal 2011 are:

 

     Pension Plans     Postretirement
Medical  Plans
    Total  

Prior service credit / (cost)

   $ (14   $ 2      $ (12

Net actuarial loss

     (228     (9     (237
                        

Total

   $ (242   $ (7   $ (249
                        

Plan Funded Status

At October 2, 2010, the Company had pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations exceeding the fair value of plan assets. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $7.3 billion, $6.8 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively, as of October 2, 2010 and $6.3 billion, $5.7 billion and $4.1 billion as of October 3, 2009, respectively.

For pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets were $7.3 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively, as of October 2, 2010 and $6.3 billion and $4.2 billion as of October 3, 2009, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The Company’s total accumulated pension benefit obligations at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 were $7.5 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, of which 97% for both years was vested.

The accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for postretirement medical plans with accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1.3 billion and $311 million, respectively, at October 2, 2010 and $1.2 billion and $297 million, respectively, at October 3, 2009.

Plan Assets

A significant portion of the assets of the Company’s defined benefit plans are managed on a commingled basis in a third party master trust. The investment policy and allocation of the assets in the master trust were approved by the Company’s Investment and Administrative Committee which has oversight responsibility for the Company’s retirement plans. The investment policy ranges for the major asset classes are as follows:

 

Asset Class

   Minimum     Maximum  

Equity investments

    

Small cap

     0     20

Mid/Large cap

     15     35

International

     0     20

Total equity investments

     40     60

Fixed income investments

     25     45

Alternative investments

    

Diversified

     3     15

Distressed

     3     15

Private equity/Venture capital

     3     10

Real estate

     3     15

Total alternative investments

     10     30

Cash

     0     5

The primary investment objective for the assets within the master trust is to prudently and cost effectively manage assets to fulfill benefit obligations to plan participants. Financial risks are managed through diversification of plan assets, selection of investment managers and through the investment guidelines incorporated into investment management agreements. Assets are monitored to ensure that investment returns are commensurate with risks taken.

The long-term asset allocation policy for the master trust was established taking into consideration a variety of factors that include, but are not limited to, the average age of participants, the number of retirees, the duration of liabilities and the expected payout ratio. Liquidity needs of the master trust are generally managed using cash generated by investments or by liquidating securities.

Assets are generally managed by external investment managers and we have investment management agreements with respect to securities in the master trust. These agreements include account guidelines that establish permitted securities and risk controls commensurate with the account’s investment strategy. Some agreements permit the use of derivative securities (futures, options, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps) that enable investment managers to enhance returns and manage exposures within their accounts. Investment managers are prohibited from using derivatives to leverage returns.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The Company’s defined benefit plans asset mix (including assets held outside of the master trust) at each fiscal year end is as follows:

 

Asset Class

   2010     2009  

Equities:

    

Small cap

     5     4

Mid cap

     4     6

Large cap

     17     20

International

     18     13

Fixed income:

    

Corporate bonds

     10     12

Government and federal agency bonds and notes

     20     18

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

     3     4

Alternatives investments:

    

Diversified

     9     8

Distressed

     3     2

Private equity

     6     5

Venture capital

     1     1

Real estate

     3     3

Cash

     1     4
                

Total

     100     100

 

(1)

Large cap domestic equities include 2.8 million shares of Company common stock valued at $93 million (2% of total plan assets) and $77 million (2% of total plan assets) at 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets

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. The Company’s defined benefit plan assets carried at fair value are classified in the following categories:

 

   

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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The Company’s defined benefit plan assets are summarized in the following table by the categories described above.

 

     Fair Value Measurements at October 2, 2010  

Description

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Equities:

           

Small cap

   $ 27       $ 242       $ —         $ 269   

Mid cap

     212         —           —           212   

Large cap

     730         304         —           1,034   

International

     906         160         —           1,066   

Fixed income

           

Corporate bonds

     —           610         —           610   

Government and federal agency bonds and notes

     141         1,053         —           1,194   

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

     —           199         —           199   

Alternative investments

           

Diversified

     73         257         166         496   

Distressed

     —           —           196         196   

Private equity

     —           —           377         377   

Venture capital

     —           —           59         59   

Real estate

     —           —           179         179   

Derivatives and other

     —           20         —           20   

Cash

     13         71         —           84   
                                   

Total

   $ 2,102       $ 2,916       $ 977       $ 5,995   
                                   

 

     Fair Value Measurements at October 3, 2009  

Description

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Equities:

           

Small cap

   $ 207       $ —         $ —         $ 207   

Mid cap

     279         —           —           279   

Large cap

     1,004         —           —           1,004   

International

     545         134         —           679   

Fixed income

           

Corporate bonds

     —           639         —           639   

Government and federal agency bonds and notes

     166         769         —           935   

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

     —           199         —           199   

Alternative investments

           

Diversified

     59         210         109         378   

Distressed

     —           13         106         119   

Private equity

     —           —           274         274   

Venture capital

     —           —           56         56   

Real estate

     —           —           142         142   

Derivatives and other

     —           18         —           18   

Cash

     21         180         —           201   
                                   

Total

   $ 2,281       $ 2,162       $ 687       $ 5,130   
                                   

The fair value of Level 3 investments are valued based on our pro-rata share in the fair value of the underlying investments using primarily model-derived valuations with significant unobservable inputs (e.g. discounted cash flow models or relative valuation methods).

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Changes in Level 3 assets from October 3, 2009 to October 2, 2010 are as follows:

 

     Alternative Investments  
     Diversified     Distressed     Private
Equity
    Venture
Capital
    Real Estate     Total  

Beginning balance at October 3, 2009

   $ 109      $ 106      $ 274      $ 56      $ 142      $ 687   

Purchases

     46        80        97        9        70        302   

Sales

     (3     (14     (25     (7     (14     (63

Realized/Unrealized Gain (Loss)

     14        24        31        1        (19     51   
                                                

Ending balance at October 2, 2010

   $ 166      $ 196      $ 377      $ 59      $ 179      $ 977   
                                                

Uncalled Capital Commitments

Alternative investments held by the master trust include interests in certain limited partnerships that have rights to make capital calls to the limited partner investors. In such cases, the Master Trust would be contractually obligated to make a cash capital contribution to the limited partnership at the time of a capital call. At October 2, 2010, the total committed capital still uncalled and unpaid was $585 million.

Plan Contributions

During fiscal 2010, the Company made contributions to its pension and postretirement medical plans totaling $433 million, which included discretionary contributions above the minimum requirements for pension plans. The Company expects pension and postretirement medical plan contributions in fiscal 2011 of approximately $450 million which is expected to include discretionary contributions above the minimum requirements. Final minimum funding requirements for fiscal 2011 will be determined based on our January 1, 2011 funding actuarial valuation which will be available in late fiscal 2011.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following table presents estimated future benefit payments for the next ten fiscal years:

 

     Pension
Plans
     Postretirement
Medical  Plans (1)
 

2011

   $ 248       $ 36   

2012

     263         38   

2013

     287         41   

2014

     312         44   

2015

     334         47   

2016 – 2020

     2,145         292   

 

(1)

Estimated future benefit payments are net of expected Medicare subsidy receipts of $71 million.

Assumptions

Actuarial assumptions, such as the discount rate, long-term rate of return on plan assets and the healthcare cost trend rate, have a significant effect on the amounts reported for net periodic benefit cost as well as the related benefit obligations.

Discount Rate — The assumed discount rate for pension and postretirement medical plans reflects the market rates for high-quality corporate bonds currently available. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed of a large population of high quality corporate bonds. The resulting discount rate reflects the matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves.

Long-term rate of return on plan assets — The long-term rate of return on plan assets represents an estimate of long-term returns on an investment portfolio consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and alternative

 

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(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

investments. When determining the long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers long-term rates of return on the asset classes (both historical and forecasted) in which the Company expects the pension funds to be invested. The following long-term rates of return by asset class were considered in setting the long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption:

 

Equity Securities

   10%–11%

Debt Securities

     4%–  7%

Alternative Investments

     7%–14%

Healthcare cost trend rate — The Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for healthcare costs to determine the healthcare cost trend rates for the postretirement medical benefit plans. For the 2010 actuarial valuation, we assumed an 8.25% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare claims with the rate decreasing in even increments over twelve years until reaching 4.75%.

Sensitivity — A one percentage point (ppt) change in the key assumptions would have had the following effects on the projected benefit obligations as of October 2, 2010 and on cost for fiscal 2011:

 

     Discount Rate     Expected
Long-Term
Rate of Return
On Assets
    Assumed Healthcare
Cost Trend Rate
 

Increase/(decrease)

   Benefit
Expense
    Projected
Benefit
Obligations
    Benefit
Expense
    Net Periodic
Postretirement
Medical Cost
    Projected
Benefit
Obligations
 

1 ppt decrease

   $ 199      $ 1,568      $ 60      $ (24   $ (180

1 ppt increase

     (167     (1,326     (60     37        225   

Multi-employer Plans

The Company participates in various multi-employer pension plans under union and industry-wide agreements. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, the contributions to these plans, which are expensed as incurred, were $60 million, $52 million and $56 million, respectively.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has savings and investment plans that allow eligible employees to allocate up to 50% of their salary through payroll deductions depending on the plan in which the employee participates. The Company matches 50% of the employee’s pre-tax contribution up to plan limits. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, the costs of these plans were $54 million, $51 million and $52 million, respectively.

12 Equity

As of the filing date of this report, the Board of Directors had not yet declared a dividend related to fiscal 2010. The Company paid a $653 million dividend ($0.35 per share) during the second quarter of fiscal 2010 related to fiscal 2009. The Company paid a $648 million dividend ($0.35 per share) during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 related to fiscal 2008. The Company paid a $664 million dividend ($0.35 per share) during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 related to fiscal 2007.

During fiscal 2010, the Company repurchased 80 million shares of Disney common stock for $2.7 billion. During fiscal 2009, the Company repurchased 5 million shares of Disney common stock for $138 million. During fiscal 2008, the Company repurchased 139 million shares of Disney common stock for $4.5 billion. As of October 2, 2010, the Company had remaining authorization in place to repurchase 99 million additional shares. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

In April 2008, the Company redeemed $1.3 billion of convertible senior notes. Pursuant to the redemption, substantially all of the notes were converted into 45 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The par value of the Company’s outstanding common stock totaled approximately $27 million.

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(1), is as follows:

 

     October 2,
2010
    October 3,
2009
 

Market value adjustments for hedges and investments

   $ (95   $ 18   

Foreign currency translation and other

     80        105   

Unrecognized pension and postretirement medical expense

     (1,866     (1,767
                

Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1)

   $ (1,881   $ (1,644
                

 

(1)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and components of other comprehensive income (loss) are recorded net of tax using a 37% estimated statutory tax rate.

13 Equity-Based Compensation

Under various plans, the Company may grant stock options and other equity-based awards to executive, management, and creative personnel. The Company’s approach to long-term incentive compensation contemplates awards of stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs). Certain RSUs awarded to senior executives vest based upon the achievement of market and/or performance conditions (Performance RSUs).

Stock options are generally granted at exercise prices equal to or exceeding the market price at the date of grant. Effective in January 2003, options became exercisable ratably over a four-year period from the grant date, while options granted prior to January 2003 generally vest ratably over five years. Effective in the second quarter of 2010, options granted generally expire ten years after the grant date. Options granted between the second quarter of 2005 and the second quarter of 2010 expire seven years from the grant date while options granted prior to the second quarter of 2005 generally expire ten years after the grant date. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, options can occasionally extend up to 15 years after date of grant. Effective in January 2009, RSUs (excluding Performance RSUs) vest ratably over a four-year period from the date of grant, while RSUs granted prior to January 2009 and Performance RSUs granted prior to January 2010 generally vest 50% on each of the second and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Effective in January 2010, Performance RSUs cliff vest after a three year period from the date of grant. Stock options and RSUs are generally forfeited by employees who terminate prior to vesting. Shares available for future option and RSU grants at October 2, 2010 totaled 117 million. Starting March 2009 for our primary plan, each share granted subject to a stock option award reduces the number of shares available by one share while each share granted subject to a RSU award reduces the number of shares available by two shares. The Company satisfies stock option exercises and vesting of RSUs with newly issued shares.

Each year, during the second quarter, the Company awards stock options and restricted stock units to a broad-based group of management and creative personnel (the Annual Grant). The fair value of options is estimated based on the binomial valuation model. The binomial valuation model takes into account variables such as volatility, dividend yield, and the risk-free interest rate. The binomial valuation model also considers the expected exercise multiple (the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average) and the termination rate (the probability of a vested option being cancelled due to the termination of the option holder) in computing the value of the option.

In fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the weighted average assumptions used in the option-valuation model were as follows:

 

         2010             2009             2008      

Risk-free interest rate

     3.5     2.0     3.6

Expected volatility

     32     47     29

Dividend yield

     1.41     1.19     1.02

Termination rate

     2.5     7.5     7.5

Exercise multiple

     1.40        1.39        1.39   

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Although the initial fair value of stock options is not adjusted after the grant date, changes in the Company’s assumptions may change the value of, and therefore the expense related to, future stock option grants. The assumptions that cause the greatest variation in fair value in the binomial valuation model are the expected volatility and expected exercise multiple. Increases or decreases in either the expected volatility or expected exercise multiple will cause the binomial option value to increase or decrease, respectively.

The volatility assumption considers both historical and implied volatility and may be impacted by the Company’s performance as well as changes in economic and market conditions.

Compensation expense for RSUs (excluding Performance RSUs) and stock options is recognized ratably over the service period of the award. Compensation expense for RSUs is based on the market price of the shares underlying the awards on the grant date. Compensation expense for Performance RSUs reflects the estimated probability that the market and/or performance conditions will be met and is recognized ratably over the service period of the award. Effective January 2010, equity-based awards provide continued vesting, in the event of termination, for employees that reach age 60 or greater, have at least ten years of service and hold the award for at least one year.

The impact of stock options and RSUs on income for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was as follows:

 

         2010             2009             2008      

Stock option compensation expense

   $ 226      $ 229      $ 214   

RSU compensation expense

     296        228        188   
                        

Total equity-based compensation expense (1)

     522        457        402   

Tax impact

     (193     (169     (149
                        

Reduction in net income

   $ 329      $ 288      $ 253   
                        

Tax benefit reported in cash flow from financing activities

   $ 76      $ 4      $ 47   
                        

 

 

(1)

Equity-based compensation expense is net of capitalized equity-based compensation and includes amortization of previously capitalized equity-based compensation costs. Capitalized equity-based compensation totaled $79 million, $109 million and $122 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Amortization of previously capitalized equity-based compensation totaled $131 million, $96 million and $67 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock option transactions (shares in millions):

 

     2010  
       Shares       Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     170      $ 26.79   

Awards forfeited

     (3     28.22   

Awards granted

     12        31.14   

Awards exercised

     (46     24.42   

Awards expired/cancelled

     (14     34.81   
          

Outstanding at end of year

     119        27.73   
          

Exercisable at end of year

     74        27.42   
          

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The following tables summarize information about stock options vested and expected to vest at October 2, 2010 (shares in millions):

 

     Vested  

Range of

Exercise

Prices

   Number of
Options
     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Weighted Average
Remaining Years
of Contractual Life
 

$ 0   — $ 15

     3       $ 11.40         1.9   

$ 16 — $ 20

     6         18.28         3.6   

$ 21 — $ 25

     20         23.82         2.8   

$ 26 — $ 30

     27         28.84         3.0   

$ 31 — $ 35

     15         34.05         3.4   

$ 36 — $ 45

     3         42.21         —     
              
     74         
              
     Expected to Vest  

Range of

Exercise

Prices

   Number of
Options (1)
     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Weighted Average
Remaining Years
of Contractual Life
 

$0   — $ 20

     1       $ 18.76         5.5   

$21 — $ 25

     9         20.87         5.3   

$26 — $ 30

     15         29.31         4.6   

$31 — $ 35

     15         32.17         7.1   
              
     40         
              

 

(1)

Number of options expected to vest is total unvested options less estimated forfeitures.

The following table summarizes information about RSU transactions (shares in millions):

 

     2010  
       Units       Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested at beginning of year

     33      $ 25.82   

Granted

     15        31.21   

Vested

     (13     25.88   

Forfeited

     (2     27.16   
          

Unvested at end of year

     33        27.99   
          

RSU grants include 0.4 million shares, 3.0 million shares and 2.3 million shares of Performance RSUs in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Approximately 4.9 million of the unvested RSUs as of October 2, 2010 are Performance RSUs.

The weighted average grant-date fair values of options granted during 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $9.43, $7.43 and $8.25, respectively. The total intrinsic value (market value on date of exercise less exercise price) of options exercised and RSUs vested during 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled $830 million, $252 million, and $529 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of stock options vested and expected to vest at October 2, 2010 were $480 million and $207 million, respectively.

As of October 2, 2010, there was $241 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and $519 million related to unvested RSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years for stock options and 1.8 years for RSUs.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Cash received from option exercises for 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1,133 million, $119 million and $591 million, respectively. Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with option exercises and RSU activity for 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled $290 million, $90 million and $183 million, respectively.

14 Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts

 

       October 2,  
2010
      October 3,  
2009
 

Current receivables

    

Accounts receivable

   $ 5,454      $ 4,794   

Other

     656        396   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (326     (336
                
   $ 5,784      $ 4,854   
                

Other current assets

    

Prepaid expenses

   $ 446      $ 464   

Other

     135        112   
                
   $ 581      $ 576   
                

Parks, resorts and other property, at cost

    

Attractions, buildings and improvements

   $ 15,998      $ 15,929   

Leasehold improvements

     644        693   

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     12,575        12,228   

Land improvements

     3,658        3,625   
                
     32,875        32,475   

Accumulated depreciation

     (18,373     (17,395

Projects in progress

     2,180        1,350   

Land

     1,124        1,167   
                
   $ 17,806      $ 17,597   
                

Intangible assets

    

Copyrights and other character intangibles

   $ 3,118      $ 358   

Other amortizable intangible assets

     352        296   

Accumulated amortization

     (360     (249
                

Net amortizable intangible assets

     3,110        405   

FCC licenses

     733        713   

Trademarks

     1,218        1,109   

Other indefinite lived intangible assets

     20        20   
                
   $ 5,081      $ 2,247   
                

Other non-current assets

    

Receivables

   $ 1,275      $ 1,225   

Prepaid expenses

     127        136   

Other

     1,306        661   
                
   $ 2,708      $ 2,022   
                

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 4,413      $ 4,002   

Payroll and employee benefits

     1,484        1,259   

Other

     212        355   
                
   $ 6,109      $ 5,616   
                

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

       October 2,  
2010
       October 3,  
2009
 

Other long-term liabilities

     

Deferred revenues

   $ 244       $ 250   

Capital lease obligations

     224         226   

Program licenses and rights

     206         217   

Participation and residual liabilities

     415         451   

Pension and postretirement medical plan liabilities

     3,378         3,069   

Other (1)

     1,637         1,231   
                 
   $ 6,104       $ 5,444   
                 

 

(1)

Includes unrecognized tax benefits.

15 Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The Company has various contractual commitments for broadcast rights for sports, feature films and other programming, aggregating approximately $20.7 billion, including approximately $0.9 billion for available programming as of October 2, 2010, and approximately $17.8 billion related to sports programming rights, primarily college football (including college bowl games) and basketball conferences, NFL, NBA, NASCAR, and MLB.

The Company has entered into operating leases for various real estate and equipment needs, including retail outlets and distribution centers for consumer products, broadcast equipment, and office space for general and administrative purposes. Rental expense for the operating leases during 2010, 2009, and 2008, including common-area maintenance and contingent rentals, was $649 million, $615 million, and $550 million, respectively.

The Company also has contractual commitments for the construction of two new cruise ships, creative talent and employment agreements and unrecognized tax benefits. Creative talent and employment agreements include obligations to actors, producers, sports personnel, television and radio personalities, and executives.

Contractual commitments for broadcast programming rights, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, and creative talent and other commitments totaled $27.1 billion at October 2, 2010, payable as follows:

 

     Broadcast
Programming
     Operating
Leases
               
         Other      Total  

2011

   $ 5,121       $ 424       $ 1,588       $ 7,133   

2012

     3,629         381         1,292         5,302   

2013

     3,606         290         371         4,267   

2014

     3,045         224         233         3,502   

2015

     1,301         151         100         1,552   

Thereafter

     4,002         549         808         5,359   
                                   
   $ 20,704       $ 2,019       $ 4,392       $ 27,115   
                                   

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

The Company has non-cancelable capital leases, primarily for land and broadcast equipment, which had gross carrying values of $449 million and $402 million at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, respectively. Accumulated amortization related to these capital leases totaled $108 million and $95 million at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, respectively. Future payments under these leases as of October 2, 2010 are as follows:

 

2011

   $ 38   

2012

     39   

2013

     37   

2014

     37   

2015

     52   

Thereafter

     594   
        

Total minimum obligations

   $ 797   

Less amount representing interest

     (556
        

Present value of net minimum obligations

     241   

Less current portion

     (17
        

Long-term portion

   $ 224   
        

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 October 2, 2010, the remaining debt service obligation guaranteed by the Company was $366 million, of which $92 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 Anaheim bonds.

ESPN STAR Sports, a joint-venture in which ESPN owns a 50% equity interest, has an agreement for global programming rights to International Cricket Council Events from 2007 through 2015. Under the terms of the agreement, ESPN and the other joint-venture partner have jointly guaranteed the programming rights obligation of approximately $0.8 billion over the remaining term of the agreement.

Legal Matters

Celador International Ltd. v. The Walt Disney Company. On May 19, 2004, an affiliate of the creator and licensor of the television program, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” filed an action against the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, including American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. and Buena Vista Television, LLC, alleging it was damaged by defendants improperly engaging in certain intra-company transactions and charging merchandise distribution expenses, resulting in an underpayment to the plaintiff. On July 7, 2010, the jury returned a verdict for breach of contract against certain subsidiaries of the Company, awarding plaintiff damages of $269.4 million. The Company has stipulated with the plaintiff to an award of prejudgment interest of $50 million, which amount will be reduced pro rata should the trial court or Court of Appeals reduce the damages amount. If a new trial is ordered the stipulation will have no effect. Although we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit, the Company believes the jury’s verdict is in error and has moved alternatively for a new trial or for judgment as a matter of law, and intends to vigorously pursue its position on appeal if those motions are unsuccessful. The Company has determined that it does not have a probable loss under the applicable accounting standard relating to probability of loss for recording a reserve with respect to this litigation and therefore has not recorded a reserve.

The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in various other legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its businesses. Management does not expect the Company to suffer any material liability by reason of these actions.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

16 Fair Value Measurement

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 requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in the following three categories:

 

   

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 on a recurring basis are summarized in the following table by the type of inputs applicable to the fair value measurements.

 

     Fair Value Measurements at October 2, 2010  

Description

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets

         

Investments

   $ 42       $ 42      $ 2      $ 86   

Derivatives (1)

         

Interest rate

     —           231        —          231   

Foreign exchange

     —           404        —          404   

Residual Interests

     —           —          54        54   

Liabilities

         

Derivatives (1)

         

Interest rate

     —           (22     —          (22

Foreign exchange

     —           (490     —          (490

Other derivatives

     —           —          —          —     

Other

     —           —          (1     (1
                                 

Total

   $ 42       $ 165      $ 55      $ 262   
                                 

 

(1)

The Company has a master netting arrangements by counterparty with respect to certain derivative contracts. Contracts in a liability position totaling $206 million have been netted against contracts in an asset position in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The fair value of Level 2 investments is primarily determined by reference to market prices based on recent trading activity and other relevant information including pricing for similar securities as determined by third-party pricing services.

The fair values of Level 2 derivatives, which consist of interest rate and foreign currency hedges, are primarily determined based on the present value of future cash flows using internal 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 3 residual interests consist of our residual interests in securitized vacation ownership mortgage receivables and are valued using a discounted cash flow model that considers estimated interest rates, discount rates, prepayment, and defaults. There were no material changes in the residual interests in fiscal 2010.

The Company also has assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis when certain circumstances occur. During fiscal 2010, the Company recorded impairment charges of $249 million

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

on film productions which are reported in “Costs and expenses” in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The film impairment charges compared our estimated fair value using discounted cash flows, which is a level 3 input, to the unamortized cost of the films that had aggregate carrying values of $591 million prior to the impairment.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In addition to the financial instruments listed above, the Company’s financial instruments also include cash, cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and borrowings.

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, available-for-sale investments, derivative contracts and accounts payable approximated the carrying values. The estimated year end fair values of the Company’s total borrowings (current and noncurrent) subject to fair value disclosures, determined based on broker quotes or quoted market prices or interest rates for the same or similar instruments are $13.7 billion and $12.6 billion at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, respectively.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Through December 4, 2008, the Company sold mortgage receivables arising from the sales of its vacation ownership units under a facility that expired on December 4, 2008 and was not renewed. The Company sold $17 million and $147 million of mortgage receivables during the years ended October 3, 2009, and September 27, 2008, respectively. These sales of mortgage receivables resulted in gains on securitized sales of vacation ownership interests totaled $4 million and $32 million for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively.

The Company continues to service the sold receivables and has a residual interest in those receivables. As of October 2, 2010, the outstanding principal amount for sold mortgage receivables was $309 million and the carrying value of the Company’s residual interest, which is recorded in other long-term assets, was $54 million.

The Company repurchases defaulted mortgage receivables at their outstanding balance. The Company did not make material repurchases in the years ended October 2, 2010 or October 3, 2009. The Company generally has been able to sell the repurchased vacation ownership units for amounts that exceed the amounts at which they were repurchased.

The Company also provides credit support for up to 70% of the outstanding balance of the sold mortgage receivables which the mortgage receivable acquirer may draw on in the event of losses under the facility. The Company maintains a reserve for estimated credit losses related to these receivables.

Credit Concentrations

The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to its financial instruments and does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties. In 2008, Lehman Brothers Commercial Corporation defaulted on a $91 million trade settlement. The Company is pursuing collection of this amount, but has fully reserved the amount.

The Company does not expect that it would realize a material loss, based on the fair value of its derivative financial instruments as of October 2, 2010, in the event of nonperformance by any single derivative counterparty. The Company enters into transactions only with derivative counterparties that have a credit rating of A- or better. The Company’s current policy regarding agreements with derivative counterparties is generally to require collateral in the event credit ratings fall below A- or in the event aggregate exposures exceed limits as defined by contract. In addition, the Company limits the amount of investment credit exposure with any one institution.

The Company does not have material cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions that have a credit rating of less than A-. As of October 2, 2010, the Company’s balances that exceeded 10% of cash and cash equivalents with individual financial institutions were 30% compared to 38% as of October 3, 2009.

The Company’s trade receivables and financial investments do not represent a significant concentration of credit risk at October 2, 2010 due to the wide variety of customers and markets into which the Company’s products are sold, their dispersion across geographic areas, and the diversification of the Company’s portfolio among issuers.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

17 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 following table summarizes the gross fair value of the Company’s derivative positions as of October 2, 2010:

 

     Current
Assets
    Other Assets     Other
Accrued
Liabilities
    Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
 

Derivatives designated as hedges

        

Foreign exchange

   $ 78      $ 65      $ (210   $ (104

Interest rate

     13        218        —          —     

Derivatives not designated as hedges

        

Foreign exchange

     80        181        (140     (36

Interest rate

     —          —          —          (22

Other

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Gross fair value of derivatives

     171        464        (350     (162

Counterparty netting

     (121     (85     130        76   
                                

Total Derivatives (1)

   $ 50      $ 379      $ (220   $ (86
                                

The following table summarizes the gross fair value of the Company’s derivative positions as of October 3, 2009:

 

     Current
Assets
    Other Assets     Other
Accrued
Liabilities
    Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
 

Derivatives designated as hedges

        

Foreign exchange

   $ 84      $ 111      $ (115   $ (55

Interest rate

     4        186        —          —     

Derivatives not designated as hedges

        

Foreign exchange

     37        127        (70     (37

Interest rate

     —          —          —          (18

Other

     —          —          (2     —     
                                

Gross fair value of derivatives

     125        424        (187     (110

Counterparty netting

     (98     (72     103        67   
                                

Total Derivatives (1)

   $ 27      $ 352      $ (84   $ (43
                                

 

(1)

Refer to Note 16 for further information on derivative fair values and counterparty netting.

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 typically uses pay-floating and pay-fixed interest rate swaps to facilitate its interest rate management activities.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

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 October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, the total notional amount of the Company’s pay-floating interest rate swaps was $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes adjustments related to fair value hedges included in net interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

     2010     2009  

Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps

   $ 41      $ 105   

Gain (loss) on hedged borrowings

     (41     (105

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 accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and recognized 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 October 2, 2010 nor at October 3, 2009.

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.

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 five 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, British pound, Japanese yen and Canadian dollar. 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 both October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, the notional amount of the Company’s net foreign exchange cash flow hedges was $2.8 billion. 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 years ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 were not material. Deferred losses recorded in AOCI for contracts that will mature in the next twelve months totaled $132 million. The following table summarizes the pre-tax adjustments to AOCI for foreign exchange cash flow hedges.

 

     2010     2009  

Gain (loss) recorded in AOCI

   $ (187   $ 81   

Reclassification of (gains) losses from AOCI into revenues and costs and expenses

     (7     (183
                

Net change in AOCI

   $ (194   $ (102
                

Foreign exchange risk management contracts with respect to foreign currency assets and liabilities are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. The notional amount of these foreign exchange contracts at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 was $2.2 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. For the years ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, the Company recognized a net gain of $102 million and $140 million, respectively, in costs and expenses on these foreign exchange contracts which offset a net loss of $173 million and $137 million of the related economic exposures for the years ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Commodity Price Risk Management

The Company is subject to the volatility of commodities prices and 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 fair value of commodity hedging contracts was not material at October 2, 2010.

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 pay fixed interest rate swaps, commodity swap contracts and credit default swaps, 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 of these contracts at October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 was $218 million and $253 million, respectively. The gains or losses recognized in income for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 were not material.

Contingent Features

The Company’s derivative financial instruments may require the Company to post collateral in the event that a net liability position with a counterparty exceeds limits defined by contract and that vary with Disney’s credit rating. If the Company’s credit ratings were to fall below investment grade, such counterparties would 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 value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a net liability position by counterparty on October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 were $306 million and $125 million, respectively.

18 Restructuring and Impairment Charges

The Company recorded $270 million of restructuring and impairment charges during fiscal 2010 related to organizational and cost structure initiatives primarily at our Studio Entertainment ($151 million) and Media Networks ($95 million) segments. Impairment charges of $132 million consisted of writeoffs of capitalized costs primarily related to abandoned film projects, the closure of a studio production facility and the closure of five ESPN Zone locations. Restructuring charges of $138 million were primarily severance and other costs.

The Company recorded $492 million of restructuring and impairment charges during fiscal 2009 which included impairment charges of $279 million and restructuring costs of $213 million. The most significant of the impairment charges was $142 million related to FCC radio licenses and $65 million related to our investment in UTV Group. The restructuring costs were for severance and other related costs.

Restructuring and impairment charges for fiscal year 2008 consisted of impairment charges of $39 million related to FCC radio licenses.

 

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QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY

(In millions, except per share data)

 

(unaudited)

   Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4  

2010 (1)(2)(3)(4)

           

Revenues

   $ 9,739       $ 8,580       $ 10,002       $ 9,742   

Net income

     844         998         1,505         966   

Net income attributable to Disney

     844         953         1,331         835   

Earnings per share:

           

Diluted

   $ 0.44       $ 0.48       $ 0.67       $ 0.43   

Basic

     0.45         0.49         0.68         0.44   

2009 ( 1)(2)(3)(4)

           

Revenues

   $ 9,599       $ 8,087       $ 8,596       $ 9,867   

Net income

     851         653         1,031         1,074   

Net income attributable to Disney

     845         613         954         895   

Earnings per share:

           

Diluted

   $ 0.45       $ 0.33       $ 0.51       $ 0.47   

Basic

     0.46         0.33         0.51         0.48   

 

(1)

Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 include restructuring and impairment charges ($0.02 per diluted share). The fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 included a non-cash gain in connection with the merger of Lifetime Entertainment Services and A&E Television Networks ($0.07 per diluted share) and restructuring and impairment charges ($0.06 per diluted share).

(2)

Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 include a gain on the sale of the Power Rangers property ($0.01 per diluted share) and restructuring and impairment charges ($0.01 per diluted share). The third quarter of fiscal 2009 included restructuring and impairment charges ($0.01 per diluted share).

(3)

Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 include restructuring and impairment charges ($0.02 per diluted share), a gain on the sale of an investment in a pay television service in Europe and an accounting gain related to the acquisition of The Disney Store Japan (together $0.02 per diluted share). The second quarter of fiscal 2009 included restructuring and impairment charges ($0.11 per diluted share)

(4)

Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 include restructuring and impairment charges ($0.03 per diluted share) and a gain on the sale of an investment in a television service in Europe ($0.01 per diluted share). The first quarter of fiscal 2009 included a gain on the sale of our investment in two pay television services in Latin America ($0.04 per diluted share).

 

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