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Discovery Communications Reports Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2009 Results


News provided by

Discovery Communications, Inc.

Feb 10, 2010, 06:55 ET

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SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Full Year 2009 Financial Highlights:

  • Revenues increased 2% to $3.52 billion
  • Adjusted OIBDA increased 12% to $1.46 billion
  • Net income available to Discovery stockholders increased to $552 million
  • Free Cash Flow increased 18% to $551 million  

Discovery Communications, Inc. ("Discovery" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) today reported financial results for the full year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009.  The discussion below assumes the transaction between Discovery Holding Company ("DHC"), Discovery Communications Holding, LLC ("DCH"), and Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership that resulted in Discovery becoming a public company occurred on January 1, 2008 and as such includes 100% of Discovery's results.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080918/NETH035LOGO )

David Zaslav, Discovery's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The strength of Discovery's performance throughout 2009 reflected the quality of our distribution platform and content assets and our focus on delivering real operating leverage.  The affiliate fees we generate across the globe provided consistent resiliency throughout this past year, while the ratings growth across our networks and the value of our unique content enabled advertising to grow despite the weak environment.   Our revenue growth, combined with thoughtful cost management, increased our operating efficiency, translating into double-digit Adjusted OIBDA (1) and free cash flow growth.  As we look to 2010, we remain focused on further monetizing our ratings momentum in an improving advertising environment, continuing to strengthen our distribution platforms and relationships and, most importantly, delivering high quality content to our viewers."

Fourth Quarter Results

Fourth quarter revenues of $964 million increased $60 million, or 7%, over the fourth quarter a year ago as 22% growth at International Networks and 3% growth at U.S. Networks was partially offset by a $21 million or 30% decline at Commerce, Education and Other as a result of the transition to a new commerce licensing model.  Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (1) ("OIBDA") grew to $390 million, an increase of $28 million or 8% versus the fourth quarter a year ago, mainly driven by a 42% increase at International Networks partially offset by a 4% decline at U.S. Networks due to content impairment charges of $22 million.  Adjusted OIBDA margin of 40% for the fourth quarter was in-line with the same period a year ago.

Fourth quarter net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc., stockholders of $155 million ($0.36 per diluted share) grew $49 million compared to $106 million ($0.25 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter a year ago.  The increased results primarily reflect the growth in Adjusted OIBDA, lower restructuring and impairment charges and an increase in Other non-operating income, partially offset by a $28 million expense in the current quarter from the change in the fair value of the mark-to-market share-based compensation, compared with a benefit of $22 million in the fourth quarter a year ago.

Free cash flow was $236 million for the fourth quarter, an increase of $108 million or 84% from the same period for 2008.   Free cash flow is defined as cash flows from operating activities less acquisitions of property and equipment.

(1) See the definition of Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization on page 5.

Full Year Results

Full year 2009 revenues of $3,516 million increased $73 million, or 2%, over 2008 revenues, primarily driven by 4% growth at U.S. Networks and 3% growth at International Networks.  Adjusted OIBDA increased 12% to $1,464 million led by 8% growth at U.S. Networks and 16% growth at International Networks.  Adjusted OIBDA margin for the full year increased to 42% from 38% in 2008.

Full year net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders from continuing operations of $552 million ($1.30 per diluted share) grew $278 million versus $274 million ($0.85 per diluted share) a year ago.   The increased results primarily reflect the higher Adjusted OIBDA, a net of tax gain on the sale of Discovery Kids channel and an increase in Other non-operating income, partially offset by a $205 million expense in the current year related to the change in the fair value of the mark-to-market share-based compensation, which was a benefit of $69 million in the prior year.  2008 net income also included $128 million of minority interest primarily associated with the Advanced Newhouse ownership prior to the transaction that resulted in Discovery Communications, Inc. becoming a public company.

Free cash flow was $551 million for the full year, an increase of $84 million or 18% from 2008.  Free cash flow includes $108 million in taxes paid related to the sale of 50% of the Discovery Kids channel and $64 million of additional tax payments related to prior periods.  Excluding these taxes, free cash flow for 2009 increased $256 million or 55% compared to the same period in 2008.  

SEGMENT RESULTS

    
    
    
    (dollars in millions) Three Months Ended    Twelve Months Ended 
                             December 31,           December 31,
                          ------------------    -------------------
                           2009  2008  Change    2009    2008  Change
                           ----  ----  ------    ----    ----  ------
    Revenues:
       U.S. Networks        $554  $536    3%  $2,142   $2,062     4%
       International
        Networks             358   294   22%   1,189    1,158     3%
       Commerce, Education,
        and Other             49    70  (30%)    176      196   (10%)
       Corporate               3     4  (25%)      9       27   (67%)
                             ---   ---           ---      ---
    Total Revenues          $964  $904    7%  $3,516   $3,443     2%
                            ====  ====        ======   ======
    
    Adjusted OIBDA:
       U.S. Networks        $289  $300   (4%) $1,196   $1,111     8%
       International
        Networks             152   107   42%     450      387    16%
       Commerce, Education,
        and Other              9    11  (18%)     22       13    69%
       Corporate             (60)  (56)  (7%)   (204)    (201)   (1%)
                             ---   ---          ----     ----
    Total Adjusted OIBDA    $390  $362    8%  $1,464   $1,310    12%
                            ====  ====        ======   ======
    

U.S. Networks

    
    
    
    (dollars in millions) Three Months Ended    Twelve Months Ended 
                             December 31,           December 31,
                          ------------------    -------------------
                           2009  2008  Change    2009    2008  Change
                           ----  ----  ------    ----    ----  ------
    Revenues:
       Distribution        $245  $236     4%     $982    $927     6%
       Advertising          287   282     2%    1,082   1,058     2%
       Other                 22    18    22%       78      77     1%
                            ---   ---             ---     ---
    Total Revenues         $554  $536     3%   $2,142  $2,062     4%
                           ====  ====          ======  ======
    
    Adjusted OIBDA         $289  $300    (4%)  $1,196  $1,111     8%
    
    Adjusted OIBDA Margin    52%   56%             56%     54%
    
    

Fourth Quarter Results

U.S. Networks' revenue in the fourth quarter of 2009 increased 3% to $554 million.  Distribution revenue grew 4% largely from higher rates and subscriber growth primarily from networks carried on the digital tier, partially offset by the absence of $10 million due to the removal of Discovery Kids following the sale of 50% of that entity on May 22, 2009.  Excluding Discovery Kids from 2008 results, distribution revenue in the current quarter grew 8% compared with the fourth quarter a year ago.  Advertising revenue increased 2% from higher cash sellouts as well as increased ratings.

Adjusted OIBDA decreased $11 million to $289 million reflecting the 3% revenue growth offset by 11% higher operating expenses primarily due to content impairment charges of $22 million in the current quarter.  Operating expenses would have increased 2% excluding content impairment charges.

Full Year Results

U.S. Networks' revenue for the full year 2009 increased 4% to $2,142 million mainly driven by distribution and advertising revenue growth.  Distribution revenue grew 6% largely from higher rates, subscriber growth primarily from networks carried on the digital tier and lower launch-support amortization, partially offset by the absence of $20 million due to the removal of Discovery Kids from the consolidated results as well an $8 million one-time revenue item recorded in the second quarter of 2008. Adjusting for these items, distribution revenue grew 9% compared with 2008.  Advertising revenue increased 2% as a result of higher ratings and increased pricing, partially offset by lower cash sellouts due to softness in the economy.  

Adjusted OIBDA increased 8% to $1,196 million reflecting the 4% revenue growth and a 2% decline in operating expenses as lower selling and administrative costs were partially offset by increased programming costs, which included higher content impairment charges in 2009.  Excluding content impairment charges in 2008 and 2009, as well as $20 million of increased costs during 2009 related to OWN, operating expenses would have decreased 5% as compared with 2008.

International Networks

    
    
    
    (dollars in millions) Three Months Ended    Twelve Months Ended 
                              December 31,          December 31,
                          ------------------    -------------------
                           2009   2008  Change   2009    2008  Change
    Revenues:
       Distribution        $191   $165    16%    $731    $713     3%
       Advertising          130     98    33%     345     336     3%
       Other                 37     31    19%     113     109     4%
                            ---    ---            ---     ---
    Total Revenues         $358   $294    22%  $1,189  $1,158     3%
                           ====   ====         ======  ======
    
    Adjusted OIBDA         $152   $107    42%    $450    $387    16%
    
    Adjusted OIBDA Margin    42%    36%            38%     33%
    

Fourth Quarter Results

International Networks' revenue for the fourth quarter increased 22% to $358 million as $19 million of favorable impact from foreign currency fluctuations contributed to advertising revenue growth of 33% and distribution revenue growth of 16%.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, revenues increased 16% led by 24% advertising revenue growth primarily in the U.K., EMEA (Europe (excluding U.K.) Middle East and Africa) and Latin America from higher viewership and an increased subscriber base.  Advertising revenue in the current quarter also included a $6 million benefit due to a settlement from a prior contract dispute at our U.K. operations. Affiliate revenue in local currency terms was up 10% during the fourth quarter mainly from subscriber growth in Latin America.  The increase in Other revenue primarily reflects $6 million from programming sales.

Adjusted OIBDA increased 42% to $152 million as the 22% revenue increase more than offset a 10% increase in operating expenses.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency, Adjusted OIBDA increased 44% reflecting 16% revenue growth, partially offset by a 1% rise in operating expenses as increased programming expenses were slightly offset by lower marketing and personnel costs.  

Full Year Results

International Networks' revenue for the full year 2009 increased 3% to $1,189 million, despite a $69 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency fluctuations, as distribution and advertising revenue each grew 3%.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, revenues for the full year 2009 increased 10%, driven by 9% distribution revenue growth, primarily due to increased subscribers in Latin America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific.  Advertising revenue in local currency terms increased 12%, primarily in the U.K., EMEA and Latin America from higher viewership due to ratings growth and an increased subscriber base, as well as from the $6 million benefit in the U.K. from the settlement of a contract provision.  

Adjusted OIBDA increased 16% to $450 million, despite a $20 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency fluctuations, reflecting the 3% revenue growth as well as a 5% decline in operating expenses.   Excluding foreign currency fluctuations, Adjusted OIBDA increased 24% versus 2008 as the 10% revenue growth was partially offset by increased operating expenses of 2% as lower marketing and personnel costs were more than offset by increased programming expenses which included a content charge taken in the second quarter related to our Germany operations.  Excluding this charge, operating expenses in 2009 increased only 1% in local currency terms compared with 2008.

Commerce, Education, and Other

    
    
    
    (dollars in millions) Three Months Ended    Twelve Months Ended 
                              December 31,          December 31,
                          ------------------    -------------------
                           2009   2008  Change   2009    2008  Change
                           ----   ----  ------   ----    ----  ------
    Revenues                $49     $70  (30%)   $176    $196   (10%)
    
    Adjusted OIBDA           $9     $11  (18%)    $22     $13    69%
    
    Adjusted OIBDA Margin    18%     16%           13%      7%
    
    
    

Fourth Quarter Results

Commerce, Education and Other fourth quarter revenue decreased 30% to $49 million primarily from $23 million of lower commerce revenues as a result of the transition to a new licensing model, partially offset by increased educational revenues from higher streaming volumes. Adjusted OIBDA decreased to $9 million as the revenue decline at commerce was mostly offset by lower operating costs as compared to prior year.  

Full Year Results

Commerce, Education and Other full year 2009 revenue decreased 10% to $176 million primarily from $25 million of lower commerce revenues as a result of the transition to the new licensing model, and a decline in sound services, partially offset by $8 million of increased educational revenues from higher streaming volumes. Adjusted OIBDA increased $9 million to $22 million, primarily from an $8 million increase from Education and a $5 million increase from Commerce compared to the prior year.

Corporate

For the full year 2009 Adjusted OIBDA decreased $3 million due to lower revenue from a joint venture, whose primary sales were of the Planet Earth DVD, as well as a decline in personnel and consulting costs.

FULL YEAR 2010 OUTLOOK

For the full year ending December 31, 2010, Discovery Communications, Inc., expects total revenue between $3,625 million and $3,750 million, Adjusted OIBDA between $1,560 million and $1,640 million, and net income available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders of $660 million to $725 million.  Our outlook incorporates current foreign exchange rates for revenues and expenses and current share price for mark-to-market share-based compensation calculations.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Adjusted OIBDA and Free Cash Flow

In addition to the results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) provided in this release, the Company has presented Adjusted OIBDA and free cash flow.  The Company evaluates the operating performance of its segments based on financial measures such as revenues and adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted OIBDA"). Adjusted OIBDA is defined as revenues less costs of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses excluding: (i) mark-to-market share-based compensation, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) amortization of deferred launch incentives, (iv) exit and restructuring charges, (v) impairment charges, and (vi) gains (losses) on business and asset dispositions. The Company uses this measure to assess operating results and performance of its segments, perform analytical comparisons, identify strategies to improve performance and allocate resources to each segment.  The Company believes Adjusted OIBDA is relevant to investors because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses and also provides investors a measure to analyze the operating performance of each segment against historical data. The Company excludes mark-to-market share-based compensation, exit and restructuring charges, impairment charges, and gains (losses) on business and asset dispositions from the calculation of Adjusted OIBDA due to their volatility or non-recurring nature. The Company also excludes the amortization of deferred launch incentive payments because these payments are infrequent and the amortization does not represent cash payments in the current reporting period.

The Company defines free cash flow as cash provided by operations less acquisitions of property and equipment.  The Company uses free cash flow as it believes it is an important indicator for management and investors of the Company's liquidity, including its ability to reduce debt, make strategic investments and return capital to shareholders.

Because Adjusted OIBDA and free cash flow are non-GAAP measures, they should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flows provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.   Please review the supplemental financial schedules beginning on page 10 for reconciliations to GAAP measures.

OTHER ITEMS

The 2008 financial information has been recast so that the basis of presentation is consistent with that of the 2009 financial information.  This recast reflects the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, Consolidation (ASC 810).

Conference Call Information

Discovery Communications will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. EST to discuss its full year and fourth quarter 2009 results.  To listen to the call, visit http://www.discoverycommunications.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties.  These statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risk factors disclosed in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will" and "would" or similar words.  Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, the full year 2010 outlook.   The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    
    
                         DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
           (Unaudited; dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
    
                                            Three Months   Twelve Months
                                                Ended          Ended
                                             December 31,   December 31,
                                             -----------    ------------
                                            2009   2008(a) 2009    2008(a)
                                            ----   ----    ----    ----
    
    
    Revenues:
      Distribution                          $436   $401  $1,713  $1,640
      Advertising                            418    382   1,428   1,396
      Other                                  110    121     375     407
                                             ---    ---     ---     ---
    Total revenues                           964    904   3,516   3,443
                                             ---    ---   -----   -----
    
    Costs of revenues, excluding
     depreciation and amortization
     listed below                            298    266   1,065   1,024
    Selling, general and administrative      318    270   1,247   1,115
    Depreciation and amortization             37     40     155     186
    Restructuring and impairment charges      19     44      66      61
    Gain on dispositions                       -      -    (252)      -
                                             ---    ---    ----     ---
                                             672    620   2,281   2,386
                                             ---    ---   -----   -----
    
    Operating income                         292    284   1,235   1,057
    
    Interest expense, net                    (67)   (60)   (250)   (256)
    Other non-operating income
     (expense), net                           12    (43)     46     (47)
                                             ---    ---     ---     ---
    
    Income from continuing operations
     before income taxes                     237    181   1,031     754
    Provision for income taxes               (81)   (67)   (472)   (352)
                                             ---    ---    ----    ----
    
    Income from continuing operations,
     net of taxes                            156    114     559     402
    Income from discontinued
     operations, net of taxes                  -      1       -      43
                                             ---    ---     ---     ---
    
    Net income                               156    115     559     445
    Less net loss (income) attributable
     to non-controlling interests             (1)    (9)      1    (128)
                                             ---    ---     ---    ----
    Net income attributable to
     Discovery Communications, Inc.          155    106     560     317
    
    Stock dividends to preferred
     interests                                 -      -      (8)      -
                                             ---    ---     ---     ---
    Net income available to Discovery
     Communications, Inc. stockholders      $155   $106    $552    $317
                                            ====   ====    ====    ====
    
    Amounts available to Discovery
     Communications, Inc. stockholders:
        Income from continuing operations,
         net of taxes                       $155   $105    $552    $274
        Income from discontinued
         operations, net of taxes              -      1       -      43
                                             ---    ---     ---     ---
        Net income                          $155   $106    $552    $317
                                            ====   ====    ====    ====
    
    Income per share from continuing
     operations available to Discovery
     Communications, Inc. stockholders:
      Basic                                $0.36  $0.25   $1.30   $0.85
                                           =====  =====   =====   =====
      Diluted                              $0.36  $0.25   $1.30   $0.85
                                           =====  =====   =====   =====
    Income per share from discontinued
     operations available to Discovery
     Communications, Inc. stockholders:
      Basic                                   $-     $-      $-   $0.13
                                             ===    ===     ===   =====
      Diluted                                 $-     $-      $-   $0.13
                                             ===    ===     ===   =====
    Net income per share available to
     Discovery Communications, Inc.
     stockholders:
      Basic                                $0.36  $0.25   $1.30   $0.99
                                           =====  =====   =====   =====
      Diluted                              $0.36  $0.25   $1.30   $0.98
                                           =====  =====   =====   =====
    Weighted average number of shares
     outstanding:
      Basic                                  425    422     423     321
                                             ===    ===     ===     ===
      Diluted                                429    422     425     322
                                             ===    ===     ===     ===
    
    (a) The 2008 financial information has been recast so that the basis of 
        presentation is consistent with that of the 2009 financial 
        information.  See Other Items on page 6 for additional detail.
    
    
    
    
    
                         DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (Unaudited; dollars in millions)
    
    
                                                        As of December 31,
                                                       --------------------
                                                       2009            2008(a)
                                                       ----            ----
    ASSETS
    Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                        $623             $100
      Receivables, net of allowances of $15 and
       $16, respectively                                810              780
      Content rights, net                                76               73
      Deferred income taxes                              71               49
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets         100              107
                                                        ---              ---
    Total current assets                              1,680            1,109
    
    Noncurrent content rights, net                    1,217            1,163
    Property and equipment, net                         411              395
    Goodwill                                          6,433            6,891
    Intangible assets, net                              643              716
    Other noncurrent assets                             581              210
                                                        ---              ---
    Total assets                                    $10,965          $10,484
                                                    =======          =======
    
    LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING
     INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, AND EQUITY
    Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities         $457             $421
        Deferred revenues                                91               93
        Current portion of share-based compensation
         liabilities                                    117                8
      Current portion of long-term debt                  38              458
      Other current liabilities                          87               90
                                                        ---              ---
    Total current liabilities                           790            1,070
    
    Long-term debt                                    3,457            3,331
    Deferred income taxes                               274              246
    Other noncurrent liabilities                        176              227
                                                        ---              ---
    Total liabilities                                 4,697            4,874
    
    Commitments and contingencies
    
    Redeemable non-controlling interests in
     subsidiaries                                        49               49
    
    Equity:
      Preferred stock                                     2                2
      Common stock                                        3                3
      Additional paid-in capital                      6,600            6,545
      Accumulated deficit                              (376)            (936)
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss              (21)             (78)
                                                        ---              ---
    Equity attributable to Discovery
     Communications, Inc.                             6,208            5,536
    Equity attributable to non-controlling
     interests                                           11               25
                                                        ---              ---
    Total equity                                      6,219            5,561
                                                      -----              ---
    Total liabilities, redeemable non-
     controlling interests in subsidiaries, and
     equity                                         $10,965          $10,484
                                                    =======          =======
    
    (a) The 2008 financial information has been recast so that the basis of 
        presentation is consistent with that of the 2009 financial 
        information.  See Other Items on page 6 for additional detail.
    
    
    
                        DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       (Unaudited; dollars in millions)
    
                                                     Twelve Months Ended
                                                          December 31,
                                                     -------------------
                                                       2009        2008(a)
                                                       ----        ------
    
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    Net income                                         $559          $445
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
     provided by operating activities:
       Share-based compensation expense (benefit)       228           (66)
       Depreciation and amortization                    155           232
       Impairment charges                                32            30
       Gains on dispositions                           (252)          (76)
       Gains on sales of investments                    (15)            -
       Deferred income taxes                             (7)          190
       Other noncash expenses, net                       32           130
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
        net of discontinued operations:
        Receivables, net                                (37)          (45)
        Content rights, net                             (55)         (145)
        Accounts payable and accrued liabilities         40           (46)
        Share-based compensation liabilities            (72)          (49)
        Other, net                                        -           (31)
                                                        ---           ---
    Cash provided by operating activities               608           569
    
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    Purchases of property and equipment                 (57)         (102)
    Net cash acquired from Newhouse Transaction           -            45
    Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired           -            (8)
    Proceeds from dispositions                          300           139
    Other investing activities, net                      23            24
                                                        ---           ---
    Cash provided by investing activities               266            98
    
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    Ascent Media Corporation spin-off                     -          (356)
    Net repayments of revolver loans                   (315)         (125)
    Borrowings from long-term debt, net of
     discount and issuance costs                        970             -
    Principal repayments of long-term debt           (1,012)         (257)
    Principal repayments of capital lease
     obligations                                        (14)          (29)
    Cash distributions to non-controlling interest      (13)            -
    Proceeds from stock option exercises                 28             -
    Other financing activities, net                       -            (7)
                                                        ---           ---
    Cash used in financing activities                  (356)         (774)
    
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
     cash equivalents                                     5            (2)
                                                        ---           ---
    
    CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                 523          (109)
    Cash and cash equivalents of continuing
     operations, beginning of period                    100             8
    Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued
     operations, beginning of period                      -           201
                                                        ---           ---
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD           $623          $100
                                                       ====          ====
    (a) The 2008 financial information has been recast so that the basis of 
        presentation is consistent with that of the 2009 financial 
        information.  See Other Items on page 6 for additional detail.
    
    
    
    
                               DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                               SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
                   RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME BEFORE 
                              DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
                             (Unaudited; dollars in millions)
    
                        Three Months Ended December 31, 2009
                         ------------------------------------
              Adjusted
              Operating                            
            Income Before              Amortization  Mark-to-
             Depreciation Depreciation of Deferred    Market         Operating
                 and           and        Launch    Share-Based Other  Income
             Amortization Amortization  Incentives Compensation  (a)   (loss)
             ------------ ------------  ---------- ------------ ----- -------
    U.S. Networks   $289      $(7)          $(5)        $-      $(9)    $268
    International
     Networks        152       (9)           (9)         -       (9)     125
    Commerce,
     Education,
     and Other         9       (2)            -          -       (1)       6
    Corporate        (60)     (19)            -        (28)       -     (107)
                     ---      ---           ---        ---      ---      ----
           Total    $390     $(37)         $(14)      $(28)    $(19)    $292
                    ====     ====          ====       ====     ====     ====
    
    
                            Three Months Ended December 31, 2008
                            ------------------------------------
              Adjusted
              Operating                            
            Income Before              Amortization  Mark-to-
             Depreciation Depreciation of Deferred    Market         Operating
                 and           and        Launch    Share-Based Other  Income
             Amortization Amortization  Incentives Compensation  (a)   (loss)
             ------------ ------------  ---------- ------------ ----- -------
    U.S. Networks   $300     $(16)          $(8)        $3     $(38)    $241
    International
     Networks        107      (11)           (8)         -       (2)      86
    Commerce, 
     Education,
     and Other        11       (2)            -          -       (2)       7
    Corporate        (56)     (11)            -         19       (2)     (50)
                     ---      ---           ---        ---      ---      ---
           Total    $362     $(40)         $(16)       $22     $(44)    $284
                    ====     ====          ====        ===     ====     ====
    
    (a)  Total amount in 2009 represents asset impairment charges of $6 
         million and exit and restructuring charges of $13 million.  Total 
         amount in 2008 represents asset impairment charges of $30 million and
         exit and restructuring charges of $14 million.
    
    
    
                       DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                         SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
               RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME BEFORE 
                       DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
                     (Unaudited; dollars in millions)
    
                     Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009
                     ------------------------------------
              Adjusted
              Operating                            
            Income Before              Amortization  Mark-to-
             Depreciation Depreciation of Deferred    Market         Operating
                 and           and        Launch    Share-Based Other  Income
             Amortization Amortization  Incentives Compensation  (a)   (loss)
             ------------ ------------  ---------- ------------ ----- -------
    U.S. Networks $1,196     $(30)         $(21)       $(1)    $215   $1,359
    International
     Networks        450      (41)          (34)         -      (22)     353
    Commerce,
     Education,
     and Other        22       (6)            -          -       (2)      14
    Corporate       (204)     (78)            -       (204)      (5)    (491)
                    ----      ---           ---       ----      ---     ----
           Total  $1,464    $(155)         $(55)     $(205)    $186   $1,235
                  ======    =====          ====      =====     ====   ======
    
                    Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2008
                     ------------------------------------
              Adjusted
              Operating                            
            Income Before              Amortization  Mark-to-
             Depreciation Depreciation of Deferred    Market         Operating
                 and           and        Launch    Share-Based Other  Income
             Amortization Amortization  Incentives Compensation  (a)   (loss)
             ------------ ------------  ---------- ------------ ----- -------
    U.S. Networks $1,111     $(56)         $(34)       $(4)    $(51)   $966
    International
     Networks        387      (43)          (41)         -       (2)    301
    Commerce,
     Education,
     and Other        13       (9)            -          -       (6)     (2)
    Corporate       (201)     (78)            -         73       (2)   (208)
                    ----      ---           ---        ---      ---    ----
           Total  $1,310    $(186)         $(75)       $69      (61) $1,057
                  ======    =====          ====        ===      ===  ======
    
    
    (a) Total amount in 2009 represents the pre-tax gain on the sale of 
        Discovery Kids of $252 million, asset impairment charges of $32 
        million and exit and restructuring charges of $34 million.  Total 
        amount in 2008 represents asset impairment charges of $30 million and
        exit and restructuring charges of $31 million.  
    
    
    
    
     
                       DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                        SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
                      (Unaudited; dollars in millions)
    
    CALCULATION OF FREE CASH FLOW
    
                      Three Months Ended        Twelve Months Ended
                      ------------------        -------------------
                        December 31,                December 31,
                        ------------                ------------
                      2009  2008  Change        2009    2008  Change
                      ----  ----  ------        ----    ----  ------
    Cash provided by
     operating
     activities       $250  $146   $104         $608    $569   $39
    Acquisition of
     property and
     equipment         (14)  (18)     4          (57)   (102)   45
                       ---   ---    ---          ---    ----   ---
    Free cash flow    $236  $128   $108         $551    $467   $84
                      ====  ====   ====         ====    ====   ===
    
    
    
    RECONCILIATION OF 2010 OUTLOOK TO GAAP MEASURES
    
    
                                                    Full Year 2010
                                                    --------------
    Net income available to Discovery
     Communications, Inc. stockholders          $660     To          $725
    Interest expense, net                        235     To           220
    Depreciation and amortization                140     To           130
    Other expense, including amortization
     of deferred launch incentives, mark-
     to-market share-based compensation,
     asset impairment, exit and
     restructuring costs, gain (loss) on
     business disposition, gain (loss) on
     sale of securities, equity earnings in
     unconsolidated affiliates, unrealized
     and realized gains and losses from
     derivatives, income tax expense, net
     loss (income) attributable to non-
     controlling interests, and stock
     dividends to preferred interests            525     To           565
                                                 ---                  ---
    Adjusted OIBDA                            $1,560     To        $1,640
                                              ======               ======
    
    
    
    
    
    
                           DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                            SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
                              SELECTED FINANCIAL DETAIL
            (Unaudited; dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
    
    BORROWINGS
                                                                       As of
                                                                  December 31,
                                                                        2009
    
    $1.6 billion Revolving Credit Facility, due October 2010           $   -
    $1.5 billion Term Loan B, due quarterly September 2007 to May 2014 1,463
    $500 million Term Loan C, due quarterly June 2009 to May 2014        496
    8.37% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due March 2011             220
    8.13% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due September 2012         235
    Floating Rate Senior Notes, semi-annual interest,
     due December 2012 (1.23 % at December 31, 2009)                      90
    6.01% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due December 2015          390
    5.625% Senior Notes, semi-annual interest, due August 2019           500
    Capital lease obligations                                            114
                                                                         ---
    Total long-term debt                                               3,508
    Unamortized discount                                                 (13)
                                                                         ---
    Long-term debt, net                                                3,495
    Less: Current portion of long-term debt                               38
                                                                         ---
    Noncurrent portion of long-term debt                              $3,457
                                                                      ======
    
    
    
    
    SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
                                      As of December 31, 2009
                       ------------------------------------------------------
                                                  
                       Total Units     Weighted   Vested Units      Weighted
         Long-Term     Outstanding     Average     Outstanding      Average
     Incentive Plans (in millions) Exercise Price (in millions) Exercise Price
     ---------------  ------------ -------------- ------------- --------------
    Discovery appreciation
     plan                    12.4       $19.36         0.1           $21.64
    Stock appreciation
     rights                   3.1        14.48         0.5            14.47
    
    Stock options            17.2        16.31         2.4            14.28
                             ----                      ---
        Total share-based
         compensation plans  32.7       $17.29         3.0           $14.56
                             ----                      ---
    
    
    
    
    
    
    NET OF TAX GAIN RECONCILIATION FOR DISCOVERY KIDS TRANSACTION
    
    Pre-tax gain on sale of 50% of Discovery Kids                        $252
    Tax recorded on book gain                                             (93)
    Tax recorded on goodwill allocated to the 50% of Discovery Kids sold  (81)
    Tax recorded on step-up of book value for the retained 50% of
     Discovery Kids                                                       (32)
                                                                          ---
    Net of tax gain                                                       $46
                                                                          ===
    
    
    
    
    
                            DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                             SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
                          (Unaudited; dollars in millions)
    
    IMPACT ON SELECT FINANCIAL ITEMS OF ADOPTING AMENDED STANDARDS IN ASC 810
    
                                    Year Ended December 31, 2009
                            As Reported       Adjustment      Recast(a)
                            -----------       ----------      ---------
    Revenues:
      Distribution               $1,713             $(15)         $1,698
      Advertising                 1,428               (1)          1,427
      Other                         375                5             380
                                    ---              ---             ---
    Total revenues                3,516              (11)          3,505
                                  -----              ---           -----
    
    Costs of revenues             1,065               (7)          1,058
    Selling, general and
     administrative               1,247              (28)          1,219
    Other operating
     income, net                    (31)              (6)            (37)
                                    ---              ---             ---
                                  2,281              (41)          2,240
                                  -----              ---           -----
    
    Operating income              1,235               30           1,265
    
    Interest expense, net          (250)               2            (248)
    Other non-operating
     income, net                     46              (33)             13
                                    ---              ---             ---
    
    Income before income taxes    1,031               (1)          1,030
    Provision for income taxes     (472)               -            (472)
                                   ----              ---            ----
    
    Net income                      559               (1)            558
    Less net loss (income)
     attributable to non-
     controlling interests            1              (16)            (15)
                                    ---              ---             ---
    Net income attributable to
     Discovery Communications, Inc. 560              (17)            543
    
    Stock dividends to
     preferred interests             (8)               -              (8)
                                    ---              ---             ---
    Net income available to
     Discovery Communications,
     Inc. stockholders             $552             $(17)           $535
                                   ====             ====            ====
    
    (a)  Beginning in January 2010 Discovery will deconsolidate the OWN and 
         Animal Planet Japan joint ventures due to the adoption of the amended
         accounting standards for interests in a variable interest entity 
         included in ASC 810.  The above table reflects the impact of the 
         adoption as if it had been effective January 1, 2009.
    
    
    

SOURCE Discovery Communications, Inc.

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