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NEW YORK, February 11, 2016 - CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) today reported results for the fourth
quarter and full year of 2015, including its highest-ever quarter in revenue and adjusted net earnings from
continuing operations per diluted share (EPS).
We had a terrific fourth quarter, and CBS is now in position to build strong momentum throughout 2016, said
Leslie Moonves, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. Our base businesses are
growing well, thanks to the strength of our premium content and the continued improvement in the advertising
marketplace. In addition, with Super Bowl 50 here in the first quarter and political spending ramping up into the
fourth, we expect 2016 will be a very good year for advertising. At the same time, our other high-margin revenue
streams continue to thrive. Retransmission consent and reverse compensation are set to hit $1 billion in 2016 a
year earlier than expected and are on pace to surpass $2 billion in 2020. The international market is extremely
exciting as well, with demand for our CBS programming higher than ever and new deals that are changing the way
we license the Showtime brand overseas. Plus, our new streaming services CBS All Access, CBSN, and
Showtime over the top are attracting a whole new set of younger viewers on better economic terms. So no matter
how quickly the digital world changes and no matter how viewers want their content CBS is positioned to
succeed.
Fourth Quarter 2015 Results
Revenues of $3.91 billion for the fourth quarter of 2015 were up 6% from $3.68 billion for the prior-year period.
The growth was driven by a 16% increase in content licensing and distribution revenues, reflecting higher
international television licensing sales. Affiliate and subscription fees grew 13%, driven by continued increases in
retransmission revenues and fees from CBS Television Network affiliated stations. Advertising revenues increased
1%, led by 8% growth in network advertising, which was partially offset by the benefit to Local Broadcasting in
2014 from political revenues.
Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $357 million, including a pretax noncash impairment charge of
$484 million ($297 million, net of tax benefit) to reduce the carrying value of radio FCC licenses to their fair value
and a gain from the sale of an Internet business in China of $120 million ($128 million, including tax benefit). On
an adjusted basis, operating income of $747 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 grew 6% from operating income
of $707 million from the same prior-year period, primarily reflecting the higher revenues.
For the fourth quarter of 2015, net earnings from continuing operations was $251 million, or $.53 per diluted share,
and included several discrete items that totaled $185 million, net of tax, or $.39 per diluted share.
On an adjusted basis, net earnings from continuing operations were $436 million, an 8% increase from net earnings
from continuing operations of $402 million for the same prior-year period, principally driven by the higher adjusted
operating income. Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2015 grew 19%, to $.92, from EPS of $.77 for the same
prior-year period. During the fourth quarter of 2015, weighted average shares outstanding were 474 million, down
from 523 million in the prior-year period, as a result of the Companys ongoing share repurchase program.
Adjusted results for the fourth quarter of 2015 excluded restructuring charges of $26 million ($16 million, net of tax
benefit), and the above-mentioned impairment charge and gain from the sale of an Internet business in China. No
adjustments were made to reported results for the fourth quarter of 2014.
Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to reported results are included at the end of this earnings release.
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Full Year 2015 Results
Full year 2015 revenues were $13.89 billion, up 1% from $13.81 billion in 2014. The growth was driven by a 15%
increase in affiliate and subscription fees, reflecting higher rates, as well as increased revenues from pay-per-view
boxing events. Advertising revenues decreased 3%, reflecting a decline in local advertising revenues as a result of
the benefit to 2014 from the midterm elections and lower radio advertising. Overall advertising revenues benefited
from a 1% increase in network advertising, primarily driven by higher scatter pricing in the second half of the year,
which offset the impact of broadcasting fewer sporting events on the CBS Television Network. Content licensing
and distribution revenues were down 2%, reflecting lower domestic television licensing revenues, which were
partially offset by higher international television licensing revenues.
For 2015, operating income of $2.42 billion included the previously mentioned impairment charge and gains from
the sales of Internet businesses in China of $139 million. On an adjusted basis, operating income of $2.84 billion in
2015 decreased 4% from $2.97 billion in 2014, reflecting an increased investment in programming and digital
distribution initiatives.
Net earnings from continuing operations in 2015 were $1.40 billion, or $2.87 per diluted share, and included several
discrete items that totaled $215 million, net of tax, or $.44 per diluted share.
On an adjusted basis, net earnings from continuing operations were $1.62 billion in 2015 compared with $1.66
billion in 2014, principally because of the lower adjusted operating income. Adjusted EPS was $3.31 in 2015, up
12% from $2.96 in 2014. Weighted average shares outstanding were 489 million in 2015, down from 561 million in
the prior year, as a result of the Companys ongoing share repurchase program as well as the split-off of Outdoor
Americas Inc. (Outdoor Americas) in the third quarter of 2014.
Adjusted results for 2015 excluded restructuring charges, an impairment charge, and gains from the sales of Internet
businesses in China. For 2014, adjusted operating income excluded restructuring charges and an impairment charge.
For 2014, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations and adjusted EPS also excluded a loss on early
extinguishment of debt. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to reported results are included at the end of this
earnings release.
Net earnings per diluted share of $5.27 for 2014 included a gain of $1.56 billion, or $2.78 per diluted share,
recognized in connection with the split-off of Outdoor Americas.
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Free Cash Flow, Balance Sheet and Liquidity
For the fourth quarter of 2015, free cash flow was $680 million compared with $880 million for the same prior-year
period. For the 2015 full year, free cash flow was $1.23 billion compared with $1.00 billion in 2014, and operating
cash flow from continuing operations was $1.42 billion compared with $1.21 billion for the prior year. These
increases principally reflect premiums paid in 2014 in connection with the Companys debt refinancing.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company repurchased 10.6 million shares of CBS Corp. Class B Common
Stock for $500 million. For the full year, the Company repurchased 51.7 million shares for $2.80 billion, leaving
$2.00 billion of authorization remaining under the Companys share repurchase program at December 31, 2015. The
Company expects to complete its share repurchase program by the end of 2016, subject to market conditions.
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Consolidated and Segment Results (dollars in millions)
The tables below present the Companys revenues by segment and type, operating income (loss) excluding
restructuring charges, impairment charges, and gain on sales of businesses by segment (Segment Operating
Income), and depreciation and amortization by segment for the three and twelve months ended December 31,
2015, and 2014.
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Entertainment (CBS Television Network, CBS Television Studios, CBS Global Distribution Group, CBS
Interactive, and CBS Films)
Entertainment revenues of $2.46 billion for the fourth quarter of 2015 grew 9% from $2.26 billion for the same
prior-year period. The increase was driven by 8% growth in network advertising revenues, resulting from a strong
scatter market. In addition, affiliate and subscription fees were up 45%, and content licensing and distribution
revenues grew 7% as a result of increased international television licensing revenues.
Entertainment operating income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $347 million, up from $253 million for the same
prior-year period, primarily reflecting the increased revenues.
Cable Networks (Showtime Networks, CBS Sports Network, and Smithsonian Networks)
Cable Networks revenues of $562 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 rose 13% from $499 million for the same
quarter in 2014, driven by higher revenues from the international licensing of Showtime original series.
Cable Networks operating income was $228 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $241 million for the
same prior-year period, as the fourth quarter of 2014 benefited from the licensing of higher-margin titles.
Publishing revenues for the fourth quarter of 2015 of $233 million rose 8% from $215 million for the same prior-
year period, driven by growth in print book sales. Digital books represented 21% of total Publishing revenues
during the quarter. Bestselling titles for the quarter included The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King and
Crippled America by Donald J. Trump.
Publishing operating income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $34 million, up from $25 million for the same prior-
year period, primarily reflecting the higher revenues.
Local Broadcasting revenues for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $719 million compared with $785 million in the
same prior-year period. CBS Television Stations revenues declined 11%, as 2014 benefited from strong political
spending associated with midterm elections. Growth in affiliate and subscription fees partially offset the decline.
CBS Radio revenues were down 5%, reflecting continued softness in the radio advertising marketplace and lower
political advertising.
Local Broadcasting operating income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $232 million compared with $292 million
for the same prior-year period, primarily reflecting the lower revenues.
Corporate
Corporate expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased 10% to $94 million from $104 million for the same
prior-year period, primarily reflecting lower employee-related costs.
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About CBS Corporation
CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) is a mass media company that creates and distributes industry-leading
content across a variety of platforms to audiences around the world. The Company has businesses with origins that
date back to the dawn of the broadcasting age as well as new ventures that operate on the leading edge of media.
CBS owns the most-watched television network in the U.S. and one of the worlds largest libraries of entertainment
content, making its brand -the Eye - one of the most recognized in business. The Companys operations span
virtually every field of media and entertainment, including cable, publishing, radio, local TV, film, and interactive
and socially responsible media. CBSs businesses include CBS Television Network, The CW (a joint venture
between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), CBS Television Studios, CBS Global Distribution
Group (CBS Studios International and CBS Television Distribution), CBS Consumer Products, CBS Home
Entertainment, CBS Interactive, CBS Films, Showtime Networks, CBS Sports Network, Pop (a joint venture
between CBS Corporation and Lionsgate), Smithsonian Networks, Simon & Schuster, CBS Television Stations,
CBS Radio and CBS EcoMedia. For more information, go to www.cbscorporation.com.
Contacts:
Press: Investors:
Gil Schwartz Adam Townsend
Senior Executive Vice President and Executive Vice President, Corporate Finance and
Chief Communications Officer Investor Relations
(212) 975-2121 (212) 975-5292
gdschwartz@cbs.com adam.townsend@cbs.com
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CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
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CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited; in millions)
At At
December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 323 $ 428
Receivables, net 3,628 3,459
Programming and other inventory 1,271 922
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 525 676
Total current assets 5,747 5,485
Property and equipment 3,243 3,164
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 1,838 1,731
Net property and equipment 1,405 1,433
Programming and other inventory 1,957 1,817
Goodwill 6,481 6,698
Intangible assets 5,514 6,008
Other assets 2,661 2,494
Total Assets $ 23,765 $ 23,935
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
Accounts payable $ 192 $ 302
Participants share and royalties payable 1,013 999
Program rights 374 404
Commercial paper 616
Current portion of long-term debt 222 20
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,759 1,692
Total current liabilities 3,560 4,033
Long-term debt 8,226 6,476
Other liabilities 6,344 6,338
Liabilities of discontinued operations 72 118
Total Stockholders Equity 5,563 6,970
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity $ 23,765 $ 23,935
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CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; in millions)
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CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Unaudited; in millions)
The following tables set forth the Companys Adjusted Operating Income for the three and twelve months ended
December 31, 2015 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. The Company defines Adjusted Operating
Income as operating income excluding restructuring charges, impairment charges, and gain on sales of businesses,
where applicable. For each individual reportable segment Adjusted Operating Income is also known as Segment
Operating Income. The Company presents Segment Operating Income as the primary measure of profit and loss
for its reportable segments in accordance with FASB guidance for segment reporting.
The Company uses Adjusted Operating Income (or Segment Operating Income for each segment), as well as
Adjusted Operating Income Margin, to, among other things, evaluate the Companys operating performance, to
value prospective acquisitions and as one of several components of incentive compensation targets for certain
management personnel. These measures are among the primary measures used by management for planning and
forecasting of future periods, and they are important indicators of the Companys operational strength and business
performance because they provide a link between profitability and operating cash flow. The Company believes
these measures are relevant and useful for investors because they allow investors to view performance in a manner
similar to the method used by the Companys management, help improve investors understanding of the
Companys operating performance, and make it easier for investors to compare the Companys results with other
companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates. In addition, these are among the primary
measures used externally by the Company's investors, analysts and industry peers for purposes of valuation and for
the comparison of the Companys operating performance to other companies in its industry.
Because Adjusted Operating Income is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a
substitute for, operating income or net earnings as an indicator of operating performance. Adjusted Operating
Income, as the Company calculates it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other
companies. In addition, this measure does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not
necessarily a measure of the Companys ability to fund its cash needs. As Adjusted Operating Income excludes
certain financial information that is included in operating income and net earnings, the most directly comparable
GAAP financial measures, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions
which are excluded. The Company provides the following reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income to operating
income and net earnings.
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CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(Unaudited; in millions)
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CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(Unaudited; in millions)
The Company defines free cash flow as its net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities before operating cash flow
from discontinued operations and including capital expenditures. The Companys calculation of free cash flow includes capital
expenditures because investment in capital expenditures is a use of cash that is directly related to the Companys operations.
The Companys net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities is the most directly comparable GAAP financial
measure.
Management believes free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to the Company to
service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, maintain its capital assets, satisfy its tax obligations, and fund
ongoing operations and working capital needs. As a result, free cash flow is a significant measure of the Companys ability to
generate long-term value. It is useful for investors to know whether this ability is being enhanced or degraded as a result of the
Companys operating performance. The Company believes the presentation of free cash flow is relevant and useful for
investors because it allows investors to evaluate the cash generated from the Companys underlying operations in a manner
similar to the method used by management. Free cash flow is one of several components of incentive compensation targets for
certain management personnel. In addition, free cash flow is a primary measure used externally by the Companys investors,
analysts and industry peers for purposes of valuation and comparison of the Companys operating performance to other
companies in its industry.
As free cash flow is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, free cash flow should not be considered in isolation of,
or as a substitute for, either net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities as a measure of liquidity or net earnings as
a measure of operating performance. Free cash flow, as the Company calculates it, may not be comparable to similarly titled
measures employed by other companies. In addition, free cash flow as a measure of liquidity has certain limitations, does
not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use, and is not necessarily a measure of the Companys ability to
fund its cash needs. When comparing free cash flow to net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities, the most
directly comparable GAAP financial measure, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and
transactions that are not reflected in free cash flow.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the Companys net cash flow provided by operating activities to free cash flow.
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CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
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CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
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