ENGLEWOOD, Colo., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) today reported total revenue of $2.92 billion for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008, a 1 percent increase compared with $2.89 billion for the corresponding period in 2007.
Net income totaled $217 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008, compared with $175 million during the corresponding period in 2007. Diluted earnings per share were $0.48 for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008, compared with $0.39 during the corresponding period in 2007.
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, DISH Network reported total revenue of $11.62 billion compared with $11.09 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, an increase of 5 percent. DISH Network's net income for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, totaled $903 million, compared with $756 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007. Diluted earnings per share were $1.98 for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, compared with $1.68 during the corresponding period in 2007.
DISH Network lost approximately 102,000 net subscribers during the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008, giving the company approximately 13.678 million subscribers at year-end. The number of net subscribers lost for the full year ended Dec. 31, 2008 was also approximately 102,000.
Detailed financial data and other information are available in DISH Network's Form 10-K for the annual period ended Dec. 31, 2008, filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About DISH Network Corporation
DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) provides approximately 13.678 million satellite TV customers as of Dec. 31, 2008 with the highest quality programming and technology at the best value, including the lowest all-digital price nationwide. Customers have access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most international channels in the U.S., state-of-the-art interactive TV applications, and award-winning HD and DVR technology including 1080p Video on Demand and the DuoDVR(TM) ViP(R) 722 DVR, a CNET and PC Magazine "Editors' Choice." DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 250 company. Visit www.dishnetwork.com.
DISH Network will host its Fourth Quarter and year-end 2008 financial results conference call today at noon ET. The dial-in number is (800) 616-6729.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Totally free, personalized fundraising consulting is now available for all Florida nonprofits 24/7 at www.fundraisershotline.com.
"Florida nonprofit fundraisers may ask anything they want - like How can I find donors? or How can I get my board to give more and to ask others to give? It's absolutely one-on-one attention. They won't be getting boilerplate answers," says Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein, creator of the hotline and president of The Nonprofit Institute, Educational Marketing Services in Fort Lauderdale.
"Nonprofits always have a hard time raising money. But many are really struggling in today's bad economy, especially in Florida. They need immediate professional advice tailored to their specific needs. But most nonprofits cannot afford to hire an expert to give them quick answers to their pressing questions. So, www.fundraisershotline.com gives them personal access to an experienced professional to be their sounding-board to increase their fundraising success," Goldstein adds.
That's what's so unique about the hotline. It's quick, efficient, direct --and free, of course. Getting answers from the hotline is simple. Go to www.fundraisershotline.com, fill out the short user form, ask a question, then send it to Dr. Goldstein. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Every question is answered personally and within 24 hours.
Columnist, author, consultant, TV and radio personality, and workshop leader - Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein is a nationally recognized marketing, communications, and fundraising executive, as well as a trends analyst and forecaster. For more than 30 years, he has developed strategies for nonprofit success.
Dr. Goldstein is now the co-producer and host of "The Forum for Nonprofits," which airs on WNN & WSBR and may be heard 24/7 at www.forumfornonprofits.com. He was the producer and host of "Fundraising Success," a weekly radio program on WXEL, 90.7FM/National Public Radio and still available at any time from anywhere in the world at www.wxelpodcasts.org.
Dr. Goldstein's "Fundraising Guru" columns have appeared in The South Florida Sun-Sentinel and have been a regular feature of the Scripps papers on Florida's Treasure Coast. He is the author of the bestseller, 30 Days to Successful Fundraising.
Goldstein is also the developer of "Fundraising Briefing Books," the basis for the workshops and tailored consulting programs he offers nationwide.
Media contact:
Stephen Goldstern
954-772-4455
trendsman@aol.com
The Country's Newest Company to Compete with Cable and Dish Satellite
SCRANTON, Pa., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- While reports of rising unemployment rates and job cuts have dominated the news recently, a new company, Home Stations Installations, opened in West Pittston, Pennsylvania.
"For the past year, I've been working on this new business," says President/CEO Gary Zurenda of Exeter, Pennsylvania. The business has to do with DTV converter boxes and digital antennas. "I have kept it very quiet due to the fact that I'm a new company, and the cable and satellite companies are established corporations that have been around for the last 30 years. It's a great feeling knowing I can help free people from a monthly bill so they can put that savings towards their family."
Now the secret is out; he has opened a 50/100 person call center and is putting 10,000 plus installers nationwide to work immediately. Thanks to President Barack Obama, he feels confident that the government will encourage and assist the everyday person in taking the plunge into a new business during these difficult times.
"We can easily install thousands of homes per week," says Executive Director Colleen Daly. "I want my free DTV; that is what I hear most. It is important that the poor, shut-ins, and misfortunate have at least 1 television working in case of a crisis because this is the emergency frequency. I met with two high ranking Senators' offices and one high ranking Congressman's office, and they are still not sure how to help. I suggested a government coupon to the very needy." The company gives a 10% discount to seniors and veterans.
Finally, there is a national company that has professional technicians that will come to your home and hook up your products or their products for a one time affordable fee. For those that are in need, Home Stations Installations can be reached at 1-877-474-3887 or by visiting them on the web at www.iwantmyfreedtv.com. Who would ever think that cable/satellite would be a luxury -- not a necessity?
Jason Mesnick to Propose with Three-Carat Neil Lane Diamond Ring
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity jeweler extraordinaire Neil Lane (www.neillanejewelry.com ) adds sparkle to ABC's "The Bachelor," from Warner Horizon Television, when Jason Mesnick proposes to one lucky bachelorette on Monday, March 2nd. The top-rated reality series will come to a close as Mesnick will get down on one knee and propose with a hand-crafted Neil Lane marquise-cut diamond and platinum ring which is encrusted and set with 170 smaller diamonds for a total weight of 3.18 carats. The center diamond is a 1.94-carat marquise-cut diamond, which is D in color, a top grade, and VS1 clarity with a GIA certificate. The ring, designed by Lane, bears the signature Neil Lane script in the shank.
Mesnick who had been courting women for seven weeks on the ABC series, selected this ring from three Neil Lane designs with different cuts of diamonds, including oval and pear. Neil Lane, with a fabulous eye for elegance and style, is the favorite for Hollywood brides to be. Neil Lane has supplied engagement rings for everyone from Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson to Sandra Bullock, Brooke Shields and Jennifer Hudson.
As an avid collector of fine jewelry with an eye for designing pieces exuding both style and elegance, Neil Lane has earned the respect and admiration of an all-star crowd. Whether worn for the Oscars, or other red-carpet events or engagements, his iconic jewelry designs have been adorned by some of the most beautiful and powerful women in Hollywood, including Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Elizabeth Taylor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and many others.
Neil Lane jewelry has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, W and many other high-end fashion publications. As a leading Hollywood jewelry designer, hailed in the media as The King of Bling, the Ace of Diamonds, Neil Lane has influence and impact both domestically and internationally.
Neil Lane
708 N. La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069
For more information on Neil Lane Jewelry, please contact info@neillanejewelry.com
SHANGHAI, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Acorn International, Inc.
("Acorn") (NYSE: ATV), a leading integrated multi-platform marketing company
in China, will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal
year ended December 31, 2008 before the market opens on Monday, March 9, 2009.
A copy of the earnings release will be available on the company's website at
http://www.chinadrtv.com .
Acorn's management has scheduled a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET on
March 9, 2009 (8:00 p.m. Beijing Time) to discuss the Company's perspective on
the results and answer questions. You may access the live interactive call via:
Please dial-in approximately 10 minutes in advance to facilitate an
on-time start.
A replay will be available for approximately two weeks after the call and
may be accessed via:
-- +852 3005 2020 (International)
-- Passcode: 136511#
A live and archived webcast of the call will be available on the Company's
website at http://www.chinadrtv.com .
About Acorn
Acorn International (NYSE: 'ATV') is a leading integrated
multi-platform marketing company in China, operating China's largest TV direct
sales business in terms of revenues and TV air time and a nationwide off-TV
distribution network. Acorn's TV direct sales platform consists of airtime
purchased from both national and local channels. In addition to marketing and
selling through its TV direct sales programs and its off-TV nationwide
distribution network, Acorn also offers consumer products and services through
catalogs, an outbound telemarketing center and an e-commerce website.
Leveraging its integrated multiple sales and marketing platforms, Acorn has
built a proven track record of developing and selling proprietary-branded
consumer products, as well as products and services from established third
parties.
For further information, please contact:
Acorn International
Chen Fu, Director of Investor Relations
Tel: +86-21-5151-8888 x2228
Email: ir@chinadrtv.com
PRChina
Jane Liu
Tel: +852-2522-1838
Email: jliu@prchina.com.hk
Henry Chik
Tel: +852-2522-1368
Email: hchik@prchina.com.hk
Dr. Oetker's Ristorante will partner with the Top Chef star to introduce the great tasting, gourmet Italian restaurant style frozen pizza to American homes this summer
STUDIO CITY, Calif., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans of Bravo TV's Top Chef can look forward to more flavor from the series' "Italian Stallion," Fabio Viviani. Dr. Oetker, the number one frozen pizza manufacturer in Italy, is launching its best-selling Ristorante brand in the United States and the season five star has signed on to be the spokesperson.
Fabio Viviani, who was born in Florence and recalls Dr. Oetker pizza from his childhood, will participate in a five-city media tour this summer to introduce the favorite brand of thin-crust pizza lovers throughout Europe and Canada to consumers in the northeastern United States.
"Growing up in Italy, my mom often had Dr. Oetker's products in the home so I'm excited to help introduce Ristorante brand frozen pizzas to American households," explained Viviani. "As a chef, I am very particular about the ingredients that I select. That's why I am a fan of Dr. Oetker's Ristorante pizza because it features fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as spinach, mozzarella, mushrooms and other vegetables on a thin crispy crust."
"We are eager to introduce the authentic taste of Dr. Oetker Ristorante to American pizza-lovers and feel Fabio is the perfect voice for the brand," said William Whalen, executive vice president for Dr. Oetker U.S.A., LLC. "He has an incredible personality and a real passion for cooking, eating and entertaining with great food."
Lots of Americans are eating out less often but they still want to enjoy the taste and fresh flavors like the ones featured on Top Chef or found in an Italian restaurant, such as Cafe Firenze," said Viviani.
"Dr. Oetker's Ristorante pizza is a delicious and convenient way to capture the essence of Italian restaurant dining in the home."
Northeast U.S. Products are priced from $4.99 to $5.99. To learn more about Dr. Oetker, please visit www.oetker.us.
About Fabio Viviani
Fabio is the Owner and Executive Chef of Cafe Firenze, one of the most recognized restaurants in Ventura County. Born and raised in Florence, Italy, he incorporates Italian, French and Spanish influences in his dishes and believes that cooking is a craft.
www.cafefirenze.net.
About Dr. Oetker
The Dr. Oetker company started in Germany in 1891 with the development of a special baking powder, Backin, that produced extraordinary baking results. More than 30 years ago, the first frozen pizza was launched in Germany and, today, Dr. Oetker is the market leader of frozen pizza in most European countries. In 2003, Ristorante Pizza was introduced in Canada and has continued to maintain an overwhelming amount of success in the market place. For more information about Dr. Oetker and Ristorante, please visit www.oetker.us.
MEXICO CITY, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V.
(BMV: TVAZTCA; Latibex: XTZA), one of the two largest producers of Spanish-
language television programming in the world, announced today net sales of
Ps.2,909 million, EBITDA of Ps.1,401 million and EBITDA margin of 48% for the
fourth quarter of 2008.
"We were able to preserve the solid top line level reported in the prior
year and multiply net profit by four in the quarter, despite the difficult
economic environment," said Mario San Roman, Chief Executive Officer of TV
Azteca. "On the operating front, we further strengthened our successful
programming grid, particularly in prime time, positively influencing sales in
the period, and setting the basis for a firm market positioning in 2009."
Fourth Quarter Results
Net sales were Ps.2,909 million, practically unchanged compared to
Ps.2,898 million in the same quarter of 2007. Total costs and expenses were
Ps.1,508 million, from Ps.1,381 million in the same period of the previous
year. As a result, TV Azteca reported EBITDA of Ps.1,401 million, compared to
Ps.1,517 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The company registered net
majority income of Ps.863 million, more than four times above the Ps.186
million in the same period of 2007.
Net Sales
"The growing popularity of our content -- especially novelas and La
Academia: Ultima Generacion -- translated into a 41% commercial audience share
in prime time in the quarter. Successful programming was key to build
effective advertising campaigns for recognized brands in Mexico, and enhanced
demand for multiple ad spaces in the period," added Mr. San Roman.
Fourth quarter revenue includes sales of Ps.62 million from Proyecto 40,
which have been consolidated in TV Azteca results beginning this year.
TV Azteca also reported net sales from Azteca America -- the company's
wholly owned broadcast television network focused on the U.S. Hispanic market
-- of Ps.194 million, compared to Ps.132 million a year ago.
Programming sales to other countries were Ps.15 million in the period,
compared to Ps.26 million the prior year. Revenue this quarter resulted from
the sale of the shows Lo que Callamos las Mujeres and Montecristo in Latin
America, and Bellezas Indomables in Europe.
Revenue from barter sales was Ps.112 million, practically unchanged from
Ps.113 million from the previous year.
Costs and Expenses
Total costs and expenses grew 9% in the quarter, as a result of a 13%
increase in programming, production and transmission costs -- to Ps.1,219
million, from Ps.1,079 million in the same period a year ago -- and a 4%
reduction in selling and administrative expenses -- to Ps.288 million,
compared to Ps.302 million in the same quarter of 2007.
The increase in costs reflects the consolidation of Proyecto 40 in TV
Azteca results, and the effect of the exchange rate depreciation on peso
disbursements of the acquired programming that was transmitted during the
quarter.
Decrease in selling and administrative expenses resulted from reductions
in operating and travel expenses, and advisory fees, as a result of
initiatives that punctually control the company's outlays.
TV Azteca continues to seek additional actions to reduce expenses, as a
response to the deceleration of the economic activity in Mexico.
EBITDA and Net Income
EBITDA was Ps.1,401 million, compared with Ps.1,517 million in the same
period of the prior year; EBITDA margin was 48%.
Below EBITDA the main changes were: i) reduction of Ps.798 million in
provision for taxes, due primarily to an extraordinary charge in the deferred
income tax a year ago, ii) decrease of Ps.80 million in other financial
expense, and iii) a Ps.60 million increase in interest paid, due to changes in
the debt balance.
Net majority income for the period was Ps.863 million, more than four
times higher than Ps.186 million a year ago.
Advertising Advances
The balance of advertising advances as of December 31, 2008 was
Ps.3,971 million, 8% above Ps.3,693 million in the prior year.
The company considers that growth in advertising advances represents a
vote of confidence of clients regarding the effectiveness of TV Azteca content
to reach target markets.
Debt
As of December 31, 2008, TV Azteca's outstanding debt -- excluding
Ps.1,621 million debt due 2069 -- was Ps.8,043 million.
Such debt is peso denominated, and of it, Ps.6,000 million are long term
Securities Certificates. The interest rate is fixed at 9.29% annually, thanks
to interest coverage for the next three years.
The cash balance was Ps.3,250 million, which resulted in net debt of
Ps.4,793 million. Debt to last twelve months (LTM) EBITDA ratio was 2.1
times, and net debt to LTM EBITDA was 1.2 times.
Twelve Months Results
Net sales in 2008 were Ps.9,815 million, 3% above the Ps.9,505 million
reported a year ago. Total costs and expenses were Ps.5,923 million, from
Ps.5,482 million in the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the
consolidation of Proyecto 40 in TV Azteca results and the production and
transmission of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. As a result, TV Azteca
reported EBITDA of Ps.3,893 million in the year, compared to Ps.4,022 million
in 2007. The company reported majority net income of Ps.1,054 million, from
net income of Ps.1,041 million in the prior year.
Company Profile
TV Azteca is one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language
television programming in the world, operating two national television
networks in Mexico, Azteca 13 and Azteca 7, through more than 300 owned and
operated stations across the country. TV Azteca affiliates include Azteca
America Network, a new broadcast television network focused on the rapidly
growing U.S. Hispanic market, and Azteca Web, an Internet company for North
American Spanish speakers.
TV Azteca is a Grupo Salinas company (www.gruposalinas.com), a group of
dynamic, fast growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on
creating shareholder value, and improving society through excellence. Created
by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas, Grupo Salinas operates as a
management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member
companies.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press
release are forward-looking statements and are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected. Other risks that may affect TV Azteca and its subsidiaries are
identified in documents sent to securities authorities.
TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2007 and 2008 )
Fourth Quarter of:
2007 2008
Change
Net revenue Ps 2,898 100% Ps 2,909 100% Ps 11 0%
Programming, production
and transmission costs 1,079 37% 1,219 42% 140 13%
Selling and
administrative expenses 302 10% 288 10% (13) -4%
Total costs and expenses 1,381 48% 1,508 52% 127 9%
EBITDA 1,517 52% 1,401 48% (115) -8%
Depreciation and
amortization 126 129 4
Operating profit 1,391 48% 1,272 44% (119) -9%
Other expense -Net (301) (308) (6)
Comprehensive financing
result:
Interest expense (200) (261) (60)
Other financing expense (97) (17) 80
Interest income 31 23 (8)
Exchange gain -Net 3 39 36
Gain on monetary
position 44 - (44)
(220) (216) 4
Income before the
following provision 870 30% 749 26% (121) -14%
Provision for income tax (684) 114 798
Net income Ps 187 Ps 863 Ps 676
Net income
of minority
stockholders Ps 1 Ps - Ps (1)
Net income
of majority
stockholders Ps 186 6% Ps 863 30% Ps 677 365%
TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2007, and 2008)
Year ended December 31,
2007 2008 Change
Net revenue Ps 9,505 100% Ps 9,815 100% Ps 311 3%
Programming, production
and transmission costs 4,323 45% 4,767 49% 444 10%
Selling and administrative
expenses 1,159 12% 1,156 12% (3) 0%
Total costs and expenses 5,482 58% 5,923 60% 440 8%
EBITDA 4,022 42% 3,893 40% (130) -3%
Depreciation and amortization 434 479 45
Operating profit 3,588 38% 3,414 35% (175) -5%
Other expense -Net (744) (867) (122)
Comprehensive financing result:
Interest expense (799) (868) (70)
Other financing expense (162) (119) 42
Interest income 110 93 (17)
Exchange (loss) gain -Net (10) 79 89
Gain on monetary position 70 - (70)
(790) (816) (26)
Income before the following
provision 2,053 22% 1,731 18% (323) -16%
Provision for income tax (1,013) (676) 336
Net income Ps 1,041 Ps1,055 Ps 14
Net income of minority
stockholders Ps (1) Ps 1 1
Net income of majority
stockholders Ps 1,041 11% Ps1,054 11% Ps 13 1%
TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2007 and 2008 )
At December 31,
2007 2008
Change
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents Ps 1,678 Ps 3,250 Ps 1,572
Accounts receivable 4,210 4,547 337
Other current assets 1,337 1,642 305
Total current assets 7,225 9,439 2,214 31%
Long-term accounts receivable from
Pappas 1,672 2,039 367
Exhibition rights 476 524 48
Property, plant and equipment-Net 2,985 3,242 257
Television concessions-Net 4,636 4,650 14
Other assets 1,611 1,539 (72)
Goodwill - Net 154 159 5
Deferred income tax asset 469 259 (210)
Total long term assets 12,003 12,412 409 3%
Total assets Ps 19,228 Ps 21,851 Ps 2,623 14%
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt Ps - Ps 1,984 Ps 1,984
Other current liabilities 3,760 3,225 (535)
Total current liabilities 3,760 5,209 1,449 39%
Long-term debt:
Structured Securities Certificates 6,000 6,000 -
Long-term debt - 60 60
Total long-term debt 6,000 6,060 60
Other long term liabilities:
Advertising advances 3,693 3,971 278
Exhibition rights payable 36 - (36)
American Tower Corporation (due 2069) 1,301 1,621 320
Total other long-term liabilities 5,030 5,592 562 11%
Total liabilities 14,790 16,861 2,071 14%
Total stockholders' equity 4,438 4,990 552 12%
Total liabilities and equity Ps 19,228 Ps 21,851 Ps 2,623 14%
