UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

 

 

Commission File No. 000-17436

 

 

CKX, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

650 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (212) 838-3100

 

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

 

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

 

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates, based on the closing sales price of the company’s common stock as of June 30, 2009, was $412,192,673.

 

As of March 12, 2010 there were 93,053,207 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:  Portions of the issuer’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with its 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 5 and Part III, Items 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14.

 

 

 

CKX, Inc.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
December 31, 2009

 

 

 

CKX, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, will be referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by terms such as “we,” “us,” “our,” “CKX,” the “registrant” and the “Company,” unless the context otherwise requires.

 

Overview

 

We are engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of entertainment content. As more fully described below, our primary assets and operations include:

 

 

Our existing properties generate recurring revenue across multiple entertainment platforms, including music and television; licensing and merchandising; talent management; themed attractions and touring/live events.

 

19 Entertainment

 

Overview

 

Through our subsidiary, 19 Entertainment Limited, we own proprietary rights to the IDOLS (including American Idol) and So You Think You Can Dance television brands, both of which air in the United States and, together with local adaptations of the formats, around the world. 19 Entertainment’s strategy is to create and retain an ownership interest in entertainment content and to seek to enhance the value of its content through the control of multiple complementary revenue streams including, for example, television, music, sponsorship and merchandising, touring and artist management.

 

In January 2010, we entered into a long-term agreement with Simon Fuller, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of 19 Entertainment, pursuant to which Mr. Fuller will continue to executive produce and provide overall global executive direction with respect to American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance and our new multi-platform property If I Can Dream. The terms of the agreements with Mr. Fuller are more fully described below under “Transaction with Simon Fuller.” In connection with this transaction, management has initiated a thorough review of each of the businesses currently conducted by 19 Entertainment and decided to focus its efforts principally around its established IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance brands and its new multimedia brand If I Can Dream. As a result of the decision to concentrate primarily on these three brands, management intends to exit most of the other businesses within 19 Entertainment by the summer of 2010. These businesses will either be closed, sold or transferred, including potentially being sold or transferred to Mr. Fuller’s new entertainment venture, XIX Entertainment. These changes are expected to substantially reduce 19 Entertainment’s spending on new development projects and associated selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company expects to incur cash and non-cash charges in 2010 as a result of this process. The amount of such charges will depend on a number of factors including the final determination of which businesses the Company will exit, the amount, if any, of sales proceeds generated or liabilities assumed as part of the sale or transfer of businesses and the ultimate scope of the reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

IDOLS Brand

 

19 Entertainment’s multi-platform approach to the commercial utilization of its entertainment properties is best illustrated by the IDOLS brand. In 1998, 19 Entertainment created what was to become the concept for “Pop Idol,” a televised talent contest for musical artists that allowed the viewing audience to participate in and ultimately select the winning performer via text messaging and telephone voting. The audience participation generates a pre-established market for the winning artists and other finalists who 19 Entertainment then has the right to represent with respect to artist management and merchandising. In the United States and the United Kingdom, 19 Entertainment also enters into exclusive recording agreements with the winning artists and other finalists. The first television program based on this concept was Pop Idol, first broadcast in the United Kingdom in 2001 and in the United States, under the name American Idol

in 2002. American Idol and/or local adaptations of the IDOLS television show format now collectively air in over 100 countries around the world. The popularity of the IDOLS brand around the world, most notably the American Idol series in the United States, has generated substantial revenue across multiple media platforms, in all of which 19 Entertainment retains a substantial ownership and/or economic interest.

 

19 Entertainment has a global television production and distribution agreement with FremantleMedia Limited (together with its affiliate, FremantleMedia North America, Inc., “FremantleMedia”), the content production arm of the RTL Group, Europe’s largest television and radio broadcast company. Sony Music is 19 Entertainment’s record label partner with respect to IDOLS artists in most major territories around the world. Throughout this document we use the term “partner” or “partnership” to describe our business relationship with certain entities, in particular FremantleMedia and Sony Music. These terms are meant only to imply a cooperative business relationship involving the sharing of certain responsibilities or revenue streams and are not meant to imply a legal partnership or joint venture entity unless otherwise specifically indicated.

 

Though 19 Entertainment is a party to a variety of commercial relationships with its television and record label production and distribution partners to produce, broadcast, distribute and finance shows based on the IDOLS brand, 19 Entertainment retains a substantial interest in all aspects of such shows and their multiple revenue streams through its wholly owned operating subsidiaries both in the United States and the United Kingdom. 19 Entertainment’s principal operational and ownership interests are structured such that 19 Entertainment:

 

 

Television

 

The typical model for a 19 Entertainment television project thus far, as demonstrated by the roll out of the IDOLS brand, has been the development of a compelling television show that is capable of being broadcast and/or replicated on a global basis. Through the initial programming, 19 Entertainment is able to generate a significant fan base and, ultimately, build substantial ancillary revenue streams.

 

19 Entertainment/FremantleMedia Agreement

 

19 Entertainment has entered into a worldwide arrangement with FremantleMedia for the production and distribution of the IDOLS brand. The arrangement gives FremantleMedia the exclusive right to produce (or sublicense production) and distribute IDOLS programs and series throughout the world except in the United States, where 19 Entertainment co-produces the American Idol series. In the United States, the American Idol series airs on the Fox Broadcasting Network under an agreement between 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia and Fox, as more fully described below under “American Idol — Fox Agreement.”

 

Under the terms of the 19 Entertainment/FremantleMedia agreement, the IDOLS brand, together with all domain names and trademarks relating thereto are owned jointly by the parties, two-thirds by 19 Entertainment and one-third by FremantleMedia. In addition to its joint ownership of the IDOLS brand, 19 Entertainment has the right to receive certain fees and revenues relating to the sublicensing of the IDOLS brand and the production of television shows based on the IDOLS brand and format around the world. Specifically, 19 Entertainment receives:

 

 

 

American Idol — Fox Agreement

 

19 Entertainment, Fox and FremantleMedia have entered into a series of agreements, the most recent of which was entered into in November 2005, which together encompass the terms under which Fox is granted the right to air American Idol in the United States. Fox has been granted a perpetual and exclusive license, including the right of first negotiation and last refusal, to broadcast any non-scripted television programs featuring the American Idol brand or based on the American Idol format, or featuring contestants who appear in their roles as American Idol winners, intended for broadcast within the United States and its territories. Under the terms of the 2005 amendment, Fox guaranteed production of four additional seasons of American Idol through and including American Idol 8, which aired during the first and second quarters of 2009, with an automatic renewal for up to two additional seasons upon the show achieving certain minimum ratings in 2009 and potentially 2010. Based on ratings for the 2009 season, the show was automatically renewed for 2010 and began airing in January 2010. Based on the early ratings for the current season, we expect that the automatic renewal for 2011 will be triggered.

 

Fox pays FremantleMedia a flat license fee per episodic hour, as well as a premium license fee for each hour in excess of the initial season order. These fees are used by FremantleMedia to fund American Idol series production costs, excluding the fees of the judges and host and certain other costs, over and above the license fees, which are paid directly by Fox. FremantleMedia retains the balance of the Fox license fees minus production costs, and pays 50% of the balance directly to 19 Entertainment. Under the terms of the 2005 amendment, Fox pays an additional contractual license fee directly to 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia.

 

In addition to license fees, Fox also pays bonus fees depending on where the American Idol series is rated and ranked in the 18-49 age demographic. 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia each receive 50% of the ratings/rankings bonus, with 19 Entertainment receiving its share directly from Fox. 19 Entertainment also receives an executive producer fee and a format fee per episodic hour.

 

 Ryan Seacrest Agreement

 

On July 7, 2009, the Company entered into two agreements with Ryan Seacrest, the host of American Idol , and certain of his affiliates to (i) ensure Mr. Seacrest’s availability for three future seasons of American Idol (years 2010, 2011 and 2012) and acquire Mr. Seacrest’s prime time television network exclusivity for future potential projects during the term of the agreement, and (ii) obtain the right to use Mr. Seacrest’s personal goodwill, merchandising rights, rights to his name, voice and image, and rights of publicity and promotion related to American Idol . Under the terms of the agreements, the Company paid $22.5 million upon execution of the agreements on July 7, 2009 and will pay Mr. Seacrest an additional $22.5 million in monthly installments during the term, for a total guaranteed amount of $45 million. The Company is in the process of negotiating with Fox and Fremantle for compensation related to Mr. Seacrest’s services on American Idol . The amounts paid by such parties, if any, will either be paid directly to the Company or remitted to the Company by Mr. Seacrest.

 

 So You Think You Can Dance

 

19 Entertainment created and co-produces the television show So You Think You Can Dance, a talent competition for amateur dancers in a wide range of dance styles, that allows the viewing audience to participate in and ultimately select the winning performer via text messaging and telephone voting. The winner is voted “America’s Favorite Dancer” and receives a cash prize. The show was initially broadcast in the United States on the Fox Broadcasting Network in the summer of 2005 and has thus far aired for five summer seasons through the summer of 2009. In 2009, Fox ordered an additional sixth season which aired in the third and fourth quarters of 2009. For 2010, So You Think You Can Dance will return to one broadcast season per year, airing this coming summer.

 

19 Entertainment records all of the television and sponsorship revenue for So You Think You Can Dance and all of the operating expenses, including all of the production costs. Fox has been granted a perpetual and exclusive license, including the right of first negotiation and last refusal, to broadcast So You Think You Can Dance. Fox pays 19 Entertainment a variable, non-auditable license fee per episodic hour. These fees fund the production costs of the show. 19 Entertainment retains the balance of the Fox license fees minus production costs. 19 Entertainment also receives an executive producer fee per episode and generates revenue from sales of the U.S. show and sales of the format to 18 foreign countries. 19 Entertainment pays a contractual profit share to our production partners, Dick Clark Productions and Nigel Lythgoe, with Fox also sharing in the profit on foreign sales.

 

Recorded Music

 

19 Entertainment has the exclusive right to select the record company entitled to sign contestants on television shows based on the IDOLS brand to long-term recording contracts. In the United States and the United Kingdom, 19 Entertainment typically options the recording rights to the top 24 finalists of each series of each television show based on the IDOLS brand, and then enters into recording

agreements with each of the winners and certain finalists. 19 Entertainment is currently a party to long-term recording agreements with numerous best-selling former IDOLS contestants, including:

 

 

The American Idol and Pop Idol winners and finalists to date collectively have sold more than 47 million albums in the United States and United Kingdom alone.

 

Sony Music Entertainment is 19 Entertainment’s record label partner with respect to IDOLS-based recorded music in most major territories around the world. Ronagold Limited, a subsidiary of Sony Music, is entitled to select the record company (which must be a Sony Music record company) in territories outside the United States and the United Kingdom which will sign the contestant-artists. In the United States and the United Kingdom, 19 Entertainment enters into recording contracts with the finalists and then grants an optional exclusive license to a Sony Music affiliate to select a Sony Music record company to handle the marketing, manufacturing and distribution of the records throughout the world. For the first four series of American Idol in the United States, RCA was the designated Sony Music affiliate. 19 Entertainment’s agreement with Ronagold with respect to American Idol in the United States expired following American Idol 4, which completed its run in May 2005.

 

In November 2005, 19 Entertainment entered into an agreement with Sony Music, extending its rights to serve as the record label partner with respect to American Idol artists and designating Simco Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Music, as the new record partner for seasons subsequent to American Idol 4. In the United States, Simco was granted five successive options to acquire the rights to participate as 19 Entertainment’s record label partner, after which it can require 19 Entertainment to select a designated Sony Music record label in the United States to act as licensee. The agreement with Sony Music and Simco expires following the currently airing American Idol 9.

 

In the United States and the United Kingdom, the Sony Music record company that licenses the winning artist and/or any of the finalists pays to 19 Entertainment a recoupable advance, out of which 19 Entertainment funds an advance to the finalists/artists. Outside the United States and the United Kingdom, the designated Sony Music record company licenses the winning artist and/or any of the finalists directly and pays to them advances and royalties commensurate with the terms of Sony Music’s usual exclusive recording contracts for artists with one Platinum selling album prior to signature in the relevant country.

 

In further consideration for 19 Entertainment designating Sony Music as the continuing record label for American Idol artists, Fox agreed to pay to 19 Entertainment a non-recoupable annual fee for each of the fifth through ninth seasons of American Idol.

 

In addition to the aforementioned, pursuant to an agreement amongst 19 Entertainment, Fox, FremantleMedia and Apple, all of the American Idol contestant performances in audio and video are offered for sale exclusively through the iTunes Store. Music performances starting with the top 24 semifinalists through the season’s final performances are available to be downloaded the day after the show airs. iTunes also serves as a sponsor on the television show.

Internet and Telephony

 

19 Entertainment, together with FremantleMedia and Fox, is working to extend the reach of the American Idol brand across additional media platforms and distribution channels, starting with the development of an expanded presence on the Internet. Under the terms of the 2005 Fox amendment, Fox agreed, at its own expense, to build and host www.americanidol.com, which serves as the show’s official website. 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia and Fox agreed to work together to develop content for the website. Fox pays 19 Entertainment/FremantleMedia two-thirds of net Internet revenue generated by Fox above certain thresholds on the primary site for each season through American Idol 10. In addition to developing content with Fox for the primary site, 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia retain their right to offer premium services on the website and retain 100% of the income generated from such premium services.

 

Additionally, 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia have granted to Fox certain wireless telephony rights, including show-related or inspired ringtones, realtones and video footage. Fox is required to pay 19 Entertainment/FremantleMedia 50% of telephony revenues generated by Fox above certain thresholds for each season through American Idol 10. To date, revenues have not exceeded the thresholds above which we would receive payment from Fox.

 

Sponsorship/Merchandising/Marketing

 

19 Entertainment’s sponsorship and merchandising revenues are driven primarily by the IDOLS brand franchise. Fox has exclusive responsibility for selling on-air media on behalf of the American Idol series. However, to the extent that media buyers seek any off-air promotional tie-ins or in program identification rights, these rights can only be sold with the consent of 19 Entertainment/FremantleMedia. With respect to IDOLS tours, 19 Entertainment’s staff solicits sponsors directly and exclusively.

 

19 Entertainment also options the merchandising rights for the top ten contestants for each American Idol program and typically signs long-term exclusive merchandising contracts with the winner and certain finalists. As noted above, all merchandising and licensing associated with the American Idol series is handled by FremantleMedia on a world-wide basis, though 19 Entertainment receives 50% of net merchandising revenue.

 

Touring

 

With the success of the IDOLS brand, touring has become a significant source of revenue for 19 Entertainment. As discussed above, when the number of contestants on American Idol has been narrowed down to the final ten contestants, 19 Entertainment engages the finalists as talent for American Idol branded tours produced by 19 Entertainment. In the summer of 2009, the American Idol tour, featuring the finalists from the show’s eighth season, played 52 dates in cities and venues across the United States and Canada.

 

Similarly, with the success of So You Think You Can Dance, the annual live tour featuring contestants from the recently-ended season has become a consistent source of revenue for the Company. The 2009 tour featuring contestants from the show’s then completed fifth season played 40 dates in cities and venues across the United States and Canada.

 

Disney Attraction and Agreements

 

In 2008, 19 Entertainment, together with FremantleMedia, entered into an agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for the creation of an “American Idol” attraction to be located at Disney’s Hollywood Studio theme park in Orlando, Florida. Guests at the attraction will have the opportunity to perform before a live audience, compete for a chance to appear in a theme park show based on American Idol and participate as part of the judges panel as other guests perform. The attraction opened in February 2009. The agreement with Disney expires in February 2014. Disney has the right to extend the term for up to ten additional years. Under the agreement with Disney, 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia receive an annual license fee, a clip fee, a percentage of sponsorships sold by Disney for the attraction and a percentage of American Idol merchandise sold by Disney.

 

19 Entertainment has also entered into a talent agreement with Disney pursuant to which 19 Entertainment receives an annual performance fee in exchange for making certain American Idol contestants available for limited promotional work, personal appearances and a performance for a Disney-owned property.

 

If I Can Dream

 

In March 2010, 19 Entertainment launched a new multi-platform entertainment project titled If I Can Dream. Through 24/7 live streaming on ificandream.com and a weekly half hour broadcast on Hulu, If I Can Dream documents the story of five young people pursuing success in Hollywood. The program is being distributed and marketed to a global audience through a number of integrated partnerships with well known and blue chip brands including Hulu, Clear Channel Communications, MySpace, Pepsi and Ford Motor Company.

 

Transaction with Simon Fuller

 

On January 13, 2010, the Company entered into a series of agreements with Simon Fuller (i) securing Mr. Fuller’s long term creative services as a consultant, (ii) providing CKX with an option to invest in XIX Entertainment Limited, a new entertainment company formed

by Mr. Fuller, and (iii) agreeing to the termination of Mr. Fuller’s employment with 19 Entertainment. The Company elected not to exercise the option to invest in XIX Entertainment prior to its expiration on March 15, 2010. Pursuant to a consultancy agreement with Mr. Fuller, we have engaged Mr. Fuller to provide services, including executive producer services, in respect of our American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and If I Can Dream programs. In consideration for providing these services, Mr. Fuller will receive 10% of the net profits of each of the aforementioned programs for the life of the programs as long as Mr. Fuller continues to provide consulting services with respect to such programs. For calendar year 2010, Mr. Fuller will receive $5.0 million as an advance against the 10% fee and it is expected that Mr. Fuller may receive a total of between $8.0 million and $10.0 million for 2010, inclusive of the advance, pursuant to the consultancy agreement. For each year after 2010, subject to certain conditions, Mr. Fuller will receive, as an annual advance against the 10% fee, $3.0 million if American Idol remains on network television and $2.0 million if So You Think You Can Dance remains on network television. The advances are non-refundable to CKX, but CKX may recoup the amount of such advances from the 10% fee payable to Mr. Fuller. In addition to the aforementioned payment, Mr. Fuller will receive £1.5 million ($2.4 million) in consideration for providing creative and strategic advice with respect to the overall business of CKX through July 13, 2010.

 

Upon entering into these agreements, Mr. Fuller resigned as a director of CKX and as an officer and director of 19 Entertainment.

 

Artist Management

 

19 Entertainment continues to represent its historical roster of clients, including David and Victoria Beckham (see below under “Beckham Relationship”), Annie Lennox, Cathy Dennis and the Spice Girls. In addition, 19 Entertainment options the right to manage the final contestants in each series of the IDOLS brand broadcasts in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada. 19 Entertainment currently manages a number of American Idol winners and finalists, including Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, David Cook, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta.

 

In December 2008, 19 Entertainment entered into a representation deal with Andy Murray, currently the No. 3-ranked tennis player on the ATP World Tour, and his brother Jamie Murray, currently the No. 5-ranked doubles player in the United Kingdom. 19 Entertainment, together with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), commenced representing the Murray brothers in all of their on-court and off-court activities in March 2009.

 

In addition to the aforementioned, through our MBST division, we manage more than 30 clients, representing an array of Oscar^®, Tony^®, Emmy^® and Grammy^® winning artists, including Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Woody Allen for more than 25 years each. In addition to its management activities, MBST or its senior executives have been responsible for the production of numerous motion pictures and television productions over the years, including Arthur, Good Morning Vietnam, The Vanishing, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Match Point and Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which won the 2009 Golden Globe award for best motion picture — musical or comedy.

 

Beckham Relationship

 

19 Entertainment has developed a number of relationships in which it retains an ownership position and which it expects to result in the creation of valuable properties and projects. For example, 19 Entertainment manages Victoria Beckham, a fashion and lifestyle personality as well as David Beckham, a globally recognized soccer player who commenced playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy of United States-based Major League Soccer in July 2007 and is currently playing on loan to AC Milan in the Italian Serie A league. 19 Entertainment represents Mr. Beckham in all of his commercial activities including advertising, sponsorship and endorsement activities. In addition, David and Victoria Beckham have agreed to pursue the development and exploitation of projects relating to merchandising, products and skills (that do not, with certain exceptions, include the name “Beckham”) exclusively through a joint venture entity, Beckham Brand Limited (“BBL”), which is owned one-third by each of David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, and a subsidiary of 19 Entertainment. The exclusive arrangement between the Beckhams and BBL runs through the end of 2011.

 

Seasonality

 

19 Entertainment’s revenue is seasonal in nature, reflecting the timing of our television shows and tours in various markets. Historically, 19 Entertainment has generated higher revenue during the first three quarters of the calendar year, which corresponds to the dates our American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance series air on Fox in the United States and the timing of the American Idol tour. In 2009, the additional season of So You Think You Can Dance that aired in the fall accounted for higher revenues in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

Presley Business

 

We own an 85% interest in the entities which own and/or control the commercial utilization of the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, the operation of the Graceland museum and related attractions, as well as revenue derived from Elvis Presley’s television specials, films and certain of his recorded musical works (the “Presley Business”). The Presley Business consists primarily of two components: first, intellectual property, including the licensing of the name, image, likeness and trademarks associated with Elvis Presley, as well as other owned and/or controlled intellectual property and the collection of royalties from certain motion pictures,

television specials and recorded musical works and music compositions; and second, the operation of the Graceland museum and related attractions and retail establishments, including Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel and other ancillary real estate assets.

 

We believe the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, as well as related intellectual property assets, are prime examples of the type of content that offers opportunities to generate increased revenue from diverse platforms and distribution channels. Elvis is the best-selling solo musical recording artist in U.S. history, having sold more than one billion albums and singles worldwide and having set records for the most albums and singles that have been certified Gold^® and Platinum^® by the Recording Industry Association of America. Over the past five years, more than fifteen million Elvis albums have been sold worldwide and more than 540,000 people visited Graceland in 2009.

 

While to date the Presley Business has been successful in accomplishing its primary goal of protecting and preserving the legacy of Elvis Presley, we believe there is a significant opportunity to further enhance the image of Elvis Presley and develop commercial opportunities for the Presley Business. For example, we have entered into an exclusive arrangement with Cirque du Soleil for the creation, development, production and promotion of Elvis Presley-themed projects, featuring touring and permanent shows, as well as multimedia interactive “Elvis Experiences,” throughout the world. In addition, together with Cirque du Soleil and MGM MIRAGE, we recently announced the opening of Viva ELVIS, a permanent live theatrical Vegas-style Cirque du Soleil show based on the life, times and music of Elvis Presley. The show, which is being presented at the brand new ARIA Resort and Casino in CityCenter on the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, held its gala opening on February 19, 2010 and opened to the public the following day.

 

Licensing and Intellectual Property

 

Music Rights

 

We own co-publishing rights to approximately 650 music compositions, most of which were recorded by Elvis Presley. Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company administers the majority of the Company’s share of these compositions, along with the shares of our co-publishers under an administration agreement. More than 49% of our publishing income from these compositions for 2009 originated outside the United States. The public performance rights for these compositions are administered by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), the two largest U.S. based companies which license and distribute royalties for the non-dramatic public performances of copyrighted musical works in the United States.

 

We also own rights to receive royalties from sales of certain Elvis records. Under Elvis’ recording contract with RCA (now part of Sony Music), he was entitled to receive an artist’s royalty on record sales. In March 1973, Elvis sold his ongoing record royalty rights on everything he had recorded up to that time to RCA. We continue to receive royalties on sales of records Elvis recorded after March 1973 and a marketing royalty in exchange for the right to use Elvis’ name, image and likeness in connection with the sale and marketing of certain newly released compilation records that include music Elvis recorded before March 1973.

 

Sony Music (as RCA’s successor) generally does not have the right to license master recordings featuring Elvis’ musical performances for any commercial use other than the sale of records. We negotiate, together with Sony Music, when requests are received for the use of these masters in a commercial setting. In addition, we retain the right to approve remixes and edits of any of the master recordings. For example, we receive a share of the artist royalty payments for the Elvis Presley Christmas Duets album (released in fall 2008) in exchange for approving certain edits to the master recordings used on that album.

 

Name, Image and Likeness

 

We own the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley as well as trademarks in various names and images associated with Elvis. We license to others the right to use this intellectual property for merchandising and other commercial exploitation. In addition, we enter into licenses for the use of video and audio clips of Elvis from various motion pictures in which he starred and the television programs which we own.

 

Television/Video

 

We own the rights to two of Elvis’ television specials: “’68 Special” (1968) and “Aloha From Hawaii” (1973) and, as a result of this ownership, we have the right to negotiate for revenue associated with the use of footage from these specials in other media and formats. We own the rights to “Elvis by the Presleys” (2005), a two-hour documentary and four-hour DVD based on and including rare archival footage, home movies and photos, and interviews with Elvis, his friends and relatives, including Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley. We also own the rights to “Elvis: Viva Las Vegas” (2007), a two-hour television special examining Elvis’ influence on Las Vegas, incorporating rarely seen footage of Elvis performing in Las Vegas, revealing interviews with those closest to him, and special performances from some of today’s top recording stars singing Elvis’ Las Vegas classics.

 

Motion Pictures

 

Elvis starred in 31 feature films as an actor and two theatrically released concert documentary films. Elvis had, and we are entitled to receive, participation royalties in 24 of these films. We have the right to receive royalties, but do not own the films themselves or control

the content or distribution of such films. In addition, we have the rights to and negotiate for revenue associated with the use of Elvis’ images as extracted from these films and embodied in other media and formats.

 

Licensing

 

In addition to our own merchandising efforts, our licensing division is charged with the responsibility of protecting and preserving the integrity of Elvis Presley’s image, Graceland and other related properties. We seek to accomplish this through the pursuit of appropriate commercial opportunities that advance and complement our financial strategies while maintaining the desired branding and positioning for “Elvis” and our other properties. We currently have 235 licensing agreements. Examples of our licensed products and services (and the corresponding licensees) include: greeting cards (American Greetings Corporation); slot machines (IGT); satellite radio (Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc.); limited edition wines (DFV Wines); collectibles (The Bradford Exchange); calendars and stationary (Mead Corporation); Elvis collectible magazines (Deagostini UK Limited); Elvis Limited Edition Collector’s Vault book (Whitman Publishing); lottery games or tickets (MDI); and The Hamilton Ventura Elvis Watch Collection (The Swatch Group).

 

Graceland Operations

 

Graceland

 

Graceland, the 13.5 acre estate which served as the primary residence of Elvis Presley from 1957 until his passing in 1977, is located in Memphis, Tennessee. Graceland was first opened to public tours in 1982. Over the past five years, Graceland has averaged approximately 560,000 visitors per year.

 

We operate Graceland under the terms of a 90-year lease with The Promenade Trust, which owns a 15% interest in the Presley Business, under which 85 years remain. We prepaid approximately $3.0 million of rent at closing of the acquisition of the Presley Business and will make monthly payments of $1.00 per month during the term of the lease. We own all worldwide rights, title and interest in and to the name “Graceland,” which name may be used at additional themed locations as well as in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

The focal point of the Graceland business is a guided mansion tour, which includes a walk through the historic residence as well as an extensive display of Elvis’ gold records and awards, career mementos, stage costumes, jewelry, photographs and more.

 

In addition to the mansion, the Graceland operations include access to an automobile museum featuring vehicles owned and used by Elvis, the “Sincerely Elvis” and “Everything Elvis” museums, which feature changing exhibits of Elvis Presley memorabilia, an aviation exhibition featuring the airplanes on which Elvis traveled while on tour, restaurants, a wedding chapel, ticketing and parking. We also own and operate retail stores at Graceland offering Elvis Presley-themed merchandise and produce exclusive licensed merchandise for visitors to Graceland.

 

Adjacent to the Graceland real property is the Meadow Oaks Apartments, a 270-unit apartment complex that we own and operate as a result of our acquisition of the Presley Business. We also own and operate the Graceland RV Park and Campground, an 18.9 acre site located directly across from the mansion, which we acquired in 2006 in connection with our plans to expand the Graceland experience.

 

Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel

 

Adjacent to the mansion and related attractions, we operate Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel, which is marketed primarily to visitors to Graceland. Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel is a 128-room boutique hotel premised on the legendary hospitality and personal style for which Elvis Presley was known. The hotel had an average occupancy rate of approximately 68% during the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Graceland Expansion

 

We have held meetings with government officials in Memphis, Tennessee regarding preliminary plans to redevelop and expand the Graceland attraction as the centerpiece of the Whitehaven section of Memphis. The master redevelopment plan is expected to incorporate up to approximately 104 acres surrounding and contiguous to the Graceland mansion property that we own and/or control and is expected to include a new visitor center, exhibition space, retail, hotel, convention facilities, public open space and parking. Although we have not yet determined the exact scope, cost, financing plan and timing of this project, we expect that the re-development of Graceland will take several years and will require a substantial financial investment by the Company.

 

Elvis.com

 

We own and operate the official Elvis Presley website, www.elvis.com. The website, which currently receives an average of 420,000 unique visitors each month, includes a detailed history of Elvis Presley and the Presley Business, including biographical information, information about Elvis Presley’s awards and achievements, information about Elvis’ friends and family and interesting facts about the

life and times of Elvis Presley. The website also offers exclusive downloads such as e-cards, games and on-line tours, as well as direct access to shopelvis.com, our official online store selling Elvis-branded merchandise. Visitors to the website can also access Elvis Insiders, the official Presley sponsored affinity group where fans pay an annual fee for an “inside” look at Elvis and Graceland.

 

Seasonality

 

Graceland’s business has historically been seasonal with sharply higher numbers of visitors during the late spring and summer seasons as compared to the fall and winter seasons.

 

Relationship with Cirque du Soleil

 

Global Projects

 

We have entered into an exclusive arrangement with Cirque du Soleil for the creation, development, production and promotion of “Elvis Presley Projects,” featuring touring and permanent shows, as well as multimedia interactive “Elvis Experiences,” throughout the world. The projects may include:

 

 

CKX and Cirque du Soleil will each own 50 percent of each project, sharing equally in the costs of creating, developing, building and producing each project and in the profits and losses from each project. CKX will also receive royalty payments on various aspects of its intellectual property used in the projects.

 

Las Vegas Show

 

Together with Cirque du Soleil and MGM MIRAGE, we recently announced the opening of Viva ELVIS, a permanent live theatrical Vegas-style Cirque du Soleil show based on the life, times and music of Elvis Presley. The show, which is being presented at the brand new ARIA Resort and Casino in CityCenter on the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, held its gala opening on February 19, 2010 and opened to the public the following day. The show consists of a creative combination of live musicians and singers, projections, dance and the latest in multimedia sound and lighting technology intended to offer an emotional bond with the audience.

 

Adjacent to the Viva ELVIS theater at the Aria Resort and Casino is the Viva ELVIS Official Store. The store encompasses approximately 3,000 square feet of space and offers a variety of Viva ELVIS and licensed Elvis Presley merchandise. Together with Cirque du Soleil, we receive a percentage of the gross receipts generated at the store. Also adjacent to the theater is the Gold Lounge, a lounge and nightclub inspired in design by Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Together with Cirque du Soleil, we receive a percentage of gross sales as a license fee and 50% of the overall net profits generated at the lounge.

 

Elvis Presley Enterprises and Cirque du Soleil have formed two joint venture entities, Cirque EPE Partnership and its wholly-owned subsidiary Cirque EPE Las Vegas, LLC, for the purpose of developing the show. Under the terms of the joint venture agreements, the EPE and Cirque joint venture entities will share the costs and expenses associated with developing and producing the Elvis show. In addition, the Company and its affiliates will provide certain corporate services and license Elvis Presley-related intellectual property, and Cirque du Soleil and its affiliates will provide creative input, conceptual guidance and related development experience, to the joint venture, in each case in return for agreed upon royalties and other consideration.

 

Under the terms of the agreement between the Cirque EPE Partnership and MGM, MGM agreed to fund the development of the theater at the ARIA Resort and Casino in return for a portion of the ticket sales, show merchandise and other revenues related to the Elvis show. The portion of ticket sales, show merchandise and other revenues not allocated to MGM will be shared by the Company and Cirque du Soleil joint venture entities and their respective affiliates.

 

The Company expects its portion of the investment to be approximately $26 million. The Company has incurred expenditures of $21.5 million as of December 31, 2009 and expects to fund the remaining $4.5 million in early 2010. In the first quarter of 2010, the Presley Business will begin reporting results from the Cirque du Soleil Viva ELVIS show in Las Vegas.

 

The joint venture agreements also provide for the joint venture’s possible commercial exploitation of Viva ELVIS and associated intellectual property throughout the world.

Ali Business

 

We own an 80% interest in the name, image, likeness and all other rights of publicity of Muhammad Ali, certain trademarks and copyrights owned by Mr. Ali and his affiliates and the rights to all existing Muhammad Ali license agreements. The Ali Business consists of the commercial exploitation of the name, image, likeness and intellectual property of Muhammad Ali, primarily through endorsement and licensing agreements.

 

The primary revenue source comes from licensing Muhammad Ali’s name and likeness for consumer products, commercials and other uses. Licensing revenue is primarily derived from long-term contracts with terms of one to five years. The intellectual property that is owned by the Company is licensed to third parties for commercial exploitation under long-term agreements. The Ali Business also generates revenue from sports memorabilia signings performed by Mr. Ali.

 

We operate the official Muhammad Ali website at www.ali.com. The website includes a detailed history of Muhammad Ali, including biographical information, information about Muhammad Ali’s awards and achievements, and information about Muhammad Ali’s boxing career. The website also offers exclusive access to our official online store selling authentic autographed and licensed products.

 

Terminated License Agreements with FXRE

 

In June 2007, EPE entered into a worldwide license agreement with FX Real Estate and Entertainment, Inc. (“FXRE”), granting FXRE the exclusive right to utilize Elvis Presley-related intellectual property in connection with the development, ownership and operation of Elvis Presley-themed hotels, casinos and certain other real estate-based projects and attractions around the world. FXRE also entered into a worldwide license agreement with the Ali Business, granting FXRE the right to utilize Muhammad Ali-related intellectual property in connection with Muhammad Ali-themed hotels and certain other real estate-based projects and attractions.

 

Under the terms of the license agreements, FXRE was required to pay to EPE and the Ali Business a specified percentage of the gross revenue generated at the properties that incorporate the Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali intellectual property, as applicable. FXRE was required to pay a guaranteed annual minimum royalty during each year of the agreements, which amount was to be recoupable against royalties paid during such year as described above. The aggregate guaranteed minimum royalty due for 2007 was $10.0 million, which was paid, together with interest of $0.4 million, in April 2008.

 

On March 9, 2009, following FXRE’s failure to make the $10 million annual guaranteed minimum royalty payments for 2008 when due, EPE and the Ali Business entered into a Termination, Settlement and Release Agreement with FXRE, pursuant to which the parties agreed to terminate the EPE and Ali Business license agreements and to release each other from all claims related to or arising from such agreements. In consideration for releasing FXRE from any claims related to the license agreements, EPE and the Ali Business will receive 10% of any future net proceeds or fees received by FXRE from the sale and/or development of certain real estate owned by FXRE in Las Vegas, Nevada, up to a maximum of $10 million. FXRE has the right to buy-out this participation right at any time prior to April 9, 2014 for a payment equal to (i) $3.3 million, plus (ii) 10% of any proceeds received from the sale of some or all of the Las Vegas properties during such buy-out period and for nine months thereafter, provided that the amount paid under (i) and (ii) shall not exceed $10 million. Based on FXRE’s public disclosures regarding the prospects for the real estate and the condition of its business in general, we do not currently expect to receive any payments under this agreement.

 

International Operations

 

Approximately $51.6 million, or 16%, of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009 was attributable to sales outside the United States.

 

Segment Information

 

The Company currently has four reportable segments: Presley Business — Royalties and Licensing, Presley Business — Graceland Operations, 19 Entertainment and the Ali Business. These designations have been made as the discrete operating results of these segments are reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to assess performance and make operating decisions. In 2009, MBST is reported in the 19 Entertainment segment due to a change in management structure; in 2008 and 2007, MBST was reported as part of Corporate and Other for segment purposes. All amounts reflected for 2008 and 2007 have been recasted to conform to the 2009 presentation. All inter-segment transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The results of FXRE, which were previously reflected in equity of earnings of affiliates from the date of the Company’s investment, June 1, 2007, through July 5, 2007 and included in FXRE’s consolidated results after FXRE’s purchase of the remaining 50% interest in the Metroflag Entities on July 6, 2007 through September 26, 2007, are reflected as part of discontinued operations, (see note 5 within the consolidated financial statements). Subsequent to September 26, 2007, the Company accounted for its 2% investment in FXRE under the cost method. Refer to

Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and note 14 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for financial information about the Company’s segments.

 

Regulation

 

Our businesses are regulated by governmental authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Because of our international operations, we must comply with diverse and evolving regulations. Regulation relates to, among other things, management, licensing, foreign investment, use of confidential customer information and content. Our failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations could result in, among other things, regulatory actions or legal proceedings against us, the imposition of fines, penalties or judgments against us or significant limitations on our activities. In addition, the regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to change. New or revised requirements imposed by governmental authorities could have adverse effects on us, including increased costs of compliance. Changes in the regulation of our operations or changes in interpretations of existing regulations by courts or regulators or our inability to comply with current or future regulations could adversely affect us by reducing our revenues, increasing our operating expenses and exposing us to significant liabilities.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Our business involves the ownership and distribution of intellectual property. Such intellectual property includes copyrights, trademarks and service marks in names, domain names, logos and characters, rights of publicity, patents or patent applications for inventions related to our products and services, and licenses of intellectual property rights of various kinds.

 

Our intellectual property, including the rights to the names, images, and likenesses of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali, and the names, trademarks and service marks of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, is material to our operations. If we do not or cannot protect our material intellectual property rights against infringement or misappropriation by third parties, (whether for legal reasons or for business reasons relating, for example, to the cost of litigation), our revenues may be materially adversely affected.

 

We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, rights of publicity, and other laws, as well as licensing agreements and third party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Because of the differences in foreign trademark, patent and other laws concerning proprietary rights, and various foreign and U.S. state laws concerning publicity rights, our intellectual property rights may not receive the same degree of protection in one jurisdiction as in another. Although we believe that our intellectual property is enforceable in most jurisdictions, we cannot guarantee such validity or enforceability. Our failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We rely on trademarks, trade names, and brand names to distinguish our products from those of our competitors, and have registered or applied to register some of these trademarks in jurisdictions around the world. In addition, FremantleMedia has registered some of these trademarks, including the trademark American Idol and its logo, on our behalf. With respect to applications to register trademarks that have not yet been accepted, we cannot assure you that such applications will be approved. Third parties may oppose the trademark applications, seek to cancel existing registrations or otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks. If they are successful, we could be forced to re-brand our products and services, which could result in loss of brand recognition, and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands. We also grant third parties the right to use our trademarks. In an effort to preserve trademark rights, we enter into license agreements with these third parties which govern the use of the trademarks, and which require our licensees to abide by quality control standards with respect to the goods and services that they provide under the trademarks. Although we make efforts to police the use of the trademarks by our licensees, we cannot make assurances that these efforts will be sufficient to ensure that our licensees abide by the terms of their licenses. In the event that our licensees fail to do so, the trademark rights could be diluted, or subject to challenge or invalidation.

 

Although we rely on copyright laws to protect the works of authorship created by us or transferred to us via assignment or by operation of law as work made for hire, we do not typically register our works. Copyrights in works of U.S. origin authored after January 1, 1978, exist as soon as the works are authored and fixed in a tangible medium; however, the works must be registered before the copyright owners may bring an infringement action in the United States. Furthermore, if a copyrighted work of U.S. origin is not registered within three months of publication of the underlying work or before the act of infringement, the copyright owner cannot recover statutory damages or attorneys’ fees in any U.S. enforcement action; rather, the owner must prove he suffered actual damages or lost profits. Accordingly, if one of our unregistered works of U.S. origin is infringed by a third party, we will need to register the work before we can file an infringement suit in the United States, and our remedies in any such infringement suit could be limited. Furthermore, copyright laws vary from country to country. Although copyrights that arise under U.S. law will be recognized in most other countries (as most countries are signatories of the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention), we cannot guarantee that courts in other jurisdictions will afford our copyrights with the same treatment as courts in the United States.

In addition to copyright and trademark protection, we rely on the rights of publicity to prevent others from commercially exploiting each of Elvis Presley’s and Muhammad Ali’s name, image and likeness. At this time, there is no federal statute protecting our rights of publicity to Elvis Presley’s and Muhammad Ali’s names, images and likenesses. As a result, we must rely on state law to protect these rights. Although most states have recognized the rights of publicity to some extent, not all 50 states have expressly done so through their statutes or their respective common law. Thus, there is no guarantee that the rights of publicity are enforceable in every state. Additionally, many countries outside of the United States do not recognize the rights of publicity at all or do so in a more limited manner. Thus, there is no guarantee that we will be able to enforce our rights of publicity in these countries.

 

As we seek in the future to acquire owners of content, we will be required to perform extensive due diligence in numerous domestic and foreign jurisdictions, both on the content we seek to acquire, and on the laws of the applicable jurisdiction to protect such content, which will increase the costs associated with such acquisitions.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2009, the Company had a total of 428 full-time employees, 167 part-time employees and 26 seasonal employees. Management considers its relations with its employees to be good.

 

Company Organization

 

The principal executive office of the Company is located at 650 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022 and our telephone number is (212) 838-3100.

 

Available Information

 

The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act and files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports and other information filed by the Company may be inspected and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference rooms in New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference rooms. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, who file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website is http://www.sec.gov.

 

In addition, the Company makes available free of charge through its Web site, www.ckx.com, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This reference to our Internet website does not constitute incorporation by reference in this report of the information contained on or hyperlinked from our Internet website and such information should not be considered part of this report.

 

The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we currently believe are material to our stockholders.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Current economic conditions and the global financial crisis may have an impact on our business and financial condition in ways that we currently cannot predict.

 

The global economy recently experienced a significant contraction resulting in an almost unprecedented lack of availability of business and consumer credit. Continued and potentially increased volatility, instability and economic weakness and a resulting decrease in discretionary consumer and business spending may result in a reduction in our revenues, including from sponsorship sales, licensing, Graceland and tour attendance and music sales. We currently cannot predict the extent to which our revenues may be impacted.

 

As a result of the increased cost of borrowing resulting from the recent global credit crisis, our existing credit facility, which does not come due until May 2011, bears interest at rates which are substantially below the market for newly issued senior debt. If we were to pursue any business activity which requires the consent of our lenders under the terms of the credit facility, it is possible that the lenders would seek as compensation for approving such activities an increase in our interest rate to an amount consistent with current market rates. Therefore, a decision by the Company to pursue any such activities could result in a significant increase in our cost of borrowing.

 

The company maintains operating bank accounts at a number of financial institutions in the United States and United Kingdom. A significant amount of the Company’s cash balances in the United States are in excess of the government’s Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits. The FDIC insures deposits in most banks and savings associations located in the United States. The FDIC protects depositors against the loss of their deposits if an FDIC-insured bank or savings association fails. The FDIC is also providing unlimited coverage on non-interest bearing transaction accounts through June 30, 2010 for banks participating in the FDIC Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. The balances held in the United Kingdom are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency. We could incur substantial losses if the underlying financial institutions fail or are otherwise unable to return our deposits.

 

The continued success of our product offerings, including the popularity of our entertainment properties, are dependent on a variety of factors.

 

We rely heavily upon the continued appeal of the IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance brands, including the American Idol series in the United States and, to a lesser extent, the foreign adaptations of both brands. Our revenue and income derived from those television programs depend primarily upon the initial and continued acceptance of that programming by the public. Public acceptance of particular programming is dependent upon, among other things, the quality of the programming, the strength of networks on which the programming is broadcast, the promotion and scheduling of the programming and the quality and acceptance of competing television programming and other sources of entertainment and information. Popularity of programming can also be impacted by the strength, appeal and continuity of on-air talent. As has been publicly announced, Simon Cowell will be leaving American Idol at the conclusion of the current season and is expected to launch X-Factor, a competing music-based competition program, in the United States in the fall of 2011. While we believe there has been significant public acceptance for our IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance brands as stand-alone products, the continued value of the brands could be materially adversely affected if any of its on-air talent were to lose popularity, be unable or unwilling to participate in our business or compete with the brands.

 

Any one or more of these factors could result in one of the television series losing its popularity among viewers. Regardless of the reason, a decline in the number of television viewers who tune in to the shows and their foreign adaptations could result in lower advertising revenue for the networks that broadcast television shows based on the aforementioned brands and hurt our ability to sell future format shows based on the brands. This in turn would have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

We also rely upon the continued popularity of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali and the market for products that exploit their names, images and likenesses. Although we believe that Elvis fans will continue to visit Graceland and purchase Elvis-related merchandise, any tarnishing of the public image of Elvis Presley could materially negatively impact our business and results of operations. Moreover, as the life, times and artistic works of Elvis grow more distant in our past, his popularity may decline. If the public were to lose interest in Elvis or form a negative impression of him, our business, operating results and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

Our success depends, to a significant degree, on our relationships with third parties, including our co-producers, television broadcasters, and record companies.

 

Our ability to exploit new entertainment content depends on our ability to have that content produced and distributed on favorable terms. Although we have strong relationships in the entertainment industry, there can be no guarantee that these relationships will endure or that our production and distribution partners will honor their obligations to us. For example, we depend heavily on the companies that co-produce and broadcast the American Idol series in the United States, namely Fox and FremantleMedia. Similarly, we depend on affiliates of Sony Music, to make and distribute recordings by IDOLS winners in the United States, the United Kingdom and other significant markets and to pay us royalties on record sales and advance us monies against those royalties. We advance funds to the winners, after they sign recording contracts, from the monies we receive from Sony Music. We also rely on Sony Music to distribute recordings featuring Elvis Presley. Any failure of Fox, FremantleMedia, Sony Music or other third parties on whom we rely to continue to honor their obligations to us and adhere to our past course of dealing and conduct would have a material adverse effect on our ability to realize continued revenues from the IDOLS platform. Revenue from Fox, FremantleMedia and Sony Music represented 37%, 8% and 9%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

If we are unable to complete or integrate future acquisitions, our business strategy and stock price may be negatively affected.

 

Our ability to identify and take advantage of attractive acquisition opportunities in the future is an important component in the implementation of our overall business strategy. We may be unable to identify, finance or complete acquisitions in the future. If the trading price of our common stock reflects the market’s expectation that we will complete acquisitions in the future, then the price of our common stock may drop if we are unable to complete such acquisitions.

 

Even if we are able to complete future acquisitions, they could result in our:

 

 

The successful integration of any businesses we may acquire in the future is a key element of our business strategy. The acquisition and integration of additional businesses involve risks, including:

 

 

We may be unable to effectively integrate businesses we may acquire in the future without encountering the difficulties described above. Failure to effectively integrate such businesses could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the combined companies may not benefit as expected from the integration.

 

We may not be able to manage our expected growth, which could adversely affect our operating results.

 

We intend to continue to significantly grow our company’s business. Our anticipated growth could place a strain on our management, employees and operations. Our ability to compete and to manage our future growth effectively will depend on our ability to implement and improve financial and management information systems on a timely basis and to effect changes in our business, such as implementing internal controls to handle the increased size of our operations and hiring, training, developing and managing an

increasing number of experienced management-level and other employees. Unexpected difficulties during expansion, the failure to attract and retain qualified employees or our inability to respond effectively to recent growth or plan for future expansion, could adversely affect our operating results.

 

Certain affiliates, noncontrolling interests and third parties have the right to exploit our intellectual property for commercial purposes and may exercise those rights in a manner that negatively affects our business.

 

Certain third parties with whom we have contractual relationships have the right to commercially exploit certain of our intellectual property, including through shared music publishing rights and film and television production and distribution agreements. We receive a share of the resulting revenue. Our revenue share under such agreements depends on the ability of third parties to successfully market that content. If such third parties exploit our intellectual property in a manner that diminishes its value, or adversely affects the goodwill associated with such intellectual property, there may be a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow and, ultimately, the price of our common stock.

 

Our intellectual property rights may be inadequate to protect our business.

 

Our intellectual property, including the rights to the names, images and likenesses of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali, and the name, trademark and service mark “American Idol,” is material to our operations. If we do not or cannot protect our material intellectual property rights against infringement or misappropriation by third parties, (whether for legal reasons or for business reasons relating, for example, to the cost of litigation), our revenue may be materially adversely affected.

 

We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, rights of publicity, and other laws, as well as licensing agreements and confidentiality and assignment agreements. Because of the differences in foreign trademark, patent, copyright and other laws concerning proprietary rights and various foreign and U.S. state laws concerning publicity rights, our intellectual property rights may not receive the same degree of protection in one jurisdiction as in another. Although we believe that our intellectual property is enforceable in most jurisdictions, we cannot guarantee such validity or enforceability. Our failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We rely on trademarks, trade names, and brand names to distinguish our products, services and content from those of our competitors, and have registered or applied to register some of these trademarks in jurisdictions around the world. In addition, FremantleMedia has registered on our behalf some trademarks, that we co-own with them, including the trademark “American Idol” and its logo. With respect to applications to register trademarks that have not yet been accepted, we cannot assure you that such applications will be approved. Third parties may oppose the trademark applications, seek to cancel existing registrations or otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks. If they are successful, we could be forced to re-brand our products, services and content, which could result in loss of brand recognition, and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands. We also grant third parties the right to use our trademarks. In an effort to preserve trademark rights, we enter into license agreements with these third parties which govern the use of the trademarks, and which require our licensees to abide by quality control standards with respect to the goods and services that they provide under the trademarks. Although we make efforts to police the use of the trademarks by our licensees, we cannot make assurances that these efforts will be sufficient to ensure that our licensees abide by the terms of their licenses. In the event that our licensees fail to do so, the trademark rights could be diluted, or subject to challenge or invalidation.

 

Although we rely on copyright laws to protect the works of authorship created by us or transferred to us via assignment or by operation of law as work made for hire, we do not typically register our works. Copyrights in works of U.S. origin authored after January 1, 1978 exist as soon as the works are authored and fixed in a tangible medium; however, the works must be registered before the copyright owners may bring an infringement action in the United States. Furthermore, if a copyrighted work of U.S. origin is not registered within three months of publication of the underlying work or before the act of infringement, the copyright owner cannot recover statutory damages or attorneys’ fees in any U.S. enforcement action; rather, the owner must prove he suffered actual damages or lost profits. Accordingly, if one of our unregistered works of U.S. origin is infringed by a third party, we will need to register the work before we can file an infringement suit in the United States, and our remedies in any such infringement suit could be limited. Furthermore, copyright laws vary from country to country. Although copyrights that arise under U.S. and U.K. law will be recognized in most other countries (as most countries are signatories of the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention), we cannot guarantee that courts in other jurisdictions will afford our copyrights with the same treatment as courts in the United States or the United Kingdom.

 

In addition to copyright and trademark protection, we rely on the rights of publicity to prevent others from commercially exploiting Elvis Presley’s and Muhammad Ali’s names, images and likenesses. At this time, there is no federal statute protecting our rights of publicity to Elvis Presley’s and Muhammad Ali’s names, images and likenesses. As a result, we must rely on state law to protect these rights. Although most states have recognized the rights of publicity to some extent, not all 50 states have expressly done so through their statutes or their respective common law and certain of those states which have recognized such rights, have imposed certain limitations on

the enforcement of these rights. Consequently, there is no guarantee that the rights of publicity are enforceable in every state. Additionally, many countries outside of the United States do not recognize the rights of publicity at all or do so in a more limited manner. Consequently, there is no guarantee that we will be able to enforce our rights of publicity in these countries.

 

The departure or a failure to recruit key personnel could have a detrimental effect on us.

 

Our success will depend to a significant extent upon a limited number of members of senior management and other key employees, particularly Robert F.X. Sillerman, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of Mr. Sillerman, or one or more key managers or other key creative, marketing or management employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. In addition, we believe that our future success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract and retain additional management and marketing personnel. There can be no assurance we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel, and the failure to do so would have a detrimental effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms, or at all.

 

We expect that we will require additional financing over time. In March 2010, we entered into an amendment to our credit facility which included, among other changes, a reduction in the maximum size of the facility to $100.0 million. As a result of this amendment and the fact that we have previously drawn down $100.0 million, there are no additional borrowings available under the credit facility. In addition, our existing revolving credit facility expires by its terms in May 2011. The terms of any additional or replacement financing we may be able to procure are unknown at this time.

 

As referenced elsewhere herein, the credit markets and the general economy recently experienced a period of large-scale turmoil and upheaval. As a result, debt financing from the capital markets may not be available on acceptable terms and may not be available for some time. Based on the current debt market, we expect that any new debt financing, if available, will be at interest rates in excess of the interest rates currently available under our existing credit facility.

 

In addition to the foregoing, our access to third party sources of capital will depend, in part, on:

 

 

Any future debt financing or issuances of preferred stock that we may make will be senior to the rights of holders of our common stock, and any future issuances of equity securities will result in the dilution of the then-existing stockholders’ proportionate equity interest.

 

To the extent we maintain international operations and generate revenue in foreign currencies, and currency exchange rates become unfavorable, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

As we expand our international operations, more of our customers may pay us in foreign currencies. Currently, we maintain significant operations in the United Kingdom and receive payments from FremantleMedia with respect to our IDOLS agreement in U.S. dollars and U.K. pounds sterling. Conducting business in currencies other than U.S. dollars subjects us to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. If the currency exchange rates were to change unfavorably, the value of revenue we generate in foreign currencies could decrease when converted to U.S. dollars and the amount of expenses we incur in foreign currencies could increase when converted to U.S. dollars. This could have a negative impact on our reported operating results. While the Company does not currently utilize hedging strategies, such as forward contracts, options and foreign exchange swaps related to transaction exposures, we may choose to implement them in the future to mitigate this risk. The use of hedging strategies may not eliminate our exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations. Additionally, hedging programs expose us to risks that could adversely affect our operating results, including the following:

 

 

We depend upon distributions from our operating subsidiaries to fund our operations and may be subordinate to the rights of their existing and future creditors.

 

We conduct substantially all of our operations through our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries must first satisfy their cash needs, which may include salaries of our executive officers, insurance, professional fees and service of indebtedness that may be outstanding at various times. Financial covenants under future credit agreements, or provisions of the laws of Delaware, where we are organized, or Tennessee or England and Wales, where certain of our subsidiaries are organized, may limit our subsidiaries’ ability to make sufficient dividend, distribution or other payments to us. Creditors of our subsidiaries (including trade creditors) will be entitled to payment from the assets of those subsidiaries before those assets can be distributed to us. By virtue of our holding company status, our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, which is held by The Promenade Trust for the benefit of Lisa Marie Presley, is structurally junior in right of payment to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries. The inability of our operating subsidiaries to make distributions to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The concentration of ownership of our capital stock with our executive officers and non-independent directors and their affiliates will limit your ability to influence corporate matters.

 

As of March 12, 2010, our executive officers and non-independent directors together beneficially own approximately 25% of our outstanding capital stock. In particular, Mr. Sillerman, our chief executive officer and chairman of our board of directors, beneficially owns approximately 20.6% of our outstanding capital stock. Mr. Sillerman therefore has the ability to influence our management and affairs and the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors, amendments to our charter, approval of any equity-based employee compensation plan and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentrated control may limit your ability to influence corporate matters and, as a result, we may take actions that our stockholders do not view as beneficial. As a result, the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. Mr. Sillerman has previously disclosed that approximately 80% of his shares of common stock have been pledged, together with certain other collateral, to secure a personal loan extended by a financial institution.

 

We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, and our failure to comply with regulations could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and business.

 

Our businesses are regulated by governmental authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Because our operations are international, we must comply with diverse and evolving regulations. These regulations relate to, among other things, management, licensing, foreign investment, use of confidential customer information and content. Our failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations could result in, among other things, regulatory actions or legal proceedings against us, the imposition of fines, penalties or judgments against us or significant limitations on our activities. In addition, the regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to change. New or revised requirements imposed by governmental authorities could have adverse effects on us, including increased costs of compliance. Changes in the regulation of our operations or changes in interpretations of existing regulations by courts or regulators or our inability to comply with current or future regulations could adversely affect us by reducing our revenues, increasing our operating expenses and exposing us to significant liabilities.

 

Our business involves risks of liability associated with entertainment content, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

As an owner and developer of entertainment content, we may face potential liability for any of:

 

 

These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully, against broadcasters, publishers, merchandisers, online services and other developers and distributors of entertainment content. We could also be exposed to liability in connection with material available through our Internet sites. Any imposition of liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 

We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, and the lack of cash dividends may have a negative effect on our stock price.

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends or cash distributions on our common stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to support operations and to finance expansion and therefore do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of our existing credit agreement restrict the payment of cash dividends on our common stock.

 

Certain provisions of Delaware law and our charter documents could discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable.

 

Certain provisions of Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management. These provisions include the following:

 

 

As a Delaware corporation, by an express provision in our certificate of incorporation, we have elected to “opt out” of the restrictions under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law regulating corporate takeovers. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging, under certain circumstances, in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

 

In this context, a business combination includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status owned, 15% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting securities.

 

A Delaware corporation may “opt out” of Section 203 with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an express provision in its certificate of incorporation or by-laws resulting from amendments approved by holders of at least a majority of the corporation’s outstanding voting shares. We elected to “opt out” of Section 203 by an express provision in our original certificate of incorporation. However, subject to certain restrictions, we may elect by an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to be subject to Section 203. Such an amendment would not, however, restrict a business combination between us and an interested stockholder if that stockholder became an interested stockholder prior to the effective date of such amendment.

 

Our certificate of incorporation may only be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and specifically provides that our board of directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal our by-laws. The by-laws additionally provide that they may be amended by action of the stockholders at an annual or special meeting, except for certain sections relating to indemnification of directors and officers.

 

The conversion rights of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock may be detrimental to holders of our common stock.

 

We have 1,491,817 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding. The shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible by its holder(s) into shares of common stock at any time at a conversion price equal to the stated value of $15.30, subject to adjustments in connection with standard anti-dilution protections for stock splits, stock dividends and reorganizations. The shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock become convertible at our option from and after the third anniversary of the date of issuance, if, at any time, the average closing price of our common stock over a thirty-day trading period equals or exceeds 150% of the conversion price. During the period beginning August 7, 2012 and ending August 7, 2013, we can, at our sole discretion, redeem the outstanding shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, for an aggregate price equal to the stated value plus accrued but unpaid dividends through the date of redemption. If we do not exercise this redemption right, the conversion price for all remaining shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is thereafter reduced to the lower of (i) the conversion price then in effect and (ii) the average closing price of our common stock over a thirty-day trading period measured as of the last day of the redemption period.

 

The conversion of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock for our common stock would dilute stockholder ownership in the Company, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity or equity-linked securities. Any adjustments to the conversion rates of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock could exacerbate their dilutive effect.

 

 

None.

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Company’s principal locations as of December 31, 2009. These properties were leased or owned by the Company for use in its operations. We believe that our facilities are suitable for the purposes for which they are employed, are adequately maintained and will be adequate for current requirements and projected growth.

 

 

 

 

 

We are subject to certain claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. It is the opinion of management that the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

Two proposals were submitted to a vote of, and approved by, the stockholders of the Company at an annual meeting of stockholders held on December 18, 2009. The first proposal was for the election of nine directors to the Company’s board of directors and the second proposal was for the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. Additional information about the proposals can be found in the Company’s definitive proxy statement dated November 3, 2009.

 

Of the 93,039,593 shares of stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the annual meeting, 86,210,467 shares were represented in person or by proxy, which constitutes approximately 92.7% of the total votes entitled to be cast at the meeting. Each share of common stock outstanding is entitled to one vote. Each share of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Convertible Preferred Sock is entitled to vote on an as converted basis, with each share entitled to one vote.

The votes for each proposal were cast as follows:

 

Proposal 1 — Election of Directors

 

 

 

 

Proposal 2 — Ratification of the Appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2009

 

 

In addition, the holder of the Company’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to elect one member to the Company’s board of directors. The holder of the Series C Convertible Preferred stock confirmed its election of Ms. Priscilla Presley to continue to serve on the Company’s board of directors as the Series C Director until the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders or earlier removal by the holder of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, in accordance with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

 

 

Market Information

 

Since March 1, 2005, our common stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) has been listed on The NASDAQ Global Market^® under the ticker symbol “CKXE.” The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices of our Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Market^® for each of the periods listed. The high and low closing sales prices for 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

 

 

From January 1, 2010 through March 12, 2010, the high closing sales price for our Common Stock was $5.76, the low closing sales price was $3.94 and the last closing sales price on March 12, 2010 was $4.72. As of March 12, 2010, there were 1,035 holders of record of our Common Stock.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We have not paid and have no present intentions to pay cash dividends on our Common Stock. In addition, the terms of our existing credit agreement restrict the payment of cash dividends on our common stock.

 

Our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock requires payment of a cash dividend of 8% per annum in quarterly installments. On an annual basis, the total dividend payment on the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock will be $1.8 million. If we fail to make a quarterly dividend payment to the holder(s) of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock on a timely basis, the dividend rate increases to 12% per annum and all amounts owing must be paid within three business days in shares of common stock valued at the average closing price over the previous 30 consecutive trading days. After such payment is made, the dividend rate returns to 8% per annum. All such dividend payments have been made on a timely basis.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Information required by this item with respect to equity compensation plans of the Company will be contained in our definitive proxy statement issued in connection with the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2009 and is incorporated herein by reference. If we do not file a definitive proxy statement in connection with the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2009, we will file such information with the SEC pursuant to an amendment to this Form 10-K within 120 days after December 31, 2009.

 

Except for the purchase by the Company of 1,138,088 shares of its Common Stock in connection with the exercise of the Company’s call option under the amended Put and Call Option Agreement described elsewhere herein (see “Exercise of Amended Call Option”), there were no purchases by the Company or any affiliated purchaser of the Company’s equity securities during 2009, 2008 or 2007.

 

Prior to February 7, 2005, CKX was a publicly traded company with no operations. As a result the Presley Business is considered to be the Predecessor company (the “Predecessor”). To assist in the understanding of the results of operations and balance sheet data of the Company, we have presented the historical results of the Predecessor. The selected consolidated financial data was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

 

The selected statement of operations data for the period January 1, 2005 — February 7, 2005 represents the pre-acquisition operating results of the Presley Business (as Predecessor) in 2005.

 

Our selected statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 includes the results of the Presley Business for the period following its acquisition on February 7, 2005, the results of 19 Entertainment for the period following its acquisition on March 17, 2005, the results of MBST for the period following its acquisition on August 9, 2005 and the results of the Ali Business for the period following its acquisition on April 10, 2006.

 

 

 

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

In addition to historical information, this Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words “believe,” “expect,” “will,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “assume” or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements in this Annual Report regarding our future strategy, future operations, projected financial position, estimated future revenue, projected costs, future prospects, and results that might be obtained by pursuing management’s current plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on which this Annual Report was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We expressly disclaim any obligation to issue any updates or revisions to our forward-looking statements, even if subsequent events cause our expectations to change regarding the matters discussed in those statements. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements will likely differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such difference might be significant and materially adverse to our stockholders.

 

 

The following management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Company’s historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our future results of operations may change materially from the historical results of operations reflected in our historical financial statements.

 

Overview

 

We are engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of entertainment content. As more fully described below, our primary assets and operations include:

 

 

Our existing properties generate recurring revenue across multiple entertainment platforms, including music and television; licensing and merchandising; talent management; themed attractions and touring/live events.

 

As noted above, the Company owns an 85% interest in the Presley Business and an 80% interest in the Ali Business. The former owners of the Presley Business and the Ali Business maintain a 15% and 20% interest in those businesses, respectively, and are each entitled to certain future distributions and have other contractual rights with respect thereto.

 

Exercise of Amended Call Option

 

In March 2005, in connection with the acquisition of 19 Entertainment, certain sellers of 19 Entertainment, primarily Simon Fuller, entered into a Put and Call Option Agreement that provided them with certain rights whereby, during a period of 20 business days beginning March 17, 2011, the Company could exercise a call right to purchase the common stock of such stockholders at a price equal to $24.72 per share and these sellers could exercise a put right to sell the common stock to the Company at a price equal to $13.18 per share. Of the 1,672,170 shares of common stock covered by the Put and Call Option Agreement, 1,507,135 were held by Mr. Fuller.

 

On June 8, 2009, the Company entered into an amendment to the Put and Call Option Agreement with Mr. Fuller. Pursuant to the amendment, the call price with respect to 1,138,088 of Mr. Fuller’s shares (the “Interim Shares”) was reduced to $13.18 per share and the exercise periods for the put and call of such shares were accelerated to allow for the their exercise at any time commencing on the date of the amended agreement. The terms of the original Put and Call Option Agreement remain in place with respect to Mr. Fuller’s remaining 369,047 shares of common stock.

 

Immediately following execution of the amendment to the Put and Call Option Agreement, the Company exercised its call option with respect to the Interim Shares and paid to Mr. Fuller a gross purchase price of $15.0 million. The Interim Shares purchased by the Company have been recorded as treasury shares. The Company recorded a cost of $0.8 million for payroll-related taxes associated with the exercise of the call option.

 

In order to comply with the Company’s internal corporate governance policies as well as NASDAQ Listing Rule 5630 regarding approval of related party transactions, the independent directors of the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the amendment to the Put and Call Option Agreement and exercise of the call option with respect to the Interim Shares. The Company’s Board of Directors, acting upon such recommendation of the independent directors of the Board of Directors, also unanimously approved (except for Mr. Fuller, who abstained) the amendment and the immediate exercise with respect to the Interim Shares.

 

Terminated Merger Agreement

 

On June 1, 2007, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended on August 1, 2007, September 27, 2007, January 23, 2008 and May 27, 2008, the “Merger Agreement”) with 19X, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“19X”), and 19X Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of 19X. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, 19X had agreed to acquire CKX at a price of $12.00 per share in cash. 19X was initially formed for an unrelated purpose and has had no operations or

business other than as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the related financings. Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CKX, and Simon R. Fuller, then a director of CKX and the Chief Executive Officer of 19 Entertainment Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CKX, are the sole current stockholders of 19X.

 

On November 1, 2008, 19X delivered a letter to the Board of Directors of the Company terminating the Merger Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, 19X was required to pay a termination fee of $37.5 million. Subsequently, 19X paid $37.0 million of the termination fee by delivery of 3,339,350 shares of CKX common stock, at the contractually agreed to assumed valuation provided for in the Merger Agreement of $11.08 per share, with the remainder of the termination fee ($0.5 million) paid in cash.

 

Transactions Involving FX Real Estate and Entertainment Inc.

 

About FXRE

 

CKX acquired an aggregate approximate 50% interest in FX Real Estate and Entertainment Inc. (“FXRE”) in June and September of 2007. As described below, on January 10, 2008 CKX distributed 100% of its interests in FXRE to CKX’s stockholders. The following information about FXRE is provided solely as background for the description of the historical transactions between the Company and FXRE. The Company does not own any interest in FXRE, has not guaranteed any obligations of FXRE, nor is it a party to any continuing material transactions with FXRE. Information about FXRE can be found at www.sec.gov or ir.fxree.com.

 

FXRE Distribution

 

As referenced above, prior and as a condition to the proposed merger with 19X, on January 10, 2008, CKX distributed to its stockholders two shares of common stock of FXRE for every ten shares of CKX common stock or preferred stock owned on the record date for the distribution. The distributed shares represented 100% of the interests in FXRE acquired by CKX in 2007. The total number of shares of FXRE common stock distributed to CKX stockholders was 19,743,349.

 

Terminated License Agreements

 

Simultaneous with our investment in FXRE, EPE entered into a worldwide license agreement with FXRE, granting FXRE the exclusive right to utilize Elvis Presley-related intellectual property in connection with the development, ownership and operation of Elvis Presley-themed hotels, casinos and certain other real estate-based projects and attractions around the world. FXRE also entered into a worldwide license agreement with the Ali Business, granting FXRE the right to utilize Muhammad Ali-related intellectual property in connection with Muhammad Ali-themed hotels and certain other real estate-based projects and attractions.

 

Under the terms of the license agreements, FXRE was required to pay to EPE and the Ali Business a specified percentage of the gross revenue generated at the properties that incorporate the Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali intellectual property, as applicable. FXRE was required to pay a guaranteed annual minimum royalty during each year of the agreements, which amount was to be recoupable against royalties paid during such year as described above. The aggregate guaranteed minimum royalty due for 2007 was $10.0 million, which was paid, together with interest of $0.4 million, in April 2008.

 

On March 9, 2009, following FXRE’s failure to make the $10 million annual guaranteed minimum royalty payments for 2008 when due, EPE and the Ali Business entered into a Termination, Settlement and Release agreement with FXRE, pursuant to which the parties agreed to terminate the EPE and Ali Business license agreements and to release each other from all claims related to or arising from such agreements. In consideration for releasing FXRE from any claims related to the license agreements, EPE and the Ali Business will receive 10% of any future net proceeds or fees received by FXRE from the sale and/or development of the Las Vegas properties, up to a maximum of $10 million. FXRE has the right to buy-out this participation right at any time prior to April 9, 2014 for a payment equal to (i) $3.3 million, plus (ii) 10% of any proceeds received from the sale of some or all of the Las Vegas properties during such buy-out period and for nine months thereafter, provided that the amount paid under (i) and (ii) shall not exceed $10 million. Based on FXRE’s public disclosures regarding the prospects for the real estate and the condition of its business in general, we do not currently expect to receive any payments under this agreement.

 

As a result of the termination of the license agreements on March 9, 2009, during the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recognized $10.0 million in licensing revenue that had previously been deferred related to the license payment received in April 2008. Per the Company’s revenue recognition policy, revenue from multiple element licensing arrangements is only recognized when all the conditions of the arrangements tied to the licensing payments to CKX are met. The termination of the license agreements resulted in the elimination of all remaining conditions to the arrangement and thus the revenue which had previously been deferred was recognized.

Shared Services Agreement

 

Prior to June 30, 2009, CKX was party to a shared services agreement with FXRE, pursuant to which certain of our employees, including members of senior management, provided services for FXRE, and certain of FXRE’s employees, including members of senior management, were available to provide services for CKX. The services provided pursuant to the shared services agreement included management, legal, accounting and administrative. The agreement was terminated by mutual agreement of the parties effective as of June 30, 2009.

 

Charges under the shared services agreement were made on a quarterly basis and were determined by taking into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, the overall type and volume of services provided, the individuals involved, the amount of time spent by such individuals and their current compensation rate with the company with which they are employed. Each quarter, representatives of the parties met to (i) determine the net payment due from one party to the other for provided services performed by the parties during the prior calendar quarter, and (ii) prepare a report in reasonable detail with respect to the provided services so performed, including the value of such services and the net payment due. The parties were required to use their reasonable, good-faith efforts to determine the net payments due in accordance with the factors described in above. Charges under the shared services agreement were reviewed by the Audit Committee.

 

Prior to the termination of the agreement effective as of June 30, 2009, for the year ended December 31, 2009, CKX billed FXRE $0.2 million for professional services, primarily accounting and legal services, performed under the shared services agreement prior to its termination; these amounts were paid to the Company in 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2008, CKX billed FXRE $1.6 million for professional services, primarily accounting and legal services, performed under the shared services agreement. These amounts were paid to the Company in 2008.

 

19 Entertainment

 

19 Entertainment generates revenue from the creation and production of entertainment properties. Our primary revenue sources include production and license fees and related ratings and rankings bonuses from television programs, and royalties from the sale of recorded music by artists signed to our record labels. We also derive revenue from the sale of merchandise, sponsorships and tours based on our television programs and recorded music artists, and fee income from management clients.

 

The majority of our revenue is derived from production and license fees and related performance bonuses from producing and licensing the IDOLS television show format in various countries and ancillary revenue streams from the IDOLS brand. Ancillary revenue from the IDOLS brand is generated through agreements which provide us with the option to sign finalists on the IDOLS television shows to long-term recording contracts, concert tours we produce featuring IDOLS finalists and the sale of sponsorships and merchandise involving the IDOLS brand.

 

The majority of our IDOLS related revenue is generated through our global television production and distribution agreement with FremantleMedia, and through agreements with our principal global record label partners Ronagold for seasons American Idol 1 through American Idol 4 and Simco for all seasons subsequent to American Idol 4. Therefore, we are highly dependent upon the continued ability of these entities to successfully maintain the IDOLS brand and promote our recording artists.

 

Other than American Idol, which is discussed below, the IDOLS television shows are generally produced or licensed under one year contracts under which each local television network has the right, but not the obligation, to renew the agreement for additional years. Our recording artists are generally signed to long-term recording contracts under which we and Sony Music have the right, but not the obligation, to require the artist to release a specified number of albums.

 

Our revenue from the IDOLS brand is also highly dependent upon the continued success of the American Idol series which currently airs on the Fox television network in the United States, and local adaptations of the IDOLS television show which air around the world. Our revenue is also dependent upon the continued success and productivity of our recording artists and management clients. A portion of our revenue from the American Idol series is dependent upon the number of hours of programming we deliver. The eighth broadcast season aired 50.0 hours in 2009. In 2008 we aired 52.5 hours. On November 28, 2005, 19 Entertainment entered into a series of agreements with Fox, FremantleMedia and Sony Music/Simco, related to the American Idol television program. Under the terms of the agreements, Fox has guaranteed the 2010 season of American Idol, with an automatic renewal for the 2011 season upon the show achieving certain minimum ratings. Additional terms of the agreements call for Fox to order a minimum of 37 hours and a maximum of 45 hours of American Idol programming each season (though 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia can agree to produce additional hours) and to pay 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia an increased license fee per season. Fox also agreed to make an annual payment to 19 Entertainment tied to the most recent recording agreement with Sony Music.

 

On July 7, 2009, the Company entered into two agreements with Ryan Seacrest, the host of American Idol, and certain of his affiliates to (i) ensure Mr. Seacrest’s availability for three future seasons of American Idol (years 2010, 2011 and 2012) and acquire Mr. Seacrest’s prime time television network exclusivity for future potential projects during the term of the agreement, and (ii) obtain the right to use Mr. Seacrest’s personal goodwill, merchandising rights, rights to his name, voice and image, and rights of publicity and promotion related to American Idol. Under the terms of the agreements, the Company paid $22.5 million upon execution of the agreements on July 7, 2009

and will pay Mr. Seacrest an additional $22.5 million in monthly installments during the term, for a total guaranteed amount of $45 million. The Company is in the process of negotiating with Fox and Fremantle for compensation related to Mr. Seacrest’s services on American Idol. The amounts paid by such parties, if any, will either be paid directly to the Company or remitted to the Company by Mr. Seacrest. The Company will amortize the aggregate payments of $45 million to cost of sales over the three-year term of the arrangement as the American Idol series airs, which is in accordance with our accounting policy, Television Production Costs, as described below in Application of Critical Accounting Policies.

 

On January 13, 2010, we entered into a series of agreements with Simon Fuller (i) securing Mr. Fuller’s long term creative services as a consultant, (ii) providing CKX with an option to invest in XIX Entertainment Limited, a new entertainment company formed by Mr. Fuller, and (iii) agreeing to the termination of Mr. Fuller’s employment with 19 Entertainment. The Company elected not to exercise the option to invest in XIX Entertainment prior to its expiration on March 15, 2010. Pursuant to a consultancy agreement with Mr. Fuller, we have engaged Mr. Fuller to provide services, including executive producer services, in respect of our American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and If I Can Dream programs. In consideration for providing these services, Mr. Fuller will receive 10% of the net profits of each of the aforementioned programs for the life of the programs as long as Mr. Fuller continues to provide consulting services with respect to such programs. For calendar year 2010, Mr. Fuller will receive $5.0 million as an advance against the 10% fee it is currently estimated that Mr. Fuller may receive a total of between $8.0 million and $10.0 million for 2010, inclusive of the advance, pursuant to the consultancy agreement. For each year after 2010, subject to certain conditions, Mr. Fuller will receive, as an annual advance against the 10% fee, $3.0 million if American Idol remains on network television and $2.0 million if So You Think You Can Dance remains on network television. The advances are non-refundable to CKX, but CKX may recoup the amount of such advances from the 10% fee payable to Mr. Fuller. In addition to the aforementioned payment, Mr. Fuller will receive £1.5 million ($2.4 million) in consideration for providing creative and strategic advice with respect to the overall business of CKX through July 13, 2010.

 

The Company will incur approximately $4.3 million in consulting and other costs to Mr. Fuller resulting from the above referenced transactions over the first two quarters of 2010, which includes the £1.5 million ($2.4 million) consulting fee referenced above. The Company also paid Mr. Fuller £0.5 million ($0.8 million) in January 2010, representing consideration for CKX’s option to invest in XIX Entertainment, Mr. Fuller’s new entertainment company, which expired on March 15, 2010. The Company was not required to exercise any portion of the option at any time and as it elected not to exercise by the March 15 expiration date, the payment will be expensed during the first quarter of 2010. The Company will also recognize a non-cash charge of $0.4 million related to the accelerated vesting of Mr. Fuller’s stock options.

 

In addition to the costs described above, 19 Entertainment recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 million to reduce the carrying amount of the assets of Storm Model Management (“Storm”) as a result of Mr. Fuller’s resignation from 19 Entertainment and the resulting reduction in his role in the management, oversight and direction of that business. The Company acquired a 51% interest in Storm, a U.K.-based modeling agency in the third quarter of 2009, with the expectation that Simon Fuller would be a key contributor to its growth and operations.

 

Upon entering into these agreements, Mr. Fuller resigned as a director of CKX and as an officer and director of 19 Entertainment.

 

In connection with this transaction, management has initiated a thorough review of each of the businesses currently conducted by 19 Entertainment and decided to focus its efforts principally around its established IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance brands and its new multimedia brand If I Can Dream. As a result of the decision to concentrate primarily on these three brands, management intends to exit most of the other businesses within 19 Entertainment by the summer of 2010. These businesses will either be closed, sold or transferred, including potentially being sold or transferred to Mr. Fuller’s new entertainment venture, XIX Entertainment. These changes are expected to substantially reduce 19 Entertainment’s spending on new development projects and associated selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company expects to incur cash and non-cash charges in 2010 as a result of this process. The amount of such charges will depend on a number of factors including the final determination of which businesses the Company will exit, the amount, if any, of sales proceeds generated or liabilities assumed as part of the sale or transfer of businesses and the ultimate scope of the reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

19 Entertainment’s revenue is seasonal in nature, reflecting the timing of our television shows and tours in various markets. Historically, 19 Entertainment generated higher revenue during the first three quarters of the calendar year, which corresponds to the dates on Fox in the United States our American Idol show is broadcast (the first and second quarters) and the dates our So You Think You Can Dance series airs (the second and third quarters). In 2009, Fox ordered additional broadcast hours of So You Think You Can Dance which aired in the third and fourth quarters of 2009. We also aired Superstars of Dance, a special series, on NBC in the first quarter of 2009. As a result of the additional season of So You Think You Can Dance our revenue in the fourth quarter of 2009 was significantly higher than the prior year.

 

Our significant costs to operate 19 Entertainment include salaries and other compensation, royalties, tour expenses, rents and general overhead costs. Our discretionary costs include salary and overhead costs incurred in the development of new entertainment content. The

Company is undertaking a review of projects at 19 Entertainment and may incur restructuring charges in 2010 based on the results of that review.

 

Presley Business

 

The Presley Business consists of entities that own and/or control the commercial utilization of the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, the operation of the Graceland museum and related attractions, as well as revenue derived from Elvis Presley’s television specials, films and certain of his recorded musical works. The Presley Business consists of two reportable segments: Royalties and Licensing — intellectual property, including the licensing of the name, image, likeness and trademarks associated with Elvis Presley, as well as other owned and/or controlled intellectual property and the collection of royalties from certain motion pictures, television specials and recorded musical works and music compositions; and Graceland Operations — the operation of the Graceland museum and related attractions and retail establishments, including Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel and other ancillary real estate assets.

 

The Royalties and Licensing segment generates revenue from the exploitation of the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, including physical and intellectual property owned or created by Elvis Presley during his life. The primary revenue source of this segment comes from licensing Elvis’ name and likeness for consumer products, commercials and other uses and royalties and other income derived from intellectual property created by Elvis including records, movies, videos and music publishing. Licensing revenue is primarily derived from long-term agreements with terms of one to five years. Although we seek to obtain significant minimum guarantees, our licensing revenue varies based on the actual product sales generated by licensees. The intellectual property created by Elvis during his lifetime which we own has generally been assigned to third parties for commercial exploitation under long-term agreements.

 

Although we maintain certain controls over the use of this content and, in certain cases, have rights to terminate these agreements if the third party fails to perform, our revenue from this intellectual property is highly dependent upon the ability of third parties to successfully market the content. In the first quarter of 2010, the Presley Business will begin reporting results from the Cirque du Soleil Viva ELVIS show in Las Vegas.

 

The Graceland Operations segment generates its primary revenue from ticket and merchandise sales and related income from public tours of Graceland as well as from the operation of Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel and the other ancillary real estate assets. Revenue from Graceland has historically been seasonal with sharply higher numbers of visitors during the late spring and summer seasons as compared to the fall and winter seasons.

 

Most of the Presley Business’ revenue sources are dependent upon the public’s continued interest in Elvis Presley and the intellectual property he created.

 

Our significant costs to operate the Presley Business include salaries, rent and other general overhead costs. Most of our costs do not vary significantly with our revenue. Our discretionary costs are generally in our marketing and promotions department which we primarily incur to maintain and/or increase the number of visitors to Graceland. We also incur expenses in exploring additional opportunities to bring Elvis-related attractions to Las Vegas and other strategic locations throughout the world.

 

Ali Business

 

The Ali Business consists of the commercial exploitation of the name, image, likeness and intellectual property of Muhammad Ali, primarily through endorsement and licensing arrangements.

 

The primary revenue source comes from licensing Muhammad Ali’s name and likeness for consumer products, commercials and other uses. Licensing revenue is primarily derived from long-term agreements with terms of one to five years. Although we seek to obtain significant minimum guarantees, our licensing revenue varies based on the actual product sales generated by licensees. The intellectual property that is owned by the Company is licensed to third parties for commercial exploitation under long-term agreements. Although we maintain certain controls over the use of this content and, in certain cases, have rights to terminate these agreements if the third party fails to perform, our revenue from this intellectual property is highly dependent upon the ability of third parties to successfully market the content. Most of our revenue sources are dependent upon the public’s continued interest in Muhammad Ali and associated intellectual property. The Ali Business also generates revenue from sports memorabilia signings performed by Mr. Ali.

 

Our significant costs to operate the Ali Business include commissions, salaries and other general overhead costs. With the exception of commissions, most of our costs do not vary significantly with our revenue.

 

Use of OIBDAN

 

We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including a financial measure of operating income (loss) before non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and non-cash amortization of intangible assets and non-cash compensation and other non-cash

charges, such as charges for impairment of intangible assets (which we refer to as “OIBDAN”). The Company considers OIBDAN to be an important indicator of the operational strengths and performance of our businesses and the critical measure the chief operating decision maker (CEO) uses to manage and evaluate our businesses, including the ability to provide cash flows to service debt. However, a limitation of the use of OIBDAN as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenue in our businesses or stock-based compensation expense. Accordingly, OIBDAN should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss) and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with US GAAP as OIBDAN is not a GAAP equivalent measurement.

 

We have reconciled OIBDAN to operating income in the following consolidated operating results table for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

Consolidated Operating Results Year Ended December 31, 2009
Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

 

Revenue growth of $40.2 million in 2009 was driven primarily by 19 Entertainment, which had higher television production revenue due to an increase in the broadcast hours for So You Think You Can Dance, and higher revenue for the Presley Business. Higher operating expenses of $33.0 million were driven by the additional broadcast hours of So You Think You Can Dance and merger and distribution-related costs of $0.7 million in 2009 whereas 2008 had merger and distribution related recoveries of $5.8 million, offset by higher non-cash impairment charges in 2008. Excluding the impairment charges and merger and distribution-related gains and losses, operating expenses increased $59.7 million as higher expenses at 19 Entertainment to support revenue growth, new projects and the increased broadcast hours for So You Think You Can Dance and higher corporate expenses were partially offset by decreased expenses at the Presley Business. Other operating expense of $4.1 million in 2009 reflects foreign exchange losses resulting from a weakening of the U.S. dollar compared to the U.K. pound as 19 Entertainment has significant U.S. dollar denominated revenue. Other operating income of $15.9 million in the 2008 period reflects foreign exchange gains.

 

19 Entertainment

 

Revenue for 19 Entertainment was $263.5 million in 2009, an increase of $34.3 million over the prior year. Operating expenses for 19 Entertainment, including amortization expense of intangible assets of $11.7 million and excluding other operating expense of $4.1 million and the Storm impairment charge of $2.5 million were $210.5 million, an increase of $40.0 million over the prior period.

The following tables provide a breakdown of 19 Entertainment’s revenue, cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and other costs, OIBDAN and operating income for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

 

 

American Idol 8 aired 50 series hours in the U.S. in 2009 while American Idol 7 aired 52.5 series hours in the U.S. in the comparable 2008 season. American Idol revenue declined by $16.8 million due to the decrease of 2.5 hours of programming, reduced revenue from foreign syndication and reduced on-air and off-air sponsorship deals, partially offset by an increase in guaranteed license fees. The decline in foreign syndication revenue reflects the renewal of an agreement under less favorable terms to broadcast American Idol in the U.K. and the impact of foreign exchange. The decline in sponsorship revenue reflects the unfavorable impact of the global recession. Television ratings for American Idol declined in 2009 by approximately 10%, reflecting an overall decline in network television viewing. Cost of sales declined $3.9 million due to reduced tour costs and commissions on sponsorship deals.

 

Other IDOLS revenue declined $1.9 million due primarily to reduced sponsorship and television revenue in international markets.

 

Revenue from So You Think You Can Dance increased $48.6 million in 2009 as compared to 2008. $43.9 million of the increase was due to 33 hours of an additional broadcast series in the fall season from September to December 2009, which did not take place in 2008 and will not recur in 2010. The summer season that concluded in August 2009 broadcast 37 hours, the same as in 2008. The So You Think You Can Dance tour contributed $3.9 million of the revenue increase due to the introduction of a Canadian tour in 2009, which partially offset fewer U.S. tour dates in 2009. Commercial revenue increased $0.7 million due to an additional sponsor and higher tour merchandise sales. Other television revenue increased $10.9 million representing a contribution from Superstars of Dance, a special series aired on NBC in the first quarter of 2009, and a Carrie Underwood Christmas special, partially offset by non-recurring projects in 2008. Cost of sales increased $49.4 million due to the production costs for Superstars of Dance and additional broadcast hours for So You Think You Can Dance, partially offset by costs for the non-recurring projects in the prior year.

Music revenue declined $1.8 million due to lower record sales. Management revenue decreased $6.9 million primarily due to management fees from the Spice Girls’ reunion tour in 2008 and reduced touring schedules in 2009 for several artists as they worked on new album releases and reduced management fees at MBST. The Storm acquisition, completed on August 6, 2009, contributed $1.3 million in revenue. Cost of sales declined $1.6 million as lower music royalties and expenses were partially offset by Storm costs and prior year artist tour costs.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses were flat with the prior year due primarily to more costs being allocated to specific projects offsetting the unfavorable foreign exchange impact on U.K. Sterling denominated costs and increased compensation costs. Other operating expense of $4.1 million in 2009 and other operating income of $15.9 million in 2008 represents foreign exchange gains and losses generated at 19 Entertainment for transactions recorded in currencies other than the U.K. pound sterling functional currency. The 2009 expense was due to strengthening of the U.K. pound compared to the U.S. dollar while the 2008 gain was due to the weakening of the U.K. pound compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

Presley Business — Royalties and Licensing

 

The following table provides a breakdown of Presley Business — Royalties and Licensing revenue, cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and OIBDAN for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

 

The increase in royalties and licensing revenue of $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 was due to the recognition of $9.0 million of revenue, which had previously been deferred, related to the terminated FXRE license agreement and increased record royalties of $1.8 million, principally due to a settlement with Sony on historical audits and higher digital royalties. The increase was offset by 2008 revenue from the distribution of Elvis Viva DVD documentary of $1.8 million, lower merchandise licensing royalties of $1.3 million in the current period due to the unfavorable impact of the global recession and the strong carryover effect in 2008 from the prior anniversary year and by lower sales in the current period of a limited edition collectible DVD box set of Elvis movies launched in 2007 of $1.1 million. Other royalties decreased by a net $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 with higher revenue from the sales of television and video rights offsetting lower publishing and film royalties. Royalties and licensing cost of sales decreased $1.6 million due to lower cost of production and commissions of $1.1 million related to the distribution of the 2008 Elvis Viva DVD and lower cost of sales of the DVD box set. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.0 million in the current period primarily due to lower advertising and marketing costs for the DVD box set of $0.4 million, $0.3 million of lower costs related to the Elvis Viva DVD and lower legal expenses.

Presley Business — Graceland Operations

 

The following table provides a breakdown of the Presley Business — Graceland Operations revenue, cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and OIBDAN for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

 

Graceland Operations revenue decreased $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008 due to favorable results from tours and exhibits offset by lower ancillary revenue. Tour and exhibit revenue of $14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased $0.5 million over the prior year. This increase resulted from a 2.4% increase in visitor spending and a 1.2% increase in attendance to 542,728 in 2009 from 536,196 in 2008. Retail operations revenue of $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $0.4 million compared to the prior year due to lower e-commerce revenue and a slight decrease in per-visitor spending offset by the increase in attendance. Other revenue, primarily hotel room revenue and ancillary real estate income of $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, was down $0.7 million compared to the prior year. The decline was due to 13% lower hotel occupancy resulting from fewer foreign travelers, and the loss of rental income from ancillary real estate primarily due to the closure of one property.

 

Graceland Operations cost of sales decreased by $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the prior year due to cost improvements in merchandise.

 

Graceland Operations selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 primarily due to a $1.1 million provision recorded in 2008 for estimated losses due to the early termination of the sublease of a property leased by the Presley Business in downtown Memphis, decreases in salaries and benefits of $0.2 million, professional and legal costs primarily related to master plan initiatives of $0.5 million and insurance of $0.1 million and other operating expense declines, including lower costs related to special events of $0.1 million. These declines were offset by the write-off of $0.9 million of deferred costs related to preliminary design work for the Graceland redevelopment initiative. The Company has determined that there is a strong likelihood that the original preliminary design plans may require significant modifications or abandonment for a redesign due to current economic conditions and a lack of certainty as to exact scope, cost, financing plan and timing of this project. The lack of certainty and likely need for significant modifications and/or redesign was amplified by the termination of the FXRE license agreement, which had granted FXRE the rights to the development of one or more hotel(s) at Graceland as a component of the redevelopment initiative. Therefore, the Company determined that these cost should be written off in March 2009. The Company remains committed to the Graceland re-development and will continue to pursue opportunities on its own or with third parties.

 

Ali Business

 

The Ali Business contributed $4.2 million and $4.0 million of revenue in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Revenue increased by $0.2 million primarily due to the recognition of $1.0 million of revenue related to the terminated FXRE licensing agreement which had previously been deferred and an increase in licensing fees offset by a decline in revenue from fewer memorabilia signings by Mr. Ali in 2009 compared to the prior year period. Operating expenses decreased to $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $30.8 million in the prior year period. Operating expenses in 2008 include a non-cash impairment charge of $27.7 million to reduce the carrying amount of trademarks by $24.4 million and goodwill by $3.4 million. Excluding the impairment charge, operating expenses increased $0.1 million primarily due to severance costs of $1.4 million due to the restructuring of the business in early 2009 offset by lower personnel costs as a result of the restructuring and by reduced commissions of $0.7 million. OIBDAN increased to $1.1 million from $1.0 million in the prior year period.

Corporate and Other

 

Corporate Expenses and Other Costs

 

The Company incurred corporate overhead expenses of $21.2 million and $18.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase of $3.1 million primarily reflects development expenses of $1.0 million, $0.8 million in payroll-related taxes incurred due to the redemption of redeemable restricted common stock in June 2009, a $1.4 million reduction in the allocation of expenses to FXRE under the shared services agreement terminated as of June 30, 2009, $0.6 million in professional fees and a $0.7 million increase in travel and entertainment costs offset by a $1.4 million reduction in employee-related costs.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company incurred $2.6 million of acquisition-related costs, consisting of third party due diligence costs for potential acquisitions that were under evaluation and costs for the acquisition of the 51% interest in Storm. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company incurred $2.3 million of acquisition-related costs, consisting of third party due diligence costs for potential acquisitions that were under evaluation.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company incurred costs related to the terminated merger agreement of $0.7 million, due to the settlement of the stockholder litigation described elsewhere herein. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recognized a gain on the break-up fee of the terminated merger agreement of $8.1 million consisting of the $0.5 million fee received in cash plus $7.6 million, the value of the 3,339,350 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company incurred merger and distribution-related costs of $2.3 million in 2008. These costs primarily include the costs of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors formed to review the Merger and other merger-related costs, including legal and accounting costs.

 

Impairment Charges

 

The Company performed its annual impairment assessment of the carrying values of long-lived assets, including intangible assets and goodwill, on October 1, 2009 in accordance with the methods outlined in Application of Critical Accounting Policies. As a result of this assessment, no impairment charges were recorded as the carrying value of all of the Company’s long-lived assets do not exceed estimated future cash flows. The Company has recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.5 million as of December 31, 2009 to reduce the carrying amount of the assets of Storm Model Management as a result of Mr. Fuller’s resignation from the Company in January 2010 and his resulting reduced role in the oversight, management and direction of this business.

 

Based on the annual impairment test performed on October 1, 2008, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $35.7 million ($25.5 million, net of tax) to reduce the carrying amount of the Ali Business trademark by $24.4 million, the Ali Business goodwill by $3.4 million and MBST goodwill by $7.9 million. The impairment charges recognized in the fourth quarter of 2008 were triggered by the 2009 budget process performed in the fourth quarter of 2008 which highlighted the severity and duration of the economic downturn on these businesses and the likelihood that these businesses’ performance will not fully rebound to prior expectations.

 

Interest Income/Expense, net

 

The Company had interest expense of $3.3 million and $5.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease in interest expense is primarily due to a reduction in the average borrowing rate on the revolving credit facility from 4.49% to 2.31%. The Company had interest income of $0.3 million and $1.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively; interest income in 2008 included $0.5 million in interest income from FXRE on the 2007 license payments and the FXRE loan. The decline in interest income also reflects the Company shifting its U.S. cash balances to non-interest bearing accounts in late 2008 to qualify for unlimited insurance coverage offered under the FDIC Temporary Guarantee Program, which was extended through June 30, 2010.

 

Income Taxes

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $15.4 million. The provision reflects an effective tax rate of 37.3%. The tax provision is comprised of a federal income tax expense of $7.0 million, a state and local income tax expense of $2.1 million, and a foreign income tax expense (predominantly relating to the United Kingdom) of $6.3 million. The effective rate is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to: 1) state and local taxes, 2) the impairment charge related to Storm and other permanent items, offset in part by 1) transaction costs, 2) income taxed directly to noncontrolling owners and 3) a net benefit from the Company’s foreign activity.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $14.4 million. The provision reflects an effective tax rate of 43.6%. The tax provision is comprised of a federal benefit of $0.9 million, a state and local income tax expense of $1.7 million, and a foreign income tax expense (predominantly relating to the United Kingdom) of $13.6 million. The effective rate is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to: 1) state and local taxes, 2) the MBST impairment charge and 3) disallowed

executive compensation, offset in part by 1) transaction costs, 2) recognition of a tax benefit on the repatriation of cash from our UK subsidiary and 3) other permanent items.

 

The decrease in the 2009 effective tax rate as compared with the 2008 effective tax rate relates primarily to lower non-recurring adjustments, such as disallowed executive compensation and impairment charges.

 

Beginning in 2009, a change in ASC 805, formerly SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations impacts the accounting for prior acquisitions. Starting in 2009, reversal of existing income tax valuation allowances and tax uncertainty accruals resulting from acquisitions must be recorded as adjustments to income tax expense and not goodwill. As a result of this change, a $2.1 million decrease in the valuation allowance in 2009 was recorded to income tax expense instead of goodwill.

 

The Company’s uncertain tax positions relate primarily to state, local and foreign tax issues, as well as accounting method issues. The Company’s uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, are reflected in net prepaid income taxes. The Company does not expect any reasonably possible material changes to the estimated amount of liability associated with its uncertain tax positions through December 31, 2010. If all the uncertain tax positions were settled with the taxing authorities there would have been less than a 6% effect on the effective tax rate.

 

The Company generally recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions through income tax expense. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had approximately $0.6 million accrued for interest and penalties. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company accrued interest and penalties of approximately $0.1 million.

 

Open tax years related to federal, state and local filings are for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Internal Revenue Service is in the process of auditing the Company’s tax year ended December 31, 2006. Two foreign tax jurisdictions have commenced audits of the business activities of 19 Entertainment Limited and Elvis Presley Enterprises in their respective countries. New York State completed its audit for the tax years ended July 1, 2003, July 1, 2004 and March 17, 2005 for 19 Entertainment Inc. which resulted in no material liability. New York State completed its tax audit of the Company’s tax years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 which resulted in no material liability.

 

The United Kingdom’s Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) has reviewed the historic 19 Entertainment Ltd. UK group through December 2007 with the exception of a few entities where their review deadlines have been routinely extended into 2010. HMRC usually has 24 months from the end of the accounting period to review and query each return.

 

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

 

The Company recorded $0.6 million and $2.5 million of earnings in unconsolidated affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, primarily reflecting the Company’s investment in Beckham Brand Limited. The decrease is due primarily to Mr. Beckham’s services being loaned to AC Milan in 2009 which resulted in a reduction of payments from the LA Galaxy in 2009.

 

Noncontrolling Interests

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $1.8 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, primarily reflect shares in the net income of the Presley Business, the Ali Business and Storm related to the equity interests retained by the former owners.

Consolidated Operating Results Year Ended December 31, 2008

Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

Revenue growth of $21.4 million in 2008 was driven primarily by 19 Entertainment, which had higher television production and sponsorship revenue for American Idol, an increase in the broadcast hours from So You Think You Can Dance and increases in music and management revenue, which offset lower revenue for the Presley Business and the Ali Business. Higher operating expenses of $27.2 million resulted from non-cash impairment charges of $35.7 million to reduce the carrying amount of the Ali Business trademark by $24.4 million, Ali Business goodwill by $3.4 million and MBST goodwill by $7.9 million. Excluding the impairment charges, operating expenses declined $8.5 million as higher expenses at 19 Entertainment to support revenue growth and new projects and the increased broadcast hours for So You Think You Can Dance were partially offset by decreased expenses at the Presley Business and lower corporate expenses and merger and distribution related costs. Other operating income of $15.9 million reflects foreign exchange gains resulting from a significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the U.K. pound as 19 Entertainment has significant U.S. dollar denominated revenues. Other operating expense of $0.3 million in the prior year period reflects foreign exchange losses.

 

19 Entertainment

 

Revenue for 19 Entertainment was $229.2 million in 2008, an increase of $31.3 million over the prior year. Operating expenses for 19 Entertainment, including amortization expense of intangible assets of $14.7 million and excluding other operating income of $15.9 million and the MBST impairment charge of $7.9 million, were $170.5 million, an increase of $21.8 million over the prior period.

 

The following tables provide a breakdown of 19 Entertainment’s revenue, cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and other costs, OIBDAN and operating income for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

 

American Idol 7 aired 52.5 series hours in the U.S. in 2008 while American Idol 6 aired 49 series hours in the U.S. in 2007. The additional hours of programming along with an increase in guaranteed license fees accounted for $6.7 million in additional revenue. New sponsorship and licensing deals contributed $7.2 million in additional revenue. U.S. television ratings for American Idol declined in 2008 reflecting an overall decline in network television viewing and an increase in the number of broadcast hours. Touring revenue declined $1.7 million due to fewer dates. Other IDOLS revenue decreased $0.5 million due to reduced music sales by international IDOLS artists.

 

MBST contributed $5.6 million and $4.9 million in management revenue in 2008 and 2007. 2008 includes revenue of $1.0 million from the HBO series Little Britain USA , which MBST co-produced with 19 Entertainment, which offset revenue declines due to the timing and number of other client projects.

 

Revenue from So You Think You Can Dance increased $10.0 million in 2008 due largely to 37 hours broadcast in 2008 as compared to 31.5 hours in 2007; increased sponsorship revenue accounted for $2.2 million of this increase. Revenue from other television programming, including the new series Little Britain USA on HBO, which was co-produced with MBST, contributed an incremental $1.0 million over the prior year, offsetting a non-recurring television project in 2007.

 

Music revenue increased $4.9 million due to strong sales by former American Idol contestants and download revenue of performances from American Idol. Management revenue increased $4.6 million due to increased sponsorship revenues and management fees from the Spice Girls’ reunion tour.

 

Operating expenses, excluding MBST, including cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and non-cash compensation, increased by $22.2 million in 2008 over the prior year. Cost of sales increased $29.3 million due to the additional hours for So You Think You Can Dance, other television development costs including Little Britain USA, higher music royalties to artists and costs to support the iTunes download program. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $7.3 million due primarily to headcount reductions, additional costs directed to projects and favorable foreign exchange impact on U.K. Sterling denominated costs. Other operating income of $16.1 million in 2008 reflects foreign exchange gains resulting from a significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the U.K. pound as 19 Entertainment has significant U.S. dollar denominated revenue. Other operating expense of $0.3 million in the prior year period reflects foreign exchange losses.

 

MBST operating expenses for 2008 and 2007, including acquisition-related amortization expenses of $0.8 million for each year, were $14.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively. 2008 operating expenses include a non-cash impairment charge of $7.9 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill. Excluding the impairment charge, expenses increased $0.1 million.

Presley Business — Royalties and Licensing

 

The following table provides a breakdown of Presley Business — Royalties and Licensing revenue, cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and OIBDAN for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

Royalties and license revenue was $18.2 million in 2008, a decrease of $3.7 million compared to the prior year. The decrease in royalties and licensing revenue was due to lower sales of a limited edition collectible DVD box set of Elvis movies of $3.0 million and lower royalties from the release of digitally enhanced videos and DVDs of “’68 Special” and “Aloha from Hawaii” of $0.9 million, offset primarily by a net increase in revenue from other TV & Video projects of $0.2 million, due to the distribution of “Elvis: VIVA Las Vegas” DVD documentary of $1.5 million in 2008 in place of other TV & Video projects of $1.3 million in the prior year. An increase in publishing and film revenue was offset by declines in name, image and likeness and merchandise revenue, principally due to the increased activity surrounding the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death in 2007. Royalties and licensing cost of sales increased $0.2 million due to production costs for the “Elvis: Viva Las Vegas” DVD documentary of $0.9 million offset by reduced cost of sales of the limited edition DVD box set of $0.7 million. Royalties and licensing selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $2.4 million in 2008 primarily due to a decrease for advertising and marketing of the DVD box set, including upfront costs to produce an infomercial of $2.4 million which incurred in 2007.

 

Presley Business — Graceland Operations

 

The following table provides a breakdown of the Presley Business — Graceland Operations revenue, cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and OIBDAN for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

Graceland Operations revenue was $36.7 million in 2008, a decrease of $4.2 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to a $1.7 million decrease in retail operations revenue to $13.8 million. $0.3 million of the decline was due to a change in mail order retail sales to a commission-based operation in the second quarter of 2007. The remaining $1.4 million decline was due to lower retail sales for special events during anniversary week and at Graceland retail stores resulting from a 12.5% decrease in attendance. Per- visitor spending in 2008 was up 5.3% compared with prior year, although historically an anniversary year such as 2007 has significantly higher per-visitor spending than non-anniversary years. Tour and exhibit revenue of $14.2 million in 2008 decreased $0.6 million compared to the prior year. This decrease resulted from a 12.5% decrease in attendance to 536,196 in 2008 from 612,541 in 2007, partially offset by a 9.5% increase in per visitor spending. The attendance decline is due to significantly higher number of visitors in 2007 for the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death and due to the impact of higher gas prices and weak economic conditions on discretionary consumer travel in the peak travel seasons of 2008. In 2006, Graceland had 554,193 visitors. The increase in per visitor spending was due to price increases and an increase in the number of visitors choosing premium package tours.

Other revenue, primarily hotel room revenue, event revenue and ancillary real estate income, was $8.7 million in 2008, a decrease of $1.9 million compared to the prior year. The decrease was principally due to lower event revenue of $1.4 million related to the prior year events, including the Elvis 30th anniversary concert. The remainder was due to lower ancillary real estate revenue.

 

Graceland Operations cost of sales declined $1.8 million in 2008 compared to 2007 with $1.0 million related to the prior year anniversary events, $0.3 million due to the change in mail order retail sales to a commission-based operation and $0.5 million due to lower Graceland retail sales. Graceland Operations selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.4 million primarily due to a $1.1 million reduction in professional services and other costs incurred in the prior year related primarily to development costs associated with the Elvis Presley Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas, a $0.7 million net decrease in other variable expenses due to lower attendance, $0.3 million of lower fulfillment and distribution costs for the mail order retail sales business, $0.2 million of lower costs related to prior year anniversary events, and $0.2 million in lower advertising expense. These declines were partially offset by a provision of $1.1 million recorded in 2008 for estimated losses due to the early termination of the sublease of a property leased by the Presley Business in downtown Memphis.

 

Ali Business

 

The Ali Business contributed $4.0 million and $6.2 million in revenue in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in revenue is primarily due to fewer licensing deals in 2008 as compared to the prior year. Operating expenses for the same years were $30.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively. Operating expenses in 2008 include a non-cash impairment charge of $27.7 million to reduce the carrying amount of trademarks by $24.4 million and goodwill by $3.4 million. Excluding the impairment charge, operating expenses declined $0.3 million. OIBDAN declined to $1.0 million from $2.8 million in the prior period.

 

Corporate Expenses and Other Costs

 

The Company incurred corporate overhead expenses of $18.1 million and $18.2 million in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease of $0.1 million reflects higher incentive compensation costs in 2008, offset by reduced legal costs and higher shared service costs charged to FXRE.

 

The Company recognized a gain of $8.1 million consisting of the $0.5 million fee received in cash plus $7.6 million, the value of the 3,339,350 shares at the average trading price of the Company’s stock on NASDAQ on November 21, 2008 of $2.29. The Company incurred merger and distribution-related costs of $2.3 million in 2008 and $5.3 million in 2007, respectively; these costs are primarily the costs of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors formed to review the Merger, and other merger-related costs, including legal and accounting costs. The gain and related costs are classified on the statement of operations as merger and distribution-related costs (recoveries), net.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company incurred $2.3 million of acquisition-related costs, consisting of third party due diligence costs for potential acquisitions that have not yet been consummated.

 

Impairment Charges

 

The Company performed its annual impairment assessment of the carrying values of long-lived assets, including intangible assets and goodwill, on October 1, 2008 in accordance with the methods outlined in Application of Critical Accounting Policies. Based on the annual impairment test, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $35.7 million ($25.5 million, net of tax) to reduce the carrying amount of the Ali Business trademark by $24.4 million, the Ali Business goodwill by $3.4 million and MBST goodwill by $7.9 million. The impairment charges recognized in the fourth quarter were triggered by the 2009 budget process performed in the fourth quarter of 2008 which highlighted the severity and duration of the economic downturn on these businesses and the likelihood that these businesses’ performance will not fully rebound to prior expectations.

 

Interest Income/Expense, net

 

The Company had interest expense of $5.6 million in 2008 and 2007. Interest expense in 2008 primarily reflects a full year of interest on the Company’s drawdown from the revolving credit facility on June 1, 2007 to fund the investment in FXRE, offset by a reduction in the average borrowing rate from 7.04% to 4.49%. The Company had interest income of $1.8 million and $1.6 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively; interest income in 2008 includes $0.5 million in interest income from FXRE on the 2007 license payments and the FXRE loan.

Other Income

 

Other income of $2.2 million in 2007 is primarily a gain recorded on the distribution of the final 2% ownership interest in FXRE to the Company’s shareholders. The gain represents the difference between the Company’s cost basis in the shares and the trading price of FXRE on January 10, 2008, the first day of trading in FXRE stock.

 

Income Taxes

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $14.4 million. The provision reflects an effective tax rate of 43.6%. The tax provision is comprised of a federal benefit of $0.9 million, a state and local income tax expense of $1.7 million, and a foreign income tax expense (predominantly relating to the United Kingdom) of $13.6 million. The effective rate is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to: 1) state and local taxes, 2) the MBST impairment charge and 3) disallowed executive compensation, offset in part by 1) transaction costs, 2) recognition of a tax benefit on the repatriation of cash from our UK subsidiary and 3) other permanent items.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $19.4 million. The provision reflects an effective tax rate of 47.4%. The tax provision is comprised of $5.9 million federal income tax, $2.6 million state and local income tax, and $10.9 million of foreign income tax (predominantly relating to the United Kingdom). The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state and local taxes, the capitalizing of certain deal costs, and recognition of income on the repatriation of cash from our UK subsidiary and other permanent items.

 

The decrease in the 2008 effective tax rate as compared with the 2007 effective tax rate of the same period relates primarily to: 1) the deductibility of transaction costs that were capitalized in 2007, 2) a tax loss on the repatriation of cash from our UK subsidiary and 3) a greater use of the foreign tax credit, partially offset by 1) the disallowance of the MBST impairment charge and 2) the disallowance of certain executive compensation.

 

The Company’s deferred tax liabilities decreased by $10.2 million in 2008 due to the impairment charge related to the Ali Business.

 

A portion of the Company’s long-term deferred tax asset reversed during 2008. As this was related to the purchase of 19 Entertainment, there was a decrease in the valuation allowance offset by a decrease in goodwill of approximately $3.4 million. In addition, the Company evaluated the future utilization of the future foreign tax credit carryforwards and has reduced the valuation allowance by an additional $3.9 million related to an increased level of certainty regarding the use of a portion of the remaining future foreign tax credit carryforwards. Since this decrease also related to the purchase of 19 Entertainment, the decrease in the valuation allowance was offset by a decrease to goodwill. A change in ASC 805 (formerly SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations) that will impact the accounting for prior acquisitions is that beginning in 2009, changes to existing income tax valuation allowances and tax uncertainty accruals resulting from acquisitions will be recorded as adjustments to income tax expense.

 

A portion of the Company’s long-term deferred tax asset reversed during 2007. As this was related to the purchase of 19 Entertainment Group, there was a decrease in the valuation allowance, offset by a decrease in goodwill of $5.0 million. In addition, the change in the New York, Michigan and United Kingdom tax laws resulted in a reduction to the effective tax rate applied to the deferred tax items. This resulted in a decrease to the net deferred amount.

 

The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10, formerly Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“SFAS 109”), on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company reviewed its uncertain tax positions in accordance with the recognition standards established by FIN 48. As a result of this review, the Company made an initial adjustment to its estimate of its uncertain tax positions by recognizing an additional liability (including interest and penalties) of approximately $0.2 million through a charge to goodwill and an additional liability (including interest and penalties) of approximately $0.1 million through a charge to retained earnings. The liability is recorded in income taxes payable. The Company does not expect any reasonably possible material changes to the estimated amount of liability associated with its uncertain tax positions through December 31, 2009. If all the uncertain tax positions were settled with the taxing authorities, there would be no material effect on the effective tax rate.

 

The Company generally recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions through income tax expense. CKX has cumulatively accrued $0.5 million in interest and penalties. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company accrued interest and penalties of less than $0.1 million.

 

New York State is in the process of auditing 19 Entertainment, Inc. for the period July 1, 2003 through March 17, 2005. New York State has notified the Company that it will commence audits of the Company’s tax years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The Internal Revenue Service has commenced an audit of the Company’s tax year ended December 31, 2006. Open tax years related to federal

filings are for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Open tax years for state and local jurisdictions are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements in the event of an examination.

 

The United Kingdom’s Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) has reviewed the historic 19 Entertainment Ltd. UK group through December 31, 2006.

 

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

 

The Company recorded $2.5 million and $1.6 million of earnings in unconsolidated affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, primarily reflecting the Company’s investment in Beckham Brand Limited. The increase is a result of higher Beckham Brand Limited income, principally related to David Beckham’s marketing contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy and an increase in licensing activity.

 

Noncontrolling Interests

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $2.3 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, reflect shares in the net income of the Presley Business and the Ali Business related to the equity interests retained by the former owners.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Revolving Credit Facility — The Company is party to a revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with various lenders. Loans under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and certain of its wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries. The loans are secured by a pledge of certain assets of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors, including ownership interests in all wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, substantially all wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries and certain subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned. The total availability under the Credit Facility was reduced from $150.0 million to $141.7 million in September 2008 due to the bankruptcy of one of the lenders, Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc., a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers, Inc. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had drawn down $100.0 million on the Credit Facility. In March 2010, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility which included, among other changes, a reduction in the maximum size of the Credit Facility to $100.0 million. As a result of this amendment and the fact that we have previously drawn down $100.0 million, there are no additional borrowings available under the Credit Facility. Base rate loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to the greater of (i) the prime rate or (ii) the federal funds rate, plus 50 basis points plus margins of 50-125 basis points depending upon the Company’s ratio of debt to EBITDA (“Leverage Ratio”). Eurodollar loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate determined by a formula based on a published Telerate rate, adjusted for the reserve requirements prescribed for eurocurrency funding by a member bank of the Federal Reserve, plus margins of 150-225 basis points depending upon the Company’s Leverage Ratio. Any loans under the Credit Facility must be repaid by May 24, 2011. A commitment fee of 0.375%-0.50% on any daily unused portion of the Credit Facility is payable monthly in arrears. The effective interest rate on these borrowings under the revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2009 was 1.79%. The Credit Facility requires the Company and its subsidiaries to maintain certain financial covenants, including (a) a maximum Leverage ratio of 4.5 to 1.0 and (b) a minimum EBITDA to interest expense ratio. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income plus income tax expense, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, extraordinary charges and non-cash charges and minus interest income, extraordinary gains and any other non-cash income. The Credit Facility also contains covenants that regulate the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ incurrence of debt, disposition of property, ability to fund acquisitions and joint ventures and make capital expenditures. The existing revolving credit facility expires by its terms in May 2011. The terms of any additional or replacement financing we may be able to procure are unknown at this time.

 

As noted above, in March 2010, we entered into an amendment to our Credit Facility. In addition to the reduction in the size of the facility described above, the lenders agreed to remove a provision which tied an event of default under the Credit Facility to a reduction in the percentage of stock owned by Robert F.X. Sillerman, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, below a certain level and the Company agreed to the removal of the “Incremental Facilities” provision, which had provided the Company with an option to seek additional term loan commitments from the lenders in excess of the amount available under the Credit Facility.

 

As has been publicly disclosed, Mr. Sillerman has previously pledged approximately 80% of his CKX stock to secure a personal loan from a financial institution. In addition, the Board of Directors is aware, as it is a matter of public record, that Mr. Sillerman has been involved in litigations concerning certain troubled real estate investments which litigations have, in certain instances, resulted in presently outstanding judgments against Mr. Sillerman. Based on the aforementioned information, the Company’s Board of Directors determined that it was in the best interest of the Company to seek a modification of the Credit Facility removing the requirement that Mr. Sillerman maintain a minimum equity ownership in the Company. By seeking and obtaining the amendment described above, the Company has eliminated the possibility of a default under the Credit Facility should Mr. Sillerman’s personal CKX stock ownership be

reduced for any reason. The Company has no involvement with respect to any of Mr. Sillerman’s real estate ventures and is not a party to any of these litigations. Additionally, the Board of Directors has no access to information with respect to such litigations other than that information which is publicly available concerning these situations and information it received in connection with its review of Mr. Sillerman’s pledge agreement.

 

The Company was in compliance with all loan covenants as of December 31, 2009.

 

Cash Flow for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. This primarily reflects net income of $26.4 million, including depreciation and amortization of $19.2 million, impairment charges of $2.5 million, payments to Ryan Seacrest of $25.2 million, which will be expensed in future periods, recognition of $10.0 million of revenue from the FXRE license payments in 2009 for which the cash was received in 2008 and normal seasonal patterns in cash collections and payments on certain American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance revenue and expenses as well as non-recurring projects, such as Superstars of Dance, a special series aired on NBC in the first quarter of 2009.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $60.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, reflecting net income of $21.2 million, which includes depreciation and amortization expenses of $21.2 million, impairment charges of $35.7 million and the impact of changes in working capital levels.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $40.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, reflecting net income of $14.7 million, which includes depreciation and amortization expenses of $22.6 million, discontinued operations of $8.4 million and the impact of changes in working capital levels.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $30.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily reflecting the investment in the Cirque du Soleil partnership of $18.4 million, the acquisition of a 51% interest in Storm for $4.3 million, net of cash acquired, capital expenditures of $7.1 million, including the purchase of a fractional interest in a corporate airplane, and a loan of $0.5 million to a noncontrolling interest shareholder that was repaid in the first quarter of 2010.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, reflecting capital expenditures related primarily to the purchase of additional land adjacent to Graceland and other purchases of property and equipment of $7.8 million and the repayment to the Company of a loan to FXRE of $6.3 million.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $122.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily reflecting the amount, including transaction costs, paid for the investment in FXRE of $103.7 million, the loan to FXRE of $6.0 million and capital expenditures of $11.4 million related primarily to the purchase of additional land adjacent to Graceland.

 

In 2007, the Company entered into a $1.8 million loan agreement with a vendor that provides marketing and branding services to the Company. This vendor is owned by several individuals who collectively own less than one percent of our outstanding common stock. The loan bears interest, payable monthly, at 10% per annum, which has been paid currently through December 31, 2009. The borrowers are required to make principal payments, beginning in February 2009 in an amount equal to 50% of the vendor’s cash flow, as defined; the maturity date of the loan is August 2012. The loan is personally guaranteed by the four principals of the vendor. $1.8 million was outstanding under the loan agreement at December 31, 2009 and 2008. The Company also entered into a consulting agreement with the vendor in 2007 that terminates in December 2010 and provides for the Company to pay monthly consulting fees that would total $1.8 million over the term of the agreement; $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.2 million was expensed under the agreement in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The consulting agreement may be terminated by either party upon sixty days notice.

 

Financing Activities

 

Cash used in financing activities was $20.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company made payments of $15.0 million related to the purchase of restricted redeemable common stock. The Company also made distributions of $2.6 million to noncontrolling interest shareholders, principal payments on notes payable of $0.8 million and dividend payments of $1.8 million to the holder of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Company made distributions of $1.7 million to noncontrolling interest shareholders, principal payments on notes payable of $1.2 million and dividend payments of $1.8 million to the holder of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.

Cash provided by financing activities was $95.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company borrowed $100.0 million under its revolving credit facility to fund the investment in FXRE and received $0.2 million of net proceeds from warrant exercises. The Company made distributions to noncontrolling interest shareholders of $1.8 million, principal payments on notes payable of $0.6 million and dividend payments of $1.8 million to the holder of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company made payments of $0.1 million for costs associated with amending the revolving credit facility.

 

Uses of Capital

 

At December 31, 2009, the Company had $101.1 million of debt outstanding and $66.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.

 

We believe that our current cash on hand together with cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund our current operations, including payments of interest and principal due on the Company’s debt, dividends on our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, mandatory minimum distributions to the noncontrolling shareholder in each of the Presley Business and Ali Business and capital expenditures.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

We presently anticipate that our capital expenditures for 2010 will total approximately $3.0 million. We also expect to incur additional costs for the development of the Elvis Presley show in Las Vegas with Cirque du Soleil and MGM Mirage. We incurred $18.4 million and $3.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and expect to incur an additional $4.5 million in early 2010 for a total investment of $26.0 million.

 

We announced preliminary plans to re-develop our Graceland attraction including an expanded visitors center, developing new attractions and merchandising shops and building a new boutique convention hotel. This project is conditioned on a number of factors, including obtaining necessary approvals and concessions from local and state authorities. Although we have not yet determined the exact scope, cost, financing plan and timing of this project, we expect that the redevelopment of Graceland will take several years and could require a substantial financial investment by the Company. The Company remains committed to the Graceland redevelopment and will continue to pursue opportunities on its own or with third parties.

 

Dividends

 

Our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock requires payment of a cash dividend of 8% per annum in quarterly installments. On an annual basis, our total dividend payment on the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is $1.8 million. If we fail to make our quarterly dividend payments to the holder(s) of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock on a timely basis, the dividend rate increases to 12% and all amounts owing must be paid within three business days in shares of Common Stock valued at the average closing price over the previous 30 consecutive trading days. After such payment is made, the dividend rate returns to 8%. All such dividend payments were made on a timely basis.

 

We have no intention of paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of our existing credit agreement restrict the payment of cash dividends on our Common Stock.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

There are various lawsuits and claims pending against us and which we have initiated against others. We believe that any ultimate liability resulting from these actions or claims will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

On December 14, 2007 and February 1, 2008, two shareholder derivative actions were instituted, and later consolidated (the “Action”), against the Company, its directors, 19X and 19X Acquisition Corp. in connection with the proposed merger described in Terminated Merger Agreement above. The Action challenged the Board’s approval of the Merger, alleging among other things, that the proposed transaction favored Mr. Sillerman over CKX’s public stockholders. On May 27, 2008, the parties to the litigation agreed to settle the Action on terms that were subsequently reflected in an amendment to the Merger Agreement. The Merger was thereafter terminated on November 1, 2008.

 

On July 31, 2009, the parties to the Action entered into a stipulation agreeing that the claims asserted in the litigation had become moot. In that connection, CKX has agreed to pay the fees and expenses incurred by plaintiffs’ counsel in litigating the Action in an aggregate amount of $0.7 million. On September 30, 2009, the Court entered a final order dismissing the Action with prejudice as to plaintiffs and their counsel. In the three months ended December 31, 2009, the Company paid the settlement amount of $0.7 million.

The Company has a number of contracts that include future cash obligations. The scheduled maturities of the Company’s material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):