SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarter Ended October 31, 2005 | Commission file number 0-11306 |
VALUE LINE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York | 13-3139843 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
220 East 42nd Street, New York, New York | 10017-5891 |
(address of principal executive offices) | (zip code) |
Registrant's telephone number including area code (212) 907-1500
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class | Outstanding at October 31, 2005 |
Common stock, $.10 par value | 9,981,600 Shares |
Part I - Financial Information | |||||||||
Item 1. Financial Statements | |||||||||
Value Line, Inc. | |||||||||
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets | |||||||||
(in thousands, except share amounts) | |||||||||
(unaudited) |
Oct. 31, | Apr. 30, | ||||||
2005 | 2005 | ||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||
Assets | |||||||
Current Assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (including short term | |||||||
investments of $9,756 and $5,654, respectively) | $ | 9,970 | $ | 5,971 | |||
Securities available for sale | 78,426 | 76,274 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful | |||||||
accounts of $66 and $52, respectively | 2,163 | 3,096 | |||||
Receivable from affiliates | 2,903 | 2,557 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,201 | 1,468 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 520 | 32 | |||||
Total current assets | 95,183 | 89,398 | |||||
Long term assets | |||||||
Property and equipment, net | 5,673 | 5,984 | |||||
Capitalized software and other intangible assets, net | 2,814 | 3,483 | |||||
Total long term assets | 8,487 | 9,467 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 103,670 | $ | 98,865 | |||
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | |||||||
Current Liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 3,287 | $ | 4,331 | |||
Accrued salaries | 1,281 | 1,247 | |||||
Dividends payable | 2,495 | 2,495 | |||||
Unearned revenue | 29,317 | 29,748 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 7,417 | 6,176 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 43,797 | 43,997 | |||||
Long term liabilities | |||||||
Unearned revenue | 6,999 | 10,344 | |||||
Deferred charges | 381 | 381 | |||||
Total long term liabilities | 7,380 | 10,725 | |||||
Shareholders' Equity: | |||||||
Common stock, $.10 par value; authorized 30,000,000 | |||||||
shares; issued 10,000,000 shares | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 991 | 991 | |||||
Retained earnings | 36,841 | 30,798 | |||||
Treasury stock, at cost (18,400 shares on 10/31/05 | |||||||
and 4/30/05) | (354 | ) | (354 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax | 14,015 | 11,708 | |||||
Total shareholders' equity | 52,493 | 44,143 | |||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 103,670 | $ | 98,865 | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
2
Part I - Financial Information | |||||||
Item 1. Financial Statements | |||||||
Value Line, Inc. | |||||||
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income | |||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||
(unaudited) |
Three months ended | Six months ended | ||||||||||||
October 31, | October 31, | ||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||
Investment periodicals and | |||||||||||||
related publications | $ | 12,906 | $ | 12,953 | $ | 25,966 | $ | 26,099 | |||||
Investment management fees & svcs | 8,096 | 7,969 | 15,910 | 16,203 | |||||||||
Total revenues | 21,002 | 20,922 | 41,876 | 42,302 | |||||||||
Expenses: | |||||||||||||
Advertising and promotion | 3,470 | 5,424 | 6,076 | 10,790 | |||||||||
Salaries and employee benefits | 4,695 | 5,192 | 9,858 | 10,525 | |||||||||
Production and distribution | 1,827 | 2,198 | 3,602 | 4,509 | |||||||||
Office and administration | 2,540 | 2,240 | 4,707 | 4,365 | |||||||||
Total expenses | 12,532 | 15,054 | 24,243 | 30,189 | |||||||||
Income from operations | 8,470 | 5,868 | 17,633 | 12,113 | |||||||||
Income from securities transactions, net | 428 | 3,569 | 713 | 6,929 | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 8,898 | 9,437 | 18,346 | 19,042 | |||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 3,513 | 3,639 | 7,313 | 7,303 | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 5,385 | $ | 5,798 | $ | 11,033 | $ | 11,739 | |||||
Earnings per share, basic & fully diluted | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 1.11 | $ | 1.18 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
3
Part I - Financial Information | |||||||
Item 1. Financial Statements | |||||||
Value Line, Inc. | |||||||
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||
For the six months | |||||||
ended | |||||||
Oct. 31, | Oct. 31, | ||||||
2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
Net income | $ | 11,033 | $ | 11,739 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash | |||||||
provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,119 | 1,231 | |||||
Gains on sales of trading securities and | |||||||
securities available for sale | — | (6,419 | ) | ||||
Unrealized losses on trading securities | — | (331 | ) | ||||
Deferred income taxes | — | 116 | |||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Proceeds from sales of trading securities | — | 23,638 | |||||
Purchases of trading securities | — | (16,985 | ) | ||||
(Decrease) in unearned revenue | (3,776 | ) | (3,309 | ) | |||
(Decrease) in deferred charges | (42 | ) | (42 | ) | |||
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses | (1,002 | ) | 90 | ||||
Increase/(decrease) in accrued salaries | 34 | (200 | ) | ||||
Decrease in accrued taxes payable | (488 | ) | (538 | ) | |||
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets | 267 | 243 | |||||
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable | 933 | (351 | ) | ||||
(Increase)/decrease in receivable from affiliates | (346 | ) | 283 | ||||
Total adjustments | (3,301 | ) | (2,574 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by operations | 7,732 | 9,165 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
Purchase of equity securities | (5 | ) | — | ||||
Proceeds from sales of equity securities | — | 12,672 | |||||
Proceeds from sales of fixed income securities | 9,650 | 8,019 | |||||
Purchases of fixed income securities | (8,249 | ) | (23,680 | ) | |||
Acquisition of property and equipment | (29 | ) | (153 | ) | |||
Expenditures for capitalized software | (110 | ) | (383 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities | 1,257 | (3,525 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
Dividends paid | (4,990 | ) | (179,667 | ) | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | (4,990 | ) | (179,667 | ) | |||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 3,999 | (174,027 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 5,971 | 178,108 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 9,970 | $ | 4,081 | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
4
Part I - Financial Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Item 1. Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
VALUE LINE, INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Additional | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
of | Par | paid-in | Treasury | Comprehensive | Retained | Comprehensive | |||||||||||||||||||
shares | Value | capital | Stock | income | earnings | income | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at April 30, 2005 | 9,981,600 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 991 | ($354 | ) | $ | 30,798 | $ | 11,708 | $ | 44,143 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 11,033 | 11,033 | 11,033 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
net of tax: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
gains on securities, net of taxes | 2,307 | 2,307 | 2,307 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 13,340 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared | (4,990 | ) | (4,990 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at October 31, 2005 | 9,981,600 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 991 | ($354 | ) | $ | 36,841 | $ | 14,015 | $ | 52,493 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
5
Part I - Financial Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Item 1. Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
VALUE LINE, INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2004 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Additional | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
of | Par | paid-in | Treasury | Comprehensive | Retained | Comprehensive | |||||||||||||||||||
shares | Value | capital | Stock | income | earnings | income | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at April 30, 2004 | 9,981,600 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 991 | ($354 | ) | $ | 19,459 | $ | 14,202 | $ | 35,298 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 11,739 | 11,739 | 11,739 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
net of tax: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
gains on securities, net of taxes | (3,022 | ) | (3,022 | ) | (3,022 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 8,717 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared | (4,990 | ) | (4,990 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at October 31, 2004 | 9,981,600 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 991 | ($354 | ) | $ | 26,208 | $ | 11,180 | $ | 39,025 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
6
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||||
Significant Accounting Policies - Note 1: | |||||||
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals except as noted below) considered necessary for a fair presentation. This report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K, dated July 29, 2005 and Form 10-K Amended, dated August 26, 2005 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005. Results of operations covered by this report may not be indicative of the results of operations for the entire year. | |||||||
Value Line, Inc. (the "Company") is incorporated in New York State and carries on the investment periodicals and related publications and investment management activities formerly performed by Arnold Bernhard & Co., Inc. (the "Parent") which owns approximately 86% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company. | |||||||
Principles of Consolidation: | |||||||
The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. | |||||||
Revenue Recognition: | |||||||
Subscription revenues are recognized ratably over the terms of the subscriptions. Accordingly, the amount of subscription fees to be earned by servicing subscriptions after the date of the balance sheet is shown as unearned revenue. | |||||||
Investment management fees (except 12b-1 fees) are recorded as the related services are performed (see note 6). Service and distribution fees collected under rule 12b-1are recorded in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income based upon the average daily net asset values of the respective Value Line mutual funds. | |||||||
Valuation of Securities: | |||||||
The Company's securities classified as available for sale consist of shares of the Value Line Mutual Funds and government debt securities accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". The securities are valued at market with unrealized gains and losses on these securities reported, net of applicable taxes, as a separate component of Shareholders' Equity. Realized gains and losses on sales of the securities available for sale are recorded in earnings on trade date and are determined on the identified cost method. | |||||||
The Company classifies its securities available for sale as current assets. It does so to properly reflect its liquidity and to recognize the fact that it has assets available for sale to fully satisfy its current liabilities should the need arise. | |||||||
Trading securities held by the Company are valued at market with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. | |||||||
Market valuation of securities listed on a securities exchange and over-the-counter securities traded on the NASDAQ national market is based on the closing sales prices on the last business day of each month. In the absence of closing sales prices for such securities, and for other securities traded in the over-the-counter market, the security is valued at the midpoint between the latest available and representative asked and bid prices. | |||||||
Valuation of open-ended mutual fund shares are based upon the daily net asset values of the shares as calculated by such funds. | |||||||
The market value of the Company's fixed maturity government debt obligations are valued utilizing quoted prices at the end of each day provided by an outside pricing service. | |||||||
Advertising Expenses: | |||||||
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. |
7
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Reclassification: | |||||||
Certain items in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. | |||||||
Income Taxes: | |||||||
The Company computes its income tax provision in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the book values and the tax bases of particular assets and liabilities, using tax rates currently in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred state and local taxes on securities classified as available for sale are not significant and have not been provided for in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. | |||||||
Earnings per Share, basic & fully diluted: | |||||||
Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during each year. | |||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents: | |||||||
For purposes of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all cash held at banks and short term liquid investments with an original maturity of less than three months to be cash and cash equivalents. As of October 31, 2005 and April 30, 2005, cash equivalents included $9,712,000 and $5,546,000 respectively, invested in the Value Line money market funds. | |||||||
Use of Estimates: | |||||||
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. | |||||||
Marketable Securities - Note 2: | |||||||
Trading Securities: | |||||||
There were no trading securities held at October 31, 2005 or April 30, 2005. The proceeds from sales of trading securities, during the six months ended October 31, 2004, were $23,638,000 and the related gains on these sales were $247,000. The net increase in unrealized gains on the trading securities portfolio of $330,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2004 was included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. | |||||||
Securities Available for Sale: | |||||||
Equity Securities: | |||||||
The aggregate cost of the equity securities classified as available for sale, which are invested in the Value Line mutual funds, was $19,172,000 and the market value was $41,063,000 at October 31, 2005. The aggregate cost of the securities at April 30, 2005 was $19,169,000 and the market value was $37,209,000. The total gains for equity securities with net gains included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet were $21,890,000 and $18,157,000, net of deferred federal income taxes of $7,661,000 and $6,355,000, as of October 31, 2005 and April 30, 2005, respectively. Losses on equity securities included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income at April 30, 2005 were $117,000, net of deferred federal income taxes of $41,000. The increase in gross unrealized holding gains on these securities of $3,849,000 and the decrease of $4,561,000, net of deferred federal income taxes of $1,347,000 and $1,628,000, were included in Shareholders' Equity at October 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. | |||||||
There were no sales of equity securities during the first six months of fiscal 2006. Realized capital gains from the sales of equity securities classified as available for sale during the six months ended October 31, 2004 were $6,172,000 of which $5,738,000 were reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into earnings. The proceeds received from the sales of these securities during the six months ended October 31, 2004 were $12,672,000. |
8
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||||
Government Debt Securities: | |||||||
The Company's investments in debt securities are available for sale and valued at market value. The aggregate cost and market value at October 31, 2005 for U.S. Government debt securities classified as available for sale were as follows: |
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||
Historical | Market | Gross Unrealized | ||||||||
Maturity | Cost | Value | Holding Losses | |||||||
Due in less than 2 years | $ | 29,929 | $ | 29,748 | ($181 | ) | ||||
Due in 2-5 years | 7,762 | 7,615 | (147 | ) | ||||||
Total investment in debt securities | $ | 37,691 | $ | 37,363 | ($328 | ) |
The aggregate cost and market value at April 30, 2005 for U.S. Government debt securities classified as available for sale were as follows: | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||
Historical | Market | Gross Unrealized | ||||||||
Maturity | Cost | Value | Holding Losses | |||||||
Due in less than 2 years | $ | 34,506 | $ | 34,481 | ($25 | ) | ||||
Due in 2-5 years | 4,587 | 4,584 | (3 | ) | ||||||
Total investment in debt securities | $ | 39,093 | $ | 39,065 | ($28 | ) |
There are no gains on U.S. Government debt securities included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2005 and April 30, 2005. The unrealized losses of $328,000 and $28,000 on U.S. government debt securities net of deferred federal income taxes of $115,000 and $10,000, respectively, were included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2005 and April 30, 2005. | |||||||
The average yield on the U.S. Government debt securities classified as available for sale at October 31, 2005 and 2004 was 2.55% and 1.31%, respectively. | |||||||
Proceeds from sales of government debt securities classified as available for sale were $9,650,000 and $5,019,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2006 and 2005, respectively. There were no related gains or losses. | |||||||
For the six months ended October 31, 2005, and 2004, income from securities transactions, net also included $177,000 and $78,000 of dividend income; $551,000 and $96,000 of interest income; and $11,000 and $7,000 of related interest expense, respectively. | |||||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information - Note 3: | |||||||
Cash payments for income taxes were $7,649,000 and $7,960,000 during the six months ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. |
9
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||||
Employees' Profit Sharing and Savings Plan - Note 4: | |||||||
Substantially all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are members of the Value Line, Inc. Profit Sharing and Savings Plan (the "Plan"). In general, this is a qualified, contributory plan which provides for a discretionary annual Company contribution which is determined by a formula based upon the salaries of eligible employees and the amount of consolidated net operating income as defined in the Plan. The estimated profit sharing plan contribution, which is included as an expense in salaries and employee benefits in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income, was $586,000 and $600,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. | |||||||
Comprehensive Income - Note 5: | |||||||
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards no. 130 requires the reporting of comprehensive income in addition to net income from operations. Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting methodology that includes disclosure of certain financial information that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income. | |||||||
At October 31, 2005 and April 30, 2005 the Company held both equity securities and U.S. Government debt securities that are classified as Available for Sale on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. The change in valuation of these securities, net of deferred federal income taxes, has been recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. |
The components of comprehensive income that are included in the Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity are as follows: | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||
Six months ended 10-31-05 | Before Tax Amount | Tax (Expense) or Benefit | Net of Tax Amount | |||||||
Unrealized Gains on Securities: | ||||||||||
Unrealized Holding Gains/(Losses) arising during the period | $ | 3,798 | ($1,329 | ) | $ | 2,469 | ||||
Less: Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in net income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
Other Comprehensive income | $ | 3,798 | ($1,329 | ) | $ | 2,469 | ||||
Six months ended 10-31-04 | ||||||||||
Unrealized Gains on Securities: | ||||||||||
Unrealized Holding Gains/(Losses) arising during the period | $ | 1,089 | ($381 | ) | $ | 708 | ||||
Less: Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in net income | (5,738 | ) | 2,008 | (3,730 | ) | |||||
Other Comprehensive income | ($4,649 | ) | $ | 1,627 | ($3,022 | ) |
10
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||||
Related Party Transactions - Note 6: | |||||||
The Company acts as investment adviser and manager for fourteen open-ended investment companies, the Value Line Family of Funds. The Company earns investment management fees based upon the average daily net asset values of the respective Value Line mutual funds. In addition, effective July 1, 2000, certain of the Value Line Mutual Funds adopted a service and distribution plan under rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for twelve of the fourteen mutual funds for which Value Line is the adviser. Effective September 18, 2002, the remaining two funds for which Value Line is the adviser adopted a service and distribution plan under rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Further, the Company earned brokerage commission income on securities transactions executed by Value Line Securities, Inc. (VLS) on behalf of the funds that cleared on a fully disclosed basis through non-affiliated brokers, who received a portion of the gross commission. Pending a review of effecting trades for the Value Line Funds, VLS in November 2004 suspended effectuation of trades through VLS for any of the Value Line Funds. | |||||||
For the six months ended October 31, 2005 investment management fees and 12b-1 service and distribution fees amounted to $15,403,000. For the six months ended October 31, 2004, investment management fees, 12b-1 service and distribution fees and brokerage commission income amounted to $15,291,000. The amounts for service and distribution fees during the six months ended October 31, 2005 and 2004 were $4,995,000 and $4,744,000, respectively. The related receivables from the funds for management advisory fees and 12b-1 service fees included in Receivable from affiliates on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet were $2,577,000 and $2,406,000 at October 31, 2005 and April 30, 2005, respectively. | |||||||
For the six months ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company was reimbursed $345,000 and $275,000, respectively, for payments it made on behalf of and services it provided to Arnold Bernhard and Company, Inc. ("Parent"). At October 31, 2005 and April 30, 2005, Receivable from affiliates on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet also were included a receivable from the Parent of $218,000 and $107,000, respectively. | |||||||
From time to time, the Parent has purchased additional shares of Value Line, Inc. in the market when and as the Parent has determined it to be appropriate. As stated several times in the past, the public is reminded that the Parent may make additional purchases from time to time in the future. | |||||||
Federal, State and Local Income Taxes - Note 7: | |||||||
The Company computes its tax in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". | |||||||
The provision for income taxes includes the following: |
Six months ended October 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | ||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
Current: | |||||||
Federal | $ | 5,949 | $ | 6,144 | |||
State and local | 1,550 | 1,043 | |||||
$ | 7,499 | $ | 7,187 | ||||
Deferred: | |||||||
Federal | ($154 | ) | $ | 118 | |||
State and local | (32 | ) | (2 | ) | |||
($186 | ) | $ | 116 | ||||
Total: | $ | 7,313 | $ | 7,303 |
Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. The tax effect of temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax liability are primarily a result of unrealized gains on the Company's available for sale securities portfolios. |
11
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||||
Business Segments - Note 8: | |||||||
The Company operates two reportable business segments: Publishing and Investment Management Services. The publishing segment produces investment related periodicals in both print and electronic form. The investment management segment provides advisory services to the Value Line family of mutual funds, as well as institutional and individual clients. The segments are differentiated by the products and services they offer. | |||||||
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company allocates all revenues and expenses, except for depreciation and income from securities transactions, related to corporate assets, between the two reportable segments. |
Disclosure of Reportable Segment Profit and Segment Assets (in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Six months ended October 31, 2005 | |||||||||||||
Publishing | Investment Management Services | Total | |||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 25,966 | $ | 15,910 | $ | 41,876 | |||||||
Intersegment revenues | 43 | 0 | 43 | ||||||||||
Income from securities transactions, net | 26 | 78 | 104 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,064 | 47 | 1,111 | ||||||||||
Segment operating profit | 11,915 | 5,726 | 17,641 | ||||||||||
Segment assets | 13,692 | 51,756 | 65,448 | ||||||||||
Expenditures for segment assets | 139 | 0 | 139 | ||||||||||
Six months ended October 31, 2004 | |||||||||||||
Publishing | Investment Management Services | Total | |||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 26,099 | $ | 15,939 | $ | 42,038 | |||||||
Intersegment revenues | 97 | 0 | 97 | ||||||||||
Income from securities transactions, net | 7 | 6,922 | 6,929 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,180 | 43 | 1,223 | ||||||||||
Segment operating profit | 7,019 | 5,102 | 12,121 | ||||||||||
Segment assets | 13,726 | 53,900 | 67,626 | ||||||||||
Expenditures for segment assets | 406 | 130 | 536 |
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Revenues, | |||||||
Operating Profit and Assets (in thousands) | |||||||
Six months ended October 31, | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Revenues | |||||||
Total revenues for reportable segments | $ | 41,919 | $ | 42,135 | |||
Elimination of intersegment revenues | (43 | ) | (97 | ) | |||
Total consolidated revenues | $ | 41,876 | $ | 42,038 | |||
Segment profit | |||||||
Total profit for reportable segments | $ | 17,745 | $ | 19,050 | |||
Add: Income from securities transactions related to corporate assets | 609 | 0 | |||||
Less: Depreciation related to corporate assets | (8 | ) | (8 | ) | |||
Income before income taxes | $ | 18,346 | $ | 19,042 | |||
Assets | |||||||
Total assets for reportable segments | $ | 65,448 | $ | 67,626 | |||
Corporate assets | 38,222 | 22,837 | |||||
Consolidated total assets | $ | 103,670 | $ | 90,463 | |||
Revenues |
Contingencies - Note 9: | |||||||||||||
On September 17, 2003 the Company commenced an action in New York Supreme Court, seeking damages in an unspecified amount, against a small mutual fund company pertaining to a contemplated transaction. The Company was countersued for alleged damages in excess of $5,000,000. The action was settled in November, 2004 without a material adverse effect on the Company. A related entity of the defendant in the New York action brought suit against the Company and certain Directors in Federal Court in Texas in March, 2004 based on the same transaction. On the Company's motion, that action has been transferred from Texas to New York. Although the ultimate outcome of the litigation is subject to the inherent uncertainties of any legal proceeding, based upon Counsel's analysis of the factual and legal issues and the Company's meritorious defenses, it is management's belief that the expected outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial condition. | |||||||||||||
By letter dated June 15, 2005, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission requested the Company as part of a preliminary inquiry to provide documents relating to, among other things, trades for the Company's proprietary accounts, and the effectuation and execution of trades through VLS for the Value Line Funds. The Company is cooperating with the preliminary inquiry. |
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Item 2. | MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company had working capital as of October 31, 2005 of $51,386,000 which included cash and short-term securities at market value of $88,396,000.
The Company’s cash flows from operations of $7,732,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2005 was 16% lower than cash flow of $9,165,000 for the comparable period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease in cash flow from operations was primarily due to the liquidation of the Company’s trading securities portfolio during the prior fiscal year. Exclusive of the net cash flows from the trading securities portfolio activity, cash flows from operations were $5,220,000 higher than the prior fiscal year. Net cash inflows of $1,257,000 from investing activities during the first six months of fiscal 2006 primarily resulted from proceeds received from sales of callable U.S. Government debt securities. Net cash outflows of $3,525,000 during the first six months of the prior fiscal year resulted from sales of equity securities to partially finance the payment of the Company’s special dividend offset by a redeployment of the net proceeds from sales of trading securities and callable fixed income securities into fixed income, government debt obligations. Cash outflows from financing activities of $4,990,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2006 represent the payment of the Company’s quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share for each of the first two quarters. Cash outflows from financing activities for the same period of fiscal year 2005 of $179,667,000 reflect the Company’s normal quarterly dividends of $.25 per share for both the first and second quarters as well as a special $17.50 dividend paid to all shareholders on May 19, 2004.
Management believes that the Company’s cash and other liquid asset resources used in its business together with the future cash flows from operations will be sufficient to finance current and forecasted operations. Management anticipates no borrowing for fiscal year 2006.
Operating Results
Net income for the six months ended October 31, 2005 of $11,033,000 or $1.11 per share was 6% below net income of $11,739,000 or $1.18 per share in fiscal 2005. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 of $5,385,000 was 7% below income of $5,798,000 for the comparable period of fiscal 2005. Operating income of $17,633,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2005 was 46% above operating income of $12,113,000 for the same period of the last fiscal year. Operating income of $8,470,000 for the three months ended October 31, 2005 was 44% above the operating income of $5,868,000 for the second quarter of the last fiscal year. Shareholders’ equity of $52,493,000 at October 31, 2005 was 35% higher than shareholders’ equity of $39,025,000 at October 31, 2004.
Subscription revenues of $25,966,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2005 were less than 1% below revenues for the comparable period of the prior fiscal year. Revenues from all electronic publications for the six months ended October 31, 2005 were up 4% while licensing fees were 77% higher compared to the same period of fiscal 2005. Revenues from all print products were down 5% compared to the last fiscal year. Subscription revenues of $12,906,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were slightly below revenues of $12,953,000 for the three months ended October 31, 2004. Investment management fees and service revenues of $15,910,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2005 were 2% below the prior fiscal year’s revenues of $16,203,000, primarily because beginning November 2004, Value Line Securities, Inc. suspended its business of effecting trades for any of the Value Line Funds, from which it had earned net commission revenues. The decline in brokerage revenue was mostly offset by higher investment advisory and 12b-1 fees due to a 9% increase in the net assets of the Value Line equity funds. Investment management fees and service revenues of $8,096,000 for the second quarter ended October 31, 2005 were 2% above revenues of $7,969,000 for the three months ended October 31, 2004.
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Operating expenses for the six months ended October 31, 2005 of $24,243,000 were 20% below expenses of $30,189,000 for the comparable period of the previous fiscal year. Operating expenses for the second quarter ended October 31, 2005 of $12,532,000 were 17% below expenses of $15,054,000 for the same period last fiscal year. Total advertising and promotional expenses of $6,076,000 were 44% below the prior year’s expenses of $10,790,000. The decrease in advertising expenses resulted primarily from the reduction in the frequency of marketing campaigns in fiscal 2006 for the Company's investment periodicals. Salaries and employee benefit expenses of $9,858,000 were 6% below expenses of $10,525,000 recorded in the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of staff consolidations in the Company. Production and distribution costs for the six months ended October 31, 2005 of $3,602,000 were 20% below expenses of $4,509,000 at October 31, 2004. The decline in expenses was primarily due to lower paper, printing and distribution costs that resulted in part from a decrease in circulation of the print products and the elimination of brokerage execution fees. Office and administrative expenses of $4,707,000 were 8% higher than the prior fiscal year’s expenses of $4,365,000. The increase in administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in professional fees and the additional costs associated with outsourcing certain of the mutual fund administration functions.
For the six months ended October 31, 2005, the Company’s income from securities transactions, net, of $713,000 was 90% below securities transactions income of $6,929,000 for the same period of the last fiscal year. Income from securities transactions, net, for the six months ended October 31, 2005 included dividend and interest income of $728,000. There were no capital gains or losses in fiscal 2006. This compares to dividend and interest income of $174,000 and capital gains of $6,750,000 from sales of securities included in the Company’s trading and available for sale portfolios for the six months ended October 31, 2004. The first six months of the prior fiscal year included capital gains that resulted from partial sales of the Company’s equity securities in preparation for payment on May 19, 2004 of a special dividend of $17.50 per share to all common shareholders of record as of May 7, 2004 and redeployment of the remaining proceeds in fixed income government obligations. Capital gains for the six months and second quarter of fiscal 2005 included $433,000 from the sale of an investment in a privately held Company.
For the second quarter ended October 31, 2005, the Company’s income from securities transactions, net, was $428,000, 88% below securities transactions income of $3,569,000 for the same period of the last fiscal year. Income from securities transactions, net, for the three months ended October 31, 2005 included dividend and interest income of $390,000. There were no capital gains or losses in fiscal 2006. This compares to dividend and interest income of $109,000 and capital gains of $3,450,000 from sales of securities included in the Company’s trading and available for sale portfolios, the proceeds of which were reinvested in fixed income government obligations during the three months ended October 31, 2004.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This report contains statements (including certain projections and business trends) accompanied by such phrases as “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “will”, “intend” and other similar or negative expressions, that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the following:
· | demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; |
· | renewals of subscriptions for the Company’s products; |
· | adaptation of the Company’s products to new technologies; |
· | fluctuations in the Company’s assets under management due to broadly based changes in the values of equity and debt securities, redemptions by investors and other factors; |
· | competitive product and pricing pressures; |
· | the impact of government regulation on the Company’s business and the uncertainties of litigation and regulatory initiatives and inquiries; and |
· | other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in our SEC filings. |
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Any forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Item 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
Market Risk Disclosures
Value Line, Inc.’s Consolidated Balance Sheet includes a substantial amount of assets and liabilities whose fair values are subject to market risks. Value Line’s significant market risks are primarily associated with interest rates and equity prices. The following sections address the significant market risks associated with Value Line’s business activities.
Interest Rate Risk
Value Line’s management prefers to invest in highly liquid debt securities with extremely low credit risk. Value Line’s strategy is to acquire securities that are attractively priced in relation to the perceived credit risk. Management recognizes and accepts that losses may occur. To limit the price fluctuation in these securities from interest rate changes, Value Line’s management invests primarily in short-term obligations maturing in 1 to 5 years.
The fair values of Value Line’s fixed maturity investments will fluctuate in response to changes in market interest rates. Increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates generally translate into decreases and increases in fair values of those instruments. Additionally, fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by prepayment options, relative values of alternative investments, and other general market conditions.
The following table summarizes the estimated effects of hypothetical increases and decreases in interest rates on assets that are subject to interest rate risk. It is assumed that the changes occur immediately and uniformly to each category of instrument containing interest rate risks. The hypothetical changes in market interest rates do not reflect what could be deemed best or worst case scenarios. Variations in market interest rates could produce significant changes in the timing of repayments due to prepayment options available. For these reasons, actual results might differ from those reflected in the table. Dollars are in thousands.
Estimated Fair Value After | ||||||||||||||||
Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates | ||||||||||||||||
(bp = basis points) | ||||||||||||||||
Fair | 50bp | 50bp | 100bp | 100bp | ||||||||||||
Fixed Income Securities | Value | increase | decrease | increase | decrease | |||||||||||
As of October 31, 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
Investments in securities with fixed maturities | $ | 37,363 | $ | 37,254 | $ | 37,553 | $ | 37,310 | $ | 37,603 | ||||||
As of April 30, 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
Investments in securities with fixed maturities | $ | 39,065 | $ | 38,927 | $ | 39,253 | $ | 38,911 | $ | 39,326 |
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Equity Price Risk
The carrying values of investments subject to equity price risks are based on quoted market prices or management’s estimates of fair value as of the balance sheet dates. Market prices are subject to fluctuation and, consequently, the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the issuer, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions. Furthermore, amounts realized in the sale of a particular security may be affected by the relative quantity of the security being sold.
Value Line invests a significant level of its assets in equity securities, primarily the Value Line family of equity mutual funds. Each mutual fund invests in a variety of equity positions of various companies thereby diversifying Value Line’s risk. The Company’s objectives include maintenance of a greater weighting in large and mid capitalization companies in its equity portfolio to moderate price risk. Value Line has also utilized derivative financial instruments in the past to minimize market price risk, although no such derivative financial instruments were utilized during fiscal years 2006 and 2005.
The table below summarizes Value Line’s equity price risks as of October 31, 2005 and April 30, 2005 and shows the effects of a hypothetical 30% increase and a 30% decrease in market prices as of those dates. The selected hypothetical changes do not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios. Dollars are in thousands.
Equity Securities | Fair Value | Hypothetical Price Change | Estimated Fair Value after Hypothetical Change in Prices | Hypothetical Percentage Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||
As of Oct. 31, 2005 | $ | 41,063 | 30% increase | $ | 53,382 | 15.3% | |||||||
30% decrease | $ | 28,744 | (15.3)% | ||||||||||
As of April 30, 2005 | $ | 37,209 | 30% increase | $ | 48,372 | 16.4% | |||||||
30% decrease | $ | 26,046 | (16.4)% |
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Item 4. | Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
(a) | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a - 15(e)), based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, are appropriately designed to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to such officers and are operating effectively. |
(b) | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have determined that there have been no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
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Part II - Other Information
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
(a) | An Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Registrant was held on October 10, 2005. |
(b) | The following were elected Directors: |
Votes Cast | ||||||||||
For | Against | Withheld | ||||||||
Jean Bernhard Buttner | 8,172,064 | 0 | 456,025 | |||||||
Dr. Edgar A. Buttner | 8,169,864 | 0 | 458,225 | |||||||
Samuel Eisenstadt | 8,169,864 | 0 | 458,225 | |||||||
Howard A. Brecher | 8,155,328 | 0 | 472,761 | |||||||
David T. Henigson | 8,155,528 | 0 | 472,561 | |||||||
Dr. Herbert Pardes | 8,516,186 | 0 | 111,903 | |||||||
Edward J. Shanahan | 8,515,586 | 0 | 112,503 |
An additional candidate, Harold Bernard, Jr., was not elected. 185,301 votes were cast for him, 8,009,800 votes were cast against him and 432,988 votes were withheld.
Item 5. | Other Information |
Item 5.02 - | Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers |
On December 13, 2005, Marion Ruth was elected a Director of the Registrant by the unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors. Mrs. Ruth was also elected a member of the Audit Committee.
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VALUE LINE, INC.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Form 10Q report for the period ended October 31, 2005 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Value Line, Inc. (Registrant) | ||
| | |
Date: December 14, 2005 | By: | /s/ Jean Bernhard Buttner |
Jean Bernhard Buttner | ||
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer |
Date: December 14, 2005 | By: | /s/ Mitchell E. Appel |
Mitchell E. Appel | ||
Chief Financial Officer |
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