UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| x | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2005
| ¨ | Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Commission File Number: 1-10991
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| Delaware | 38-2760940 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (IRS Employer Identification Number) |
19975 Victor Parkway
Livonia, Michigan 48152
(address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s Telephone Number: (734) 591-3000
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 ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes x No ¨
As of August 1, 2005, there were 49,904,661 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.
Part I - Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
| June 30, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 80,077 | $ | 85,214 | ||||
Auction-rate securities | 99,743 | 102,866 | ||||||
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,529 at June 30, 2005 and $4,755 at December 31, 2004) | 267,016 | 264,924 | ||||||
Inventories: | ||||||||
Raw materials | 18,695 | 13,318 | ||||||
Work in progress | 10,040 | 14,298 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 16,528 | 16,449 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,628 | 1,641 | ||||||
Refundable income taxes | — | 2,473 | ||||||
Total current assets | 493,727 | 501,183 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, at cost: | ||||||||
Land and buildings | 47,697 | 41,500 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment | 140,440 | 127,737 | ||||||
Office furniture and equipment | 57,422 | 54,916 | ||||||
Automobiles | 471 | 738 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements | 2,805 | 2,874 | ||||||
| 248,835 | 227,765 | |||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (141,078 | ) | (134,276 | ) | ||||
Net property, plant and equipment | 107,757 | 93,489 | ||||||
Intangible assets: | ||||||||
Goodwill | 173,367 | 173,367 | ||||||
Other intangibles | 35,555 | 35,555 | ||||||
| 208,922 | 208,922 | |||||||
Less accumulated amortization | (74,446 | ) | (74,125 | ) | ||||
Net intangible assets | 134,476 | 134,797 | ||||||
Equity investments | 383 | 283 | ||||||
Other assets | 3,894 | 5,801 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 2,418 | 2,412 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 742,655 | $ | 737,965 | ||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Continued
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 14,050 | $ | — | ||||
Accounts payable | 204,354 | 231,824 | ||||||
Accrued interest | 2,451 | 2,179 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | 42,571 | 49,586 | ||||||
Progress billings | 39,666 | 31,806 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 14,630 | — | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 317,722 | 315,395 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 259,878 | 273,703 | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities | 8,332 | 8,361 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | — | — | ||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Preferred stock of $.01 par value. Authorized 25,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 | ||||||||
Common stock of $.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 63,193,871 at June 30, 2005 and 63,125,207 at December 31, 2004; outstanding 50,000,820 at June 30, 2005 and 51,191,961 at December 31, 2004 | 631 | 631 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 38,330 | 26,211 | ||||||
Deferred compensation | (1,698 | ) | (215 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings | 545,297 | 491,531 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 1,895 | 3,785 | ||||||
Treasury stock, at cost ( 13,193,051 shares at June 30, 2005 and 11,933,246 shares at December 31, 2004) | (427,732 | ) | (381,437 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 156,723 | 140,506 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 742,655 | $ | 737,965 | ||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
| Quarter Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, 2005 | June 30, 2004 | June 30, 2005 | June 30, 2004 | |||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 276,427 | $ | 256,771 | $ | 555,711 | $ | 494,124 | ||||||||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of products sold | 200,009 | 179,213 | 399,665 | 344,737 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 34,830 | 32,885 | 68,897 | 63,429 | ||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 234,839 | 212,098 | 468,562 | 408,166 | ||||||||||||
Earnings from operations | 41,588 | 44,673 | 87,149 | 85,958 | ||||||||||||
Other expenses (income): | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 2,695 | 3,048 | 5,372 | 6,214 | ||||||||||||
Other income, net | (746 | ) | (492 | ) | (1,820 | ) | (1,020 | ) | ||||||||
Total other expenses | 1,949 | 2,556 | 3,552 | 5,194 | ||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes | 39,639 | 42,117 | 83,597 | 80,764 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 14,115 | 15,280 | 29,831 | 29,305 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 25,524 | $ | 26,837 | $ | 53,766 | $ | 51,459 | ||||||||
Net earnings per common share, basic | $ | 0.51 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 1.07 | $ | 0.99 | ||||||||
Net earnings per common share, diluted | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.51 | $ | 1.05 | $ | 0.98 | ||||||||
Shares used in computing net earnings per share, basic | 50,061,042 | 51,993,813 | 50,372,340 | 52,042,843 | ||||||||||||
Shares used in computing net earnings per share, diluted | 50,808,028 | 52,398,004 | 51,120,239 | 52,475,816 | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||
| June 30, 2005 | June 30, 2004 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 53,766 | $ | 51,459 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles | 7,650 | 7,356 | ||||||
Amortization of bond discount | 225 | 396 | ||||||
Provision for losses on accounts receivable | (226 | ) | 1,467 | |||||
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment | 73 | 98 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation charge | 827 | 673 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities which (decrease) increase cash flow: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (1,866 | ) | (53,220 | ) | ||||
Inventories | (1,119 | ) | 2,578 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other | (254 | ) | (1,621 | ) | ||||
Other liabilities | (29 | ) | 274 | |||||
Other assets | 1,807 | 1,828 | ||||||
Accounts payable | (27,470 | ) | 1,496 | |||||
Accrued expenses and interest | (6,532 | ) | (1,681 | ) | ||||
Income taxes | 17,888 | 3,907 | ||||||
Progress billings | 7,860 | (5,238 | ) | |||||
Total adjustments | (1,166 | ) | (41,687 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 52,600 | 9,772 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Additions to property, plant and equipment | (15,737 | ) | (5,963 | ) | ||||
Replacement equipment reimbursed by insurance companies from damage claims | (6,367 | ) | — | |||||
Purchases of auction-rate securities | (176,781 | ) | (136,131 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sales of auction-rate securities | 179,904 | 177,167 | ||||||
Other | 550 | (322 | ) | |||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (18,431 | ) | 34,751 | |||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Repurchase of long-term debt | — | (38,741 | ) | |||||
Repurchase of common stock | (54,370 | ) | (11,378 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock | 17,069 | 3,740 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (37,301 | ) | (46,379 | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (2,005 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash | (5,137 | ) | (1,969 | ) | ||||
Cash at beginning of period | 85,214 | 62,764 | ||||||
Cash at end of period | $ | 80,077 | $ | 60,795 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for interest | $ | 5,083 | $ | 4,722 | ||||
Cash paid during the period for income taxes | $ | 11,414 | $ | 25,344 | ||||
Non-cash financing activities: | ||||||||
Stock issued under stock-based compensation plan | $ | 2,346 | $ | 1,124 | ||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
| 1. | BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the fiscal year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Valassis Communications, Inc. (Valassis) Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2004. Certain amounts for 2004 have been reclassified to conform to current period classifications.
| 2. | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION |
The following table reconciles reported net income to pro forma net income as if Valassis accounted for its stock options under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123.
| Quarter Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data) | June 30, 2005 | June 30, 2004 | June 30, 2005 | June 30, 2004 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings, as reported | $ | 25,524 | $ | 26,837 | $ | 53,766 | $ | 51,459 | ||||||||
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects | 267 | 275 | 533 | 428 | ||||||||||||
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards granted since January 1, 1995, net of related tax effects | (2,100 | ) | (3,004 | ) | (4,168 | ) | (5,345 | ) | ||||||||
Pro forma net earnings | $ | 23,691 | $ | 24,108 | $ | 50,131 | $ | 46,542 | ||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic - as reported | $ | 0.51 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 1.07 | $ | 0.99 | ||||||||
Basic - pro forma | $ | 0.47 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 0.89 | ||||||||
Diluted - as reported | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.51 | $ | 1.05 | $ | 0.98 | ||||||||
Diluted - pro forma | $ | 0.47 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.89 | ||||||||
| 3. | FOREIGN CURRENCY AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS |
The functional currencies for our foreign operations are the applicable local currencies. Accounts of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the spot rate of the local currency on the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and average monthly exchange rates for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are reflected as an adjustment to equity on a cumulative basis.
Currencies to which Valassis has exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound and euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. Valassis typically purchases the Mexican peso under three to twelve-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Under SFAS No. 133, our Mexican peso forward exchange contracts meet the definition of a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. For the quarter ended June 30, 2005, the recorded unrealized market value gains and losses included in other comprehensive income were immaterial. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of June 30, 2005, Valassis had a commitment to purchase $6.2 million in Mexican pesos over the next 12 months.
6
As of June 30, 2005, our accumulated other comprehensive income was $1.9 million. The change in accumulated other comprehensive income for the quarter was a loss of $1.9 million, primarily related to the strengthening U.S. dollar versus the euro. Foreign currency translation is the majority component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The remainder relates to cumulative gains from hedging contracts.
In June 2004, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements with the objective of reducing interest costs. We swapped fixed rates under our 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 (the 2009 Notes) for variable rates equal to three-month average LIBOR, plus the applicable margin of approximately 230 basis points, on $50.0 million notional value of debt. Three-month LIBOR was approximately 350 basis points as of June 30, 2005.
As of June 30, 2005, as a consequence of entering into the interest rate swap agreements, we pay interest on approximately 20% of our borrowings on a variable-rate basis. We do not trade or engage in hedging for speculative or trading purposes and hedging activities are transacted only with highly rated financial institutions, reducing the exposure to credit risk.
| 4. | GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES |
Intangible assets as of June 30, 2005 are comprised of:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Intangible Assets, at Cost | Accumulated Amortization at June 30, 2005 | Unamortized Balance at June 30, 2005 | Weighted (in years) | ||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | $ | 3,455 | $ | (1,641 | ) | $ | 1,814 | 5.4 | ||||
Non-amortizable intangible assets: | ||||||||||||
Goodwill: | ||||||||||||
Free-standing Inserts (FSI) | 65,401 | (47,144 | ) | 18,257 | ||||||||
Run-of-Press (ROP) | 3,599 | (2,260 | ) | 1,339 | ||||||||
Neighborhood Targeted (Cluster Targeted) | 4,195 | (209 | ) | 3,986 | ||||||||
Household Targeted (1 to 1) | 86,608 | (53,733 | ) | 32,875 | ||||||||
International & Services | 64,864 | — | 64,864 | |||||||||
The Valassis name and other | 32,100 | (20,759 | ) | 11,341 | ||||||||
Total non-amortizable intangible assets | 256,767 | (124,105 | ) | 132,662 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 260,222 | $ | (125,746 | ) | $ | 134,476 | |||||
| 5. | CONTINGENCIES |
On November 9, 2004, Valassis received a letter dated November 8, 2004 from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) informing us that the FTC is conducting a non-public investigation to determine whether Valassis may have engaged in unfair methods of competition or unfair acts and practices in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act by soliciting an agreement with a competitor to fix prices and to allocate customers. As the FTC pointed out in their letter of November 8, 2004, neither the letter nor the existence of this investigation should be construed to indicate that a violation has occurred or is occurring. Valassis is fully cooperating with the FTC.
The primary relief generally sought by the FTC in these types of cases is equitable in nature in the form of a decree delineating acceptable future conduct. Although we cannot predict the timing or outcome of this investigation, one consequence of an adverse result might be that future public speech regarding changes to Valassis’ Free-standing Insert (FSI) pricing policies might be subject to restriction. We do not expect any relief to otherwise restrict the operation of our FSI business.
Valassis is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
7
| 6. | LONG-TERM DEBT |
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | June 30, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | ||||
Revolving Credit Facility | $ | — | $ | — | ||
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009, net of discount | 99,878 | 99,861 | ||||
Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2021, net of discount | 14,050 | 13,842 | ||||
Senior Convertible Notes due 2033, net of discount | 160,000 | 160,000 | ||||
| $ | 273,928 | $ | 273,703 | |||
Less current portion | 14,050 | — | ||||
| $ | 259,878 | $ | 273,703 | |||
The holders of the Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2021 may require Valassis to purchase all or a portion of their Notes on June 6, 2006. Therefore, the $14.1 million outstanding balance of this debt has been classified as current as of June 30, 2005.
Valassis has an available revolving line of credit of $125.0 million. This line of credit agreement expires in November 2006.
8
| 7. | SEGMENT REPORTING |
Valassis has five reportable segments: Free-standing Inserts (FSI), Run of Press (ROP), Neighborhood Targeted (Cluster Targeted), Household Targeted (1 to 1) and International & Services. These segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are subject to regular review by our chief operating decision-makers. They are managed separately because each business requires different executional strategies and caters to different customer marketing needs.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We evaluate performance based on earnings from operations. Assets are not allocated in all cases to reportable segments and are not used to assess the performance of a segment.
| Quarter Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | FSI | ROP | Neighborhood (Cluster | Household (1 to 1) | International & Services | Total | ||||||||||||
2005 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 134.4 | $ | 27.3 | $ | 72.2 | $ | 16.7 | $ | 25.8 | $ | 276.4 | ||||||
Intersegment revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Depreciation/amortization | $ | 2.0 | $ | — | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 1.0 | $ | 3.6 | ||||||
Segment profit | $ | 28.4 | $ | 1.5 | $ | 8.8 | $ | 0.7 | $ | 2.2 | $ | 41.6 | ||||||
2004 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 132.3 | $ | 26.9 | $ | 56.4 | $ | 16.1 | $ | 25.1 | $ | 256.8 | ||||||
Intersegment revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Depreciation/amortization | $ | 2.1 | $ | — | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 3.6 | ||||||
Segment profit | $ | 32.3 | $ | 1.2 | $ | 5.6 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 44.7 | ||||||
| Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | FSI | ROP | Neighborhood Targeted (Cluster Targeted) | Household Targeted (1 to 1) | International & Services | Total | ||||||||||||
2005 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 266.2 | $ | 57.4 | $ | 146.5 | $ | 35.7 | $ | 49.9 | $ | 555.7 | ||||||
Intersegment revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Depreciation/amortization | $ | 4.2 | $ | — | $ | 1.0 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 1.9 | $ | 7.3 | ||||||
Segment profit | $ | 57.9 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 18.4 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 87.1 | ||||||
2004 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 259.6 | $ | 48.6 | $ | 109.2 | $ | 28.4 | $ | 48.3 | $ | 494.1 | ||||||
Intersegment revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Depreciation/amortization | $ | 4.3 | $ | — | $ | 1.0 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 7.3 | ||||||
Segment profit | $ | 63.0 | $ | 3.0 | $ | 10.9 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 8.6 | $ | 86.0 | ||||||
9
Reconciliations to consolidated financial statement totals are as follows:
| Quarter Ended June 30, | ||||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Profit for reportable segments | $ | 41.6 | $ | 44.7 | ||||
Unallocated amounts: | ||||||||
Interest expense | (2.7 | ) | (3.1 | ) | ||||
Other income | 0.7 | 0.5 | ||||||
Earnings before income taxes | $ | 39.6 | $ | 42.1 | ||||
| Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Profit for reportable segments | $ | 87.1 | $ | 86.0 | ||||
Unallocated amounts: | ||||||||
Interest expense | (5.3 | ) | (6.2 | ) | ||||
Other income | 1.8 | 1.0 | ||||||
Earnings before income taxes | $ | 83.6 | $ | 80.8 | ||||
Domestic and foreign revenues were as follows: |
| |||||||
| Quarter Ended June 30, | ||||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
United States | $ | 264.2 | $ | 242.9 | ||||
Foreign | 12.2 | 13.9 | ||||||
Total | $ | 276.4 | $ | 256.8 | ||||
| Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
United States | $ | 530.9 | $ | 467.2 | ||||
Foreign | 24.8 | 26.9 | ||||||
Total | $ | 555.7 | $ | 494.1 | ||||
10
| 8. | EARNINGS PER SHARE |
Earnings per common share (EPS) data were computed as follows:
Quarter Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||||
Net Earnings | $ | 25,524 | $ | 26,837 | $ | 53,766 | $ | 51,459 | ||||||||
Basic EPS: | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 50,061 | 51,994 | 50,372 | 52,043 | ||||||||||||
Earnings per common share - basic | $ | 0.51 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 1.07 | $ | 0.99 | ||||||||
Diluted EPS: | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 50,061 | 51,994 | 50,372 | 52,043 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares purchased on exercise of dilutive options | 6,030 | 4,232 | 5,989 | 4,325 | ||||||||||||
Shares purchased with proceeds of options | (5,335 | ) | (3,893 | ) | (5,293 | ) | (3,957 | ) | ||||||||
Shares contingently issuable | 52 | 65 | 52 | 65 | ||||||||||||
Shares applicable to diluted earnings | 50,808 | 52,398 | 51,120 | 52,476 | ||||||||||||
Earnings per common share - diluted | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.51 | $ | 1.05 | $ | 0.98 | ||||||||
Unexercised employee stock options to purchase 1,138,019 shares and 1,178,972 shares, of Valassis’ common stock were not included in the computations of diluted EPS for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock during the applicable periods.
11
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Certain statements under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” including specifically statements made in “Business Outlook,” “Overview” and elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Valassis to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and to cause future results to differ from our operating results in the past. Such factors include, among others, the following: price competition from our existing competitors; new competitors in any of Valassis’ businesses; a shift in customer preference for different promotional materials, promotional strategies or coupon delivery methods; an unforeseen increase in Valassis’ paper costs; economic disruptions caused by terrorist activity, armed conflict or changes in general economic conditions; or changes which affect the businesses of our customers and lead to reduced sales promotion spending. Valassis disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
Valassis provides a wide range of marketing products and services to a variety of manufacturers, direct marketers, retailers, franchisees and other advertisers. The products and services provided by Valassis include: newspaper-delivered inserts, samples, polybags and on-page advertisements; direct-to-door promotions and sampling; direct mail promotions and sampling; Internet-delivered marketing; loyalty marketing software; coupon and promotion clearing; and promotion planning and analytic services. Valassis manages its operations through five operating segments: Free-standing Insert, Run of Press, Neighborhood Targeted, Household Targeted and International & Services.
Valassis achieved revenues of $276.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, up 7.7% from the second quarter of 2004. Strong demand for our diversified product portfolio and integrated marketing solutions continued and all segments experienced revenue growth during the quarter.
For the twelfth consecutive quarter, the cooperative FSI industry experienced page (unit) growth. We continued to be impacted financially by lower pricing on FSI contracts negotiated during the past two years that affects co-op FSI business placed in 2005. Due to the multi-year nature of FSI customer contracts, the economic impact of the lower- priced contracts will continue into future periods even if pricing improves. Based on FSI contracts completed to date for 2006 and 2007, the average price shows a small decline for 2006 versus 2005, and an increase in price for 2007 versus 2006. The anticipated decline in pricing for 2006, will be slight and similar to the decline experienced in 2005. The pricing trend for 2006 or 2007 could change based on the price at which remaining uncontracted business is sold.
Management anticipates continued growth in our customers’ marketing budgets and an increase in their new product introductions to advertise and promote. Consumers are becoming harder to reach through traditional advertising and marketing methods such as television and telemarketing, and marketers want a measurable return on their marketing spending. We expect these trends to increase the marketing dollars our customers will allocate to the home-delivered promotional products we offer.
Segment Results
FSI
In the quarter ended June 30, 2005, FSI revenues were up 1.6% to $134.4 million compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Increased revenues are attributable to continued unit growth in the cooperative FSI industry and an additional publishing date in the second quarter of 2005 versus the same quarter of 2004. The impact of unit growth was offset somewhat by a slight reduction in co-op FSI pricing. FSI cost of goods sold increased during the quarter ended June 30, 2005 versus the comparable period a year-ago on a cost-per-thousand (CPM) as a result of increases in paper cost, as well as a lower average page count per book which drives up media unit costs.
For the six months ended June 30, 2005, FSI revenue increased 2.5% to $266.1 million versus the comparable year-ago period. Valassis is maintaining market share and industry volume is up; however, lower pricing described above is offsetting some of this growth. Costs were up slightly on a CPM basis due to increases in the cost of paper. A reduction in the width of the FSI book, which will take effect in October 2005, will reduce FSI paper consumption by approximately 7%. Because of this, we have improved our guidance for our FSI cost of goods sold for 2005 to be flat to up by a low single-digit percentage, on a CPM basis.
12
We will increase our FSI market list circulation from 58.7 million to 59.7 million beginning October 2005. We believe this will result in a higher average circulation per order beginning in the fourth quarter of 2005. In addition, industry unit growth has been higher than anticipated. We now expect 2005 FSI revenue to be flat compared to 2004, versus the previous guidance of down by a percentage in the low single digits.
ROP
Revenues for ROP increased 1.5% to $27.3 million in the second quarter of 2005 versus the year-ago quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, ROP revenues were $57.4 million, an increase of 18.1% over the same period in 2004 due to strong demand year over year from customers in the telecommunications industry. Operating profits also increased for both the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005.
Neighborhood Targeted (Cluster Targeted)
Our Neighborhood Targeted product revenues increased 28.0% in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 to $72.2 million versus the quarter ended June 30, 2004. For the six-months ended June 30, 2005, Neighborhood Targeted revenue increased to $146.5 million, or 34.2% over the year-ago period. Substantial growth in preprints was experienced from telecommunications and specialty retail customers. The gross margin in this segment continues to improve consistent with previous guidance.
Household Targeted (1 to 1)
The Household Targeted segment had revenues of $16.6 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2005, an increase of 3.1% over the quarter ended June 30, 2004. For the six-months ended June 30, 2005, revenues from this segment increased by 25.7% to $35.7 million versus the comparable year-ago period. The increase in revenues for this segment is due to the continued growing interest in frequent shopper-based data among consumer packaged goods companies. However, while the volume of direct mail pieces has increased significantly, revenue per piece is down, as a lower percentage of direct mail programs included a product sample in 2005 versus 2004, negatively affecting revenue growth. Revenue per piece with a product sample is approximately 50% higher than revenue per piece without a sample. Because of this trend, we have revised our revenue growth expectations for this segment to be up 15% to 20% instead of our original estimate of 20% to 25%. Valassis is also focused on realizing additional benefits from its PreVision business.
International & Services
This segment produced revenues of $25.9 million in the second quarter of 2005, an increase of 3.2% over the second quarter of 2004. The portion of the increase attributable to the impact of foreign currency rates is $0.3 million. For the six-months ended June 30, 2005, revenues increased 3.5% to $50.0 million, with $0.8 million of the increase due to foreign currency rates. A pull-back in spending by retailers and CPG companies in the UK and France has negatively affected our international revenue and profitability. We continue, however, to spend against new media products and services in key European markets and are encouraged by the customer interest in these new promotional vehicles.
Selling, General and Administrative Costs
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs increased in the second quarter of 2005 to $34.8 million versus $32.8 million in the second quarter of 2004. For the six-months ended June 30, 2005, SG&A costs increased to $68.9 million from $63.4 million for the same period of 2004. The increases resulted from investments made in future growth opportunities, increases in performance-based incentive plans, and additional incremental costs resulting from the acquisition of Direct Marketing Services in September 2004.
Non-operating Items
Interest expense was $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2005, compared to $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2004 and $5.4 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2005, compared to $6.2 million for the same period of 2004. In June 2004, we repurchased $38.7 million of our Zero-Coupon Convertible Notes due 2021 lowering our debt balance. Additionally, the interest rate swaps completed in June 2004 resulted in an overall reduction in our borrowing rate.
13
Net Earnings
Net earnings were $25.5 million in the second quarter of 2005, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 4.9% from the second quarter of 2004. The decrease in earnings was due to a slight reduction in FSI pricing and increases in paper costs. Diluted earnings per share were $0.50 in the second quarter of 2005, compared to $0.51 in the second quarter of 2004.
Net earnings for the six-months ended June 30, 2005 were $53.8 million, an increase of $2.3 million, or 4.5%, from the same period in 2004. Although negatively affected by lower FSI pricing and increased paper costs, growth and improved profitability in other segments more than offset the FSI decline. Diluted earnings per share for the six- months ended June 30, 2005 was $1.05, compared to $0.98 for the first six months of 2004.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Sources of Capital
Valassis’ liquidity requirements arise mainly from its working capital needs, primarily accounts receivable, inventory and debt service requirements. Cooperative FSI customers (except remnant space customers) are billed for 75% of each order eight weeks in advance of the publication date and are billed for the balance immediately prior to the publication date. FSI revenue accounted for 47.9% of Valassis’ total revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2005. Valassis records work in progress at cost while it accrues progress billings as a current liability at full sales value. Although Valassis receives considerable payments from its customers prior to the publication of promotions, revenue is recognized only upon publication dates. Therefore, the progress billings on the balance sheet include any future profits in the related receivables.
The majority of the revenue generated by NCH, a 100% owned subsidiary of Valassis, is from its coupon clearing business. NCH invoices the face value of the coupon, a retailer handling fee (if applicable) as well as NCH’s processing fee. The face value and the retailer handling fee are ultimately remitted by NCH to retailers and their agents. NCH records a gross receivable and payable for the coupon face value as well as the retailer handling fees and recognizes revenue only on the NCH processing fee.
Sources and Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $80.1 million at June 30, 2005 versus $85.2 million at December 31, 2004. This decrease was the result of cash used in financing and investing activities of $37.3 million and $18.4 million offset by cash provided by operations of $52.6 million.
Cash flow used in financing activities for the quarter was $37.3 million comprised of stock repurchases of $54.4 million, partially offset by proceeds from option exercises. Cash used in the comparable period in 2004 was $46.4 million. The decrease in cash used is due mainly to the incremental proceeds from option exercises experienced in the first six months of 2005.
Net cash used in investing activities was $18.4 million, consisting of $15.7 million in capital expenditures and $6.4 million in assets purchased from the settlement of a property insurance claim related to the fire at our Corby, England facility, offset by cash proceeds from the sale of auction-rate securities. The increase in capital expenditures year over year is due to the purchase of a new operations facility and a new printing press. The remaining change in cash flows in investing activities is due to the timing of purchases and sales of auction-rate securities.
Cash flow from operating activities was $52.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to $9.7 million during the year-ago period. The prior year period included a significant use of cash due to increased accounts receivable to a more normalized level after unusually high collections at the end of 2003.
Cash and cash equivalents do not include investments in auction-rate securities of $99.7 million and $102.9 million at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. Auction-rate securities are considered highly liquid due to the short duration of their reset periods.
Current and Long-term Debt
As of June 30, 2005, Valassis’ debt was $273.9 million, which consists of $100.0 million ($99.9 million, net of discount) of its 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009, $14.1 million of Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2021, and $160.0 million of Senior Convertible Notes due 2033. In addition, we have a revolving line of credit of $125.0 million with a variable rate of interest calculated on either a euro currency-based rate or a prime rate. During the quarter ended June 30, 2005, there was no outstanding balance under this line of credit. Valassis was in compliance
14
with all debt covenants at June 30, 2005. All of our long-term debt contains cross-default provisions which become applicable if we default under any mortgage, indebtedness or instrument for money borrowed by Valassis and the default results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in excess of $25 million. Additionally, each of the Senior Convertible Notes contains conversion triggers based upon credit rating downgrades by either Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Rating Group.
The holders of Valassis’ Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due in 2021 (the 2021 Notes) may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes on June 6, 2006, June 6, 2011 and June 6, 2016, at a price of $639.76, $742.47 and $861.67 per note, respectively, payable in cash. Therefore, the $14.1 million outstanding balance of this debt has been classified as current as of June 30, 2005. Also, each holder may require us to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s notes if a change of control of Valassis occurs on or before June 6, 2006. Valassis, at its option, may redeem all or a portion of the 2021 Notes at their accreted value at any time on or after June 6, 2006, for cash.
The holders of the Senior Convertible Notes due in 2033 (the 2033 Notes) receive cash interest payments of 1.625% per year on the original discounted amount, payable semiannually from 2003 through 2008. The holders of the 2033 Notes may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes on May 22, 2008, May 22, 2013, May 22, 2018, May 22, 2023 and May 22, 2028 at a price of $667.24, $723.48, $784.46, $850.58 and $922.27 per Note, respectively, payable in cash or common stock at the option of Valassis. Also, each holder may require us to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s 2033 Notes if a change of control of Valassis occurs. Valassis, at its option, may redeem all or a portion of the 2033 Notes at their accreted value at any time on or after May 22, 2008, for cash.
Future Commitments and Contractual Obligations
Valassis intends to use cash generated by operations to meet interest and principal repayment obligations, for general corporate purposes, to reduce its indebtedness, to make acquisitions and to repurchase common stock through our stock repurchase program.
As of June 30, 2005, Valassis had Board of Directors’ authorization to repurchase an additional 4.3 million shares of its common stock under its existing share repurchase program, and currently plans to use 75% of free cash flow from operations for this purpose.
Management believes Valassis will generate sufficient funds from operations and will have sufficient lines of credit available to meet currently anticipated liquidity needs, including interest and required payments of indebtedness.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
As of June 30, 2005, Valassis did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were $15.7 million (net of $6.4 million in assets purchased from the settlement of a property insurance claim related to a fire at our Corby, England facility) for the six months ended June 30, 2005. Management expects future capital expenditure requirements of approximately $20 - $25 million for each of the next three to five years to meet the business needs of enhancing technology and replacing equipment as required. It is expected that these expenditures will be made using funds provided by operations.
Business Outlook
The following statements are based on current expectations for 2005. These statements are forward looking and actual results may differ materially.
Due to a strong first half, continued strength in the Neighborhood Targeted segment, an increase in co-op FSI circulation and reductions in FSI paper costs resulting from a decrease in the width of the FSI book, Valassis has increased its 2005 EPS guidance. Valassis expects earnings per share for 2005 to be between $1.96 and $2.08, based upon the following assumptions:
| • | For the full year 2005, we expect revenue to be up by a mid-single digit percentage. |
| • | FSI revenues are expected to be flat due to industry unit growth and an increase in circulation offset by lower pricing on contracts negotiated in 2003 and 2004 that will affect co-op FSI business placed in 2005. Cost of goods sold on a CPM basis for the FSI is expected to be flat to up by a percentage in the low-single digits due to increases in paper cost. |
15
| • | ROP revenues and net operating profits are expected to be up at the high end of the range of 5% to 10% year over year. |
| • | Neighborhood Targeted (Cluster Targeted) revenues are expected to be up 10% to 15%. |
| • | Household Targeted (1 to 1) revenues are expected to be up 15% to 20%. |
| • | International & Services revenues are expected to be up by a percentage in the mid-single digits. |
| • | SG&A is expected to be up approximately 5%. |
| • | Free cash flow (after capital expenditures) is projected to be between $95 million to $101 million for the year. |
| • | Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $25 million in 2005. |
16
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In April 2005, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a new rule that delays the effective date of SFAS 123R “Share-based Payment.” Except for this deferral of the effective date, the guidance in SFAS 123R is unchanged. Under the SEC’s rule, SFAS 123R is now effective for annual, rather than interim, periods that begin after June 15, 2005. The standard requires that all equity-based compensation be recorded in the financial statements at the grant date fair value. Valassis will apply this Statement to all awards granted on or after January 1, 2006. Compensation cost will be recognized on and after January 1, 2006 for the unvested portion of outstanding awards based on the grant-date fair value of these awards previously calculated under SFAS 123 for pro-forma disclosures. We are evaluating the effect of the adoption of SFAS 123R, but believe it will be consistent with the application disclosed in our pro-forma disclosures.
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs.” This Statement amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). SFAS 151 requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of SFAS 151 are effective for inventory costs incurred in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. As such, Valassis is required to adopt these provisions at the beginning of fiscal year 2006. We do not believe that its adoption will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The SEC has defined a company’s most critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require the company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, we have identified the critical accounting policies and estimates addressed below. We also have other key accounting policies, which involve the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions. For additional information see Note 1, “Significant Accounting Policies,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2004. Valassis does not believe there is a great likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions related to the accounting policies described below. However, application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets - Long-lived assets historically have been reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future net cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
Revenue Recognition:
FSI
Revenue for FSIs and custom cooperative FSIs are recognized in the period that the product is distributed in the newspaper. In accordance with industry practice, Valassis generally pre-bills FSI customers (except remnant space) in advance of the related distribution date. However, these billings are reflected as progress billings (liability) until the appropriate distribution period. Provision for rebates or pricing adjustments are made at the time that the related revenue is recognized.
ROP
ROP revenue is recognized on the date that the advertisement runs in the newspaper. Some customers have contracts whereby Valassis earns a fee and the media costs are pass-through costs to the customer. In such cases, Valassis only recognizes the fee as revenue on the date the advertisement runs in the newspaper. Customer contracts can vary which may lead to material changes in revenue for this segment, while not affecting absolute gross margin dollars.
17
Neighborhood Targeted (Cluster Targeted)
The majority of Neighborhood Targeted products are newspaper delivered and revenue is recognized in the period that the product is distributed. For non-newspaper-delivered products, revenue is recognized when the product is shipped to the customer or distributed to the consumer via direct to door.
Household Targeted (1 to 1)
Revenue for direct mail products is recognized when the product is inserted into the United States Postal Service mail stream. Revenue from software products is recognized upon installation and over the life of the related contract and revenue from services is recognized on a percent-complete method.
International & Services
Revenue for coupon clearing does not include the face value of the coupons processed or the retailer service fee. However, customers are billed for the face value and retailer fees which are included in both accounts receivable and accounts payable. Once coupon processing has been completed, fee revenues are recognized.
Stock-based Compensation – Valassis grants stock options to its employees under various incentive plans. Options are granted with exercise prices at least equal to the fair value on the date of grant. Valassis accounts for all options under APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and makes various estimates used in calculating the pro forma results as required by SFAS No. 123.
Derivative Financial Instruments – Valassis uses derivative financial instruments, including forward foreign exchange and swap contracts, to manage its exposures to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. The use of these financial instruments mitigates our exposure to these risks with the intent of reducing the risks and the variability of our operating results. Valassis is not a party to leveraged derivatives. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, Valassis designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or (3) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (a net investment hedge).
For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet. When the underlying hedged transaction is realized, the gain or loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statement of income on the same line as the hedged item. In addition, both changes in the fair value excluded from our effectiveness assessments and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value are recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statement of income as other expense, net.
Valassis formally documents its hedge relationships, including the identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking derivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets, liabilities, firm commitments or forecasted transactions. We also formally assess, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether a derivative used in a hedging transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. When it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting. Hedge ineffectiveness, determined in accordance with SFAS No. 133, did not have a material impact on operations for quarters ended June 30, 2005 or 2004. No cash flow hedges were re-designated or discontinued during such periods.
Auction-rate Securities- Auction-rate Securities (ARS) are securities that have stated maturities beyond three months but are priced and traded as short-term instruments due to the liquidity provided through the interest rate reset mechanism of 7 to 35 days. In accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” these auction-rate securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at cost, or par value which approximates the fair market value.
Other Matters – Valassis does not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “variable interest entities.”
18
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
Valassis’ principal market risks are interest rates on various debt instruments and foreign exchange rates at its international subsidiaries.
Interest Rates
Valassis has a revolving line of credit of $125 million with a variable rate of interest calculated on either a Eurocurrency-based rate or a prime rate. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2005, there was no outstanding balance under this line of credit. As of June 30, 2005, as a consequence of entering into the interest rate swap agreements on $50.0 million notional value of debt, as discussed in Note 3, we pay interest on approximately 20% of our borrowings on a variable-rate basis.
Foreign Currency
Currencies to which Valassis has exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound, and euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. We typically purchase the Mexican peso under three to twelve-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Under SFAS No. 133, Valassis’ Mexican peso forward exchange contracts meet the definition of a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. For the quarter ended and six months ended June 30, 2005, the recorded unrealized market value losses included in other comprehensive income were immaterial. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of June 30, 2005, Valassis had a commitment to purchase $6.2 million in Mexican pesos over the next 12 months.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Disclosure Committee, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2005 that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
19
Part II – Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On November 9, 2004, Valassis received a letter dated November 8, 2004 from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) informing us that the FTC is conducting a non-public investigation to determine whether Valassis may have engaged in unfair methods of competition or unfair acts and practices in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act by soliciting an agreement with a competitor to fix prices and to allocate customers. As the FTC pointed out in their letter of November 8, 2004, neither the letter nor the existence of this investigation should be construed to indicate that a violation has occurred or is occurring. Valassis is fully cooperating with the FTC.
The primary relief generally sought by the FTC in these types of cases is equitable in nature in the form of a decree delineating acceptable future conduct. Although we cannot predict the timing or outcome of this investigation, one consequence of an adverse result might be that future public speech regarding changes to Valassis’ Free-standing Insert (FSI) pricing policies might be subject to restriction. We do not expect any relief to otherwise restrict the operation of our FSI business.
Valassis is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |||||
Apr. 1 through Apr. 30, 2005 | 637,515 | $ | 35.29 | 637,515 | 4,305,287 | ||||
May 1 through May 31, 2005 | 15,860 | $ | 34.68 | 15,860 | 4,289,427 | ||||
Jun. 1 through Jun. 30, 2005 | 38,802 | $ | 36.70 | 38,802 | 4,250,625 | ||||
Total | 692,177 | $ | 35.35 | 692,177 | 4,250,625 | ||||
20
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
| a. | The Company voted on the following items described in (b) through (e) below at its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 10, 2005. |
| b. | The election of the nominees for directors who will serve for a term to expire at the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified was voted on by the stockholders. The nominees, all of whom were elected, were: Patrick F. Brennan, Kenneth V. Darish, Seth Goldstein, Barry P. Hoffman, Walter H. Ku, Robert L. Recchia, Marcella A. Sampson, Alan F. Schultz and Faith Whittlesey. Votes were cast for election of directors as follows: |
Director | Votes For | Votes Withheld | Broker Non-Votes | |||
Patrick F. Brennan | 42,844,529 | 1,346,403 | 0 | |||
Kenneth V. Darish | 42,846,789 | 1,344,143 | 0 | |||
Seth Goldstein | 42,846,522 | 1,344,410 | 0 | |||
Barry P. Hoffman | 42,980,389 | 1,210,543 | 0 | |||
Walter H. Ku | 28,042,645 | 16,148,287 | 0 | |||
Robert L. Recchia | 42,174,733 | 2,016,199 | 0 | |||
Marcella A. Sampson | 42,844,144 | 1,346,788 | 0 | |||
Alan F. Schultz | 42,960,186 | 1,230,746 | 0 | |||
Faith Whittlesey | 42,040,901 | 2,150,031 | 0 |
| c. | The proposal to approve the Company’s 2005 Executive Restricted Stock Plan was approved as follows: |
Votes For | Votes Against | Abstentions | Broker Non-Votes | |||
33,593,198 | 7,200,564 | 45,422 | 0 |
| d. | The proposal to approve the Company’s 2005 Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan was approved as follows: |
Votes For | Votes Against | Abstentions | Broker Non-Votes | |||
33,743,531 | 7,054,050 | 41,603 | 0 |
| e. | The proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte and Touche LLP, as independent auditors of the Company for the 2005 fiscal year was approved as follows: |
Votes For | Votes Against | Abstentions | Broker Non-Votes | |||
41,371,142 | 2,792,637 | 27,153 | 0 |
21
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
Exhibits
| 31.1 | Section 302 Certification from Alan F. Schultz | |
| 31.2 | Section 302 Certification from Robert L. Recchia | |
| 32.1 | Section 906 Certification from Alan F. Schultz | |
| 32.2 | Section 906 Certification from Robert L. Recchia | |
Form 8-K
| (1) | The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated May 13, 2005, announcing shareholder approval of the Company’s 2005 Executive Restricted Stock Plan and the Company’s 2005 Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan. |
| (2) | The Company filed a report on Form 8-K, dated April 21, 2005, announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. |
22
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: August 8, 2005
| Valassis Communications, Inc. | ||
| (Registrant) | ||
| By: | /s/ Robert L. Recchia | |
| Robert L. Recchia | ||
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
| Signing on behalf of the Registrant and as principal financial and accounting officer. | ||
23