UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K/A
(Mark One)
| x | Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 or
| ¨ | 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 of Incorporation) | (IRS Employer Identification Number) |
19975 Victor Parkway
Livonia, MI 48152
(address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s Telephone Number: (734) 591-3000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Exchange on which registered | |
| Common Stock, par value $.01 per share | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 6 5/8% Senior Notes Due 2009 | Not Applicable | |
| Senior Convertible Notes Due 2033 | Not Applicable |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act: Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated file” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large Accelerated Filer x Accelerated Filer ¨ Non-Accelerated Filer ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell Company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of February 5, 2007, there were 47,878,238 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding. As of June 30, 2006, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates* of the registrant was $644,484,686.
The applicable portions of Valassis’ Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on or about May 15, 2007 are incorporated by reference herein into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| * | Without acknowledging that any individual director or executive officer of Valassis is an affiliate, the shares over which they have voting control have been included as owned by affiliates solely for purposes of this computation. |
Explanatory Note
Valassis Communications, Inc. is filing this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2007, solely for the purpose of including in Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated February 10, 2007 (the “Report”), certain language that was inadvertently omitted in the Report filed with our original Form 10-K regarding Valassis’ change in its method of accounting for share-based payments to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, effective January 1, 2006. The language was included in the manually signed Report and was inadvertently omitted during the EDGAR conversion process.
In accordance with Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the complete text of “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” as amended, is set forth herein. The remainder of the original Form 10-K is not reproduced in this Amendment No. 1. In addition, pursuant to Rule 12b-15, certain certifications are filed as exhibits hereto. Except for the aforementioned additional language to the Report, this Form 10-K/A does not modify or update in any way the disclosures, including, without limitation, the financial statements, in the original Form 10-K, and does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the original Form 10-K. Accordingly, this Form 10-K/A should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 13, 2007 and our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | ||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 52,619 | $ | 64,320 | ||||
Auction-rate securities | 102,533 | 72,031 | ||||||
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,001 at Dec. 31, 2006 and $5,101 at Dec. 31, 2005) | 339,079 | 273,863 | ||||||
Inventories: | ||||||||
Raw materials | 12,729 | 13,352 | ||||||
Work in progress | 13,105 | 11,883 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 16,681 | 12,894 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes (Note 5) | 1,789 | 2,573 | ||||||
Refundable income taxes | 3,957 | — | ||||||
Total current assets | 542,492 | 450,916 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, at cost: | ||||||||
Land and buildings | 55,723 | 54,247 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment | 142,085 | 136,771 | ||||||
Office furniture and equipment | 61,903 | 61,449 | ||||||
Automobiles | 216 | 221 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements | 2,949 | 2,784 | ||||||
| 262,876 | 255,472 | |||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (153,490 | ) | (147,325 | ) | ||||
Net property, plant and equipment | 109,386 | 108,147 | ||||||
Intangible assets (Note 2): | ||||||||
Goodwill | 173,134 | 173,134 | ||||||
Other intangibles | 35,555 | 35,555 | ||||||
| 208,689 | 208,689 | |||||||
Less accumulated amortization | (75,280 | ) | (74,724 | ) | ||||
Net intangible assets | 133,409 | 133,965 | ||||||
Investments | 4,899 | 614 | ||||||
Other assets | 11,240 | 4,041 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 801,426 | $ | 697,683 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
1
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets, Continued
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | ||||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Current portion long-term debt | $ | — | $ | 14,260 | ||||
Accounts payable | 268,834 | 215,696 | ||||||
Accrued interest | 3,307 | 3,308 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | 40,821 | 45,873 | ||||||
Progress billings | 49,258 | 44,314 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 362,220 | 323,451 | ||||||
Long-term debt (Note 3) | 259,931 | 259,896 | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities | 8,195 | 8,090 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes (Note 5) | 3,506 | 2,721 | ||||||
Stockholders’ equity (Notes 8 and 9): | ||||||||
Preferred stock of $.01 par value. Authorized 25,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at Dec. 31, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2005 | ||||||||
Common stock of $.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 63,264,925 at Dec. 31, 2006 and 63,217,176 at Dec. 31, 2005; outstanding 47,783,908 at Dec. 31, 2006 and 47,629,580 at Dec. 31, 2005 | 633 | 632 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 45,520 | 39,102 | ||||||
Deferred compensation | (1,295 | ) | (925 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings | 638,209 | 586,927 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 4,734 | 1,389 | ||||||
Treasury stock, at cost (15,481,017 shares at Dec. 31, 2006 and 15,587,596 shares at Dec. 31, 2005) | (520,227 | ) | (523,600 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 167,574 | 103,525 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 801,426 | $ | 697,683 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | |||||||||
Revenues | $ | 1,043,491 | $ | 1,131,043 | $ | 1,044,069 | ||||||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||
Cost of sales | 789,588 | 836,331 | 748,075 | |||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 556 | 599 | 294 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 151,358 | 142,656 | 133,080 | |||||||||
Goodwill and investment impairment charges | — | — | 3,553 | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 941,502 | 979,586 | 885,002 | |||||||||
Earnings from operations | 101,989 | 151,457 | 159,067 | |||||||||
Other expenses and income: | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 24,749 | 10,927 | 11,362 | |||||||||
Other (income) and expenses | (6,298 | ) | (5,695 | ) | (9,100 | ) | ||||||
Total other expenses and income | 18,451 | 5,232 | 2,262 | |||||||||
Earnings before income taxes | 83,538 | 146,225 | 156,805 | |||||||||
Income taxes | 32,256 | 50,829 | 56,058 | |||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 51,282 | $ | 95,396 | $ | 100,747 | ||||||
Net earnings per common share, basic | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.93 | $ | 1.95 | ||||||
Net earnings per common share, diluted | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.90 | $ | 1.93 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
| (in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Common | Additional | Deferred | Retained | Accumulated | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury Stock | Other Compre- hensive Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances at Dec. 31, 2003 | $ | 631 | $ | 35,373 | $ | (471 | ) | $ | 390,784 | $ | (351,962 | ) | $ | 1,704 | $ | 76,059 | ||||||||||||||
Net earnings | 100,747 | 100,747 | $ | 100,747 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | 1,952 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on hedging contracts | 83 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | $ | 102,782 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock repurchase | (11,842 | ) | (47,999 | ) | (59,841 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 1,488 | 18,524 | 20,012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation | 256 | 256 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock grants | 1,192 | 1,192 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | 2,081 | 2,081 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances at Dec. 31, 2004 | 631 | 26,211 | (215 | ) | 491,531 | (381,437 | ) | 3,785 | 140,506 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | 95,396 | 95,396 | $ | 95,396 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | (2,577 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on hedging contracts | (21 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued interest on auction- rate securities | 139 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | $ | 92,937 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock repurchase | 6,705 | (175,743 | ) | (169,038 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 3,785 | 33,580 | 37,365 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation | (710 | ) | (710 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock grants | 1 | 2,401 | 2,402 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (2,396 | ) | (2,396 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances at Dec. 31, 2005 | 632 | 39,102 | (925 | ) | 586,927 | (523,600 | ) | 1,389 | 103,525 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | 51,282 | 51,282 | $ | 51,282 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | 3,143 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on hedging contracts | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued interest on auction- rate securities | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | $ | 54,556 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock repurchase | (1,525 | ) | (2,379 | ) | (3,904 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 490 | 5,752 | 6,242 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation | (370 | ) | (370 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock grants | 1 | 1,953 | 1,954 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option expense | 5,500 | 5,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | 3,345 | 3,345 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances at Dec. 31, 2006 | $ | 633 | $ | 45,520 | $ | (1,295 | ) | $ | 638,209 | $ | (520,227 | ) | $ | 4,734 | $ | 167,574 | ||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31 2005 | Dec. 31 2004 | |||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 51,282 | $ | 95,396 | $ | 100,747 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Depreciation | 14,374 | 15,374 | 15,224 | |||||||||
Amortization of intangibles | 556 | 599 | 297 | |||||||||
Amortization of bond discount | 215 | 453 | 782 | |||||||||
Provision for losses on accounts receivable | 1,128 | 346 | 1,405 | |||||||||
Writedown of impaired assets | 2,136 | — | 3,553 | |||||||||
Gain on equity investment | (407 | ) | (300 | ) | (71 | ) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation charge | 7,083 | 1,654 | 1,313 | |||||||||
Loss (Gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment | — | 36 | (435 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,569 | 4,201 | 5,971 | |||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities which increase (decrease) cash flow: | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | (66,344 | ) | (9,285 | ) | (56,111 | ) | ||||||
Inventories | (599 | ) | 2,381 | (6,624 | ) | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other | (4,174 | ) | 3,592 | (1,919 | ) | |||||||
Other assets | (7,067 | ) | 1,968 | 1,543 | ||||||||
Other liabilities | 105 | (272 | ) | 660 | ||||||||
Accounts payable | 53,138 | (16,128 | ) | 35,720 | ||||||||
Accrued interest and expenses | (5,053 | ) | (2,196 | ) | (6,407 | ) | ||||||
Income taxes | (3,080 | ) | 5,862 | 2,175 | ||||||||
Progress billings | 4,944 | 12,508 | (21,004 | ) | ||||||||
Total adjustments | (1,476 | ) | 20,793 | (23,928 | ) | |||||||
Cash flows provided from operating activities | $ | 49,806 | $ | 116,189 | $ | 76,819 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||
Additions to property, plant and equipment | $ | (16,256 | ) | $ | (24,666 | ) | $ | (18,941 | ) | |||
Replacement equipment reimbursed by insurance companies from damage claims | — | (6,268 | ) | (3,117 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | — | 18 | 813 | |||||||||
Purchases of auction rate securities | (629,091 | ) | (341,929 | ) | (268,793 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from auction rate securities | 598,589 | 372,765 | 310,423 | |||||||||
Acquisition of Catalina Marketing’s DMS division | — | — | (5,500 | ) | ||||||||
Investments and advances to affiliated companies | (4,000 | ) | — | (250 | ) | |||||||
Other | 202 | 213 | 129 | |||||||||
Net cash (used) provided in investing activities | (50,556 | ) | 133 | 14,764 | ||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 5,752 | 33,580 | 18,524 | |||||||||
Purchase of treasury shares | (3,913 | ) | (169,037 | ) | (50,968 | ) | ||||||
Repayment of long-term debt | (14,440 | ) | — | (38,741 | ) | |||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (12,601 | ) | (135,457 | ) | (71,185 | ) | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 1,650 | (1,759 | ) | 1,952 | ||||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (11,701 | ) | (20,894 | ) | 22,350 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year | 64,320 | 85,214 | 62,864 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year | $ | 52,619 | $ | 64,320 | $ | 85,214 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | ||||||||||||
Cash paid during the year for interest | $ | 24,749 | * | $ | 10,205 | $ | 10,091 | |||||
Cash paid during the year for income taxes | $ | 36,536 | $ | 43,070 | $ | 48,394 | ||||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||||||
Stock issued under stock-based compensation plan | $ | 1,954 | $ | 2,402 | $ | 1,192 | ||||||
| * | Includes cash paid during the year for swap and swaption contracts of $13,751 related to the pending ADVO transaction. |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Valassis Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue for newspaper-delivered promotions is recognized in the period the product is distributed in the newspaper. In accordance with industry practice, Valassis generally pre-bills FSI customers in advance of the related distribution date. However, these billings are reflected as progress billings (liability) until the appropriate distribution period. Products and services not distributed via newspapers are recognized in revenue when the product is shipped, accepted by the U.S. Postal Service or the service is performed. Revenue generated by NCH for processing coupons for payment does not include the face value of the coupon or the retailer handling fee. Once the coupon processing is complete, the NCH processing fee revenue is recognized.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
Valassis considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
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 ARS are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at cost, or par value which approximates the fair market value. Accrued interest is recorded in other comprehensive income.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are accounted for at lower of cost or market using the first in, first out (FIFO) method of inventory valuation.
ADVERTISING
The costs of advertising are expensed as incurred and are classified within “Selling, General and Administrative” on the “Consolidated Statements of Income.”
STOCK 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. Effective January 1, 2006, Valassis accounts for all options under SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” and utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires us to make various estimates in calculating expense as required by SFAS No. 123R.
CUSTOMER CONTRACT INCENTIVES
Valassis occasionally provides upfront cash incentives to key customers to secure the value of a long-term contract. The cost of such incentives are capitalized and amortized as a reduction to revenue over the life of the customer contract to match the associated value of the contract.
7
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures and improvements that add significantly to the productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the related asset or the lease-term using the straight-line method. Property, plant and equipment are reviewed annually for impairment. The useful lives of the major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Class | Range | |
Buildings/Building Improvements | 10 - 30 years | |
Machinery and equipment | 5 - 20 years | |
Office furniture, fixtures, and computer equipment and software | 3 - 10 years | |
Automobiles | 3 years | |
Leasehold improvements | 5 - 10 years |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets largely consist of goodwill arising from our acquisitions. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to review annually or as needed based on impairment indicators. As part of this review, we assess the useful lives assigned to intangible assets.
Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 20 years. Fully amortized intangible assets are removed from the cost and accumulated amortization accounts.
INCOME TAXES
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the consolidated financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Valassis grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. Valassis adopted SFAS No. 123R, as required, in 2006. The standard requires that all share-based compensation be recorded in the financial statements at the grant date fair value. Valassis applied this Statement to all unvested awards outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and all awards granted on or after January 1, 2006. Compensation cost is being recognized on and after January 1, 2006 for the fair value of new grants issued and for the unvested portion of outstanding awards at that date based on the grant-date fair value of these awards previously calculated under SFAS 123 for pro-forma disclosures. Prior period financial statements are not restated to reflect the effect of SFAS 123R. Prior to 2006, we accounted for stock option grants in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and, accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for the stock option grants.
8
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table reconciles reported net income to pro forma net income as if we accounted for stock options under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 in 2005 and 2004. (See Note 8 for additional disclosures).
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | ||||||
Net income, as reported | $ | 95,396 | $ | 100,747 | ||||
| Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects | 1,076 | 843 | ||||||
| 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 | (19,930 | ) | (10,928 | ) | ||||
Pro forma net income | $ | 76,542 | $ | 90,662 | ||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||
Basic—as reported | $ | 1.93 | $ | 1.95 | ||||
Basic—pro forma | $ | 1.55 | $ | 1.75 | ||||
Diluted—as reported | $ | 1.90 | $ | 1.93 | ||||
Diluted—pro forma | $ | 1.53 | $ | 1.74 | ||||
On December 6, 2005, the Compensation/Stock Option Committee of the Board approved the acceleration of vesting of all underwater unvested stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005, with an exercise price greater than the December 30, 2005 closing price of Valassis’ common stock of $29.07. As a result, options that would have otherwise vested from time to time during the five years subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 became immediately exercisable at December 31, 2005 and all associated pro forma expense is recognized in the disclosure above. Consequently, no expense related to these options remains to be recorded in the financial statements for future years.
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING TRANSACTIONS
Valassis accounts for all derivative instruments and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133 as amended by SFAS No. 149. These statements require all derivative instruments to be recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of hedging relationships.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Foreign currency translation is the majority component of our other comprehensive income. Valassis also includes any gains or losses from hedging contracts and accrued interest from ARS in other comprehensive income.
ACCUMULATED FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.” All balance sheet accounts have been translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income statement amounts have been translated using the average exchange rate for the year. The gains and losses resulting from the changes in exchange rates from year-to-year have been reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity.
9
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
We adopted SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006. The standard requires that all equity-based compensation be recorded in the financial statements at the grant date fair value. Valassis applied this Statement to all unvested awards outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and all awards granted on or after January 1, 2006. Compensation cost is being recognized on and after January 1, 2006 for the fair value of new grants issued and for the unvested portion of outstanding awards at that date based on the grant-date fair value of these awards previously calculated under SFAS 123 for pro-forma disclosures. The adoption of SFAS 123R resulted in the recognition of an additional $5.5 million of stock compensation expense in 2006. Prior period financial statements are not restated to reflect the effect of SFAS 123R.
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 adopted these provisions on January 1, 2006. The adoption of SFAS 151 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). The interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Specifically, the pronouncement prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation also provides guidance on the related derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition of uncertain tax positions. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. As such, we will adopt these provisions as of January 1, 2007, and are currently evaluating the impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. The SEC staff believes that registrants should quantify errors using both a balance sheet and an income statement approach and evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying a misstatement that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are considered, is material. The provisions of SAB 108 are effective for fiscal years ending on or after November 15, 2006. As such Valassis adopted these provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, rather it applies under existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We will adopt SFAS No. 157 as required and do not expect a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments that potentially subject Valassis to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash in short-term high credit quality securities. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. One customer, Procter & Gamble, accounted for slightly more than 10% of Valassis’ consolidated revenues during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and no single customer accounted for more than 10% of Valassis’ consolidated revenues during the year ended December 31, 2004. Generally, we do not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables.
10
Valassis’ debt is also a financial instrument with the estimated fair market value of the debt at $8.8 million below carrying value as of December 31, 2006 and $3.5 million above carrying value at December 31, 2005. See Note 3 for additional fair value disclosure. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.
(2) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets are comprised of:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Intangible at Cost | Accumulated Amortization at Dec. 31, 2006 | Unamortized Balance at Dec. 31, 2006 | Weighted Average Useful Life (in years) | ||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | $ | 3,455 | $ | (2,475 | ) | $ | 980 | 5.9 | ||||
Non-amortizable intangible assets: | ||||||||||||
Goodwill: | ||||||||||||
FSI | 65,401 | (47,144 | ) | 18,257 | ||||||||
ROP | 3,599 | (2,260 | ) | 1,339 | ||||||||
Neighborhood Targeted | 4,195 | (209 | ) | 3,986 | ||||||||
Household Targeted | 86,375 | (53,733 | ) (1) | 32,642 | ||||||||
International & Services | 64,864 | — | 64,864 | |||||||||
The Valassis name and other | 32,100 | (20,759 | ) | 11,341 | ||||||||
Total non-amortizable intangible assets | $ | 256,534 | $ | (124,105 | ) | $ | 132,429 | |||||
Total | $ | 259,989 | $ | (126,580 | ) | $ | 133,409 | |||||
| (1) | Includes impairment charge of $51.3 million taken in the fourth quarter of 2002. |
Valassis performed impairment tests based on discounted cash flow analysis at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, concluding no impairment of goodwill had occurred as of these dates and no events had occurred during the respective years that would indicate an impairment of such assets had taken place.
Amortizable intangible assets include non-compete agreements and corporate logos. The associated amortization expense was approximately $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Amortization related to these intangible assets is expected to be approximately $0.5 million in 2007, $0.2 million in 2008 and negligible in 2009 and beyond.
11
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(3) LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt is summarized as follows: (in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | ||||
Revolving Credit Facility | $ | — | $ | — | ||
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009, net of discount | 99,931 | 99,896 | ||||
Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2021, net of discount | — | 14,260 | ||||
Senior Convertible Notes due 2033, net of discount | 160,000 | 160,000 | ||||
| $ | 259,931 | $ | 274,156 | |||
Less current portion | — | 14,260 | ||||
Total long-term debt | $ | 259,931 | $ | 259,896 | ||
CREDIT FACILITY
Valassis had a revolving line of credit with a $125.0 million revolving credit facility pursuant to an agreement with Standard Federal Bank, N.A., Comerica Bank, Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Fifth Third Bank (collectively, the “Banks”), with Standard Federal Bank, N.A. acting as Agent for the Banks (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”). The Revolving Credit Agreement expired in November 2006, and Valassis elected not to renew it at such time in light of the pending ADVO acquisition and its anticipated financing. As of December 31, 2006, Valassis did not have a credit facility.
PUBLIC DEBT
At December 31, 2006, our public debt consists of 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 (the “2009 Notes”) and Senior Convertible Notes due 2033 (the “2033 Notes”). Each of the 2033 Notes and the 2009 Notes are general unsecured obligations of Valassis and rank on parity in right of payment with all other senior indebtedness of Valassis. As of December 31, 2006, Valassis was in compliance with all of its debt covenants contained in the indentures covering its public debt. All of Valassis’ public debt indentures contain cross-default provisions which become applicable if Valassis defaults under any mortgage, indebtedness or instrument for money borrowed by it and the default results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in excess of $25 million. In addition, the indenture covering the 2033 Notes contains a conversion trigger based upon credit rating downgrades by either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s.
12
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009
In January 1999, Valassis issued the 2009 Notes which resulted in gross proceeds to Valassis of $100 million. Interest is payable on the 2009 Notes semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year.
Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2021
In June 2001, Valassis issued 272,100 of its 2021 Notes at an issue price of $551.26 per note, which resulted in gross proceeds to Valassis of $150 million. Each of the 2021 Notes has a yield of 3.0% with a maturity value of $1,000. In May 2003, Valassis purchased 185,260 of the 2021 Notes for approximately $111.0 million, which resulted in a $3.9 million refinance charge.
The holders of the 2021 Notes had the option to require Valassis to purchase all or a portion of their 2021 Notes on June 6, 2004 at a price of $602.77 per $1000 of principal amount at maturity, payable in cash or common stock at Valassis’ option. Of the 86,840 Notes outstanding at that date, 64,272 were put back to Valassis by the holders. Valassis elected to settle the put in cash and, accordingly, paid $38.7 million on June 7, 2004 to the Trustee of the 2021 Notes.
On June 6, 2006, the majority of the holders of the 2021 Notes put their notes to Valassis at a price of $639.76 per note for the $14.3 million in cash. Cash paid was equal to the accreted value of the debt recorded and no gain or loss was recognized. The remaining $97,000 of the 2021 Notes were called by Valassis on June 28, 2006 and settled in cash at the same price on July 28, 2006.
Senior Convertible Notes due 2033
In May 2003, Valassis issued 239,794 of its 2033 Notes at an issue price of $667.24 per note, which resulted in the gross proceeds to Valassis of $160 million. Each of the 2033 Notes has a yield of 1 5/8% per year with a maturity value of $1000. The holders of the 2033 Notes will receive cash interest payments of 1 5/8% per year on the original discounted amount, payable semiannually from 2003 to 2008. Valassis used approximately $111.0 million of the proceeds of this issuance to repurchase $185.3 million in face value of the 2021 Notes. The resulting premium and write-off of fees and discounts resulted in the $3.9 million refinancing charge discussed above.
The holders of the 2033 Notes may require Valassis to purchase all or a portion of their 2033 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 2033 Note, respectively, payable in cash or common stock at the option of Valassis. Valassis waived its right to settle these puts in common stock.
Further, each holder of the 2033 Notes may require Valassis to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s 2033 Notes if a change of control occurs. In addition, 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.
The 2033 Notes are convertible by their holders when a market price trigger occurs. A market price trigger occurs the first time that the closing sales price per share of Valassis common stock for at least 20 trading days in any period of 30 consecutive trading days exceeds 120% of the accreted conversion price per share of common stock. The accreted conversion price as of any day is equal to the issue price of a 2033 Note plus the accrued original issue discount to that day. As of December 31, 2006, the accreted conversion price was $667.24. The 2033 Notes are convertible at a base rate of 15.1627 shares plus an incremental share factor of up to 9.8556. The incremental shares begin to accrue at the base conversion price, while the number of incremental shares is based upon the stock price at the time of the conversion. At May 22, 2008, the total conversion rate (base rate plus incremental shares) is fixed based upon the stock price as of this date.
13
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Debt discount is being amortized utilizing the interest method over the term of the notes through the first put date. The difference between the stated and effective interest rates is nominal. The estimated fair market value of the debt was $8.8 million below carrying value and $3.5 million above carrying value as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The fair market value was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on discount rates equivalent to comparable U.S. Treasury securities plus a spread for credit risk and other factors. The fair market value of convertible debt was estimated using theoretical value as determined through the binomial model. The indentures covering the public debt contain certain restrictive covenants that prescribe limits on Valassis’ ability to, among other things, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, incur liens, make certain stock redemptions and stock repurchases, and enter into mergers, consolidations or convey or transfer substantially all of its property.
(4) PROFIT SHARING AND BONUS PLANS
Valassis has discretionary profit sharing and team achievement dividend/bonus plans covering substantially all domestic salaried and hourly employees.
Expenses under the aforementioned plans were as follows:
| YEAR ENDED | |||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | ||||||
Profit sharing plan | $ | 2,801 | $ | 5,778 | $ | 4,332 | |||
Bonus plans for salaried, sales and hourly personnel | 9,054 | 15,406 | 14,751 | ||||||
Bonus plan for executives | 782 | 2,417 | 2,174 | ||||||
14
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(5) INCOME TAXES
For financial reporting purposes earnings before income taxes include the following components:
| YEAR ENDED | |||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | ||||||||
Pre-tax income (loss): | |||||||||||
United States | $ | 84,541 | $ | 146,573 | $ | 149,142 | |||||
Foreign | (1,003 | ) | (348 | ) | 7,663 | ||||||
| $ | 83,538 | $ | 146,225 | $ | 156,805 | ||||||
Income taxes have been charged to earnings as follows:
| YEAR ENDED | |||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | ||||||||
Current: | |||||||||||
Federal | $ | 28,619 | $ | 42,543 | $ | 45,708 | |||||
Foreign | 1,030 | 1,310 | 2,510 | ||||||||
State | 1,091 | 2,199 | 2,531 | ||||||||
Total current taxes | $ | 30,740 | $ | 46,052 | $ | 50,749 | |||||
Deferred: | |||||||||||
Federal | $ | 3,763 | $ | 4,867 | $ | 4,853 | |||||
Foreign | (2,305 | ) | (261 | ) | 266 | ||||||
State | 58 | 171 | 190 | ||||||||
Total deferred taxes | $ | 1,516 | $ | 4,777 | $ | 5,309 | |||||
Total income taxes | $ | 32,256 | $ | 50,829 | $ | 56,058 | |||||
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are deemed to be permanently reinvested amounted to $17.0 million and $17.8 million at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Accordingly, U.S. income taxes have not been provided on these earnings. Quantification of the deferred tax liability, if any, associated with permanently reinvested earnings is not practicable.
15
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The actual income tax expense differs from expected amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes as follows:
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | |||||||||
Expected income tax expense at statutory rate | $ | 29,238 | $ | 51,179 | $ | 54,882 | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: | ||||||||||||
Litigation costs related to the pending ADVO acquisition | 5,652 | — | — | |||||||||
Valuation allowance | (247 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Foreign currency loss | — | — | (383 | ) | ||||||||
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit | 746 | 2,370 | 1,645 | |||||||||
Tax credits | (859 | ) | (1,582 | ) | (1,323 | ) | ||||||
Other items, net | (2,274 | ) | (1,138 | ) | 1,237 | |||||||
Actual income tax expense | $ | 32,256 | $ | 50,829 | $ | 56,058 | ||||||
A significant portion of the litigation costs incurred related to the pending ADVO acquisition will be included in the tax basis of the ADVO stock acquired and will not be deductible for tax purposes in the foreseeable future.
16
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | ||||||
Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities): | ||||||||
Depreciation on plant and equipment and amortization of intangibles | $ | (8,476 | ) | $ | (6,045 | ) | ||
Deferred compensation | 3,187 | 3,204 | ||||||
Operating loss and credit carryforward | 5,167 | 3,347 | ||||||
Convertible notes | (11,378 | ) | (9,119 | ) | ||||
Stock compensation | 3,078 | 847 | ||||||
Consulting agreement | 235 | 321 | ||||||
Partnership losses | 3,594 | 3,776 | ||||||
Investment impairments | 2,769 | 2,810 | ||||||
Prepaid rent | 434 | 486 | ||||||
Foreign | 782 | 525 | ||||||
Accrued insurance | — | 25 | ||||||
Other | 131 | 378 | ||||||
Long-term deferred income tax assets | (477 | ) | 555 | |||||
Valuation allowance | (3,029 | ) | (3,276 | ) | ||||
Net long-term deferred income tax (liabilities) assets | $ | (3,506 | ) | $ | (2,721 | ) | ||
Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities): | ||||||||
Inventory | $ | 560 | $ | 922 | ||||
Accrued expense | 961 | 1,334 | ||||||
Allowance for uncollectible accounts | 1,405 | 1,324 | ||||||
Other reserves | (85 | ) | 187 | |||||
Prepaid expense | (1,052 | ) | (1,007 | ) | ||||
Other – net | — | (187 | ) | |||||
Total current deferred income tax assets | $ | 1,789 | $ | 2,573 | ||||
For financial statement purposes, the tax benefit of net operating loss and credit carry forwards is recognized as a deferred tax asset, subject to appropriate valuation allowances when it is determined that recovery of the deferred tax asset is unlikely. Valassis evaluates its net operating loss and credit carry forwards on an ongoing basis. As of December 31, 2006, approximately $39,000 of the tax carry forwards relate to the alternative minimum tax credit which can be carried forward indefinitely. The remaining tax carry forwards relate to foreign operating losses, which can also be carried forward indefinitely. The valuation allowance of $3.0 million relates to foreign net operating losses.
17
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(6) COMMITMENTS
Total operating lease rentals, for various office space, charged to expense were $9.0 million, $9.2 million and $8.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Entire minimum rental payments required under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
Year Ending Dec. 31, | (in thousands of U.S. dollars) | ||
| 2007 | $ | 7,771 | |
| 2008 | 5,467 | ||
| 2009 | 4,952 | ||
| 2010 | 4,785 | ||
| 2011 | 4,539 | ||
| Thereafter | 5,543 | ||
| $ | 33,057 | ||
Future commitments pursuant to senior executive employment agreements, which include non-compete clauses, are as follows:
| (in thousands of U.S. dollars) | ||||||
Year Ended | Base Salary | Maximum Cash Bonus | ||||
| Dec. 31, 2007 | $ | 2,490 | $ | 2,257 | ||
| Dec. 31, 2008 | 2,273 | 1,633 | ||||
| Dec. 31, 2009 | 1,967 | 360 | ||||
| Dec. 31, 2010 | 780 | — | ||||
| Dec. 31, 2011 | 780 | — | ||||
| Thereafter | 2,340 | — | ||||
Our obligation to pay the maximum cash bonus is based on Valassis attaining certain earnings per share and/or sales and cost targets. We also provide stock options and restricted stock grants to certain executives (See Note 8).
(7) CONTINGENCIES
On April 28, 2006, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had approved issuance of the final consent order concerning Valassis, settling a claim alleging that remarks made during Valassis’ second quarter earnings call, held on July 22, 2004, violated Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Under the terms of the settlement, we did not admit any wrongdoing and are not required to pay any fines or penalties. The allegations were limited to the remarks made on our second quarter earnings conference call held on July 22, 2004 and there were no allegations regarding any conduct or effect beyond the remarks themselves. The settlement relieved us of the substantial expense, time and resources of continuing this proceeding.
The FTC announced the approval of the consent agreement on March 14, 2006, subject to a 30-day public comment period, during which time there were no public comments. After such time period, the FTC decided to finalize the consent agreement. The consent agreement prohibits us from communicating certain statements about competitive intentions (and standard prohibitions related to allocating markets and fixing prices).
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.
18
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(8) STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
Valassis’ Amended and Restated 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan authorizes option grants for the issuance of a maximum of 13,045,921 shares of common stock with exercise prices at least equal to the fair market value of the shares at date of grant. Subject to termination of employment and except as otherwise provided in the plan, these options expire not later than ten years from date of grant, are not transferable other than on death, and fully vest based on price targets and/or terms up to five years from date of grant.
Valassis’ Broad-Based Incentive Plan authorizes option grants for the issuance of a maximum of 2,165,000 shares of common stock with exercise prices at least equal to the fair market value of the shares at date of grant. Subject to termination of employment and except as otherwise provided in the plan, these options expire not later than 10 years from date of grant, are not transferable other than on death, and fully vest over terms ranging from six months to five years from date of grant.
In 2002, the Board of Directors of Valassis (the “Board”) and the Shareholders approved the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan which authorizes option grants for the issuance of 3,500,000 shares of common stock with exercise prices at least equal to the fair market value of the shares at date of grant. Subject to termination of employment and except as otherwise provided in the plan, these options expire not later than ten years from date of grant, are not transferable other than on death, and fully vest over terms ranging from six months to five years from date of grant.
On December 6, 2005, the Board accepted the voluntary forfeiture of stock options which had previously been granted to certain executives on October 1, 2005. The Compensation/Stock Option Committee of the Board also approved the acceleration of vesting of all underwater unvested stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005. All options outstanding at December 31, 2005 with an exercise price greater than the December 30, 2005 closing price of Valassis’ common stock ($29.07) became fully vested. As a result, options that would otherwise have vested from time to time during the five years subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 became immediately exercisable at that date.
At December 31, 2006, there were outstanding options among 2,250 participants for the purchase of 6,435,036 shares and there were 2,334,755 shares available for grant.
19
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following options to purchase our common shares were outstanding under the Plan on December 31, 2006.
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING | OPTIONS EXERCISABLE | |||||||||||
Range of Exercise Prices | Outstanding as of Dec. 31, 2006 | Weighted-Average Contractual Life | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Exercisable As of Dec. 31, 2006 | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | |||||||
$ 5.01 - $25.00 | 376,355 | 4.5 | $ | 21.41 | 271,685 | $ | 22.03 | |||||
$25.01 - $30.00 | 2,830,889 | 5.7 | $ | 28.20 | 1,636,439 | $ | 28.02 | |||||
$30.01 - $35.00 | 1,280,653 | 5.5 | $ | 31.50 | 1,259,853 | $ | 31.51 | |||||
$35.01 - $40.00 | 1,771,939 | 4.4 | $ | 35.69 | 1,769,569 | $ | 35.69 | |||||
$40.01 - $50.00 | 175,200 | 3.4 | $ | 42.11 | 175,200 | $ | 42.11 | |||||
| 6,435,036 | 5.0 | $ | 30.90 | 5,112,746 | $ | 31.70 | ||||||
A summary of Valassis’ stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, is as follows:
| Year Ended Dec. 31, 2006 | Year Ended Dec. 31, 2005 | |||||||||||
| Shares | Weighted Average per Share Exercise Price | Shares | Weighted Average per Share Exercise Price | |||||||||
Outstanding at beginning of year | 6,448,022 | $ | 31.00 | 7,616,831 | $ | 30.29 | ||||||
Granted | 768,500 | $ | 28.04 | 1,145,592 | $ | 36.49 | ||||||
Exercised | (246,451 | ) | $ | 23.60 | (929,356 | ) | $ | 25.92 | ||||
Forfeited/Expired | (535,035 | ) | $ | 31.89 | (1,385,045 | ) | $ | 35.07 | ||||
Outstanding at end of year | 6,435,036 | $ | 30.90 | 6,448,022 | $ | 31.00 | ||||||
Options exercisable at year end | 5,112,746 | $ | 31.70 | 5,404,886 | $ | 31.61 | ||||||
| Year Ended Dec. 31, 2004 | ||||||
| Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |||||
Outstanding at beginning of year | 7,634,949 | $ | 30.22 | |||
Granted | 1,274,958 | $ | 30.75 | |||
Exercised | (949,378 | ) | $ | 29.77 | ||
Forfeited/Expired | (343,698 | ) | $ | 31.81 | ||
Outstanding at end of year | 7,616,831 | $ | 30.29 | |||
Options exercisable at year end | 4,025,036 | $ | 30.27 | |||
The incremental stock-based compensation expense resulting from the adoption of SFAS 123R was $5.5 million ($3.6 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2006. The portion of this expense related to options granted prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R was $4.3 million.
The intrinsic value of options exercised (the amount by which the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price) was $1.4 million, $2.1 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Based on the market price of the Company’s stock at December 31, 2006 ($14.50), there is no intrinsic value of the options outstanding or options exercisable at December 31, 2006.
As of December 31, 2006, there was a total of $9.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years.
20
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As discussed more fully in Note 1, we adopted SFAS No. 123R effective January 1, 2006. Valassis had previously elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) and related Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options. Because the exercise price of our employee stock options is greater than or equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense was recognized. All options were granted with exercise prices equal to market value at the date of grant in 2006, 2005 and 2004.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and has been determined as if Valassis had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement.
The weighted average fair value per option at date of grant during 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $10.65, $11.60 and $12.10, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for options granted:
| 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Expected option life | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years | ||||||
Expected annual volatility | 29 | % | 31 | % | 33 | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 4.8 | % | 4.2 | % | 3.1 | % | |||
Dividend yield | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
A table illustrating the effect on net income and earnings per share for 2005 and 2004 as if the Black-Scholes fair value method had been applied to long-term incentive plans is presented in Note 1.
The pro forma effects in 2005 and 2004 are not necessarily indicative of future pro forma adjustments. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Our employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan
In May 2005, our shareholders approved the 2005 Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan to replace the then existing plan which expired on May 20, 2006. A total of 150,000 shares of restricted stock has been reserved for this plan. 23,250 shares under this plan were granted to employees during the year ended December 31, 2006. The average fair value of these restricted stock grants was $29.09 and pre-tax expense related to these grants was $0.2 million for the year-ended December 31, 2006. Also during 2006, a portion of total payments to our outside directors was paid in restricted stock from this plan with a total value of approximately $144,000.
The Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan authorizes the grant of restricted stock to executives and to non-employee directors. A total of 300,000 shares of restricted stock have been reserved for this plan. Pursuant to employment agreements between Valassis and certain executives, 13,500 shares of restricted stock were issued to such executives in each of 2005 and 2004. The average fair value of these restricted stock grants in 2005 and 2004 was $35.01 per share and $29.35 per share, respectively. Pre-tax compensation expense related to these grants for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was approximately $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Also during 2005 and 2004, a portion of the total payments to our outside directors was paid in restricted stock from this plan, with a total value of approximately $141,000 and $150,000 per year, respectively.
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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Executive Restricted Stock Plan
In May 2005, our shareholders approved the 2005 Executive Restricted Stock Plan which provides for the grant of restricted stock, with a minimum of one-year vesting, to certain executives. The maximum number of restricted shares that are authorized under this plan is 150,000 shares, provided that not more than 60% of such shares are awarded to any one participant. 39,000 shares of restricted stock were granted under this plan in 2006, with a fair value at the date of grant of $29.07. Pre-tax compensation expense related to the plan for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $0.4 million.
The Executive Restricted Stock Plan provides for the grant of restricted stock, with a minimum one-year vesting, to certain executives. The maximum number of restricted shares that may be issued under this plan is 375,000, provided that not more than 60% of such shares are awarded to any one participant. Pursuant to an employment agreement between Valassis and the Chief Executive Officer, Alan F. Schultz, 22,500 of restricted stock each year with an average fair value at the date of grant of $35.01 and $29.35 per share, respectively, were issued to such executive in 2005, and 2004, respectively. Pre-tax compensation expense related to the plan for years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was approximately $0.2 million, $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
All domestic full-time employees are eligible to participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The plan provides that participants may authorize Valassis to withhold a portion of earnings to be used to purchase our common stock at prevailing market prices. Under the plan, Valassis contributed on behalf of each participant 25% of the participant’s contributions during the year. The value of our common stock contributed by Valassis and expensed totaled approximately $211,000, $183,000 and $157,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
401(k) Plan
Prior to 2005, Valassis’ 401(k) Plan included a 25% match, payable in Valassis stock, on each participant’s annual contributions to the Plan that are invested in Valassis stock at the end of the year. The expense related to this plan for the year ended December 31, 2004 was approximately $195,000.
(9) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On September 1, 1999, the Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Agreement, which was amended on October 10, 2003 and was further amended on January 5, 2007 (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Board declared a dividend of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right (“Right”) for each outstanding share of Valassis’ common stock. The Rights are attached to and automatically trade with the outstanding shares of Valassis’ common stock.
The Rights will become exercisable only in the event that any person or group of persons acquires 15% (or 20% in the case of two particular investors) or more of Valassis’ common stock or commences a tender offer for 15% or more of Valassis’ common stock. Once the Rights become exercisable they entitle the shareholder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of preferred stock of Valassis at an exercise price of $1.70. The Rights expire on September 1, 2009. Valassis is entitled to redeem the Rights at $0.01 per Right at any time, prior to the expiration of the Rights, before a person or group acquires the requisite amount of common stock to trigger the Rights.
In addition, as of December 31, 2006, Valassis had authorization to repurchase an additional 6.1 million shares of its common stock under its existing share repurchase programs. Valassis repurchased 0.1 million shares, 4.6 million shares and 1.9 million shares during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(10) FOREIGN CURRENCY AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The functional currencies for Valassis’ 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, the impact for 2006 was an increase of $3.1 million.
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. Derivatives are recorded at fair value in other current and long-term assets and other current and long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. This process includes linking derivatives that are designated as hedges of 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 2006, 2005 or 2004. No cash flow hedges were re-designated or discontinued during 2006, 2005 or 2004.
Currencies to which we have exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound and the 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 12-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 year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded an immaterial unrealized market value gain in other comprehensive income. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of December 31, 2006, Valassis had a commitment to purchase $5.5 million in Mexican pesos over the next 12 months.
(11) ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS
HOUSEHOLD TARGETED SEGMENT
Direct Marketing Services (DMS)
On September 17, 2004, Valassis acquired DMS for $5.5 million from existing cash on hand and integrated its operations into its existing direct mail group. The transaction resulted in $3.1 million in goodwill attributable to the Household Targeted segment and an additional $1.0 million in amortizable intangible assets. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141.
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PreVision Marketing, LLC
On August 11, 2000, Valassis acquired 80% of the outstanding membership interest in PreVision for $30.0 million in cash and approximately $5.0 million in restricted stock. PreVision, was a direct-marketing agency specializing in one-to-one marketing, customer retention and customer acquisition. The acquisition of PreVision was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions and, accordingly, the results of operations for PreVision have been included in our financial statements since the date of acquisition. The purchase agreement executed in connection with this transaction also contained additional payments contingent on the future earnings performance of PreVision. Based upon the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2001 for PreVision, Valassis paid an additional $8.0 million in 2002. In May 2003, we acquired the remaining 20% of PreVision for $2.4 million.
In 2005, as part of our efforts to fully integrate the products and services of our Household Targeted segment, PreVision was eliminated as a stand-alone entity. We effectively exited the customer relationship marketing agency business and now provide these services only to customers placing their related media campaigns with us.
Impairment Charges
During December 2002, we wrote down $4.0 million of our cost-basis investment in an Internet couponing business based on the valuation implied during the investment’s financing activity for the year. We had a remaining $3.5 million balance on this investment. In 2004, based on the information available, we wrote off the remaining value of the investment. Included in “Goodwill and investment impairment charges” on the consolidated statements of income is a $3.5 million charge in 2004.
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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(12) SEGMENT REPORTING
Valassis has five reportable segments, Free-standing Inserts (FSI), Run of Press (ROP), Neighborhood Targeted, Household Targeted 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 marketing strategies and offers different products.
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. Intersegment sales are accounted for at cost.
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | Year Ended Dec. 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
| FSI | ROP | Neighborhood Targeted | Household Targeted | International & Services | Total | |||||||||||||||
2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 441.2 | $ | 116.9 | $ | 315.1 | $ | 58.9 | $ | 111.4 | $ | 1,043.5 | ||||||||
Depreciation/amortization | 8.9 | — | 2.0 | 0.2 | 3.8 | 14.9 | ||||||||||||||
Segment profit | $ | 65.9 | $ | 14.0 | $ | 29.5 | $ | 3.0 | $ | 5.7 | (1) | $ | 118.1 | |||||||
2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 504.5 | $ | 122.5 | $ | 339.0 | $ | 63.2 | $ | 101.8 | $ | 1,131.0 | ||||||||
Depreciation/amortization | 9.6 | — | 2.0 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 15.4 | ||||||||||||||
Segment profit (loss) | $ | 96.2 | $ | 9.6 | $ | 40.4 | $ | (3.5 | )(2) | $ | 8.7 | $ | 151.4 | |||||||
2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from external customers | $ | 493.8 | $ | 114.2 | $ | 275.2 | $ | 61.8 | $ | 99.1 | $ | 1,044.1 | ||||||||
Depreciation/amortization | 9.7 | — | 2.0 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 15.5 | ||||||||||||||
Segment profit | $ | 105.2 | $ | 8.3 | $ | 31.6 | $ | 1.0 | $ | 13.0 | (3) | $ | 159.1 | |||||||
| (1) | Includes $3.6 million in costs related to the close-down of the French agency business and eSettlement business unit of NCH. |
| (2) | Includes charges of $2.7 million related to the elimination of PreVision as a stand-alone entity. |
| (3) | Includes $3.5 million write-off of an investment in a cost-basis Internet investment. |
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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reconciliations to consolidated financial statement totals are as follows:
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | |||||||||
Profit for reportable segments | $ | 118.1 | $ | 151.4 | $ | 159.1 | ||||||
Unallocated amounts: | ||||||||||||
Legal and professional costs related to the pending ADVO transaction and related litigation | (16.1 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Interest expense | (24.7 | ) | (10.9 | ) | (11.4 | ) | ||||||
Other (expenses) and income | 6.2 | 5.7 | 9.1 | |||||||||
Earnings before Taxes | $ | 83.5 | $ | 146.2 | $ | 156.8 | ||||||
Domestic and foreign revenues were as follows:
| YEAR ENDED | |||||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | ||||||
United States | $ | 982.5 | $ | 1,080.5 | $ | 988.4 | |||
Foreign | 61.0 | 50.5 | 55.7 | ||||||
| $ | 1,043.5 | $ | 1,131.0 | $ | 1,044.1 | ||||
Domestic and foreign long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, net) were as follows:
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||
(in millions of U.S. dollars) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | ||||
United States | $ | 89,335 | $ | 88,227 | ||
Foreign | 20,051 | 19,920 | ||||
| $ | 109,386 | $ | 108,147 | |||
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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(13) EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per common share (“EPS”) data was computed as follows:
| YEAR ENDED | ||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data) | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2004 | |||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 51,282 | $ | 95,396 | $ | 100,747 | ||||||
Basic EPS: | ||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 47,757 | 49,466 | 51,758 | |||||||||
Net earnings per common share, basic | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.93 | $ | 1.95 | ||||||
Diluted EPS: | ||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 47,757 | 49,466 | 51,758 | |||||||||
Shares issued on assumed exercise of dilutive options | 239 | 5,856 | 4,773 | |||||||||
Shares purchased with assumed proceeds of options and unearned restricted shares | (250 | ) | (5,191 | ) | (4,387 | ) | ||||||
Shares contingently issuable | 34 | 52 | 70 | |||||||||
Shares applicable to diluted earnings | 47,780 | 50,183 | 52,214 | |||||||||
Net earnings per common share, diluted | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.90 | $ | 1.93 | ||||||
Unexercised employee stock options to purchase 6.4 million shares, 1.4 million shares, and 3.3 million shares of Valassis’ common stock as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were not included in the computations of diluted EPS because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock during the respective periods.
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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(14) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.
| THREE MONTHS ENDED | ||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for per share data) | Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | ||||||||
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 247,646 | $ | 260,593 | $ | 248,883 | $ | 286,369 | ||||
Cost of sales | 185,269 | 197,972 | 187,233 | 219,114 | ||||||||
Net earnings | 18,058 | 19,689 | 6,622 | 6,913 | ||||||||
Net earnings per common share, diluted | $ | 0.38 | $ | 0.41 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.14 | ||||
| THREE MONTHS ENDED | ||||||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for per share data) | Mar. 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | ||||||||
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2005 | ||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 279,284 | $ | 276,427 | $ | 266,086 | $ | 309,246 | ||||
Cost of sales | 199,656 | 200,009 | 199,163 | 237,503 | ||||||||
Net earnings | 28,242 | 25,524 | 21,305 | 20,325 | ||||||||
Net earnings per common share, diluted | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.42 | ||||
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Valassis Communications, Inc.
Livonia, Michigan
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Valassis Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. We also have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule, an opinion on management’s assessment, and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Valassis Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2006, the Company changed its method of accounting for share-based payments to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R,Share-Based Payment.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 10, 2007
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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: February 27, 2007
Valassis Communications, Inc. (Registrant) | ||
| By: | /s/ Barry P. Hoffman | |
Barry P. Hoffman Executive Vice President and General Counsel | ||
EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit Number | ||
| 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 | |