Form 10-Q

 

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 March 31, 2003

   

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 May 12, 2003, there were 52,015,584 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

 



Part I—Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands)

 

Assets


  

March 31,

2003


    

December 31,

2002


 
    

(unaudited)

        

Current assets:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

  

$

67,906

 

  

$

97,156

 

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,057 at March 31, 2003 and $2,120 at December 31, 2002)

  

 

176,773

 

  

 

114,248

 

Inventories:

                 

Raw materials

  

 

11,270

 

  

 

9,791

 

Work in progress

  

 

11,072

 

  

 

11,258

 

Prepaid expenses and other

  

 

13,638

 

  

 

6,971

 

Deferred income taxes

  

 

5,005

 

  

 

2,223

 

Refundable income taxes

  

 

—  

 

  

 

329

 

    


  


Total current assets

  

 

285,664

 

  

 

241,976

 

    


  


Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

                 

Land and buildings

  

 

40,761

 

  

 

27,968

 

Machinery and equipment

  

 

126,627

 

  

 

120,215

 

Office furniture and equipment

  

 

46,937

 

  

 

37,373

 

Automobiles

  

 

1,069

 

  

 

1,069

 

Leasehold improvements

  

 

2,934

 

  

 

1,997

 

    


  


    

 

218,328

 

  

 

188,622

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  

 

(129,834

)

  

 

(121,883

)

    


  


Net property, plant and equipment

  

 

88,494

 

  

 

66,739

 

    


  


Intangible assets:

                 

Goodwill

  

 

166,993

 

  

 

101,764

 

Other intangibles

  

 

34,555

 

  

 

34,555

 

    


  


    

 

201,548

 

  

 

136,319

 

Less accumulated amortization

  

 

(73,672

)

  

 

(73,619

)

    


  


Net intangible assets

  

 

127,876

 

  

 

62,700

 

    


  


Equity investments and advances to investees

  

 

3,781

 

  

 

3,781

 

Other assets

  

 

4,870

 

  

 

2,821

 

Deferred income taxes

  

 

9,733

 

  

 

8,062

 

    


  


Total assets

  

$

520,418

 

  

$

386,079

 

    


  


 

2


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Continued

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit


  

March 31,

2003


    

December 31,

2002


 
    

(unaudited)

        

Current liabilities:

                 

Accounts payable

  

$

162,601

 

  

$

86,097

 

Accrued interest

  

 

1,419

 

  

 

3,063

 

Accrued expenses

  

 

40,217

 

  

 

38,913

 

Progress billings

  

 

41,951

 

  

 

33,721

 

Income taxes payable

  

 

12,530

 

  

 

—  

 

    


  


Total current liabilities

  

 

258,718

 

  

 

161,794

 

    


  


Long-term debt

  

 

258,213

 

  

 

257,280

 

Other non-current liabilities

  

 

8,019

 

  

 

292

 

    


  


Commitments and contingencies

                 

Stockholders’ deficit:

                 

Preferred stock of $.01 par value. Authorized 25,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002

                 

Common stock of $.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 63,079,604 at March 31, 2003 and 63,087,398 at December 31, 2002; outstanding 52,012,617 at March 31, 2003 and 51,995,132 at December 31, 2002

  

 

631

 

  

 

630

 

Additional paid-in capital

  

 

35,916

 

  

 

34,640

 

Deferred compensation

  

 

(1,547

)

  

 

(771

)

Retained earnings

  

 

313,101

 

  

 

287,076

 

Accumulated other comprehensive gain/(loss)

  

 

1,129

 

  

 

(507

)

                   

Treasury stock, at cost (11,066,987 shares at March 31, 2003 and 11,092,266 shares at December 31, 2002)

  

 

(353,762

)

  

 

(354,355

)

    


  


Total stockholders’ deficit

  

 

(4,532

)

  

 

(33,287

)

    


  


Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

  

$

520,418

 

  

$

386,079

 

    


  


 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

    

Quarter Ended


 
    

March 31,

2003


    

March 31,

2002


 

Revenues

  

$

205,045

 

  

$

203,772

 

Costs and expenses:

                 

Cost of products sold

  

 

134,501

 

  

 

126,816

 

Selling, general and administrative

  

 

27,255

 

  

 

22,229

 

Loss on investments

  

 

—  

 

  

 

1,031

 

    


  


Total costs and expenses

  

 

161,756

 

  

 

150,076

 

    


  


Earnings from operations

  

 

43,289

 

  

 

53,696

 

Other expenses and income:

                 

Interest expense

  

 

3,341

 

  

 

3,222

 

Other (income) and expenses

  

 

(902

)

  

 

(1,003

)

    


  


Total other expenses and income

  

 

2,439

 

  

 

2,219

 

    


  


Earnings before income taxes

  

 

40,850

 

  

 

51,477

 

Income taxes

  

 

14,825

 

  

 

18,900

 

    


  


Net earnings

  

$

26,025

 

  

$

32,577

 

    


  


Net earnings per common share, basic

  

$

0.50

 

  

$

0.60

 

    


  


Net earnings per common share, diluted

  

$

0.50

 

  

$

0.60

 

    


  


Shares used in computing net earnings per share, basic

  

 

52,012,242

 

  

 

53,876,265

 

    


  


Shares used in computing net earnings per share, diluted

  

 

52,198,668

 

  

 

54,526,871

 

    


  


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended


 
    

March 31,

2003


    

March 31,

2002


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                 

Net earnings

  

$

26,025

 

  

$

32,577

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

                 

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

  

 

3,706

 

  

 

2,597

 

Amortization of bond discount

  

 

933

 

  

 

1,150

 

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

  

 

256

 

  

 

381

 

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

  

 

(590

)

  

 

(806

)

Losses on equity investments

  

 

—  

 

  

 

1,031

 

Stock-based compensation charge

  

 

392

 

  

 

490

 

Changes in assets and liabilities which (decrease) increase cash flow:

                 

Accounts receivable

  

 

15,527

 

  

 

19,295

 

Inventories

  

 

(1,293

)

  

 

7,566

 

Prepaid expenses and other

  

 

(4,512

)

  

 

(814

)

Other liabilities

  

 

3,218

 

  

 

—  

 

Other assets

  

 

(1,396

)

  

 

281

 

Accounts payable

  

 

(24,715

)

  

 

(13,156

)

Accrued expenses and interest

  

 

(14,765

)

  

 

(4,210

)

Income taxes

  

 

9,828

 

  

 

18,946

 

Progress billings

  

 

8,230

 

  

 

(7,917

)

    


  


Total adjustments

  

 

(5,181

)

  

 

24,834

 

    


  


Net cash provided by operating activities

  

 

20,844

 

  

 

57,411

 

    


  


Cash flows from investing activities:

                 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

  

 

(7,249

)

  

 

(9,488

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

  

 

817

 

  

 

934

 

Investments in and advances to affiliated companies

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(4,907

)

Acquisition of remaining interest of VRMS

  

 

(1,000

)

  

 

—  

 

Acquisition of NCH, net of cash

  

 

(44,998

)

        

Payments of additional purchase price for acquisition of PreVision

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(8,000

)

Other

  

 

8

 

  

 

—  

 

    


  


Net cash used in investing activities

  

 

(52,422

)

  

 

(21,461

)

    


  


Cash flows from financing activities:

                 

Net payments under revolving line of credit

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(2,600

)

Repurchase of common stock

  

 

(18

)

  

 

(21,376

)

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

  

 

718

 

  

 

15,817

 

    


  


Net cash provided/(used) in financing activities

  

 

700

 

  

 

(8,159

)

    


  


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  

 

1,628

 

  

 

(53

)

Net (decrease)/increase in cash

  

 

(29,250

)

  

 

27,738

 

Cash at beginning of period

  

 

97,156

 

  

 

10,615

 

    


  


Cash at end of period

  

$

67,906

 

  

$

38,353

 

    


  


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                 

Cash paid during the period for interest

  

$

4,985

 

  

$

3,393

 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

  

$

1,892

 

  

$

9

 

Non-cash financing activities:

                 

Stock issued under stock-based compensation plan

  

$

1,094

 

  

$

1,121

 

 

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 Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. Certain amounts for 2002 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 the Company accounted for its stock options under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123

 

    

Quarter Ending March 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


 
    

(in thousands)

 

Net income, as reported

  

$

26,025

 

  

$

32,577

 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense

                 

included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

  

 

250

 

  

 

358

 

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

  

 

(2,239

)

  

 

(2,397

)

    


  


Pro forma net income

  

$

24,036

 

  

$

30,538

 

    


  


Earnings per share:

                 

Basic—as reported

  

$

0.50

 

  

$

0.60

 

Basic—pro forma

  

$

0.46

 

  

$

0.57

 

Diluted—as reported

  

$

0.50

 

  

$

0.60

 

Diluted—pro forma

  

$

0.46

 

  

$

0.56

 

 

3.   Acquisitions

 

On February 13, 2003, Valassis acquired 100% of the capital stock of NCH Marketing Services, Inc. (“NCH”) for $59.3 million cash, paid for out of existing cash on hand. NCH is the premier coupon processing and promotion information management company in the United States and worldwide. The combined product and services base of NCH and the Company allows the Company to provide integrated marketing solutions to our customs on a global basis. NCH had sales of $72.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002. The acquisition is being accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141. The Company is currently in the process of analyzing the fair value of assets purchased. Upon completion, the Company will finalize the purchase accounting entries and associated goodwill.

 

6


 

The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2003 includes the assets, liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive gain of NCH. The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income includes the financial results of NCH from February 14, 2003 to March 31, 2003. The financial results of NCH were not considered material for purposes of pro forma disclosure. Revenues consist primarily of processing fees for coupon audit and analysis, data and information management, data analytics, trade marketing programs, and the management and disbursement of customer funds for coupon administration. The Company does not recognize revenue, or cost of services, for the face value of coupons processed. Once coupon processing has been completed, fee revenues are recognized.

 

NCH’s principal executive offices are located in a leased office complex in Deerfield, Illinois. NCH owns and operates four production facilities: 279,000 square feet in Laredo, Mexico; 233,000 square feet in Juarez, Mexico; 233,000 square feet in Delicias, Mexico; and 28,000 square feet in Corby, England. NCH also owns a 29,000 square foot office facility and a 25,000 square foot warehouse in Corby, England. Additionally, NCH leases sales offices and production facilities in Laredo and El Paso, Texas; Milan, Italy; Aranjuez, Spain; Paris, France; and Hamburg, Germany.

 

The Company, after the acquisition of NCH, has minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2003 as follows:

 

 

Year Ending December 31,


    

(in thousands)


2003

    

$

7,675

2004

    

 

7,478

2005

    

 

7,153

2006

    

 

6,736

2007

    

 

6,003

Thereafter

    

 

17,530

      

      

$

52,575

      

 

4.   Foreign Currency and Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The functional currencies for the Company’s 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 the Company has exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound, and Euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. The Company typically purchases the Mexican peso under three to six-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Under SFAS No. 133, the Company’s 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 March 31, 2003, the Company recorded an unrealized market value loss of $8,000 in other comprehensive income. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. The Company had a commitment to purchase $3.7 million in Mexican pesos over the next three months at March 31, 2003.

 

7


5.   Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which requires an entity to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the related long-lived asset. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 143 as of January 1, 2003, and it did not have an effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit of Disposal Activities.” The statement applies to costs associated with an exit activity that does not involve an entity newly acquired in a business combination or with a disposal activity covered by SFAS No. 144. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 146 to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

 

During December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company does not intend to make a voluntary change in its method of accounting for stock options.

 

6.   Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

Intangible assets as of March 31, 2003 are comprised of (dollars in thousands):

 

    

Intangible Assets, at Cost


  

Accumulated Amortization at Mar. 31, 2003


      

Cumulative Impairment Loss Recognized at Mar. 31, 2003


    

Unamortized Balance at Mar. 31, 2003


    

Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)


Amortizable intangible assets

  

$

2,455

  

$

(868

)

    

$

—  

 

  

$

1,587

    

10.7

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

                                        

Goodwill:

                                        

FSI

  

 

65,401

  

 

(47,144

)

    

 

—  

 

  

 

18,257

      

Cluster-Targeted

  

 

4,195

  

 

(209

)

    

 

—  

 

  

 

3,986

      

1 to 1 Solutions

  

 

80,870

  

 

(2,432

)

    

 

(51,300

)

  

 

27,138

      

International & Services

  

 

64,228

  

 

—  

 

    

 

—  

 

  

 

64,228

      

ROP

  

 

3,599

  

 

(2,260

)

    

 

—  

 

  

 

1,339

      

The Valassis name and other

  

 

32,100

  

 

(20,759

)

    

 

—  

 

  

 

11,341

      
    

  


    


  

      

Total non-amortizable intangible assets

  

$

250,393

  

$

(72,804

)

    

$

(51,300

)

  

$

126,289

      
    

  


    


  

      

Total

  

$

252,848

  

$

(73,672

)

    

$

(51,300

)

  

$

127,876

      
    

  


    


  

      

 

8


On February 13, 2003, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of NCH for $59.3 million. While the Company is in the process of completing its purchase accounting, the goodwill associated with the NCH acquisition is $64.2 million as of March 31, 2003.

 

7.   Contingencies

 

On July 27, 2001 a federal court jury returned a verdict against Dennis D. Garberg & Associates, Inc. d/b/a The Sunflower Group (Sunflower) awarding the Company $16.6 million which included damages for past and future lost profits. The lawsuit, brought by the Company against Sunflower in February of 1999, asserted that Sunflower wrongfully obtained proprietary information from the Company’s newspaper delivered sampling business. On April 5, 2002, after a series of post-trial motions, the Court granted remittitur and entered a total judgment of approximately $5.4 million. On August 30, 2002, the Court vacated its judgment after remittitur and ordered a new trial on damages. Liability against Sunflower Group is established. A reasonable estimation of the Company’s ultimate recovery can not be made at this time and the Company has not recorded any amount in its financial statements.

 

The Company 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 the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

9


 

8.   Segment Reporting

 

The Company has five reportable segments: Free-Standing Inserts (FSIs), Cluster-Targeted Products, 1 to 1 Solutions, International & Services and ROP. These segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are subject to regular review by the Company’s chief operating decision makers. They are managed separately because each business requires different marketing strategies and caters to a different customer base.

 

(in millions)


  

Three Months Ended March 31,


    

FSI


  

ROP


  

Cluster-

Targeted


  

1 to 1 Solutions


      

International & Services


  

Total


2003

                                             

Revenues from external customers

  

$

127.7

  

$

7.6

  

$

45.8

  

$

10.4

 

    

$

13.5

  

$

205.0

Intersegment revenues

  

$

—  

  

$
 


  

  

$

—  

  

$

0.5

 

    

$

—  

  

$

0.5

Depreciation/amortization

  

$

2.3

  

$
 


  

  

$

0.5

  

$

0.4

 

    

$

0.4

  

$

3.6

Segment profit (loss)

  

$

40.7

  

$

0.5

  

$

2.4

  

$

(1.0

)

    

$

0.7

  

$

43.3

2002

                                             

Revenues from external customers

  

$

147.3

  

$

8.7

  

$

37.8

  

$

7.7

 

    

$

2.3

  

$

203.8

Intersegment revenues

  

$

—  

  

$
 


  

  

$

—  

  

$

—  

 

    

$

—  

  

$

—  

Depreciation/amortization

  

$

1.8

  

$
 


  

  

$

0.5

  

$

0.3

 

    

$

—  

  

$

2.6

Segment profit (loss)

  

$

49.3

  

$

1.0

  

$

3.9

  

$

(0.6

)

    

$

0.1

  

$

53.7

 

Reconciliations to consolidated financial statement totals are as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended March 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


 

Profit for reportable segments

  

$

43.3

 

  

$

53.7

 

Unallocated amounts:

                 

Interest (expense)

  

 

(3.3

)

  

 

(3.2

)

Other income and (expenses)

  

 

0.9

 

  

 

1.0

 

    


  


Earnings before taxes

  

$

40.9

 

  

$

51.5

 

    


  


Domestic and foreign revenues for each of the three-month periods ended March 31 were as follows:

 

    

2003


  

2002


United States

  

$

197.9

  

$

202.7

Foreign

  

 

7.1

  

 

1.1

    

  

Total

  

$

205.0

  

$

203.8

    

  

 

10


9.   Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per common share (“EPS”) data were computed as follows:

 

    

Three Months

Ended March 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


 

Net Earnings

  

$

26,025

 

  

$

32,577

 

    


  


Basic EPS:

                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  

 

52,012

 

  

 

53,876

 

    


  


Earnings per common share—basic

  

$

0.50

 

  

$

0.60

 

    


  


Diluted EPS:

                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  

 

52,012

 

  

 

53,876

 

Weighted average shares purchased on exercise of dilutive options

  

 

1,121

 

  

 

5,366

 

Shares purchased with proceeds of options

  

 

(1,018

)

  

 

(4,731

)

Shares contingently issuable

  

 

83

 

  

 

16

 

    


  


Shares applicable to diluted earnings

  

 

52,198

 

  

 

54,527

 

    


  


Earnings per common share—diluted

  

$

0.50

 

  

$

0.60

 

    


  


 

Unexercised employee stock options to purchase 4,971,905 shares of the Company’s common stock as of March 31, 2003 were not included in the computations of diluted EPS because the options exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the period.

 

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” 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 the Company 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 the Company’s existing competitors; new competitors in any of the Company’s businesses; a shift in customer preference for different promotional materials, promotional strategies or coupon delivery methods; an unforeseen increase in the Company’s 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. The Company 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 leads the marketing services industry by connecting people to brands through our wide range of products and services. We are committed to providing innovative, integrated marketing solutions to maximize the efficiencies and effectiveness of promotions of our customers in a wide range of industries. The Company has five reportable segments: Free-standing inserts (FSI), Run-of-press (ROP), Cluster-targeted products, 1 to 1 Solutions and International and Services.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002

 

Revenues increased 0.6% to $205.0 million for the first quarter of 2003 from $203.8 million for the first quarter of 2002. Free-standing insert (FSI) revenues were $127.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, down 13.2% from the same quarter last year. The decrease is primarily due to loss in market share, as well as a decline in pricing as the Company attempts to normalize market share. Revenues for cluster-targeted products increased 21.2% to $45.8 million for the quarter. The increase is attributed to an expanding customer base and an increase in customer new product introductions. Revenues included $7.6 million in ROP (run-of-press) sales; 1 to 1 Solutions revenue of $10.4 million, a 35.1% increase from the first quarter 2002 primarily due to the consolidation of VRMS; and International and Services revenue of $13.5 million which includes the revenue of NCH as of February 14, 2003.

 

Gross profit margin decreased to 34.4% in the first quarter of 2003, down from 37.8% in the first quarter of 2002. The decrease is largely due to declining prices and market share in the FSI market, as well as, a change in the mix of revenues from FSI to Cluster-targeted and 1 to 1 Solutions products, which command lower margins. This negative impact was partially offset by reduced paper costs. The Company has successfully placed the majority of its paper requirements under multi-year contracts, providing long-term cost stability.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 22.6% from $22.2 million in the first quarter of 2002 to $27.3 million in the first quarter of 2003. This increase is primarily the result of the consolidation of the financial results of both NCH and VRMS.

 

12


Earnings were $26.0 million for the first quarter of 2003 versus $32.6 million for the same period last year. Earnings decreased primarily as the result of a loss in market share and declining prices in the FSI market as well as a shift in revenues to lower margin products.

 

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Sources of Capital

 

The Company’s liquidity requirements arise mainly from its working capital needs, primarily accounts receivable, inventory and debt service requirements. The Company does not offer financing to its customers. FSI 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. The Company inventories its work in progress at cost while it accrues progress billings as a current liability at full sales value. Although the Company receives considerable payments from its customers prior to publication of promotions, revenue is recognized only upon publication dates. Therefore, the progress billings on the balance sheet include any profits in the related receivables and accordingly, the Company can operate with low, or even negative, working capital.

 

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $67.9 million at March 31, 2003 versus $97.2 million at December 31, 2002. This was the result of cash provided by operating and financing activities of $20.8 million and $700,000, respectively, and cash used in investing activities of $52.4 million during the first quarter of 2003.

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities decreased to $20.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, primarily due to the negative working capital position required by NCH’s operations.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $50.8 million. The Company paid $59.3 million ($45.0 million, net of cash acquired) for the purchase of NCH in the first quarter of 2003. The Company also paid $1.0 million for the remaining minority interest of VRMS during the first quarter of 2003.

 

Cash flow provided from financing activities was $700,000 as compared to cash used from financing activities of $8.2 million in the first quarter of 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to less shares repurchased in the first quarter of 2003 due to the NCH acquisition.

 

As of March 31, 2003, the Company’s debt balance is $258.2 million, which consists of $100.0 million of its 6-5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 and $158.2 million of Zero Coupon Convertible Notes due 2021 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Company maintains a $125 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 matures in November 2006 and contains a provision whereby the Company may request an increase in the line of credit to up to $175 million.

 

The holders of the Convertible Notes may require the Company to purchase all or a portion of their notes on June 6, 2004, June 6, 2006, June 6, 2011 and June 6, 2016, at a price of $602.74, $639.73, $742.43 and $861.62 per note, respectively, payable in cash or common stock at the option of the Company in 2004 and 2006 and cash only in 2011 and 2016. Also, each holder may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s notes if a change of control of the Company occurs on or before June 6, 2006. The Company, at its option, may redeem all or a portion of the Convertible Notes at their accreted value at any time on or after June 6, 2006, for cash.

 

13


The Company intends to use cash generated by operations to meet interest and principal repayment obligations, for general corporate purposes, to reduce its indebtedness, make acquisitions and from time to time to repurchase stock through the Company’s stock repurchase program.

 

As of March 31, 2003, the Company had authorization to repurchase an additional 1.9 million shares of its common stock under its existing share repurchase program.

 

Management believes that the Company 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.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures were $7.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2003 largely representing the addition of a new printing press. Management expects future capital expenditure requirements of approximately $18 million over each of the next three to five years to meet increased capacity needs and to replace or rebuild equipment as required. It is expected that equipment will be purchased using funds provided by operations.

 

Business Outlook

 

The following statements are based on current expectations. These statements are forward looking and actual results may differ materially.

 

  FSI revenues are expected to be down 12%–16% for the year, due primarily to a reduction in market share and resultant slight decline in price. FSI margin percentage is projected to be down only slightly, due to efficiencies driven by a reduction in the 2003 published date schedule, which will include 40 dates, versus 45 in 2002. The Company expects that it will publish more than 8 custom co-ops (FSIs sponsored by a single corporation) in 2003. FSI circulation is expected to remain flat with 2002.

 

  ROP revenues are expected to be up 10%–15% for the year, due to additional sales resources that have been added and are successfully in place.

 

  Annual cluster targeted product revenues are expected to be up 10%–15% for 2003. Solo insert revenue is projected to increase due to an expanded customer base. Polybag sampling/advertising is expected to grow as a result of more new client product introductions.

 

  One-to-one revenues are expected to be up 25%–30% for 2003.

 

  FSI cost of goods sold on a unit basis, is expected to be down by a low single-digit percentage for the year. The Company has placed over 85% of its FSI paper requirements for the year under long term contracts, providing a stable cost environment for this commodity.

 

  Free cash flow is projected to be between $100 million–$110 million for the year. Capital expenditures will be approximately $18 million.

 

14


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 2, “Significant Accounting Policies”, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. The Company 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. As described in Note 3, “Adoption of SFAS No. 141 and 142” of this Form 10-Q, the accounting treatment for goodwill and other intangible assets changed effective January 1, 2002.

 

Revenue Recognition—Revenue for newspaper-delivered promotions is recognized in the period the product is distributed in the newspaper. In accordance with industry practice, the Company 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 newspaper are recognized in revenue when the product is shipped or the service is performed. Revenues for processing coupons for payment does not include the face value of coupons processed. Once coupon processing has been completed, fee revenues are recognized.

 

Stock Compensation—The Company 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. The Company 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.

 

15


Derivative Financial Instruments—The Company typically purchases the Mexican peso under three to six-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. Under SFAS No. 133, the Company’s 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. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed.

 

Other Matters—The Company does not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “variable interest entities.”

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

The Company’s principal market risks are interest rates on various debt instruments and foreign exchange rates at the Company’s international subsidiaries.

 

Interest Rates

 

The Company 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 quarter ended March 31, 2003, there was no outstanding balance under this line of credit and, therefore, no exposure to interest rate risk.

 

Foreign Currency

 

Currencies to which the Company has exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound, and Euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. The Company typically purchases the Mexican peso under three to six-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Under SFAS No. 133, the Company’s 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 March 31, 2003, the Company recorded an unrealized market value loss of $8,000 in other comprehensive income. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. The Company has a commitment to purchase $3.7 million in Mexican pesos over the next three months at March 31, 2003.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Within the 90 days prior to the filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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 Acct Rule 13a-14. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion. There have been no significant changes in internal controls, or in factors that could significantly affect internal controls, subsequent to the date the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer completed their evaluation.

 

16


Part II—Other Information

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

On July 27, 2001 a federal court jury returned a verdict against Dennis D. Garberg & Associates, Inc. d/b/a The Sunflower Group (Sunflower) awarding the Company $16.6 million which included damages for past and future lost profits. The lawsuit, brought by the Company against Sunflower in February of 1999, asserted that Sunflower wrongfully obtained proprietary information from the Company’s newspaper delivered sampling business. On April 5, 2002, after a series of post-trial motions, the Court granted remittitur and entered a total judgment of approximately $5.4 million. On August 30, 2002, the Court vacated its judgment after remittitur and ordered a new trial on damages. Liability against Sunflower Group is established. A reasonable estimation of the Company’s ultimate recovery can not be made at this time and the Company has not recorded any amount in its financial statements.

 

The Company 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 the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

Under section 10A(i)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as added by Section 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company is responsible for listing the non-audit services approved in the first quarter of 2003 by the Company’s Audit Committee to be performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s external independent auditor. Non-audit services are defined in the law as services other than those provided in connection with an audit or a review of the financial statements of the Company. During the quarterly period covered by this filing, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of Deloitte & Touche LLP for the following non-audit services: (1) tax consultation relating to the NCH transaction; (2) review of Federal and State tax returns for the Company and its subsidiaries; and (3) consulting relating to various state tax matters. These services have been approved in accord with a pre-approval from the Audit Committee.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

a.

  

Exhibits

    
    

99.1      Section 906 Certification from Alan F. Schultz

    
    

99.2      Section 906 Certification from Robert L. Recchia

    

b.

  

Form 8-K

    
    

(1)         The Company filed a report on Form 8-K, dated February 13, 2003, announcing that it purchased 100% of the capital stock of NCH Marketing Services, Inc.

    
    

(2)         The Company filed a report on Form 8-K/A, dated April 29, 2003, containing the required financial statements and unaudited combined pro forma financial information related to the purchase of NCH Marketing Services, Inc.

    
    

(3)         The Company filed a report on Form 8-K, dated May 1, 2003, announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

    

 

 

 

 

 

17


 

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: May 12, 2003

 

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.

 

18


CERTIFICATION

 

I, Alan F. Schultz, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Valassis Communications, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

 

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

 

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Date: May 12, 2003

 

/s/    Alan F. Schultz


Alan F. Schultz

Chief Executive Officer

 

19


CERTIFICATION

 

I, Robert L. Recchia, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Valassis Communications, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

 

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

 

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Date: May 12, 2003

 

/s/    Robert L. Recchia


Robert L. Recchia

Chief Financial Officer

 

20