Form 10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-K

 


(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.

 



PART I

Item 1. Business

The Company

Valassis provides a wide range of marketing products and services to a variety of premier manufacturers, direct marketers, retailers, telecommunications companies, franchisees and other advertisers. We provide these products and services at the market, neighborhood and household targeted levels and can combine all three levels of targeting into a single campaign. Valassis uses the term “integrated solution” to describe the use of three or more of our products/services together in a single promotional campaign. We are committed to providing innovative marketing solutions to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of promotions for our customers.

Valassis provides the following products and services to our customers:

Market Delivered Products – products that reach a large area at a low cost:

 

   

Cooperative Free-standing Inserts (FSI) – four-color promotional booklets containing the coupons of multiple advertisers (cooperative) that are distributed to approximately 60 million households through newspapers and shared mail with additional distribution available to rural or Hispanic markets, as well as customized FSIs (custom co-ops) featuring multiple brands of a single customer; and

 

   

Run of Press (ROP) – brokering of advertising printed directly on pages of newspapers.

Neighborhood Targeted Products – products that are targeted based on geographic and demographic targeting characteristics:

 

   

Preprinted Inserts – specialized print promotion programs in a variety of formats for single advertisers;

 

   

Newspaper-delivered Product Sampling – customer product samples inserted into newspapers or placed in a polybag with the newspapers;

 

   

Newspaper Polybag Advertising – full-color advertising message on a newspaper polybag without a sample; and

 

   

Door Hangers – product samples and advertisements delivered directly to the consumer’s door.

Household Targeted Products – products and services that target individuals:

 

   

Direct Mail Advertising/Sampling – targeted direct-mail programs often based on frequent shopper data that may also include customer product samples;

 

   

Software and Analytics – proprietary software solutions that manage and analyze frequent shopper data; and

 

   

Internet-delivered promotions.

International & Services:

 

   

Coupon clearing, promotion information management products and marketing services with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and China; and

 

   

Promotion security and consulting services; and

 

   

In-Store promotions joint venture.

 

2


Market Delivered Products

Cooperative Free-standing Inserts

Cooperative free-standing inserts (FSIs) are four-color promotional booklets containing promotions from multiple customers, printed by us at our own facilities and distributed through newspapers and shared mail. In 2006, we inserted our traditional cooperative FSIs in approximately 800 newspapers with a combined average newspaper circulation of approximately 60 million on 42 publishing dates. Valassis also produces customized FSIs (custom co-ops) featuring multiple brands of a single customer.

Additionally, Valassis produces specialty FSIs including the Extended Reach insert for smaller rural communities which reaches 4.1 million households in the U.S., and the Hispanic FSI which reaches 4.0 million households in Spanish-language newspapers.

The majority of cooperative FSI business is conducted under long-term contracts, which currently average 28 months in duration. Under these contracts, customers typically guarantee Valassis a percentage of their cooperative FSI pages at agreed upon pricing covering a specified amount of time. The FSI offers product category exclusivity for its customers so that competing products in the same product category will not be printed in the same FSI book. If a category is not available on the date requested, the customer has the option to use our competitor’s FSI or select another date from Valassis to include their promotion. Due to this environment, many customers reserve their space well in advance of the actual promotion date.

We typically develop our annual publication schedule approximately 9 to 12 months in advance of the first publication date for each year and customers may reserve space at any time thereafter. Valassis Marketing Services Consultants work closely with customers to select their FSI publication dates from our schedule and coordinate all aspects of FSI printing and publication. Our proprietary order entry and ad placement software allows us to produce as many different FSI versions as customers require, typically over 550 different layout versions per publication date. By offering different versions in different markets, we offer our customers greater flexibility to target precise geographic areas or tailor promotional offers to particular markets by varying coupon values, promotion copy and terms of the promotional offer.

At the end of the selling cycle for each cooperative FSI program, there is generally space in the booklet that has not been sold. This “remnant” space is sold at a discounted price, primarily to direct response marketers, who are placed on a waiting list for space that may become available. We select direct mail marketers as remnant space customers on the basis of a number of factors, including price, circulation, reputation and credit-worthiness. Direct response customers are subject to being “bumped” in favor of a regular price customer in need of space at the last minute. Remnant space represents less than 20% of the FSI pages annually and the revenue is included in total cooperative FSI sales for financial reporting purposes.

The cost components of the FSI are media distribution, paper and manufacturing/transportation costs, which represented approximately 42%, 33% and 25% of the total FSI cost, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Total cooperative FSI sales during the year ended December 31, 2006 were $441.2 million, or 42.3% of our total revenue. The top 10 FSI customers accounted for approximately 45% of FSI sales during the year ended December 31, 2006, and Procter & Gamble (“P&G”) accounted for just over 20% of FSI sales for the same period. The loss of all or even a portion of the business attributed to P&G or a significant reduction in pricing could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition. See Item 1A Risk Factors: “We currently rely on a single customer for a significant portion of our revenues.”

Run of Press (ROP)

Valassis offers its customers the ability to run their promotional advertising directly on the pages of newspapers by brokering advertising space. We offer our customers the flexibility to run promotional advertising in any number of the available newspapers in our network of over 13,000 newspapers. The short lead time associated with this business makes this medium attractive for last-minute marketing decisions by our customers.

Media is the major cost component of ROP distribution, which generally accounts for approximately 99% of our total direct ROP costs. We believe that our customers use Valassis to place ROP advertising because of our ability to negotiate favorable media rates, our experience in selecting the best newspapers to meet our customers’ needs, our well-developed production and national network placement capabilities and our ability to integrate ROP programs with our other products and services.

 

3


Total ROP sales during the year ended December 31, 2006, were $116.9 million, or 11.2% of our total revenue. The top 10 ROP customers accounted for 44% of the ROP business for the year ended December 31, 2006 and one ROP customer accounted for approximately 35% of ROP.

Neighborhood Targeted Products

Preprinted Inserts

Valassis provides customers with print and media placement of traditional free-standing solo insert formats, as well as specialty print promotion products in customized formats such as die-cuts, posters and calendars. Because these promotions feature only one customer, the customer has the ability to create a completely individualized promotion. This allows customers the flexibility to run promotions any day of the week in newspapers throughout the United States and to efficiently target these promotions using approximately 89,000 newspaper zones. We specialize in producing full-service promotions for a wide range of customers allowing orders to be placed on a national, regional or local basis.

Polybag Advertising and Sampling

Valassis offers newspaper-delivered or direct-to-door sampling products that give manufacturers the ability to reach over 50 million households. Samples can either be machine-inserted into newspapers (Newspac®), placed in a polybag around the newspaper, or pre-sealed in a pouch that forms part of the polybag (Newspouch® ). In addition, Brand Bagand Brand Bag+offer customers the opportunity to deliver an impactful advertising message on a newspaper polybag without including a sample. The bags feature the customer’s advertising with the option of a weather-resistant tear-off coupon.

Neighborhood Targeted products generated revenue of $315.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2006, or 30.2% of our total revenue. The top 10 customers accounted for approximately 38% of Neighborhood Targeted sales during the year ended December 31, 2006, and no customer accounted for over 10% of Neighborhood Targeted sales during the same period.

Household Targeted Products

Direct Mail

Valassis produces direct-mail programs based on multiple data sources, including frequent shopper card data. These programs may utilize Valassis’ internal variable image print capability, Valassis Relationship Marketing Systems’ (VRMS) software analytics and purchase history data from approximately 47 million households.

Software and Analytics

Valassis provides proprietary software solutions for customers to manage and analyze frequent shopper data. Over 40 retail customers license our software products.

Household Targeted revenue during the year ended December 31, 2006, totaled $58.9 million, or 5.6% of our total revenue. The top 10 customers accounted for approximately 62% of Household Targeted revenue in 2006, with one customer accounting for approximately 26% of Household Targeted revenue during the same period.

International & Services

NCH Marketing Services, Inc. (NCH)

NCH is a provider of coupon clearing, promotion information management products and marketing services in the United States, Europe and China and has production facilities in Mexico. Services include retailer coupon clearing, manufacturer redemption and promotion analysis. During 2006, approximately 51% of NCH revenues were from Europe.

Valassis Canada

This 100% owned subsidiary provides promotional products and services in Canada, such as FSIs reaching over 5 million Canadian households, as well as other promotion products and services.

 

4


Promotion Watch, Inc.

Promotion Watch offers a variety of promotion security and consulting services, including the execution of sweepstakes and contests. Promotion Watch helps customers with the entire promotion process, from preliminary planning, through the writing of official rules, overseeing the printing and placement of winning pieces and conducting background investigations of winners.

International & Services generated revenue of $111.4 million in 2006, or 10.7% of our total revenue. The top 10 customers accounted for approximately 27% of International & Services sales in 2006. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of this segment’s revenue.

Competition

Market Delivered Products

Our cooperative FSI competes principally with News America Marketing FSI, a company owned by The News Corporation. We compete for business primarily on the basis of the following:

 

   

price;

 

   

category availability;

 

   

targeting ability;

 

   

ability to integrate with other products;

 

   

program development consulting;

 

   

customer service and sales relationships; and

 

   

lead times.

In the past, new competitors have tried to establish themselves in the FSI market with the result of an increase in the number of FSI programs. This caused periods of intense price competition and higher costs due to a decrease in pages per FSI program. However, we believe that currently there are substantial barriers to entry for a new competitor to enter the FSI market due to what we believe are the monopolistic and anti-competitive practices of News America Marketing FSI and News America Marketing In-Store Services. Specifically, we believe News America Marketing FSI illegally ties its FSI sales to products in the in-store promotions market, a market that we believe News America Marketing In-Store Services has effectively monopolized.

Our principal competitor in the cooperative FSI market, News America Marketing FSI, continues to compete aggressively for FSI business. As a consequence, prices were down in 2006 in comparison to 2005. While the industry grew by approximately 1%, our market share decreased slightly. The combination of these factors resulted in declining revenues and profitability for our FSI business. During the fourth quarter of 2005, and again in 2006, we renegotiated a contract with a major client to extend pricing similar to what had been provided by our competitor. This pricing took effect in 2006 and we anticipate pricing to be down in 2007 compared to 2006. In addition, some of our competitors, particularly News America, have substantially greater financial resources than we do.

It is possible that alternative media or changes in promotional strategies could make our products less attractive to our customers and could cause a loss of demand for our products and services.

Our Market Delivered products also compete with several newspaper network groups in the ROP market. While entering the ROP business does not require a significant investment in machinery and equipment, it does require a significant investment in systems and people in order to compete in today’s environment. An increase in the number of run-of-press competitors could result in a loss of market share.

 

5


Neighborhood Targeted Products

Our Neighborhood Targeted segment competes against commercial printers and media placement agencies for solo specialized promotional programs for single advertisers. While both types of competitors have a history of competing on the basis of price to increase volume and improve economies of scale, commercial printers tend to be particularly aggressive during the periods when they have unused capacity. In addition, we compete with Sunflower Marketing for polybag advertising and sampling. To the extent our competitors in these businesses decide to compete more aggressively on price due to excess capacity or for other reasons, it could have a material negative effect on our revenue and profit margins.

Household Targeted Products

Our Household Targeted segment competes against full-service direct mail providers, commercial letter shops and direct/loyalty marketing agencies. To the extent that our competitors in this business decide to compete more aggressively on price, it could lower our market share and negatively affect our revenue and profit margins.

International & Services

In our International & Services segment, NCH competes against Carolina Manufacturing Services and Carolina Services, both owned by Inmar, Inc., and International Outsourcing Services, LLC for coupon clearing services in the United States. To the extent that our competitors in this business decide to compete more aggressively on price, it could lower our market share and negatively affect our revenue and profit margins.

Customers

One customer, Procter & Gamble, accounted for slightly more than 10% of our consolidated revenues during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues during the year ended December 31, 2004.

Employees

As of December 31, 2006, we had approximately 3,600 full-time employees worldwide. Approximately 1,500 are employed in the United States. None of our United States employees are represented by labor unions; however, some of our foreign employees are represented by labor unions. We consider labor relations with employees to be good and have not experienced any interruption of our operations due to labor disagreements.

Raw Materials

We purchase a significant portion of our paper requirements from three paper companies under long-term contracts to protect us against the risk of price fluctuations. These contracts limit the amount of any increase or decrease (to approximately 10% in any twelve month period) in our cost of paper purchased from these suppliers, which cost can be adjusted quarterly.

Segment Reporting

For segment financial information for the years 2006, 2005 and 2004, see the table titled “Results of Operations” presented under “Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in Note 12 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Availability of Filings

Valassis makes all of its reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) available, free of charge, on its Web site at www.valassis.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

During 2006, Valassis’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provided to the New York Stock Exchange the annual CEO certification regarding Valassis’ compliance with the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards.

 

6


Item 1A. Risk Factors

A wide range of factors could materially affect Valassis’ future developments and performance, particularly the statements made in the “Business Outlook” section. Factors affecting our operations and future financial performance include the risks and uncertainties set forth below:

Risk Factors Relating to our Business

Increased competition could reduce the demand for our products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

Our products that reach a large area at low cost, which we refer as to our Market Delivered products compete in the cooperative FSI business principally with News America Marketing FSI, a company owned by The News Corporation. We compete for business primarily on the basis of the following:

 

   

price;

 

   

category availability;

 

   

targeting ability;

 

   

ability to integrate with other products;

 

   

program development consulting;

 

   

customer services and sales relationships; and

 

   

lead times.

In the past, new competitors have tried to establish themselves in the FSI market resulting in an increase in the number of FSI programs. This caused periods of intense price competition and higher costs due to a decrease in pages per FSI program. However, we believe that currently there are substantial barriers to entry for a new competitor to enter the FSI market due to what we believe are the monopolistic and anti-competitive practices of News America Marketing FSI and News America Marketing In-Store Services. Specifically, we believe News America Marketing FSI illegally ties its FSI sales to products in the in-store promotions market, a market that we believe News America Marketing In-Store Services has effectively monopolized.

News America Marketing FSI has been competing aggressively for FSI business. As a consequence, FSI prices trended downward in 2006 compared to 2005, and we expect FSI prices to continue to trend downward in 2007 similar to the decline experienced in 2006 of approximately 10%. We cannot predict when, or if, FSI prices will stabilize or increase. While the cooperative FSI industry grew 1% in 2006, our FSI market share decreased. The combination of these factors has resulted in decreasing revenues and profitability for our FSI business. During the fourth quarter of 2005, and again in 2006, we renegotiated a contract with a major customer to extend FSI pricing similar to what had been provided by our competitor. Our renegotiation of existing contracts during 2006 with certain FSI customers as a result of the FSI pricing environment will also contribute to the pricing decline. When FSI contracts come up for renewal, we may not be able to renew them on favorable terms or at all. In addition, some of our competitors, particularly News America, have substantially greater financial resources than we do. Accordingly, these competitors may be better able to withstand changes in conditions within the industries in which we operate and may have significantly greater operating and financial flexibility than we do. These competitors could take a greater market share and cause us to lose business from our customers.

In addition, it is possible that alternative media or changes in promotional strategies could make our products less attractive to our customers and could cause a loss of demand for our products and services.

Our Market Delivered products also compete with several newspaper network groups in the ROP market. While entering the ROP market does not require a significant investment in machinery and equipment, it does require a significant investment in systems and people in order to compete effectively. An increase in the number of ROP competitors could result in a loss of market share.

Our Neighborhood Targeted segment competes against commercial printers and media placement agencies for solo specialized promotional programs for single advertisers. While both types of competitors have a history of competing on the basis of price to increase volume and improve economies of scale, commercial printers tend to be particularly aggressive during periods when they have unused capacity. In addition, we compete with Sunflower Marketing with respect to our polybag advertising and sampling products. To the extent our competitors in these businesses decide to compete more aggressively on price due to excess capacity or for other reasons it could materially negatively affect our revenue and profit margins.

 

7


In our International & Services segment, our subsidiary, NCH Marketing Services, Inc., competes against Carolina Manufacturing Services and Carolina Services, both owned by Inmar, Inc., and International Outsourcing Services, LLC for coupon clearing and redemption services in the United States. To the extent that our competitors in this business decide to compete more aggressively on price, it could lower our market share and negatively affect our revenue and profit margin.

Significant increases in the cost of paper, which are beyond our control, could adversely affect our financial health.

We are dependent upon the availability of paper to print our customers’ advertising circulars. Paper costs have historically experienced significant fluctuations. We have a limited ability to protect ourselves from these fluctuations or to pass increased costs along to our customers. A significant portion of our paper requirements is purchased from three paper companies under long-term contracts. These contracts limit the amount of any increase or decrease (to approximately 10% in any twelve-month period) in our cost of paper purchased from these suppliers, which cost can be adjusted quarterly. As of January 1, 2007, approximately 85% of our FSI paper requirements were purchased pursuant to certain long-term paper contracts which limit our exposure with respect to the price of paper during the terms of those contracts. However, when these contracts expire at the end of 2008, we may not be able to replace them with favorable terms or at all. Significant increases in the cost of paper could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Significant increases in our media rates could adversely affect our financial performance.

Currently, the largest cost component of our business is our media cost, which represents the payments that we make to newspapers for the insertion of our promotional materials. We have long-term contracts with certain newspapers providing for these services. When these newspaper contracts expire, we may not be able to replace them on favorable terms or at all. Further, ADVO’s existing competitive relationships with newspapers may negatively impact such negotiations. In addition, we may not be able to pass on to our customers any increases in our media costs. Any increase in media costs that we are unable to pass on to customers could adversely affect our results of operations.

We currently rely on a single customer for a significant portion of our revenues.

Many of our customers, particularly in our Market Delivered Products business segment, are packaged goods manufacturers. Our largest customer, Proctor & Gamble, or P&G, accounted for slightly more than 10% of our consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006. In October 2005, P&G completed its purchase of Gillette. Shortly thereafter, P&G requested that its contract with us be renegotiated to reflect pricing similar to those contained in Gillette’s prior contract with one of our competitors, resulting in a decrease in the pricing contained in our contract with P&G. During 2006, given the FSI pricing environment we again reduced our FSI pricing to P&G. The loss of all or even a portion of the business attributed to P&G or a significant reduction in pricing could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.

Because we self insure a number of our benefit plans, unexpected changes in claim trends may negatively impact our financial condition.

We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation program and medical benefits claims. Unexpected changes in claim trends, including the severity and frequency of claims, actuarial estimates and medical cost inflation could result in costs that are significantly different than initially reported. If future claims-related liabilities increase due to unforeseen circumstances, our self-insurance costs could increase significantly.

The uncertainty of current economic and political conditions make budgeting and forecasting difficult and may reduce sales promotion spending.

The future direction of the overall domestic and global economies could have a significant impact on our business. The potential for future terrorist attacks, increased global conflicts and the escalation of existing conflicts has created worldwide uncertainties that may have a negative impact on demand for our products. Because all components of our budgeting and forecasting, as well as that of our customers, are dependent upon estimates of growth in the markets served and demand for our products and services, the prevailing economic uncertainties may render estimates of future income and expenditures even more difficult to make than usual. Future events that may not have been anticipated could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

8


We may be unable to consummate our pending acquisition of ADVO. If we do consummate the pending acquisition, we will be required to incur a substantial amount of additional indebtedness which could adversely affect our financial health and make it more difficult for us to service our debt or obtain additional financing in the future, if necessary.

Our pending acquisition of ADVO is expected to close in the first half of March 2007. However, the acquisition is subject to approval of the amended merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of ADVO common stock at a special meeting scheduled to be held on February 22, 2007 and the absence of any injunction or other legal restraint prohibiting the merger. These conditions may not be satisfied. If the merger is not completed for any reason, our reputation, results of operations and financial condition may be harmed.

If we do consummate the proposed acquisition, we will be required to incur a substantial amount of additional indebtedness. We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow or otherwise obtain funds necessary to meet those debt obligations, in which case we would default under the terms of the applicable financing agreements. Any such default would likely result in the acceleration of the repayment obligations to such lenders, as well as the acceleration of all of our outstanding debt. Our assets or cash flow may not be sufficient to fully repay such debts, if accelerated, or we may not be able to refinance or restructure the payments on such debt. As a result, we could be forced into bankruptcy or litigation. Even if we are able to meet our debt service obligations, our substantial indebtedness could affect our financial health and limit our ability to obtain any necessary financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, or other purposes.

If we are unable to obtain sufficient financing in order to consummate our pending merger with ADVO, we would be in default under the terms of the amended merger agreement and could be forced into bankruptcy or litigation.

 

9


The acquisition of ADVO is significantly larger than any other acquisition we have made to date and could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition if we are not able to successfully integrate the acquired business or if the expected benefits of the combination do not materialize.

The ADVO acquisition is our largest and most significant acquisition to date. Due to, among other things, the size of the acquisition and the litigation history between us and ADVO related to the acquisition, we may be unable to integrate ADVO into our operations in an efficient, timely and effective manner, which would result in our not realizing some or all of the contemplated benefits of the acquisition, as well as increased costs. Successful integration will require, among other things, combining the two companies’ business development efforts, key personnel, information technology development, geographically separate facilities and business and executive cultures. Realization of the expected benefits of the acquisition, including certain cost synergies, will also require implementation of appropriate operations, management and financial reporting systems and controls. We may experience difficulties in effectively implementing these systems and integrating ADVO’s systems and operations, particularly in light of ADVO’s newly implemented SDR system. Many of the controls implemented in connection with the launch of SDR are predominantly manual. While these controls are and have been effective, they are subject to human error and require additional time and effort and have resulted in delays in ADVO’s accounting closing process. There is no assurance that such controls will be automated in a timely and effective manner or at all. In addition, integrating ADVO will be a complex and time consuming process and will require significant attention from management and other personnel, which may distract their attention from the day-to-day business of the combined company.

The success of the acquisition will also depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated revenue and expense opportunities from combining the business of ADVO into our business and there is no assurance that our financial results will meet or exceed the financial results that would have been achieved absent the anticipated acquisition. If our integration of ADVO is not successful or if ADVO’s operations are less profitable than we currently anticipate, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We may fail to realize the benefits expected from the ADVO acquisition.

If we fail to realize the expected benefits of the acquisition, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Even if we are able to integrate our operations with those of ADVO successfully, we cannot assure you that we will realize the cost savings, synergies or revenue enhancement opportunities that we anticipate from such integration or that we will realize such benefits within our expected time frame. Our ability to realize anticipated cost savings, synergies or revenue enhancements may be affected by a number of factors, including the following:

 

   

our ability to effectively eliminate redundant administrative overhead and overlapping personnel and rationalize printing capacity is difficult to predict; accordingly, the actual amount and timing of the resulting cost savings are inherently difficult to estimate;

 

   

we may incur significant cash integration costs in achieving these cost savings, and any cost savings and other synergies from the ADVO acquisition may be offset by such integration costs;

 

   

the cost savings and other synergies may be offset by increases in other expenses, by operating losses or by problems unrelated to the ADVO acquisition; and

 

   

labor cost savings depend on the avoidance of labor disruptions in connection with the integration of the businesses.

These risk factors that may affect future performance and the accuracy of forward-looking statements are illustrative. Accordingly, all forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

 

10


Item 2. Properties

Our corporate headquarters are located in a leased office complex in Livonia, Michigan. We also lease sales offices in Costa Mesa, CA; Deerfield, IL; Dallas, TX; Lincoln, MA; Shelton, CT; Cincinnati, OH; Mississauga, Canada; Hamburg, Germany, Boulogne-Billancourt, France and Shanghai, China.

Below is a listing of our manufacturing and production facilities. These facilities generally have sufficient capacity to handle present volumes although, during periods of unusual demand, we may require services of a contract printer:

 

Location

 

Type

 

Owned/

Leased

 

Square

Footage

 

Primary Segment

Livonia, MI USA

  Printing/Warehouse   Owned   225,000   Neighborhood and Household Targeted

Livonia, MI USA

  Production   Owned   55,000   FSI/Neighborhood Targeted/ROP

Durham, NC USA

  Printing   Owned   188,000   FSI

Wichita, KS USA

  Printing   Owned   138,000   FSI

Mexicali, Mexico

  Production   Leased   125,000   Neighborhood Targeted

Calexico, CA USA

  Production   Leased   55,026   Neighborhood Targeted

Nuevo Laredo, Mexico

  Production   Owned   83,595   International & Services

Delicias, Mexico

  Production   Owned   83,595   International & Services

Corby, England

  Production/Office   Owned   82,000   International & Services

Juarez, Mexico

  Production   Owned   70,199   International & Services

Milan, Italy

  Production   Leased   15,070   International & Services

Aranjuez, Spain

  Production   Leased   15,000   International & Services

El Paso, TX USA

  Production   Leased   11,000   International & Services

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Valassis filed suit on August 30, 2006 in the Delaware Chancery Court to rescind its merger agreement with ADVO based on fraud, breach of contract and material adverse changes, alleging that ADVO management materially misrepresented the financial health of the company and failed to reveal internal control deficiencies and denied Valassis access to information. On September 8, 2006, ADVO filed an answer and counterclaims in response to Valassis’ complaint seeking, among other things, (i) a court declaration that Valassis has no right to rescind, terminate or otherwise evade its obligations under the merger agreement, (ii) specific performance requiring Valassis to consummate the acquisition at $37 per share, and (iii) a court order requiring Valassis to pay interest on the merger consideration. Valassis filed a reply and affirmative defenses to ADVO’s counterclaims on September 28, 2006 and amended its complaint on October 5, 2006 to include Michigan Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary, as a plaintiff to the litigation. On September 13, 2006, the Delaware Chancery Court set a trial schedule and ordered expedited discovery. On December 11, 2006, the parties commenced a trial in the Delaware Chancery Court. On December 18, 2006, Valassis and ADVO settled the lawsuit by amending the terms of their definitive merger agreement. Under the amended terms, Valassis will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of ADVO stock for $33 per share in cash, a decrease of $4.00 per share from the original price per share. If the merger is not completed by the later of (i) February 28, 2007 or (ii) the second business day following approval of the amended merger agreement by stockholders of ADVO, the consideration per share of ADVO common stock will be increased by interest, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on the $33.00 in cash per share of ADVO common stock at a rate per year equal to the sum of (i) the Federal Reserve discount rate as reported from time to time in The Wall Street Journal plus (ii) five hundred (500) basis points, increasing by a further one hundred (100) basis points at the beginning of each month thereafter (commencing April 1, 2007) from February 28, 2007 until the completion of the merger. As part of the agreement, the parties agreed to dismiss with prejudice their litigation in the Court of Chancery for New Castle County, Delaware.

On January 18, 2006, Valassis filed a lawsuit in Michigan Federal Court against News America Incorporated, a/k/a News America Marketing Group, News America Marketing FSI, Inc. a/k/a News America Marketing FSI, LLC and News America Marketing In-Store Services, Inc. a/k/a News America Marketing In-Store Services, LLC (collectively, “News”). The complaint alleges the violation of the Sherman Act, various state competitive statutes and the commission of torts by News in connection with the marketing and sale of FSI space and in-store promotion and advertising services. Specifically, the complaint alleges that News has tied the purchase of its in-store promotion and advertising services to the purchase of space in its FSI and that News has attempted to monopolize the FSI market. The complaint alleges damages in excess of $1.5 billion, injunctive relief and costs for violation of the Sherman Act. As of November 20, 2006, discovery commenced and the parties are now engaged in the discovery process.

 

11


Valassis is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

12


PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Valassis’ common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol VCI). The approximate number of record holders of Valassis’ common stock at December 31, 2006 was 237.

High and low stock prices during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 were:

 

     2006    2005
     Sales Price    Sales Price

Quarter Ended

   High    Low    High    Low

Mar. 31

   $ 30.11    $ 27.45    $ 38.08    $ 32.95

June 30

   $ 30.80    $ 23.40    $ 37.48    $ 33.74

Sept. 30

   $ 23.92    $ 17.43    $ 40.80    $ 36.29

Dec. 31

   $ 18.35    $ 14.22    $ 39.91    $ 28.72

Currently, Valassis has no plans to pay cash dividends. In addition, should Valassis change its dividend policy, the payment of future dividends would be dependent on covenants contained in its financing agreements, future earnings, capital requirements and other alternate uses of cash.

The following table provides information about Valassis’ purchases of equity securities that are registered by Valassis pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended December 31, 2006.

 

Period

  

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased

  

Average Price

Paid per Share

  

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

as Part of Publicly

Announced Plans

or Programs

  

Maximum Number

of Shares that May

Yet Be Purchased

Under the Plans or

Programs

Oct. 1 through Oct. 31

   —      —      —      6,091,825

Nov. 1 through Nov. 30

   —      —      —      6,091,825

Dec. 1 through Dec. 31

   —      —      —      6,091,825
                   

Total

   —      —      —      6,091,825
                   

In 2006, Valassis repurchased a total of 137,300 shares of its common stock at an average price of $28.47 per share, however, no shares were purchased during the quarter ended December 31, 2006. These shares have been repurchased under a 5 million share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors of Valassis on December 7, 2004. Previously announced repurchase programs of 5 million shares each, authorized in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2001, respectively, have been exhausted. On August 25, 2005, the Board authorized an additional open market share repurchase program for up to 5 million shares. Valassis suspended its share repurchase program in February, 2006, when it began to consider strategic alternatives, one of which was the pending ADVO acquisition.

 

13


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data and ratios)

 

     YEAR ENDED  
    

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31,

2005

   

Dec. 31,

2004

   

Dec. 31,

2003

   

Dec. 31,

2002

 
            

Revenues

   $ 1,043,491     $ 1,131,043     $ 1,044,069     $ 916,520     $ 852,296  

Net earnings

     51,282 (1)     95,396 (2)     100,747 (3)     103,708  (4)     95,254 (5)

Total assets

     801,426       697,683       737,965       692,754       386,079  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     259,931       259,896       273,703       259,819       257,280  

Net earnings per share, basic

     1.07       1.93       1.95       1.99       1.79  

Net earnings per share, diluted

     1.07       1.90       1.93       1.98       1.77  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (6)

     8.34 x     11.95 x     12.23 x     11.44 x     10.81 x

(1) Includes a $24.6 million charge, net of tax, incurred in relation to the pending ADVO acquisition, $8.8 million of which was related to termination of a swap contract and the premium on a swaption contract both entered into in contemplation of the necessary financing, and $15.8 million of which was related legal and professional costs pursuant to related litigation, as well as a $1.4 million charge, net of tax, related to the close-down of both the French agency business and the eSettlement business unit of NCH.
(2) Includes a $4.5 million restructuring charge, net of tax, related to headcount reductions and associated costs resulting from the integration of the components of our Household Targeted business segment, right-sizing of coupon-clearing operations in Europe and other efficiency-related headcount reductions.
(3) Includes a $4.1 million gain, net of tax, due to the settlement of a property insurance claim related to a fire at our Corby, England facility, and a $2.3 million write-off, net of tax, of a cost-basis Internet investment.
(4) Includes a $2.5 million refinance charge, net of tax, incurred in May 2003 related to the partial buy-back of the convertible debt issued in 2001.
(5) Includes a $35.3 million impairment charge, net of tax, related to goodwill and investments of VRMS, PreVision Marketing, LLC (“PreVision”) and a cost-basis Internet investment.
(6) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed by dividing (a) earnings before fixed charges, income taxes and extraordinary items by (b) fixed charges, which consist of interest expense, amortization of debt issuance costs and the interest portion of rent expense.

This information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Valassis and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

14


Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

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-K constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Valassis to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and to cause future results to differ from our operating results in the past. For a discussion of certain of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, see “Item 1A—Risk Factors.” There can be no assurances, however, that our expectations will necessarily come to pass. Valassis disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

GENERAL

Valassis reported revenues of $1,043.5 million for 2006, down 7.7% from 2005.

The cooperative FSI industry experienced a 1% unit (page) growth in 2006. While industry page growth was positive, our FSI market share decreased and overall FSI pricing declined approximately 10% in 2006, in comparison to 2005. These factors had a negative impact on profits in the FSI segment. Management anticipates 2007 FSI pricing to be down by a similar percentage versus 2006 as the result of an aggressive competitive environment and renegotiation of certain customer contracts. Due to the multi-year nature of FSI customer contracts, the economic impact of the competitive pricing environment will continue into future periods even if the pricing environment were to improve.

During 2006, we continued our strategy to grow and diversify our customer base. For the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the composition of our revenue is as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED  
    

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31,

2005

 
    

Consumer packaged goods manufacturers

   42 %   43 %

Telecommunications

   14 %   16 %

Specialty retailers

   13 %   15 %

Food service

   11 %   9 %

Direct response marketers

   7 %   6 %

Consumer services

   9 %   8 %

Grocery, drug and mass retailers

   3 %   2 %

Other types of customers

   1 %   1 %

In furtherance of our strategy to grow and diversify our customer base, on July 5, 2006, we, Michigan Acquisition Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary formed for the purpose of the acquisition, and ADVO entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which we agreed to acquire ADVO through the merger of Michigan Acquisition Corporation with and into ADVO, with ADVO surviving as our wholly-owned subsidiary. On August 30, 2006, we commenced litigation in the Delaware Chancery Court seeking to rescind the original merger agreement. On September 8, 2006, ADVO filed an answer denying our allegations and asserting counterclaims for specific performance and damages. On December 11, 2006, the parties commenced a trial in the Delaware Chancery Court. On December 18, 2006, we reached a settlement of this litigation pursuant to which the original merger agreement was amended and we, Michigan Acquisition Corporation and ADVO entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, which together with the Agreement and Plan of Merger, we refer to as the amended merger agreement. As part of the agreement, the parties agreed to dismiss with prejudice their litigation in the Court of Chancery for New Castle County, Delaware.

 

15


The acquisition is subject to approval of the amended merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of ADVO common stock at a special meeting scheduled to be held on February 22, 2007 and the absence of any injunction or other legal restraint prohibiting the merger. Pursuant to the terms of the amended merger agreement, the closing of the acquisition is required to occur no later than the second business day after satisfaction of these conditions; provided, however, that (so long as we comply with our obligation under the amended merger agreement to use reasonable best efforts to obtain the financing necessary to complete the acquisition) we are permitted to extend the closing date to not later than March 31, 2007 if and to the extent necessary or desirable in order to obtain such financing. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of March 2007.

At the effective time of the merger, each share of ADVO common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into the right to receive $33.00 in cash per share. If the merger is not completed by the later of (i) February 28, 2007 or (ii) the second business day following approval of the amended merger agreement by stockholders of ADVO, the consideration per share of ADVO common stock will be increased by interest, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on the $33.00 in cash per share of ADVO common stock at a rate per year equal to the sum of (i) the Federal Reserve discount rate as reported from time to time in The Wall Street Journal plus (ii) five hundred (500) basis points, increasing by a further one hundred (100) basis points at the beginning of each month thereafter (commencing April 1, 2007) from February 28, 2007 until the completion of the merger.

 

16


While we believe there continues to be growth opportunities in the U.S, we are also expanding our geographic reach by testing new media products in Europe and investments in Asia. In 2006, we continued to expand our new media products in France, Germany and Spain, while continuing to test in Italy.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, certain income and expense items and the percentages that such items bear to revenues:

 

     YEAR ENDED  
    

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31,

2005

   

Dec. 31,

2004

 
           % of           % of           % of  

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   Actual     Revenues     Actual     Revenues     Actual     Revenues  

Market Delivered products:

            

Free-standing Inserts

   $ 441.2     42.3 %   $ 504.5     44.6 %   $ 493.8     47.3 %

Run of Press

     116.9     11.2       122.5     10.8       114.2     10.9  

Neighborhood Targeted products

     315.1     30.2       339.0     30.0       275.2     26.4  

Household Targeted products

     58.9     5.6       63.2     5.6       61.8     5.9  

International & Services

     111.4     10.7       101.8     9.0       99.1     9.5  
                                          

Revenues

     1,043.5     100.0       1,131.0     100.0       1,044.1     100.0  

Cost of sales

     789.6     75.7       836.3     73.9       748.1     71.7  
                                          

Gross profit

     253.9     24.3       294.7     26.1       296.0     28.3  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     151.3     14.5       142.7     12.6       133.1     12.8  

Amortization of intangible assets

     0.6     0.1       0.6     0.1       0.3     —    

Goodwill and investment impairment charges

     —       —         —       —         3.5     0.3  
                                          

Earnings from operations

     102.0     9.8       151.4     13.4       159.1     15.2  

Other expenses and income

            

Interest expense

     24.7     2.4       10.9     1.0       11.4     1.1  

Other income

     (6.3 )   (0.6 )     (5.7 )   (0.5 )     (9.1 )   (0.9 )
                                          

Total other expenses and income

     18.4     1.8       5.2     0.5       2.3     0.2  
                                          

Earnings before income taxes

     83.6     8.0       146.2     12.9       156.8     15.0  

Income taxes

     32.3     3.1       50.8     4.5       56.1     5.4  
                                          

Net earnings

   $ 51.3     4.9 %   $ 95.4     8.4 %   $ 100.7     9.6 %
                                          

 

17


Revenues

Valassis reported revenues of $1,043.5 million in 2006, a decrease from 2005 revenue of $87.5 million, or 7.7%. The majority of this decline came in the FSI segment which continues to be negatively impacted by an intense competitive pricing environment. Valassis also experienced a significant decline in the Neighborhood Targeted segment.

Operating Costs

Cost of sales was $789.6 million in 2006 compared to $836.3 million in 2005 and $748.1 million in 2004, increasing as a percentage of revenue each year. Gross margin in 2006 was 24.3%, compared to 26.1% in 2005 and 28.3% in 2004. The continued decrease in gross margin percentage from 2006 compared to 2005 and 2004 was primarily the result of competitive pricing issues in the FSI segment. FSI unit costs were down slightly as the result of decreases in paper costs, media distribution rates and print costs. Additionally, the gross margin percentage was negatively impacted by a change in mix resulting in a larger percentage of sales from lower margin products.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased in 2006 to $151.4 million versus $142.7 million in 2005. This increase is primarily the result of $16.1 million in legal and professional expenses related to the merger agreement and related litigation between Valassis and ADVO incurred during 2006 as well as $3.6 million in expenses related to the close-down of the French agency business and eSettlement business unit of NCH. In 2005, restructuring charges of $6.9 million were recorded related to the full integration of the components of our Household Targeted business segment, which resulted in the elimination of PreVision as a stand-alone entity, right-sizing of coupon-clearing operations primarily in Europe and other efficiency-related headcount reductions. Without these unusual charges SG&A decreased despite the recognition of $5.5 million in stock option expense due to declines in performance-based incentive plans and headcount reductions made at the end of 2005.

Non-operating Items

Interest expense was $24.7 million in 2006, compared to $10.9 million in 2005 and $11.4 million in 2004. The increase in expense is due largely to $13.8 million in charges related to the termination of a $400 million interest-rate swap contract and premiums paid for two separate $400 million interest-rate swaption contracts. These contracts were entered into as a bridge hedge for a portion of the acquisition financing related to the pending ADVO acquisition. See Note 10 for further details regarding these interest-rate hedges.

Included in other income for 2004 is a $6.5 million gain due to the settlement of a property claim related to a fire at the Corby, England facility.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense represents 38.6% of earnings before income taxes in 2006 compared to 34.8% in 2005 and 35.8% in 2004. The increase in the effective tax rate is the result of the majority of the $16.1 million in legal and professional expenses incurred in 2006 related to the litigation between Valassis and ADVO, which was settled in December 2006, not being deductible.

Net Earnings

Net earnings were $51.3 million in 2006, a decrease of $44.1 million, or 46.2% compared to 2005. Reported results for 2006 include after-tax charges of $24.6 million related to the pending ADVO acquisition and related litigation which was settled in December 2006 and $1.4 million related to the close-down of both the French agency business and eSettlement business unit of NCH. These factors accounted for a decrease of $26.0 million, or 27.3% from 2005. The remaining decrease in 2006 was due primarily to the negative effects of the intense competitive pricing pressure in the FSI segment and lower volumes and competitive pricing pressure in the Neighborhood Targeted segment. Reported results for 2005 include after-tax restructuring charges of $4.5 million.

Net earnings were $95.4 million in 2005, a decrease of $5.3 million, or 5.3% over 2004. Reported results for 2005 include after-tax restructuring charges of $4.5 million. Reported results for 2004 included after-tax other income of $4.1 million, due to a property insurance claim settlement related to the Corby, England building fire and a $2.3 million, after tax, write-off of a cost-basis Internet investment. Without the effect of these charges, earnings would have shown an increase of 1.0% in 2005, despite the negative effects of the intense competitive pricing pressure in the FSI segment.

 

18


Diluted earnings per share were $1.07 in 2006, including the negative per-share impact of ADVO acquisition-related costs of $0.52 and the negative per-share impact of the close-down of both the French agency business and eSettlement business unit of NCH of $0.03. Diluted earnings per share were $1.90 in 2005, including the negative per-share effect of restructuring charges of $0.09, compared to $1.93 (including the per-share increase due to the property claim gain of $0.08 and the per-share effect of the investment write-off of $0.04) in 2004.

Segment Results

FSI

In 2006, FSI revenue decreased 12.5% to $441.2 million compared to 2005. The decrease in revenue was primarily the result of a decline in average pricing of approximately 10% as the intense competitive pricing environment continued in this segment. In addition, although industry volume was up approximately 1%, a slight decline in our market share resulted in a reduction in our pages produced. FSI unit costs were down approximately 3% as a result of reductions in the cost of paper, media insertion and printing. FSI segment profit was $65.9 million in 2006 versus $96.2 million in 2005 due primarily to pricing.

In 2005, FSI revenue increased 2.2% to $504.5 million compared to 2004. The increase in revenue was primarily the result of an increase in units (pages) due to industry growth and a gain in market share, offset by a slight reduction in co-op FSI pricing. The cooperative FSI industry continued to show unit growth with industry pages increasing by a percentage in the mid-single digits in 2005. FSI unit costs were up slightly as a result of mid-single digit percentage increases in paper costs.

Paper represents approximately 33% of the cost of sales for our FSI business. Valassis purchases a combination of coated and uncoated paper. To protect Valassis against the risk of price fluctuations, a significant portion of our paper requirements is purchased from three paper companies under long-term contracts. These contracts limit the amount of increases or decreases (to approximately 10% in any 12-month period) of Valassis’ cost of paper purchased from these suppliers. Such cost can be adjusted quarterly. As of January 1, 2007, approximately 85% of our FSI paper requirements were under long-term contract. The remainder of our paper requirement is bought pursuant to contracts that are typically three to six months in duration or on a spot basis.

ROP

ROP revenue decreased 4.6% to $116.9 million in 2006, from $122.5 million in 2005, primarily due to a shift in mix between full-service revenue and transaction-fee based business. Total ROP business placed was approximately $250 million in 2006. The telecommunications sector continues to drive this business and represented approximately 80% of total revenue. Segment profit was $14.0 million in 2006 versus $9.6 million in 2005. This gain in profitability is primarily due to the favorable impact of increased volume.

Revenue for ROP increased 7.3% in 2005 to $122.5 million from $114.2 million in 2004, due to acquisition of new retail and CPG customers. The gross margin in this segment also improved and operating profits grew in excess of 15% for 2005. Telecommunications advertising represented approximately 84% of our ROP business in 2005.

Neighborhood Targeted

Neighborhood Targeted revenue decreased 7.1% in 2006 to $315.1 million versus $339.0 million in 2005. The primary causes of this decrease were pull-backs in spending due to consolidations within the telecommunications and appliance manufacturing industries, as well as a decrease in spending by a major specialty retailer. The segment also experienced increased competitive pressure resulting in lower margins. Segment profit declined to $29.5 million in 2006 versus $40.4 million in 2005.

Our Neighborhood Targeted revenue increased 23.2% in 2005 to $339.0 million versus $275.2 million in 2004. The major driver of this growth was increased demand for printing and placement of solo inserts from the retail, food service, telecommunications and manufacturer customer verticals.

 

19


Household Targeted

The Household Targeted segment had revenues of $58.9 million in 2006, a decrease of 6.8% from $63.2 million in 2005. This was primarily the result of a decline in revenue related to the close-down of PreVision as a stand-alone entity at the end of 2005. We effectively exited the customer relationship marketing agency business and now provide these services only to customers placing their related media campaigns with us. Profitability improved significantly as a result of this restructuring. Segment profit for 2006 was $3.0 million versus a loss in 2005 of $3.5 million.

The Household Targeted segment had revenue of $63.2 million in 2005, an increase of 2.3% over $61.8 million in 2004, despite the fact that we no longer had access to a major retailer’s data affecting our ability to sell certain direct mail programs in 2005. We also repositioned this segment at the end of 2005 by fully integrating our products and services and eliminating PreVision Marketing, LLC as a stand-alone entity.

International & Services

International & Services revenue increased 9.4% in 2006 to $111.4 million versus $101.8 million in 2005. This increase was primarily the result of increased revenues from new media products in France. In addition, revenues from Canada grew as more solo preprint programs were run in 2006. Segment profit declined to $5.7 million in 2006 versus $8.7 million in 2005 as the result of a $3.6 million charge relating to the close-down of the French agency business and the eSettlement business unit of NCH.

The International & Services segment contributed revenues of $101.8 million in 2005, a 2.7% increase over $99.1 million in 2004. Valassis implemented a restructuring plan for the European coupon clearing operations which adversely affected the overall profitability of this segment during the fourth quarter of 2005.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Sources of Capital

Valassis’ liquidity requirements arise mainly from its working capital needs, primarily accounts receivable, inventory and debt service requirements. Cooperative FSI customers (except remnant space customers) are generally billed for 75% of each order eight weeks in advance of the publication date and the balance is billed immediately prior to the publication date. FSI revenue accounted for 42.3% of Valassis’ total revenue in 2006. Valassis inventories work in progress at cost while it accrues progress billings as a current liability at full sales value. Although Valassis receives considerable payments from its customers prior to the publication of promotions, revenue is recognized only upon publication dates. Therefore, the progress billings on the balance sheet include any profits in the related receivables.

Valassis invoices all of its ROP customers for gross media costs and fees, if applicable. Media costs account for approximately 99% of our total direct ROP costs. Our customers generally require proof of performance before we issue an invoice to them. It is our policy to pay the newspapers only after we receive such proof of performance. Accordingly, although ROP receivables average a higher number of days outstanding, we generally have a corresponding delay in payments to the newspapers.

The majority of the revenue generated by NCH, a 100% owned subsidiary of Valassis, is from its coupon clearing business. NCH invoices the face value of the coupon, a retailer handling fee (if applicable) as well as NCH’s processing fee. The face value and the retailer handling fee are ultimately remitted by NCH to retailers and their agents. NCH records a gross receivable and payable for the coupon face value as well as the retailer handling fees and recognizes revenue only on the NCH processing fee.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $52.6 million at December 31, 2006 versus $64.3 million at December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of a $44.1 million reduction in earnings in 2006 compared to 2005, coupled with a decrease in working capital related to receivables and prepayments related to customer contract incentives.

Cash flow from operating activities was $49.8 million in 2006. This is the result of net earnings of $51.3 million adjusted for non-cash items, the largest of which are depreciation and amortization totaling $14.4 million. In 2006, changes in working capital items accounted for a $21.2 million decrease in cash primarily due to an increase in days outstanding in ROP receivables that was not fully offset by an increase in the corresponding payables to the newspapers. Working capital also decreased due to prepayments made associated with customer contract incentives. During 2005, changes in working capital items accounted for a $3.3 million decrease in cash.

 

20


Net cash used in investing activities was $50.6 million primarily as a result of $30.5 million in net purchases of auction-rate securities and capital expenditures of $16.3 million.

Cash used in financing activities was $12.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2006, primarily driven by repayment of $14.4 million of debt. We suspended our share repurchase program in February 2006; therefore cash used in financing activities was significantly lower in 2006 than in 2005.

Current and Long-term Debt

As of December 31, 2006, Valassis’ debt was $259.9 million, which consisted of $100.0 million ($99.9 million, net of discount) of its 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 and $160.0 million of Senior Convertible Notes due 2033. We had a revolving line of credit of $125 million with a variable rate of interest calculated on either a Euro currency-based rate or a prime rate, which expired in November 2006 and Valassis elected not to renew it at such time in light of the pending ADVO acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2006, there was no outstanding balance under this line of credit. Valassis was in compliance with all debt covenants at December 31, 2006. All of our long-term debt contains cross-default provisions which become applicable if we default under any mortgage, indebtedness or instrument for money borrowed by Valassis and the default results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in excess of $25 million. Additionally, each of the Senior Convertible Notes contains conversion triggers based upon credit rating downgrades by either Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Rating Group.

On June 6, 2006, the majority of the holders of Valassis’ Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes) put their notes to Valassis at a price of $639.76 per note for $14.4 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.

The holders of the Senior Convertible Notes due 2033 (the “2033 Notes”) receive cash interest payments of 1 5/8% per year on the original discounted amount, payable semiannually from 2003 through 2008. The holders of the 2033 Notes may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes on May 22, 2008, May 22, 2013, May 22, 2018, May 22, 2023 and May 22, 2028 at a price of $667.24, $723.48, $784.46, $850.58 and $922.27 per Note, respectively, payable in cash. Also, each holder may require us to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s 2033 Notes if a change of control of Valassis occurs. Valassis, at its option, may redeem all or a portion of the 2033 Notes at their accreted value at any time on or after May 22, 2008, for cash.

On August 3, 2006, Valassis entered into a forward-dated $400 million LIBOR swap contract and a forward-dated $400 million LIBOR swaption contract as a bridge hedge for a portion of the acquisition financing related to the proposed ADVO acquisition. Valassis terminated the swap on September 28, 2006 and did not exercise its swaption contract which expired on September 28, 2006. On the same day, Valassis entered into a new forward-dated $400 million European LIBOR swaption contract with an expiration date of February 28, 2007 at a strike price of 5.29%. The termination of the swap and the mark-to-market adjustments of the premiums on the swaptions resulted in incremental interest expense of $13.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2006. Valassis has a $0.6 million asset at December 31, 2006 for the premium on the new swaption contract which will be marked to market over the reporting period through February 28, 2007. The swap and swaption derivative contracts served to convert a portion of the proposed senior credit facility, which would bear a variable rate of interest, to a fixed rate. The derivatives did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133 and are stated at fair value with gains or losses arising from changes in fair value being charged to interest expense during the period in which they arise.

On June 26, 2006, S&P downgraded our credit rating from BBB- to BB+ in reaction to our public announcement of lower earnings for fiscal year 2006. On July 6, 2006, S&P downgraded our credit rating one additional notch from BB+ to BB in anticipation of the proposed leverage of the ADVO acquisition and we remain on credit watch. On October 30, 2006, Moody’s downgraded our credit rating from Baa3 to Ba1 due to its belief that there is significant earnings pressure due to FSI pricing in 2007, customer consolidation in the Neighborhood Targeted segment and our willingness to have a more aggressive leverage profile. This downgrade did not trigger conversion of the 2033 Notes.

 

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In addition, the financing which would be required in connection with the proposed ADVO acquisition would significantly increase our level of debt and may lower our debt rating further which could trigger conversion of the 2033 Notes. However, it is anticipated that the conversion price would be out-of- the-money. Lower debt ratings may increase our cost of borrowing as well as adversely affect our access to the capital markets. See Item 1A Risk Factors: “We may be unable to consummate our pending acquisition of ADVO. If we do consummate the pending acquisition, we will be required to incur a substantial amount of additional indebtedness which could adversely affect our financial health and make it more difficult for us to service our debt or obtain additional financing in the future, if necessary.”

Future Commitments and Contractual Obligations

Valassis intends to use cash generated by operations to meet interest and principal repayment obligations, for general corporate purposes, to reduce its indebtedness and to make acquisitions.

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.

Management believes we will generate sufficient funds from operations and will have sufficient lines of credit available to meet anticipated liquidity needs, including interest and required payments of indebtedness.

Valassis’ contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006, are as follows:

 

     Payments due by Period  

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

  

Total

  

Less Than

1 Year

  

1-3 Years

  

3-5 Years

  

More Than

5 Years

 
              

Public Debt

   $ 339,794       $ 100,000       $ 239,794 (1)

Interest on Public Debt

     18,735      9,230      9,505      

Operating Leases

     33,057      7,771      15,204      9,641      441  

Other Long-term Liabilities

     8,195               8,195  
                                    
   $ 399,781    $ 17,001    $ 124,709    $ 9,641    $ 248,430  
                                    

(1) Non-current long-term debt is included at face value.

In addition, we have entered into the amended merger agreement with ADVO. See “—General” for a description of Valassis’ obligations in connection therewith.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2006, Valassis did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $16.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, largely representing technology enhancements and payments on a new printing press. For the Valassis business, management expects future capital expenditure requirements of approximately $10 million over each of the next three years to meet the business needs of enhancing technology and replacing equipment as required. It is expected these expenditures will be made using funds provided by operations.

 

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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (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. We 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.

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 our financial condition and results of operations, and which require us to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, we have identified the critical accounting policies and estimates addressed below. We also have other key accounting policies, which involve the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions. For additional information see Note 1, “Significant Accounting Policies,” of our financial statements included in Item 8. Valassis does not believe there is a great likelihood that materially

 

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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 at least annually in December and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future net cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Revenue Recognition

FSI

Revenue from FSIs and custom cooperative FSIs is recognized in the period that the product is distributed in the newspaper. In accordance with industry practice, Valassis generally pre-bills FSI customers (except remnant space) in advance of the related distribution date. However, these billings are reflected as progress billings (liability) until the appropriate distribution period. Provision for rebates or pricing adjustments are made at the time that the related revenue is recognized.

ROP

ROP revenue is recognized on the date that the advertisement runs in the newspaper. Some customers have contracts whereby Valassis earns a transaction fee and the media costs are pass-through costs to the customer. In such cases, Valassis only recognizes the transaction fee as revenue on the date the advertisement runs in the newspaper. Customer contracts can vary, which may lead to material changes in revenue recognized for this segment, while not materially affecting absolute gross margin dollars.

Neighborhood Targeted

The majority of Neighborhood Targeted products are newspaper delivered and revenue is recognized in the period that the product is distributed. For non-newspaper-delivered products, revenue is recognized when the product is shipped to the customer or distributed to the consumer via direct to door.

Household Targeted

Revenue for direct-mail products is recognized when the product is accepted by the United States Postal Service for insertion into the mail stream. In most cases, postage costs are passed through directly to the customer and are not recognized as revenue. Revenues from software products are recognized per installation and revenues from services are recognized on a percent-complete method.

International & Services

Revenue for coupon clearing does not include the face value of the coupons processed or the retailer service fee. However, customers are billed for the face value and retailer fee which are included in both accounts receivable and accounts payable. Once coupon processing has been completed, fee revenues are recognized.

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.

 

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Derivative Financial Instruments – Valassis uses derivative financial instruments, including forward foreign exchange and swap contracts, to manage its exposure 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 income(loss) in the consolidated balance sheet. When the underlying hedged transaction is realized, the gain or loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (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 or 2005.

On August 3, 2006, Valassis entered into a forward-dated $400 million LIBOR swap contract and a forward-dated $400 million LIBOR swaption contract as a bridge hedge for a portion of the acquisition financing related to the proposed ADVO acquisition. On September 28, 2006, Valassis terminated the swap and did not exercise its swaption contract which expired on September 28, 2006. On the same day, Valassis entered into a new forward-dated $400 million European LIBOR swaption contract with an expiration date of February 28, 2007 at a strike price of 5.29%. The termination of the swap and the swaption premiums resulted in an incremental interest expense of $13.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. Valassis has a $0.6 million asset at December 31, 2006 for the premium on the new swaption contract that will be marked to market over the reporting period through February 28, 2007. The swap and swaption derivative contracts served to convert a portion of the proposed senior credit facility, which will bear a variable rate of interest, to a fixed rate. The derivatives did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133 and will be stated at fair value with gains or losses arising from changes in fair value being charged to interest expense during the period in which they arise.

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

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

The following statements are based on current expectations for 2007 without giving effect to the pending ADVO acquisition. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially. See the introductory paragraph to Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 1A Risk Factors.

 

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Regarding 2007, we expect revenue increases in our ROP, Neighborhood Targeted, Household Targeted and International & Services business segments. In our FSI business segment, we expect FSI pricing to continue to trend downward in 2007 similar to the decline experienced in 2006 of approximately 10%. We expect to be able to lower our FSI costs on a cost-per-thousand basis, but this will not offset the reduced FSI pricing.

 

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Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our principal market risks are foreign exchange rates at Valassis’ international subsidiaries, interest rates on various debt instruments and credit risk on investments.

Foreign Currency

Currencies to which Valassis has 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. Valassis typically purchases the Mexican peso under three to 12-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of coupon clearing 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.

Interest Rates

On September 28, 2006, Valassis entered into $400 million LIBOR swaption contract as a bridge hedge for a portion of the acquisition financing related to the pending ADVO acquisition pursuant to a merger agreement. The swaption derivative contract serves to convert a portion of the proposed senior credit facility which will bear a variable rate of interest to a fixed rate. Significant fluctuations in LIBOR could cause a material earnings impact as well as require material cash commitments or cash settlement.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)   

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

   

Deferred
Compen-
sation

   

Retained
Earnings

   Accumulated    

Total
Compre-
hensive
Income

 
             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.

 

31


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.

 

32


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.

 

33


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.

 

34


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.

 

35


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.

 

36


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.

 

37


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
Assets,

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.

 

38


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.

 

39


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.

 

40


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

 

41


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.

 

42


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.

 

43


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.

 

44


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.

 

45


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.

 

46


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
per Share

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.

 

47


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.

 

48


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.

 

49


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.

 

50


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.

 

51


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.

 

52


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
             

 

53


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.

 

54


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

 

55


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.

 

56


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.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Detroit, Michigan

February 10, 2007

 

57


Item 9. Changes and disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9a. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Valassis carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Valassis’ Disclosure Committee, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a – 15 of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934(i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. Our system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

 

Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

 

Provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our directors; and

 

 

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time. Our system contains self monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that our system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006. Our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

58


PART III

Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this report in that the registrant will file a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A (the “Proxy Statement”) not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K, and certain information included therein is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information required by this Item is set forth in Valassis’ Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference. On March 9, 2004, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee adopted as its policy that Valassis will consider recommendations from shareholders of candidates for election as a director of Valassis and that the process for evaluating potential candidates recommended by shareholders and derived from other sources shall be substantially the same. Prior to this action the policy of the Committee had been not to consider candidates recommended by Valassis shareholders.

Valassis has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of its employees, including its Chief Executive Officer, its Chief Financial Officer and its Corporate Controller. The text of this Code is available on the Internet at the Valassis Web site at www.valassis.com. Valassis intends to satisfy its disclosure obligations regarding amendments to the Code and waivers that apply to the above named officers by posting this information on the Valassis Web site.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is set forth in Valassis’ Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference, excluding the Stock Price Performance Graph and the Compensation/Stock Option Committee Report on Executive Compensation.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this Item is set forth in Valassis’ Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by this Item is set forth in Valassis’ Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is set forth in the Valassis Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

 

59


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

The following documents are filed as a part of this Report:

 

  1. Financial Statements. The following consolidated financial statements of Valassis Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Item 8:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

  2. Financial Statement Schedules. The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Valassis Communications, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

Schedule

   Page

II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   S-2

Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

 

  3. Exhibits. The Exhibits on the accompanying Index to Exhibits immediately following the financial statement schedules are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report on Form 10-K.

 

60


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.

 

VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

By:

 

/s/ Alan F. Schultz

   

February 12, 2007

  Alan F. Schultz     Date
  President and Chief Executive Officer    

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

       

Title

       

Date

/s/ Alan F. Schultz

Alan F. Schultz

     

Chairman of the Board of Directors,

President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

      February 12, 2007

/s/ Joseph B. Anderson

Joseph B. Anderson

      Director       February 12, 2007

/s/ Patrick F. Brennan

Patrick F. Brennan

      Director       February 12, 2007

/s/ Kenneth V. Darish

Kenneth V. Darish

      Director       February 12, 2007

/s/ Barry P. Hoffman

Barry P. Hoffman

      General Counsel and Director       February 12, 2007

/s/ Walter H. Ku

Walter H. Ku

      Director       February 12, 2007

/s/ Robert L. Recchia

Robert L. Recchia

     

Chief Financial Officer and Director

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

      February 12, 2007

/s/ Marcella A. Sampson

Marcella A. Sampson

      Director       February 12, 2007

/s/ Faith Whittlesey

Faith Whittlesey

      Director       February 12, 2007

 

61


Schedule II

VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years Ended Dec. 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)                     

Description

   Balance at
Beginning
of Period
  

Charged to

Costs and
Expenses

   Deductions
(1)
    Balance
at End
of Period

Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts receivable):

          

Year Ended Dec. 31, 2006

   5,101    1,128    1,228     5,001

Year Ended Dec. 31, 2005

   4,755    798    452     5,101

Year Ended Dec. 31, 2004

   3,344    1,345    (66 )   4,755

(1) Accounts deemed to be uncollectible.

 

62


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

   
2.1   Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Valassis Communications, Inc., Valassis Coupon Clearing, Inc., as Buyer and NCH Stockholders, collectively, as Sellers and NCH Marketing Services, Inc. dated February 13, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Valassis’ Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2003)
2.2   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 5, 2006, by and among Valassis Communications, Inc., ADVO, Inc. and Michigan Acquisition Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Valassis’ 8-K filed on July 10, 2006)
2.3   Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 18, 2006, to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 5, 2006, by and among Valassis Communications, Inc., Michigan Acquisition Corporation and ADVO, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Valassis’ 8-K filed on December 20, 2006)
3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Valassis Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Valassis’ Registration Statement No. 33-45189)
3.2   Amended and Restated By-laws of Valassis Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 (ii) to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 1999)
4.1   Indenture between Valassis Communications, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to the Zero Coupon Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Valassis’ Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-65824))
4.2   Form of Indenture between Valassis Communications, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to the 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Valassis’ Registration Statement No. 333-75041)
4.2(a)   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 9, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to Valassis’ Registration Statement No. 333-75041)
4.4   Certificate of Designations of Preferred Stock of Valassis Communications, Inc. filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of Delaware on September 21, 1999, Authentication No. 9983607 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4) to Valassis’ Form 8-K filed on September 23, 1999)
4.5   Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 10, 2003, to Rights Agreement dated as of September 1, 1999, between Valassis Communications, Inc. and National City Corporation, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Valassis’ Form 8-A/A (File No. 011-10991) filed on October 14, 2003)
4.6   Form of Indenture between Valassis Communications, Inc. and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as trustee, relating to the Senior Convertible Notes due 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Valassis’ Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-107787)

 

63


4.7    Amendment No. 2, dated as of January 5, 2007, to the Rights Agreement, dated as of September 1, 1999, as amended on October 10, 2003, between Valassis Communications, Inc. and National City Corporation, as rights agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Valassis’ Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2007)
10.3*    Employment Agreement, dated January 20, 1992 among Robert L. Recchia, Valassis Communications, Inc. and Valassis Inserts, Inc., including amendment dated February 11, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Valassis’ Registration Statement No. 33-45189)
10.3(a)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreement of Robert Recchia dated January 2, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(a) to Valassis’ 1995 Form 10-K)
10.3(b)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreement of Robert Recchia dated January 3, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(b) to Valassis’ 1996 Form 10-K)
10.3(c)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreement of Robert L. Recchia dated December 9, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(c)* to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10-K)
10.3(d)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Robert L. Recchia dated December 23, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(d) to Valassis’ 1999 Form 10-K)
10.3(e)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Robert L. Recchia dated March 14, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(e) to Valassis’ 2000 Form 10-K)
10.3(f)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Robert L. Recchia dated December 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(f) to Valassis’ 2001 Form 10-K)
10.3(g)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement is made July 8, 2002 by and between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Robert L. Recchia (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(g) to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.3(h)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Robert L. Recchia dated January 11, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(h) to Valassis’ 2004 Form 10-K)
10.4*    Employment Agreement, dated January 20, 1992, among Barry P. Hoffman, Valassis Communications, Inc. and Valassis Inserts, Inc., including amendment dated February 11, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Valassis’ Registration Statement No. 33-45189)
10.4(a)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreement of Barry P. Hoffman dated December 19, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7(a) to Valassis’ 1995 Form 10-K)
10.4(b)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement of Barry P. Hoffman dated December 12, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7(b) to Valassis’ 1997 Form 10-K)

 

64


10.4(c)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreement of Barry P. Hoffman dated December 9, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(c)* to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10-K)
10.4(d)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Barry P. Hoffman dated December 16, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(d) to Valassis’ 1999 Form 10-K)
10.4(e)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Barry P. Hoffman dated March 14, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(e) to Valassis’ 2000 Form 10-K)
10.4(f)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Barry P. Hoffman dated December 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(f) to Valassis’ 2001 Form 10-K)
10.4(g)*    This Amendment to Employment Agreement is made June 26, 2002 by and between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Barry P. Hoffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(g) to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.4(h)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Barry P. Hoffman dated December 21, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(h) to Valassis’ 2004 Form 10-K)
10.5*    Employment Agreement of Richard P. Herpich dated as of January 17, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5* to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10.K)
10.5(a)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Richard P. Herpich dated June 30, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(a)* to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10-K)
10.5(b)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreements of Richard P. Herpich dated December 19, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(b)* to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10-K)
10.5(c)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreements of Richard P. Herpich dated February 18, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(c)* to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10-K)
10.5(d)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreements of Richard P. Herpich dated December 30, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(d)* to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10-K)
10.5(e)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreements of Richard P. Herpich dated December 15, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(e)* to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10-K)
10.5(f)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Richard P. Herpich dated January 4, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(f) to Valassis’ 1999 Form 10-K)
10.5(g)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Richard P. Herpich dated December 21, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(g) to Valassis’ 2000 Form 10-K)

 

65


10.5(h)    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Richard P. Herpich dated December 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(h) to Valassis’ 2001 Form 10-K)
10.5(i)*    This Amendment to Employment Agreement is made May 13, 2002 by and between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Richard P. Herpich (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(i) to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.5(j)*    This Amendment to Employment Agreement is made July 8, 2002 by and between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Richard P. Herpich (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(g) to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.5(k)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Richard P. Herpich dated January 14, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(k) to Valassis’ 2004 Form 10-K)
10.6*    Employment Agreement among Alan F. Schultz, Valassis Communications, Inc. and Valassis Inserts, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Valassis’ Registration Statement No. 33-45189)
10.6(a)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement among Alan F. Schultz, Valassis Communications, Inc. and Valassis Inserts, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16(a) to the Form 10-K for the transition period of July 1, 1994 to December 31, 1994)
10.6(b)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option of Alan F. Schultz dated December 19, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16(b) to Valassis’ 1995 Form 10-K)
10.6(c)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement and Non Qualified Stock Option Agreement of Alan F. Schultz dated September 15, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16(c) to Valassis’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 1998)
10.6(d)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Alan F. Schultz dated December 16, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11(d) to Valassis’ 1999 Form 10-K)
10.6(e)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Alan F. Schultz dated March 14, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 (e) to Valassis’ 2000 Form 10-K)
10.6(f)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Alan F. Schultz dated December 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11(f) to Valassis’ 2001 Form 10-K)
10.6(g)*    This Amendment to Employment Agreement is made June 26, 2002 by and between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Alan F. Schultz (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11(g) to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.6(h)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of Alan F. Schultz dated December 21, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11(h) to Valassis’ 2004 Form 10-K)

 

66


10.7*    Amended and Restated Senior Executives Annual Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Valassis’ Proxy Statement dated April 16, 2001)
10.8    Lease for New Headquarters Building (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996)
10.9*    Amended and Restated Executive Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Valassis’ Proxy Statement dated April 16, 2001)
10.10*    Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Valassis’ Proxy Statement dated April 25, 1996)
10.11*    Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit C to Valassis’ Proxy Statement dated April 25, 1996)
10.12    Valassis Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Valassis’ 1998 Form 10-K)
10.13    Employment Agreement dated March 18, 1992, between William F. Hogg, Jr. and Valassis Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.13(a)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of William F. Hogg, Jr. dated December 22, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(a) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.13(b)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of William F. Hogg, Jr. dated January 20, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(b) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.13(c)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of William F. Hogg, Jr. dated December 23, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(c) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.13(d)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of William F. Hogg, Jr. dated January 5, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(d) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.13(e)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of William F. Hogg, Jr. dated January 11, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(e) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.13(f)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of William F. Hogg, Jr. dated July 8, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(f) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.13(g)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of William F. Hogg, Jr. dated January 10, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(g) to the Valassis 2004 Form 10-K)
10.13(h)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement of William F. Hogg, Jr. dated January 17, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(h) to the Valassis 2005 Form 10-K)
10.14    Valassis Communications, Inc. Supplemental Benefit Plan dated September 15, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)

 

67


10.14(a)*    First Amendment to Valassis Communications, Inc. Supplemental Benefit Plan dated June 25, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24(a) to Valassis’ Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002)
10.15    Credit Agreement dated as of November 1, 2002 among Valassis Communications, Inc. and various financial institutions and Standard Federal Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Lead Arranger with Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Syndication Agent and Comerica Bank, as Documentation Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(g) to Valassis’ September 30, 2002 10-Q)
10.16    Valassis Communications, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Valassis’ Proxy Statement dated April 15, 2002)
10.17    Valassis Communications, Inc. Broad-Based Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Valassis’ 2002 Form 10-K)
10.18    Valassis Communications, Inc. 2005 Executive Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit C to Valassis’ Proxy Statement dated April 5, 2005)
10.19    Valassis Communications, Inc. 2005 Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit D to Valassis’ Proxy Statement dated April 5, 2005)
10.20    Letter Agreement between Valassis Communications, Inc. and ADVO, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Valassis’ Form 8-K filed on July 10, 2006)
12.1    Statements of Computation of Ratios
21.1    Subsidiaries of Valassis Communications, Inc.
23.1    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
99    Rights Agreement dated as of September 1, 1999 by and between Valassis and the Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Valassis’ Form 8-A 12B/A filed on November 8, 1999)
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

* Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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