Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2007

 

¨ Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number: 1-10991

 


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 


 

Delaware   38-2760940

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

19975 Victor Parkway

Livonia, Michigan 48152

(address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s Telephone Number: (734) 591-3000

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and, (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

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 August 1, 2007, there were 47,882,160 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

 



Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     June 30,
2007
    Dec. 31,
2006
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 135,831     $ 52,619  

Auction-rate securities

     —         102,533  

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,603 at June 30, 2007 and $5,001 at December 31, 2006)

     456,973       339,079  

Inventories:

    

Raw materials

     21,178       12,729  

Work in progress

     15,487       13,105  

Prepaid expenses and other

     23,752       16,681  

Deferred income taxes

     18,050       1,789  

Refundable income taxes

     11,615       3,957  
                

Total current assets

     682,886       542,492  
                

Property, plant and equipment, gross:

    

Land and buildings

     80,907       55,723  

Machinery and equipment

     214,532       142,085  

Office furniture and equipment

     170,216       61,903  

Automobiles

     221       216  

Leasehold improvements

     22,088       2,949  
                
     487,964       262,876  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (174,733 )     (153,490 )
                

Net property, plant and equipment

     313,231       109,386  
                

Intangible assets:

    

Goodwill

     885,819       173,134  

Other intangibles

     331,555       35,555  
                
     1,217,374       208,689  

Less accumulated amortization

     (78,500 )     (75,280 )
                

Net intangible assets

     1,138,874       133,409  
                

Investments

     6,802       4,899  

Other assets

     29,658       11,240  
                

Total assets

   $ 2,171,451     $ 801,426  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Continued

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     June 30,
2007
    Dec. 31,
2006
 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion, long-term debt

   $ 30,900     $ —    

Accounts payable

     301,395       268,834  

Accrued interest

     18,905       3,307  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     48,893       23,671  

Accrued other expenses

     43,782       17,150  

Progress billings

     51,253       49,258  
                

Total current liabilities

  

 

495,128

 

    362,220  
                

Long-term debt

     1,332,573       259,931  

Other non-current liabilities

     11,186       8,195  

Deferred income taxes

     139,876       3,506  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock of $0.01 par value. Authorized 25,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006

    

Common stock of $0.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 63,262,596 at June 30, 2007 and 63,264,925 at December 31, 2006; outstanding 47,781,579 at June 30, 2007 and 47,783,908 at December 31, 2006

     633       633  

Additional paid-in capital

     47,754       44,225  

Retained earnings

     655,270       638,209  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     9,258       4,734  

Treasury stock, at cost (15,481,017 shares at June 30, 2007 and 15,481,017 shares at December 31, 2006)

     (520,227 )     (520,227 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     192,688       167,574  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,171,451     $ 801,426  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

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

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Revenues

   $ 612,147     $ 260,593     $ 973,451     $ 508,238  

Costs and expenses:

        

Cost of products sold

     472,822       197,972       751,839       383,241  

Selling, general and administrative

     96,364       30,515       150,890       63,255  

Amortization expense

     2,312       138       3,220       278  
                                

Total costs and expenses

     571,498       228,625       905,949       446,774  
                                

Earnings from operations

     40,649       31,968       67,502       61,464  

Other expenses (income):

        

Interest expense

     25,228       2,216       35,847       5,071  

Other income, net

     (1,485 )     (728 )     (3,663 )     (2,082 )
                                

Total other expenses (income)

     23,743       1,488       32,184       2,989  
                                

Earnings before income taxes

     16,906       30,480       35,318       58,475  

Income taxes

     7,130       10,791       14,309       20,729  
                                

Net earnings

   $ 9,776     $ 19,689     $ 21,009     $ 37,746  
                                

Net earnings per common share, basic

   $ 0.20     $ 0.41     $ 0.44     $ 0.79  
                                

Net earnings per common share, diluted

   $ 0.20     $ 0.41     $ 0.44     $ 0.79  
                                

Shares used in computing net earnings per share, basic

     47,781,249       47,766,605       47,780,316       47,709,701  
                                

Shares used in computing net earnings per share, diluted

     47,876,878       47,863,266       47,872,659       47,811,621  
                                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended  
    

June 30,

2007

    June 30,
2006
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net earnings

   $ 21,009     $ 37,746  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

     25,282       7,359  

Amortization of bond discount and debt issue costs

     1,278       232  

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     2,401       125  

Asset impairment

     1,460       —    

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

     84       18  

Gain on equity investments

     (855 )     (185 )

Stock-based compensation charge

     3,530       3,185  

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

    

Accounts receivable

     65,645       12,510  

Inventories

     (4,687 )     (3,474 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     4,640       (6,108 )

Other liabilities

     (18,549 )     (150 )

Other assets

     23,582       (5,713 )

Accounts payable

     3,540       1,033  

Accrued expenses and interest

     (24,750 )     (9,191 )

Income taxes

     1,420       (2,260 )

Progress billings

     (8,323 )     (6,671 )
                

Total adjustments

     75,698       (9,290 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     96,707       28,456  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (12,225 )     (4,386 )

Acquisition of ADVO, net of cash acquired

     (1,187,301 )  

Purchases of auction-rate securities

     (156,335 )     (234,408 )

Proceeds from sales of auction-rate securities

     258,869       216,536  

Investments and advances to affiliated companies

     (1,000 )  

Other

     (360 )     (212 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,098,352 )     (22,470 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Borrowings of long-term debt

     1,130,000       —    

Payment of debt issue costs

     (19,212 )     —    

Repayment of long term debt

     (26,475 )     (14,379 )

Repurchase of common stock

     —         (3,913 )

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

     —         5,678  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     1,084,313       (12,614 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     544       1,136  

Net increase (decrease) in cash

     83,212       (5,492 )

Cash at beginning of period

     52,619       64,320  
                

Cash at end of period

   $ 135,831     $ 58,828  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for interest

   $ 18,486     $ 5,666  

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

   $ 13,889     $ 25,643  

Non-cash financing activities:

    

Stock issued under stock-based compensation plan

   $ 1,393     $ 1,881  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the fiscal year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Valassis Communications, Inc. (“Valassis,” the “Company,” “we” or “our”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as amended by Amendments No. 1 and No. 2 thereto on Form 10-K/A (as amended, the “Amended 2006 10-K”).

 

2. ACQUISITION OF ADVO

Valassis completed the acquisition of ADVO, Inc. (ADVO) on March 2, 2007 for approximately $1.2 billion, including the refinancing of approximately $125 million in existing ADVO debt, which was financed with debt as more fully described in “Note 7. Long-Term Debt.”

The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 141, “Business Combinations” and ADVO’s results are included in the consolidated operating results from the acquisition date. The total purchase price reflects transaction costs and is net of cash acquired. Amounts allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based upon estimates of fair value as of the acquisition date.

The purchase price allocation for the acquisition is preliminary with respect to finalization of intangible asset and fixed asset valuations, integration accrual, and other minor items. As of June 30, 2007, the preliminary allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition was made to the following major opening balance sheet categories.

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   June 30,
2007

Current assets

   $ 220,118

Property, plant and equipment

     214,945

Goodwill

     712,685

Intangible assets

     296,000

Other non-current assets

     20,036
      

Total assets

   $ 1,463,784
      

Current liabilities

   $ 118,773

Non-current liabilities

     157,710
      

Total liabilities

   $ 276,483
      

 

6


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

The operating results for ADVO are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations from March 2, 2007, the date of acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared assuming the ADVO acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2006, respectively.

 

     Three Months Ended

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)

   June 30,
2007
    June 30,
2006

Revenue

   $ 612,147     $ 645,470

Operating income

     40,649       42,102

Net earnings

     9,776       14,605

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.20     $ 0.31

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.20     $ 0.31
     Six Months Ended

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)

   June 30,
2007
(1)
    June 30,
2006

Revenue

   $ 1,196,954     $ 1,245,495

Operating income

     37,141       79,272

Net earnings

     (6,770 )     25,798

Basic earnings per share

   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.54

Diluted earnings per share

   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.54

(1) Results include $23.0 million in one-time costs related to the acquisition of ADVO by Valassis.

These unaudited pro forma results are presented for comparative purposes only. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of what our actual results would have been had the acquisition of ADVO been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented. In addition, the pro forma results do not purport to project our future results.

 

3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (FAS 123R). We use a Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of stock option grants and the straight-line attribution method for recognizing stock-based compensation expense under FAS 123R, which is consistent with the method we used in recognizing stock-based compensation expense for disclosure purposes under FAS 123 prior to the adoption of FAS 123R.

Stock-based compensation for the quarters ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 was $1.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006, stock-based compensation expense was $3.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Total compensation expense related to non-vested options not yet recognized at June 30, 2007 is approximately $9.1 million, which we expect to recognize as compensation expense over the next five years.

 

7


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

4. FOREIGN CURRENCY AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The functional currencies for our foreign operations are the applicable local currencies. Accounts of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the spot rate of the local currency on the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and average monthly exchange rates for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are reflected as an adjustment to equity on a cumulative basis.

Currencies to which we have exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound and euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. We typically purchase the Mexican peso under three to twelve-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 133), our Mexican peso forward exchange contracts meet the definition of a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. For the quarter ended June 30, 2007, the recorded unrealized market value gains and losses included in other comprehensive income were immaterial. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of June 30, 2007, we had a commitment to purchase $4.6 million in Mexican pesos over the next eleven months.

Valassis entered into two interest rate swap agreements during the second quarter of 2007. These derivative agreements effectively fix interest rates on a portion of our floating rate debt and qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133. The fair value of these derivatives was $4.1 million as of June 30, 2007. Any changes in face value will be recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. See “Note 7. Long-Term Debt” for further information on the interest rate swap agreements.

 

5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Intangible assets as of June 30, 2007 are comprised of:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Intangible
Assets, at
Cost
   Accumulated
Amortization
at June 30,
2007
    Unamortized
Balance at
June 30, 2007
    Weighted
Average
Useful Life
(in years)

Amortizable intangible assets

   $ 183,455    $ (5,695 )   $ 177,760     19.7

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

         

Goodwill:

         

Free-standing Inserts

          18,257    

Neighborhood Targeted

          5,325    

Household Targeted

          32,642    

International & Services

          64,864    

ADVO

          712,685    

The Valassis name and other

          11,341    

ADVO trade names and trademarks

          116,000    
               

Total non-amortizable intangible assets

          961,114 (1)  
               

Consolidated net intangible assets

        $ 1,138,874    
               

(1) Net of $21.5 million of amortization recorded prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 and a $51.3 million impairment charge.

 

8


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

6. CONTINGENCIES

Upon our completion of the acquisition of ADVO, we assumed responsibility for ADVO’s pending securities class action lawsuits. In September 2006, three securities class action lawsuits (Robert Kelleher v. ADVO, Inc., et al., Jorge Cornet v. ADVO, Inc., et al., Richard L. Field v. ADVO, Inc., et al.) were filed against ADVO and certain of its officers in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut by certain ADVO shareholders seeking to certify a class of all persons who purchased ADVO stock between July 6, 2006 and August 30, 2006. These complaints generally allege ADVO violated federal securities law by making a series of materially false and misleading statements concerning ADVO’s business and financial results in connection with the proposed merger with Valassis and, as a result, the price of ADVO’s stock was allegedly inflated.

On December 12, 2006, the Kelleher plaintiffs filed a Motion to Partially Lift Discovery Stay, in response to which defendants filed opposition on January 16, 2007. The presiding judge denied the plaintiff’s motion to lift the stay on discovery. In addition, the court ordered the matters consolidated under a single action entitled, Robert Kelleher et al. v. ADVO, Inc., et al., Civil Case No. 3:06CV01422(AVC). A revised, consolidated complaint was filed by the plaintiffs on June 8, 2007. The defendants’ responsive pleading is due August 24, 2007.

Under the circumstances, it is not possible for us to predict the likelihood of a favorable or unfavorable resolution of the securities class action.

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

 

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

 

     June 30,    Dec. 31,

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   2007    2006

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ —      $ —  

6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009, net of discount

     99,948      99,931

Senior Convertible Notes due 2033, net of discount

     160,000      160,000

8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015

     540,000      —  

Senior Secured Term Loan B

     563,525      —  

Senior Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan

     —        —  
             
   $ 1,363,473    $ 259,931

Less current portion

     30,900      —  
             
   $ 1,332,573    $ 259,931
             

On March 2, 2007, Valassis completed the offering of $540.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 8  1/4% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) in connection with the financing of its acquisition of ADVO. The 2015 Notes are unsecured and bear interest at a fixed rate of 8  1/4% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1, commencing on September 1, 2007, and mature on March 1, 2015. In July 2007, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement between us and the initial purchasers of the 2015 Notes, we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a registration statement pursuant to which we commenced an exchange offer to exchange the original notes issued in the private placement for a like principal amount of exchange notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The exchange notes will be substantially identical to the original notes, except that the exchange notes will not be subject to certain transfer restrictions.

On March 2, 2007, in connection with the acquisition of ADVO, Valassis entered into a Credit Agreement with various banking institutions. The Credit Agreement provides for: (i) a $120.0 million senior secured revolving line of credit; (ii) a $590.0 million Senior Secured Term Loan B; and (iii) a $160.0 million senior secured delayed draw term loan. As of June 30, 2007, Valassis had no borrowings under the revolving line of credit or delayed draw term loan.

 

9


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

On April 4, 2007 and June 29, 2007, Valassis entered into forward dated swap agreements with notional principal amounts of $300.0 million and $180.0 million, respectively. The swap agreements expire in December 2010, and effectively fix the interest rates for an aggregate of $480.0 million of our variable rate debt under the Term Loan B portion of our senior secured credit facility. Under SFAS No. 133, each contract is recorded as a cash flow hedge in which the fair value is recorded as an asset and changes in the fair value are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. The recording of these interest rate swap agreements resulted in a $4.1 million derivative classified as “Other Assets” on the balance sheet.

For further information, refer to “Current and Long-term Debt” within Item 2.

 

8. SEGMENT REPORTING

Valassis has five reportable segments: Free-standing Inserts (FSI), Neighborhood Targeted, Household Targeted, International & Services and ADVO. We previously reported our Run of Press (ROP) business as a separate segment. Due to the similarity in sales and operational processes and the newly-combined sales and general management, we aggregated ROP into the Neighborhood Targeted segment effective January 1, 2007. Our five reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are subject to regular review by our chief operating decision-makers. They are managed separately because each business requires different executional strategies and caters to different customer marketing needs.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We evaluate performance based on earnings from operations. Assets are not allocated in all cases to reportable segments and are not used to assess the performance of a segment.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   FSI     Neighborhood
Targeted
(1)
   Household
Targeted
   International &
Services
   ADVO    Total

2007

                

Revenues from external customers

   $ 98.7     $ 120.2    $ 12.7    $ 29.0    $ 351.5    $ 612.1

Intersegment revenues

   $ (0.8 )   $ 3.6    $ —      $ —      $ 1.1    $ 3.9

Depreciation/amortization

   $ 2.2     $ 0.5    $ —      $ 0.6    $ 14.6    $ 17.9

Segment profit

   $ 5.4     $ 14.5    $ 0.5    $ 1.9    $ 19.4    $ 41.7

2006

                

Revenues from external customers

   $ 117.0     $ 101.8    $ 14.2    $ 27.6       $ 260.6

Intersegment revenues

   $ —       $ —      $ —      $ —         $ —  

Depreciation/amortization

   $ 2.1     $ 0.5    $ 0.1    $ 0.9       $ 3.6

Segment profit

   $ 20.8     $ 8.9    $ 0.1    $ 2.2       $ 32.0

 

10


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   FSI    Neighborhood
Targeted
(1)
   Household
Targeted
    International &
Services
   ADVO(2)    Total

2007

                

Revenues from external customers

   $ 208.4    $ 220.7    $ 23.9     $ 56.9    $ 463.6    $ 973.5

Intersegment revenues

   $ —      $ 3.6    $ —       $ —      $ 1.2    $ 4.8

Depreciation/amortization

   $ 4.6    $ 1.0    $ —       $ 1.2    $ 18.5    $ 25.3

Segment profit (loss)

   $ 15.3    $ 25.4    $ (0.5 )   $ 4.6    $ 24.7    $ 69.5

2006

                

Revenues from external customers

   $ 232.3    $ 189.0    $ 32.4     $ 54.5       $ 508.2

Intersegment revenues

   $ —      $ —      $ —       $ —         $ —  

Depreciation/amortization

   $ 4.3    $ 1.0    $ 0.2     $ 1.9       $ 7.4

Segment profit

   $ 38.4    $ 16.3    $ 2.5     $ 4.3       $ 61.5

(1) Neighborhood Targeted now includes the Run of Press business.
(2) Results since the acquisition date of March 2, 2007.

Reconciliations to consolidated financial statement totals are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   June 30,
2007
    June 30,
2006
    June 30,
2007
    June 30,
2006
 

Profit for reportable segments

   $ 41.7     $ 32.0     $ 69.5     $ 61.5  

Unallocated amounts:

        

Litigation and other costs related to the acquisition of ADVO

     (1.1 )     —         (2.0 )     —    

Interest expense

     (25.2 )     (2.2 )     (35.8 )     (5.1 )

Other income

     1.5       0.7       3.6       2.1  
                                

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 16.9     $ 30.5     $ 35.3     $ 58.5  
                                

Domestic and foreign revenues were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   June 30,
2007
   June 30,
2006
   June 30,
2007
   June 30,
2006

United States

     587.5      245.7      933.5      478.7

Foreign

     24.6      14.9      40.0      29.5
                           

Total

   $ 612.1    $ 260.6    $ 973.5    $ 508.2
                           

Domestic and foreign long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, net) were as follows:

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   June 30,
2007
   Dec 31,
2006

United States

   $ 292.5    $ 89.3

Foreign

     20.7      20.1
             

Total

   $ 313.2    $ 109.4
             

 

11


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   2007     2006     2007     2006  

Net earnings

   $ 9,776     $ 19,689     $ 21,009     $ 37,746  
                                

Basic EPS:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     47,781       47,767       47,780       47,710  
                                

Earnings per common share—basic

   $ 0.20     $ 0.41     $ 0.44     $ 0.79  
                                

Diluted EPS:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     47,781       47,767       47,780       47,710  

Weighted average shares purchased on exercise of dilutive options

     —         1,409       —         1,467  

Shares purchased with proceeds of options/unrecognized compensation

     (50 )     (1,346 )     (53 )     (1,398 )

Shares contingently issuable

     146       33       146       33  
                                

Shares applicable to diluted earnings

     47,877       47,863       47,873       47,812  
                                

Earnings per common share—diluted

   $ 0.20     $ 0.41     $ 0.44     $ 0.79  
                                

Unexercised employee stock options to purchase 6.7 million shares of Valassis’ common stock were not included in the computations of diluted EPS for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock during the applicable periods.

 

10. GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following information is presented in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The operating and investing activities of the separate legal entities included in the consolidated financial statements are fully interdependent and integrated. Revenues and operating expenses of the separate legal entities include intercompany charges for management and other services. The 2015 Notes issued by Valassis are guaranteed by substantially all of Valassis’ existing and future domestic subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. Each of the subsidiary guarantors is 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by Valassis and has guaranteed the 2015 Notes on a joint and several, full and unconditional basis. Non-wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, partnerships and foreign subsidiaries are not guarantors of these obligations. The subsidiary guarantors also guarantee the senior secured credit facility described in Note 7.

 

12


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

The following tables present the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and the related condensed consolidating statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

June 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

     Parent
Company
   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 21,382    $ 87,298     $ 27,151     $ —       $ 135,831

Accounts receivable, net

     214,970      213,300       28,913       (210 )     456,973

Inventories

     25,847      10,783       35       —         36,665

Prepaid expenses and other

     21,293      21,230       1,229       (20,000 )     23,752

Deferred income taxes

     1,051      16,629       370       —         18,050

Refundable income taxes

     10,679      1,027       (91 )     —         11,615
                                     

Total current assets

     295,222      350,267       57,607       (20,210 )     682,886
                                     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     16,293      276,224       13,329       7,385       313,231

Intangible assets, net

     35,544      1,103,586       6,988       (7,244 )     1,138,874

Investments

     1,430,091      38,118       —         (1,461,407 )     6,802

Other assets

     30,360      (692 )     197       (207 )     29,658
                                     

Total assets

   $ 1,807,510    $ 1,767,503     $ 78,121     $ (1,481,683 )   $ 2,171,451
                                     
      Parent
Company
   Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

           

Current liabilities:

           

Current portion, long-term debt

   $ 30,900    $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 30,900

Accounts payable

     171,297      125,684       19,318       (14,904 )     301,395

Accrued expenses

     48,649      56,747       11,556       (5,372 )     111,580

Progress billings

     27,897      16,580       6,776       —         51,253
                                     

Total current liabilities

     278,743      199,011       37,650       (20,276 )     495,128
                                     

Long-term debt

     1,332,573      —         —         —      

 

1,332,573

Other non-current liabilities

     —        8,833       2,353       —         11,186

Deferred income taxes

     3,506      136,370       —         —         139,876

Stockholders’ equity

     192,688      1,423,289       38,118       (1,461,407 )     192,688
                                     

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,807,510    $ 1,767,503     $ 78,121     $ (1,481,683 )   $ 2,171,451
                                     

 

13


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2006

(in thousands)

 

     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 21,463     $ 13,173     $ 17,983    $ —       $ 52,619

Auction-rate securities

     91,519       11,014       —        —         102,533

Accounts receivable, net

     246,944       61,708       30,427      —         339,079

Inventories

     25,834       —         —        —         25,834

Prepaid expenses and other

     (5,043 )     28,085       1,863      (8,224 )     16,681

Deferred income taxes

     1,094       494       201      —         1,789

Refundable income taxes

     3,552       286       119      —         3,957
                                     

Total current assets

     385,363       114,760       50,593      (8,224 )     542,492
                                     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     17,955       71,381       12,665      7,385       109,386

Intangible assets, net

     35,656       98,009       6,988      (7,244 )     133,409

Investments

     216,595       31,696       —        (243,392 )     4,899

Other assets

     12,495       (1,244 )     179      (190 )     11,240
                                     

Total assets

   $ 668,064     $ 314,602     $ 70,425    $ (251,665 )   $ 801,426
                                     
     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

           

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable

   $ 169,608     $ 81,822     $ 19,701    $ (2,297 )   $ 268,834

Accrued expenses

     28,448       11,543       10,113      (5,976 )     44,128

Progress billings

     38,997       2,869       7,392      —         49,258
                                     

Total current liabilities

     237,053       96,234       37,206      (8,273 )     362,220
                                     

Long-term debt

     259,931       —         —        —         259,931

Other non-current liabilities

     —         6,672       1,523      —         8,195

Deferred income taxes

     3,506       —         —        —         3,506

Stockholders’ equity

     167,574       211,696       31,696      (243,392 )     167,574
                                     

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 668,064     $ 314,602     $ 70,425    $ (251,665 )   $ 801,426
                                     

 

14


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total
 

Revenues

   $ 180,032     $ 418,199     $ 26,120     $ (12,204 )   $ 612,147  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     152,029       312,897       20,100       (12,204 )     472,822  

Selling, general and administrative

     13,346       76,560       6,458       —         96,364  

Amortization

     55       2,257       —         —         2,312  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     165,430       391,714       26,558       (12,204 )     571,498  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     14,602       26,485       (438 )     —         40,649  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     25,225       —         3       —         25,228  

Other income, net

     (201 )     (1,173 )     (111 )     —         (1,485 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     25,024       (1,173 )     (108 )     —         23,743  
                                        

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

     (10,422 )     27,658       (330 )     —         16,906  

Income taxes

     (2,012 )     8,993       149         7,130  

Equity in net earnings/(loss) of subsidiary

     18,186       (479 )     —         (17,707 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings/(loss)

   $ 9,776     $ 18,186     $ (479 )   $ (17,707 )   $ 9,776  
                                        

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended June 30, 2006

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total
 

Revenues

   $ 175,158     $ 70,432     $ 16,367     $ (1,364 )   $ 260,593  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     145,188       42,017       12,131       (1,364 )     197,972  

Selling, general and administrative

     5,414       21,019       4,082       —         30,515  

Amortization

     55       83       —         —         138  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     150,657       63,119       16,213       (1,364 )     228,625  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     24,501       7,313       154       —         31,968  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     2,840       (469 )     (155 )     —         2,216  

Other income, net

     (1,116 )     347       41       —         (728 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     1,724       (122 )     (114 )     —         1,488  
                                        

Earnings before income taxes

     22,777       7,435       268       —         30,480  

Income taxes

     9,590       732       469       —         10,791  

Equity in net earnings/(loss) of subsidiary

     6,502       (201 )     —         (6,301 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings/(loss)

   $ 19,689     $ 6,502     $ (201 )   $ (6,301 )   $ 19,689  
                                        

 

15


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total
 

Revenues

   $ 349,299     $ 595,817     $ 42,807     $ (14,472 )   $ 973,451  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     293,241       440,085       32,985       (14,472 )     751,839  

Selling, general and administrative

     26,933       113,121       10,836       —         150,890  

Amortization

     111       3,109       —         —         3,220  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     320,285       556,315       43,821       (14,472 )     905,949  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     29,014       39,502       (1,014 )     —         67,502  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     35,842       —         5       —         35,847  

Other income, net

     (1,861 )     (1,579 )     (223 )     —         (3,663 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     33,981       (1,579 )     (218 )     —         32,184  
                                        

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

     (4,967 )     41,081       (796 )     —         35,318  

Income taxes

     1,831       12,107       371       —         14,309  

Equity in net earnings/(loss) of subsidiary

     27,807       (1,167 )     —         (26,640 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings/(loss)

   $ 21,009     $ 27,807     $ (1,167 )   $ (26,640 )   $ 21,009  
                                        

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Six Months Ended June 30, 2006

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total
 

Revenues

   $ 339,262     $ 139,421     $ 32,186     $ (2,631 )   $ 508,238  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     276,236       85,904       23,732       (2,631 )     383,241  

Selling, general and administrative

     18,914       36,275       8,066       —         63,255  

Amortization

     111       167       —         —         278  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     295,261       122,346       31,798       (2,631 )     446,774  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     44,001       17,075       388       —         61,464  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     5,692       (469 )     (152 )     —         5,071  

Other income, net

     (1,991 )     —         (91 )     —         (2,082 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     3,701       (469 )     (243 )     —         2,989  
                                        

Earnings before income taxes

     40,300       17,544       631       —         58,475  

Income taxes

     18,192       1,561       976       —         20,729  

Equity in net earnings/(loss) of subsidiary

     15,638       (345 )     —         (15,293 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings/(loss)

   $ 37,746     $ 15,638     $ (345 )   $ (15,293 )   $ 37,746  
                                        

 

16


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated
Total
 

Operating activities

          

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 14,748     $ 73,145     $ 8,814     $ —     $ 96,707  

Investing Activities

          

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (2,000 )     (10,035 )     (190 )     —       (12,225 )

Acquisition of ADVO, net of cash acquired

     (1,187,301 )     —         —           (1,187,301 )

Purchases of auction rate securities

     (146,262 )     (10,073 )     —         —       (156,335 )

Proceeds from sales of auction rate securities

     237,781       21,088       —           258,869  

Investments and advances to affiliated companies

     (1,000 )     —         —           (1,000 )

Other

     (360 )     —         —         —       (360 )
                                      

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,099,142 )     980       (190 )     —       (1,098,352 )
                                      

Financing Activities

          

Borrowings of long-term debt

     1,130,000       —         —         —       1,130,000  

Payment of debt issue costs

     (19,212 )     —         —         —       (19,212 )

Repayment of long-term debt

     (26,475 )     —         —         —       (26,475 )
                                      

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     1,084,313       —         —         —       1,084,313  
                                      

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         544       —       544  

Net (decrease) increase in cash

     (81 )     74,125       9,168         83,212  

Cash at beginning of period

     21,463       13,173       17,983         52,619  
                                      

Cash at end of period

   $ 21,382     $ 87,298     $ 27,151     $ —     $ 135,831  
                                      

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Six Months Ended June 30, 2006

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
  Consolidated
Total
 

Operating Activities

          

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

   $ 20,146     $ 17,214     $ (8,904 )   $ —     $ 28,456  

Investing Activities

          

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (3,094 )     (1,146 )     (146 )     —       (4,386 )

Purchases of auction rate securities

     (220,434 )     (13,974 )     —         —       (234,408 )

Proceeds from sales of auction rate securities

     206,732       9,804       —         —       216,536  

Other

     (212 )     —         —         —       (212 )
                                      

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (17,008 )     (5,316 )     (146 )     —       (22,470 )
                                      

Financing Activities

          

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     5,678       —         —         —       5,678  

Repurchase of common stock

     (3,913 )     —         —         —       (3,913 )

Repayment of long-term debt

     (14,379 )     —         —         —       (14,379 )
                                      

Net cash used in financing activities

     (12,614 )     —         —         —       (12,614 )
                                      

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

         1,136       —       1,136  

Net (decrease)/increase in cash

     (9,476 )  

 

11,898

 

    (7,914 )     —       (5,492 )

Cash at beginning of period

     23,484       16,525       24,311       —       64,320  
                                      

Cash at end of period

   $ 14,008     $ 28,423     $ 16,397     $ —     $ 58,828  
                                      

 

17


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

11. INCOME TAXES

On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements and prescribes recognition and measurement standards for the disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. The Interpretation requires that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The more-likely-than-not threshold represents a positive assertion by management that a company is entitled to the economic benefit of a tax position. If a tax position is not considered more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits, a company cannot recognize any benefit for the tax position. In addition, the tax position must continue to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold in each reporting period after initial recognition in order to support continued recognition of a benefit. With the adoption of Interpretation No. 48, companies are required to adjust their financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. In addition to initial recognition and measurement, Interpretation No. 48 provides guidance on derecognition of tax benefits, classification on the balance sheet, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company adopted Interpretation No. 48 effective January 1, 2007.

As a result of adopting Interpretation No. 48, the Company recognized a cumulative increase in its liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $4.2 million, resulting in a total liability for unrecognized tax benefits on January 1, 2007 of $5.7 million, all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. This cumulative change decreased retained earnings by $3.9 million and increased current income tax expense by $0.3 million. On March 2, 2007, Valassis acquired all the stock of ADVO. Following the application of Interpretation No. 48 to ADVO’s tax positions, ADVO recognized an additional liability of $1.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits. The adjustment for ADVO served to increase goodwill on the opening balance sheet under purchase accounting principles by $1.3 million. As of June 30, 2007, the Company had $10.1 million in unrecognized tax benefits, of which, $6.3 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The increase in unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of ADVO.

The Company files tax returns in various federal, state, and local jurisdictions. In many cases, the Company’s liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax years that remain open for examination by a jurisdiction’s taxing authority. The following table summarizes open tax years by major jurisdiction, including the periods ending December 31, 2006 for Valassis and March 2, 2007 for ADVO for which returns are not yet filed:

 

Jurisdiction

 

VCI

 

ADVO

United States   2004 - 2006   09/02, 09/04 - 3/2/07
California   2000 - 2006   09/02 - 03/02/07
Connecticut   2000 - 2006   09/03 - 03/02/07
Illinois   2004 - 2006   09/03 - 03/02/07
Kansas   2003 - 2006   09/03 - 03/02/07
Massachusetts   1996 - 2006   09/04 - 03/02/07
North Carolina   2000 - 2006  

09/98 - 09/02,

09/04 - 03/02/07

Pennsylvania   2003 - 2006   09/02 - 03/02/07
Texas   2003 - 2006   09/03 - 03/02/07

Prior to June 30, 2008, Valassis anticipates that several events may occur that could have a significant effect on the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as reported. These anticipated events include the settlement or payment of ongoing state audits and the closure of negotiations in connection with historic state planning positions. These events would result in a decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $1.0 million to $2.7 million. Further effects could be recognized as we complete routine process studies, but we do not have sufficient data to estimate the impact of these changes at this time.

Valassis’ policy for recording interest and penalties associated with liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits is to record these items as part of income tax expense. This accounting policy does not represent a change in policy from prior periods. The gross amount of interest and penalties recorded as of January 1, 2007 is $1.3 million. The amount of interest and penalties accrued for both the three and six month period ended June 30, 2007 was $0.6 million. The gross amount of interest and penalties recorded for both Valassis and ADVO as of June 30, 2007 was $2.5 million.

 

18


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

In July 2007, the State of Michigan enacted a substantial change to its corporate tax structure. The tax law changes include the elimination of the Single Business Tax (SBT) and the creation of an income tax and a modified gross receipts tax. The new taxes will be effective January 1, 2008. Due to the complex change in the tax law in Michigan, we are still evaluating the impact the change will have on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Certain statements under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” including, specifically, statements made in “Overview,” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Valassis to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and may cause future results to differ from our operating results in the past. Such factors include, among others, the following: price competition from Valassis’ existing competitors; new competitors in any of Valassis’ businesses; a shift in customer preference for different promotional materials, promotional strategies or coupon delivery methods; an unforeseen increase in Valassis’ paper or postal costs; changes which affect the businesses of Valassis’ customers and lead to reduced sales promotion spending; challenges and costs of achieving synergies and cost savings in connection with the ADVO acquisition and in integrating ADVO’s operations may be greater than expected; Valassis’ substantial indebtedness, and its ability to incur additional indebtedness, may affect Valassis’ financial health; certain covenants in Valassis’ debt documents could adversely restrict its financial and operating flexibility; fluctuations in the amount, timing, pages and weight, and kinds of advertising pieces from period to period, due to a change in Valassis’ customers’ promotional needs, inventories and other factors; Valassis’ failure to attract and retain qualified personnel may affect its business and results of operations; a rise in interest rates could increase Valassis’ borrowing costs; the outcome of ADVO’s pending shareholder lawsuits; possible governmental regulation or litigation affecting aspects of Valassis’ business; and general economic conditions, whether nationally or in the market areas in which Valassis conducts its business, may be less favorable than expected. 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. Additional risks include, but are not limited to those risk factors described in our Amended 2006 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed subsequently thereto, and other filings by Valassis with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Overview

On March 2, 2007, we acquired the shares of ADVO common stock for an acquisition price of approximately $1.2 billion, including the refinancing of approximately $125.0 million in existing ADVO debt. We funded the ADVO acquisition, together with the refinancing of ADVO debt and the payment of related fees and expenses, through an $870.0 million senior secured credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, an unsecured $540.0 million offering of 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015 and existing cash on hand.

The combination of Valassis and ADVO provides the delivery of value-oriented consumer promotions by blending home newspaper delivery with shared direct mail. We offer products and services including newspaper-delivered promotions such as inserts, sampling, polybags and on-page advertisements; shared mail; direct mail; in-store marketing; direct-to-door advertising and sampling; Internet-delivered marketing; loyalty marketing software; coupon and promotion clearing; promotion planning; and analytic services. We can now reach over 60 million households through weekly newspaper distribution and 90% of U.S. homes through shared mail distribution.

For the three months ended June 30, 2007, we achieved revenues of $612.1 million, up 134.9% from the quarter ended June 30, 2006. We consolidated ADVO’s financial results with ours beginning March 2, 2007, which accounted for $351.5 million of this increase in revenue. Net earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 were $9.8 million, representing a decrease of 50.3% from the comparable period last year. We delivered diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.20.

We have added the ADVO business as a separate reportable business segment effective the date of the acquisition. During the first quarter of 2007, we also combined our ROP business segment into our Neighborhood Targeted business segment due to similarities in the businesses.

Segment Results

FSI

In the quarter ended June 30, 2007, FSI revenues were $98.7 million, representing a decrease of 15.6% compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The decrease in revenues was attributable to an approximately 10% reduction in FSI pricing and a 4.6% decline in industry volume, coupled with a slight decrease in market share as compared to the second quarter of 2006. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, FSI revenues were $208.4 million, representing a decrease of 10.3% compared to the year-ago period. This decline was also due to an approximately 10% decrease in FSI pricing; however, industry volume was down just 1.3% during this period. FSI cost of goods sold decreased slightly during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 versus the comparable periods a year-ago on a cost-per-thousand (CPM) basis.

 

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Neighborhood Targeted

Beginning with the first quarter of 2007, we combined our ROP segment with our Neighborhood Targeted segment. The majority of business within this combined segment is media placement. The segments have similar sales and operational processes and now share a common sales and management team.

Our Neighborhood Targeted product revenues increased 18.1% in the quarter ended June 30, 2007 to $120.2 million versus the quarter ended June 30, 2006. This increase was the result of strong results in ROP, polybags/sampling and preprints primarily in the telecommunications, financial services and customer packaged goods customer verticals. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, Neighborhood Targeted products revenue increased 16.8% to $220.7 million from the year-ago period. In the first quarter of 2006, we lost a significant amount of business from our telecommunications customers due to industry consolidation, which we re-secured later in 2006. This is reflected in our increased revenue and segment profit in 2007. Segment profit increased significantly as a result of the higher volume experienced in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

Household Targeted

The Household Targeted segment had revenues of $12.7 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2007, a decrease of 10.6% from the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The decrease in revenues for this segment is due to continued softness in solo direct mail programs. This segment recorded $0.5 million in segment profit for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, despite $0.7 million in SG&A associated with our investment in on-line media planning and placement and new interactive initiatives. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, segment revenue decreased 26.2%, also due to softness in solo direct mail programs. The segment lost $0.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 due to the revenue decline coupled with increased SG&A related to the initiatives mentioned above.

International & Services

The International & Services segment had revenues of $29.0 million in the second quarter of 2007, an increase of 5.1% from the second quarter of 2006, due to higher coupon clearing volumes in the United States and the United Kingdom, and our in-store initiatives. Segment profits in the second quarter of 2007 were $1.9 million, representing a decrease of 13.6% from the year-ago period driven by a decline in profits of Valassis Canada and incremental costs of $0.5 million to improve efficiencies in our European operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 segment revenues increased 4.4% from the year-ago period.

ADVO

ADVO revenues for the second quarter of 2007 were $351.5 million, representing a decrease of 9.1% from ADVO’s second calendar quarter of 2006. During the second calendar quarter of 2007, ADVO had one less week than the comparable quarter of 2006 resulting from ADVO’s historical 52/53 week accounting cycle. Excluding this extra week, revenues decreased 4.6% from the year-ago period. The revenue decline was primarily volume driven. Advertising pieces were 8.8 billion, down 5.5% (excluding the extra week) from the comparable prior period due to a reduction in packages, a decline in insert volume resulting from grocery customer consolidation and a reduction in Missing Child Card (“MCC”) pieces. Effective mid-May 2007, ADVO eliminated the use of the MCC due to a shift from a detached address card to printing the consumer address on the ShopWise® wrap. The reduction in packages was in part due to package and profile consolidation in certain markets. Packages were 1.1 billion for the current period, down 0.5% (excluding the extra week) from the second calendar quarter of 2006. The reduction in pieces and packages resulted in a 5.4% decrease in average pieces per package.

Revenue per thousand pieces was $37.21 for the second quarter, up slightly (excluding the extra week) due to the reduction in the lower priced MCC product and the partial quarter impact of the postal rate pass-through, offset in part by a shift to lighter weight products from the grocery customer category. The increase in revenue per thousand pieces was more than offset by the volume declines detailed above.

ADVO’s gross margin percentage increased to 22.6% from 21.4% in the prior year second calendar quarter and 18.4% in the full first quarter of 2007. The progress made in improving the ADVO cost structure and consolidating packages/profiles resulted in the higher gross margin percentage for the quarter. Also contributing was the decrease in unused postage as a percentage of base postage from 23.3% in the prior year’s quarter to 22.2% in the current quarter. This 1.1 decrease in percentage points is a result of eliminating packages with higher percentages of unused postage.

 

21


Selling, General and Administrative Costs

Selling, general and administrative costs increased in the second quarter of 2007 to $96.4 million from $30.5 million in the second quarter of 2006. The increase resulted primarily from the inclusion of ADVO SG&A costs in our consolidated results beginning March 2, 2007. ADVO accounted for $57.7 million in SG&A expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2007. The remaining increase was due to increases in incentive compensation and non-recurring costs related to the acquisition of ADVO.

Amortization Expense

Amortization expense of $2.3 million was recorded for the quarter ended June 30, 2007. As a result of the allocation of purchase price for the ADVO acquisition, $180 million of amortizable intangibles were recorded with an average life of 20 years.

Non-operating Items

Interest expense was $25.2 million in the second quarter of 2007, compared to $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2006. The increase was due to borrowings of $540.0 million of unsecured 8  1/4% Senior Notes due 2015 and $590.0 million under a senior secured term loan incurred as the result of the acquisition of ADVO on March 2, 2007.

Net Earnings

Net earnings were $9.8 million in the second quarter of 2007, a decrease of $9.9 million, or 50.3%, from the second quarter of 2006. The decrease in earnings was due to a decline in FSI pricing, softness in the Household Targeted segment and additional interest expense associated with financing the acquisition of ADVO, partially offset by the earnings of ADVO. ADVO contributed $12.3 million of net earnings during this period, which excludes the impact of interest expense. Diluted earnings per share were $0.20 in the second quarter of 2007, compared to $0.41 in the second quarter of 2006.

Net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $21.0 million, representing a decrease of 44.3% from the same period a year ago. ADVO contributed $15.7 million of net earnings during this period, which excludes the impact of interest expense. Diluted earnings per share were $0.44 for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $0.79 for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Sources of Capital

Valassis believes that it has sufficient liquidity to support the ongoing activities of its business, repay its existing long-term debt and invest in future growth opportunities. Operating cash flows are Valassis’ primary source of liquidity and are expected to be used for, among other things, interest and principal payments on its debt obligations and capital expenditures necessary to support growth and productivity improvement.

The following table presents our available sources of liquidity as of June 30, 2007:

 

Source of Liquidity (in millions)

   Facility
Amount
    Amount
Outstanding
   Available  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —       $ —      $ 135.8  

Debt facilities:

       

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

     108.8 (1)     —        108.8 (1)

Senior Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan

     160.0       —        160.0  
                       

Total Available

        $ 404.6  
             

(1) net of $11.2 million in outstanding letters of credit

 

22


Sources and Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $135.8 million at June 30, 2007 compared to $52.6 million at December 31, 2006. This was the result of cash provided by operations and financing activities of $96.7 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, offset by cash used for investing activities during the six-month period ended June 30, 2007.

Cash flow from operating activities was $96.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $28.5 million during the year-ago quarter. This increase is the result of the acquisition of ADVO and significant positive changes in working capital, primarily related to an improvement in accounts receivable collections. The prior period also included significant payments of advances related to long term customer contracts; reduced payments of this nature in the current period further contributed to positive changes in working capital. In addition, although net earnings declined by $16.7 million in the current six month period, the non-cash charges to earnings for depreciation and amortization increased by $17.9 million due to the increased depreciation and amortization of the tangible and intangible assets related to the ADVO acquisition.

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.1 billion, due to the acquisition of ADVO for $1.2 billion, offset by net sales of $102.5 million in auction-rate securities. See “Note 2. Acquisition of ADVO” to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional details relating to the acquisition.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.1 billion, solely as the result of $1.1 billion provided from our borrowings of long term debt in order to fund the acquisition of ADVO, as described below under “Current and Long-term Debt.”

Cash and cash equivalents do not include investments in auction-rate securities of $102.5 million at December 31, 2006. Auction-rate securities are considered highly liquid due to the short duration of their reset periods. Valassis had no auction-rate securities as of June 30, 2007.

Current and Long-term Debt

As of June 30, 2007, we had outstanding $1.4 billion in aggregate indebtedness, which consisted of $100.0 million ($99.9 million, net of discount) of the 2009 Secured Notes, $160.0 million of the 2033 Secured Notes, $540.0 million of our unsecured 2015 Notes (each as defined below), and $563.5 million under the senior secured term loan B portion of our senior secured credit facility. During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, there was no outstanding balance under the revolving line of credit portion of our senior secured credit facility. As of June 30, 2007, we had total outstanding letters of credit of approximately $11.2 million.

Our Senior Secured Credit Facility

General

On March 2, 2007, in connection with our acquisition of ADVO, we entered into a senior secured credit facility with Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as Administrative Agent, and a syndicate of lenders jointly arranged by Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC. Our senior secured credit facility consists of the following:

 

   

a five-year revolving line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of $120.0 million, including $35.0 million available in euros, British Pounds Sterling, Mexican Pesos or Canadian Dollars, $40.0 million available for letters of credit and a $20.0 million swingline loan subfacility (the “revolving line of credit”);

 

   

a seven-year term loan B in an aggregate principal amount equal to $590.0 million, with principal repayable in quarterly installments, at a rate of 1.0% per year until the seventh anniversary of the closing date of the term loan B (the “term loan B”);

 

   

a seven-year amortizing delayed draw term loan in an aggregate principal amount equal to $160.0 million, with principal repayable in quarterly installments at a rate of 1.0% per year during the first six years of the delayed draw term loan, with the remaining balance thereafter to be repaid in full on the seventh anniversary of the closing date of the delayed draw term loan at which time the remaining balance will be payable in full (the “delayed draw term loan”); and

 

   

an incremental facility pursuant to which, prior to the maturity of the senior secured credit facility, we may incur additional indebtedness under our senior secured credit facility in an additional amount up to $150.0 million under either the revolving line of credit or the term loan B or a combination thereof (the “incremental facility”). The obligations under the incremental facility will constitute secured obligations under our senior secured credit facility.

All borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, including, without limitation, amounts drawn under the revolving line of credit and the delayed draw term loan, are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of June 30, 2007, we had $563.5 million outstanding under the term loan B and $108.8 million available under the revolving line of credit (after giving effect to outstanding letters of credit). Subsequent to June 30, 2007, we made an additional voluntary prepayment of $25.0 million under our term loan B, which is classified as current debt in our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2007. The delayed draw term loan is available until June 2008 to refinance all of our Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033 (the “2033 Secured Notes”), including in the event the holders of the 2033 Secured Notes exercise their put rights in May 2008. Drawings under the delayed draw term loan are subject to the requirement that the proceeds of such drawings be used to repay certain of our existing indebtedness. The terms of the incremental facility will be substantially similar to the terms of our senior secured credit facility, except with respect to the pricing of the incremental facility, which could be higher than that for the revolving line of credit and the term loans. The proceeds of the incremental facility may be used for general corporate purposes.

Interest and Fees

Borrowings under our senior secured credit facility bear interest, at our option, at either the base rate (defined as the higher of the prime rate announced by the commercial bank selected by the administrative agent to the facility or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%), or at a Eurodollar rate (as defined in the credit agreement), in each case, plus

 

23


an applicable margin. After the delivery of financial statements and compliance certificates for two consecutive fiscal quarters following the closing of the ADVO acquisition, the applicable margins for the revolving line of credit may be subject to adjustment based upon the ratio of our secured debt to our consolidated adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) being within certain defined ranges.

Guarantees and Security

Our senior secured credit facility is guaranteed by substantially all of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries pursuant to a Guarantee, Security and Collateral Agency Agreement (the “Security Agreement”), dated as of March 2, 2007. In addition, our obligations under our senior secured credit facility and the guarantee obligations of the subsidiary guarantors are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of our and our subsidiary guarantors’ present and future assets and by a pledge of all of the equity interests in our subsidiary guarantors and 65% of the capital stock of our existing and future restricted foreign subsidiaries.

Prepayments

Subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, we are permitted to make voluntary prepayments without payment of premium or penalty. With certain exceptions, we are required to make mandatory prepayments on the term loans in certain circumstances, including, without limitation, 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds from any debt offering, asset sale or insurance and/or condemnation recovery (to the extent not otherwise used for reinvestment in our business or a related business) and up to 50% (with the exact percentage to be determined based upon our consolidated secured leverage ratio as defined in our credit agreement) of our excess cash flow. Such mandatory prepayments will first be applied ratably to the principal installments of the term loans and second, to the prepayment of any outstanding revolving or swing-line loans, without an automatic reduction of the amount of the revolving line of credit.

Covenants

Subject to customary and otherwise agreed upon exceptions, our senior secured credit facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, including, but not limited to,

 

   

the payment of other obligations;

 

   

the maintenance of organizational existences, including, but not limited to, maintaining our property and insurance;

 

   

compliance with all material contractual obligations and requirements of law;

 

   

limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness;

 

   

limitations on creation and existence of liens;

 

   

limitations on certain fundamental changes to our corporate structure and nature of our business, including mergers;

 

   

limitations on asset sales;

 

   

limitations on restricted payments;

 

   

limitations on capital expenditures;

 

   

limitations on any investments, provided that certain “permitted acquisitions” and strategic investments are allowed;

 

   

limitations on optional prepayments and modifications of certain debt instruments;

 

   

limitations on modifications to material agreements;

 

   

limitations on transactions with affiliates;

 

   

limitations on entering into certain swap agreements;

 

   

limitations on negative pledge clauses or clauses restricting subsidiary distributions;

 

   

limitations on sale-leaseback and other lease transactions; and

 

   

limitations on changes to our fiscal year.

 

24


Our senior secured credit facility also requires us to comply with a maximum senior secured leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement (generally, the ratio of our consolidated senior secured indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four quarters) ranging from 4.25 to 1.00 to 3.50 to 1.00 (depending on the applicable period), and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement (generally, the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA for such period to consolidated interest expense for such period) ranging from 1.60 to 1.00 to 2.00 to 1.00 (depending on the applicable period).

In addition, we are required to give notice to the administrative agent and the lenders under the credit agreement of defaults under our senior secured credit facility documentation and other material events, make any new wholly-owned restricted domestic subsidiary a subsidiary guarantor and pledge substantially all after-acquired property as collateral to secure our and our subsidiary guarantors’ obligations in respect of our senior secured credit facility.

Events of Default

Our senior secured credit facility contains customary events of default, including upon a change of control. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under our senior secured credit facility would be entitled to take various actions, including in certain circumstances increasing the effective interest rate and the acceleration of amounts due under our senior secured credit facility.

6 5/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2009

In January 1999, we issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 in a private placement transaction. We pay interest on the 2009 Secured Notes on January 15 and July 15 of each year until maturity of the notes. The Security Agreement secures our 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 (the “2009 Secured Notes”) on an equal and ratable basis with the indebtedness under our senior secured credit facility to the extent required by the indenture governing the 2009 Secured Notes.

We may redeem all or any of the 2009 Secured Notes at any time at a price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 2009 Secured Notes to be redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date. There are no mandatory redemption provisions.

Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033

In May 2003, we issued $239,794,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2033 Secured Notes in a private placement transaction at an issue price of $667.24 per note, resulting in gross proceeds to us of $160.0 million. The holders of the 2033 Secured Notes receive cash interest payments of 1 5/8% per year on the original discounted amount, payable on November 22 and May 22 of each year through May 2008. Original issue discount accrues on each 2033 Secured Note, so long as it remains outstanding, at  5/8% per annum beginning May 22, 2008, on a semi-annual bond equivalent basis.

The Security Agreement secures the 2033 Secured Notes on an equal and ratable basis with the indebtedness under our senior secured credit facility to the extent required by the indenture governing the 2033 Secured Notes.

The holders of the 2033 Secured Notes may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes with cash 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 $1,000 principal amount at maturity, respectively.

If a change of control occurs, each holder of the 2033 Secured Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s notes at their accreted value plus accrued and unpaid interest. We may redeem for cash all or a portion of the 2033 Secured Notes at their accreted value plus accrued and unpaid interest at any time on or after May 22, 2008.

The 2033 Secured Notes are convertible by their holders when (i) a market price trigger (as defined below) occurs, (ii) there is a credit rating assigned to the 2033 Secured Notes by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. of Ba3 or lower or BB- or lower by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group, or (iii) in respect of a 2033 Secured Note, we or the holder of that note has exercised redemption rights related to that note. A market price trigger occurs (a) the first time that the closing sales price per share of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in any period of 30 consecutive trading

 

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days exceeds 120% of the accreted conversion price per share of common stock or (b) the first time that the average trading prices for the 2033 Secured Notes over a 10 consecutive trading day period is less than 105% of the product of the closing per share sale price of our common stock times the number of shares of our common stock issuable per 2033 Secured Note upon conversion during such 10 day period. The accreted conversion price as of any day is equal to the issue price of a 2033 Secured Note plus the accrued original issue discount to that day divided by the number of shares issuable upon conversion of that note. The 2033 Secured 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 when the stock price at the time of the conversion is greater than the base conversion price and the number of incremental shares is based upon the incremental share factor and our common stock price at the time of the conversion. On May 22, 2008, the total conversion rate (base rate plus incremental shares) is fixed based upon our common stock price as of that date.

On February 14, 2007, in contemplation of the proposed financing in connection with the acquisition of ADVO, Moody’s lowered the rating of the 2033 Secured Notes to Ba2 with a stable outlook. Similarly, S&P lowered the rating on the 2033 Secured Notes to BB- with negative implications on CreditWatch pending the closing of the financing. Both rating agencies rated the 2033 Secured Notes slightly higher than our general rating to reflect the anticipated security interest that holders of the 2033 Secured Notes received upon the closing of the ADVO acquisition. Pursuant to the indenture covering the 2033 Secured Notes, the rating by S&P triggered the right of the holders of the 2033 Secured Notes to convert these notes. However, the conversion price is out-of-the-money. Lower debt ratings may increase our cost of borrowing as well as adversely affect our access to the capital markets.

8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015

On March 2, 2007, we issued in a private placement $540.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”). The net proceeds from the offering of the 2015 Notes were $527.8 million, after deducting $12.2 million in commissions and fees related to the offering. The net proceeds of the 2015 Notes, together with a portion of our available cash and initial borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, were used to fund our acquisition of ADVO, refinance approximately $125.0 million of outstanding ADVO indebtedness, and pay related fees and expenses.

Interest on the 2015 Notes is payable every six months on March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 2007. The 2015 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by substantially all of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. In July 2007, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement between us and the initial purchasers of the 2015 Notes, we filed with the SEC a registration statement pursuant to which we commenced an exchange offer to exchange the original notes issued in the private placement for a like principal amount of exchange notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The exchange notes will be substantially identical to the original notes, except that the exchange notes will not be subject to certain transfer restrictions.

The 2015 Notes were issued under an indenture with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “2015 indenture”). Subject to a number of exceptions, the 2015 indenture restricts our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, transfer or sell assets, make certain investments, pay dividends or make distributions or other restricted payments, create certain liens, merge or consolidate, repurchase stock and enter into transactions with affiliates.

We may redeem all or a portion of the 2015 Notes at our option at any time prior to March 1, 2011, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of 2015 Notes to be redeemed plus a make-whole premium as described in the 2015 indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. At any time on or after March 1, 2011, we may redeem all or a portion of the 2015 Notes at our option at the redemption prices specified in the 2015 indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, on or prior to March 1, 2010, we may redeem at our option up to 35% of the principal amount of the outstanding 2015 Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at the redemption prices specified in the 2015 indenture. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the 2015 indenture, holders have the right to require us to purchase all or a portion of their 2015 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2015 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of repurchase.

 

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All of our indentures governing the 2009 Secured Notes, 2033 Secured Notes and the 2015 Notes contain cross-default provisions which become applicable if we default under any mortgage, indebtedness or instrument for money borrowed by us and the default results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in excess of $25.0 million. Our credit agreement contains a cross-default provision which becomes applicable if we default under any mortgage, indebtedness or instrument for money borrowed by us in excess of $25.0 million.

Other Indebtedness

On April 4, 2007 and June 29, 2007, we entered into forward dated swap agreements with notional principal amounts of $300.0 million and $180.0 million, respectively. The swap agreements expire in December 2010 and effectively fix the interest rates for an aggregate of $480.0 million of our variable rate debt under the term loan B portion of our senior credit facility. Under SFAS No. 133, each swap is recorded as a cash flow hedge in which the fair value is recorded as an asset and changes in the fair value are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.

Covenant Compliance

As of June 30, 2007, we were in compliance with all of our indenture and senior secured credit facility covenants.

Future Commitments and Contractual Obligations

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

 

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Valassis’ contractual obligations as of June 30, 2007 are as follows:

Payments due by Period

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   Total    Less
Than 1
Year
   1-3 Years     3-5 Years    More
Than 5
Years
 

Long-term debt

   $ 1,443.3    $ 30.9    $ 100.0     $ —      $ 1312.4 (1)(2)

Interest on long-term debt

     556.7      86.6      81.4       80.4      308.3  

Operating leases

     116.9      22.6      45.7       26.7      21.9  

Other long-term liabilities

     23.0      4.6      —         —        18.4  

Revolving credit facility

     —        —        —         —        —    

Delayed draw loan

     —        —        —         —        —    
                                     
   $ 2,139.9    $ 144.7    $ 227.1     $ 107.1    $ 1661.0  
                                     

(1) Non-current long-term debt is included at face value.
(2) Includes $160.0 million of our 2033 Notes which, if put by the holders of such Notes by May 22, 2008, is expected to be paid with borrowings under the available Delayed Draw Term Loan.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 30, 2007, 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 $12.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, and are anticipated to be less than $50.0 million for the 2007 fiscal year. Management expects future capital expenditure requirements of approximately $35.0 million in each of 2008 and 2009 to meet the business needs of enhancing technology and replacing equipment as required. It is expected that these expenditures will be made using funds provided by operations.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under Interpretation No. 48, the threshold for recognizing an uncertain tax position is lowered from “probable” to “more-likely-than-not.” In addition, Interpretation No. 48 provides guidance on derecognition of tax benefits, classification on the balance sheet, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. Valassis adopted Interpretation No. 48 effective January 1, 2007.

As a result of adopting Interpretation No. 48, we recognized a cumulative increase in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $4.2 million. This increase applies to the historic reserves for both Valassis and ADVO. The Valassis component decreased retained earnings, and the ADVO component was recorded on the opening balance sheet under purchase accounting principles. As of June 30, 2007, we had $1.3 million in unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would impact our effective tax rate if recognized. For additional information, see “Note 11. Income Taxes” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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.

 

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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 SEC has defined a company’s most critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require the company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting policies and estimates have not changed materially from those disclosed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Amended 2006 10-K, as supplemented by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed subsequently thereto.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Valassis’ principal market risks are interest rates on various debt instruments and foreign exchange rates at its international subsidiaries.

Interest Rates

Valassis borrowings under its Credit Agreement are subject to a variable rate of interest calculated on either a prime rate or a Euro dollar rate. To reduce its exposure to fluctuating interest rates, Valassis entered into two interest rate swap agreements which effectively converted an aggregate of $480.0 million, or 85% of its total variable rate debt, to fixed rate debt. As of June 30, 2007, an aggregate principal amount of $83.5 million outstanding under the secured term loan B portion of the senior secured credit facility was subject to interest rate variability.

Foreign Currency

Currencies to which Valassis has exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound and euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. We typically purchase the Mexican peso under three to twelve-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Under SFAS No. 133, Valassis’ Mexican peso forward exchange contracts meet the definition of a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. For the quarter ended June 30, 2007, the recorded unrealized market value losses included in other comprehensive income were immaterial. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of June 30, 2007, Valassis had a commitment to purchase $4.6 million in Mexican pesos over the next eleven months.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Disclosure Committee, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that Valassis 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 Valassis’ management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

On March 2, 2007, we completed the ADVO acquisition, at which time ADVO became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valassis. See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further details relating to the ADVO acquisition. We are currently in the process of assessing and integrating ADVO’s internal control over financial reporting into our internal control over financial reporting. Other than with respect to such integration, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II – Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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.

Upon its completion of the acquisition of ADVO, the Company assumed responsibility for ADVO’s pending securities class action lawsuits. In September 2006, three securities class action lawsuits (Robert Kelleher v. ADVO, Inc., et al., Jorge Cornet v. ADVO, Inc., et al., Richard L. Field v. ADVO, Inc., et al.) were filed against ADVO and certain of its officers in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut by certain ADVO shareholders seeking to certify a class of all persons who purchased ADVO stock between July 6, 2006 and August 30, 2006. These complaints generally allege ADVO violated federal securities law by making a series of materially false and misleading statements concerning ADVO’s business and financial results in connection with the proposed merger with Valassis and, as a result, the price of ADVO’s stock was allegedly inflated.

On December 12, 2006, the Kelleher plaintiffs filed a Motion to Partially Lift Discovery Stay, in response to which defendants filed opposition on January 16, 2007. The presiding judge denied the plaintiff’s motion to lift the stay on discovery. In addition, the court ordered the matters consolidated under a single action entitled, Robert Kelleher et al. v. ADVO, Inc., et al., Civil Case No. 3:06CV01422(AVC). A revised, consolidated complaint was filed by the plaintiffs on June 8, 2007. The defendants’ responsive pleading is due August 24, 2007.

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 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Amended 2006 10-K, which factors are amended and supplemented in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed subsequently thereto, and which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Amended 2006 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides certain information with respect to our purchase of shares of Valassis common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2007.

 

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

April 1 through April 30, 2007

   —      —      —      6,091,825

May 1 through May 31, 2007

   —      —      —      6,091,825

June 1 through June 30, 2007

   —      —      —      6,091,825
                   

Total

   —      —      —      6,091,825
                   

 

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

 

  a. The Company voted on the following items described below at its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 15, 2007.

The election of the nominees for directors who will serve for a term to expire at the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified was voted on by the stockholders. The nominees, all of whom were elected, were: Joseph B. Anderson, Patrick F. Brennan, Kenneth V. Darish, Barry P. Hoffman, Walter H. Ku, Robert L. Recchia, Marcella A. Sampson, Alan F. Schultz and Faith Whittlesey. Votes were cast for election of directors as follows:

 

Director

   Votes For    Votes Withheld    Broker Non-Votes

Joseph B. Anderson

   41,768,621    930,216    0

Patrick F. Brennan

   41,918,090    780,747    0

Kenneth V. Darish

   41,919,023    779,814    0

Barry P. Hoffman

   40,261,221    2,437,616    0

Walter H. Ku

   40,223,633    2,475,204    0

Robert L. Recchia

   38,858,776    3,840,061    0

Marcella A. Sampson

   42,098,614    600,223    0

Alan F. Schultz

   41,872,292    826,545    0

Faith Whittlesey

   41,715,975    982,862    0

The proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte and Touche LLP, as independent auditors of the Company for the 2007 fiscal year was approved as follows:

 

Votes For

 

Votes Against

 

Abstentions

 

Broker Non-Votes

41,375,565

  1,301,376   21,896   0

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

 

  10.1 Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2007, between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Barry P. Hoffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Valassis’ Form 8-K (SEC File No. 001-10991) filed on May 25, 2007.)

 

  10.2 Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2007, between Valassis Communications, Inc. and William F. Hogg, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Valassis’ Form 8-K (SEC File No. 001-10991) filed on May 25, 2007.)

 

  10.3 Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2007, between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Robert L. Recchia (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Valassis’ Form 8-K (SEC File No. 001-10991) filed on May 25, 2007.)

 

  10.4 Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation

 

  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

 

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: August 9, 2007

 

Valassis Communications, Inc.

(Registrant)

By:  

/s/ Robert L. Recchia

  Robert L. Recchia
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Signing on behalf of the Registrant and as principal financial and accounting officer.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.   

Description

10.1   

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2007, between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Barry P. Hoffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Valassis’ Form 8-K (SEC File No. 001-10991) filed on May 25, 2007.)

10.2   

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2007, between Valassis Communications, Inc. and William F. Hogg, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Valassis’ Form 8-K (SEC File No. 001-10991) filed on May 25, 2007.)

10.3    Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2007, between Valassis Communications, Inc. and Robert L. Recchia (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Valassis’ Form 8-K (SEC File No. 001-10991) filed on May 25, 2007.)
10.4    Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation
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

 

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