VCI-2013.6.30-10Q
Table of Contents


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, 2013
 
¨
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  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files):     Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
Large accelerated filer
x
 
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
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 2, 2013, there were 37,776,399 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.



Table of Contents


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Quarter Ended June 30, 2013 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
 
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
88,645

 
$
94,711

Accounts receivable, net (Note 1)
388,025

 
426,899

Inventories (Note 1)
36,052

 
43,253

Prepaid expenses and other
55,021

 
36,589

Total current assets
567,743

 
601,452

Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 1)
112,846

 
125,832

Goodwill (Note 2)
632,438

 
632,438

Other intangible assets, net (Note 2)
207,713

 
215,171

Other assets
13,668

 
14,142

Total assets
$
1,534,408

 
$
1,589,035

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current portion long-term debt (Note 3)
$
30,000

 
$
22,500

Accounts payable
268,009

 
281,320

Progress billings
37,259

 
39,595

Accrued expenses (Note 4)
97,431

 
107,467

Total current liabilities
432,699

 
450,882

Long-term debt (Note 3)
535,004

 
565,061

Deferred income taxes
57,842

 
57,258

Other non-current liabilities
40,130

 
42,271

Total liabilities
1,065,675

 
1,115,472

Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012)

 

Common stock ($0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 65,394,999 shares issued at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012; 37,731,308 and 38,766,530 shares outstanding at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)
654

 
654

Additional paid-in capital
96,089

 
102,373

Retained earnings
1,153,275

 
1,128,540

Accumulated other comprehensive income
2,889

 
3,574

Treasury stock, at cost (27,663,691 and 26,628,469 shares at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)
(784,174
)
 
(761,578
)
Total stockholders’ equity
468,733

 
473,563

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,534,408

 
$
1,589,035



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
1

Table of Contents


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,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues
$
495,887

 
$
540,238

 
$
978,409

 
$
1,058,823

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
364,543

 
403,727

 
725,311

 
792,621

Selling, general and administrative
77,723

 
83,523

 
154,055

 
161,140

Amortization expense
3,729

 
3,156

 
7,458

 
6,312

Goodwill impairment (Note 10)

 
7,585

 

 
7,585

Total costs and expenses
445,995

 
497,991

 
886,824

 
967,658

Earnings from operations
49,892

 
42,247

 
91,585

 
91,165

Other expenses and income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
7,498

 
6,755

 
15,177

 
13,809

Interest income
(46
)
 
(70
)
 
(108
)
 
(128
)
Other income, net
(621
)
 
(77
)
 
(923
)
 
(774
)
Total other expenses, net
6,831

 
6,608

 
14,146

 
12,907

Earnings before income taxes
43,061

 
35,639

 
77,439

 
78,258

Income tax expense (Note 1)
16,275

 
13,932

 
28,984

 
30,130

Net earnings
$
26,786

 
$
21,707

 
$
48,455

 
$
48,128

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per common share, basic (Note 6)
$
0.70

 
$
0.53

 
$
1.25

 
$
1.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per common share, diluted (Note 6)
$
0.68

 
$
0.51

 
$
1.21

 
$
1.11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic (Note 6)
37,687

 
41,170

 
37,998

 
41,642

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted (Note 6)
38,951

 
42,719

 
39,379

 
43,382

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share
$
0.31

 
$

 
$
0.62

 
$



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2

Table of Contents


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net earnings
$
26,786

 
$
21,707

 
$
48,455

 
$
48,128

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
(124
)
 
(575
)
 
82

 
(979
)
Realized losses on cash flow hedges reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings
447

 

 
869

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment
(514
)
 
203

 
(1,636
)
 
553

Total other comprehensive loss
(191
)
 
(372
)
 
(685
)
 
(426
)
Comprehensive income
$
26,595

 
$
21,335

 
$
47,770

 
$
47,702



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
48,455

 
$
48,128

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
24,705

 
29,097

Amortization of debt issuance costs
1,553

 
858

Provision for losses on accounts receivable
1,093

 
883

Goodwill impairment

 
7,585

Loss (gain) on derivatives, net
153

 
(1,049
)
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
946

 
405

Stock-based compensation expense
6,495

 
4,801

Deferred income taxes
68

 
826

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
37,781

 
73,243

Inventories
7,201

 
10,754

Prepaid expenses and other
(18,630
)
 
(16,417
)
Other assets
(1,293
)
 
292

Accounts payable
(13,311
)
 
(79,017
)
Progress billings
(2,336
)
 
(679
)
Accrued expenses
(8,031
)
 
(9,124
)
Other non-current liabilities
(1,430
)
 
(783
)
Total adjustments
34,964

 
21,675

Net cash provided by operating activities
83,419

 
69,803

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(10,408
)
 
(11,770
)
Digital acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 
(18,362
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
5,188

 
217

Net cash used in investing activities
(5,220
)
 
(29,915
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Repayments of long-term debt
(22,557
)
 
(7,500
)
Dividends paid on common shares and restricted stock
(24,035
)
 

Repurchases of common stock
(53,412
)
 
(65,900
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
16,514

 
6,305

Net cash used in financing activities
(83,490
)
 
(67,095
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(775
)
 
473

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(6,066
)
 
(26,734
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
94,711

 
101,971

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
88,645

 
$
75,237

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for interest
$
13,575

 
$
13,675

Cash paid during the period for income taxes
$
39,951

 
$
48,744



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)



1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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 (“GAAP”) 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 GAAP 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,” “we,” and “our”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Form 10-K”).
Significant Accounting Policies
Accounts Receivable
The allowance for doubtful accounts was $5.8 million and $6.4 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
Income Taxes
We are required to adjust our effective tax rate each quarter to be consistent with our estimated annual effective tax rate. We are also required to record the tax impact of certain unusual or infrequently occurring items, including the effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur. The effective tax rate during a particular quarter may be higher or lower as a result of the timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.
Inventories
Inventories are accounted for at the lower of cost, determined on a first in, first out basis, or market. Inventories included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets consisted of:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Raw materials
$
28,595

 
$
30,960

Work in progress
7,457

 
12,293

Inventories
$
36,052

 
$
43,253

Property, Plant and Equipment
The following table summarizes the costs and ranges of useful lives of the major classes of property, plant and equipment and the total accumulated depreciation related to property, plant and equipment, net included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
Useful Lives
 
June 30,
2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Land, at cost
N/A
 
$
7,183

 
$
7,185

Buildings, at cost
10 - 30
 
38,118

 
37,961

Machinery and equipment, at cost
3 - 20
 
223,440

 
228,605

Office furniture and equipment, at cost
3 - 10
 
240,231

 
233,948

Leasehold improvements, at cost
5 - 10
 
28,979

 
28,916

 
 
 
537,951

 
536,615

Less accumulated depreciation
 
 
(425,105
)
 
(410,783
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
$
112,846

 
$
125,832


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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11 to clarify the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance is effective for fiscal periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, and is to be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date with retrospective application also permitted. We will comply with this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05 to clarify the applicable guidance for a parent company’s accounting for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. This guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and is to be applied prospectively to derecognition events occurring after the effective date. We will comply with this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and we are evaluating the potential impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, which amends the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). These amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. However, the guidance requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component, either on the face of the financial statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal periods
beginning after December 15, 2012, and is to be applied prospectively. We have complied with this guidance as of January 1, 2013, and the adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

2. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes, by reportable segment, the gross amount, accumulated impairment losses and net carrying amount of goodwill included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2013.
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Shared Mail
 
Neighborhood Targeted
 
Free-standing Inserts
 
International, Digital Media & Services
 
Total
Total goodwill acquired
$
721,384

 
$
5,325

 
$
22,357

 
$
96,957

 
$
846,023

Accumulated impairment losses
(187,200
)
 
(3,985
)
 

 
(22,400
)
 
(213,585
)
Goodwill
$
534,184

 
$
1,340

 
$
22,357

 
$
74,557

 
$
632,438

The components of other intangible assets, net included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets consisted of:
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Gross Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Useful Life
(in years)
 
Gross Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Useful Life (in years)
Finite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mailing lists, non-compete agreements and other
$
47,320

 
$
(15,109
)
 
$
32,211

 
12.0
 
$
47,320

 
$
(13,025
)
 
$
34,295

 
12.2
Customer relationships
142,200

 
(60,640
)
 
81,560

 
7.7
 
142,200

 
(55,266
)
 
86,934

 
8.2
Total
$
189,520

 
$
(75,749
)
 
113,771

 
 
 
$
189,520

 
$
(68,291
)
 
121,229

 
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valassis name, tradenames, trademarks and other
 
93,942

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
93,942

 
 
Other intangible assets, net
 
 
 
$
207,713

 
 
 

 
 
 
$
215,171

 
 


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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


3. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets consisted of:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
$
35,000

 
$
50,000

Senior Secured Term Loan A
270,000

 
277,500

Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033, net of discount
4

 
61

5/8% Senior Notes due 2021
260,000

 
260,000

Total debt
565,004

 
587,561

Current portion long-term debt
30,000

 
22,500

Long-term debt
$
535,004

 
$
565,061

Senior Secured Credit Facility
General
On June 27, 2011, we entered into a senior secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders jointly arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and RBS Securities Inc. (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”). The Senior Secured Credit Facility and related loan documents replaced and terminated our prior credit agreement, dated as of March 2, 2007, as amended (the “Prior Senior Secured Credit Facility”), by and among Valassis, 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. In connection with the termination of the Prior Senior Secured Credit Facility, all obligations and rights under the related guarantee, security and collateral agency agreement, dated as of March 2, 2007, as amended (the “Prior Security Agreement”), by Valassis and certain of its domestic subsidiaries signatory thereto, as grantors, in favor of Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., in its capacity as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Prior Security Agreement), were also simultaneously terminated.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility consists of:
a five-year term loan A in an aggregate principal amount equal to $300.0 million, with principal repayable in quarterly installments at a rate of 5.0% during each of the first two years from issuance, 10.0% during the third year from issuance, 15.0% during the fourth year from issuance and 11.25% during the fifth year from issuance, with the remaining 53.75% due at maturity (the “Term Loan A”);
a five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million (the “Revolving Line of Credit”), including $15.0 million available in Euros, Pounds Sterling or Canadian Dollars, $50.0 million available for letters of credit and a $20.0 million swingline loan subfacility, of which $50.0 million was drawn at closing and $35.0 million remains outstanding as of June 30, 2013 (exclusive of outstanding letters of credit described below); and
an incremental facility pursuant to which, prior to the maturity of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, we may incur additional indebtedness in an amount up to $150.0 million under the Revolving Line of Credit or the Term Loan A or a combination thereof, subject to certain conditions, including receipt of additional lending commitments for such additional indebtedness. The terms of the incremental facility will be substantially similar to the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, except with respect to the pricing of the incremental facility, the interest rate for which could be higher than that for the Revolving Line of Credit and the Term Loan A.
All borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility, including, without limitation, amounts drawn under the Revolving Line of Credit, are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of June 30, 2013, we had approximately $57.6 million available under the Revolving Line of Credit portion of our Senior Secured Credit Facility (after giving effect to the reductions in availability pursuant to $7.4 million in standby letters of credit outstanding as of June 30, 2013).

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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Interest and Fees
Borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, at either the alternate base rate (defined as the higher of the prime rate announced by the Administrative Agent, the federal funds effective rate or one-month LIBOR, in each case, plus an applicable interest rate margin) (the “Base Rate”) or at the Eurodollar Rate (one-, two-, three- or six-month LIBOR, at our election, as defined in the credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facility), except for borrowings made in alternate currencies which may not accrue interest based upon the alternate base rate, in each case, plus an applicable interest rate margin. The applicable margins are currently 0.75% per annum for Base Rate loans and 1.75% per annum for Eurodollar Rate loans. The margins applicable to the borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility may be adjusted based on our consolidated leverage ratio, with 1.00% being the maximum Base Rate margin and 2.00% being the maximum Eurodollar Rate margin. See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements, for discussion regarding our various interest rate swap agreements.
Guarantees and Security
Our Senior Secured Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries pursuant to a Guarantee and Collateral Agreement. 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 domestic subsidiary guarantors and 65% of the capital stock of certain of our existing and future foreign subsidiaries.
 
The Guarantee and Collateral Agreement also secures our Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033 on an equal and ratable basis with the indebtedness under our Senior Secured Credit Facility to the extent required by the indenture governing such notes.
Prepayments
The Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains a requirement that we make mandatory principal prepayments on the Term Loan A and Revolving Line of Credit in certain circumstances, including, without limitation, with 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds from certain asset sales, casualty events or condemnation recoveries (in each case, to the extent not otherwise used for reinvestment in our business or related business and subject to certain other exceptions). The Senior Secured Credit Facility further provides that, subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, we may make voluntary prepayments without payment of premium or penalty.
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, including certain dividends and stock repurchases and redemptions;
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 organizational documents;
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.

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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Our Senior Secured Credit Facility also requires us to comply with:
a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in our Senior Secured Credit Facility (generally, the ratio of our consolidated total debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, for the most recent four quarters), of 3.50:1.00; and
a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, as defined in our Senior Secured Credit Facility (generally, the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense for the most recent four quarters), of 3.00:1.00.
The following table shows the required and actual financial ratios under our Senior Secured Credit Facility as of June 30, 2013:
 
Required Ratio
 
Actual Ratio
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio
No greater than 3.50:1.00
 
1.98:1.00
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio  
No less than 3.00:1.00
 
10.46:1.00
In addition, we are required to give notice to the administrative agent and the lenders under our Senior Secured Credit Facility of defaults under the facility documentation and other material events, make any new wholly-owned domestic subsidiary (other than an immaterial subsidiary) a subsidiary guarantor and pledge substantially all after-acquired property as collateral to secure our and our subsidiary guarantors’ obligations in respect of the facility.
Events of Default
Our Senior Secured Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including upon a change in 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 accelerating the amounts due under our Senior Secured Credit Facility.
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021
On January 28, 2011, we issued in a private placement $260.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). Interest on the 2021 Notes is payable every six months on February 1 and August 1. The 2021 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. We capitalized related debt issuance costs of approximately $5.1 million, which are being amortized over the term of the 2021 Notes.
In July 2011, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement between us and the initial purchasers of the 2021 Notes, we completed 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. An aggregate principal amount of $260.0 million, or 100%, of the original notes were exchanged for exchange notes in the exchange offer. The exchange notes are substantially identical to the original notes, except that the exchange notes are not subject to certain transfer restrictions.
The 2021 Notes were issued under an indenture with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “2021 Indenture”). Subject to a number of exceptions, the 2021 Indenture restricts our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the 2021 Indenture) 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, create or permit restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us and enter into transactions with affiliates.
 

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VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


We may redeem all or a portion of the 2021 Notes at our option at any time prior to February 1, 2016, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of 2021 Notes to be redeemed, plus a make-whole premium as described in the 2021 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, if any. At any time on or after February 1, 2016, we may redeem all or a portion of the 2021 Notes at our option at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof) if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on February 1 of the years set forth below:
Year
 
Percentage
2016
 
103.313%
2017
 
102.208%
2018
 
101.104%
2019 and thereafter
 
100.000%
In addition, we must pay accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, if any. On or prior to February 1, 2014, we may also redeem at our option up to 35% of the principal amount of the outstanding 2021 Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at the redemption price specified in the 2021 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, if any. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the 2021 Indenture, we must make a written offer to purchase all of the 2021 Notes for cash at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, if any.
Additional Provisions
The indenture governing the Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033 contains a cross-default provision which becomes applicable if we default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument evidencing indebtedness for money borrowed by us and the default results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its express maturity, and the principal amount of any such accelerated indebtedness aggregates in excess of $25.0 million. The 2021 Indenture contains a cross-default provision which becomes applicable if we (a) fail to pay the stated principal amount of any of our indebtedness at its final maturity date, or (b) default under any of our indebtedness and the default results in the acceleration of indebtedness, and, in each case, the principal amount of any such indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such indebtedness under which there has been a payment default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $50.0 million or more. Our credit agreement contains a cross-default provision which becomes applicable if we (a) fail to make any payment under any indebtedness for money borrowed by us (other than the obligations under such credit agreement) in an aggregate outstanding principal amount of at least $50.0 million or, (b) otherwise default under any such indebtedness, or trigger another event which causes such indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed or become subject to an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such indebtedness prior to its stated maturity.
Repurchases of Debt
Subject to applicable limitations in our Senior Secured Credit Facility and indentures, we may from time to time repurchase our debt in the open market, through tender offers, through exchanges for debt or equity securities, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.
Covenant Compliance
As of June 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all of our indenture and Senior Secured Credit Facility covenants.

4. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets consisted of:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Accrued interest
$
7,323

 
$
7,275

Accrued compensation and benefits
43,167

 
50,305

Dividends payable
11,696

 
12,011

Other accrued expenses
35,245

 
37,876

Accrued expenses
$
97,431

 
$
107,467



10

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


5. CONTINGENCIES
The application and interpretation of applicable state sales tax laws to certain of our products is uncertain. Accordingly, we may be exposed to additional sales tax liability to the extent various state jurisdictions determine that certain of our products are subject to such jurisdictions’ sales tax. As of June 30, 2013, we have recorded a liability of $7.6 million, reflecting our best estimate of our potential sales tax liability.
In addition to the above matter, we are 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 effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Our restricted stock awards are deemed participating securities, which require the computation of earnings per share using the two-class method. The following table provides the calculations of earnings per common share, basic and earnings per common share, diluted included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share data and percentages)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
26,786

 
$
21,707

 
$
48,455

 
$
48,128

 
Less: Dividends declared — common shares and restricted shares (participating securities)
(11,696
)
 

 
(23,720
)
 

 
Undistributed earnings
15,090

 
21,707

 
24,735

 
48,128

 
Percentage allocated to common shares1
98.3
%
 
100.0
%
 
98.3
%
 
100.0
%
 
Undistributed earnings — common shares
14,833

 
21,707

 
24,315

 
48,128

 
Add: Dividends declared — common shares
11,497

 

 
23,315

 

 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share
$
26,330

 
$
21,707

 
$
47,630

 
$
48,128

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic earnings per common share — weighted-average common shares
37,687

 
41,170

 
37,998

 
41,642

 
Incremental shares for stock awards2
1,264

 
1,549

 
1,381

 
1,740

 
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share — adjusted weighted-average common shares and assumed conversion
38,951

 
42,719

 
39,379

 
43,382

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per common share, basic
$
0.70

 
$
0.53

 
$
1.25

 
$
1.16

 
Net earnings per common share, diluted
$
0.68

 
$
0.51

 
$
1.21

 
$
1.11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
37,687

 
41,170

 
37,998

 
41,642

 
Weighted-average restricted shares outstanding (participating securities)
648

 

 
658

 

 
Total
38,335

 
41,170

 
38,656

 
41,642

 
Percentage allocated to common shares
98.3
%
 
100.0
%
 
98.3
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of weighted-average incremental shares for stock awards
2,788

 
3,521

 
2,637

 
3,403



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Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We are exposed to market risks arising from adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. We manage these risks through a variety of strategies which include the use of derivatives. Certain derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges and qualify for hedge accounting treatment, while others do not qualify or have not been designated as hedges and are marked to market through earnings. The notional amounts of derivative financial instruments and related fair values measured on a recurring basis and included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
Notional Amounts
 
Fair Values
 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
Balance Sheet Location
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contract
$
175.0

 
$
180.6

 
$
(4.3
)
 
$
(5.8
)
 
Accrued expenses / Other non-current liabilities
Foreign exchange contracts
9.8

 
6.4

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
Prepaid expenses
Derivatives not receiving hedge accounting treatment:
Foreign exchange contracts

 
4.7

 

 
0.3

 
Prepaid expenses
Total derivative financial instruments
$
184.8

 
$
191.7

 
$
(4.2
)
 
$
(5.4
)
 
 
The fair values of our interest rate swap contracts and foreign exchange contracts are determined based on third-party valuation models and observable foreign exchange forward contract rates, respectively, both of which represent Level 2 fair value inputs.
The following tables summarize the impact of derivative financial instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the indicated periods:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
(in millions of U.S. Dollars)
Amount of Pre-tax Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings*
 
Amount of Pre-tax Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI
 
Amount of Pre-tax Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings*
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contract
$

 
$

 
$
0.1

 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$

Foreign exchange contracts

 

 
(0.3
)
 

 

 

Derivatives not receiving hedge accounting treatment:
Foreign exchange contracts
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 

 

 

 

Total
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
(in millions of U.S. Dollars)
Amount of Pre-tax Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
Earnings*
 
Amount of Pre-tax Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
 
Amount of Pre-tax Loss
Reclassified from AOCI
into Earnings*
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contract
$

 
$

 
$
0.1

 
$
(1.6
)
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$

Derivatives not receiving hedge accounting treatment:
Interest rate swap contracts

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts
(0.3
)
 
0.9

 


 

 


 

Total
$
(0.3
)
 
$
0.8

 
$
0.1

 
$
(1.6
)
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$

*
Amounts recognized in earnings related to interest rate swap contracts are included in interest expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and amounts recognized in earnings related to foreign exchange contracts are included in cost of sales in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

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Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Interest Rate Swaps
On December 17, 2009, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with an initial notional amount of $300.0 million to fix three-month LIBOR at 2.005%, for an effective rate of 4.255%, including the applicable margin, for an equivalent portion of our variable rate debt under our Prior Senior Secured Credit Facility. The effective date of this agreement was December 31, 2010. The notional amount of $300.0 million amortized by $40.0 million at the end of every quarter until it reached $100.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the expiration date. The swap was designated as, and qualified as, a cash flow hedge through the termination of the Prior Senior Secured Credit Facility on June 27, 2011. Changes in the fair value of this swap subsequent to the termination of hedge accounting were recognized in earnings as a component of interest expense until expiration of the swap.
On July 6, 2011, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with an initial notional amount of $186.3 million. The effective date of this agreement was June 30, 2012. Under the swap agreement, we are required to make quarterly payments at a fixed interest rate of 1.8695% per annum to the counterparty on an amortizing notional amount in exchange for receiving variable payments based on the three-month LIBOR interest rate for the same notional amount. After giving effect to the swap agreement, our effective interest rate for the notional amount, based on the current applicable margin under our Senior Secured Credit Facility, is 3.6195% per annum. The initial notional amount of $186.3 million amortizes quarterly by (i) $2.8 million from the effective date through the quarter ending September 30, 2013, (ii) $5.6 million from September 30, 2013 through the quarter ending September 30, 2014, and (iii) $8.4 million from September 30, 2014 until June 30, 2015, the expiration date of the agreement. The swap is designated as and qualifies as a cash flow hedge.
Foreign Currency
Currencies to which we have exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound, Polish zloty and Euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. We purchase the Mexican peso and Polish zloty under two to twelve-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production. As of June 30, 2013, we had a commitment to purchase $9.1 million in Mexican pesos and $0.7 million in Polish zlotys over the next year.
Long-Term Debt
The estimated fair market value of our long-term debt was $7.3 million below carrying value as of June 30, 2013 and $12.6 million above carrying value December 31, 2012. Our 2021 Notes are traded in an active market with the fair value determined based on quoted active market prices, which represents a Level 1 fair value input. Borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility are not traded in an active market and are valued based on an implied price derived from industry averages and relative loan performance, which represent Level 3 fair value inputs.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents and accruals approximate fair value due to the near-term maturity of these instruments.

8. REPURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK
The following table summarizes our repurchases of common stock during the indicated periods:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Shares repurchased
1,263

 
3,236

 
1,989

 
3,295

Aggregate repurchase price
$
32,243

 
$
64,535

 
$
53,412

 
$
65,900

Average price paid per share
$
25.53

 
$
19.94

 
$
26.85

 
$
20.00

As of June 30, 2013, we had authorization to repurchase an additional 6.4 million shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors.


13

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


9. BRAND.NET ACQUISITION
On June 20, 2012, we acquired, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Brand.net, an online display, video and mobile advertising platform. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase under the acquisition method in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification ("FASB ASC") No. 805, Business Combinations. The total purchase price was approximately $18.0 million and did not include direct acquisition costs of approximately $0.7 million. The acquisition was recorded by allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

10. SEGMENT REPORTING
Our segments meeting the quantitative thresholds to be considered reportable are Shared Mail, Free-standing Inserts ("FSI") and Neighborhood Targeted. All other lines of business fall below a materiality threshold and are, therefore, combined together in an “other” segment named International, Digital Media & Services. These business lines include Brand.net, a Valassis Digital Company, NCH Marketing Services, Inc., our coupon clearing and analytics business, Valassis Canada, Inc., Promotion Watch and our in-store business. Our reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are subject to regular review by our chief operating decision-maker. They are managed separately because each business requires different executional strategies and caters to different client marketing needs.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the 2012 Form 10-K and Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies. We evaluate reportable segment performance based on segment profit, which we define as earnings from operations excluding unusual or infrequently occurring items. Assets are not allocated to reportable segments and are not used to assess the performance of a reportable segment.

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Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


The following tables set forth, by segment, revenues, depreciation/amortization and segment profit (loss) for the indicated periods:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Shared Mail
 
FSI
 
Neighborhood
Targeted
 
International,
Digital Media &
Services
 
Total
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
$
335.9

 
$
80.2

 
$
28.9

 
$
50.9

 
$
495.9

Intersegment revenues
$
3.8

 
$
10.8

 
$
15.2

 
$

 
$
29.8

Depreciation/amortization
$
5.4

 
$
2.1

 
$
0.7

 
$
3.2

 
$
11.4

Segment profit (loss)
$
43.9

 
$
9.4

 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
51.3

2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
$
348.8

 
$
70.5

 
$
77.5

 
$
43.4

 
$
540.2

Intersegment revenues
$
3.9

 
$
10.1

 
$
13.6

 
$

 
$
27.6

Depreciation/amortization
$
8.2

 
$
3.2

 
$
1.0

 
$
2.0

 
$
14.4

Segment profit (loss)
$
52.3

 
$
7.3

 
$
(2.4
)
 
$
2.3

 
$
59.5

 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Shared Mail
 
FSI
 
Neighborhood
Targeted
 
International,
Digital Media &
Services
 
Total
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
$
663.0

 
$
165.9

 
$
52.2

 
$
97.3

 
$
978.4

Intersegment revenues
$
8.2

 
$
20.9

 
$
33.2

 
$

 
$
62.3

Depreciation/amortization
$
12.2

 
$
5.6

 
$
1.9

 
$
5.0

 
$
24.7

Segment profit (loss)
$
82.8

 
$
20.5

 
$
(5.9
)
 
$
(4.4
)
 
$
93.0

2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
$
676.9

 
$
146.8

 
$
149.7

 
$
85.4

 
$
1,058.8

Intersegment revenues
$
8.4

 
$
20.1

 
$
26.6

 
$

 
$
55.1

Depreciation/amortization
$
16.5

 
$
6.4

 
$
2.1

 
$
4.1

 
$
29.1

Segment profit (loss)
$
94.8

 
$
12.7

 
$
(4.0
)
 
$
5.0

 
$
108.5


15

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


The following table provides reconciliations of total segment profit to earnings from operations for the indicated periods (nonoperating expenses are not allocated to reportable segments and are not used to assess the performance of a reportable segment):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Total segment profit
$
51.3

 
$
59.5

 
$
93.0

 
$
108.5

Unallocated amounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Goodwill impairment

 
7.6

 

 
7.6

  Restructuring and other charges
1.4

 
9.7

 
1.4

 
9.7

Earnings from operations
$
49.9

 
$
42.2

 
$
91.6

 
$
91.2

The $1.4 million of restructuring and other charges recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 reflected severance and related costs, of which $0.9 million were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the unaudited, condensed consolidated statements of income and $0.5 million were included in cost of sales in the unaudited, condensed consolidated statements of income. The goodwill impairment charges of $7.6 million recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 resulted from our decision to exit our newspaper polybag advertising and sampling business, a reporting unit within our Neighborhood Targeted reportable segment, and our solo direct mail business, a reporting unit within International, Digital Media & Services. The $9.7 million of restructuring and other charges recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 consisted of $5.3 million of severance and related costs and $0.7 million of Brand.net acquisition costs, both of which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the unaudited, condensed consolidated statements of income, and $3.7 million of lease termination, severance, asset impairment and other costs associated with our decision to exit our solo direct mail business and our newspaper polybag advertising and sampling business, which were included in cost of sales in the unaudited, condensed consolidated statements of income. The results of operations of these businesses were immaterial to our consolidated results of operations for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.
Domestic and foreign revenues were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
United States
$
482.3

 
$
529.7

 
$
953.9

 
$
1,035.9

Foreign
13.6

 
10.5

 
24.5

 
22.9

Revenues
$
495.9

 
$
540.2

 
$
978.4

 
$
1,058.8

Domestic and foreign long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, net) were as follows:
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
United States
$
105.1

 
$
118.1

Foreign
7.7

 
7.7

Property, plant and equipment, net
$
112.8

 
$
125.8



16

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


11. 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 2021 Notes issued by Valassis (referred to for purposes of this note only as the “Parent Company”) are guaranteed by substantially all of the Parent Company’s domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) on a senior unsecured basis. Each of the Guarantor Subsidiaries is 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Parent Company and has guaranteed the 2021 Notes on a joint and several, full and unconditional basis, subject to certain customary exceptions. Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Indenture, the Guarantor Subsidiaries are subject to release under certain customary conditions as described below. Non-wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, partnerships and foreign subsidiaries (collectively, the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”) are not guarantors of these obligations. Substantially all of the Guarantor Subsidiaries also guarantee the Parent Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facility.

The 2021 Indenture provides for a Guarantor Subsidiary to be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged from its guarantee obligations in certain circumstances, including:
The sale or other transfer or disposition of all of the Guarantor Subsidiary's capital stock to any person that is not an affiliate of the Parent Company;
The sale or other transfer of all or substantially all the assets or capital stock of a Guarantor Subsidiary, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, to any person that is not an affiliate of the Parent Company;
If a Guarantor Subsidiary ceases to be a “Domestic Restricted Subsidiary” for purposes of the indenture covenants; and
Legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of the indenture obligations when provision has been made for them to be fully satisfied.



17

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 30, 2013
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
58,374

 
$
14,097

 
$
16,174

 
$

 
$
88,645

Accounts receivable, net
84,814

 
277,442

 
25,769

 

 
388,025

Inventories
28,418

 
7,631

 
3

 

 
36,052

Prepaid expenses and other (including intercompany)
1,845,826

 
4,736,260

 
2,365

 
(6,529,430
)
 
55,021

Total current assets
2,017,432

 
5,035,430

 
44,311

 
(6,529,430
)
 
567,743

Property, plant and equipment, net
20,431

 
91,385

 
1,030

 

 
112,846

Goodwill
23,700

 
601,750

 
6,988

 

 
632,438

Other intangible assets, net
11,523

 
196,190

 

 

 
207,713

Investments
693,702

 
18,852

 

 
(709,274
)
 
3,280

Intercompany note receivable (payable)
316,406

 
(305,009
)
 
(11,397
)
 

 

Other assets
6,988

 
3,388

 
12

 

 
10,388

Total assets
$
3,090,182

 
$
5,641,986

 
$
40,944

 
$
(7,238,704
)
 
$
1,534,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion, long-term debt
$
30,000

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
30,000

Accounts payable and intercompany payable
1,973,111

 
4,811,153

 
13,175

 
(6,529,430
)
 
268,009

Progress billings
12,309

 
11,899

 
13,051

 

 
37,259

Accrued expenses
58,968

 
31,501

 
6,962

 

 
97,431

Total current liabilities
2,074,388

 
4,854,553

 
33,188

 
(6,529,430
)
 
432,699

Long-term debt
535,004

 

 

 

 
535,004

Deferred income taxes
(3,547
)
 
65,398

 
(4,009
)
 

 
57,842

Other non-current liabilities
15,604

 
31,321

 
(6,795
)
 

 
40,130

Total liabilities
2,621,449

 
4,951,272

 
22,384

 
(6,529,430
)
 
1,065,675

Stockholders’ equity
468,733

 
690,714

 
18,560

 
(709,274
)
 
468,733

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
3,090,182

 
$
5,641,986

 
$
40,944

 
$
(7,238,704
)
 
$
1,534,408



18

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2012
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
62,836

 
$
10,745

 
$
21,130

 
$

 
$
94,711

Accounts receivable, net
116,821

 
287,230

 
22,848

 

 
426,899

Inventories
35,421

 
7,829

 
3

 

 
43,253

Prepaid expenses and other (including intercompany)
1,520,526

 
3,706,682

 
1,998

 
(5,192,617
)
 
36,589

Total current assets
1,735,604

 
4,012,486

 
45,979

 
(5,192,617
)
 
601,452

Property, plant and equipment, net
19,159

 
105,667

 
1,006

 

 
125,832

Goodwill
23,699

 
601,750

 
6,989

 

 
632,438

Other intangible assets, net
11,534

 
203,637

 

 

 
215,171

Investments
645,411

 
15,375

 

 
(658,355
)
 
2,431

Intercompany note receivable (payable)
364,921

 
(360,830
)
 
(4,091
)
 

 

Other assets
7,543

 
4,157

 
11

 

 
11,711

Total assets
$
2,807,871

 
$
4,582,242

 
$
49,894

 
$
(5,850,972
)
 
$
1,589,035

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion, long-term debt
$
22,500

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
22,500

Accounts payable and intercompany payable
1,653,928

 
3,804,209

 
15,800

 
(5,192,617
)
 
281,320

Progress billings
16,459

 
7,758

 
15,378

 

 
39,595

Accrued expenses
61,741

 
38,878

 
6,848

 

 
107,467

Total current liabilities
1,754,628

 
3,850,845

 
38,026

 
(5,192,617
)
 
450,882

Long-term debt
565,061

 

 

 

 
565,061

Deferred income taxes
(4,131
)
 
65,398

 
(4,009
)
 

 
57,258

Other non-current liabilities
18,750

 
22,722

 
799

 

 
42,271

Total liabilities
2,334,308

 
3,938,965

 
34,816

 
(5,192,617
)
 
1,115,472

Stockholders’ equity
473,563

 
643,277

 
15,078

 
(658,355
)
 
473,563

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,807,871

 
$
4,582,242

 
$
49,894

 
$
(5,850,972
)
 
$
1,589,035



19

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Total
Revenues
$
135,044

 
$
448,591

 
$
17,477

 
$
(105,225
)
 
$
495,887

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
103,890

 
301,696

 
12,436

 
(53,479
)
 
364,543

Selling, general and administrative
28,271

 
97,779

 
3,419

 
(51,746
)
 
77,723

Amortization expense
5

 
3,724

 

 

 
3,729

Total costs and expenses
132,166

 
403,199

 
15,855

 
(105,225
)
 
445,995

Earnings from operations
2,878

 
45,392

 
1,622

 

 
49,892

Other expenses and income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
7,498

 

 

 

 
7,498

Interest income
(34
)
 

 
(12
)
 

 
(46
)
Intercompany interest
(2,183
)
 
2,183

 

 

 

Other expenses (income), net
(65
)
 
(1,336
)
 
780

 

 
(621
)
Total other expenses, net
5,216

 
847

 
768

 

 
6,831

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
(2,338
)
 
44,545

 
854

 

 
43,061

Income tax expense
595

 
15,553

 
127

 

 
16,275

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
29,719

 
727

 

 
(30,446
)
 

Net earnings
$
26,786

 
$
29,719

 
$
727

 
$
(30,446
)
 
$
26,786

Other comprehensive loss
(191
)
 
(514
)
 
(514
)
 
1,028

 
(191
)
Comprehensive income
$
26,595

 
$
29,205

 
$
213

 
$
(29,418
)
 
$
26,595



20

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Total
Revenues
$
171,537

 
$
457,664

 
$
14,504

 
$
(103,467
)
 
$
540,238

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
145,141

 
294,725

 
13,616

 
(49,755
)
 
403,727

Selling, general and administrative
33,439

 
100,689

 
3,107

 
(53,712
)
 
83,523

Amortization expense
5

 
3,151

 

 

 
3,156

Goodwill impairment
3,985

 
3,600

 

 

 
7,585

Total costs and expenses
182,570

 
402,165

 
16,723

 
(103,467
)
 
497,991

Earnings (loss) from operations
(11,033
)
 
55,499

 
(2,219
)
 

 
42,247

Other expenses and income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
6,755

 

 

 

 
6,755

Interest income
(38
)
 

 
(32
)
 

 
(70
)
Intercompany interest
(1,788
)
 
1,741

 
47

 

 

Other expenses (income), net
129

 
(107
)
 
(99
)
 

 
(77
)
Total other expenses (income), net
5,058

 
1,634

 
(84
)
 

 
6,608

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
(16,091
)
 
53,865

 
(2,135
)
 

 
35,639

Income tax expense (benefit)
(5,005
)
 
18,548

 
389

 

 
13,932

Equity in net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries
32,793

 
(2,524
)
 

 
(30,269
)
 

Net earnings (loss)
$
21,707

 
$
32,793

 
$
(2,524
)
 
$
(30,269
)
 
$
21,707

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(372
)
 
203

 
203

 
(406
)
 
(372
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
21,335

 
$
32,996

 
$
(2,321
)
 
$
(30,675
)
 
$
21,335



21

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Total
Revenues
$
272,114

 
$
889,032

 
$
32,299

 
$
(215,036
)
 
$
978,409

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
212,333

 
600,709

 
23,172

 
(110,903
)
 
725,311

Selling, general and administrative
49,896

 
201,604

 
6,688

 
(104,133
)
 
154,055

Amortization expense
11

 
7,447

 

 

 
7,458

Total costs and expenses
262,240

 
809,760

 
29,860

 
(215,036
)
 
886,824

Earnings from operations
9,874

 
79,272

 
2,439

 

 
91,585

Other expenses and income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
15,177

 

 

 

 
15,177

Interest income
(52
)
 

 
(56
)
 

 
(108
)
Intercompany interest
(11,233
)
 
11,233

 

 

 

Other income, net
(58
)
 
(624
)
 
(241
)
 

 
(923
)
Total other expenses (income), net
3,834

 
10,609

 
(297
)
 

 
14,146

Earnings before income taxes
6,040

 
68,663

 
2,736

 

 
77,439

Income tax expense
1,536

 
27,025

 
423

 

 
28,984

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
43,951

 
2,313

 

 
(46,264
)
 

Net earnings
$
48,455

 
$
43,951

 
$
2,313

 
$
(46,264
)
 
$
48,455

Other comprehensive loss
(685
)
 
(1,636
)
 
(1,636
)
 
3,272

 
(685
)
Comprehensive income
$
47,770

 
$
42,315

 
$
677

 
$
(42,992
)
 
$
47,770


22

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Total
Revenues
$
342,828

 
$
887,678

 
$
31,886

 
$
(203,569
)
 
$
1,058,823

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
290,283

 
577,820

 
25,544

 
(101,026
)
 
792,621

Selling, general and administrative
53,809

 
203,483

 
6,391

 
(102,543
)
 
161,140

Amortization expense
11

 
6,301

 

 

 
6,312

Goodwill impairment
3,985

 
3,600

 

 

 
7,585

Total costs and expenses
348,088

 
791,204

 
31,935

 
(203,569
)
 
967,658

Earnings (loss) from operations
(5,260
)
 
96,474

 
(49
)
 

 
91,165

Other expenses and income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
13,809

 

 

 

 
13,809

Interest income
(60
)
 

 
(68
)
 

 
(128
)
Intercompany interest
(10,755
)
 
10,708

 
47

 

 

Other income, net
(15
)
 
(723
)
 
(36
)
 

 
(774
)
Total other expenses (income), net
2,979

 
9,985

 
(57
)
 

 
12,907

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
(8,239
)
 
86,489

 
8

 

 
78,258

Income tax expense (benefit)
(2,587
)
 
31,908

 
809

 

 
30,130

Equity in net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries
53,780

 
(801
)
 

 
(52,979
)
 

Net earnings (loss)
$
48,128

 
$
53,780

 
$
(801
)
 
$
(52,979
)
 
$
48,128

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(426
)
 
553

 
553

 
(1,106
)
 
(426
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
47,702

 
$
54,333

 
$
(248
)
 
$
(54,085
)
 
$
47,702



23

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Total
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
14,400

 
$
72,957

 
$
(3,938
)
 
$

 
$
83,419

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(1,122
)
 
(9,034
)
 
(252
)
 

 
(10,408
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
79

 
5,100

 
9

 

 
5,188

Net cash used in investing activities
(1,043
)
 
(3,934
)
 
(243
)
 

 
(5,220
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash provided by (used in) intercompany activity
65,671

 
(65,671
)
 

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt
(22,557
)
 

 

 

 
(22,557
)
Dividends paid on common shares and restricted stock
(24,035
)
 

 

 

 
(24,035
)
Repurchases of common stock
(53,412
)
 

 

 

 
(53,412
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
16,514

 

 

 

 
16,514

Net cash used in financing activities
(17,819
)
 
(65,671
)
 

 

 
(83,490
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
(775
)
 

 
(775
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(4,462
)
 
3,352

 
(4,956
)
 

 
(6,066
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
62,836

 
10,745

 
21,130

 

 
94,711

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
58,374

 
$
14,097

 
$
16,174

 
$

 
$
88,645



24

Table of Contents
VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Total
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
113,898

 
$
(34,935
)
 
$
(9,160
)
 
$

 
$
69,803

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(3,419
)
 
(8,164
)
 
(187
)
 

 
(11,770
)
Digital acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 
(18,362
)
 

 

 
(18,362
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
211

 

 
6

 

 
217

Net cash used in investing activities
(3,208
)
 
(26,526
)
 
(181
)
 

 
(29,915
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash provided by (used in) intercompany activity
(58,297
)
 
58,297

 

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt
(7,500
)
 

 

 

 
(7,500
)
Repurchases of common stock
(65,900
)
 

 

 

 
(65,900
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
6,305

 

 

 

 
6,305

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(125,392
)
 
58,297

 

 

 
(67,095
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
473

 

 
473

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(14,702
)
 
(3,164
)
 
(8,868
)
 

 
(26,734
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
68,887

 
7,543

 
25,541

 

 
101,971

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
54,185

 
$
4,379

 
$
16,673

 
$

 
$
75,237



25

Table of Contents


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains “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 our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following: price competition from our existing competitors; new competitors in any of our businesses; possible consolidation in our client base, a significant decrease in the number of stores in our in-store retailer network or a shift in client preferences for different promotional materials, strategies or coupon delivery methods, including, without limitation, as a result of declines in newspaper circulation and/or increased competition from new media formats including digital; an unforeseen increase in paper or postal costs; changes which affect the businesses of our clients and lead to reduced sales promotion spending, including, without limitation, a decrease of marketing budgets which are generally discretionary in nature and easier to reduce in the short-term than other expenses; our substantial indebtedness, and ability to refinance such indebtedness, if necessary, and our ability to incur additional indebtedness, may affect our financial health; the financial condition, including bankruptcies, of our clients, suppliers, senior secured credit facility lenders or other counterparties; certain covenants in our debt documents could adversely restrict our financial and operating flexibility; fluctuations in the amount, timing, pages, weight and kinds of advertising pieces from period to period, due to a change in our clients' promotional needs, inventories and other factors; our failure to attract and retain qualified personnel may affect our business and results of operations; a rise in interest rates could increase our borrowing costs; governmental regulation or litigation affecting aspects of our business, including laws and regulations related to the internet, internet-related technologies and activities, privacy and data security; potential security measure breaches or attacks; clients experiencing financial difficulties, or otherwise being unable to meet their obligations as they become due, could affect our results of operations and financial condition; uncertainty in the application and interpretation of applicable state sales tax laws may expose us to additional sales tax liability; a reduction in, or discontinuance of, dividend payments or stock repurchases; and general economic conditions, whether nationally, internationally, or in the market areas in which we conduct our business, including the adverse impact of the ongoing economic downturn on the marketing expenditures and activities of our clients and prospective clients as well as our vendors, with whom we rely on to provide us with quality materials at the right prices and in a timely manner. These and other risks and uncertainties related to our business are described in greater detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, or the 2012 Form 10-K, and other filings by us with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with these filings. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview
Valassis Communications, Inc. (referred to herein as “Valassis,” “we,” and “our”) is a leader in intelligent media delivery, providing over 15,000 advertisers proven and innovative media solutions to influence consumers wherever they plan, shop, buy and share. By integrating online and offline data combined with powerful insights, Valassis precisely targets its clients' most valuable shoppers, offering unparalleled reach and scale. Our subsidiaries include Brand.net, a Valassis Digital Company, and NCH Marketing Services Inc. (“NCH”). Our consumer brands include RedPlum® and save.com.
Our products and services are positioned to help our clients reach their customers through mass-delivered or targeted programs. We provide our clients with blended media solutions, including shared mail, newspaper, in-store and digital delivery. We offer the only national shared mail distribution network in the industry. We utilize a proprietary patent pending targeting tool that provides our clients with multi-media recommendations and optimization. We are committed to providing innovative marketing solutions to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of promotions for our clients.


26

Table of Contents


Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shared Mail
$
335,919

 
$
348,825

 
$
663,035

 
$
676,893

Free-standing Inserts
80,249

 
70,536

 
165,910

 
146,829

Neighborhood Targeted
28,855

 
77,460

 
52,151

 
149,667

International, Digital Media & Services
50,864

 
43,417

 
97,313

 
85,434

Total revenues
495,887

 
540,238

 
978,409

 
1,058,823

Cost of sales
364,543

 
403,727

 
725,311

 
792,621

Gross profit
131,344

 
136,511

 
253,098

 
266,202

Selling, general and administrative
77,723

 
83,523

 
154,055

 
161,140

Amortization expense
3,729

 
3,156

 
7,458

 
6,312

Goodwill impairment

 
7,585

 

 
7,585

Earnings from operations
49,892

 
42,247

 
91,585

 
91,165

Other expenses and income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
7,452

 
6,685

 
15,069

 
13,681

Other income, net
(621
)
 
(77
)
 
(923
)
 
(774
)
Total other expenses, net
6,831

 
6,608

 
14,146

 
12,907

Earnings before income taxes
43,061

 
35,639

 
77,439

 
78,258

Income tax expense
16,275

 
13,932

 
28,984

 
30,130

Net earnings
$
26,786

 
$
21,707

 
$
48,455

 
$
48,128

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per common share, diluted
$
0.68

 
$
0.51

 
$
1.21

 
$
1.11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted
38,951

 
42,719

 
39,379

 
43,382


27

Table of Contents


Revenues
Revenues were $495.9 million and $540.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 8.2%, and $978.4 million and $1,058.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 7.6%. These decreases reflect an anticipated decline in revenues resulting from the change in certain client contracts to a fee-based media placement model within the Neighborhood Targeted segment, decreased revenues in our Shared Mail segment and the decision to exit our newspaper polybag advertising and sampling and solo direct mail businesses in 2012, all of which were offset, in part, by increased revenues in our Free-standing Inserts (FSI) segment and our in-store and digital businesses within International, Digital Media & Services.
The change in certain contracts to a fee-based media placement model and the decision to exit our newspaper polybag advertising and sampling and solo direct mail businesses in 2012 affect the comparability of revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as revenues adjusted to (i) a net basis, for client contracts to which we were a principal and recorded revenues on a gross basis in 2012 that, in 2013, transitioned to a fee-based media placement model and were recorded on a net basis ("gross to net revenues adjustment"), and (ii) exclude revenues related to discontinued businesses, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues
$
495.9

 
$
540.2

 
$
978.4

 
$
1,058.8

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross to net revenues adjustment

 
(47.9
)
 

 
(94.1
)
Revenues related to discontinued businesses

 
(2.2
)
 

 
(6.2
)
Adjusted revenues
$
495.9

 
$
490.1

 
$
978.4

 
$
958.5

Adjusted revenues were $495.9 million and $490.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, an increase of 1.2%, and $978.4 million and $958.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, an increase of 2.1%. Additional information with respect to adjusted revenues is provided in Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales was $364.5 million and $403.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $725.3 million and $792.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These decreases were due primarily to the aforementioned change in certain client contracts in the Neighborhood Targeted segment to a fee-based media placement model. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues was 26.5% and 25.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 25.9% and 25.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Cost of sales and gross margin as a percentage of revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 included $0.5 million of restructuring charges, reflecting severance and related costs, compared to $3.7 million of restructuring and other non-recurring charges, which included lease termination, severance, asset impairment and other costs associated with our decision to exit our solo direct mail business and our newspaper polybag advertising and sampling business, recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
SG&A expenses were $77.7 million and $83.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 6.9%, and $154.1 million and $161.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 4.3%. SG&A expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 included $0.9 million of restructuring charges, reflecting severance and related costs, compared to $6.0 million of restructuring and other non-recurring charges, which included severance and related costs and Brand.net acquisition costs, recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.
Goodwill Impairment
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $7.6 million, which resulted from our decision to exit the newspaper polybag advertising and sampling business, a reporting unit within our Neighborhood Targeted reportable segment, and the solo direct mail business, a reporting unit within International, Digital Media & Services.

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Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense represented 37.8% and 39.1% of earnings before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 37.4% and 38.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We are required to adjust our effective tax rate each quarter to be consistent with our estimated annual effective tax rate. We are also required to record the tax impact of certain unusual or infrequently occurring items, including the effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur. The effective tax rate during a particular quarter may be higher or lower as a result of the timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.
Net Earnings and Net Earnings per Common Share, Diluted
Net earnings were $26.8 million and $21.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, or $0.68 and $0.51, respectively, per common share, diluted ("diluted EPS"). Net earnings were $48.5 million and $48.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, or diluted EPS of $1.21 and $1.11, respectively. Net earnings and diluted EPS were favorably impacted by reduced restructuring and other non-recurring charges, which totaled $0.9 million, net of tax, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to $10.7 million, net of tax, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, and the non-recurrence of the goodwill impairment charge discussed above. In addition, as further discussed in Segment Results below, these increases in net earnings and diluted EPS reflect increased page volume and cost efficiencies in our FSI segment, which were offset by volume decreases within our Shared Mail segment, and, within International, Digital Media & Services, continued investment in our digital business and losses from our in-store business. Diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was also favorably impacted by the repurchases of our common stock in 2012 and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, which was the primary driver in the reduction of our weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted.
The aforementioned restructuring costs and other non-recurring charges and goodwill impairment charge affect the comparability of net earnings and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. In Non-GAAP Financial Measures below, we compare net earnings and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 excluding these items.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We define adjusted revenues as revenues adjusted to (i) a net basis, for client contracts to which we were a principal and recorded revenues on a gross basis in 2012 that, in 2013, transitioned to a fee-based media placement model and were recorded on a net basis, and (ii) exclude revenues related to discontinued businesses. We define adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS as net earnings and diluted EPS excluding restructuring costs and other non-recurring charges, net of tax, and goodwill impairment charge, net of tax. Adjusted revenues, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures commonly used by financial analysts, investors, rating agencies and other interested parties in evaluating companies, including marketing services companies. Accordingly, management believes that these non-GAAP measures may be useful in assessing our operating performance and our ability to meet our debt service requirements. In addition, these non-GAAP measures are used by management to measure and analyze our operating performance and, along with other data, as our internal measure for setting annual operating budgets, assessing financial performance of business segments and as performance criteria for incentive compensation. Additionally, because of management's focus on generating shareholder value, of which profitability is a primary driver, management believes these non-GAAP measures, as defined above, provide an important measure of our results of operations.

Adjusted revenues, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS are not calculated or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation from, or as alternatives to, operating income, net income, cash flow, EPS or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using these non-GAAP financial measures only supplementally. Further, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate adjusted revenues, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS differently and as the differences in the way two different companies calculate these measures increase, the degree of their usefulness as comparative measures correspondingly decreases.


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The following tables reconcile net earnings and diluted EPS to adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (the reconciling items included in the tables below are presented net of an estimated tax rate of 38.0%):
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
U.S.
Dollars
in
Millions
 
Per
Common
Share,
Diluted
 
U.S.
Dollars
in
Millions
 
Per
Common
Share,
Diluted
Net earnings
$
26.8

 
$
0.68

 
$
21.7

 
$
0.51

Excluding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill impairment, net of tax of $2.9 million

 

 
4.7

 
0.11

Restructuring costs and other non-recurring charges, net of tax of $0.5 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively
0.9

 
0.02

 
6.0

 
0.14

Adjusted net earnings
$
27.7

 
$
0.70

 
$
32.4

 
$
0.76


 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
U.S.
Dollars
in
Millions
 
Per
Common
Share,
Diluted
 
U.S.
Dollars
in
Millions
 
Per
Common
Share,
Diluted
Net earnings
$
48.5

 
$
1.21

 
$
48.1

 
$
1.11

Excluding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill impairment, net of tax of $2.9 million

 

 
4.7

 
0.11

Restructuring costs and other non-recurring charges, net of tax of $0.5 million and $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively
0.9

 
0.02

 
6.0

 
0.14

Adjusted net earnings
$
49.4

 
$
1.23

 
$
58.8

 
$
1.36

Adjusted net earnings were $27.7 million and $32.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, or adjusted diluted EPS of $0.70 and $0.76, respectively. Adjusted net earnings were $49.4 million and $58.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, or adjusted diluted EPS of $1.23 and $1.36, respectively. These decreases in adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS reflect, as further discussed in Segment Results below, volume decreases within our Shared Mail segment and, within International, Digital Media & Services, continued investment in our digital business and losses from our in-store business, which were offset, in part, by increased page volume and cost efficiencies in our FSI segment. Adjusted diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was also favorably impacted by the repurchases of our common stock in 2012 and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, which was the primary driver in the reduction of our weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted.


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Segment Results
We currently operate our business in the following reportable segments:
Shared Mail – Products that have the ability to reach 9 out of 10 U.S. households through shared mail distribution. Our Shared Mail programs combine the individual print advertisements of various clients into a single shared mail package delivered primarily through the United States Postal Service (“USPS”).
Free-standing Inserts – Four-color booklets that contain promotions, primarily coupons, from multiple advertisers (cooperative), which we publish and distribute to approximately 60 million households through newspapers and shared mail.
Neighborhood Targeted – Products that are targeted to specific newspaper zones or neighborhoods based on geographic and demographic characteristics.
In addition, all other lines of business that are not separately reported are captioned as International, Digital Media & Services, which includes Brand.net, a Valassis Digital Company, NCH, Valassis Canada, Inc., Promotion Watch, and our in-store business.
We evaluate reportable segment performance based on segment profit, which we define as earnings from operations excluding unusual or non-recurring items. For additional information, see Note 10 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Shared Mail
Shared Mail revenues were $335.9 million and $348.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 3.7%, and $663.0 million and $676.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 2.0%. The revenue decline for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was largely due to decreased volume, over half of which was attributable to the absence of a large program that ran in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, but did not repeat in the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. In addition, Shared Mail revenues were negatively impacted by shifts in product mix to lower priced formats and decreased RedPlum® wrap product revenues. These declines were partially offset by an increase in postal rates effective in January 2013 that, in many cases, were passed through to our clients, and increased revenues associated with our variable data postcard product.
Shared Mail pieces decreased 2.1% to 9.1 billion pieces for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2012, and remained flat at 18.2 billion pieces for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2012. Shared Mail packages delivered were 0.9 billion and 1.8 billion, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, decreasing 2.5% and 2.2% from the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as a result of our business optimization efforts. Shared Mail average pieces per package were 9.9 pieces for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, increasing 0.7% and 2.4% from the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.
Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was 26.3% and 28.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 26.1% and 28.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Gross margin as a percentage of revenues for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was unfavorably impacted by product mix shift toward lower margin formats and by the reduction in RedPlum® wrap product revenues. Offsetting the unfavorable impact in gross margin as a percentage of revenues were efficiencies in unused postage driven by our business optimization efforts including savings from distribution alliances. Unused postage decreased to 14.5% and 14.6% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, as compared to 15.8% and 16.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.
Segment profit was $43.9 million and $52.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 16.1%, and $82.8 million and $94.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 12.7%. Segment profit as a percentage of revenues was 13.1% and 15.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 12.5% and 14.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in segment profit and segment profit as a percentage of revenues was due to decreased volume and the gross margin percentage decline described above, partially offset by lower SG&A costs.

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Free-standing Inserts
FSI revenues were $80.2 million and $70.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, an increase of 13.8%, and $165.9 million and $146.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, an increase of 13.0%. FSI segment profit was $9.4 million and $7.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, an increase of 28.8%, and $20.5 million and $12.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, an increase of 61.4%. These increases in revenues and segment profit reflect notable increases in virtually every key performance metric, including: total pages sold, pages per book and market share. In addition, segment results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 benefited from one additional book as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. Segment profit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was also favorably impacted by production efficiencies associated with the increased page volumes.
Neighborhood Targeted
Neighborhood Targeted revenues were $28.9 million and $77.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 62.7%, and $52.2 million and $149.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, a decrease of 65.1%. These decreases reflect the change in certain client contracts to a fee-based media placement model and the impact of our decision in the second quarter of 2012 to exit our newspaper polybag advertising and sampling business. Segment loss was $1.5 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $5.9 million and $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The segment losses reflect continued margin pressure associated with the products in this segment; however, the reduction in segment losses in the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2012 reflects our efforts to improve our client mix by acquiring and retaining clients that value our turn-key approach to production, targeting and placement and by creating operational efficiencies that are scaled to that same client segment.
International, Digital Media & Services
International, Digital Media & Services revenues were $50.9 million and $43.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, an increase of 17.3%, and $97.3 million and $85.4 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, an increase of 13.9%. These increases in International, Digital Media & Services revenues were driven by growth in our in-store and digital businesses. Segment loss was $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to segment profit of $2.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012. Segment loss was $4.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to segment profit of $5.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012. Despite increased International, Digital Media & Services revenues, segment performance has declined as the result of continued investment in our digital business and losses in our in-store business. Specifically, the performance of our in-store business has been adversely impacted by the cost of building and maintaining a relevant retail network within a competitive market, while the performance of Brand.net, the most significant component of our digital business, has been negatively impacted by the engineering costs necessary to enhance their platform, including migrating from an audience targeting approach to targeting based on the combination of geography and our proprietary offline data.


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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Sources of Capital
Our operating cash flows are our primary source of liquidity. We believe we will generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities and will have sufficient existing cash balances and lines of credit available to meet currently anticipated liquidity needs, including the working capital requirements of our operations, interest and required repayments of indebtedness and capital expenditures necessary to support growth and productivity improvement. We may consider other uses for our cash flows from operating activities and other sources of cash (such as additional borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility), including, without limitation, future acquisitions, dividends and repurchases of our common stock.
The following table presents our available sources of liquidity as of June 30, 2013:
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
Facility
Amount
 
Amount
Outstanding
 
Available
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
 
$
88.6
(a)
Debt facilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
$
100.0

 
42.4
(b)
 
57.6

Total Available
 
 
 
 
$
146.2

(a)
The foreign subsidiaries for which we have elected to permanently reinvest earnings outside of the U.S. held $16.2 million of cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2013. In the event we alter our current position and repatriate funds in the future, we may be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes on a portion thereof.
(b)
Represents $35.0 million outstanding under our Revolving Line of Credit (as defined below) and $7.4 million in outstanding letters of credit.
Sources and Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table summarizes the decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the indicated period:
 
Six Months Ended
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
June 30, 2013
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
83,419

Net cash used in investing activities
(5,220
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(83,490
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(775
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(6,066
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
94,711

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
88,645

Operating Activities – Net cash provided by operating activities was $83.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. In addition to cash received related to our net earnings, the following changes in assets and liabilities affected cash from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013:
net cash inflows of $37.8 million associated with the decrease in accounts receivable, net, which was partially offset by net cash outflows of $13.3 million related to the decrease in accounts payable, both of which reflect customary fluctuations in the timing of working capital inflows and outflows; and
net cash outflows of $18.6 million associated with the increase in prepaid expenses and other, which primarily reflects increases in sales tax refunds receivable and prepaid postage.
Investing Activities – Net cash used in investing activities was $5.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, which reflects $10.4 million of capital acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, which were offset, in part, by $5.2 million of net proceeds received from the sale of plant, property and equipment.
Financing Activities – Net cash used in financing activities was $83.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, which resulted from $22.6 million of principal payments of long-term debt, which included a voluntary prepayment of $15.0 million, $24.0 million of dividends paid on common shares and restricted stock and the repurchase of $53.4 million, or 1.3 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $25.53 per share, which were offset, in part, by $16.5 million of proceeds from stock option exercises.

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Current and Long-term Debt
As of June 30, 2013, we had outstanding $565.0 million in aggregate indebtedness, which consisted of $260.0 million of our unsecured 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021, or the 2021 Notes and $270.0 million and $35.0 million under the Term Loan A and Revolving Line of Credit portions of our Senior Secured Credit Facility, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, we had total outstanding letters of credit of approximately $7.4 million.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
General – On June 27, 2011, we entered into a senior secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders jointly arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and RBS Securities Inc. (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”). The Senior Secured Credit Facility and related loan documents replaced and terminated our prior credit agreement, dated as of March 2, 2007, as amended (the “Prior Senior Secured Credit Facility”), by and among Valassis, 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. In connection with the termination of the Prior Senior Secured Credit Facility, all obligations and rights under the related guarantee, security and collateral agency agreement, dated as of March 2, 2007, as amended (the “Prior Security Agreement”), by Valassis and certain of its domestic subsidiaries signatory thereto, as grantors, in favor of Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., in its capacity as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Prior Security Agreement), were also simultaneously terminated.

The Senior Secured Credit Facility consists of:
a five-year term loan A in an aggregate principal amount equal to $300.0 million, with principal repayable in quarterly installments at a rate of 5.0% during each of the first two years from issuance, 10.0% during the third year from issuance, 15.0% during the fourth year from issuance and 11.25% during the fifth year from issuance, with the remaining 53.75% due at maturity (the “Term Loan A”);
a five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million (the “Revolving Line of Credit”), including $15.0 million available in Euros, Pounds Sterling or Canadian Dollars, $50.0 million available for letters of credit and a $20.0 million swingline loan subfacility, of which $50.0 million was drawn at closing and $35.0 million remains outstanding as of June 30, 2013 (exclusive of outstanding letters of credit described below); and
an incremental facility pursuant to which, prior to the maturity of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, we may incur additional indebtedness in an amount up to $150.0 million under the Revolving Line of Credit or the Term Loan A or a combination thereof, subject to certain conditions, including receipt of additional lending commitments for such additional indebtedness. The terms of the incremental facility will be substantially similar to the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, except with respect to the pricing of the incremental facility, the interest rate for which could be higher than that for the Revolving Line of Credit and the Term Loan A.
All borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility, including, without limitation, amounts drawn under the Revolving Line of Credit, are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of June 30, 2013, we had approximately $57.6 million available under the Revolving Line of Credit portion of our Senior Secured Credit Facility (after giving effect to the reductions in availability pursuant to $7.4 million in standby letters of credit outstanding as of June 30, 2013).
Interest and Fees – Borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, at either the alternate base rate (defined as the higher of the prime rate announced by the Administrative Agent, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% or one-month LIBOR plus 1%) (the “Base Rate”) or at the Eurodollar Rate (one-, two-, three- or six-month LIBOR, at our election, as defined in the credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facility), except for borrowings made in alternate currencies which may not accrue interest based upon the alternate base rate, in each case, plus an applicable interest rate margin. The applicable margins are currently 0.75% per annum for Base Rate loans and 1.75% per annum for Eurodollar Rate loans. The margins applicable to the borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility may be adjusted based on our consolidated leverage ratio, with 1.00% being the maximum Base Rate margin and 2.00% being the maximum Eurodollar Rate margin. See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for discussion regarding our various interest rate swap agreements.
Guarantees and Security – Our Senior Secured Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries pursuant to a Guarantee and Collateral Agreement. 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 domestic subsidiary guarantors and 65% of the capital stock of certain of our existing and future foreign subsidiaries.
 

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The Guarantee and Collateral Agreement also secures our Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033 on an equal and ratable basis with the indebtedness under our Senior Secured Credit Facility to the extent required by the indenture governing such notes.
Prepayments – The Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains a requirement that we make mandatory principal prepayments on the Term Loan A and Revolving Line of Credit in certain circumstances, including, without limitation, with 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds from certain asset sales, casualty events or condemnation recoveries (in each case, to the extent not otherwise used for reinvestment in our business or related business and subject to certain other exceptions). The Senior Secured Credit Facility further provides that, subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, we may make voluntary prepayments without payment of premium or penalty.
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, including certain dividends and stock repurchases and redemptions;
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 organizational documents;
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.
Our Senior Secured Credit Facility also requires us to comply with:
a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in our Senior Secured Credit Facility (generally, the ratio of our consolidated total debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, for the most recent four quarters), of 3.50:1.00; and
a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, as defined in our Senior Secured Credit Facility (generally, the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense for the most recent four quarters), of 3.00:1.00.
The following table shows the required and actual financial ratios under our Senior Secured Credit Facility as of June 30, 2013:
 
Required Ratio
 
Actual Ratio
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio
No greater than 3.50:1.00
 
1.98:1.00
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio  
No less than 3.00:1.00
 
10.46:1.00
In addition, we are required to give notice to the administrative agent and the lenders under our Senior Secured Credit Facility of defaults under the facility documentation and other material events, make any new wholly-owned domestic subsidiary (other than an immaterial subsidiary) a subsidiary guarantor and pledge substantially all after-acquired property as collateral to secure our and our subsidiary guarantors’ obligations in respect of the facility.
Events of Default – Our Senior Secured Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including upon a change in 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 accelerating the amounts due under our Senior Secured Credit Facility.

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6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021
On January 28, 2011, we issued in a private placement $260.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2021 Notes. Interest on the 2021 Notes is payable every six months on February 1 and August 1. The 2021 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 2011, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement between us and the initial purchasers of the 2021 Notes, we completed 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. An aggregate principal amount of $260.0 million, or 100%, of the original notes were exchanged for exchange notes in the exchange offer. The exchange notes are substantially identical to the original notes, except that the exchange notes are not subject to certain transfer restrictions.
The 2021 Notes were issued under an indenture with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “2021 Indenture”). Subject to a number of exceptions, the 2021 Indenture restricts our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the 2021 Indenture) 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, create or permit restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us and enter into transactions with affiliates.
 
We may redeem all or a portion of the 2021 Notes at our option at any time prior to February 1, 2016, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of 2021 Notes to be redeemed, plus a make-whole premium as described in the 2021 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, if any. At any time on or after February 1, 2016, we may redeem all or a portion of the 2021 Notes at our option at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof) if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on February 1 of the years set forth below:
Year
 
Percentage
2016
 
103.313%
2017
 
102.208%
2018
 
101.104%
2019 and thereafter
 
100.000%
In addition, we must pay accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, if any. On or prior to February 1, 2014, we may also redeem at our option up to 35% of the principal amount of the outstanding 2021 Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at the redemption price specified in the 2021 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, if any. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the 2021 Indenture, we must make a written offer to purchase all of the 2021 Notes for cash at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, if any.
Additional Provisions
The indenture governing the Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033 contains a cross-default provision which becomes applicable if we default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument evidencing indebtedness for money borrowed by us and the default results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its express maturity, and the principal amount of any such accelerated indebtedness aggregates in excess of $25.0 million. The 2021 Indenture contains a cross-default provision which becomes applicable if we (a) fail to pay the stated principal amount of any of our indebtedness at its final maturity date, or (b) default under any of our indebtedness and the default results in the acceleration of indebtedness, and, in each case, the principal amount of any such indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such indebtedness under which there has been a payment default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $50.0 million or more. Our credit agreement contains a cross-default provision which becomes applicable if we (a) fail to make any payment under any indebtedness for money borrowed by us (other than the obligations under such credit agreement) in an aggregate outstanding principal amount of at least $50.0 million or, (b) otherwise default under any such indebtedness, or trigger another event which causes such indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed or become subject to an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such indebtedness prior to its stated maturity.

Repurchases of Debt
Subject to applicable limitations in our Senior Secured Credit Facility and indentures, we may from time to time repurchase our debt in the open market, through tender offers, through exchanges for debt or equity securities, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.

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Covenant Compliance
As of June 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all of our indenture and Senior Secured Credit Facility covenants.
Other Indebtedness
We have entered into various interest rate swap agreements. For further detail regarding these agreements, see Note 7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
As of June 30, 2013, we 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 $10.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, and are expected to be an aggregate amount of approximately $25.0 million for the 2013 fiscal year. It is expected these expenditures will be made using funds provided by operations.

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 unaudited condensed 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 have not changed materially from those disclosed in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2012 Form 10-K.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our principal market risks are interest rates on various debt instruments and foreign exchange rates at our international subsidiaries.
Interest Rates
As of June 30, 2013, $305.0 million of aggregate indebtedness remained outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facility and was subject to variable interest rates. However, on July 6, 2011, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with an initial notional amount of $186.3 million. The effective date of this agreement was June 30, 2012. This interest rate swap agreement effectively fixes, at 3.6195% (including the current applicable margin), the interest rate for the portion of our variable rate debt outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facility equal to the outstanding notional amount of the interest rate swap agreement. The initial notional amount of $186.3 million amortizes quarterly by (i) $2.8 million from the effective date through the quarter ending September 30, 2013, (ii) $5.6 million from September 30, 2013 through the quarter ending September 30, 2014, and (iii) $8.4 million from September 30, 2014 until June 30, 2015, the expiration date of the agreement.
As of June 30, 2013, the variable rate indebtedness outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facility in excess of the outstanding notional amount of the effective interest rate swap agreement described above was an aggregate principal amount of $130.0 million, and is subject to interest rate risk, as our interest payments will fluctuate as the underlying interest rate changes. If there is a 1% increase in the Eurodollar Rate, the interest rate currently applicable to this variable rate indebtedness, and we do not alter the terms of our current interest rate swap agreement or enter into a new interest rate swap agreement, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness would increase by a total of $3.4 million between July 1, 2013 and June 27, 2016, the maturity date of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, which would affect our cash flows and results of operations. If we borrow additional amounts under the Revolving Line of Credit portion of our Senior Secured Credit Facility, our interest rate risk may increase.
Foreign Currency
Currencies to which we have exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, Polish zloty, British pound and Euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of June 30, 2013, we had commitments to purchase $9.1 million in Mexican pesos and $0.7 million in Polish zlotys over the next 12 months.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Disclosure Committee, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of such period, the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2013 that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are 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 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 2012 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and future results. The risks described in our 2012 Form 10-K 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.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table reflects our repurchases of our common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2013:
Period
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid per
Share
(including
broker
commissions)
 
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plan (a)
 
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
under the Plan (b)
April 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013
 
25,000

 
$
25.07

 
25,000

 
1,621,710

May 1, 2013 to May 31, 2013
 
985,691

 
$
25.47

 
985,691

 
6,636,019

June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013
 
252,396

 
$
25.80

 
252,396

 
6,383,623

 
 
1,263,087

 
$
25.53

 
1,263,087

 
 
(a)
On August 25, 2005, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of 5 million shares of our common stock. This share repurchase plan was suspended in February 2006. On May 6, 2010, our Board of Directors reinstated this share repurchase plan. In May 2011, our Board of Directors approved an increase of 6 million shares to this share repurchase plan. In May 2012, our Board of Directors approved an additional increase of 6 million shares to this share repurchase plan. On May 3, 2013, our Board of Directors approved an additional increase of 6 million shares to this share repurchase plan.
(b)
Our ability to make share repurchases may be limited by the documents governing our indebtedness.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
31.1
Section 302 Certification of Robert A. Mason
 
 
31.2
Section 302 Certification of Robert L. Recchia
 
 
32.1
Section 906 Certification of Robert A. Mason
 
 
32.2
Section 906 Certification of Robert L. Recchia
 
 
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
______________
*
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files included as Exhibits 101 hereto (i) shall not be deemed “filed” or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (iii) otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.


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SIGNATURE
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 6, 2013

 
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 Number
Description
 
 
31.1
Section 302 Certification of Robert A. Mason
 
 
31.2
Section 302 Certification of Robert L. Recchia
 
 
32.1
Section 906 Certification of Robert A. Mason
 
 
32.2
Section 906 Certification of Robert L. Recchia
 
 
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
______________
*
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files included as Exhibits 101 hereto (i) shall not be deemed “filed” or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (iii) otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.


41