Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2007

or

 

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

Commission File Number: 1-10991

 


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 


 

Delaware   38-2760940

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

19975 Victor Parkway

Livonia, Michigan 48152

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(734) 591-3000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

 


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

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

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of November 1, 2007, there were 47,930,522 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

 



Part I—Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Sept. 30,
2007
    Dec. 31,
2006
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 122,378     $ 52,619  

Auction-rate securities

     —         102,533  

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,417 at September 30, 2007 and $5,001 at December 31, 2006)

     475,992       339,079  

Inventories:

    

Raw materials

     23,572       12,729  

Work in progress

     14,045       13,105  

Prepaid expenses and other

     27,203       16,681  

Deferred income taxes

     18,140       1,789  

Refundable income taxes

     —         3,957  
                

Total current assets

     681,330       542,492  
                

Property, plant and equipment, gross:

    

Land and buildings

     81,101       55,723  

Machinery and equipment

     219,120       142,085  

Office furniture and equipment

     175,311       61,903  

Automobiles

     221       216  

Leasehold improvements

     22,850       2,949  
                
     498,603       262,876  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (191,348 )     (153,490 )
                

Net property, plant and equipment

     307,255       109,386  
                

Intangible assets:

    

Goodwill

     882,717       173,134  

Other intangibles

     331,555       35,555  
                
     1,214,272       208,689  

Less accumulated amortization

     (80,890 )     (75,280 )
                

Net intangible assets

     1,133,382       133,409  
                

Investments

     6,799       4,899  

Other assets

     24,339       11,240  
                

Total assets

   $ 2,153,105     $ 801,426  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Continued

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Sept. 30,
2007
    Dec. 31,
2006
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion, long-term debt

   $ 30,900     $ —    

Accounts payable

     310,872       268,834  

Accrued interest

     6,922       3,307  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     51,275       23,671  

Accrued other expenses

     37,119       17,150  

Progress billings

     49,340       49,258  

Income taxes payable

     4,663       —    
                

Total current liabilities

     491,091       362,220  
                

Long-term debt

     1,306,107       259,931  

Other non-current liabilities

     17,696       8,195  

Deferred income taxes

     136,559       3,506  

Stockholders' equity:

    

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

    

Common stock of $0.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 63,409,427 at September 30, 2007 and 63,264,925 at December 31, 2006; outstanding 47,928,410 at September 30, 2007 and 47,783,908 at December 31, 2006

     634       633  

Additional paid-in capital

     49,551       44,225  

Retained earnings

     671,713       638,209  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (19 )     4,734  

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

     (520,227 )     (520,227 )
                

Total stockholders' equity

     201,652       167,574  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

   $ 2,153,105     $ 801,426  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

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

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended Sept. 30,     Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Revenues

   $ 607,233     $ 248,883     $ 1,580,684     $ 757,121  

Costs and expenses:

        

Cost of products sold

     459,553       187,233       1,211,392       570,474  

Selling, general and administrative

     96,327       38,454       247,217       101,709  

Amortization expense

     2,389       139       5,609       417  
                                

Total costs and expense

     558,269       225,826       1,464,218       672,600  
                                

Earnings from operations

     48,964       23,057       116,466       84,521  

Other expenses (income):

        

Interest expense

     24,575       15,861       60,422       20,932  

Other income, net

     (2,032 )     (2,575 )     (5,695 )     (4,657 )
                                

Total other expenses (income)

     22,543       13,286       54,727       16,275  
                                

Earnings before income taxes

     26,421       9,771       61,739       68,246  

Income taxes

     9,978       3,149       24,287       23,878  
                                

Net earnings

   $ 16,443     $ 6,622     $ 37,452     $ 44,368  
                                

Net earnings per common share, basic

   $ 0.34     $ 0.14     $ 0.78     $ 0.93  
                                

Net earnings per common share, diluted

   $ 0.34     $ 0.14     $ 0.78     $ 0.93  
                                

Shares used in computing net earnings per share, basic

     47,818,200       47,804,279       47,784,809       47,741,574  
                                

Shares used in computing net earnings per share, diluted

     47,912,843       47,807,447       47,902,801       47,779,046  
                                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,  
     2007     2006  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net earnings

   $ 37,452     $ 44,368  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

     44,088       10,984  

Amortization of bond discount and debt issue costs

     2,111       207  

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     3,653       202  

Asset impairment

     1,963       1,176  

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

     48       27  

Gain on equity investments

     (1,405 )     (300 )

Stock-based compensation charge

     5,298       4,996  

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

    

Accounts receivable

     44,726       (8,325 )

Inventories

     (5,639 )     (5,234 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     1,217       (7,674 )

Other liabilities

     (18,259 )     16  

Other assets

     24,569       (8,227 )

Accounts payable

     11,129       34,407  

Accrued expenses and interest

     (35,502 )     (7,057 )

Income taxes

     12,220       (6,060 )

Progress billings

     (10,236 )     922  
                

Total adjustments

     79,981       10,060  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     117,433       54,428  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (20,124 )     (8,411 )

Acquisition of ADVO, net of cash acquired

     (1,187,873 )     —    

Purchases of auction-rate securities

     (156,335 )     (467,914 )

Proceeds from sales of auction-rate securities

     258,869       459,333  

Investments and advances to affiliated companies

     (1,000 )     (3,000 )

Other

     (604 )     (330 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,107,067 )     (20,322 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Borrowings of long-term debt

     1,130,000       —    

Payment of debt issue costs

     (19,212 )     —    

Repayment of long term debt

     (52,950 )     (14,441 )

Repurchase of common stock

     —         (3,913 )

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

     —         5,731  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     1,057,838       (12,623 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     1,555       1,062  

Net increase in cash

     69,759       22,545  

Cash at beginning of period

     52,619       64,320  
                

Cash at end of period

   $ 122,378     $ 86,865  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for interest

   $ 53,762     $ 11,279  

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

   $ 14,270     $ 32,513  

Non-cash financing activities:

    

Stock issued under stock-based compensation plan

   $ 2,231     $ 1,891  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

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

 

2. ACQUISITION OF ADVO

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

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

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

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Sept. 30,
2007

Current assets

   $ 219,514

Property, plant and equipment

     214,945

Goodwill

     709,582

Intangible assets

     296,000

Other non-current assets

     20,036
      

Total assets

   $ 1,460,077
      

Current liabilities

   $ 117,853

Non-current liabilities

     154,351
      

Total liabilities

   $ 272,204
      

 

6


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

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

 

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

   Three Months Ended Sept. 30,  
   2007    2006(1)  

Revenue

   $ 607,233    $ 590,550  

Earnings from operations

     48,964      14,725  

Net earnings (loss)

     16,443      (8,956 )

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.34    $ (0.19 )

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.34    $ (0.19 )

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)

   Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,  
   2007(2)    2006(1)  

Revenue

   $ 1,804,187    $ 1,836,044  

Earnings from operations

     86,105      93,996  

Net earnings

     9,673      16,841  

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.20    $ 0.35  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.20    $ 0.35  

(1) Results include $19.7 million in one-time costs related to the acquisition of ADVO by Valassis.
(2) Results include $23.0 million in one-time costs related to the acquisition of ADVO by Valassis.

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

 

3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

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

Stock-based compensation for the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 was $1.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, stock-based compensation expense was $5.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively. Total compensation expense related to non-vested options not yet recognized at September 30, 2007 was approximately $10.1 million, which we expect to recognize as compensation expense over the next five years.

 

7


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

4. FOREIGN CURRENCY AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

Currencies to which we have exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound and euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. Historically, we have purchased the Mexican peso under three to twelve-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of September 30, 2007, we had a commitment to purchase $2.9 million in Mexican pesos over the next eight months.

We entered into two interest rate swap agreements during the second quarter of 2007. These derivative agreements effectively fix interest rates on a portion of floating rate debt and qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133. The fair value of these derivatives is a liability of $6.2 million as of September 30, 2007. Any changes in the effective portion of these derivatives are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income while any ineffective portion will be recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statement of income as part of interest expense. See “Note 7. Long-Term Debt” for further information on the interest rate swap agreements.

 

5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

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

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

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

Amortizable intangible assets

   $ 183,455    $ 8,084    $ 175,371     19.5

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

          

Goodwill:

          

Free-standing Inserts

           18,257    

Neighborhood Targeted

           5,325    

Household Targeted

           32,642    

International & Services

           64,864    

ADVO

           709,582    

The Valassis name and other

           11,341    

ADVO trade names and trademarks

           116,000    
                

Total non-amortizable intangible assets

           958,011 (1)  
                

Consolidated net intangible assets

         $ 1,133,382    
                

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

 

8


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

6. CONTINGENCIES

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

On December 12, 2006, the Kelleher plaintiffs filed a Motion to Partially Lift Discovery Stay, in response to which defendants filed a response on January 16, 2007. The presiding judge denied the plaintiff’s motion to lift the stay on discovery. In addition, the court ordered the matters consolidated under a single action entitled, Robert Kelleher et al. v. ADVO, Inc., et al., Civil Case No. 3:06CV01422(AVC). A revised, consolidated complaint was filed by the plaintiffs on June 8, 2007. On August 24, 2007, the defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint. The plaintiff filed a Brief in Opposition to the defendants’ motion on October 10, 2007 and the defendants’ responsive pleading is due November 9, 2007.

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

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

 

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Sept. 30,
2007
   Dec. 31,
2006

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ —      $ —  

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

     99,957      99,931

Senior Convertible Notes due 2033, net of discount

     160,000      160,000

8  1/4% Senior Notes due 2015

     540,000      —  

Senior Secured Term Loan B

     537,050      —  

Senior Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan

     —        —  
             
   $ 1,337,007    $ 259,931

Less current portion

     30,900      —  
             
   $ 1,306,107    $ 259,931
             

On March 2, 2007, Valassis completed the offering of $540.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) in connection with the financing of its acquisition of ADVO. The 2015 Notes are unsecured and bear interest at a fixed rate of 8 1/4% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1, commencing on September 1, 2007, and mature on March 1, 2015. In August 2007, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement between Valassis and the initial purchasers of the 2015 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 $539,925,000 original notes were exchanged for exchange notes in the exchange offer. The remaining $75,000 principal amount of the original notes remains outstanding. The exchange notes are substantially identical to the original notes, except that the exchange notes are not subject to certain transfer restrictions.

 

9


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

On March 2, 2007, in connection with the acquisition of ADVO, Valassis entered into a Credit Agreement with various banking institutions. The Credit Agreement provides for: (i) a $120.0 million senior secured revolving line of credit; (ii) a $590.0 million senior secured term loan B; and (iii) a $160.0 million senior secured delayed draw term loan. As of September 30, 2007, Valassis had no borrowings under the revolving line of credit or delayed draw term loan and $537.1 million under the senior secured term loan B. Subsequent to September 30, 2007, Valassis made a voluntary prepayment of $25.0 million under the term loan B, which is classified as current debt along with $5.9 million in required payments due within one year. The delayed draw term loan is available until June 2008 to refinance all of the Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033, including in the event the holders exercise their put rights in May 2008.

On April 4, 2007 and June 29, 2007, Valassis entered into forward dated swap agreements with notional principal amounts of $300.0 million and $180.0 million, respectively. The swap agreements expire in December 2010, and effectively fix the interest rates for an aggregate of $480.0 million of variable rate debt under the term loan B portion of the senior secured credit facility. Under SFAS No. 133, each contract is recorded as a cash flow hedge in which the fair value is recorded as an asset or liability and any effective changes in the fair value are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income while any ineffective portion will be recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statement of income. The recording of these interest rate swap agreements resulted in a $6.2 million derivative classified as “Other non-current liabilities” on the balance sheet.

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

 

8. SEGMENT REPORTING

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

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in our Amended 2006 10-K and herein. We evaluate performance based on earnings from operations. Assets are not allocated in all cases to reportable segments and are not used to assess the performance of a segment.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   FSI    Neighborhood
Targeted(1)
   Household
Targeted
    International
& Services
    ADVO    Total
2007                

Revenues from external customers

   $ 102.6    $ 117.4    $ 10.3     $ 28.0     $ 348.9    $ 607.2

Intersegment revenues

   $ —      $ 7.9    $ —       $ —       $ 0.4    $ 8.3

Depreciation/amortization

   $ 2.7    $ 0.5    $ —       $ 0.6     $ 15.0    $ 18.8

Segment profit (loss)

   $ 3.7    $ 19.8    $ (1.1 )   $ 2.9     $ 23.7    $ 49.0
2006                

Revenues from external customers

   $ 105.9    $ 103.6    $ 12.6     $ 26.8        $ 248.9

Intersegment revenues

   $ —      $ —      $ —       $ —          $ —  

Depreciation/amortization

   $ 2.2    $ 0.5    $ —       $ 0.9        $ 3.6

Segment profit (loss)

   $ 12.5    $ 12.6    $ 0.2     $ (2.2 )      $ 23.1

 

10


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   FSI    Neighborhood
Targeted(1)
   Household
Targeted
    International
& Services
   ADVO(2)    Total
2007                 

Revenues from external customers

   $ 311.0    $ 338.1    $ 34.2     $ 84.9    $ 812.5    $ 1,580.7

Intersegment revenues

   $ —      $ 11.5    $ —       $ —      $ 1.6    $ 13.1

Depreciation/amortization

   $ 7.3    $ 1.5    $ —       $ 1.8    $ 33.5    $ 44.1

Segment profit (loss)

   $ 19.0    $ 45.2    $ (1.6 )   $ 7.5    $ 48.4    $ 118.5
2006                 

Revenues from external customers

   $ 338.2    $ 292.6    $ 45.0     $ 81.3       $ 757.1

Intersegment revenues

   $ —      $ —      $ —       $ —         $ —  

Depreciation/amortization

   $ 6.5    $ 1.5    $ 0.2     $ 2.8       $ 11.0

Segment profit

   $ 50.9    $ 28.9    $ 2.7     $ 2.0       $ 84.5

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

Reconciliations to consolidated financial statement totals are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
Sept. 30,
    Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,
 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   2007     2006     2007     2006  

Profit for reportable segments

   $ 49.0     $ 23.1     $ 118.5     $ 84.5  

Unallocated amounts:

        

Litigation and other costs related to the acquisition of ADVO

     —         —         (2.0 )     —    

Interest expense

     (24.6 )     (15.9 )     (60.4 )     (20.9 )

Other income

     2.0       2.6       5.6       4.6  
                                

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 26.4     $ 9.8     $ 61.7     $ 68.2  
                                

Domestic and foreign revenues were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
Sept. 30,
   Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   2007    2006    2007    2006

United States

     590.2      233.9      1,523.7      712.5

Foreign

     17.0      15.0      57.0      44.6
                           

Total

   $ 607.2    $ 248.9    $ 1,580.7    $ 757.1
                           

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

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   Sept. 30,
2007
   Dec 31,
2006

United States

   $ 286.5    $ 89.3

Foreign

     20.8      20.1
             

Total

   $ 307.3    $ 109.4
             

 

11


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Three Months Ended
Sept. 30,
    Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,
 
   2007     2006     2007     2006  

Net earnings

   $ 16,443     $ 6,622     $ 37,452     $ 44,368  
                                

Basic EPS:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     47,818       47,804       47,785       47,742  
                                

Earnings per common share—basic

   $ 0.34     $ 0.14     $ 0.78     $ 0.93  
                                

Diluted EPS:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     47,818       47,804       47,785       47,742  

Weighted average shares purchased on exercise of dilutive options

     46       2       139       278  

Shares purchased with proceeds of options/unrecognized compensation

     (109 )     (33 )     (179 )     (275 )

Shares contingently issuable

     158       34       158       34  
                                

Shares applicable to diluted earnings

     47,913       47,807       47,903       47,779  
                                

Earnings per common share—diluted

   $ 0.34     $ 0.14     $ 0.78     $ 0.93  
                                

Unexercised employee stock options to purchase 7.1 million shares and 6.7 million shares of Valassis' common stock were not included in the computations of diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock during the applicable periods.

 

10. GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

12


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

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

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

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

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,624     $ 93,881     $ 24,873    $ —       $ 122,378

Accounts receivable, net

     226,047       216,484       33,671      (210 )     475,992

Inventories

     28,144       9,436       37      —         37,617

Prepaid expenses and other

     (7,041 )     23,346       1,114      9,784       27,203

Deferred income taxes

     1,051       16,715       374      —         18,140
                                     

Total current assets

     251,825       359,862       60,069      9,574       681,330
                                     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     17,173       276,670       13,412      —         307,255

Intangible assets, net

     35,489       1,090,905       6,988      —         1,133,382

Investments

     1,453,730       39,715       —        (1,486,646 )     6,799

Other assets

     25,041       (693 )     80      (89 )     24,339
                                     

Total assets

   $ 1,783,258     $ 1,766,459     $ 80,549    $ (1,477,161 )   $ 2,153,105
                                     
     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

           

Current liabilities:

           

Current portion, long-term debt

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

Accounts payable

     177,764       102,715       20,128      10,265       310,872

Accrued expenses

     36,485       47,928       11,683      (780 )     95,316

Progress billings

     32,621       10,188       6,531      —         49,340

Income taxes payable

     (11,997 )     16,514       146      —         4,663
                                     

Total current liabilities

     265,773       177,345       38,488      9,485       491,091
                                     

Long-term debt

     1,306,107       —         —        —         1,306,107

Other non-current liabilities

     6,220       9,130       2,346      —         17,696

Deferred income taxes

     3,506       133,053       —        —         136,559

Stockholders' equity

     201,652       1,446,931       39,715      (1,486,646 )     201,652
                                     

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

   $ 1,783,258     $ 1,766,459     $ 80,549    $ (1,477,161 )   $ 2,153,105
                                     

 

13


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2006

(in thousands)

 

     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

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

Auction-rate securities

     91,519       11,014       —        —         102,533

Accounts receivable, net

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

Inventories

     25,834       —         —        —         25,834

Prepaid expenses and other

     (5,043 )     22,599       1,863      (2,738 )     16,681

Deferred income taxes

     1,094       494       201      —         1,789

Refundable income taxes

     3,552       286       119      —         3,957
                                     

Total current assets

     385,363       109,274       50,593      (2,738 )     542,492
                                     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     17,955       78,766       12,665      —         109,386

Intangible assets, net

     35,656       90,765       6,988      —         133,409

Investments

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

Other assets

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

Total assets

   $ 668,064     $ 309,257     $ 70,425    $ (246,320 )   $ 801,426
                                     
     Parent
Company
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

           

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable

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

Accrued expenses

     28,448       6,057       10,113      (490 )     44,128

Progress billings

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

Total current liabilities

     237,053       90,748       37,206      (2,787 )     362,220
                                     

Long-term debt

     259,931       —         —        —         259,931

Other non-current liabilities

     —         6,672       1,523      —         8,195

Deferred income taxes

     3,506       —         —        —         3,506

Stockholders' equity

     167,574       211,837       31,696      (243,533 )     167,574
                                     

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

   $ 668,064     $ 309,257     $ 70,425    $ (246,320 )   $ 801,426
                                     

 

14


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

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

Revenues

   $ 182,749     $ 415,820     $ 21,811     $ (13,147 )   $ 607,233  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     151,520       305,689       15,491       (13,147 )     459,553  

Selling, general and administrative

     13,972       76,424       5,931       —         96,327  

Amortization

     56       2,333       —         —         2,389  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     165,548       384,446       21,422       (13,147 )     558,269  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     17,201       31,374       389       —         48,964  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     24,572       —         3       —         24,575  

Other income, net

     (370 )     (1,472 )     (190 )     —         (2,032 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     24,202       (1,472 )     (187 )     —         22,543  
                                        

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

     (7,001 )     32,846       576       —         26,421  

Income taxes

     (1,144 )     10,878       244       —         9,978  

Equity in net earnings of subsidiary

     22,300       332       —         (22,632 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings

   $ 16,443     $ 22,300     $ 332     $ (22,632 )   $ 16,443  
                                        

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

(in thousands)

 

 

 

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

Revenues

   $ 168,137     $ 65,756     $ 16,915     $ (1,925 )   $ 248,883  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     134,635       40,576       13,947       (1,925 )     187,233  

Selling, general and administrative

     13,147       19,159       6,148       —         38,454  

Amortization

     56       83       —         —         139  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     147,838       59,818       20,095       (1,925 )     225,826  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     20,299       5,938       (3,180 )     —         23,057  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     15,231       469       161       —         15,861  

Other income, net

     (976 )     (731 )     (868 )     —         (2,575 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     14,255       (262 )     (707 )     —         13,286  
                                        

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

     6,044       6,200       (2,473 )     —         9,771  

Income taxes

     2,425       654       70       —         3,149  

Equity in net earnings/(loss) of subsidiary

     3,003       (2,543 )     —         (460 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings/(loss)

   $ 6,622     $ 3,003     $ (2,543 )   $ (460 )   $ 6,622  
                                        

 

15


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

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

Revenues

   $ 532,048     $ 1,011,637     $ 64,618     $ (27,619 )   $ 1,580,684  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     444,761       745,774       48,476       (27,619 )     1,211,392  

Selling, general and administrative

     40,905       189,545       16,767         247,217  

Amortization

     167       5,442       —           5,609  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     485,833       940,761       65,243       (27,619 )     1,464,218  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     46,215       70,876       (625 )     —         116,466  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     60,414       —         8       —         60,422  

Other income, net

     (2,231 )     (3,051 )     (413 )     —         (5,695 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     58,183       (3,051 )     (405 )     —         54,727  
                                        

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

     (11,968 )     73,927       (220 )     —         61,739  

Income taxes

     687       22,985       615       —         24,287  

Equity in net earnings/(loss) of subsidiary

     50,107       (835 )     —         (49,272 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings/(loss)

   $ 37,452     $ 50,107     $ (835 )   $ (49,272 )   $ 37,452  
                                        

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

(in thousands)

 

 

 

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

Revenues

   $ 507,399     $ 205,177     $ 49,101     $ (4,556 )   $ 757,121  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     410,871       126,480       37,679       (4,556 )     570,474  

Selling, general and administrative

     32,061       55,434       14,214       —         101,709  

Amortization

     167       250       —         —         417  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     443,099       182,164       51,893       (4,556 )     672,600  
                                        

Earnings/(loss) from operations

     64,300       23,013       (2,792 )     —         84,521  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     20,923       —         9       —         20,932  

Other income, net

     (2,967 )     (731 )     (959 )     —         (4,657 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     17,956       (731 )     (950 )     —         16,275  
                                        

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

     46,344       23,744       (1,842 )     —         68,246  

Income taxes

     20,617       2,215       1,046       —         23,878  

Equity in net earnings/(loss) of subsidiary

     18,641       (2,888 )     —         (15,753 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings/(loss)

   $ 44,368     $ 18,641     $ (2,888 )   $ (15,753 )   $ 44,368  
                                        

 

16


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

(in thousands)

 

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

Operating activities

           

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 26,930     $ 84,916     $ 5,587     $ —      $ 117,433  

Investing Activities

           

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (4,649 )     (15,223 )     (252 )     —        (20,124 )

Acquisition of ADVO, net of cash acquired

     (1,187,873 )     —         —         —        (1,187,873 )

Purchases of auction rate securities

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

Proceeds from sales of auction rate securities

     237,781       21,088       —         —        258,869  

Investments and advances to affiliated companies

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

Other

     (604 )     —         —         —        (604 )
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,102,607 )     (4,208 )     (252 )     —        (1,107,067 )
                                       

Financing Activities

           

Borrowings of long-term debt

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

Payment of debt issue costs

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

Repayment of long-term debt

     (52,950 )     —         —         —        (52,950 )
                                       

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,057,838       —         —         —        1,057,838  
                                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         1,555       —        1,555  

Net increase (decrease) in cash

     (17,839 )     80,708       6,890       —        69,759  

Cash at beginning of period

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

Cash at end of period

   $ 3,624     $ 93,881     $ 24,873     $ —      $ 122,378  
                                       

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

(in thousands)

 

 

 

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

Operating Activities

           

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 45,296     $ 15,176     $ (6,044 )   $ —      $ 54,428  

Investing Activities

           

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (5,501 )     (2,487 )     (423 )     —        (8,411 )

Purchases of auction rate securities

     (437,358 )     (30,556 )     —         —        (467,914 )

Proceeds from sales of auction rate securities

     433,261       26,072       —         —        459,333  

Investments and advances to affiliated companies

     (3,000 )     —         —         —        (3,000 )

Other

     (330 )     —         —         —        (330 )
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

     (12,928 )     (6,971 )     (423 )     —        (20,322 )
                                       

Financing Activities

           

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     5,731       —         —         —        5,731  

Repurchase of common stock

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

Repayment of long-term debt

     (14,441 )     —         —         —        (14,441 )
                                       

Net cash used in financing activities

     (12,623 )     —         —         —        (12,623 )
                                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         1,062       —        1,062  

Net increase (decrease) in cash

     19,745       8,205       (5,405 )     —        22,545  

Cash at beginning of period

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

Cash at end of period

   $ 43,229     $ 24,730     $ 18,906     $ —      $ 86,865  
                                       

 

17


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

11. INCOME TAXES

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

As a result of adopting FIN No. 48, Valassis recognized a cumulative increase in its liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $4.2 million, resulting in a total liability for unrecognized tax benefits on January 1, 2007 of $5.7 million, all of which would impact Valassis’ effective tax rate if recognized. This cumulative change decreased retained earnings by $3.9 million and increased current income tax expense by $0.3 million. On March 2, 2007, Valassis acquired all the stock of ADVO. Following the application of FIN No. 48 to ADVO’s tax positions, ADVO recognized an additional liability of $1.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits. The adjustment for ADVO served to increase goodwill on the opening balance sheet under purchase accounting principles by $1.3 million. As of September 30, 2007, Valassis had $10.1 million in unrecognized tax benefits, of which $6.6 million would impact Valassis’ effective tax rate if recognized.

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

 

Jurisdiction

 

VCI

 

ADVO

United States

  2004 - 2006   09/02, 09/04 - 03/02/07

California

  2000 - 2006   09/03 - 03/02/07

Connecticut

  2000 - 2006   09/04 - 03/02/07

Illinois

  2004 - 2006   09/04 - 03/02/07

Kansas

  2003 - 2006   09/04 - 03/02/07

Massachusetts

  1996 - 2006   09/04 - 03/02/07

North Carolina

  2002 - 2006   09/98 - 03/02/07,
    09/04 - 03/02/07

Pennsylvania

  2003 - 2006   09/02 - 03/02/07

Texas

  2003 - 2006   09/03 - 03/02/07

Prior to September 30, 2008, Valassis anticipates that several events may occur that could have a significant effect on the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as reported. These anticipated events include the settlement or payment of ongoing state audits and the closure of negotiations in connection with historic state planning positions. Management expects these events would result in a decrease in liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $1.2 million to $3.0 million. Further effects could be recognized as Valassis completes routine process studies, but there is not sufficient data to estimate the impact of these changes at this time.

Valassis’ policy for recording interest and penalties associated with liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits is to record these items as part of income tax expense. This accounting policy does not represent a change in policy from prior periods. The gross amount of interest and penalties recorded as of January 1, 2007 is $1.3 million. The amount of interest and penalties accrued for both the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2007 was $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The gross amount of interest and penalties recorded for Valassis as of September 30, 2007 was $3.5 million.

 

18


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

In July 2007, the State of Michigan enacted substantial changes to its corporate tax structure. The tax law changes include the elimination of the Single Business Tax (SBT) and the creation of an income tax and a modified gross receipts tax. The new taxes will be effective January 1, 2008. As enacted, the new Michigan tax structure does not have a material impact on Valassis’ financial condition, results of operation or liquidity.

 

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

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

Overview

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

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

For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we achieved revenues of $607.2 million, an increase of $358.4 million, or 144.0%, from the quarter ended September 30, 2006. We consolidated ADVO’s financial results with ours beginning March 2, 2007, which accounted for $348.9 million of this increase in revenue. Net earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 were $16.4 million, representing an increase of 148.3% from the comparable period last year and we delivered diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.34.

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

Segment Results

FSI

In the quarter ended September 30, 2007, FSI revenues were $102.6 million, representing a decrease of 3.1% compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in revenues was attributable to an expected reduction in FSI pricing of approximately 9%, partially offset by a 4% increase in industry volume and a slight increase in market share as compared to the third quarter of 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, FSI revenues were $311.0 million, representing a decrease of 8.0% compared to the year-ago period. This decline was also due to an approximate 10% decrease in FSI pricing, partially offset by slight industry growth and market share gains. FSI cost of goods sold decreased slightly during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 versus the comparable periods a year-ago on a cost-per-thousand (CPM) basis.

 

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Neighborhood Targeted

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

Our Neighborhood Targeted product revenues increased 13.3% in the quarter ended September 30, 2007 to $117.4 million versus the quarter ended September 30, 2006. This increase was the result of strong results in ROP and preprints primarily in the telecommunications, financial services and consumer packaged goods client verticals. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, Neighborhood Targeted products revenue increased 15.6% to $338.1 million from the year-ago period. In the first quarter of 2006, we lost a significant amount of business from our telecommunications clients due to industry consolidation, which we re-secured later in 2006. This is reflected in our increased revenue and segment profit in 2007. Segment profit increased significantly as a result of the higher volume experienced in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Household Targeted

The Household Targeted segment had revenues of $10.3 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2007, a decrease of 18.3% from the quarter ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in revenues for this segment is due to continued softness in solo direct mail programs. This segment recorded $1.1 million in segment loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, which includes $0.9 million in SG&A expenses incurred during the quarter associated with our new interactive initiative. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, segment revenue decreased 24.0%, also due to softness in solo direct mail programs. The segment lost $1.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due to the revenue decline coupled with increased SG&A related to the interactive initiative mentioned above.

International & Services

The International & Services segment had revenues of $28.0 million in the third quarter of 2007, an increase of 4.5% from the third quarter of 2006, due to higher coupon clearing volumes in the United States and the United Kingdom, and our in-store initiatives. Segment profits in the third quarter of 2007 were $2.9 million, representing an increase of $5.1 million from the year-ago period. Segment profit in the third quarter of 2006 was adversely affected by $3.6 million in costs associated with the close down of our French agency business and eSettlement. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 segment revenues increased 4.4% from the year-ago period.

ADVO

ADVO revenues for the third quarter of 2007 were $348.9 million, representing an increase of 1.5% from ADVO’s third calendar quarter of 2006. This growth was achieved despite the elimination of the Missing Child Card (“MCC”) which historically represented approximately 2% of revenues. During the second quarter, ADVO eliminated the use of the MCC due to a shift from a detached address card to printing the consumer address on the ShopWise® wrap. In addition, the third calendar quarter of 2006 included billing adjustments representing approximately 2% of revenues. These billing adjustments resulted from order entry issues associated with the implementation of the, then new, enterprise order-to-cash system. The elimination of the MCC in the current quarter was completely offset by the billing adjustments in the prior quarter resulting in overall revenue growth quarter over quarter.

Advertising pieces were 8.6 billion, down 8.9% from the comparable prior period primarily due to a reduction in packages and a reduction in MCC pieces, offset slightly by increased advertising inserts from other products. Packages were 1.0 billion for the current period, down 2.5% from the third calendar quarter of 2006. The reduction in packages was in part due to package and profile consolidation in certain targeted markets. The reduction in pieces and packages resulted in a 7.0% decrease in average pieces per package. Revenue per thousand pieces was $38.04 for the third quarter of 2007, increasing 11.6% over the comparable prior period. This increase resulted from the reduction in the lower priced MCC product, the postal rate pass-through, and an improvement in the ShopWise® wrap sell-through percentage.

ADVO’s gross margin percentage increased to 24.3% from 18.3% in the third calendar quarter of 2006 and 22.6% in the second quarter of 2007. Consolidating packages and profiles and print and paper costs synergies resulted in the higher gross margin percentage for the quarter. Also contributing was the decrease in unused postage as a percentage of base postage from 21.8% in the prior year’s quarter to 21.1% in the current quarter. Gross margin of 18.3% in the third calendar quarter of 2006 included the unfavorable effect of the billing adjustments.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Costs

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs increased in the third quarter of 2007 to $96.3 million from $38.5 million in the third quarter of 2006. The increase resulted from the inclusion of ADVO SG&A costs in our consolidated results beginning March 2, 2007. ADVO accounted for $58.0 million in SG&A expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. In addition, the third quarter 2006 included $2.9 million in costs related to the acquisition of ADVO not repeated in the third quarter of 2007. The effect of this was offset by increased incentive compensation in the third quarter of 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, SG&A increased to $247.2 million from $101.7 million in the comparable period last year. This increase was primarily due to the inclusion of ADVO which accounts for $134.7 million. The remaining increase was due to increases in incentive compensation and non-recurring costs related to the acquisition of ADVO.

Amortization Expense

Amortization expense of $2.4 million was recorded for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. As a result of the allocation of purchase price for the ADVO acquisition, $180.0 million of amortizable intangibles were recorded with an average life of 20 years.

Non-operating Items

Interest expense was $24.6 million in the third quarter of 2007, compared to $15.9 million in the third quarter of 2006, which included $11.3 million related to early termination of a $400 million interest rate swap. The increase was due to the issuance of $540.0 million of unsecured 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015 and borrowings of $590.0 million under a senior secured term loan in connection with the acquisition of ADVO on March 2, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, interest expense was $60.4 million compared to $20.9 million in the comparable period of 2006, due to the debt incurred as a result of the ADVO acquisition.

Net Earnings

Net earnings were $16.4 million in the third quarter of 2007, an increase of $9.8 million, or 148.3%, from the third quarter of 2006. The increase in earnings was due to the inclusion of ADVO earnings, partially offset by a decline in FSI pricing, softness in the Household Targeted segment and additional interest expense associated with financing the acquisition of ADVO. ADVO contributed $15.0 million of net earnings during this period, which excludes the impact of interest expense. Diluted earnings per share were $0.34 in the third quarter of 2007, compared to $0.14 in the third quarter of 2006.

Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $37.5 million, representing a decrease of 15.6% from the year ago period. ADVO contributed $29.8 million of net earnings during this period, which excludes the impact of interest expense. Diluted earnings per share were $0.78 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $0.93 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Sources of Capital

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

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

 

Source of Liquidity (in millions)

   Facility
Amount
    Amount
Outstanding
   Available  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —       $ —      $ 122.4  

Debt facilities:

       

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

     108.8 (1)     —        108.8 (1)

Senior Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan(2)

     160.0       —        160.0  
                       

Total Available

        $ 391.2  
                       

(1) net of $11.2 million in outstanding letters of credit
(2) The Senior Secured Delayed Draw Term Loan is available until June 2008 to refinance the 2033 Secured Notes, including in the event the holders exercise their put rights in May 2008.

 

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Sources and Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $122.4 million at September 30, 2007, compared to $52.6 million at December 31, 2006. This was the result of cash provided by operating and financing activities of $117.4 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, offset by cash used for investing activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007.

Cash flow from operating activities was $117.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 versus $54.4 million during the comparable prior period. This increase is the result of the acquisition of ADVO and significant positive changes in working capital, primarily related to an improvement in accounts receivable collections. The prior period also included significant payments of advances related to long-term customer contracts; reduced payments of this nature in the current period further contributed to positive changes in working capital. In addition, although net earnings declined by $6.9 million in the current nine-month period, the non-cash charges to earnings for depreciation and amortization increased by $33.1 million due to the depreciation and amortization of the tangible and intangible assets related to the ADVO acquisition.

Net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $1.1 billion, due to the acquisition of ADVO for $1.2 billion, offset by net sales of $102.5 million in auction-rate securities. See “Note 2 Acquisition of ADVO” to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional details relating to the acquisition.

Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $1.1 billion, solely as the result of $1.1 billion provided from our borrowings of long term debt in order to fund the acquisition of ADVO, as described below under “Current and Long-term Debt.”

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

Current and Long-term Debt

As of September 30, 2007, we had outstanding $1.3 billion in aggregate indebtedness, which consisted of $100.0 million of the 2009 Secured Notes, $160.0 million of the 2033 Secured Notes, $540.0 million of the unsecured 2015 Notes (each as defined below), and $537.1 million under the senior secured term loan B portion of our senior secured credit facility. During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, we had total outstanding letters of credit of approximately $11.2 million.

Our Senior Secured Credit Facility

General

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

23


All borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, including, without limitation, amounts drawn under the revolving line of credit and the delayed draw term loan, are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including absence of a default and accuracy of representations and warranties. As of September 30, 2007, we had $537.1 million outstanding under the term loan B and $108.8 million available under the revolving line of credit (after giving effect to outstanding letters of credit). Subsequent to September 30, 2007, we made an additional voluntary prepayment of $25.0 million under our term loan B, which is classified as current debt in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2007. The delayed draw term loan is available until June 2008 and the proceeds may only be used to refinance all of our Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033 (the “2033 Secured Notes”), including in the event the holders of the 2033 Secured Notes exercise their put rights in May 2008. The terms of the incremental facility will be substantially similar to the terms of our senior secured credit facility, except with respect to the pricing of the incremental facility, which could be higher than that for the revolving line of credit and the term loan. The proceeds of the incremental facility may be used for general corporate purposes.

Interest and Fees

Borrowings under our senior secured credit facility bear interest, at our option, at either the base rate (defined as the higher of the prime rate announced by the commercial bank selected by the administrative agent to the facility or the federal funds effective rate, plus 0.5%), or at a Eurodollar rate (as defined in the credit agreement), in each case, plus an applicable margin. After the delivery of financial statements and compliance certificates for two consecutive fiscal quarters following the closing of the ADVO acquisition, the applicable margins for the revolving line of credit may be subject to a downward adjustment based upon the ratio of our secured debt to our consolidated adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) being within certain defined ranges.

Guarantees and Security

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

Prepayments

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

Covenants

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

 

   

the payment of other obligations;

 

   

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

 

   

compliance with all material contractual obligations and requirements of law;

 

   

limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness;

 

   

limitations on creation and existence of liens;

 

24


   

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;

 

   

limitations on capital expenditures;

 

   

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

 

   

limitations on optional prepayments and modifications of certain debt instruments;

 

   

limitations on modifications to material agreements;

 

   

limitations on transactions with affiliates;

 

   

limitations on entering into certain swap agreements;

 

   

limitations on negative pledge clauses or clauses restricting subsidiary distributions;

 

   

limitations on sale-leaseback and other lease transactions; and

 

   

limitations on changes to our fiscal year.

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

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

Events of Default

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

6 5/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2009

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

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

Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2033

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

 

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

The holders of the 2033 Secured Notes may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes with cash on May 22, 2008, May 22, 2013, May 22, 2018, May 22, 2023 and May 22, 2028 at a price of $667.24, $723.48, $784.46, $850.58 and $922.27 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity, respectively.

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

The 2033 Secured Notes are convertible by their holders when (i) a market price trigger (as defined below) occurs, (ii) there is a credit rating assigned to the 2033 Secured Notes by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. of Ba3 or lower or BB- or lower by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group, or (iii) in respect of a 2033 Secured Note, we or the holder of that note has exercised redemption rights related to that note. A market price trigger occurs (a) the first time that the closing sales price per share of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in any period of 30 consecutive trading days exceeds 120% of the accreted conversion price per share of common stock or (b) the first time that the average trading prices for the 2033 Secured Notes over a 10 consecutive trading day period is less than 105% of the product of the closing per share sale price of our common stock times the number of shares of our common stock issuable per 2033 Secured Note upon conversion during such 10 day period. The accreted conversion price as of any day is equal to the issue price of a 2033 Secured Note plus the accrued original issue discount to that day divided by the number of shares issuable upon conversion of that note. The 2033 Secured Notes are convertible at a base rate of 15.1627 shares plus an incremental share factor of up to 9.8556. The incremental shares begin to accrue when the stock price at the time of the conversion is greater than the base conversion price and the number of incremental shares is based upon the incremental share factor and our common stock price at the time of the conversion. On May 22, 2008, the total conversion rate (base rate plus incremental shares) is fixed based upon our common stock price as of that date.

On February 14, 2007, in contemplation of the proposed financing in connection with the acquisition of ADVO, Moody’s lowered the rating of the 2033 Secured Notes to Ba2 with a stable outlook. Similarly, S&P lowered the rating on the 2033 Secured Notes to BB- with negative implications on CreditWatch pending the closing of the financing. Both rating agencies rated the 2033 Secured Notes slightly higher than our general rating to reflect the anticipated security interest that holders of the 2033 Secured Notes received upon the closing of the ADVO acquisition. Pursuant to the indenture governing the 2003 Secured Notes, the rating by S&P triggered the right of the holders of the 2033 Secured Notes to convert these notes. However, the conversion price is out-of-the-money. Lower debt ratings may increase our cost of borrowing as well as adversely affect our access to the capital markets.

8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015

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

Interest on the 2015 Notes is payable every six months on March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 2007. The 2015 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by substantially all of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. In August 2007, in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement between us and the initial purchasers of the 2015 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 $539,925,000 original notes were exchanged for exchange notes in the exchange offer. The remaining $75,000 principal amount of the original notes remains outstanding. The exchange notes are substantially identical to the original notes, except that the exchange notes are not subject to certain transfer restrictions.

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

 

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

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

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, exchanges of debt securities, by exercising rights to call, satisfying put obligations or in privately negotiated transactions.

Other Indebtedness

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

Covenant Compliance

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

Future Commitments and Contractual Obligations

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

 

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

Payments due by Period

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

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

Long-term debt

   $ 1,416.8    $ 30.9    $ 100.0    $ —      $ 1,285.9 (1)(2)

Interest on long-term debt

   $ 599.1      84.6      151.5      162.9      200.1  

Operating leases

   $ 115.3      22.5      46.6      26.5      19.7  

Other long-term liabilities

   $ 19.5      9.3      2.30      —        7.9  

Revolving credit facility

     —        —        —        —        —    

Delayed draw loan

     —        —        —        —        —    
                                    
   $ 2,150.7    $ 147.3    $ 300.4    $ 189.4    $ 1,513.6  
                                    

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

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30, 2007, Valassis did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $20.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and are anticipated to be less than $40.0 million for the 2007 fiscal year. Management expects future capital expenditure requirements of approximately $35.0 million in each of 2008 and 2009 to meet the business needs of enhancing technology and replacing equipment as required. It is expected that these expenditures will be made using funds provided by operations.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

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

As a result of adopting FIN No. 48, Valassis and ADVO recognized increases to their liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. Valassis recognized a cumulative increase to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $4.2 million as of January 1, 2007, the adoption date. The change decreased retained earnings by $3.9 million and increased current income tax expense by $0.3 million. ADVO recognized a cumulative increase to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $1.3 million upon adoption of FIN No. 48 as of the March 2, 2007 acquisition date. The adjustment for ADVO was recorded as an increase to goodwill on the opening balance sheet under purchase accounting principles. As of September 30, 2007, Valassis had $10.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $6.6 million would impact the effective tax rate if recognized. For additional information, see “Note 11, Income Taxes” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements; rather it applies under existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We will adopt SFAS No. 157 as required and do not expect a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The SEC has defined a company’s most critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of the company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require the company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting policies and estimates have not changed materially from those disclosed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Amended 2006 10-K, as supplemented by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed subsequently thereto.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

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

Interest Rates

Valassis borrowings under its credit agreement are subject to a variable rate of interest calculated on either a prime rate or a Euro dollar rate. To reduce its exposure to fluctuating interest rates, Valassis entered into two interest rate swap agreements which effectively converted an aggregate of $480.0 million, or 89.4% of its total variable rate debt, to fixed rate debt. As of September 30, 2007, an aggregate principal amount of $57.1 million outstanding under the secured term loan B portion of the senior secured credit facility was subject to interest rate variability.

Foreign Currency

Currencies to which Valassis has exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound and euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. Historically, we have purchased the Mexican peso under three to twelve-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of September 30, 2007, Valassis had a commitment to purchase $2.9 million in Mexican pesos over the next eight months.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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

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

 

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Part II—Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

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

On December 12, 2006, the Kelleher plaintiffs filed a Motion to Partially Lift Discovery Stay, in response to which defendants filed a response on January 16, 2007. The presiding judge denied the plaintiff’s motion to lift the stay on discovery. In addition, the court ordered the matters consolidated under a single action entitled, Robert Kelleher et al. v. ADVO, Inc., et al., Civil Case No. 3:06CV01422(AVC). A revised, consolidated complaint was filed by the plaintiffs on June 8, 2007. On August 24, 2007, the defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint. The plaintiff filed a Brief in Opposition to the defendants’ motion on October 10, 2007 and the defendants’ responsive pleading is due November 9, 2007.

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

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

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

 

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

No shares of Valassis common stock were repurchased during the quarter ended September 30, 2007. There are 6.1 million shares currently available under approved share repurchase programs.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

 

  31.1 Section 302 Certification from Alan F. Schultz

 

  31.2 Section 302 Certification from Robert L. Recchia

 

  32.1 Section 906 Certification from Alan F. Schultz

 

  32.2 Section 906 Certification from Robert L. Recchia

 

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Signatures

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

Dated: November 8, 2007

 

Valassis Communications, Inc.

(Registrant)

By:  

/s/ Robert L. Recchia

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

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.   

Description

31.1    Section 302 Certification from Alan F. Schultz
31.2    Section 302 Certification from Robert L. Recchia
32.1    Section 906 Certification from Alan F. Schultz
32.2    Section 906 Certification from Robert L. Recchia

 

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