f10q.htm
 


 
 

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, 2012
 
OR
 
[  ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ----- to -----

Commission file number 0-13163
   
Acxiom Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
DELAWARE
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
71-0581897
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
P.O. Box 8180, 601 E. Third Street,
Little Rock, Arkansas
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
72201
(Zip Code)
(501) 342-1000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes [X]
No [ ]
 
     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large accelerated filer [X]
 
Accelerated filer   [ ]
   
 
Non-accelerated filer [ ]
 
Smaller reporting company [ ]
 
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
 
   
Yes  [ ]
No  [X]
     
             
The number of shares of Common Stock, $ 0.10 par value per share, outstanding as of November 5, 2012 was 74,562,321.
 

 

 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
September 30, 2012

                                                                                                                                                        
 
 Part I.   
                                         Page No.
Financial Information
    Item 1.    Financial Statements
 
 
        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012 (Unaudited) 
 
 3
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the Three Months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)  
 
 4
       
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the Six Months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)  
 
 
5
 
         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the Three Months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
 6
      
         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the Six Months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
7
 
   Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
    for the Six Months ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited) 
 
 
8
 
          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
     for the Six Months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)     
 
 
9-10
 
         Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 11-22
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
23-33
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
34
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
34
 

Part II.     Other Information
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
35
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
35
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
36
 
Signature     37
 
Exhibit Index
 
 
38
 

                                                                                                                              

 

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
   
September 30,
2012
   
March 31,
2012
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 188,404     $ 229,648  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    166,675       169,446  
Deferred income taxes
    14,837       15,107  
Other current assets
    58,990       57,804  
Total current assets
    428,906       472,005  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
    236,280       253,373  
Software, net of accumulated amortization
    16,280       13,211  
Goodwill
    382,272       382,285  
Purchased software licenses, net of accumulated amortization
    23,791       25,294  
Deferred costs, net
    52,286       61,977  
Data acquisition costs, net
    11,985       15,009  
Other assets, net
    2,933       3,697  
    $ 1,154,733     $ 1,226,851  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current installments of long-term debt
  $ 22,492     $ 26,336  
Trade accounts payable
    17,781       31,030  
Accrued expenses
               
Payroll
    39,382       54,839  
Other
    81,073       77,062  
Deferred revenue
    47,432       59,949  
Income taxes payable
    2,499       16,400  
Total current liabilities
    210,659       265,616  
Long-term debt
    244,347       251,886  
Deferred income taxes
    89,578       93,039  
Other liabilities
    4,354       4,455  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Equity:
               
Common stock
    12,094       12,003  
Additional paid-in capital
    872,389       860,165  
Retained earnings
    566,203       536,359  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    13,652       13,601  
Treasury stock, at cost
    (858,378 )     (810,381 )
Total Acxiom stockholders' equity
    605,960       611,747  
Noncontrolling interest
    (165 )     108  
Total equity
    605,795       611,855  
    $ 1,154,733     $ 1,226,851  
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

 

 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
     
For the Three Months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Revenues
  $ 277,467     $ 286,432  
Operating costs and expenses:
               
Cost of revenue
    209,886       217,487  
Selling, general and administrative
    37,341       39,429  
Gains, losses and other items, net
    32       2,465  
Total operating costs and expenses
    247,259       259,381  
Income from operations
    30,208       27,051  
Other expense:
               
Interest expense
    (3,317 )     (4,719 )
Other, net
    (54 )     (965 )
Total other expense
    (3,371 )     (5,684 )
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    26,837       21,367  
Income taxes
    10,465       9,528  
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 16,372     $ 11,839  
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       1,138  
Net earnings
  $ 16,372     $ 12,977  
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (139 )     685  
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom
  $ 16,511     $ 12,292  
                 
Basic earnings per share:
               
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.22     $ 0.15  
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       0.01  
Net earnings
  $ 0.22     $ 0.16  
                 
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 0.22     $ 0.15  
                 
Diluted earnings per share:
               
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.21     $ 0.15  
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       0.01  
Net earnings
  $ 0.21     $ 0.16  
                 
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 0.21     $ 0.15  
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               


 

 


ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
     
For the Six Months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Revenues
  $ 549,126     $ 562,476  
Operating costs and expenses:
               
Cost of revenue
    419,212       435,776  
Selling, general and administrative
    74,090       76,236  
Gains, losses and other items, net
    192       2,709  
Total operating costs and expenses
    493,494       514,721  
Income from operations
    55,632       47,755  
Other expense:
               
Interest expense
    (6,557 )     (10,174 )
Other, net
    (601 )     (1,052 )
Total other expense
    (7,158 )     (11,226 )
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    48,474       36,529  
Income taxes
    18,903       15,590  
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 29,571     $ 20,939  
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       2,053  
Net earnings
  $ 29,571     $ 22,992  
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (273 )     (275 )
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom
  $ 29,844     $ 23,267  
                 
Basic earnings per share:
               
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.39     $ 0.26  
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       0.03  
Net earnings
  $ 0.39     $ 0.28  
                 
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 0.39     $ 0.29  
                 
Diluted earnings per share:
               
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.38     $ 0.26  
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       0.03  
Net earnings
  $ 0.38     $ 0.28  
                 
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 0.38     $ 0.28  
                 
                 
Some earnings per share amounts may not add due to rounding.
               
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               


 

 



ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
     
For the Three Months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Net earnings
  $ 16,372     $ 12,977  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
    1,919       (8,021 )
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
    (195 )     (1,004 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    1,724       (9,025 )
Comprehensive income
    18,096       3,952  
Less: Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (139 )     685  
Comprehensive income attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 18,235     $ 3,267  
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               


 

 



ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
     
For the Six Months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Net earnings
  $ 29,571     $ 22,992  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
    184       (5,719 )
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
    (133 )     (300 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    51       (6,019 )
Comprehensive income
    29,622       16,973  
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (273 )     (275 )
Comprehensive income attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 29,895     $ 17,248  
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

 

 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

                   
Accumulated
                 
   
Common Stock
 
Additional
     
other
 
Treasury Stock
       
   
Number
     
paid-in
 
Retained
 
comprehensive
 
Number
     
Noncontrolling
 
Total
   
of shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
earnings
 
income
 
of shares
 
Amount
 
Interest
 
Equity
Balances at March 31, 2012
 
120,027,013
 
$   12,003
 
$    860,165
 
$    536,359
 
$   13,601
 
(43,213,027)
 
$  (810,381)
 
$   108
 
$611,855
Employee stock awards, benefit plans and other issuances
 
455,600
 
45
 
6,467
 
-
 
-
 
(55,811)
 
(777)
 
-
 
5,735
Restricted stock units vested
 
459,438
 
46
 
(46)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Non-cash share-based compensation
 
-
 
-
 
5,803
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
5,803
Acquisition of treasury stock
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(3,167,716)
 
(47,220)
 
-
 
(47,220)
Comprehensive income:
                                   
Foreign currency translation
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
184
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
184
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(133)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(133)
Net earnings (loss)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
29,844
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(273)
 
29,571
                                     
Balances at September 30, 2012
 
120,942,051
 
$   12,094
 
$    872,389
 
$    566,203
 
$  13,652
 
(46,436,554)
 
$  (858,378)
 
$    (165)
 
$605,795
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
     
For the Six Months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net earnings
  $ 29,571     $ 22,992  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    60,231       70,254  
Loss on disposal or impairment of assets
    25       2,893  
Deferred income taxes
    (3,466 )     1,135  
Non-cash share-based compensation expense
    5,803       5,200  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
    1,942       (9,676 )
Other assets
    (4,736 )     (4,592 )
Deferred costs
    (1,274 )     (831 )
Accounts payable and other liabilities
    (38,132 )     6,071  
Deferred revenue
    (12,596 )     (2,978 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    37,368       90,468  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Disposition of operations
    -       (1,043 )
Capitalized software development costs
    (7,747 )     (1,520 )
Capital expenditures
    (11,716 )     (24,711 )
Data acquisition costs
    (3,698 )     (4,550 )
Net cash paid in acquisitions
    -       (255 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (23,161 )     (32,079 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments of debt
    (13,538 )     (113,775 )
Acquisition liability payment
    (287 )     (326 )
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (47,100 )     (34,100 )
Sale of common stock
    5,735       2,818  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (55,190 )     (145,383 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (261 )     (866 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (41,244 )     (87,860 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    229,648       206,973  
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 188,404     $ 119,113  
                 


 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
     
For the Six Months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
           
Cash paid during the period for:
           
Interest
  $ 6,500     $ 11,331  
Income taxes
    36,134       5,387  
Payments on capital leases and installment payment arrangements
    8,946       8,978  
Prepayments of debt
    -       100,000  
Other debt payments
    4,592       4,797  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Acquisition of property and equipment under capital leases and installment payment arrangements
    2,157       4,691  
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               
                 
                 
                 
                 


 
10 

 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.           BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Acxiom Corporation (“Registrant,” “Acxiom” or “the Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “the Commission”).  In the opinion of the Registrant’s management all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods included have been made and the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  Certain note information has been omitted because it has not changed significantly from that reflected in notes 1 through 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of Item 8 of the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 (“2012 Annual Report”), as filed with the Commission on May 25, 2012.  This report and the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in connection with the 2012 Annual Report.  The financial information contained in this report is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other period or for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Certain of the accounting policies used in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements are complex and require management to make judgments and/or significant estimates regarding amounts reported or disclosed in these financial statements.  Additionally, the application of certain of these accounting policies is governed by complex accounting principles and their interpretation.  A discussion of the Company’s significant accounting principles and their application is included in note 1 and in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, to the Company’s 2012 Annual Report.

Discontinued Operations -

During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, the Company announced the sale of its background screening unit, Acxiom Information Security Systems (AISS).  The sale was completed in the quarter ended March 31, 2012.  As a result, AISS results for the prior year are presented as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  Revenue and expenses related to discontinued operations are netted and presented on one line, net of tax, in the statement of operations.

Reclassifications -

Certain amounts reported in previous periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements -

In June 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to an existing accounting standard which requires companies to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements.  The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

 
11 

 


2.           EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Earnings Per Share

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
   
For the quarter ended
September 30
   
For the six months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Basic earnings per share:
                       
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 16,372     $ 11,839     $ 29,571     $ 20,939  
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       1,138       -       2,053  
Net earnings
  $ 16,372     $ 12,977     $ 29,571     $ 22,992  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (139 )     685       (273 )     (275 )
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom
  $ 16,511     $ 12,292     $ 29,844     $ 23,267  
                                 
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    75,009       80,985       75,741       80,963  
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.22     $ 0.15     $ 0.39     $ 0.26  
Discontinued operations
    -       0.01       -       0.03  
Net earnings
  $ 0.22     $ 0.16     $ 0.39     $ 0.28  
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
    -       0.01       -       -  
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom
  $ 0.22     $ 0.15     $ 0.39     $ 0.29  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    75,009       80,985       75,741       80,963  
Dilutive effect of common stock options, warrants, and restricted stock as computed under the treasury stock method
    2,016       612       1,800       842  
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    77,025       81,597       77,541       81,805  
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.21     $ 0.15     $ 0.38     $ 0.26  
Discontinued operations
    -       0.01       -       0.03  
Net earnings
  $ 0.21     $ 0.16     $ 0.38     $ 0.28  
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
    -       0.01       -       -  
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom
  $ 0.21     $ 0.15     $ 0.38     $ 0.28  
                                 

Some earnings per share amounts may not add due to rounding.


 
12 

 


As of September 30, 2012, the Company had options and warrants outstanding providing for the purchase of approximately 9.8 million shares of common stock together with restricted stock units relating to 1.2 million shares of stock.  Options, warrants and restricted stock units that were outstanding during the periods presented, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was antidilutive are shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
   
For the quarter ended
September 30
 
For the six months ended
September 30
   
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Number of shares outstanding under options, warrants and restricted stock units
 
4,762
 
10,582
 
7,093
 
10,069
Range of exercise prices for options and warrants
 
$17.76-$62.06
 
$11.50-$62.06
 
$15.31-$62.06
 
$13.14-$62.06
                 

Stockholders’ Equity

On August 29, 2011, the board of directors adopted a common stock repurchase program.  That program was subsequently modified and expanded on December 5, 2011, and again on May 24, 2012.  Under the modified common stock repurchase program, the Company may purchase up to $150.0 million worth of its common stock through the period ending May 24, 2013.  During the six months ended September 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 3.2 million shares of its common stock for $47.2 million.  Cash paid for acquisition of treasury stock in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows may differ from the aggregate purchase price due to trades made during one fiscal period that settle in a different fiscal period.  Through September 30, 2012, the Company had repurchased 9.0 million shares of its stock for $115.4 million, leaving remaining capacity of $34.6 million under the stock repurchase program.

3.           SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION:

Share-based Compensation Plans

Stock Option Activity
The Company has stock option and equity compensation plans for which a total of 38.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance since inception of the plans.  These plans provide that the exercise prices of qualified options will be at or above the fair market value of the common stock at the time of the grant.  Board policy requires that nonqualified options be priced at or above the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant.  At September 30, 2012, there were a total of 4.4 million shares available for future grants under the plans.

The Company granted 497,409 stock options in the six months ended September 30, 2012.  The per-share weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted during the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $5.00.  This valuation was determined using a customized binomial lattice approach with the following weighted-average assumptions: dividend yield of 0.0%; risk-free interest rate of 1.7%; expected option life of 4.5 years; expected volatility of 43% and a suboptimal exercise multiple of 1.4.

Option activity for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was as follows:

   
Number
of shares
   
Weighted-average exercise price
per share
   
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)
   
Aggregate intrinsic value
(in thousands)
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
    8,322,077     $ 20.91              
Granted
    497,409     $ 13.31              
Exercised
    (199,184 )   $ 13.33           $ 984  
Forfeited or cancelled
    (199,873 )   $ 18.37                
Outstanding at September 30, 2012
    8,420,429     $ 20.70       4.12     $ 16,610  
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2012
    7,177,061     $ 21.95       3.24     $ 10,652  

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between Acxiom’s closing stock price on the last trading day of its second quarter of fiscal 2013 and the exercise price for each
 
 
13

 
in-the-money option) that would have been received by the option holders had option holders exercised their options on September 30, 2012.  This amount changes based upon changes in the fair market value of Acxiom’s stock.

Following is a summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2012:

     
Options outstanding
   
Options exercisable
 
Range of
exercise price
per share
   
Options
outstanding
 
Weighted- average remaining contractual life
 
Weighted-average
exercise price
per share
   
Options
exercisable
   
Weighted-average
exercise price
per share
 
                             
$ 6.32 - $ 9.62       101,950  
5.62 years
  $ 8.65       74,950     $ 8.56  
$ 10.22 - $ 15.00       2,420,064  
6.80 years
  $ 13.00       1,226,840     $ 12.52  
$ 15.10 - $ 19.82       1,794,643  
3.54 years
  $ 16.72       1,771,499     $ 16.70  
$ 20.12 - $ 25.00       2,095,514  
3.61 years
  $ 22.92       2,095,514     $ 22.92  
$ 25.98 - $ 29.30       1,097,312  
1.95 years
  $ 26.69       1,097,312     $ 26.69  
$ 30.93 - $ 39.12       671,413  
1.71 years
  $ 35.81       671,413     $ 35.81  
$ 40.88 - $ 62.06       239,533  
2.07 years
  $ 44.07       239,533     $ 44.07  
          8,420,429  
4.12 years
  $ 20.70       7,177,061     $ 21.95  

Total expense related to stock options for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $0.9 million and $0.8 million respectively.  Future expense for these options is expected to be approximately $5.9 million over the next four years.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity
During the six months ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted time-vesting restricted stock units covering 625,251 shares of common stock with a value at the date of grant of $8.6 million.  Of the restricted stock units granted in the current period, 548,072 vest in equal annual increments over four years and 77,179 vest in one year.  Valuation of these units is equal to the quoted market price for the shares on the date of grant.

Non-vested time-vesting restricted stock unit activity for the period ending September 30, 2012 was as follows:

   
Number
of shares
   
Weighted average fair value per
share at grant date
(in thousands)
   
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
    1,175,161     $ 13.40       2.21  
Granted
    625,251     $ 13.75          
Vested
    (459,438 )   $ 12.62          
Forfeited or cancelled
    (99,681 )   $ 14.08          
Outstanding at September 30, 2012
    1,241,293     $ 13.81       2.65  

During the six months ended September 30, 2012, the Company granted performance-based restricted stock units covering 384,563 shares of common stock with a value at the date of grant of $5.2 million.  All of the performance-based restricted stock units granted in the current period vest subject to attainment of performance criteria established by the compensation committee of the board of directors.  Of the units granted in the current period, 333,463 may vest in a number of shares from zero to 200% of the award, based on the attainment of an earnings-per-share target for fiscal 2015, with a multiplier based on the total shareholder return of Acxiom stock compared to total shareholder return of a group of peer companies established by the committee for the period from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2015.  The remaining 51,100 units represent inducement awards granted to an executive officer.  The executive officer may vest in up to 100% of the inducement award based on price targets for the Company’s common stock during the determination period from January 26, 2013 to July 26, 2014.  The value of the performance units is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model.  


 
14 

 


Non-vested performance-based restricted stock unit activity for the period ending September 30, 2012 was as follows:

   
Number
of shares
   
Weighted average fair value per
share at grant date
(in thousands)
   
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
    511,864     $ 10.91       2.31  
Granted
    384,563     $ 13.50          
Outstanding at September 30, 2012
    896,427     $ 12.02       2.07  

Total expense related to restricted stock units in the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $4.9 million and $4.4 million respectively.  Future expense for these restricted stock units is expected to be approximately $22.5 million over the next four years.

4.           DIVESTITURES:

Discontinued Operation
On February 1, 2012 the Company completed the sale of its background screening unit, Acxiom Information Security Systems (AISS), to Sterling Infosystems, a New York-based technology firm, for $74 million.  The results of operations pertaining to the AISS business have been classified as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Summary results of operations of the AISS business unit for the quarter and six months ended September 30, 2011 are segregated and included in income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
For the quarter ended
September 30, 2011
   
For the six months ended
September 30, 2011
 
Revenues
  $ 13,602     $ 26,492  
                 
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes
  $ 1,896     $ 3,422  
Income taxes
    758       1,369  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ 1,138     $ 2,053  
                 

The net cash flows related to the AISS discontinued operation for each of the categories of operating, investing, and financing activities were not significant for the six months ending September 30, 2011.

5.           OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT ASSETS:

Other current assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
September 30,
2012
   
March 31,
 2012
 
Prepaid expenses
  $ 44,815     $ 43,768  
Assets of non-qualified retirement plan
    13,854       13,344  
Other miscellaneous assets
    321       692  
Other current assets
  $ 58,990     $ 57,804  


 
15 

 


Other noncurrent assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
September 30,
 2012
   
March 31,
 2012
 
Acquired intangible assets, net
  $ 797     $ 1,525  
Other miscellaneous noncurrent assets
    2,136       2,172  
Other assets
  $ 2,933     $ 3,697  

The acquired intangible assets noted above represent customer relationship intangibles acquired through purchase acquisitions, net of accumulated amortization.

6.           GOODWILL:

Goodwill is measured and tested for impairment on an annual basis in the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year in accordance with applicable accounting standards, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.  Triggering events for interim impairment testing include indicators such as adverse industry or economic trends, restructuring actions, downward revisions to projections of financial performance, or a sustained decline in market capitalization.  The performance of the impairment test involves a two-step process.  The first step requires comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill.  A potential impairment exists if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value.  The second step of the impairment test involves assigning the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its identifiable assets, with any residual fair value being assigned to goodwill.  If the carrying value of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset (including goodwill) exceeds its estimated fair value, such asset is written down by an amount equal to the excess, and a corresponding amount is recorded as a charge to operations for the period in which the impairment test is completed.  Completion of the Company’s annual impairment test during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 indicated no potential impairment of its goodwill balances.

The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment, at September 30, 2012, and the changes in those balances are presented in the following table.

(dollars in thousands)
 
 
Marketing and data services
   
IT Infrastructure management
   
Other services
   
Total
 
Balance at March 31, 2012
  $ 306,077     $ 71,508     $ 4,700     $ 382,285  
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
    (35 )     -       22       (13 )
Balance at September 30, 2012
  $ 306,042     $ 71,508     $ 4,722     $ 382,272  

Goodwill by component included in Marketing and data services as of September 30, 2012 is US, $264.6 million; Europe, $19.6 million; Australia, $14.8 million; China, $6.0 million; and Brazil, $1.0 million.

In order to estimate a valuation for each of the components, management used an income approach based on a discounted cash flow model (income approach) together with valuations based on an analysis of public company market multiples and a similar transactions analysis.

The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). The WACC considers market and industry data as well as company-specific risk factors for each reporting unit in determining the appropriate discount rate to be used. The discount rate utilized for each reporting unit is indicative of the return an investor would expect to receive for investing in such a business. Management, considering industry and company-specific historical and projected data, develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant WACC and low long-term growth rates.

The public company market multiple method was used to estimate values for each of the components by looking at market value multiples to revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for selected public companies that were believed to be representative of companies that marketplace participants would use to arrive at comparable multiples for the individual component being tested.  These multiples were then used to develop an estimated value for each respective component.

 
16

 
The similar transactions method compared multiples based on acquisition prices of other companies believed to be those that marketplace participants would use to compare to the individual component being tested.  Those multiples were then used to develop an estimated value for that component.

In order to arrive at an estimated value for each component, management used a weighted-average approach to combine the results of each analysis.  Management believes that using multiple valuation approaches and then weighting them appropriately is a technique that a marketplace participant would use.

As a final test of the valuation results, the total of the values of the components was reconciled to the actual market value of Acxiom common stock as of the valuation date.  This reconciliation indicated an implied control premium.  Management believes this control premium is reasonable compared to historical control premiums observed in actual transactions.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as either an operating segment or one step below operating segment, known as a component.  Acxiom’s segments are the Marketing and data services segment, the IT Infrastructure management segment, and the Other services segment.  Because the Marketing and data services segment and the Other services segment contained both U.S. and International components, and there were differences in economic characteristics between the components in the different geographic regions, management tested a total of eight components at the beginning of the year.  The goodwill amounts as of April 1, 2012 included in each component tested were:  U.S. Marketing and data services, $264.6 million; Europe Marketing and data services, $19.5 million; Australia Marketing and data services, $14.9 million; China Marketing and data services, $6.0 million; Brazil Marketing and data services, $1.1 million; U.S. Infrastructure management, $71.5 million; U.S. Other services, $1.8 million; and Europe Other services, $2.9 million.

As of April 1, 2012, each of the components had an estimated fair value in excess of its carrying value, indicating no impairment.  All of the components had a substantial excess carrying value, except for the Brazil component, for which the excess was 11%.

Management believes that the estimated valuations it arrived at are reasonable and consistent with what other marketplace participants would use in valuing the Company’s components.  However, management cannot give any assurance that these market values will not change in the future.  For example, if discount rates demanded by the market increase, this could lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the Company’s projections are not achieved in the future, this could lead management to reassess their assumptions and lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the market price of the Company’s stock decreases, this could cause the Company to reassess the reasonableness of the implied control premium, which might cause management to assume a higher discount rate under the income approach which could lead to reduced valuations.  If future similar transactions exhibit lower multiples than those observed in the past, this could lead to reduced valuations under the similar transactions approach.  And finally, if there is a general decline in the stock market and particularly in those companies selected as comparable to the Company’s components, this could lead to reduced valuations under the public company market multiple approach.  The Company’s next annual impairment test will be performed during the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The fair value of the Company’s components could deteriorate which could result in the need to record impairment charges in future periods.  The Company continues to monitor potential triggering events including changes in the business climate in which it operates, attrition of key personnel, the volatility in the capital markets, the Company’s market capitalization compared to its book value, the Company’s recent operating performance, and the Company’s financial projections.  The occurrence of one or more triggering events could require additional impairment testing, which could result in impairment charges.


 
17 

 


7.           LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
September 30,
2012
   
March 31,
2012
 
Term loan credit agreement
  $ 221,000     $ 224,000  
Capital leases and installment payment obligations on land, buildings and equipment payable in monthly payments of principal plus interest at rates ranging from approximately 3% to 8%; remaining terms up to ten years
    28,937       35,726  
Other debt and long-term liabilities
    16,902       18,496  
Total long-term debt and capital leases
    266,839       278,222  
Less current installments
    22,492       26,336  
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
  $ 244,347     $ 251,886  

The Company’s amended and restated credit agreement provides for (1) term loans up to an aggregate principal amount of $600 million and (2) revolving credit facility borrowings consisting of revolving loans, letter of credit participations and swing-line loans up to an aggregate amount of $120 million.

The term loan is payable in quarterly installments of approximately $1.5 million each, through December 31, 2014, with a final payment of approximately $207.5 million due March 15, 2015.  The revolving loan commitment expires March 15, 2014.

Revolving credit facility borrowings currently bear interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread, or at an alternative base rate or at the Federal Funds rate plus a credit spread, depending on the type of borrowing.  The LIBOR credit spread is 2.75%.  There were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2012 or March 31, 2012.  Term loan borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread of 3.00%.  The weighted-average interest rate on term loan borrowings at September 30, 2012 was 3.7%.  Outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 2012 were $2.2 million.

The term loan allows prepayments before maturity.  The credit agreement is secured by the accounts receivable of Acxiom and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as by the outstanding stock of certain Acxiom subsidiaries.

Under the terms of the term loan, the Company is required to maintain certain debt-to-cash flow and debt service coverage ratios, among other restrictions.  At September 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and restrictions.  In addition, if certain financial ratios and other conditions are not satisfied, the revolving credit facility limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends in excess of $30 million in any fiscal year (plus additional amounts in certain circumstances).

On July 25, 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement.  The agreement provides for the Company to pay interest through January 27, 2014 at a fixed rate of 0.94% plus the applicable credit spread on $150.0 million notional amount, while receiving interest for the same period at the LIBOR rate on the same notional amount.  The LIBOR rate as of September 30, 2012 was 0.45%.  The swap was entered into as a cash flow hedge against LIBOR interest rate movements on the term loan.  As of September 30, 2012, the hedge relationship qualified as an effective hedge under applicable accounting standards.  Consequently, all changes in fair value of the derivative are deferred and recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the related forecasted transaction is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.  The fair market value of the derivative was zero at inception and an unrealized loss of $1.2 million since inception is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) with the offset recorded to other noncurrent liabilities.  The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) may be recognized in the statement of operations if certain terms of the floating-rate debt change, if the floating-rate debt is extinguished or if the interest rate swap agreement is terminated prior to maturity.  The Company has assessed the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the swap and concludes that no substantial risk of default exists as of September 30, 2012.


 
18 

 


8.           ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS:

Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts, returns and credits of $5.6 million at September 30, 2012 and $4.9 million at March 31, 2012.

9.           SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company reports segment information consistent with the way management internally disaggregates its operations to assess performance and to allocate resources.  We regularly review our segments and the approach used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources.  The Company’s business segments consist of Marketing and data services, IT Infrastructure management, and Other services.  The Marketing and data services segment includes the Company’s global lines of business for Customer Data Integration (CDI), Consumer Insight Solutions, Marketing Management Services, and Consulting and Agency Services.  The IT Infrastructure management segment develops and delivers IT outsourcing and transformational solutions.  The Other services segment includes the e-mail fulfillment business, the US risk business, and the UK fulfillment business.

Our management uses the revenues and earnings of the three operating segments, among other factors, for performance evaluation and resource allocation.  The Company evaluates performance of the segments based on segment operating income.  The Company’s calculation of segment operating income does not include inter-company transactions and allocates all corporate expenses, excluding those reported as impairments or gains, losses and other items.  Because segment operating income excludes certain impairments and gains, losses and other items this measure is considered a non-GAAP financial measure, which is not a financial measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Management believes segment operating income is a helpful measure in evaluating performance of the business segments.  While management considers segment operating income to be a helpful measure of comparative operating performance, this measure should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP presented elsewhere in the financial statements.  In addition, the Company’s calculation of segment operating income may be different from measures used by other companies and therefore comparability may be affected.

The following tables present information by business segment (dollars in thousands):

   
For the quarter ended
September 30
   
For the six months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenue:
                       
Marketing and data services
  $ 194,409     $ 195,857     $ 380,148     $ 380,853  
IT Infrastructure management
    70,061       73,712       140,351       146,762  
Other services
    12,997       16,863       28,627       34,861  
Total revenue
  $ 277,467     $ 286,432     $ 549,126     $ 562,476  
                                 
Income (loss) from operations:
                               
Marketing and data services
  $ 23,331     $ 27,078     $ 41,306     $ 44,338  
IT Infrastructure management
    8,520       5,091       17,351       9,338  
Other services
    (1,611 )     (2,653 )     (2,833 )     (3,212 )
Corporate
    (32 )     (2,465 )     (192 )     (2,709 )
Income from operations
  $ 30,208     $ 27,051     $ 55,632     $ 47,755  
                                 
                                 


 
19 

 


10.           RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES:

The Company records costs associated with employee terminations and other exit activity in accordance with applicable accounting standards when those costs become probable and are reasonably estimable.  The following table summarizes the restructuring activity for the six months ended September 30, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

   
Associate-related reserves
   
Ongoing
contract costs
   
Total
 
Balance at March 31, 2012
  $ 9,597     $ 11,049     $ 20,646  
Payments
    (6,257 )     (1,148 )     (7,405 )
Charges and adjustments
    (97 )     171       74  
Balance at September 30, 2012
  $ 3,243     $ 10,072     $ 13,315  
                         
The above balances are included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Restructuring Plans

In fiscal 2012, the Company recorded a total of $12.8 million in restructuring charges and adjustments included in gains, losses and other items in the consolidated statement of operations.  The expense included severance and other associate-related payments of $9.9 million, lease accruals of $2.6 million, and adjustments to the fiscal 2011 restructuring plan of $0.3 million.

The associate-related accruals of $9.9 million relate to the termination of associates in the United States, Australia, Europe, and Brazil.  Of the amount accrued, $3.2 million remained accrued as of September 30, 2012.  These costs are expected to be paid out in fiscal 2013.

The lease accruals of $2.6 million were evaluated under the accounting standards which govern exit costs.  These accounting standards require the Company to make an accrual for the liability for lease costs that will continue to be incurred without economic benefit to the Company upon the date that the Company ceases using the leased property.  On or before March 31, 2012, the Company ceased using certain leased office facilities.  The Company intends to attempt to sublease those facilities to the extent possible.  The Company established a liability for the fair value of the remaining lease payments, partially offset by the estimated sublease payments to be received over the course of those leases.  The fair value of these liabilities is based on a net present value model using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.  These liabilities will be paid out over the remainder of the leased properties’ terms, of which the longest continues through July 2019.  Actual sublease terms may differ from the estimates originally made by the Company.  Any future changes in the estimates or in the actual sublease income could require future adjustments to the liability for these leases, which would impact net income in the period the adjustment is recorded.  The remaining amount accrued at September 30, 2012 is $2.1 million.

As part of its restructuring plans in fiscal 2008 and 2009, the Company recorded a total of $22.2 million in lease accruals included in gains, losses and other items in the consolidated statement of operations.  The lease accruals were evaluated under the accounting standards which govern exit costs.  These accounting standards require the Company to make an accrual for the liability for lease costs that will continue to be incurred without economic benefit to the Company upon the date that the Company ceases using the leased property.  On or before the date of the restructuring plan, the Company ceased using certain leased office facilities.  The Company attempts to sublease those facilities to the extent possible.  The Company established a liability for the fair value of the remaining lease payments, partially offset by the estimated sublease payments to be received over the course of those leases.  The fair value of these liabilities is based on a net present value model using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.  These liabilities will be paid out over the remainder of the leased properties’ terms, of which the longest continues through November 2021.  Actual sublease terms may differ from the estimates originally made by the Company.  Any future changes in the estimates or in the actual sublease income could require future adjustments to the liability for these leases, which would impact net income in the period the adjustment is recorded.  The remaining amount accrued at September 30, 2012 is $8.0 million.


 
20 

 


11.           COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Legal Matters

The Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses, to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. The Company records accruals for these matters to the extent that management concludes a loss is probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. These accruals are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In management’s opinion, the Company has made appropriate and adequate accruals for these matters and management believes the probability of a material loss beyond the amounts accrued to be remote; however, the ultimate liability for these matters is uncertain, and if accruals are not adequate, an adverse outcome could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.  Listed below are certain matters pending against the Company and/or its subsidiaries for which the potential exposure is considered material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  Management believes the Company has substantial defenses to the claims made and intends to vigorously defend these matters.

A putative class action is pending against the Company, AISS (which was sold to another company in fiscal 2012), and Acxiom Risk Mitigation, Inc., a Colorado corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Acxiom, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia seeking to certify nationwide classes of persons who requested a consumer file from any Acxiom entity from 2007 forward; who were the subject of an Acxiom report sold to a third party that contained information not obtained directly from a governmental entity and who did not receive a timely copy of the report; who were subject of an Acxiom report and about whom Acxiom adjudicated the hire/no hire decision on behalf of the employer; who, from 2010 forward,  disputed an Acxiom report and Acxiom did not complete the investigation within 30 days; or who, from 2007 forward,  were subject to an Acxiom report for which no permissible purpose existed. The complaint alleges various violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Company has not recorded an accrual for this matter as it believes no loss is probable.  The Company cannot estimate the range of reasonably possible loss.

The founders of GoDigital, a subsidiary of the Company, have sued the Company in Brazil contending that the Company breached its obligations to maximize the founders’ earnout revenue and reduced the value of the founders’ remaining holdings. The Company acquired a 70% interest in GoDigital in fiscal 2011. The acquisition agreement provided for an up-front payment with the possibility of a future payment based upon the performance of the business over a two-year period of time. The Company has not recorded an accrual for this matter as it believes no loss is probable, and the range of reasonably possible loss is not material.

In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of all of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Commitments

The Company leases or licenses data processing equipment, software, office furniture and equipment, land and office space under noncancellable operating leases or licenses.  The Company has a future commitment for lease or license payments over the next 28 years of $122.0 million.

In connection with a certain building, the Company has entered into a 50/50 joint venture with a local real estate developer.  The Company is guaranteeing a portion of the loan for the building.  In addition, in connection with the disposal of certain assets, the Company has guaranteed a lease for the buyer of the assets.  These guarantees were made by the Company primarily to facilitate favorable financing terms for those third parties.  Should the third parties default, the Company would be required to perform under these guarantees.  A portion of the guaranteed amount is collateralized by real property.  At September 30, 2012 the Company’s maximum potential future payments under these guarantees were $3.4 million.

12.           INCOME TAX

In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company makes its best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. The anticipated effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 is approximately 39%.


 
21 

 


13.           FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, unbilled and notes receivable, short-term borrowings and trade payables - The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Long-term debt - The interest rate on the term loan and revolving credit agreement is adjusted for changes in market rates and therefore the carrying value of these loans approximates fair value.  The estimated fair value of other long-term debt was determined based upon the present value of the expected cash flows considering expected maturities and using interest rates currently available to the Company for long-term borrowings with similar terms.  At September 30, 2012, the estimated fair value of long-term debt approximates its carrying value.

Derivative instruments included in other liabilities - The carrying value is adjusted to fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) at each balance sheet date.  The fair value is determined from an interest-rate futures model.

Under applicable accounting standards financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company assigned assets and liabilities to the hierarchy in the accounting standards, which is Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 - significant other observable inputs and Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs.

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Other current assets
  $ 13,854     $ -     $ -     $ 13,854  
Total assets
  $ 13,854     $ -     $ -     $ 13,854  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Other current liabilities
  $ 13,854     $ -     $ -     $ 13,854  
Other liabilities
    -       1,196       -       1,196  
Total liabilities
  $ 13,854     $ 1,196     $ -     $ 15,050  


 
22 

 


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction and Overview

Acxiom is a recognized leader in marketing technology and services that enable marketers to successfully manage audiences, personalize consumer experiences and create profitable customer relationships.  Our superior industry-focused, consultative approach combines consumer data and analytics, databases, data integration and consulting solutions for personalized, multichannel marketing strategies.  Acxiom leverages over 40 years of experience of data management to deliver high-performance, highly secure, reliable information management services.  Founded in 1969, Acxiom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA and serves clients around the world from locations in the United States, Europe, South America and the Asia-Pacific region.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, the Company announced the sale of its background screening unit, Acxiom Information Security Systems (AISS).  The sale was completed in the quarter ended March 31, 2012.  As a result, AISS results for the prior year are presented as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  Revenue and expenses related to discontinued operations are netted and presented on one line, net of tax, in the statement of operations.

As we complete the second quarter of fiscal 2013, our Company has completed the transition to a new executive leadership team.  During fiscal 2012 we named a new chief executive officer, a new chief financial officer, and a new chief revenue officer.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2013 we named a new chief product and engineering officer.  During fiscal 2012 we announced plans to significantly accelerate investment in product development in fiscal 2013, which management believes will help drive revenue growth in fiscal 2014 and beyond.

Highlights of the quarter ended September 30, 2012 are identified below.

 
·  
Revenue of $277.5 million, a 3.1% decrease from $286.4 million in the same quarter a year ago.
 
·  
Total operating expenses of $247.3 million, a 4.7% decrease from $259.4 million in the same quarter a year ago.
 
·  
Income from operations of $30.2 million, representing a 10.9% operating margin, compared to $27.1 million, a 9.4% operating margin, in the same quarter a year ago.
 
·  
Pre-tax earnings from continuing operations of $26.8 million, a 25.6% increase from $21.4 million in the same quarter a year ago.
 
·  
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Acxiom stockholders of $0.21 compared to $0.15 in the same quarter a year ago.
 
·  
Operating cash flow was $39.2 million compared to $57.7 million in the same quarter a year ago.
 
·  
The Company paid $14.0 million to acquire common shares as part of a common stock repurchase program.

The highlights above are intended to identify to the reader an overview of the financial results, as well as some of the more significant events and transactions of the Company during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012.  However, these highlights are not intended to be a full discussion of the Company’s results for the quarter.  These highlights should be read in conjunction with the following discussion of Results of Operations and Capital Resources and Liquidity and with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes accompanying this report.


 
 23

 


Results of Operations

A summary of selected financial information for each of the periods reported is presented below (dollars in millions, except per share amounts):

   
For the quarter ended
September 30
   
For the six months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
 
Revenues
  $ 277.5     $ 286.4       (3 %)   $ 549.1     $ 562.5       (2 %)
Total operating costs and expenses
    247.3       259.4       (5 %)     493.5       514.7       (4 %)
Income from operations
  $ 30.2     $ 27.0       12 %   $ 55.6     $ 47.8       16 %
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 0.21     $ 0.15       40 %   $ 0.38     $ 0.28       36 %



Revenues
The following table presents the Company’s revenue for each of the periods reported (dollars in millions):

   
For the quarter ended
September 30
   
For the six months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
 
Marketing and data services
  $ 194.4     $ 195.8       (1 %)   $ 380.1     $ 380.8       (0 %)
IT Infrastructure management services
    70.1       73.7       (5 %)     140.4       146.8       (4 %)
Other services
    13.0       16.9       (23 %)     28.6       34.9       (18 %)
Total revenue
  $ 277.5     $ 286.4       (3 %)   $ 549.1     $ 562.5       (2 %)

Total revenue decreased 3.1%, or $9.0 million, to $277.5 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 from $286.4 million in the same quarter a year ago.  For the six months ended September 30, 2012 total revenue was $549.1 million, a $13.4 million, or 2.4%, decrease from $562.5 million during the same period a year ago.  Revenue in the prior six-month period included $1.3 million related to the disposed MENA operations.  Excluding the impact of the MENA revenue and the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation, revenue decreased 1.5% between the two comparable six-month periods.

Marketing and data service (MDS) revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $194.4 million, a decrease of less than 1% when compared to the same quarter a year ago.   On a geographic basis, International MDS revenue decreased $4.8 million, or 14.2%, and U.S. MDS revenue increased $3.3 million, or 2.0%.  Excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation, International MDS revenue decreased $3.5 million, primarily the result of lower transaction volume.  The increase in U.S. MDS revenue was primarily attributable to increases from new business revenue and one-time projects in the Technology ($4.3 million) and Retail ($3.1 million) industries, offset by a decrease in the Healthcare industry of $5.1 million due to expiration of a large contract.  By line of business, MDS revenue increases in Consumer Insights Products ($1.7 million, or 3.1%) and Consulting ($2.1 million, or 8.7%) were offset by declines in CDI Services ($3.6 million, or 9.6%) and Marketing Management ($1.7 million, or 2.1%).  CDI Services and Marketing Management revenue decreases resulted from lower project activity in certain U.S. industries and in Brazil, and the expiration of a large Healthcare industry contract.

MDS revenue for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $380.1 million, which was flat when compared to the same period a year ago.   On a geographic basis, International MDS revenue decreased $7.9 million, or 12.6%, and U.S. MDS revenue increased $7.2 million, or 2.3%.  Excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation, International MDS revenue decreased $4.9 million, primarily the result of lower transaction volume in Europe, Australia, and Brazil.  The increase in U.S. MDS revenue was primarily attributable to increases from new business revenue and one-time projects in the Technology ($7.2 million), Financial Services ($3.5 million), and Retail ($8.1 million) industries, offset by a decrease in the Healthcare industry of $9.2 million due to expiration of a large contract.  By line of business, MDS revenue increases in Marketing Management and Consulting ($5.0 million, or 2.4%) were offset by decreases in CDI Services ($6.2 million, or 8.2%).  CDI Services revenue was impacted by the expiration of a large Healthcare industry contract.

 
24

 
IT Infrastructure management services (IM) revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $70.1 million, a $3.6 million, or 5.0%, decrease compared to $73.7 million in the same quarter a year ago.  IM revenue for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $140.4 million, a $6.4 million, or 4.4%, decrease compared to $146.8 million in the same period a year ago.  The IM revenue decrease for both periods was attributable to the loss of a large contract during the third quarter of fiscal 2012, partially offset by revenue increases with existing clients.

Other services revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $13.0 million, a $3.9 million, or 22.9%, decrease compared to $16.9 million in the same quarter a year ago.  Revenue from the U.K. fulfillment and U.S. e-mail fulfillment operations decreased $0.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, in the quarter due to lower project revenue with existing customers as well as the wind-down of an e-mail contract.  The Company has begun transitioning Risk customers to a third-party partner through a referral fee arrangement and plans to exit this business.  As a result, revenue from the Risk business decreased $1.5 million in the quarter.

Other services revenue for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $28.6 million, a $6.2 million, or 17.9%, decrease compared to $34.9 million in the same period a year ago.  Excluding the impact of the MENA disposal, revenue decreased approximately $4.9 million in the quarter.  Revenue from the U.K. fulfillment and U.S. e-mail fulfillment operations decreased $1.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in the period due to lower project revenue with existing customers as well as the wind-down of an e-mail contract.  Revenue from the Risk business decreased $2.3 million in the period.
 
Operating Costs and Expenses
The following table presents the Company’s operating costs and expenses for each of the periods presented (dollars in millions):
 
   
For the quarter ended
September 30
   
For the six months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
 
Cost of revenue
  $ 209.9     $ 217.5       (3 %)   $ 419.2     $ 435.8       (4 %)
Selling, general and administrative
    37.4       39.4       (5 %)     74.1       76.2       (3 %)
Gains, losses and other items, net,
    -       2.5       (99 %)     0.2       2.7       (93 %)
Total operations costs and expenses
  $ 247.3     $ 259.4       (5 %)   $ 493.5     $ 514.7       (4 %)

Cost of revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $209.9 million, a $7.6 million, or 3.5%, decrease from $217.5 million in the same quarter a year ago.  Gross margins increased from 24.1% to 24.4% in the two comparable periods.  Margins in the fiscal 2013 quarter benefited from improving IM margins and international cost reduction actions taken during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  These benefits were offset by higher costs of delivery and investments in data in the U.S. MDS business.  U.S. gross margins increased from 25.2% to 25.4%. International gross margins were flat at 17.8% on declining revenue due to the cost reduction actions in International markets.

Cost of revenue for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $419.2 million, a $16.6 million, or 3.8%, decrease from $435.8 million in the same period a year ago.   Gross margins increased from 22.5% to 23.7% in the two comparable periods.  Margins in the fiscal 2013 period benefited from improving IM margins and international cost reduction actions taken during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  These benefits were offset by higher costs of delivery and investments in data in the U.S. MDS business.  U.S. gross margins increased from 24.5% to 24.9% due to IM margin improvements, and international gross margins improved to 15.0% from 10.6% on declining revenue due to the cost reduction actions in international markets.

Selling, general and administrative expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $37.4 million, a $2.1 million, or 5.3%, decrease from the same quarter a year ago.   As a percent of total revenue, these expenses were 13.5% this year compared to 13.8% in the prior period.  Selling, general and administrative expense for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $74.1 million, a $2.1 million, or 2.8%, decrease from $76.2 million in the same period a year ago.   As a percent of total revenue, these expenses were 13.5% this year compared to 13.6% in the prior period.  Lower sales expense in the U.S. from cost reductions and lower commissions, as well as international cost reductions, contributed to the lower selling, general and administrative expense.  These reductions were offset by higher levels of incentive and non-cash stock compensation expense and higher benefits costs.

 
 
25

 
Gains, losses and other items, net was $2.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  Gains, losses and other items, net was $0.2 million and $2.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The prior year amounts primarily represent the net loss related to the disposal of the MENA operations.

Operating Profit and Profit Margins
The following table presents the Company’s operating profit (income from operations) and profit margin by segment for each of the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the quarter ended
September 30
   
For the six months ended
September 30
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating profit and profit margin:
                       
Marketing and data services
  $ 23,331     $ 27,078     $ 41,306     $ 44,338  
      12.0 %     13.8 %     10.9 %     11.6 %
IT Infrastructure management services
  $ 8,520     $ 5,091     $ 17,351     $ 9,338  
      12.2 %     6.9 %     12.4 %     6.4 %
Other services
  $ (1,611 )   $ (2,653 )   $ (2,833 )   $ (3,212 )
      (12.4 %)     (15.7 %)     (9.9 %)     (9.2 %)
Corporate
  $ (32 )   $ (2,465 )   $ (192 )   $ (2,709 )
Total operating profit
  $ 30,208     $ 27,051     $ 55,632     $ 47,755  
Total operating profit margin
    10.9 %     9.4 %     10.1 %     8.5 %

MDS operating profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $23.3 million, a 12.0% margin, compared to $27.1 million, a 13.8% margin, in the same quarter a year ago.  Margins in the U.S. declined from 18.1% in fiscal 2012 to 14.5% in fiscal 2013 while international losses decreased from $2.4 million in fiscal 2012 to $0.6 million in fiscal 2013.  MDS operating profit for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $41.3 million, a 10.9% margin, compared to $44.3 million, an 11.6% margin, in the same period a year ago.  Margins in the U.S. declined from 16.5% in fiscal 2012 to 13.8% in fiscal 2013 while international losses decreased from $8.2 million in fiscal 2012 to $3.5 million in fiscal 2013.  The U.S. margin decreases were primarily due to additional personnel and data costs required to support new business implementations and investment initiatives as well as increased incentive compensation in fiscal 2013.  International margins benefited from the cost reduction actions in all operations.

IM operating profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $8.5 million, a 12.2% margin, compared to $5.1 million, a 6.9% margin, in the same period a year ago.  IM operating profit for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $17.4 million, a 12.4% margin, compared to $9.3 million, a 6.4% margin, in the same period a year ago.  IM margins benefitted primarily from ongoing efficiency improvements.

Other services operating loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $1.6 million, a negative 12.4% margin, compared to $2.7 million, a negative 15.7% margin, in the same period a year ago.  The improvement was primarily due to cost efficiencies realized by the U.S. e-mail fulfillment business.  Other services operating loss for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was $2.8 million, a negative 9.9% margin, compared to $3.2 million, a negative 9.2% margin, in the same period a year ago.  A $1.0 million improvement in operations from the disposition of the MENA operation was partially offset by a decline in the U.S. risk business related to revenue decreases.

 
Other Expense, Income Taxes and Other Items
Interest expense was $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to $4.7 million in the same period a year ago.  The decrease primarily relates to a reduction in outstanding borrowing under the Company’s term loan.  The average term loan balance declined approximately $35 million between the two periods presented.  The average interest rate decreased approximately 15 basis points.   Interest on other debt, such as capital leases, also decreased.

Interest expense was $6.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $10.2 million in the same period a year ago.  The decrease primarily relates to a reduction in outstanding borrowing under the Company’s term loan.  The average term loan balance declined approximately $80 million between the two periods presented.  The average interest rate decreased approximately 20 basis points.   Interest on other debt, such as capital leases, also decreased.
 
 
26

 

Other expense was $0.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to $1.0 million in the same period a year ago.  Other expense was $0.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $1.1 million in the same period a year ago.  Other expense is primarily due to foreign currency losses.

The effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was 39% compared to 45% for the same period a year ago.  The effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2012 was 39% compared to 43% for the same period a year ago.   Excluding the impact of the loss on disposal of the MENA operations, both prior period rates were 40%.    Each fiscal period tax rate was impacted by losses in foreign jurisdictions.  The Company does not record the tax benefit of those losses due to uncertainty of future benefit.

Discontinued operations in the quarter and six months ended September 30, 2011 are the results of operations of AISS, net of tax.  The AISS disposal was completed in the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Gains and losses attributable to noncontrolling interest include the noncontrolling interest in the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary for each period presented, and the noncontrolling interest in the MENA operation during the prior year.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Working Capital and Cash Flow
Working capital at September 30, 2012 totaled $218.2 million compared to $206.4 million at March 31, 2012.  Total current assets decreased $43.1 million.  The decrease primarily resulted from decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $41.2 million related to increases in incentive compensation payments, income tax payments, payments of debt and the acquisition of Company stock pursuant to the board of directors’ approved stock repurchase plan.  Current liabilities decreased $55.0 million due primarily to decreases in trade accounts payable of $13.2 million, accrued payroll and related expenses of $15.5 million, deferred revenue of $12.5 million, and income taxes of $13.9 million.

The Company’s cash is primarily located in the United States.  Approximately $10.5 million of the total cash balance of $188.4 million, or approximately 6%, is located outside the United States.  The Company has no current plans to repatriate this cash to the United States.

Accounts receivable days sales outstanding was 55 days at September 30, 2012 compared to 54 days at March 31, 2012, and is calculated as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
September 30,
2012
   
March 31,
2012
 
Numerator – trade accounts receivable, net
  $ 166,675     $ 169,446  
Denominator:
               
Quarter revenue
    277,467       287,255  
Number of days in quarter
    92       91  
Average daily revenue
  $ 3,016     $ 3,157  
Days sales outstanding
    55       54  

Net cash provided by operating activities was $37.4 million in the six months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $90.5 million in the same period a year ago.  The change is primarily related to changes in working capital.  In the current year period, incentive compensation and payments were approximately $16 million greater than in the prior year period, and income tax payments were $31 million greater than in the prior year period.

Investing activities used $23.2 million in cash during the six months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $32.1 million in the prior year.  This results from capital expenditures of $11.7 million, capitalization of data acquisition costs of $3.7 million, and capitalization of software development costs of $7.7 million.


 
27 

 


Financing activities used $55.2 million in cash during the six months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $145.4 million in the prior year.  Financing activities include payments of debt and sales of stock under options.  Payments of debt of $13.5 million include capital lease and installment credit payments of $8.9 million and other debt payments of $4.6 million.  The current period also includes payments of $47.1 million for acquisition of the Company’s stock pursuant to the board of directors’ approved stock repurchase plan.  The Company purchased 3.2 million shares at a cost of $47.2 million, of which $44.5 million was paid during the current period.  The remaining $2.7 million is included in other accrued expenses as of September 30, 2012 and was paid when the trades settled in October 2012.  In addition, $2.6 million was paid during the current period which was included in other accrued expenses as of March 31, 2012.  Prior year financing activities included term loan prepayments of $100.0 million.

Non-cash investing and financing activities included acquisition of property and equipment under capital leases and installment payment arrangements of $2.2 million in the six months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $4.7 million in the same period last year.  Future payments under these arrangements will be reflected as debt payments.

Credit and Debt Facilities
The Company’s amended and restated credit agreement provides for (1) term loans up to an aggregate principal amount of $600 million and (2) revolving credit facility borrowings consisting of revolving loans, letter of credit participations and swing-line loans up to an aggregate amount of $120 million.

The term loan is payable in quarterly installments of approximately $1.5 million each, through December 31, 2014, with a final payment of approximately $207.5 million due March 15, 2015.  The revolving loan commitment expires March 15, 2014.

Revolving credit facility borrowings currently bear interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread, or at an alternative base rate or at the Federal Funds rate plus a credit spread, depending on the type of borrowing.  The LIBOR credit spread is 2.75%.  There were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2012 or March 31, 2012.  Term loan borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread of 3.00%.  The weighted-average interest rate on term loan borrowings at September 30, 2012 was 3.7%.  Outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 2012 were $2.2 million.

The term loan allows prepayments before maturity.  The credit agreement is secured by the accounts receivable of Acxiom and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as by the outstanding stock of certain Acxiom subsidiaries.

Under the terms of the term loan, the Company is required to maintain certain debt-to-cash flow and debt service coverage ratios, among other restrictions.  At September 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and restrictions.  In addition, if certain financial ratios and other conditions are not satisfied, the revolving credit facility limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends in excess of $30 million in any fiscal year (plus additional amounts in certain circumstances).

On July 25, 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement.  The agreement provides for the Company to pay interest through January 27, 2014 at a fixed rate of 0.94% plus the applicable credit spread on $150.0 million notional amount, while receiving interest for the same period at the LIBOR rate on the same notional amount.  The LIBOR rate as of September 30, 2012 was 0.45%.  The swap was entered into as a cash flow hedge against LIBOR interest rate movements on the term loan.  As of September 30, 2012, the hedge relationship qualified as an effective hedge under applicable accounting standards.  Consequently, all changes in fair value of the derivative are deferred and recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the related forecasted transaction is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.  The fair market value of the derivative was zero at inception and an unrealized loss of $1.2 million since inception is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) with the offset recorded to other noncurrent liabilities.  The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) may be recognized in the statement of operations if certain terms of the floating-rate debt change, if the floating-rate debt is extinguished or if the interest rate swap agreement is terminated prior to maturity.  The Company has assessed the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the swap and concludes that no substantial risk of default exists as of September 30, 2012.

Based on our current expectations, we believe our liquidity and capital resources will be sufficient to operate our business.  However, we may take advantage of opportunities to generate additional liquidity or refinance existing debt through capital market transactions.  The amount, nature and timing of any capital market transactions will depend on: our operating performance and other circumstances; our then-current commitments and obligations; the amount, nature and timing of our capital requirements; any limitations imposed by our current credit arrangements; and overall market conditions.


 
28 

 


Off-Balance Sheet Items and Commitments
In connection with a certain building, the Company has entered into a 50/50 joint venture with a local real estate developer.  The Company is guaranteeing a portion of the loan for the building.  In addition, in connection with the disposal of certain assets, the Company has guaranteed a lease for the buyer of the assets.  These guarantees were made by the Company primarily to facilitate favorable financing terms for those third parties.  Should the third parties default, the Company would be required to perform under these guarantees.  A portion of the guaranteed amount is collateralized by real property.  At September 30, 2012 the Company’s maximum potential future payments under these guarantees were $3.4 million.

Contractual Commitments
The following table presents Acxiom’s contractual cash obligations, exclusive of interest, and purchase commitments at September 30, 2012.   The table does not include the future payment of gross unrealized tax benefit liabilities of $3.2 million or the future payment, if any, against the Company’s non-current interest rate swap liability of $1.2 million as the Company is not able to predict the periods in which these payments will be made. The column for 2013 represents the six months ending March 31, 2013.  All other columns represent fiscal years ending March 31 (dollars in thousands).

   
For the years ending March 31
 
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Term loan
  $ 3,000     $ 6,000     $ 212,000     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 221,000  
Capital lease and installment payment obligations
    7,567       8,407       3,944       926       1,001       7,092       28,937  
Other long-term debt
    2,860       1,608       1,663       7,321       582       2,868       16,902  
Total long-term obligations
    13,427       16,015       217,607       8,247       1,583       9,960       266,839  
Operating lease payments
    11,456       22,396       17,050       13,879       13,038       44,196       122,015  
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 24,883     $ 38,411     $ 234,657     $ 22,126     $ 14,621     $ 54,156     $ 388,854  

   
For the years ending March 31
 
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Total purchase commitments
  $ 45,730     $ 50,595     $ 41,639     $ 25,356     $ 15,761     $ 2,314     $ 181,395  

Purchase commitments include contractual commitments for the purchase of data and open purchase orders for equipment, paper, office supplies, construction and other items.  Purchase commitments in some cases will be satisfied by entering into future operating leases, capital leases, or other financing arrangements, rather than payment of cash.  The above commitments relating to long-term obligations do not include future payments of interest.  The Company estimates future interest payments on debt and capital leases for the remainder of fiscal 2013 of $6.5 million.

The following are contingencies or guarantees under which the Company could be required, in certain circumstances, to make cash payments as of September 30, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

Loan guarantee
  $ 1,125  
Lease guarantee
    2,254  
Outstanding letters of credit
    2,238  
Surety bonds
    388  

While the Company does not have any other material contractual commitments for capital expenditures, certain levels of investments in facilities and computer equipment continue to be necessary to support the growth of the business.  In some cases, the Company also sells software and hardware to clients.  In addition, new IT Infrastructure management contracts frequently require substantial up-front capital expenditures to acquire or replace existing assets.  Management believes that the Company’s existing available debt and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future.  The Company also evaluates acquisitions from time to time, which may require up-front payments of cash.

To help accelerate the pace of product development, the Company plans to significantly increase the level of product investment over the current and following fiscal years.  The incremental investment for fiscal 2013 could be as much as $30 million with most of that amount being research and development. This investment is expected to ramp up during the remainder of the fiscal year.

 
 
29

 
For a description of certain risks that could have an impact on results of operations or financial condition, including liquidity and capital resources, see “Risk Factors” contained in Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s 2012 Annual Report.

Non-U.S. Operations

The Company has a presence in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Australia, China and Brazil.   Most of the Company’s exposure to exchange rate fluctuation is due to translation gains and losses as there are no material transactions that cause exchange rate impact.  In general, each of the foreign locations is expected to fund its own operations and cash flows, although funds may be loaned or invested from the U.S. to the foreign subsidiaries subject to limitations in the Company’s revolving credit facility.  These advances are considered to be long-term investments, and any gain or loss resulting from changes in exchange rates as well as gains or losses resulting from translating the foreign financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Exchange rate movements of foreign currencies may have an impact on the Company’s future costs or on future cash flows from foreign investments.  The Company has not entered into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  These accounting principles require management to make certain judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  The consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report include a summary of significant accounting policies used in the preparation of Acxiom’s consolidated financial statements.  In addition, the Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed as part of the 2012 Annual Report contains a discussion of the policies which management has identified as the most critical because they require management’s use of complex and/or significant judgments.  None of the Company’s critical accounting policies have materially changed since the date of the last annual report.

Valuation of Goodwill
Goodwill is measured and tested for impairment on an annual basis in the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year in accordance with applicable accounting standards, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.  Triggering events for interim impairment testing include indicators such as adverse industry or economic trends, restructuring actions, downward revisions to projections of financial performance, or a sustained decline in market capitalization.  The performance of the impairment test involves a two-step process.  The first step requires comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill.  A potential impairment exists if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value.  The second step of the impairment test involves assigning the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its identifiable assets, with any residual fair value being assigned to goodwill.  If the carrying value of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset (including goodwill) exceeds its estimated fair value, such asset is written down by an amount equal to such excess, and a corresponding amount is recorded as a charge to operations for the period in which the impairment test is completed.  Completion of the Company’s annual impairment test during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 indicated no potential impairment of its goodwill balances.

In order to estimate a valuation for each of the tested components, management used an income approach based on a discounted cash flow model (income approach) together with valuations based on an analysis of public company market multiples and a similar transactions analysis.

The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). The WACC considers market and industry data as well as company-specific risk factors for each reporting unit in determining the appropriate discount rate to be used. The discount rate utilized for each reporting unit is indicative of the return an investor would expect to receive for investing in such a business. Management, considering industry and company-specific historical and projected data, develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant WACC and low long-term growth rates.

The public company market multiple method was used to estimate values for each of the components by looking at market value multiples to revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for selected public companies that were believed to be representative of companies that marketplace participants would use to arrive at comparable multiples for the individual component being tested.  These multiples were then used to develop an estimated value for each respective component.

 
30

 
The similar transactions method compared multiples based on acquisition prices of other companies believed to be those that marketplace participants would use to compare to the individual component being tested.  Those multiples were then used to develop an estimated value for that component.

In order to arrive at an estimated value for each component, management used a weighted-average approach to combine the results of each analysis.  Management believes that using multiple valuation approaches and then weighting them appropriately is a technique that a marketplace participant would use.

As a final test of the valuation results, the total of the values of the components was reconciled to the actual market value of Acxiom common stock as of the valuation date.  This reconciliation indicated an implied control premium.  Management believes this control premium is reasonable compared to historical control premiums observed in actual transactions.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as either an operating segment or one step below operating segment, known as a component.  Acxiom’s segments are the Marketing and data services segment, the IT Infrastructure management segment, and the Other services segment.  Because the Marketing and data services segment and the Other services segment contained both U.S. and International components, and there were differences in economic characteristics between the components in the different geographic regions, management tested a total of eight components at the beginning of the year.  The goodwill amounts as of April 1, 2012 included in each component tested were:  U.S. Marketing and data services, $264.6 million; Europe Marketing and data services, $19.5 million; Australia Marketing and data services, $14.9 million; China Marketing and data services, $6.0 million; Brazil Marketing and data services, $1.1 million; U.S. Infrastructure management, $71.5 million; U.S. Other services, $1.8 million; and Europe Other services, $2.9 million.

As of April 1, 2012, each of the components had an estimated fair value in excess of its carrying value, indicating no impairment.  All of the components had a substantial excess carrying value, except for the Brazil component, for which the excess was 11%.

Management believes that the estimated valuations it arrived at are reasonable and consistent with what other marketplace participants would use in valuing the Company’s components.  However, management cannot give any assurance that these market values will not change in the future.  For example, if discount rates demanded by the market increase, this could lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the Company’s projections are not achieved in the future, this could lead management to reassess their assumptions and lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the market price of the Company’s stock decreases, this could cause the Company to reassess the reasonableness of the implied control premium, which might cause management to assume a higher discount rate under the income approach which could lead to reduced valuations.  If future similar transactions exhibit lower multiples than those observed in the past, this could lead to reduced valuations under the similar transactions approach.  And finally, if there is a general decline in the stock market and particularly in those companies selected as comparable to the Company’s components, this could lead to reduced valuations under the public company market multiple approach.  The Company’s next annual impairment test will be performed during the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The fair value of the Company’s components could deteriorate which could result in the need to record impairment charges in future periods.  The Company continues to monitor potential triggering events including changes in the business climate in which it operates, attrition of key personnel, the volatility in the capital markets, the Company’s market capitalization compared to its book value, the Company’s recent operating performance, and the Company’s financial projections.  The occurrence of one or more triggering events could require additional impairment testing, which could result in impairment charges.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, which eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, an entity is required to present items of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

Forward-looking Statements
 
This document contains forward-looking statements.  These statements, which are not statements of historical fact, may contain estimates, assumptions, projections and/or expectations regarding the Company’s financial position,
 
 
31

 
results of operations, market position, product development, growth opportunities, economic conditions, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation.  Forward-looking statements are often identified by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “foresee,” and similar words or phrases.  These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to the following:
 
·  
management’s expectations about the macro economy;
 
·  
statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations;
 
·  
statements of future economic performance, including, but not limited to, those statements contained in Managements’ Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations;
 
·  
statements containing any assumptions underlying or relating to any of the above statements; and
 
·  
statements containing a projection or estimate.

Among the factors that may cause actual results and expectations to differ from anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are the following:
 
·  
the risk factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report and elsewhere in this report and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the SEC;
 
·  
the possibility that certain contracts may not generate the anticipated revenue or profitability or may not be closed within the anticipated time frames;
 
·  
the possibility that significant customers may experience extreme, severe economic difficulty or otherwise reduce the amount of business they do with us;
 
·  
the possibility that we will not successfully complete customer contract requirements on time or meet the service levels specified in the contracts, which may result in contract penalties or lost revenue;
 
·  
the possibility that data suppliers might withdraw data from us, leading to our inability to provide certain products and services to our clients, which could lead to decreases in our operating results;
 
·  
the possibility that we may not be able to attract, retain or motivate qualified technical, sales and leadership associates, or that we may lose key associates;
 
·  
the possibility that we may not be able to adequately adapt to rapidly changing computing environments, technologies and marketing practices;
 
·  
the possibility that we will not be able to continue to receive credit upon satisfactory terms and conditions;
 
·  
the possibility that negative changes in economic conditions in general or other conditions might lead to a reduction in demand for our products and services;
 
·  
the possibility that there will be changes in consumer or business information industries and markets that negatively impact the company;
 
·  
the possibility that the historical seasonality of our business may change;
 
·  
the possibility that we will not be able to achieve cost reductions and avoid unanticipated costs;
 
·  
the possibility that the fair value of certain of our assets may not be equal to the carrying value of those assets now or in future time periods;
 
·  
the possibility that changes in accounting pronouncements may occur and may impact these forward-looking statements;
 
·  
the possibility that we may encounter difficulties when entering new markets or industries;
 
·  
the possibility that we could experience loss of data center capacity or interruption of telecommunication links;
 
·  
the possibility that new laws may be enacted which will limit our ability to provide services to our clients and/or which limit the use of data; and
 
·  
general and global negative economic conditions.
 
With respect to the provision of products or services outside our primary base of operations in the United States, all of the above factors apply, along with the difficulty of doing business in numerous sovereign jurisdictions due to differences in scale, competition, culture, laws and regulations.

 
32

 
Other factors are detailed from time to time in periodic reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. The Company believes that we have the product and technology offerings, facilities, associates and competitive and financial resources for continued business success, but future revenues, costs, margins and profits are all influenced by a number of factors, including those discussed above, all of which are inherently difficult to forecast.

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements based on the occurrence of future events, the receipt of new information or otherwise.

 
33 

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Acxiom’s earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates primarily as a result of its term loan and revolving credit agreement, which bears interest at a floating rate.  Acxiom currently uses an interest-rate swap agreement to mitigate the changes in interest rate risk on $150 million of its floating-rate debt.  Risk can be estimated by measuring the impact of a near-term adverse movement of one percentage point in short-term market interest rates.  If short-term market interest rates increase one percentage point during the next four quarters compared to the previous four quarters, there would be no material adverse impact on Acxiom’s results of operations.  Acxiom has no material future earnings or cash flow expenses from changes in interest rates related to its other long-term debt obligations as substantially all of Acxiom’s remaining long-term debt instruments have fixed rates.  At both September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the fair value of Acxiom’s fixed rate long-term debt approximated carrying value.

The Company has a presence in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Australia, China and Brazil.  In general, each of the foreign locations is expected to fund its own operations and cash flows, although funds may be loaned or invested from our U.S. operations to our foreign subsidiaries.  Therefore, exchange rate movements of foreign currencies may have an impact on Acxiom’s future costs or on future cash flows from foreign investments.  Acxiom, at this time, has not entered into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

         (a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and President (our principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President (our principal financial and accounting officer), evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial and accounting officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b)  
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.


 
34 

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in various claims and legal matters that arise in the ordinary course of the business.  None of these, however, are believed to be material in their nature or scope.  Listed below are certain matters pending against the Company and/or its subsidiaries that are considered material.  While the ultimate results of these matters cannot be determined, they are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

On August 16, 2012, a putative class action styled Henderson, et al. v. Acxiom Risk Mitigation, Inc., et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against the Company, AISS (which was sold to another company in fiscal 2012), and Acxiom Risk Mitigation, Inc., a Colorado corporation and subsidiary of the Company, seeking to certify nationwide classes of persons who requested a consumer file from any Acxiom entity from 2007 forward; who were the subject of an Acxiom report sold to a third party that contained information not obtained directly from a governmental entity and who did not receive a timely copy of the report; who were subject of an Acxiom report and about whom Acxiom adjudicated the hire/no hire decision on behalf of the employer; who, from 2010 forward,  disputed an Acxiom report and Acxiom did not complete the investigation within 30 days; or who, from 2007 forward,  were subject to an Acxiom report for which no permissible purpose existed. The complaint alleges various violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and seeks injunctive relief, an unspecified amount of statutory, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. The Company intends to vigorously dispute the allegations.

On February 10, 2012, the founders of GoDigital Tecnologia E Participacoes, Ltda., a Brazilian entity and subsidiary of the Company (“GoDigital”), filed suit against the Company in the Lower Civil Court of the Judicial District of Porto Alegre, Brazil, contending that the Company breached its obligations to maximize the founders’ earnout revenue and reduced the value of the founders’ remaining holdings. The Company acquired a 70% interest in GoDigital in fiscal 2011. The acquisition agreement provided for an up-front payment with the possibility of a future payment (also known as an “earnout”) based upon the performance GoDigital over a two-year period of time. The founders are seeking compensatory damages.  The Company disputes the allegations and intends, at the appropriate time, to bring forth certain counterclaims.


Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
(a)           Not Applicable

(b)           Not Applicable

(c)           The table below provides information regarding purchases by Acxiom of its common stock during the periods indicated.
Period
 
Total Number
 of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid
 Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
   
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 
7/1/12 – 7/31/12
    0       n/a       0     $ 50,177,130  
8/1/12 – 8/31/12
    23,813       16.93       23,813       49,773,955  
9/1/12 – 9/30/12
    822,700       18.43       822,700       34,610,507  
      Total
    846,513       18.39       846,513     $ 34,610,507  

The repurchases listed above were made pursuant to a repurchase program adopted by the Board of Directors on August 29, 2011.  That program was subsequently modified and expanded on December 5, 2011, and again on May 24, 2012.  Under the modified common stock repurchase program, the Company may purchase up to $150.0 million worth of its common stock through the period ending May 24, 2013.  Through September 30, 2012, the Company had repurchased 9.0 million shares of its stock for $115.4 million, leaving remaining capacity of $34.6 million under the stock repurchase program.


 
35 

 


Item 6.                      Exhibits

(a)           The following exhibits are filed with this Report:

 
3
 
 
 
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Acxiom Corporation, dated August 16, 2012 (previously filed
on August 20, 2012, as Exhibit 3(a) to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and
incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
31.1
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President (principal executive officer) pursuant to
SEC Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
31.2
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President (principal financial and
accounting officer) pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Sections
302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President (principal executive officer) pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32.2
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President (principal financial and
accounting officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
101
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at
September 30, 2012, and March 31, 2012, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011,  (iii) Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011,  
(iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended
September 30, 2012 and 2011, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011,   (vi) Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the six months ended September 30, 2012, (vii)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended September 30,
2012 and 2011, and (viii) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in
detail.


 
36 

 




SIGNATURE


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



Acxiom Corporation



Dated:  November 8, 2012


By: /s/Warren C. Jenson                                                         
(Signature)
Warren C. Jenson
Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President
(principal financial and accounting officer)



 
37 

 



EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number
 
Description
3
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Acxiom Corporation, dated August 16, 2012 (previously filed
on August 20, 2012, as Exhibit 3(a) to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and
incorporated herein by reference).
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President (principal executive officer) pursuant to
SEC Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President (principal financial and
accounting officer) pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to
Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President (principal executive officer) pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President (principal financial and
accounting officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
101
 
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at
September 30, 2012, and March 31, 2012, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011,  (iii) Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011,  
(iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended
September 30, 2012 and 2011, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011,   (vi) Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the six months ended September 30, 2012, (vii)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended September 30,
2012 and 2011, and (viii) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in
detail.








 
38