10-Q 1 a201393010-q.htm DELUXE CORPORATION 10-Q 09-30-2013 2013.9.30 10-Q


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
o
 
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: 1-7945

 
DELUXE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Minnesota
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
41-0216800
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3680 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, Minnesota
(Address of principal executive offices)
55126-2966
(Zip Code)

(651) 483-7111
(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. þYes   o 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 such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
þYes   o 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 þ   
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

The number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, at October 22, 2013 was 50,499,763.

1

PART I − FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
DELUXE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share par value)
(Unaudited)

 
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
100,040

 
$
45,435

Trade accounts receivable (net of allowances for uncollectible accounts of $3,988 and $3,912, respectively)
 
80,218

 
70,387

Inventories and supplies
 
26,825

 
23,291

Deferred income taxes
 
5,247

 
7,687

Funds held for customers
 
30,759

 
43,140

Other current assets
 
34,844

 
29,803

Total current assets
 
277,933

 
219,743

Deferred income taxes
 
1,739

 
1,662

Long-term investments (including $2,224 and $2,196 of investments at fair value, respectively)
 
44,391

 
46,898

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $359,788 and $358,580, respectively)
 
101,627

 
104,189

Assets held for sale
 
25,224

 
970

Intangibles (net of accumulated amortization of $368,934 and $472,078, respectively)
 
155,179

 
150,717

Goodwill
 
809,754

 
789,636

Other non-current assets
 
93,839

 
98,625

Total assets
 
$
1,509,686

 
$
1,412,440

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
68,875

 
$
65,107

Accrued liabilities
 
148,280

 
155,003

Long-term debt due within one year
 
499

 
—

Total current liabilities
 
217,654

 
220,110

Long-term debt
 
643,069

 
652,581

Deferred income taxes
 
78,966

 
75,147

Other non-current liabilities
 
49,671

 
31,667

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 11 and 12)
 


 


Shareholders’ equity:
 
 

 
 

Common shares $1 par value (authorized: 500,000 shares; outstanding: 2013 – 50,482; 2012 – 50,614)
 
50,482

 
50,614

Additional paid-in capital
 
32,573

 
47,968

Retained earnings
 
477,903

 
375,000

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 5)
 
(40,632
)
 
(40,647
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
520,326

 
432,935

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,509,686

 
$
1,412,440


See Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

2

DELUXE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Product revenue
 
$
342,187

 
$
332,760

 
$
1,014,853

 
$
1,006,718

Service revenue
 
55,893

 
45,578

 
152,214

 
120,616

Total revenue
 
398,080

 
378,338

 
1,167,067

 
1,127,334

Cost of products sold
 
(116,721
)
 
(109,938
)
 
(340,442
)
 
(331,311
)
Cost of services
 
(25,502
)
 
(21,752
)
 
(68,625
)
 
(55,461
)
Total cost of revenue
 
(142,223
)
 
(131,690
)
 
(409,067
)
 
(386,772
)
Gross profit
 
255,857

 
246,648

 
758,000

 
740,562

Selling, general and administrative expense
 
(173,359
)
 
(171,237
)
 
(513,013
)
 
(510,786
)
Net restructuring charges
 
(2,780
)
 
(2,741
)
 
(5,075
)
 
(5,377
)
Net loss on sale of facility
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(128
)
Operating income
 
79,718


72,670

 
239,912

 
224,271

Interest expense
 
(9,662
)
 
(11,890
)
 
(28,704
)
 
(34,944
)
Other income
 
557

 
185

 
1,048

 
541

Income before income taxes
 
70,613

 
60,965

 
212,256

 
189,868

Income tax provision
 
(23,710
)
 
(19,462
)
 
(71,326
)
 
(62,023
)
Net income
 
$
46,903

 
$
41,503

 
$
140,930

 
$
127,845

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
48,907

 
$
43,570

 
$
140,945

 
$
131,364

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.93

 
$
0.81

 
$
2.77

 
$
2.50

Diluted earnings per share
 
0.92

 
0.81

 
2.75

 
2.49

Cash dividends per share
 
0.25

 
0.25

 
0.75

 
0.75


See Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


3

DELUXE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Common shares
 
Common shares
par value
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
Retained earnings
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
50,614

 
$
50,614

 
$
47,968

 
$
375,000

 
$
(40,647
)
 
$
432,935

Net income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
140,930

 
—

 
140,930

Cash dividends
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(38,027
)
 
—

 
(38,027
)
Common shares issued
 
860

 
860

 
16,420

 
—

 
—

 
17,280

Tax impact of share-based awards
 
—

 
—

 
1,062

 
—

 
—

 
1,062

Common shares repurchased
 
(861
)
 
(861
)
 
(32,937
)
 
—

 
—

 
(33,798
)
Other common shares retired
 
(131
)
 
(131
)
 
(5,072
)
 
—

 
—

 
(5,203
)
Fair value of share-based compensation
 
—

 
—

 
5,132

 
—

 
—

 
5,132

Other comprehensive income (Note 5)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15

 
15

Balance, September 30, 2013
 
50,482

 
$
50,482

 
$
32,573

 
$
477,903

 
$
(40,632
)
 
$
520,326



See Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


4

DELUXE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
140,930

 
$
127,845

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

 
 

Depreciation
 
13,443

 
15,062

Amortization of intangibles
 
34,878

 
34,610

Amortization of contract acquisition costs
 
12,633

 
12,806

Deferred income taxes
 
1,563

 
4,887

Employee share-based compensation expense
 
5,554

 
5,310

Other non-cash items, net
 
7,979

 
6,588

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
 
 

 
 

Trade accounts receivable
 
(7,492
)
 
1,326

Inventories and supplies
 
(1,541
)
 
(1,976
)
Other current assets
 
(527
)
 
(5,533
)
Non-current assets
 
(5,731
)
 
(30
)
Accounts payable
 
(2,043
)
 
2,195

Contract acquisition payments
 
(10,551
)
 
(15,038
)
Other accrued and non-current liabilities
 
(5,122
)
 
(10,897
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
183,973

 
177,155

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 

Purchases of capital assets
 
(26,786
)
 
(25,562
)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
(48,114
)
 
(32,632
)
Loans to distributors
 
(778
)
 
(3,237
)
Proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies
 
4,599

 
—

Other
 
2,250

 
3,538

Net cash used by investing activities
 
(68,829
)
 
(57,893
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 

Payments on long-term debt
 
(1,456
)
 
—

Payments for debt issue costs
 
(236
)
 
(1,164
)
Change in book overdrafts
 
(270
)
 
(2,627
)
Proceeds from issuing shares under employee plans
 
12,881

 
9,610

Excess tax benefit from share-based employee awards
 
1,582

 
1,120

Payments for common shares repurchased
 
(33,798
)
 
(11,999
)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders
 
(38,027
)
 
(38,131
)
Net cash used by financing activities
 
(59,324
)
 
(43,191
)
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate change on cash
 
(1,215
)
 
879

 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
54,605

 
76,950

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
 
45,435

 
28,687

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
100,040

 
$
105,637


See Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

5

DELUXE CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 1: Consolidated financial statements

The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013, the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated financial statements are included. Adjustments consist only of normal recurring items, except for any discussed in the notes below. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q, and do not contain certain information included in our annual consolidated financial statements and notes. The consolidated financial statements and notes appearing in this report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated audited financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Form 10-K”).


Note 2: New accounting pronouncements

On January 1, 2013, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This standard requires that companies present information about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in a single note or on the face of the financial statements, including the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the line item on the statement of comprehensive income affected by the reclassification adjustment. The disclosures required by this new standard are presented in Note 5: Other comprehensive income.

ASU No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, became effective for us on January 1, 2013. Under this new guidance, companies have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, then a quantitative assessment must be completed. We completed the annual impairment analysis of our indefinite-lived trade name during the quarter ended September 30, 2013. We elected to complete a quantitative assessment of the asset, the results of which are presented in Note 8: Fair value measurements.

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This standard provides guidance regarding when an unrecognized tax benefit should be classified as a reduction to a deferred tax asset or when it should be classified as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet. The guidance becomes effective for us on January 1, 2014. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated balance sheet.


Note 3: Supplemental balance sheet information

Inventories and supplies – Inventories and supplies were comprised of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Raw materials
 
$
5,134

 
$
4,818

Semi-finished goods
 
8,700

 
8,390

Finished goods
 
9,811

 
7,005

Supplies, primarily production
 
3,180

 
3,078

Inventories and supplies
 
$
26,825

 
$
23,291


6


Available-for-sale securities – Available-for-sale securities included within cash and cash equivalents, funds held for customers and other current assets were comprised of the following:
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
Cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair value
Canadian and provincial government securities
 
$
10,159

 
$
—

 
$
(356
)
 
$
9,803

Canadian guaranteed investment certificate
 
5,335

 
—

 
—

 
5,335

Available-for-sale securities (funds held for customers)(1)
 
15,494

 
—

 
(356
)
 
15,138

Money market securities (cash equivalents)
 
46,900

 
—

 
—

 
46,900

Canadian money market fund (other current assets)
 
2,099

 
—

 
—

 
2,099

Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
64,493

 
$
—


$
(356
)

$
64,137


(1) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013, also included cash of $15,621.
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
Cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair value
Canadian and provincial government securities
 
$
10,371

 
$
—

 
$
(115
)
 
$
10,256

Canadian guaranteed investment certificate
 
5,544

 
—

 
—

 
5,544

Available-for-sale securities (funds held for customers)(1)
 
15,915


—


(115
)

15,800

Money market securities (cash equivalents)
 
9,350

 
—

 
—

 
9,350

Canadian money market fund (other current assets)
 
2,162

 
—

 
—

 
2,162

Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
27,427

 
$
—

 
$
(115
)
 
$
27,312

 
(1) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, also included cash of $27,340.
 
Expected maturities of available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2013 were as follows:
 
 
Fair value
Due in one year or less
 
$
54,355

Due in two to five years
 
3,695

Due in six to ten years
 
6,087

Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
64,137


Further information regarding the fair value of available-for-sale securities can be found in Note 8: Fair value measurements.


7

Assets held for sale – Assets held for sale consisted of the operations of small business distributors which we purchased during 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012. The assets purchased consisted primarily of customer lists. We are actively marketing the assets and anticipate selling them within one year of their acquisition dates. Net assets held for sale consisted of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
Balance sheet caption
Current deferred income tax assets
 
$
1,195

 
$
—

 
Other current assets
Other current assets
 
684

 
—

 
Other current assets
Intangibles
 
24,077

 
970

 
Assets held for sale
Other non-current assets
 
1,147

 
—

 
Assets held for sale
Accrued liabilities
 
(1,015
)
 
—

 
Accrued liabilities
Non-current deferred income tax liabilities
 
(7,609
)
 
—

 
Other non-current liabilities
Net assets held for sale
 
$
18,479

 
$
970

 
 

Intangibles – Intangibles were comprised of the following:
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
Gross carrying amount
 
Accumulated amortization
 
Net carrying amount
 
Gross carrying amount
 
Accumulated amortization
 
Net carrying amount
Indefinite-lived:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade name
 
$
19,100

 
$
—

 
$
19,100

 
$
19,100

 
$
—

 
$
19,100

Amortizable intangibles:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Internal-use software
 
330,779

 
(266,805
)
 
63,974

 
438,988

 
(376,111
)
 
62,877

Customer lists/relationships
 
67,984

 
(32,717
)
 
35,267

 
58,735

 
(30,287
)
 
28,448

Trade names
 
67,861

 
(32,562
)
 
35,299

 
68,561

 
(30,151
)
 
38,410

Distributor contracts
 
30,900

 
(30,900
)
 
—

 
30,900

 
(29,999
)
 
901

Other
 
7,489

 
(5,950
)
 
1,539

 
6,511

 
(5,530
)
 
981

Amortizable intangibles
 
505,013

 
(368,934
)

136,079


603,695


(472,078
)

131,617

Intangibles
 
$
524,113

 
$
(368,934
)

$
155,179


$
622,795


$
(472,078
)

$
150,717


Amortization of intangibles was $11,880 for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 and $11,306 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012. Amortization of intangibles was $34,878 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $34,610 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Based on the intangibles in service as of September 30, 2013, estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
 
 
Estimated
amortization
expense
Remainder of 2013
 
$
11,472

2014
 
38,186

2015
 
26,296

2016
 
14,691

2017
 
8,926



8

Goodwill – Changes in goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
 
 
Small
Business
Services
 
Financial
Services
 
Direct
Checks
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill, gross
 
$
633,952

 
$
27,178

 
$
148,506

 
$
809,636

Accumulated impairment charges
 
(20,000
)
 
—

 
—

 
(20,000
)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges
 
613,952

 
27,178


148,506


789,636

Acquisition of VerticalResponse, Inc. (Note 6)
 
18,735

 
—

 
—

 
18,735

Acquisition of Acton Marketing, LLC (Note 6)
 
—

 
1,459

 
—

 
1,459

Currency translation adjustment
 
(76
)
 
—

 
—

 
(76
)
Balance, September 30, 2013:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Goodwill, gross
 
652,611

 
28,637

 
148,506

 
829,754

Accumulated impairment charges
 
(20,000
)
 
—

 
—

 
(20,000
)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges
 
$
632,611

 
$
28,637


$
148,506


$
809,754


Other non-current assets – Other non-current assets were comprised of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Contract acquisition costs
 
$
38,355

 
$
43,036

Loans and notes receivable from distributors
 
16,560

 
18,162

Postretirement benefit plan asset
 
11,853

 
4,993

Deferred advertising costs
 
9,788

 
13,783

Other
 
17,283

 
18,651

Other non-current assets
 
$
93,839

 
$
98,625


Changes in contract acquisition costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
Balance, beginning of year
 
$
43,036

 
$
55,076

Additions(1)
 
8,333

 
5,006

Amortization
 
(12,633
)
 
(12,806
)
Other
 
(381
)
 
(402
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
38,355

 
$
46,874

 
(1) Contract acquisition costs are accrued upon contract execution. Cash payments made for contract acquisition costs were $10,551 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $15,038 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.


9

Accrued liabilities – Accrued liabilities were comprised of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Funds held for customers
 
$
30,172

 
$
42,460

Employee profit sharing/cash bonus
 
27,522

 
40,670

Customer rebates
 
22,250

 
22,164

Deferred revenue
 
14,983

 
7,825

Interest
 
11,616

 
8,465

Wages, including vacation
 
10,864

 
7,364

Contract acquisition costs due within one year
 
3,832

 
3,820

Restructuring due within one year (Note 9)
 
3,792

 
4,507

Other
 
23,249

 
17,728

Accrued liabilities
 
$
148,280

 
$
155,003



Note 4: Earnings per share

The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. During each period, certain stock options, as noted below, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive. 
 
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Earnings per share – basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
46,903

 
$
41,503

 
$
140,930

 
$
127,845

Income allocated to participating securities
 
(160
)
 
(289
)
 
(689
)
 
(865
)
Income available to common shareholders
 
$
46,743

 
$
41,214


$
140,241

 
$
126,980

Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
50,443

 
50,680

 
50,579

 
50,779

Earnings per share – basic
 
$
0.93

 
$
0.81

 
$
2.77

 
$
2.50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share – diluted:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
46,903

 
$
41,503

 
$
140,930

 
$
127,845

Income allocated to participating securities
 
(159
)
 
(287
)
 
(684
)
 
(861
)
Re-measurement of share-based awards classified as liabilities
 
133

 
67

 
158

 
102

Income available to common shareholders
 
$
46,877

 
$
41,283


$
140,404

 
$
127,086

Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
50,443

 
50,680

 
50,579

 
50,779

Dilutive impact of potential common shares
 
451

 
349

 
450

 
299

Weighted-average shares and potential common shares outstanding
 
50,894

 
51,029


51,029

 
51,078

Earnings per share – diluted
 
$
0.92

 
$
0.81

 
$
2.75

 
$
2.49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Antidilutive options excluded from calculation
 
440

 
1,118

 
440

 
1,118




10

Note 5: Other comprehensive income

Accumulated other comprehensive loss – Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 
 
Pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of tax
 
Loss on derivatives, net of tax(1)
 
Net unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax(2)
 
Currency translation adjustment
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
$
(45,303
)
 
$
(1,821
)
 
$
(92
)
 
$
6,569

 
$
(40,647
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
 
—

 
—

 
(182
)
 
(2,162
)
 
(2,344
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
1,579

 
780

 
—

 
—

 
2,359

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
1,579

 
780

 
(182
)
 
(2,162
)
 
15

Balance, September 30, 2013
 
$
(43,724
)
 
$
(1,041
)
 
$
(274
)
 
$
4,407

 
$
(40,632
)

(1) Relates to interest rate locks executed in 2004. See the caption "Note 6: Derivative financial instruments" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in the 2012 Form 10-K.
(2) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications is net of an income tax benefit of $65.

Reclassification adjustments – Information regarding amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income was as follows:

Accumulated other comprehensive loss components
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
Affected line item in consolidated statements of comprehensive income
 
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service credit
 
$
355

 
$
764

 
$
1,066

 
$
2,291

 
(1) 
Net actuarial loss
 
(1,110
)
 
(1,469
)
 
(3,330
)
 
(4,409
)
 
(1) 
Total amortization
 
(755
)
 
(705
)
 
(2,264
)
 
(2,118
)
 
(1) 
Tax benefit
 
229

 
264

 
685

 
799

 
(1) 
Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items, net of tax
 
(526
)
 
(441
)
 
(1,579
)
 
(1,319
)
 
(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of loss on interest rate locks
 
(418
)
 
(446
)
 
(1,255
)
 
(1,341
)
 
Interest expense
Tax benefit
 
158

 
168

 
475

 
506

 
Income tax provision
Amortization of loss on interest rate locks, net of tax
 
(260
)
 
(278
)
 
(780
)
 
(835
)
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications, net of tax
 
$
(786
)
 
$
(719
)
 
$
(2,359
)
 
$
(2,154
)
 
 

(1) Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items is included in the computation of net periodic benefit (credit) expense. See Note 10 for additional details.



11

Note 6: Acquisitions

In August 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Acton Marketing, LLC (Acton) in a cash transaction for $4,095, net of cash acquired. We funded the acquisition with cash on hand. Acton is a provider of direct marketing services for financial institutions. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in tax-deductible goodwill of $1,459. The acquisition resulted in goodwill as we expect to accelerate revenue growth in marketing solutions and other services by combining the Acton business with our existing marketing solutions, bringing the best of these collective programs to both the Deluxe and Acton customer bases. Transaction costs related to the acquisition were expensed as incurred and were not significant to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The results of operations of this business from its acquisition date are included in our Financial Services segment. Acquired intangible assets consisted of customer relationships with an aggregate value of $3,600. These assets have a weighted-average useful life of 5 years and are being amortized in relation to the expected cash flows. Further information regarding the calculation of the estimated fair values of these assets can be found in Note 8.

In June 2013, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of VerticalResponse, Inc. in a cash transaction for $27,299, net of cash acquired. We funded the acquisition with cash on hand. VerticalResponse is a provider of self-service marketing solutions for small businesses, including email marketing, social media, online event marketing, postcard marketing and on-line surveys. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in goodwill of $18,735. This amount decreased $2,190 from June 30, 2013, as we finalized the valuation of intangibles and deferred income taxes during the quarter ended September 30, 2013. The acquisition resulted in goodwill as we expect to accelerate revenue growth in marketing solutions and other services by adding VerticalResponse's established customer base and online promotional and internet marketing capabilities. Transaction costs related to the acquisition were expensed as incurred and were not significant to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The results of operations of this business from its acquisition date are included in our Small Business Services segment.

Intangible assets acquired in the VerticalResponse acquisition consisted primarily of customer relationships with an aggregate value of $9,400 and a weighted-average useful life of 9 years, as well as internal-use software with an aggregate value of $4,200 and a weighted-average useful life of 4 years. The customer relationships are being amortized in relation to the expected cash flows and the internal-use software is being amortized using the straight-line method. Further information regarding the calculation of the estimated fair values of these assets can be found in Note 8.

During 2013, we also acquired the operations of small business distributors for aggregate cash payments of $16,720. The assets acquired consisted primarily of customer lists which we are actively marketing and anticipate selling within one year of their acquisition dates. As such, the assets and liabilities of these distributors are designated as held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets. Further information regarding net assets held for sale can be found in Note 3, and information regarding the calculation of the estimated fair values of the acquired assets can be found in Note 8.


Note 7: Derivative financial instruments

We have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge against changes in the fair value of a portion of our long-term debt. We entered into these swaps, which we designated as fair value hedges, to achieve a targeted mix of fixed and variable rate debt, where we receive a fixed rate and pay a variable rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps and the related long-term debt are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The interest rate swaps related to our long-term debt due in 2020 meet the criteria for using the short-cut method for a fair value hedge based on the structure of the hedging relationship. As such, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the related long-term debt are equal. The short-cut method is not being used for the interest rate swaps related to our long-term debt due in 2014. When the change in the fair value of these interest rate swaps and the hedged debt are not equal (i.e., hedge ineffectiveness), the difference in the changes in fair value affects the reported amount of interest expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Information regarding hedge ineffectiveness in each period is presented in Note 8.


12

Information regarding interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2013 was as follows:
 
 
Notional amount
 
Fair value of interest rate swaps
 
Increase (decrease) in debt due to fair value adjustment
 
Balance sheet caption including interest rate swaps
Fair value hedge related to long-term debt due in 2014
 
$
198,000

 
$
2,616

 
$
2,058

 
Other non-current assets
Fair value hedge related to long-term debt due in 2020
 
200,000

 
(13,729
)
 
(13,729
)
 
Other non-current liabilities
Total fair value hedges
 
$
398,000

 
$
(11,113
)

$
(11,671
)
 
 

Information regarding interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2012 was as follows:
 
 
Notional amount
 
Fair value of interest rate swaps
 
Increase (decrease) in debt due to fair value adjustment
 
Balance sheet caption including interest rate swaps
Fair value hedge related to long-term debt due in 2014
 
$
198,000

 
$
3,858

 
$
3,370

 
Other non-current assets
Fair value hedge related to long-term debt due in 2020
 
200,000

 
(4,189
)
 
(4,189
)
 
Other non-current liabilities
Total fair value hedges
 
$
398,000

 
$
(331
)
 
$
(819
)
 
 


Note 8: Fair value measurements

2013 annual impairment analysis – We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and our indefinite-lived trade name as of July 31 of each year and between annual evaluations if events or circumstances occur that would indicate a possible impairment. As such, during the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we completed our annual impairment analyses.

In completing our 2013 annual goodwill impairment analysis, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment for all of our reporting units to which goodwill is assigned. This qualitative analysis evaluated factors including, but not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. We also considered the most recent quantitative analysis we completed as of July 31, 2010, in which the estimated fair values of our reporting units exceeded their carrying values by amounts between $43,000 and $546,000, or by amounts between 55% and 442% above the carrying values of their net assets. In completing our 2013 qualitative analysis, we noted no changes in events or circumstances which would require us to complete the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for any of our reporting units.

In completing the 2013 annual impairment analysis of our indefinite-lived trade name, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment. The estimate of the fair value of this asset is based on a relief from royalty method which calculates the cost savings associated with owning rather than licensing the trade name. An assumed royalty rate is applied to forecasted revenue and the resulting cash flows are discounted. Should the estimated fair value be less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss would be recognized for this difference. The impairment analysis completed during the quarter ended September 30, 2013 indicated that the calculated fair value of the indefinite-lived trade name exceeded its carrying value of $19,100 by approximately $14,000. Because the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value, no impairment charge was recorded during the quarter ended September 30, 2013.

2013 acquisitions – For all acquisitions, we are required to measure the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired, excluding goodwill and deferred income taxes. The identifiable net assets acquired during 2013 were comprised primarily of customer relationships associated with the acquisitions of VerticalResponse, Inc. and Acton Marketing, LLC (Note 6) and internal-use software associated with the acquisition of VerticalResponse. The fair value of the customer relationships was estimated using the multi-period excess earnings method. Assumptions used in this calculation included same-customer revenue growth rates and estimated customer retention rates based on the acquirees' historical information. The aggregate calculated fair value of customer relationships acquired during 2013 was $13,000. The fair value of

13

the acquired internal-use software was estimated using a cost of reproduction method. The primary components of the software were identified and the estimated cost to reproduce the software was calculated. As the software was recently developed, the estimated cost to reproduce was based on the actual time and labor rates incurred by the acquiree. The calculated fair value of the acquired internal-use software was $4,200.

In addition to the VerticalResponse and Acton acquisitions, we also acquired the operations of small business distributors during 2013 for aggregate cash payments of $16,720. The assets acquired consisted primarily of the distributors' customer lists which we anticipate selling to our Safeguard® distributors. The fair value of the customer lists is based on the estimated future cash flows expected to be generated via the acquired customer lists. These assets are held for sale and thus, are not being amortized. Further information regarding net assets held for sale can be found in Note 3.

Recurring fair value measurements – Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 included available-for-sale marketable securities (Note 3). These securities consist of investments in money market funds which are traded in active markets. As such, the fair value of the securities is determined based on quoted market prices. Because of the short-term nature of the underlying investments, the cost of these securities approximates their fair value. The cost of securities sold is determined using the average cost method. No gains or losses on sales of these marketable securities were realized during the quarters or nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

Funds held for customers included available-for-sale marketable securities (Note 3). These securities consist of a mutual fund investment which invests in Canadian and provincial government securities, as well as an investment in a six-month Canadian guaranteed investment certificate (GIC). The mutual fund is not traded in an active market and its fair value is determined by obtaining quoted prices in active markets for the underlying securities held by the fund. The fair value of the GIC approximates cost due to its relatively short duration. Unrealized gains and losses on the Canadian mutual fund investment, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. The cost of securities sold is determined using the average cost method. Realized gains and losses are included in revenue on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and were not significant for the quarters or nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

Other current assets included available-for-sale marketable securities (Note 3). These securities consist of a Canadian money market fund which is not traded in an active market. As such, the fair value of this investment is determined by obtaining quoted prices in active markets for the underlying securities held by the fund. Because of the short-term nature of the underlying investments, the cost of these securities approximates their fair value. The cost of securities sold is determined using the average cost method. No gains or losses on sales of these marketable securities were realized during the quarters or nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

We have elected to account for a long-term investment in domestic mutual funds under the fair value option for financial assets and financial liabilities. The fair value option provides companies an irrevocable option to measure many financial assets and liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The investment is included in long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets. Long-term investments also include the cash surrender values of company-owned life insurance policies. Realized and unrealized gains and losses, as well as dividends earned by the mutual fund investment, are included in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. This investment corresponds to a liability under an officers’ deferred compensation plan which is not available to new participants and is fully funded by the investment in mutual funds. The liability under the plan equals the fair value of the investment in mutual funds. Thus, as the value of the investment changes, the value of the liability changes accordingly. As changes in the liability are reflected within SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, the fair value option of accounting for the investment in mutual funds allows us to net changes in the investment and the related liability in the statements of comprehensive income. The cost of securities sold is determined using the average cost method. During the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, net realized gains were not significant. We recognized net unrealized gains of $140 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $120 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.


14

The fair value of interest rate swaps (Note 7) is determined at each reporting date by means of a pricing model utilizing readily observable market interest rates. The change in fair value is determined as the change in the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted using the LIBOR rate. The interest rate swaps related to our long-term debt due in 2020 meet the criteria for using the short-cut method for a fair value hedge based on the structure of the hedging relationship. As such, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and related long-term debt are equal. The short-cut method is not being used for our other interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps, as well as changes in the fair value of the hedged debt, are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and were as follows:
 
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Gain (loss) from derivatives
 
$
399

 
$
(185
)
 
$
(10,782
)
 
$
378

(Loss) gain from change in fair value of hedged debt
 
(411
)
 
(344
)
 
10,852

 
(1,113
)
Net (increase) decrease in interest expense
 
$
(12
)
 
$
(529
)
 
$
70


$
(735
)

Information regarding recurring fair value measurements completed during each period was as follows:
 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements using
 
 
Fair value as of
 September 30, 2013
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
 
Significant other observable inputs
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
 
 
(Level 1)
 
 (Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Available-for-sale marketable securities (cash equivalents)
 
$
46,900

 
$
46,900

 
$
—

 
$
—

Available-for-sale marketable securities (funds held for customers)
 
15,138

 
—

 
15,138

 
—

Available-for-sale marketable securities (other current assets)
 
2,099

 
—

 
2,099

 
—

Long-term investment in mutual funds
 
2,224

 
2,224

 
—

 
—

Derivative assets
 
2,616

 
—

 
2,616

 
—

Derivative liabilities
 
(13,729
)
 
—

 
(13,729
)
 
—

 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements using
 
 
Fair value as of
December 31, 2012
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
 
Significant other
observable inputs
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
 
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Available-for-sale marketable securities (cash equivalents)
 
$
9,350

 
$
9,350

 
$
—

 
$
—

Available-for-sale marketable securities (funds held for customers)
 
15,800

 
—

 
15,800

 
—

Available-for-sale marketable securities (other current assets)
 
2,162

 
—

 
2,162

 
—

Long-term investment in mutual funds
 
2,196

 
2,196

 
—

 
—

Derivative assets
 
3,858

 
—

 
3,858

 
—

Derivative liabilities
 
(4,189
)
 
—

 
(4,189
)
 
—


Our policy is to recognize transfers between fair value levels as of the end of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred. There were no transfers between fair value levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Fair value measurements of other financial instruments – The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate fair value.

Cash, excluding cash equivalents, and cash included within funds held for customers – The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items.

15


Loans and notes receivable from distributors – We have receivables for loans made to our Safeguard® distributors. In addition, we have acquired the operations of several small business distributors which we then sold to our Safeguard distributors. In most cases, we entered into notes receivable upon the sale of the assets to the distributors. The fair value of these loans and notes receivable is calculated as the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted using an interest rate based on published bond yields, adjusted for companies of similar risk.

Long-term debt – For those notes traded in an active market, the fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted prices for identical liabilities when traded as assets in an active market. As of December 31, 2012, our long-term debt issued in November 2012 was not traded in an active market. As such, the fair value as of that date was determined by means of a pricing model utilizing readily observable market interest rates. As these notes began trading in an active market during the second quarter of 2013, the fair value of these notes was reported as a Level 1 fair value measurement as of September 30, 2013. The fair value of long-term debt included in the table below does not reflect the impact of hedging activity. The carrying amount of long-term debt includes the change in fair value of hedged long-term debt.

The estimated fair values of these financial instruments were as follows:
 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements using
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
 
Significant other observable inputs
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
 
Carrying value
 
Fair value
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Cash (excluding cash equivalents)
 
$
53,140

 
$
53,140

 
$
53,140

 
$
—

 
$
—

Cash (funds held for customers)
 
15,621

 
15,621

 
15,621

 
—

 
—

Loans and notes receivable from distributors
 
18,497

 
17,558

 
—

 
—

 
17,558

Long-term debt(1)
 
641,772

 
680,755

 
680,755

 
—

 
—


(1) Amounts exclude capital lease obligations.
 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements using
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
 
Significant other observable inputs
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
 
Carrying value
 
Fair value
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Cash (excluding cash equivalents)
 
$
36,085

 
$
36,085

 
$
36,085

 
$
—

 
$
—

Cash (funds held for customers)
 
27,340

 
27,340

 
27,340

 
—

 
—

Loans and notes receivable from distributors
 
19,843

 
19,170

 
—

 
—

 
19,170

Long-term debt
 
652,581

 
676,859

 
481,048

 
195,811

 
—




16

Note 9: Restructuring charges

Net restructuring charges for each period consisted of the following components:
 
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Severance accruals
 
$
2,512

 
$
1,649

 
$
4,386

 
$
4,685

Severance reversals
 
(210
)
 
(489
)
 
(688
)
 
(1,397
)
Operating lease obligations
 
214

 
118

 
216

 
118

Operating lease reversals
 
—

 
—

 
(157
)
 
—

Net restructuring accruals
 
2,516

 
1,278


3,757


3,406

Other costs
 
563

 
1,656

 
1,822

 
3,326

Net restructuring charges
 
$
3,079

 
$
2,934


$
5,579


$
6,732


The net restructuring charges are reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as follows:
 
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Total cost of revenue
 
$
299

 
$
193

 
$
504

 
$
1,355

Operating expenses
 
2,780

 
2,741

 
5,075

 
5,377

Net restructuring charges
 
$
3,079

 
$
2,934


$
5,579


$
6,732


2013 restructuring charges – During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the net restructuring accruals included severance charges related to employee reductions across functional areas as we continue to reduce costs. The restructuring accruals included severance benefits for approximately 75 employees for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 and severance benefits for approximately 125 employees for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. These charges were reduced by the reversal of restructuring accruals recorded primarily in previous years, as fewer employees received severance benefits than originally estimated. Other restructuring costs, which were expensed as incurred, included items such as employee and equipment moves, training and travel related to our restructuring activities.

2012 restructuring charges – During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the net restructuring accruals included severance charges related to employee reductions across functional areas as we continued to reduce costs. Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 also included severance charges related to the closing of two customer call centers during the third quarter of 2012 and the closing of two printing facilities in the fourth quarter of 2012. The restructuring accruals included severance benefits for approximately 80 employees for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and severance benefits for approximately 275 employees for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. These charges were reduced by the reversal of restructuring accruals recorded primarily in previous years, as fewer employees received severance benefits than originally estimated. Other restructuring costs, which were expensed as incurred, included items such as employee and equipment moves, training and travel related to our restructuring activities.

Restructuring accruals of $3,851 as of September 30, 2013 are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as accrued liabilities of $3,792 and other non-current liabilities of $59. Restructuring accruals of $4,650 as of December 31, 2012 are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as accrued liabilities of $4,507 and other non-current liabilities of $143. The majority of the employee reductions are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2014, and we expect most of the related severance payments to be paid by mid-2014, utilizing cash from operations. The remaining payments due under operating lease obligations will be paid through February 2015. As of September 30, 2013, approximately 80 employees had not yet started to receive severance benefits. Further information regarding our restructuring accruals can be found under the caption “Note 8: Restructuring charges” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in the 2012 Form 10-K.


17

Accruals for our restructuring initiatives, summarized by year, were as follows:
 
 
2010
initiatives
 
2011
initiatives
 
2012
 initiatives
 
2013
 initiatives
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
$
85

 
$
21

 
$
4,544

 
$
—

 
$
4,650

Restructuring charges
 
—

 
49

 
283

 
4,270

 
4,602

Restructuring reversals
 
—

 
(3
)
 
(729
)
 
(113
)
 
(845
)
Payments
 
(85
)
 
(67
)
 
(3,255
)
 
(1,149
)
 
(4,556
)
Balance, September 30, 2013
 
$
—

 
$
—


$
843


$
3,008

 
$
3,851

Cumulative amounts:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Restructuring charges
 
$
9,730

 
$
9,124

 
$
7,991

 
$
4,270

 
$
31,115

Restructuring reversals
 
(1,548
)
 
(1,719
)
 
(1,258
)
 
(113
)
 
(4,638
)
Payments
 
(8,182
)
 
(7,405
)
 
(5,890
)
 
(1,149
)
 
(22,626
)
Balance, September 30, 2013
 
$
—

 
$
—


$
843


$
3,008

 
$
3,851


The components of our restructuring accruals, by segment, were as follows:
 
 
Employee severance benefits
 
Operating lease obligations
 
 
 
 
Small Business Services
 
Financial Services
 
Direct Checks
 
 
Corporate
 
Small Business Services
 
Direct Checks
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
$
643

 
$
1,090

 
$
44

 
$
2,472

 
$
251

 
$
150

 
$
4,650

Restructuring charges
 
1,189

 
2,118

 
103

 
976

 
164

 
52

 
4,602

Restructuring reversals
 
(112
)
 
(188
)
 
(2
)
 
(386
)
 
(157
)
 
—

 
(845
)
Payments
 
(944
)
 
(1,235
)
 
(47
)
 
(2,101
)
 
(79
)
 
(150
)
 
(4,556
)
Balance, September 30, 2013
 
$
776

 
$
1,785


$
98


$
961


$
179


$
52


$
3,851

Cumulative amounts(1):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Restructuring charges
 
$
7,350

 
$
8,208

 
$
3,436

 
$
10,948

 
$
494

 
$
679

 
$
31,115

Restructuring reversals
 
(1,291
)
 
(973
)
 
(214
)
 
(2,003
)
 
(157
)
 
—

 
(4,638
)
Inter-segment transfer
 
309

 
50

 
(38
)
 
(321
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Payments
 
(5,592
)
 
(5,500
)
 
(3,086
)
 
(7,663
)
 
(158
)
 
(627
)
 
(22,626
)
Balance, September 30, 2013
 
$
776

 
$
1,785


$
98


$
961


$
179


$
52


$
3,851


(1) Includes accruals related to our cost reduction initiatives for 2010 through 2013.


Note 10: Postretirement benefits

We have historically provided certain health care benefits for a large number of retired U.S. employees. In addition to our retiree health care plan, we also have a supplemental executive retirement plan in the United States. Further information regarding our postretirement benefit plans can be found under the caption “Note 12: Pension and other postretirement benefits” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in the 2012 Form 10-K.


18

Postretirement benefit (credit) expense for each period consisted of the following components:
 
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Interest cost
 
$
913

 
$
1,515

 
$
2,739

 
$
4,546

Expected return on plan assets
 
(2,008
)
 
(1,950
)
 
(6,023
)
 
(5,852
)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
(355
)
 
(764
)
 
(1,066
)
 
(2,291
)
Amortization of net actuarial losses
 
1,110

 
1,469

 
3,330

 
4,409

Net periodic benefit (credit) expense
 
$
(340
)
 
$
270

 
$
(1,020
)
 
$
812



Note 11: Debt

Debt outstanding was comprised of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
5.125% senior, unsecured notes due October 1, 2014, net of discount(1)
 
$
255,501

 
$
256,770

7.0% senior notes due March 15, 2019
 
200,000

 
200,000

6.0% senior notes due November 15, 2020(2)
 
186,271

 
195,811

Long-term portion of capital lease obligations
 
1,297

 
—

Long-term portion of debt
 
643,069

 
652,581

Capital lease obligations due within one year
 
499

 
—

Total debt
 
$
643,568

 
$
652,581


(1) Includes increase due to cumulative change in fair value of hedged debt of $2,058 as of September 30, 2013 and $3,370 as of December 31, 2012.
(2) Includes decrease due to cumulative change in fair value of hedged debt of $13,729 as of September 30, 2013 and $4,189 as of December 31, 2012.

Discounts from par value are being amortized ratably as increases to interest expense over the term of the related debt.

All of our notes include covenants that place certain restrictions on the issuance of additional debt and limitations on certain liens. If our ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to interest expense, as defined in such instruments, falls below two to one, there would be additional limitations on our ability to issue additional debt. The notes due in 2020 and 2019 also include limitations on our ability to issue redeemable stock and preferred stock, make loans and investments, and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets. Absent certain defined events of default under our debt instruments, and as long as our ratio of EBITDA to interest expense is in excess of two to one, our debt covenants do not restrict our ability to pay cash dividends at our current rate, although there are aggregate annual limits on the amount of dividends and share repurchases under the terms of our credit facility, as well as a cumulative limit on such payments through the term of the credit facility.

In November 2012, we issued $200,000 of 6.0% senior notes maturing on November 15, 2020. The notes were issued via a private placement under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These notes were subsequently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) via a registration statement which became effective on April 3, 2013. Interest payments are due each May and November. The notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and place a limitation on restricted payments, including share repurchases and increases in dividend levels. The limitation on restricted payments does not apply if the notes are upgraded to an investment-grade credit rating. Financial information for the guarantor subsidiaries can be found in Note 15. At any time prior to November 15, 2015, we may on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the notes with the proceeds of one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106% of the principal amount of the notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to November 15, 2016, we may also redeem some or all of the notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and a make-whole premium. At any time on or after November 15, 2016, we may redeem some or all of the notes at prices ranging from 100% to 103% of the principal amount. If at any time we sell certain of our assets or experience specific types of changes in control, we must offer to purchase all of the outstanding notes at 101% of the principal amount. Proceeds from the offering, net of offering costs, were $196,340. These proceeds were used to retire our senior notes which were due in June 2015. The fair

19

value of the notes issued in November 2012 was $205,000 as of September 30, 2013, based on quoted prices for identical liabilities when traded as assets. As discussed in Note 7, we have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge these notes.

In March 2011, we issued $200,000 of 7.0% senior notes maturing on March 15, 2019. The notes were issued via a private placement under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These notes were subsequently registered with the SEC via a registration statement which became effective on January 10, 2012. Interest payments are due each March and September. The notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and place a limitation on restricted payments, including share repurchases and increases in dividend levels. The limitation on restricted payments does not apply if the notes are upgraded to an investment-grade credit rating. Financial information for the guarantor subsidiaries can be found in Note 15. At any time prior to March 15, 2014, we may on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the notes with the proceeds of one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 107% of the principal amount of the notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to March 15, 2015, we may also redeem some or all of the notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and a make-whole premium. At any time on or after March 15, 2015, we may redeem some or all of the notes at prices ranging from 100% to 103.5% of the principal amount. If at any time we sell certain of our assets or experience specific types of changes in control, we must offer to purchase all of the outstanding notes at 101% of the principal amount. Proceeds from the offering, net of offering costs, were $196,195. These proceeds were used to retire a portion of our senior, unsecured notes due in 2012. The fair value of the notes issued in March 2011 was $213,750 as of September 30, 2013, based on quoted prices for identical liabilities when traded as assets.

In October 2004, we issued $275,000 of 5.125% senior, unsecured notes maturing on October 1, 2014. The notes were issued via a private placement under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These notes were subsequently registered with the SEC via a registration statement which became effective on November 23, 2004. Interest payments are due each April and October. Proceeds from the offering, net of offering costs, were $272,276. These proceeds were used to repay commercial paper borrowings used for the acquisition of New England Business Service, Inc. in 2004. During 2011, we retired $10,000 of these notes and during 2009, we retired $11,500 of these notes. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the $253,500 remaining notes outstanding was $262,005 based on quoted prices for identical liabilities when traded as assets. As discussed in Note 7, we have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of these notes.

As of September 30, 2013, we had capital lease obligations of $1,796 related to information technology hardware. The lease obligations will be paid through August 2017. The related assets are included in property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.

As of September 30, 2013, we had a $200,000 credit facility, which expires in February 2017. Our commitment fee ranges from 0.20% to 0.45% based on our leverage ratio. Borrowings under the credit facility are collateralized by substantially all of our personal and intangible property. The credit agreement governing the credit facility contains customary covenants regarding limits on levels of subsidiary indebtedness and capital expenditures, liens, investments, acquisitions, certain mergers, certain asset sales outside the ordinary course of business, and change in control as defined in the agreement. The agreement also contains financial covenants regarding our leverage ratio, interest coverage and liquidity. No amounts were outstanding under our credit facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or during 2012. As of September 30, 2013, amounts were available for borrowing under our credit facility as follows:
 
 
Total
available
Credit facility commitment
 
$
200,000

Outstanding letters of credit(1)
 
(7,965
)
Net available for borrowing as of September 30, 2013
 
$
192,035

(1) We use standby letters of credit primarily to collateralize certain obligations related to our self-insured workers’ compensation claims. These letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowing under our credit facility.

Note 12:  Other commitments and contingencies

Indemnifications – In the normal course of business, we periodically enter into agreements that incorporate general indemnification language. These indemnifications encompass third-party claims arising from our products and services, including service failures, breach of security, intellectual property rights, governmental regulations and/or employment-related matters. Performance under these indemnities would generally be triggered by our breach of the terms of the contract. In disposing of assets or businesses, we often provide representations, warranties and/or indemnities to cover various risks including, for example, unknown damage to the assets, environmental risks involved in the sale of real estate, liability to

20

investigate and remediate environmental contamination at waste disposal sites and manufacturing facilities, and unidentified tax liabilities and legal fees related to periods prior to disposition. We do not have the ability to estimate the potential liability from such indemnities because they relate to unknown conditions. However, we have no reason to believe that any possible liability under these indemnities would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, annual results of operations or annual cash flows. We have recorded liabilities for known indemnifications related to environmental matters.

Environmental matters – We are currently involved in environmental compliance, investigation and remediation activities at some of our current and former sites, primarily printing facilities of our Financial Services and Small Business Services segments which have been sold. Remediation costs are accrued on an undiscounted basis when the obligations are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Remediation or testing costs that result directly from the sale of an asset and which we would not have otherwise incurred are considered direct costs of the sale of the asset. As such, they are included in our measurement of the carrying value of the asset sold.

Accruals for environmental matters were $8,400 as of September 30, 2013 and $8,446 as of December 31, 2012, primarily related to facilities which have been sold. These accruals are included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued costs consist of direct costs of the remediation activities, primarily fees which will be paid to outside engineering and consulting firms. Although recorded accruals include our best estimates, our total costs cannot be predicted with certainty due to various factors such as the extent of corrective action that may be required, evolving environmental laws and regulations and advances in environmental technology. Where the available information is sufficient to estimate the amount of the liability, that estimate is used. Where the information is only sufficient to establish a range of probable liability and no point within the range is more likely than any other, the lower end of the range is recorded. We do not believe that the range of possible outcomes could have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Expense reflected in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for environmental matters was $1,085 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $681 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

As of September 30, 2013, $4,325 of the costs included in our environmental accruals were covered by an environmental insurance policy which we purchased during 2002. The insurance policy covers up to $12,911 of remediation costs, of which $8,586 had been paid through September 30, 2013. This insurance policy does not cover properties acquired subsequent to 2002. However, costs included in our environmental accruals for such properties were not material as of September 30, 2013. We do not anticipate significant net cash outlays for environmental matters in 2013. The insurance policy also covers up to $10,000 of third-party claims through 2032 at certain owned, leased and divested sites, as well as any new conditions discovered at certain owned or leased sites through 2012. We consider the realization of recovery under the insurance policy to be probable based on the insurance contract in place with a reputable and financially-sound insurance company. As our environmental accruals include our best estimates of these costs, we have recorded receivables from the insurance company within other current assets and other non-current assets based on the amounts of our environmental accruals for insured sites.

We also have an additional environmental site liability insurance policy providing coverage on facilities which we acquired subsequent to 2002. This policy covers liability for claims of bodily injury or property damage arising from pollution events at the covered facilities. The policy also provides remediation coverage should we be required by a governing authority to perform remediation activities at the covered sites. The policy provides coverage of up to $15,000 through April 2019. No accruals have been recorded in our consolidated financial statements for any of the events contemplated in this insurance policy.

Self-insurance – We are self-insured for certain costs, primarily workers' compensation claims and medical and dental benefits. The liabilities associated with these items represent our best estimate of the ultimate obligations for reported claims plus those incurred, but not reported. The liability for workers' compensation, which totaled $4,129 as of September 30, 2013 and $4,471 as of December 31, 2012, is accounted for on a discounted basis. The difference between the discounted and undiscounted workers' compensation liability was $34 as of September 30, 2013 and $20 as of December 31, 2012. We record liabilities for medical and dental benefits for active employees and those employees on long-term disability. Our liability for active employees is not recorded on a discounted basis as we expect the benefits to be paid in a relatively short period of time. Our liability for those employees on long-term disability is accounted for on a discounted basis. Our total liability for these medical and dental benefits totaled $3,282 as of September 30, 2013 and $3,872 as of December 31, 2012. The difference between the discounted and undiscounted medical and dental liability was $146 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Our self-insurance liabilities are estimated, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be significantly affected if future events and claims differ from these assumptions and historical trends.

21



Note 13: Shareholders’ equity

Shares outstanding – In April 2013, we issued 193 shares to the previous owners of Banker's Dashboard, LLC, a company we acquired in April 2011. The purchase agreement for Banker's Dashboard required the accelerated issuance of these shares two years after the closing of the acquisition based on the retention of certain Banker's Dashboard employees. The fair value of the shares was recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of acquisition.

Share repurchases – We have an outstanding authorization from our board of directors to purchase up to 10,000 shares of our common stock. This authorization has no expiration date, and 3,397 shares remained available for purchase under this authorization as of September 30, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we repurchased 861 shares for $33,798.


Note 14: Business segment information

We operate three reportable business segments: Small Business Services, Financial Services and Direct Checks. Our business segments are generally organized by type of customer served and reflect the way we manage the company. Small Business Services promotes and sells products and services to small businesses via mail and the internet, referrals from financial institutions and telecommunications clients, a network of distributors and dealers, and a direct sales force which focuses on major accounts. These efforts are supplemented by the account development efforts of an outbound telemarketing group. Financial Services' products and services are sold through multiple channels, including a direct sales force, to financial institution clients nationwide, including banks, credit unions and financial services companies. Direct Checks sells products and services directly to consumers using direct response marketing via mail and the internet. All three segments operate primarily in the United States. Small Business Services also has operations in Canada and portions of Europe. Our product and service offerings are comprised of the following:

Checks – We remain one of the largest providers of checks in the United States, both in terms of revenue and the number of checks produced. Checks account for the majority of the revenue in our Financial Services and Direct Checks segments and represented 45.4% of our Small Business Services segment's revenue in 2012.

Forms – Our Small Business Services segment provides printed forms to small businesses, including deposit tickets, billing forms, work orders, job proposals, purchase orders, invoices and personnel forms. This segment also offers computer forms compatible with accounting software packages commonly used by small businesses. Forms sold by our Financial Services and Direct Checks segments include deposit tickets and check registers.

Accessories and other products – Small Business Services provides products designed to provide small business owners with the customized documents necessary to efficiently manage their business including envelopes, office supplies, stamps and labels, as well as retail packaging supplies. Our Financial Services and Direct Checks segments offer checkbook covers and stamps.

Marketing solutions – All three of our segments offer products and services that help small businesses and/or financial institutions promote their businesses and acquire customers. Our Small Business Services segment offers services designed to fulfill the sales and marketing needs of small businesses such as web design, hosting and other web services, search engine optimization, marketing services, including email, mobile, social media and other self-service marketing solutions, digital printing services and logo design. In addition, Small Business Services offers products such as promotional products, postcards, brochures, apparel, greeting cards and business cards. Financial Services offers various customer acquisition programs and marketing communications services, while Direct Checks provides package insert programs under which companies' marketing materials are included in our check packages.

Other services – All three of our segments provide fraud protection and security services. In addition, our Small Business Services segment offers payroll services, and Financial Services provides financial institution profitability and risk management services.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2012 Form 10-K. We allocate corporate costs for our shared services functions to our business segments, including costs of our executive management, human resources, supply chain, finance, information technology and legal functions. Generally, where costs incurred are directly attributable to a business segment, primarily within the areas of

22

information technology, supply chain and finance, those costs are charged directly to that segment. Because we use a shared services approach for many of our functions, certain costs are not directly attributable to a business segment. These costs are allocated to our business segments based on segment revenue, as revenue is a measure of the relative size and magnitude of each segment and indicates the level of corporate shared services consumed by each segment. Corporate assets are not allocated to the segments and consist of property, plant and equipment, internal-use software, inventories and supplies related to our corporate shared services functions of manufacturing, information technology and real estate, as well as long-term investments.

We are an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations and the sharing of assets. Therefore, we do not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating income and other financial information shown.

The following is our segment information as of and for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
 
 
 
 
Reportable Business Segments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Business Services
 
Financial Services
 
Direct Checks
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total revenue from external
 
2013
 
$
265,463

 
$
86,482

 
$
46,135

 
$
—

 
$
398,080

customers:
 
2012
 
244,461

 
82,843

 
51,034

 
—

 
378,338

Operating income:
 
2013
 
46,277

 
18,859

 
14,582

 
—

 
79,718

 
 
2012
 
39,636

 
17,693

 
15,341

 
—

 
72,670

Depreciation and amortization
 
2013
 
11,449

 
2,842

 
1,984

 
—

 
16,275

expense:
 
2012
 
11,081

 
2,922

 
2,235

 
—

 
16,238

Total assets:
 
2013
 
929,820

 
87,934

 
167,626

 
324,306

 
1,509,686

 
 
2012
 
863,015

 
84,286

 
170,660

 
349,330

 
1,467,291

Capital asset purchases:
 
2013
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10,196

 
10,196

 
 
2012
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
8,228

 
8,228


The following is our segment information as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
 
 
 
 
Reportable Business Segments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Business Services
 
Financial Services
 
Direct Checks
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total revenue from external
 
2013
 
$
765,607

 
$
256,695

 
$
144,765

 
$
—

 
$
1,167,067

customers:
 
2012
 
707,144

 
259,101

 
161,089

 
—

 
1,127,334

Operating income:
 
2013
 
131,068

 
63,350

 
45,494

 
—

 
239,912

 
 
2012
 
116,651

 
59,595

 
48,025

 
—

 
224,271

Depreciation and amortization
 
2013
 
34,139

 
8,233

 
5,949

 
—

 
48,321

expense:
 
2012
 
33,485

 
9,197

 
6,990

 
—

 
49,672

Total assets:
 
2013
 
929,820

 
87,934

 
167,626

 
324,306

 
1,509,686

 
 
2012
 
863,015

 
84,286

 
170,660

 
349,330

 
1,467,291

Capital asset purchases:
 
2013
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
26,786

 
26,786

 
 
2012
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
25,562

 
25,562



Note 15: Supplemental guarantor financial information

Our long-term notes due in 2019 and 2020 (Note 11), as well as obligations under our credit facility, are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis, subject to the release provisions described herein, by certain 100%-owned subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantees with respect to our long-term notes are subject to release upon the occurrence of certain events: the sale of all or substantially all of a subsidiary's assets, when the requirements for defeasance of the guaranteed securities have been satisfied, when the subsidiary is declared an unrestricted subsidiary, or upon satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.

23


The following condensed supplemental consolidating financial information reflects the summarized financial information of Deluxe Corporation, the guarantors on a combined basis and the non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis. Separate financial statements of the guarantors are not presented because the guarantors are jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally liable under the guarantees, subject to the release provisions described herein, and we believe that the condensed consolidating financial statements presented are sufficient to provide an understanding of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the guarantors. During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, additional subsidiaries were designated as guarantor entities. As such, the presentation of prior period information for the guarantor subsidiaries, the non-guarantor subsidiaries and eliminations was modified to reflect these entities as guarantors for all periods presented. In addition, the presentation of total cost of revenue and total operating expenses for Deluxe Corporation for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was modified to conform to the current year presentation. This correction had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

We are an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations and the sharing of assets. Therefore, we do not represent that the financial information presented is indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows which the entities would have reported if they had operated independently. The condensed consolidating financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements.


24

Deluxe Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)

 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
Deluxe Corporation
 
Guarantor subsidiaries
 
Non-guarantor subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
55,005

 
$
3,563

 
$
42,407

 
$
(935
)
 
$
100,040

Trade accounts receivable, net
 
—

 
66,780

 
13,438

 
—

 
80,218

Inventories and supplies
 
—

 
22,434

 
4,391

 
—

 
26,825

Deferred income taxes
 
477

 
4,486

 
284

 
—

 
5,247

Funds held for customers
 
—

 
—

 
30,759

 
—

 
30,759

Other current assets
 
10,425

 
19,613

 
4,806

 
—

 
34,844

Total current assets
 
65,907

 
116,876

 
96,085

 
(935
)
 
277,933

Deferred income taxes
 
3,523

 
—

 
1,770

 
(3,554
)
 
1,739

Long-term investments
 
35,509

 
8,882

 
—

 
—

 
44,391

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
—

 
93,578

 
8,049

 
—

 
101,627

Assets held for sale
 
—

 
4,046

 
21,178

 
—

 
25,224

Intangibles, net
 
—

 
153,401

 
1,778

 
—

 
155,179

Goodwill
 
—

 
807,818

 
1,936

 
—

 
809,754

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
 
1,108,084

 
80,601

 
—

 
(1,188,685
)
 
—

Intercompany receivable
 
—

 
14,477

 
—

 
(14,477
)
 
—

Other non-current assets
 
10,338

 
82,602

 
899

 
—

 
93,839

Total assets
 
$
1,223,361

 
$
1,362,281

 
$
131,695

 
$
(1,207,651
)
 
$
1,509,686

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
11,735

 
$
53,058

 
$
5,017

 
$
(935
)
 
$
68,875

Accrued liabilities
 
15,144

 
95,877

 
37,259

 
—

 
148,280

Long-term debt due within one year
 
499

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
499

Total current liabilities
 
27,378

 
148,935

 
42,276

 
(935
)
 
217,654

Long-term debt
 
643,069

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
643,069

Deferred income taxes
 
—

 
82,520

 
—

 
(3,554
)
 
78,966

Intercompany payable
 
13,269

 
—

 
1,208

 
(14,477
)
 
—

Other non-current liabilities
 
19,319

 
22,742

 
7,610

 
—

 
49,671

Total shareholders' equity
 
520,326

 
1,108,084

 
80,601

 
(1,188,685
)
 
520,326

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,223,361

 
$
1,362,281

 
$
131,695

 
$
(1,207,651
)
 
$
1,509,686


25


Deluxe Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)

 
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
Deluxe Corporation
 
Guarantor subsidiaries
 
Non-guarantor subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
14,862

 
$
3,228

 
$
31,346

 
$
(4,001
)
 
$
45,435

Trade accounts receivable, net
 
—

 
59,334

 
11,053

 
—

 
70,387

Inventories and supplies
 
—

 
21,309

 
1,982

 
—

 
23,291

Deferred income taxes
 
1,649

 
5,993

 
45

 
—

 
7,687

Funds held for customers
 
—

 
—

 
43,140

 
—

 
43,140

Other current assets
 
8,342

 
14,773

 
6,688

 
—

 
29,803

Total current assets
 
24,853

 
104,637

 
94,254

 
(4,001
)
 
219,743

Deferred income taxes
 
5,874

 
—

 
1,692

 
(5,904
)
 
1,662

Long-term investments
 
37,665

 
9,233

 
—

 
—

 
46,898

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
—

 
96,258

 
7,931

 
—

 
104,189

Assets held for sale
 
—

 
970

 
—

 
—

 
970

Intangibles, net
 
—

 
149,322

 
1,395

 
—

 
150,717

Goodwill
 
—

 
787,624

 
2,012

 
—

 
789,636

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
 
1,122,203

 
57,351

 
—

 
(1,179,554
)
 
—

Intercompany receivable
 
—

 
86,572

 
—

 
(86,572
)
 
—

Other non-current assets
 
12,361

 
84,990

 
1,274

 
—

 
98,625

Total assets
 
$
1,202,956

 
$
1,376,957

 
$
108,558

 
$
(1,276,031
)
 
$
1,412,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
12,147

 
$
53,431

 
$
3,530

 
$
(4,001
)
 
$
65,107

Accrued liabilities
 
12,597

 
95,315

 
47,091

 
—

 
155,003

Total current liabilities
 
24,744

 
148,746

 
50,621

 
(4,001
)
 
220,110

Long-term debt
 
652,581

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
652,581

Deferred income taxes
 
—

 
81,051

 
—

 
(5,904
)
 
75,147

Intercompany payable
 
85,986

 
—

 
586

 
(86,572
)
 
—

Other non-current liabilities
 
6,710

 
24,957

 
—

 
—

 
31,667

Total shareholders' equity
 
432,935

 
1,122,203

 
57,351

 
(1,179,554
)
 
432,935

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,202,956

 
$
1,376,957

 
$
108,558

 
$
(1,276,031
)
 
$
1,412,440



26



Deluxe Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Deluxe Corporation
 
Guarantor subsidiaries
 
Non-guarantor subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Product revenue
 
$
—

 
$
321,039

 
$
21,148

 
$
—

 
$
342,187

Service revenue
 
2,220

 
50,972

 
6,580

 
(3,879
)
 
55,893

Total revenue
 
2,220

 
372,011

 
27,728

 
(3,879
)
 
398,080

Cost of products sold
 
—

 
(106,523
)
 
(10,198
)
 
—

 
(116,721
)
Cost of services
 
(2,573
)
 
(23,516
)
 
(2,005
)
 
2,592

 
(25,502
)
Total cost of revenue
 
(2,573
)
 
(130,039
)
 
(12,203
)
 
2,592

 
(142,223
)
Gross profit
 
(353
)
 
241,972

 
15,525

 
(1,287
)
 
255,857

Operating expenses
 
—

 
(165,539
)
 
(11,887
)
 
1,287

 
(176,139
)
Operating (loss) income
 
(353
)
 
76,433

 
3,638

 
—

 
79,718

Interest expense
 
(9,632
)
 
(2,194
)
 
(3
)
 
2,167

 
(9,662
)
Other income (expense)
 
2,092

 
(162
)
 
794

 
(2,167
)
 
557

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(7,893
)
 
74,077

 
4,429

 
—

 
70,613

Income tax benefit (provision)
 
5,439

 
(28,125
)
 
(1,024
)
 
—

 
(23,710
)
(Loss) income before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(2,454
)
 
45,952

 
3,405

 
—

 
46,903

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 
49,357

 
3,405

 
—

 
(52,762
)
 
—

Net income
 
$
46,903

 
$
49,357

 
$
3,405

 
$
(52,762
)
 
$
46,903

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
48,907

 
$
51,093

 
$
4,622

 
$
(55,715
)
 
$
48,907



27


Deluxe Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Deluxe Corporation
 
Guarantor subsidiaries
 
Non-guarantor subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Product revenue
 
$
—

 
$
317,423

 
$
15,337

 
$
—

 
$
332,760

Service revenue
 
2,210

 
41,748

 
6,398

 
(4,778
)
 
45,578

Total revenue
 
2,210

 
359,171

 
21,735

 
(4,778
)
 
378,338

Cost of products sold
 
—

 
(103,643
)
 
(6,295
)
 
—

 
(109,938
)
Cost of services
 
(1,958
)
 
(19,671
)
 
(2,081
)
 
1,958

 
(21,752
)
Total cost of revenue
 
(1,958
)
 
(123,314
)
 
(8,376
)
 
1,958

 
(131,690
)
Gross profit
 
252

 
235,857

 
13,359

 
(2,820
)
 
246,648

Operating expenses
 
—

 
(165,410
)
 
(11,388
)
 
2,820

 
(173,978
)
Operating income
 
252

 
70,447

 
1,971

 
—

 
72,670

Interest expense
 
(11,873
)
 
(4,958
)
 
—

 
4,941

 
(11,890
)
Other income (expense)
 
4,710

 
468

 
(52
)
 
(4,941
)
 
185

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(6,911
)
 
65,957

 
1,919

 
—

 
60,965

Income tax benefit (provision)
 
5,187

 
(26,780
)
 
2,131

 
—

 
(19,462
)
(Loss) income before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(1,724
)
 
39,177

 
4,050

 
—

 
41,503

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 
43,227

 
4,050

 
—

 
(47,277
)
 
—

Net income
 
$
41,503

 
$
43,227

 
$
4,050

 
$
(47,277
)
 
$
41,503

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
43,570

 
$
45,010

 
$
5,398

 
$
(50,408
)
 
$
43,570



28

Deluxe Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Deluxe Corporation
 
Guarantor subsidiaries
 
Non-guarantor subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Product revenue
 
$
—

 
$
962,380

 
$
52,473

 
$
—

 
$
1,014,853

Service revenue
 
6,570

 
137,517

 
19,632

 
(11,505
)
 
152,214

Total revenue
 
6,570

 
1,099,897

 
72,105

 
(11,505
)
 
1,167,067

Cost of products sold
 
—

 
(317,908
)
 
(22,534
)
 
—

 
(340,442
)
Cost of services
 
(5,227
)
 
(62,567
)
 
(6,452
)
 
5,621

 
(68,625
)
Total cost of revenue
 
(5,227
)
 
(380,475
)
 
(28,986
)
 
5,621

 
(409,067
)
Gross profit
 
1,343

 
719,422

 
43,119

 
(5,884
)
 
758,000

Operating expenses
 
—

 
(491,374
)
 
(32,598
)
 
5,884

 
(518,088
)
Operating income
 
1,343

 
228,048

 
10,521

 
—

 
239,912

Interest expense
 
(28,655
)
 
(7,016
)
 
(3
)
 
6,970

 
(28,704
)
Other income (expense)
 
6,184

 
(510
)
 
2,344

 
(6,970
)
 
1,048

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(21,128
)
 
220,522

 
12,862

 
—

 
212,256

Income tax benefit (provision)
 
12,018

 
(80,048
)
 
(3,296
)
 
—

 
(71,326
)
(Loss) income before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(9,110
)
 
140,474

 
9,566

 
—

 
140,930

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 
150,040

 
9,566

 
—

 
(159,606
)
 
—

Net income
 
$
140,930

 
$
150,040

 
$
9,566

 
$
(159,606
)
 
$
140,930

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
140,945

 
$
149,253

 
$
7,221

 
$
(156,474
)
 
$
140,945



29

Deluxe Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Deluxe Corporation
 
Guarantor subsidiaries
 
Non-guarantor subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Product revenue
 
$
—

 
$
961,260

 
$
45,458

 
$
—

 
$
1,006,718

Service revenue
 
6,443

 
106,667

 
19,517

 
(12,011
)
 
120,616

Total revenue
 
6,443

 
1,067,927

 
64,975

 
(12,011
)
 
1,127,334

Cost of products sold
 
—

 
(313,746
)
 
(17,565
)
 
—

 
(331,311
)
Cost of services
 
(5,328
)
 
(48,651
)
 
(6,810
)
 
5,328

 
(55,461
)
Total cost of revenue
 
(5,328
)
 
(362,397
)
 
(24,375
)
 
5,328

 
(386,772
)
Gross profit
 
1,115

 
705,530

 
40,600

 
(6,683
)
 
740,562

Operating expenses
 
—

 
(489,938
)
 
(33,036
)
 
6,683

 
(516,291
)
Operating income
 
1,115

 
215,592

 
7,564

 
—

 
224,271

Interest expense
 
(34,880
)
 
(11,251
)
 
(7
)
 
11,194

 
(34,944
)
Other income
 
10,410

 
372

 
953

 
(11,194
)
 
541

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(23,355
)
 
204,713

 
8,510

 
—

 
189,868

Income tax benefit (provision)
 
13,830

 
(74,645
)
 
(1,208
)
 
—

 
(62,023
)
(Loss) income before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 
(9,525
)
 
130,068

 
7,302

 
—

 
127,845

Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
 
137,370

 
7,302

 
—

 
(144,672
)
 
—

Net income
 
$
127,845

 
$
137,370

 
$
7,302

 
$
(144,672
)
 
$
127,845

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
131,364

 
$
140,037

 
$
8,667

 
$
(148,704
)
 
$
131,364



30

Deluxe Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Deluxe Corporation
 
Guarantor subsidiaries
 
Non-guarantor subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
Total
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
 
$
(4,192
)
 
$
172,604

 
$
15,561

 
$
—

$
183,973

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Purchases of capital assets
 
—

 
(23,645
)
 
(3,141
)
 
—

(26,786
)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
—

 
(48,114
)
 
—

 
—

(48,114
)
Loans to distributors
 
—

 
(778
)
 
—

 
—

(778
)
Proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies
 
3,641

 
958

 
—

 
—

4,599

Other
 
1,260

 
982

 
8

 
—

2,250

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
 
4,901

 
(70,597
)
 
(3,133
)
 
—

(68,829
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Payments on long-term debt
 
(125
)
 
—

 
(1,331
)
 
—

(1,456
)
Payments for debt issue costs
 
(236
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

(236
)
Change in book overdrafts
 
(270
)
 
(3,066
)
 
—

 
3,066

(270
)
Proceeds from issuing shares under employee plans
 
12,881

 
—

 
—

 
—

12,881

Excess tax benefit from share-based employee awards
 
1,582

 
—

 
—

 
—

1,582

Payments for common shares repurchased
 
(33,798
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

(33,798
)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders
 
(38,027
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

(38,027
)
Advances from (to) consolidated subsidiaries
 
97,427

 
(98,606
)
 
1,179

 
—

—

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
 
39,434

 
(101,672
)
 
(152
)
 
3,066

(59,324
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate change on cash
 
—

 
—

 
(1,215
)
 
—

(1,215
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
40,143

 
335

 
11,061

 
3,066

54,605

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
 
14,862

 
3,228

 
31,346

 
(4,001
)
45,435

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
55,005

 
$
3,563

 
$
42,407

 
$
(935
)
$
100,040





31


Deluxe Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Deluxe Corporation
 
Guarantor subsidiaries
 
Non-guarantor subsidiaries
 
Total
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
 
$
(4,852
)
 
$
177,598

 
$
4,409

 
$
177,155

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of capital assets
 
—

 
(23,353
)
 
(2,209
)
 
(25,562
)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
—

 
(32,632
)
 
—

 
(32,632
)
Loans to distributors
 
—

 
(3,177
)
 
(60
)
 
(3,237
)
Other
 
100

 
3,375

 
63

 
3,538

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
 
100

 
(55,787
)
 
(2,206
)
 
(57,893
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments for debt issue costs
 
(1,164
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1,164
)
Change in book overdrafts
 
(3,015
)
 
388

 
—

 
(2,627
)
Proceeds from issuing shares under employee plans
 
9,610

 
—

 
—

 
9,610

Excess tax benefit from share-based employee awards
 
1,120

 
—

 
—

 
1,120

Payments for common shares repurchased
 
(11,999
)
 
—

 
—

 
(11,999
)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders
 
(38,131
)
 
—

 
—

 
(38,131
)
Advances from (to) consolidated subsidiaries
 
124,080

 
(120,128
)
 
(3,952
)
 
—

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
 
80,501

 
(119,740
)
 
(3,952
)
 
(43,191
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate change on cash
 
—

 
—

 
879

 
879

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
75,749

 
2,071

 
(870
)
 
76,950

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
 
3,047

 
1,661

 
23,979

 
28,687

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
78,796

 
$
3,732

 
$
23,109

 
$
105,637




32

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

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We employ a multi-channel strategy to provide a suite of life-cycle driven solutions to our customers. We use printed and electronic marketing, a direct sales force, financial institution and telecommunication client referrals, purchased search results from online search engines, and independent distributors and dealers to promote and sell a wide range of customized products and services. Our Small Business Services segment provides products and services to over four million small business customers and our Direct Checks segment provides products and services to more than eight million consumers. Through our Financial Services segment, we provide products and services to approximately 5,700 financial institution clients. We operate primarily in the United States. Small Business Services also has operations in Canada and portions of Europe. Our product and service offerings are comprised of the following:

Checks – We remain one of the largest providers of checks in the United States, both in terms of revenue and the number of checks produced. Checks account for the majority of the revenue in our Financial Services and Direct Checks segments and represented 45.4% of our Small Business Services segment's revenue in 2012.

Forms – Our Small Business Services segment is a leading provider of printed forms to small businesses, including deposit tickets, billing forms, work orders, job proposals, purchase orders, invoices and personnel forms. This segment also offers computer forms compatible with accounting software packages commonly used by small businesses. Forms sold by our Financial Services and Direct Checks segments include deposit tickets and check registers.

Accessories and other products – Small Business Services provides products designed to provide small business owners with the customized documents necessary to efficiently manage their business including envelopes, office supplies, stamps and labels, as well as retail packaging supplies. Our Financial Services and Direct Checks segments offer checkbook covers and stamps.

Marketing solutions – All three of our segments offer products and services that help small businesses and/or financial institutions promote their businesses and acquire customers. Our Small Business Services segment offers services designed to fulfill the sales and marketing needs of small businesses such as web design, hosting and other web services, search engine optimization, marketing services, including email, mobile, social media and other self-service marketing solutions, digital printing services and logo design. In addition, Small Business Services offers products such as promotional products, postcards, brochures, apparel, greeting cards and business cards. Financial Services offers various customer acquisition programs and marketing communications services, while Direct Checks provides package insert programs under which companies' marketing materials are included in our check packages.

Other services – All three of our segments provide fraud protection and security services. In addition, our Small Business Services segment offers payroll services, and Financial Services provides financial institution profitability and risk management services.

Throughout the past several years, we have focused on transformational opportunities so that we are positioned to deliver increasing revenues and operating income, while maintaining strong operating margins. These opportunities include new product and service offerings, brand awareness and positioning initiatives, investing in technology for our service offerings, enhancing our internet capabilities, improving customer segmentation, adding new small business customers, and reducing costs. In addition, we invested in various acquisitions that extend the range of products and services we offer to our customers, including marketing solutions and other services offerings. During the remainder of 2013, we will continue our focus in these areas, with an emphasis on profitable revenue growth, increasing revenue from our marketing solutions and other services offerings for small businesses and financial institutions, and assessing small to medium-sized acquisitions that complement our large customer bases, with a focus on marketing solutions and other services.

Earnings for the first nine months of 2013, as compared to the first nine months of 2012, benefited from price increases in all three segments and continuing initiatives to reduce our cost structure, primarily within our fulfillment, sales and marketing, and information technology organizations. Additionally, earnings benefited from lower performance-based compensation and lower interest expense driven by the refinancing of a portion of our long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2012. These increases in earnings were partially offset by volume reductions for our personal check businesses due primarily to the continuing decline in check usage, as well as increased investments in revenue growth opportunities, including brand awareness advertising, marketing solutions and other services offers, and enhanced internet capabilities.


33

Our Strategies

Details concerning our strategies were provided in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Form 10-K”). We made no significant changes to our strategies during the first nine months of 2013.

Consistent with our strategy, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of VerticalResponse, Inc., during June 2013 and substantially all of the assets of Acton Marketing, LLC during August 2013 for aggregate cash payments of $31.4 million, net of cash acquired. We funded the acquisitions with cash on hand. VerticalResponse is included in our Small Business Services segment and is a provider of self-service marketing solutions for small businesses, including email marketing, social media, online event marketing, postcard marketing and on-line surveys. Acton Marketing is included in our Financial Services segment and is a provider of direct marketing services for financial institutions.

Cost Reduction Initiatives

As discussed in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the 2012 Form 10-K, we anticipated that we would realize net cost reductions of approximately $50 million in 2013, as compared to our 2012 results of operations. We are currently on track to realize net cost reductions of approximately $55 million during 2013. To date, we have realized approximately $42 million of net cost reductions primarily from our sales, marketing and fulfillment organizations.

Outlook for 2013

We anticipate that consolidated revenue will be between $1.578 billion and $1.588 billion for 2013, compared to $1.515 billion for 2012. In Small Business Services, we expect revenue to increase nine to 10 percent compared to 2012 revenue of $961.6 million, as volume declines in core business products are expected to be more than offset by benefits from our e-commerce investments, price increases and growth in our distributor, dealer and major accounts channels and in our marketing solutions and other services offerings. The anticipated revenue increase includes incremental revenue from acquisitions. In Financial Services, we expect revenue to be close to flat compared to 2012 revenue of $341.1 million. We expect that check order declines of approximately five to six percent for the remainder of the year, as well as pricing pressure on contract renewals will be offset by price increases and continued growth in non-check revenue, including incremental revenue from the Acton Marketing acquisition in August 2013, as well as revenue from a new large financial institution client. In Direct Checks, we expect revenue to decline approximately 10 percent compared to 2012 revenue of $212.2 million, driven by check usage declines.

We expect that 2013 diluted earnings per share will be between $3.67 and $3.74, including $0.11 per share for restructuring and transaction-related costs, compared to $3.32 for 2012, which included total charges of $0.21 per share related to restructuring-related costs, losses on debt retirements and transaction costs related to acquisitions. We expect that the benefits of additional cost reduction activities and lower interest expense will be partially offset by continued investments in revenue growth opportunities, including brand awareness, marketing solutions and other services offers, and enhanced internet capabilities. We also anticipate increases in delivery costs and material rates. We estimate that our annual effective tax rate for 2013 will be approximately 34.0%, compared to 32.0% for 2012. A number of discrete credits to income tax expense in 2012, including adjustments related to foreign deferred tax assets, collectively reduced our 2012 tax rate by 2.0 points.

We anticipate that net cash provided by operating activities will be between $256 million and $262 million in 2013, compared to $244 million in 2012, driven by higher earnings and lower funding of future medical benefits, partially offset by higher income tax and employee profit sharing/cash bonus payments. We anticipate contract acquisition payments of approximately $12 million in 2013, and we estimate that capital spending will be approximately $35 million in 2013 as we continue to invest in key revenue growth initiatives and order fulfillment and information technology infrastructure.

We believe that cash generated by operating activities, along with availability under our credit facility, will be sufficient to support our operations, including capital expenditures, required debt service, dividend payments and small-to-medium-sized acquisitions, for the next 12 months. We are focused on a disciplined approach to capital deployment that focuses on our need to continue investing in initiatives to drive revenue growth, including small-to-medium-sized acquisitions and continued expansion of our distributor network. We also anticipate that our board of directors will maintain our current dividend level. However, dividends are approved by the board of directors on a quarterly basis, and thus are subject to change. We also anticipate that we will repurchase shares to offset the dilutive impact of shares issued under our employee stock incentive plan. To the extent we have cash flow in excess of these priorities, we plan to accumulate cash in advance of our October 2014 senior note maturity of $253.5 million. In anticipation of this debt maturity, we are evaluating repayment

34

strategies which, in addition to using cash on hand, may include renegotiating our credit facility or possibly issuing new debt. We may also from time to time consider retiring outstanding debt through open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions or other means.


BUSINESS CHALLENGES/MARKET RISKS

Details concerning business challenges/market risks were provided in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of our 2012 Form 10-K. There were no significant changes in these items during the first nine months of 2013.


CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Revenue
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per order amounts)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Total revenue
 
$
398,080

 
$
378,338

 
5.2
%
 
$
1,167,067

 
$
1,127,334

 
3.5
%
Orders(1)
 
13,232

 
13,087

 
1.1
%
 
39,565

 
40,158

 
(1.5
%)
Revenue per order
 
$
30.08

 
$
28.91

 
4.0
%
 
$29.50
 
$28.07
 
5.1
%

(1) Orders is our company-wide measure of volume and includes both product and service activity.
 
The increase in total revenue for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, was primarily due to price increases in all three segments and growth in marketing solutions and other services revenue, including incremental revenue from acquisitions, as well as growth in our Small Business Services distributor channel. These revenue increases were partially offset by lower order volume for our personal check businesses and continued pricing pressure on contract renewals within Financial Services.

Service revenue represented 13.0% of total revenue for the first nine months of 2013 and 10.7% for the first nine months of 2012. As such, the majority of our revenue is generated by product sales. We do not manage our business based on product versus service revenue. Instead, we analyze our products and services based on the following categories:
 
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Checks, including contract settlements
 
55.6
%
 
58.1
%
 
57.0
%
 
60.0
%
Forms
 
12.7
%
 
13.0
%
 
12.9
%
 
13.3
%
Accessories and other products
 
10.1
%
 
9.7
%
 
9.7
%
 
9.1
%
Marketing solutions, including services
 
16.7
%
 
14.1
%
 
14.9
%
 
12.4
%
Other services
 
4.9
%
 
5.1
%
 
5.5
%
 
5.2
%
Total revenue
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

The number of orders increased for the third quarter of 2013, as compared to the third quarter of 2012, due primarily to growth in the Small Business Services distributor channel and in marketing solutions and other services, partially offset by the continuing decline in check usage.

The number of orders decreased for the first nine months of 2013, as compared to the first nine months of 2012, due primarily to the continuing decline in check usage, partially offset by growth in the Small Business Services distributor channel and in marketing solutions and other services.

Revenue per order increased for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, primarily due to the benefit of price increases in all three segments, as well as a shift from personal check orders to higher dollar Small Business Services orders. At the same time, Financial Services continues to experience pricing pressure on contract renewals.


35

Consolidated Gross Margin
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Gross profit
 
$
255,857

 
$
246,648

 
3.7
%
 
$
758,000

 
$
740,562

 
2.4
%
Gross margin
 
64.3
%
 
65.2
%
 
(0.9) pts.

 
64.9
%
 
65.7
%
 
(0.8) pts.


As with revenue, we do not separately analyze gross margin generated by product revenue and service revenue. Instead, we evaluate gross margin on a consolidated basis when analyzing our consolidated results of operations to gain important insight into significant profit drivers. As a significant portion of our revenue is generated from the sale of manufactured and purchased products, we believe the measure of gross margin best demonstrates our manufacturing and distribution performance, as well as the impact of pricing on our profitability. Gross margin is not a complete measure of profitability, as it omits selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense. However, it is a financial measure which we believe is useful in evaluating our results of operations.

Gross margin decreased for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, due primarily to the shift in our revenue mix to lower margin services and outsourced products, as well as higher delivery rates and material costs in 2013. These decreases in gross margin were partially offset by the benefit of price increases, as well as manufacturing and delivery efficiencies and other benefits resulting from our continued cost reduction initiatives.

Consolidated Selling, General & Administrative Expense
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
SG&A expense
 
$
173,359

 
$
171,237

 
1.2
%
 
$
513,013

 
$
510,786

 
0.4
%
SG&A expense as a percentage of total revenue
 
43.5
%
 
45.3
%
 
(1.8) pts.

 
44.0
%
 
45.3
%
 
(1.3) pts.


The increase in SG&A expense for the third quarter of 2013, as compared to the third quarter of 2012, was driven primarily by incremental operating expenses of the VerticalResponse acquisition completed in June 2013 and the Acton Marketing acquisition completed in August 2013, increased Small Business Services commission expense due to increased volume, and investments in revenue growth opportunities. These increases were partially offset by various expense reduction initiatives within sales, marketing and our shared services organizations, including improved labor and advertising efficiency, as well as lower performance-based compensation.

SG&A expense increased slightly for the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the first nine months of 2012. Incremental operating expenses related to acquisitions, increased Small Business Services commission expense due to increased volume, and investments in revenue growth opportunities, including brand awareness campaigns, were offset by various expense reduction initiatives within sales, marketing and our shared services organizations, including improved labor and advertising efficiency, as well as lower performance-based compensation and medical costs.

Net Restructuring Charges
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Net restructuring charges
 
$
2,780

 
$
2,741

 
$
39

 
$
5,075

 
$
5,377

 
$
(302
)

We recorded restructuring charges and reversals related to the cost reduction initiatives discussed under Executive Overview. The charges and reversals for each period primarily relate to costs of our restructuring activities such as employee severance benefits and other direct costs of our initiatives, including employee and equipment moves, training and travel. In addition to the restructuring charges shown here, net restructuring charges of $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2013, $0.5 million for the first nine months of 2013, $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2012 and $1.4 million for the first nine months of 2012 were included within total cost of revenue in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Further information can be found under Restructuring Costs.


36

Interest Expense
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Interest expense
 
$
9,662

 
$
11,890

 
(18.7
%)
 
$
28,704

 
$
34,944

 
(17.9
%)
Weighted-average debt outstanding
 
655,024

 
738,347

 
(11.3
%)
 
654,510

 
738,347

 
(11.4
%)
Weighted-average interest rate
 
5.32
%
 
5.77
%
 
(0.45) pts.

 
5.33
%
 
5.77
%
 
(0.44) pts.


The decrease in interest expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, was due to our lower average debt level and lower weighted-average interest rate in 2013, driven by the refinancing of a portion of our long-term debt. In the fourth quarter of 2012, we retired long-term debt with an interest rate of 7.375% and we issued long-term debt with an interest rate of 6.0%. Additionally, $84.8 million of long-term debt matured in December 2012.

Income Tax Provision
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Income tax provision
 
$
23,710

 
$
19,462

 
21.8
%
 
$
71,326

 
$
62,023

 
15.0
%
Effective tax rate
 
33.6
%
 
31.9
%
 
1.7 pts.

 
33.6
%
 
32.7
%
 
0.9 pts.


The increase in our effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013, as compared to the third quarter of 2012, was primarily due to discrete credits to income tax expense in the third quarter of 2012, which reduced our effective tax rate by 1.8 points, as well as actions taken in 2012 to restore a portion of the deferred tax asset associated with our postretirement benefit plan, which reduced our 2012 effective tax rate by 1.0 point. The discrete credits related primarily to uncertain tax positions. Partially offsetting these increases in our effective tax rate relative to 2012 were discrete credits to income tax expense in the third quarter of 2013, which reduced our effective tax rate by 0.8 point, and which related primarily to state tax matters. Additionally, research and development credits were lower in 2012, as the law providing for these credits expired at the end of 2011 and was not re-enacted until the first quarter of 2013.

The increase in our effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013, as compared to the first nine months of 2012, was primarily due to discrete credits to income tax expense in the first nine months of 2012, which reduced our effective tax rate by 1.0 point, as well as actions taken in 2012 to restore a portion of the deferred tax asset associated with our postretirement benefit plan, which reduced our 2012 effective tax rate by 0.9 point. The discrete credits related primarily to state and foreign tax matters. Partially offsetting these increases in our effective tax rate relative to 2012 were several discrete credits to income tax expense in the first nine months of 2013, which collectively reduced our effective tax rate by 0.7 point. Additionally, research and development credits were lower in 2012, as the law providing for these credits expired at the end of 2011 and was not re-enacted until the first quarter of 2013.


RESTRUCTURING COSTS

During the first nine months of 2013, we recorded net restructuring charges of $5.6 million. This amount included expenses related to our restructuring activities, including employee and equipment moves, training and travel, which were expensed as incurred, as well as net restructuring accruals of $3.8 million. The restructuring accruals included charges of $4.4 million related to severance for employee reductions in various functional areas as we continue to reduce costs. The restructuring accruals included severance benefits for approximately 125 employees. These charges were reduced by the reversal of $0.7 million of restructuring accruals recorded primarily in previous years, as fewer employees received severance benefits than originally estimated. The majority of the employee reductions included in our restructuring accruals are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2014, and we expect most of the related severance payments to be paid by mid-2014, utilizing cash from operations.

During 2012, we recorded net restructuring charges of $10.7 million. This amount included expenses related to our restructuring activities, including employee and equipment moves, training and travel, which were expensed as incurred, as well as net restructuring accruals of $6.2 million. The restructuring accruals included charges of $7.6 million related to severance for employee reductions in various functional areas as we continue to reduce costs, including the the closing of two customer call centers during the third quarter of 2012 and two printing facilities during the fourth quarter of 2012. The restructuring accruals included severance benefits for approximately 395 employees. These charges were reduced by the

37

reversal of $1.9 million of restructuring accruals recorded primarily in previous years, as fewer employees received severance benefits than originally estimated.

As a result of our employee reductions and facility closings, we expect to realize cost savings of approximately $3 million in total cost of revenue and $12 million in SG&A expense in 2013, in comparison to our 2012 results of operations, which represents a portion of the estimated $55 million of total net cost reductions we expect to realize in 2013. Expense reductions consist primarily of labor and facility costs.

Further information regarding our restructuring charges can be found under the caption “Note 9: Restructuring charges” of the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 1 of this report.


SEGMENT RESULTS

Additional financial information regarding our business segments appears under the caption “Note 14: Business segment information” of the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 1 of this report.

Small Business Services

This segment's products and services are promoted through direct response mail and internet advertising, referrals from financial institutions and telecommunications clients, Safeguard® distributors, a network of local dealers, a direct sales force which focuses on major accounts, and an outbound telemarketing group. Results for this segment were as follows:
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Total revenue
 
$
265,463

 
$
244,461

 
8.6
%
 
$
765,607

 
$
707,144

 
8.3
%
Operating income
 
46,277

 
39,636

 
16.8
%
 
131,068

 
116,651

 
12.4
%
Operating margin
 
17.4
%
 
16.2
%
 
1.2 pts.

 
17.1
%
 
16.5
%
 
0.6 pts.


The increase in total revenue for the third quarter of 2013, as compared to the third quarter of 2012, was due primarily to price increases and growth in marketing solutions and other services revenue, including incremental revenue from the acquisition of VerticalResponse in June 2013, as well as growth in our distributor channel. These revenue increases were partially offset by a decrease in volume for our core business.

The increase in total revenue for the first nine months of 2013, as compared to the first nine months of 2012, was due primarily to growth in marketing solutions and other services revenue, including incremental revenue from acquisitions, as well as price increases and growth in our distributor channel. These increases in revenue were partially offset by a decrease in volume for our core business.

Operating income and operating margin increased for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, primarily due to price increases, benefits of our cost reduction initiatives and lower performance-based compensation and medical costs. Partially offsetting these increases in operating income and operating margin were the shift in our revenue mix to lower margin services and outsourced products, increased commission expense, investments in revenue growth opportunities, and increases in delivery rates and material costs in 2013.

Financial Services

Financial Services' products and services are sold through multiple channels, including a direct sales force. Results for this segment were as follows:
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Total revenue
 
$
86,482

 
$
82,843

 
4.4
%
 
$
256,695

 
$
259,101

 
(0.9
%)
Operating income
 
18,859

 
17,693

 
6.6
%
 
63,350

 
59,595

 
6.3
%
Operating margin
 
21.8
%
 
21.4
%
 
0.4 pts.

 
24.7
%
 
23.0
%
 
1.7 pts.



38

The increase in revenue for the third quarter of 2013, as compared to the third quarter of 2012, was due to price increases and growth in marketing solutions and other services, including incremental revenue from the acquisition of Acton Marketing in August 2013. Partially offsetting these revenue increases was lower order volume, resulting primarily from the continued decline in check usage, and continuing competitive pricing pressure on contract renewals.

The decrease in revenue for the first nine months of 2013, as compared to the first nine months of 2012, was due to a decrease in order volume, resulting primarily from the continued decline in check usage, and continuing competitive pricing pressure on contract renewals. Partially offsetting these revenue declines were price increases and growth in marketing solutions and other services, including incremental revenue from the acquisition of Acton Marketing in August 2013.

Operating income and operating margin increased for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, primarily due to price increases, the benefit of our continuing cost reduction initiatives and lower performance-based compensation and medical costs, partially offset by investments in revenue growth opportunities and increased delivery rates and material costs in 2013.

Direct Checks

Direct Checks sells products and services directly to consumers using direct response marketing, including print advertising and search engine marketing and optimization strategies. Direct Checks sells under various brand names, including Checks Unlimited®, Designer® Checks, Checks.com, Check Gallery®, The Styles Check Company®, and Artistic Checks®, among others. Results for this segment were as follows:
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Total revenue
 
$
46,135

 
$
51,034

 
(9.6
%)
 
$
144,765

 
$
161,089

 
(10.1
%)
Operating income
 
14,582

 
15,341

 
(4.9
%)
 
45,494

 
48,025

 
(5.3
%)
Operating margin
 
31.6
%
 
30.1
%
 
1.5 pts.

 
31.4
%
 
29.8
%
 
1.6 pts.


The decrease in revenue for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, was due to a reduction in orders stemming from the continued decline in check usage. Partially offsetting the revenue decline was higher revenue per order, partly due to price increases.

The decrease in operating income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, was due primarily to the lower order volume and increased delivery rates and material costs in 2013. These decreases in operating income were partially offset by benefits from our cost reduction initiatives, price increases and lower performance-based compensation and medical costs.

Operating margin increased for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same periods in 2012, as the benefits from our cost reduction initiatives, price increases and lower performance-based compensation and medical costs exceeded the impact of increased delivery rates and material costs in 2013.


CASH FLOWS AND LIQUIDITY

As of September 30, 2013, we held cash and cash equivalents of $100.0 million. The following table shows our cash flow activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated statements of cash flows appearing in Item 1 of this report.
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
183,973

 
$
177,155

 
$
6,818

Net cash used by investing activities
 
(68,829
)
 
(57,893
)
 
(10,936
)
Net cash used by financing activities
 
(59,324
)
 
(43,191
)
 
(16,133
)
Effect of exchange rate change on cash
 
(1,215
)
 
879

 
(2,094
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
54,605

 
$
76,950


$
(22,345
)


39

The $6.8 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2013, as compared to the first nine months of 2012, was primarily due to a $12.4 million decrease in the funding of medical benefits due to a change in our funding strategy, an increase in cash provided by earnings, a $4.5 million decrease in contract acquisition payments in 2013, and a $4.0 million decrease in interest payments. The decrease in interest payments was due to the refinancing of a portion of our long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the maturity of $84.8 million of long-term debt in December 2012. These increases in net cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by the impact of net increases in working capital, an $11.6 million increase in employee profit sharing/cash bonus payments related to our 2012 performance, and a $4.2 million increase in income tax payments.

Included in net cash provided by operating activities were the following operating cash outflows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Income tax payments
 
$
69,549

 
$
65,363

 
$
4,186

Employee profit sharing/cash bonus payments
 
30,322

 
18,705

 
11,617

Interest payments
 
26,148

 
30,117

 
(3,969
)
Funding of medical benefits
 
24,256

 
36,670

 
(12,414
)
Contract acquisition payments
 
10,551

 
15,038

 
(4,487
)
Severance payments
 
4,327

 
5,846

 
(1,519
)

Net cash used by investing activities in the first nine months of 2013 was $10.9 million higher than the first nine months of 2012. An increase in the amount spent for the acquisition of small business distributors in 2013 and proceeds from the sale of a facility in 2012 were partially offset by proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies in 2013 and higher loans to distributors in 2012.

Net cash used by financing activities in the first nine months of 2013 was $16.1 million higher than the first nine months of 2012 due primarily to an increase of $21.8 million in payments to repurchase common shares, partially offset by an increase in proceeds from issuing shares under employee plans, as well as the change in book overdrafts.

Significant cash inflows, excluding those related to operating activities, for each period were as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Proceeds from issuing shares under employee plans
 
$
12,881

 
$
9,610

 
$
3,271

Proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies
 
4,599

 
—

 
4,599


Significant cash outflows, excluding those related to operating activities, for each period were as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
$
48,114

 
$
32,632

 
$
15,482

Cash dividends paid to shareholders
 
38,027

 
38,131

 
(104
)
Payments for common shares repurchased
 
33,798

 
11,999

 
21,799

Purchases of capital assets
 
26,786

 
25,562

 
1,224

Loans to distributors
 
778

 
3,237

 
(2,459
)

We anticipate that net cash provided by operating activities will be between $256 million and $262 million in 2013, compared to $244 million in 2012, driven by higher earnings and lower funding of future medical benefits, partially offset by higher income tax and employee profit sharing/cash bonus payments. We anticipate that net cash generated by operating activities in 2013 will be utilized for dividend payments of approximately $50 million, capital expenditures of approximately $35 million, share repurchases and small-to-medium-sized acquisitions. We intend to focus our capital spending on key revenue growth initiatives and investments in order fulfillment and information technology infrastructure. We plan to accumulate cash in advance of our October 2014 senior note maturity of $253.5 million. In anticipation of this debt maturity, we are evaluating repayment strategies which, in addition to using cash on hand, may include renegotiating our credit facility or possibly issuing

40

new debt. We may also from time to time consider retiring outstanding debt through open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions or other means.

We had $192.0 million available for borrowing under our credit facility as of September 30, 2013. We believe that net cash generated by operating activities, along with availability under our credit facility, will be sufficient to support our operations for the next 12 months, including capital expenditures, required debt service, dividend payments and possible small-to-medium-sized acquisitions.


CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our total debt was $643.6 million as of September 30, 2013, a decrease of $9.0 million from December 31, 2012. We have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge against changes in the fair value of a portion of our long-term debt. As of September 30, 2013, interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $398.0 million were designated as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of long-term debt as of September 30, 2013 included an $11.7 million decrease related to adjusting the hedged debt for changes in its fair value. As of December 31, 2012, this fair value adjustment was a decrease of $0.8 million. Further information concerning the interest rate swaps and our outstanding debt can be found under the captions “Note 7: Derivative financial instruments” and “Note 11: Debt” of the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 1 of this report. Information regarding our debt service obligations can be found under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Contractual Obligations in the 2012 Form 10-K.

Our capital structure for each period was as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Weighted-
average interest rate
 
Amount
 
Weighted-
average interest rate
 
Change
Fixed interest rate
 
$
257,284

 
6.6
%
 
$
255,478

 
6.6
%
 
$
1,806

Floating interest rate
 
386,284

 
4.5
%
 
397,103

 
4.5
%
 
(10,819
)
Total debt
 
643,568

 
5.3
%
 
652,581

 
5.3
%
 
(9,013
)
Shareholders’ equity
 
520,326

 
 

 
432,935

 
 

 
87,391

Total capital
 
$
1,163,894

 
 

 
$
1,085,516

 
 

 
$
78,378


We have an outstanding authorization from our board of directors to purchase up to 10 million shares of our common stock. This authorization has no expiration date, and 3.4 million shares remained available for purchase under this authorization as of September 30, 2013. During the first nine months of 2013, we purchased 0.9 million shares for $33.8 million. Information regarding changes in shareholders' equity can be found in the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity appearing in Item 1 of this report.

We may, from time to time, consider retiring outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or other means. Any such repurchases or exchanges would depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements and other potential uses of cash, including acquisitions or share repurchases.

As of September 30, 2013, we had a $200.0 million credit facility, which expires in February 2017. Our commitment fee ranges from 0.20% to 0.45% based on our leverage ratio. Borrowings under the credit facility are collateralized by substantially all of our personal and intangible property. The credit agreement governing the credit facility contains customary covenants regarding limits on levels of subsidiary indebtedness and capital expenditures, liens, investments, acquisitions, certain mergers, certain asset sales outside the ordinary course of business, and change in control as defined in the agreement. The agreement also contains financial covenants regarding our leverage ratio, interest coverage and liquidity. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2013 and we expect to remain in compliance with all debt covenants throughout the next 12 months.


41

No amounts were outstanding under our credit facility during the first nine months of 2013 or during 2012. As of September 30, 2013, amounts were available for borrowing under our credit facility as follows:
(in thousands)
Total
available
Credit facility commitment
$
200,000

Outstanding letters of credit(1)
(7,965
)
Net available for borrowing as of September 30, 2013
$
192,035

(1) We use standby letters of credit primarily to collateralize certain obligations related to our self-insured workers’ compensation claims. These letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowing under our credit facility.


OTHER FINANCIAL POSITION INFORMATION

Foreign cash and investments – As of September 30, 2013, our subsidiaries located in Canada held cash and marketable securities of $44.0 million. Deferred income taxes have not been recognized on unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as these amounts are intended to be reinvested indefinitely in the operations of those subsidiaries. If we were to repatriate the cash and marketable securities into the U.S., we would incur a U.S. tax liability of approximately $7 million.

Funds held for customers – Our Canadian payroll services business collects funds from clients to pay their payroll and related taxes. We hold these funds temporarily until payments are remitted to the clients' employees and the appropriate taxing authorities. Funds held for customers of $30.8 million as of September 30, 2013 decreased $12.4 million from December 31, 2012. The decrease in funds held for customers, and the corresponding accrued liability, was due primarily to the timing of the related cash flows.

Assets held for sale – Assets held for sale consisted of the operations of small business distributors which we purchased during 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012. The assets purchased consisted primarily of customer lists. The $24.3 million increase in assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013, as compared to December 31, 2012, was due to the distributors purchased during 2013. Further information concerning all of the assets and liabilities attributable to the businesses held for sale can be found under the caption "Note 3: Supplemental balance sheet information"of the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 1 of this report.

Contract acquisition costs – Other non-current assets include contract acquisition costs of our Financial Services segment. These costs, which are essentially pre-paid product discounts, are recorded as non-current assets upon contract execution and are amortized, generally on the straight-line basis, as reductions of revenue over the related contract term. Changes in contract acquisition costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 can be found under the caption "Note 3: Supplemental balance sheet information" of the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 1 of this report. Cash payments for contract acquisition costs were $10.6 million for the first nine months of 2013 and $15.0 million for the first nine months of 2012. We anticipate cash payments of approximately $12 million for the year ending December 31, 2013.

The number of checks being written has been in decline since the mid-1990s, which has contributed to increased competitive pressure when attempting to retain or acquire clients. Both the number of financial institution clients requesting contract acquisition payments and the amount of the payments has fluctuated significantly from year to year. Although we anticipate that we will selectively continue to make contract acquisition payments, we cannot quantify future amounts with certainty. The amount paid depends on numerous factors such as the number and timing of contract executions and renewals, competitors’ actions, overall product discount levels and the structure of up-front product discount payments versus providing higher discount levels throughout the term of the contract.

Liabilities for contract acquisition payments are recorded upon contract execution. These obligations are monitored for each contract and are adjusted as payments are made. Contract acquisition payments due within the next year are included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. These accruals were $3.8 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Accruals for contract acquisition payments included in other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets were $2.4 million as of September 30, 2013 and $4.9 million as of December 31, 2012.



42

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

It is not our general business practice to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements or to guarantee the performance of third parties. In the normal course of business we periodically enter into agreements that incorporate general indemnification language. These indemnifications encompass third-party claims arising from our products and services, including service failures, breach of security, intellectual property rights, governmental regulations and/or employment-related matters. Performance under these indemnities would generally be triggered by our breach of terms of the contract. In disposing of assets or businesses, we often provide representations, warranties and/or indemnities to cover various risks, including, for example, unknown damage to the assets, environmental risks involved in the sale of real estate, liability to investigate and remediate environmental contamination at waste disposal sites and manufacturing facilities, and unidentified tax liabilities and legal fees related to periods prior to disposition. We do not have the ability to estimate the potential liability from such indemnities because they relate to unknown conditions. However, we have no reason to believe that any possible liability under these indemnities would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, annual results of operations or annual cash flows. We have recorded liabilities for known indemnifications related to environmental matters. Further information can be found under the caption “Note 12: Other commitments and contingencies” of the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in the Item 1 of this report.

We are not engaged in any transactions, arrangements or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other third parties that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our liquidity or on our access to, or requirements for, capital resources. In addition, we have not established any special purpose entities.

A table of our contractual obligations was provided in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the 2012 Form 10-K. There were no significant changes in these obligations during the first nine months of 2013.


RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We have not entered into any material related party transactions during the first nine months of 2013 or during 2012.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A description of our critical accounting policies was provided in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the 2012 Form 10-K. There were no changes in these policies during the first nine months of 2013.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we completed the annual impairment analyses of goodwill and our indefinite-lived trade name. In completing the annual goodwill impairment analysis, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment for all of the reporting units to which goodwill is assigned. This qualitative analysis evaluated factors including, but not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. We also considered the quantitative analysis we completed as of July 31, 2010, in which the estimated fair values of our reporting units exceeded their carrying values by amounts between $43.0 million and $546.0 million, or by amounts between 55% and 442% above the carrying values of their net assets. In completing our qualitative analysis, we noted no changes in events or circumstances which would require us to complete the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for any of our reporting units.

In completing the annual impairment analysis of our indefinite-lived trade name, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment. This analysis indicated that the trade name's calculated fair value exceeded its carrying value of $19.1 million by approximately $14.0 million. In this analysis we assumed a discount rate of 13.2% and a royalty rate of 1.5%. A one-half percentage point increase in the discount rate would reduce the indicated fair value of the asset by approximately $1.6 million and a one-half percentage point decrease in the royalty rate would reduce the indicated fair value of the asset by approximately $11.0 million.



43

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Information regarding the accounting policies adopted during the first nine months of 2013 can be found under the caption “Note 2: New accounting pronouncements” of the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 1 of this report.
 
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This standard provides guidance regarding when an unrecognized tax benefit should be classified as a reduction to a deferred tax asset or when it should be classified as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet. The guidance becomes effective for us on January 1, 2014. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated balance sheet.


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information. We are filing this cautionary statement in connection with the Reform Act. When we use the words or phrases “should result,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “are expected to,” “targeted,” “will continue,” “will approximate,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook” or similar expressions in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in our press releases and in oral statements made by our representatives, they indicate forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act.
 
We want to caution you that any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf are subject to uncertainties and other factors that could cause them to be incorrect. Known material risks are discussed in Item 1A of the 2012 Form 10-K and are incorporated into this Item 2 of this report on Form 10-Q as if fully stated herein. Although we have attempted to compile a comprehensive list of these important factors, we want to caution you that other factors may prove to be important in affecting future operating results. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors, nor can we assess the impact each factor or combination of factors may have on our business.

You are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on those forward-looking statements because they speak only of our views as of the date the statements were made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of the borrowing activities used to support our capital structure, maintain liquidity and fund business operations. We do not enter into financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. The nature and amount of debt outstanding can be expected to vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. As of September 30, 2013, our total debt was comprised of the following:
(in thousands)
 
Carrying amount
 
Fair value(1)
 
Weighted-average interest rate
Long-term notes maturing October 2014, including increase of $2,058 related to cumulative change in fair value of hedged debt
 
$
255,501

 
$
262,005

 
4.3
%
Long-term notes maturing March 2019
 
200,000

 
213,750

 
7.0
%
Long-term notes maturing November 2020, including decrease of $13,729 related to cumulative change in fair value of hedged debt
 
186,271

 
205,000

 
5.0
%
Capital lease obligations
 
1,796

 
1,796

 
2.0
%
Total debt
 
$
643,568

 
$
682,551

 
5.3
%
 
(1) For our long-term notes, fair value is based on quoted market prices as of September 30, 2013 for identical liabilities when traded as assets. Capital lease obligations are presented at their carrying amount.

We may, from time to time, retire outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or other means. Any such repurchases or exchanges would depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements and other potential uses of cash, including acquisitions or share repurchases.

44

 
We have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge against changes in the fair value of a portion of our long-term debt. As of September 30, 2013, interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $398.0 million were designated as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of long-term debt as of September 30, 2013 included an $11.7 million decrease related to adjusting the hedged debt for changes in its fair value. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps and the related long-term debt are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. When the change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps and the hedged debt are not equal (i.e., hedge ineffectiveness), the difference in the changes in fair value affects the reported amount of interest expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Information regarding hedge ineffectiveness can be found under the caption “Note 8: Fair value measurements” of the Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 1 of this report.

Based on the outstanding variable rate debt in our portfolio, a one percentage point change in interest rates would have resulted in a $3.0 million change in interest expense for the first nine months of 2013, excluding any hedge ineffectiveness related to our interest rate swaps.

We are exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Investments in, loans and advances to foreign subsidiaries and branches, as well as the operations of these businesses, are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Canadian dollar. The effect of exchange rate changes is expected to have a minimal impact on our earnings and cash flows, as our foreign operations represent a relatively small portion of our business.

See Business Challenges/Market Risks in Item 2 of this report for further discussion of market risks.


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

(a)  Disclosure Controls and Procedures — As of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting —There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with our evaluation during the quarter ended September 30, 2013, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II−OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

We record provisions with respect to identified claims or lawsuits when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Claims and lawsuits are reviewed quarterly and provisions are taken or adjusted to reflect the status of a particular matter. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable outcomes. Recorded liabilities were not material to our financial position, results of operations or liquidity, and we do not believe that any of the currently identified claims or litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, will materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity upon resolution.


Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

Our risk factors are outlined in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Form 10-K”). There have been no significant changes to these risk factors since we filed the 2012 Form 10-K.



45

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

The following table shows purchases of our own equity securities, based on trade date, which were completed during the third quarter of 2013:
Period
 
Total number of shares (or units) purchased
 
Average price paid per share (or unit)
 
Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 
Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
July 1, 2013 -
July 31, 2013
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
3,442,428
August 1, 2013 -
August 31, 2013
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,442,428
September 1, 2013 -
September 30, 2013
 
45,600

 
39.42

 
45,600

 
3,396,828
Total
 
45,600

 
$
39.42

 
45,600

 
3,396,828

In August 2003, our board of directors approved an authorization to purchase up to 10 million shares of our common stock. This authorization has no expiration date and 3.4 million shares remained available for purchase under this authorization as of September 30, 2013.

While not considered repurchases of shares, we do at times withhold shares that would otherwise be issued under equity-based awards to cover the withholding taxes due as a result of the exercising or vesting of such awards. During the third quarter of 2013, we withheld 8,520 shares in conjunction with the vesting and exercise of equity-based awards.

 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.


Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.


Item 5.  Other Information.

None.


Item 6.  Exhibits.
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
Method of Filing
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010)
 
 
*
3.2
 
Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 23, 2008)
 
 
*
4.1
 
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2006, by and between us and Wells Fargo Bank, N. A., as Rights Agent, which includes as Exhibit A thereto, the Form of Rights Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 21, 2006)
 
 
*

46

Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
Method of Filing
4.2
 
Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2003, by and between us and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-104858) filed with the Commission on April 30, 2003)
 
 
*
4.3
 
Form of Officer’s Certificate and Company Order authorizing the 2014 Notes, series B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-120381) filed with the Commission on November 12, 2004)
 
 
*
4.4
 
Specimen of 5 1/8% notes due 2014, series B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-120381) filed with the Commission on November 12, 2004)
 
 
*
4.5
 
Indenture, dated as of May 14, 2007, by and between us and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (including form of 7.375% Senior Notes due 2015) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 15, 2007)
 
 
*
4.6
 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 12, 2010, among us, the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (formerly The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)
 
 
*
4.7
 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 9, 2010, among us, the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (formerly The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010)
 
 
*
4.8
 
Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2011, by and among us, the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (including form of 7.00% Senior Notes due 2019) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 15, 2011)
 
 
*
4.9
 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 30, 2012, among us, OrangeSoda, Inc., the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012)
 
 
*
4.10
 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 30, 2012, among us, OrangeSoda, Inc., the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (formerly The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012)
 
 
*
4.11
 
Indenture, dated as of November 27, 2012, by and among us, the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (including form of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2020) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 27, 2012)
 
*
4.12
 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 26, 2012 among us, the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (formerly The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 27, 2012)
 
*
4.13
 
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2013 among us, VerticalResponse, Inc., the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013)
 
*

47

Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
Method of Filing
4.14
 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2013 among us, VerticalResponse, Inc., the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013)
 
*
4.15
 
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 25, 2013 among us, ChecksByDeluxe.com, LLC, Direct Checks Unlimited, LLC, Direct Checks Unlimited Sales, Inc., Safeguard Acquisitions, Inc., Safeguard Franchise Systems, Inc., the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee
 
Filed
herewith
 
4.16
 
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 25, 2013 among us, ChecksByDeluxe.com, LLC, Direct Checks Unlimited, LLC, Direct Checks Unlimited Sales, Inc., Safeguard Acquisitions, Inc., Safeguard Franchise Systems, Inc., the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee
 
Filed
herewith
 
12.1
 
Statement re: Computation of Ratios
 
 
 
Filed
herewith
31.1
 
CEO Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
Filed
herewith
 
31.2
 
CFO Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
Filed
herewith
32.1
 
CEO and CFO Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Furnished
herewith
 
101
 
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and (v) Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements**
 
Filed
herewith
___________________
* Incorporated by reference
** Submitted electronically with this report

48


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
DELUXE CORPORATION
            (Registrant)
 
 
Date: October 30, 2013
/s/ Lee Schram
 
Lee Schram
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: October 30, 2013
/s/ Terry D. Peterson
 
Terry D. Peterson
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
Date: October 30, 2013
/s/ Jeffrey J. Bata
 
Jeffrey J. Bata
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

49





INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
 
Description
4.15
 
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 25, 2013 among us, ChecksByDeluxe.com, LLC, Direct Checks Unlimited, LLC, Direct Checks Unlimited Sales, Inc., Safeguard Acquisitions, Inc., Safeguard Franchise Systems, Inc., the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee
4.16
 
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 25, 2013 among us, ChecksByDeluxe.com, LLC, Direct Checks Unlimited, LLC, Direct Checks Unlimited Sales, Inc., Safeguard Acquisitions, Inc., Safeguard Franchise Systems, Inc., the guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee
12.1
 
Statement re: Computation of Ratios
31.1
 
CEO Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
CFO Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
 
CEO and CFO Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101
 
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and (v) Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

50