10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003

 

¨   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 1-7120

 


 

HARTE-HANKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   74-1677284

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

200 Concord Plaza Drive, San Antonio, Texas   78216
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number including area code—210/829-9000

 


 

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

 

Indicate by checkmark whether registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  Yes  x  No  ¨

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock:    $1 par value, 88,754,794 shares as of July 31, 2003.

 



Table of Contents

HARTE-HANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-Q REPORT

June 30, 2003

 

             Page

Part I.

 

Financial Information

    

Item 1.

  Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)     
       

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002

   3
       

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

   4
       

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

   5
       

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

   6
       

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income - Six months ended June 30, 2003 and twelve months ended December 31, 2002

   7
       

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   8

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    12

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    16

Item 4

  Controls and Procedures    16

Part II.

 

Other Information

    

Item 4.

  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    17

Item 6.

  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    17
   

(a)

 

Exhibits

    
   

(b)

 

Reports on Form 8-K

    

 

2


Table of Contents

Item 1. Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share amounts)


 

    

(Unaudited)

June 30,

2003


   

December 31,

2002


 

Assets

                

Current assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 21,601     $ 25,026  

Accounts receivable, net

     133,459       137,679  

Inventory

     5,407       5,299  

Prepaid expenses

     13,814       14,070  

Current deferred income tax asset

     7,475       8,129  

Other current assets

     6,785       8,409  
    


 


Total current assets

     188,541       198,612  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     95,819       94,154  

Goodwill, net

     437,160       436,800  

Other intangible assets, net

     2,967       3,267  

Other assets

     3,519       3,899  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 728,006     $ 736,732  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                

Current liabilities

                

Accounts payable

   $ 40,847     $ 40,746  

Accrued payroll and related expenses

     17,485       21,854  

Customer deposits and unearned revenue

     42,086       41,775  

Income taxes payable

     4,874       9,338  

Other current liabilities

     6,662       8,048  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     111,954       121,761  

Long-term debt

     11,367       16,300  

Other long-term liabilities

     70,782       66,138  
    


 


Total liabilities

     194,103       204,199  
    


 


Stockholders’ equity

                

Common stock, $1 par value, 375,000,000 shares authorized. 112,664,477 and 111,534,630 shares issued at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively

     112,664       111,535  

Additional paid-in capital

     229,132       216,149  

Retained earnings

     756,342       722,231  

Less treasury stock: 24,032,684 and 21,329,896 shares at cost at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively

     (540,276 )     (491,793 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (23,959 )     (25,589 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     533,903       532,533  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 728,006     $ 736,732  
    


 


 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share amounts)


(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Operating revenues

   $ 233,169     $ 227,879  
    


 


Operating expenses

                

Payroll

     82,741       80,123  

Production and distribution

     84,866       78,769  

Advertising, selling, general and administrative

     19,319       20,744  

Depreciation

     7,627       8,112  

Intangible amortization

     150       150  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     194,703       187,898  
    


 


Operating income

     38,466       39,981  
    


 


Other expenses (income)

                

Interest expense

     242       222  

Interest income

     (53 )     (71 )

Other, net

     432       595  
    


 


       621       746  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     37,845       39,235  

Income tax expense

     14,763       15,145  
    


 


Net income

   $ 23,082     $ 24,090  
    


 


Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.26     $ 0.26  
    


 


Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     88,540       93,917  
    


 


Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.26     $ 0.25  
    


 


Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     89,999       96,408  
    


 


 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share amounts)


(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Operating revenues

   $ 449,489     $ 442,786  
    


 


Operating expenses

                

Payroll

     165,210       161,528  

Production and distribution

     163,570       153,276  

Advertising, selling, general and administrative

     38,677       37,767  

Depreciation

     15,433       16,473  

Intangible amortization

     300       300  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     383,190       369,344  
    


 


Operating income

     66,299       73,442  
    


 


Other expenses (income)

                

Interest expense

     451       591  

Interest income

     (100 )     (121 )

Other, net

     1,013       862  
    


 


       1,364       1,332  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     64,935       72,110  

Income tax expense

     25,475       27,752  
    


 


Net income

   $ 39,460     $ 44,358  
    


 


Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.44     $ 0.47  
    


 


Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     89,187       93,845  
    


 


Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.44     $ 0.46  
    


 


Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     90,705       96,367  
    


 


 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)


(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

                

Net income

   $ 39,460     $ 44,358  

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

                

Depreciation

     15,433       16,473  

Intangible amortization

     300       300  

Amortization of option-related compensation

     48       50  

Deferred income taxes

     3,348       4,228  

Other, net

     116       139  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

                

Decrease in accounts receivable, net

     4,220       4,266  

Decrease (increase) in inventory

     (108 )     203  

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,880       (1,050 )

Increase in accounts payable

     101       1,955  

Increase (decrease) in other accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     (8,367 )     2,131  

Other, net

     4,019       1,973  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     60,450       75,026  
    


 


Cash Flows from Investing Activities

                

Acquisitions

     (343 )     (2,791 )

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (16,878 )     (6,520 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     444       162  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (16,777 )     (9,149 )
    


 


Cash Flows from Financing Activities

                

Long-term borrowings

     20,000       7,000  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (25,000 )     (45,000 )

Issuance of common stock

     7,453       10,872  

Purchase of treasury stock

     (44,259 )     (47,671 )

Issuance of treasury stock

     57       47  

Dividends paid

     (5,349 )     (4,570 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (47,098 )     (79,322 )
    


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,425 )     (13,445 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     25,026       30,468  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 21,601     $ 17,023  
    


 


 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (in thousands)


(2003 Unaudited)

 

    

Common

Stock


   

Additional

Paid-In

Capital


   

Retained

Earnings


   

Treasury

Stock


   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)


   

Total

Stockholders’

Equity


 

Balance at January 1, 2002

   $ 109,352     $ 188,158     $ 640,635     $ (384,486 )   $ (1,293 )   $ 552,366  

Common stock issued-employee benefit plans

     202       3,131       —         —         —         3,333  

Exercise of stock options for cash and by surrender of shares

     2,282       13,787       —         (8,498 )     —         7,571  

Tax benefit of options exercised

     —         10,765       —         —         —         10,765  

Dividends paid ($0.098 per share)

     —         —         (9,149 )     —         —         (9,149 )

Treasury stock repurchase

     (301 )     301       —         (98,912 )     —         (98,912 )

Treasury stock issued

     —         7       —         103       —         110  

Comprehensive income, net of tax:

                                                

Net income

     —         —         90,745       —         —         90,745  

Adjustmentt for minimum pension liability (net of tax of $17,121)

     —         —         —         —         (26,169 )     (26,169 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —         —         —         —         1,873       1,873  
                                            


Total comprehensive income

                                             66,449  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

     111,535       216,149       722,231       (491,793 )     (25,589 )     532,533  

Common stock issued-employee benefit plans

     110       1,585       —         —         —         1,695  

Exercise of stock options for cash and by surrender of shares

     1,019       6,840       —         (4,294 )     —         3,565  

Tax benefit of options exercised

     —         4,571       —         —         —         4,571  

Dividends paid ($0.060 per share)

     —         —         (5,349 )     —         —         (5,349 )

Treasury stock repurchase

     —         —         —         (44,259 )     —         (44,259 )

Treasury stock issued

     —         (13 )     —         70       —         57  

Comprehensive income, net of tax:

                                                

Net income

     —         —         39,460       —         —         39,460  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —         —         —         —         1,630       1,630  
                                            


Total comprehensive income

                                             41,090  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at June 30, 2003

   $ 112,664     $ 229,132     $ 756,342     $ (540,276 )   $ (23,959 )   $ 533,903  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note A – Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Harte-Hanks, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”).

 

The statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

 

Note B – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure”. SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation prescribed by SFAS No. 123. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The transition guidance and annual disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 were effective for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The interim disclosure provisions are effective for financial reports containing financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002 and are included in Note G of this report. At this time the Company does not intend to change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation prescribed by SFAS No. 123, but instead will continue to account for stock-based compensation under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, as permitted by SFAS No. 123. Therefore the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 148 did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Note C – Income Taxes

 

The Company’s quarterly income tax provision of $14.8 million was calculated using an effective income tax rate of approximately 39.0%. The Company’s six month income tax provision of $25.5 million, was calculated using an effective income tax rate of approximately 39.2%. The Company’s effective income tax rate is derived by estimating pretax income and income tax expense for the year ending December 31, 2003. The effective income tax rate calculated is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% due to the addition of state taxes and to certain expenses recorded for financial reporting purposes that are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

 

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Table of Contents

Note D – Stock Split

 

In May 2002, the Company effected a three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend payable to holders of record on May 20, 2002. All share, per share and average share information in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto have been restated to reflect the stock split.

 

Note E – Earnings Per Share

 

A reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


In thousands, except per share amounts


   2003

   2002

BASIC EPS

             

Net Income

   $ 23,082    $ 24,090
    

  

Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in earnings per share computations

     88,540      93,917
    

  

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.26    $ 0.26
    

  

DILUTED EPS

             

Net Income

   $ 23,082    $ 24,090
    

  

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     89,999      96,408
    

  

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.26    $ 0.25
    

  

Computation of shares used in earnings per share computations:

             

Average outstanding common shares

     88,540      93,917

Average common equivalent shares - dilutive effect of option shares

     1,459      2,491
    

  

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     89,999      96,408
    

  

     Six Months Ended
June 30,


In thousands, except per share amounts


   2003

   2002

BASIC EPS

             

Net Income

   $ 39,460    $ 44,358
    

  

Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in earnings per share computations

     89,187      93,845
    

  

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.44    $ 0.47
    

  

DILUTED EPS

             

Net Income

   $ 39,460    $ 44,358
    

  

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     90,705      96,367
    

  

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.44    $ 0.46
    

  

Computation of shares used in earnings per share computations:

             

Average outstanding common shares

     89,187      93,845

Average common equivalent shares - dilutive effect of option shares

     1,518      2,522
    

  

Shares used diluted in earnings per share computations

     90,705      96,367
    

  

 

As of June 30, 2003, the Company had 762,000 antidilutive market price options outstanding which have been excluded from the EPS calculations. As of June 30, 2002 there were no antidilutive market price options outstanding.

 

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Table of Contents

Note F – Business Segments

 

Harte-Hanks is a highly focused targeted media company with operations in two segments – Direct Marketing and Shoppers.

 

Information about the Company’s operations in its two different business segments follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30


 

In thousands


   2003

    2002

 

Operating revenues

                

Direct Marketing

   $ 141,937     $ 141,899  

Shoppers

     91,232       85,980  
    


 


Total operating revenues

   $ 233,169     $ 227,879  
    


 


Operating Income

                

Direct Marketing

   $ 19,207     $ 22,112  

Shoppers

     21,263       20,041  

Corporate Activities

     (2,004 )     (2,172 )
    


 


Total operating income

   $ 38,466     $ 39,981  
    


 


Income before income taxes

                

Operating income

   $ 38,466     $ 39,981  

Interest expense

     (242 )     (222 )

Interest income

     53       71  

Other, net

     (432 )     (595 )
    


 


Total income before income taxes

   $ 37,845     $ 39,235  
    


 


     Six Months Ended
June 30


 

In thousands


   2003

    2002

 

Operating revenues

                

Direct Marketing

   $ 276,509     $ 278,553  

Shoppers

     172,980       164,233  
    


 


Total operating revenues

   $ 449,489     $ 442,786  
    


 


Operating Income

                

Direct Marketing

   $ 33,577     $ 42,161  

Shoppers

     36,959       35,550  

Corporate Activities

     (4,237 )     (4,269 )
    


 


Total operating income

   $ 66,299     $ 73,442  
    


 


Income before income taxes

                

Operating income

   $ 66,299     $ 73,442  

Interest expense

     (451 )     (591 )

Interest income

     100       121  

Other, net

     (1,013 )     (862 )
    


 


Total income before income taxes

   $ 64,935     $ 72,110  
    


 


 

Note G – Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for options granted where the exercise price is equal to the market price of the underlying stock at the date of grant. For options issued with an exercise price below the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, the Company recognizes compensation expense under the provisions of APB No. 25, as permitted under SFAS No. 123.

 

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Table of Contents

Had compensation expense for the Company’s options been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards since January 1, 1995, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and diluted earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


 

In thousands, except per share amounts


   2003

    2002

 

Net income – as reported

   $ 23,082     $ 24,090  

Stock-based employee compensation expense, included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

     14       2  

Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based methods for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (719 )     (1,017 )
    


 


Net income – pro forma

   $ 22,377     $ 23,075  
    


 


Basic earnings per share – as reported

   $ 0.26     $ 0.26  

Basic earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.25     $ 0.25  

Diluted earnings per share – as reported

   $ 0.26     $ 0.25  

Diluted earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.25     $ 0.24  
     Six Months Ended
June 30,


 

In thousands, except per share amounts


   2003

    2002

 

Net income – as reported

   $ 39,460     $ 44,358  

Stock-based employee compensation expense, included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

     29       30  

Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based methods for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (1,853 )     (1,998 )
    


 


Net income – pro forma

   $ 37,636     $ 42,390  
    


 


Basic earnings per share – as reported

   $ 0.44     $ 0.47  

Basic earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.42     $ 0.45  

Diluted earnings per share – as reported

   $ 0.44     $ 0.46  

Diluted earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.41     $ 0.44  

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants during the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002:

 

    

Six

Months Ended

June 30,

2003


   

Six

Months Ended

June 30,

2002


 

Expected dividend yield

   0.65 %   0.50 %

Expected stock price volatility

   27.1 %   27.8 %

Risk free interest rate

   3.5 %   5.4 %

Expected Life of options

   3-10 years     3-10 years  

 

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Table of Contents

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


 

Results of Operations

 

Operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended

    Six months ended

 

In thousands


   June 30, 2003

   June 30, 2002

   Change

    June 30, 2003

   June 30, 2002

   Change

 

Revenues

   $ 233,169    $ 227,879    2.3 %   $ 449,489    $ 442,786    1.5 %

Operating expenses

     194,703      187,898    3.6 %     383,190      369,344    3.7 %
    

  

        

  

      

Operating income

   $ 38,466    $ 39,981    -3.8 %   $ 66,299    $ 73,442    -9.7 %
    

  

        

  

      

Net income

   $ 23,082    $ 24,090    -4.2 %   $ 39,460    $ 44,358    -11.0 %
    

  

        

  

      

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.26    $ 0.25    4.0 %   $ 0.44    $ 0.46    -4.3 %
    

  

        

  

      

 

Consolidated revenues increased 2.3% to $233.2 million while operating income declined 3.8% to $38.5 million in the second quarter of 2003 when compared to the second quarter of 2002. Overall operating expenses compared to 2002 increased 3.6% to $194.7 million.

 

Net income declined 4.2% to $23.1 million while diluted earnings per share grew 4.0% to 26 cents per share. The net income decline was a result of the decline in operating income.

 

Direct Marketing

 

Direct Marketing operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended

    Six months ended

 

In thousands


   June 30, 2003

   June 30, 2002

   Change

    June 30, 2003

   June 30, 2002

   Change

 

Revenues

   $ 141,937    $ 141,899    0.0 %   $ 276,509    $ 278,553    -0.7 %

Operating expenses

     122,730      119,787    2.5 %     242,932      236,392    2.8 %
    

  

        

  

      

Operating income

   $ 19,207    $ 22,112    -13.1 %   $ 33,577    $ 42,161    -20.4 %
    

  

        

  

      

 

Direct Marketing revenues were flat in the second quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. These results reflect mixed results from Direct Marketing’s largest vertical markets. Direct Marketing had increased revenues from high-tech/telecom and pharmaceutical/healthcare industry sectors while revenues from the financial services and retail industries declined compared to the prior year quarter. Direct Marketing’s select markets group had increased revenues, primarily due to increased revenues from the government/not-for-profit industries. Direct Marketing experienced revenue declines in fulfillment, logistics and software sales, partially offset by increased revenues from direct mail and response management and business-to-business telesales.

 

Operating expenses increased $2.9 million, or 2.5%, in the second quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. Labor costs increased $1.3 million due to higher pension and healthcare costs. Production and distribution costs increased $4.2 million, primarily driven by costs related to project oriented work. General and administrative expense decreased $1.9 million due to decreased bad debt expense and business services, partially offset by increased professional services. Depreciation expense decreased $0.7 million due to lower capital expenditures in 2002 than in recent prior years.

 

Direct Marketing revenues decreased $2.0 million, or 0.7%, in the first six months of 2003 compared to the first six months of 2002. These results reflect declines in most of Direct Marketing’s largest vertical markets, including

 

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declines in financial services, retail, and pharmaceutical/healthcare. These revenue declines were partially offset by increased revenues from the high-tech/telecom industry and Direct Marketing’s select markets group, primarily the government/not-for-profit and automotive industries.

 

Operating expenses increased $6.5 million, or 2.8%, in the first half of 2003 compared to the first half of 2002. Labor costs increased $1.4 million due to higher pension expense. Production and distribution costs increased $6.8 million, primarily due to higher transportation, repairs and maintenance, and costs related to project oriented work, partially offset by decreased lease expense. General and administrative expense decreased $0.4 million due to decreased business services and insurance expense partially offset by increased professional services. Depreciation expense decreased $1.3 million due to lower capital expenditures in 2002 than in recent prior years.

 

Shoppers

 

Shopper operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended

    Six months ended

 

In thousands


   June 30, 2003

   June 30, 2002

   Change

    June 30, 2003

   June 30, 2002

   Change

 

Revenues

   $ 91,232    $ 85,980    6.1 %   $ 172,980    $ 164,233    5.3 %

Operating expenses

     69,969      65,939    6.1 %     136,021      128,683    5.7 %
    

  

        

  

      

Operating income

   $ 21,263    $ 20,041    6.1 %   $ 36,959    $ 35,550    4.0 %
    

  

        

  

      

 

Shopper revenues increased $5.3 million, or 6.1%, in the second quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. Revenue increases were the result of improved sales in established markets as well as new year-over-year geographic expansions into new neighborhoods in California and Florida. From a product-line perspective, Shoppers had growth in both run-of-press (ROP, or in-book) advertising, primarily core sales and real estate-related advertising and its distribution products. These increases were partially offset by declines in employment and automotive-related ROP advertising and decreased coupon book revenues.

 

Operating expenses increased $4.0 million, or 6.1%, in the second quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. Labor costs increased $1.4 million due to higher benefit costs and higher volumes. Production costs increased $1.8 million, including additional postage of $1.0 million due to increased volumes and higher postage rates. General and administrative costs increased $0.6 million due to increased insurance costs and bad debt expense. Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million due to new capital investments to support future growth.

 

Shopper revenues increased $8.7 million, or 5.3%, in the first six months of 2003 compared to the first six months of 2002. Revenue increases were the result of improved sales in established markets as well as new year-over-year geographic expansions into new neighborhoods in California and Florida. From a product-line perspective, Shoppers had growth in both run-of-press (ROP, or in-book) advertising, primarily core sales and real estate-related advertising and its distribution products. These increases were partially offset by declines in employment and automotive-related ROP advertising and decreased revenues from pre-printed inserts and coupon books.

 

Operating expenses increased $7.3 million, or 5.7%, in the first half of 2003 compared to the first half of 2002. Labor costs increased $2.4 million during the quarter due to higher benefit costs and higher volumes. Production costs increased $3.4 million, including additional postage of $1.8 million due to increased volumes and higher postage rates. General and administrative costs increased $1.3 million due to increased promotion expense and insurance costs. Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million due to new capital investments to support future growth. Partially offsetting these increased operating expenses were decreased paper costs due to lower rates for newsprint.

 

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Other Income and Expense

 

Other net expense for the second quarter and first half of 2003 primarily consists of currency losses, balance-based bank charges and stockholders expenses.

 

Interest Expense/Interest Income

 

Interest expense was flat in the second quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. Interest expense decreased $0.1 million in the first six months of 2003 over the same period in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to lower debt levels and lower interest rates in the first half of 2003.

 

Interest income was flat in the second quarter and first half of 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002. These results were due to slightly higher average cash and investment balances offset by lower interest rates in the first half of 2003.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company’s income tax expense decreased $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2003 and $2.3 million in the first half of 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002. These changes were due primarily to the changes in pre-tax income levels. The effective tax rate was 39.0% for the second quarter of 2003 and 38.6% for the second quarter of 2002. The effective tax rate was 39.2% for the first half of 2003 and 38.5% for the first half of 2002.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2003 was $60.5 million, compared to $75.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. Net cash outflows from investing activities were $16.8 million for the first six months of 2003 compared to net cash outflows of $9.1 million for the first six months of 2002. The increase in 2003 primarily relates to higher capital expenditures in 2003 than in 2002. Net cash outflows from financing activities were $47.1 million in 2003 compared to net cash outflows of $79.3 million in 2002. The decrease in 2003 is attributable primarily to lower net repayment of borrowings and less spent for the repurchase of treasury stock in 2003, partially offset by a lower amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options in 2003.

 

Capital resources are available from and provided through the Company’s unsecured credit facility. This credit facility, a three-year $125 million variable-rate, revolving loan commitment, was put in place on October 18, 2002. All borrowings under this credit agreement are to be repaid by October 17, 2005. As of June 30, 2003, the Company had $115 million of unused borrowing capacity under this credit facility. Management believes that its credit facilities, together with cash provided from operating activities, will be sufficient to fund operations and anticipated acquisitions and capital expenditures needs for the foreseeable future.

 

Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition

 

From time to time, in both written reports and oral statements by senior management, the Company may express its expectations regarding its future performance. These “forward-looking statements” are inherently uncertain, and investors should realize that events could turn out to be other than what senior management expected. Set forth below are some key factors which could affect the Company’s future performance, including its revenues, net income and earnings per share; however, the risks described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known, or that

 

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the Company currently considers immaterial, could also impair the Company’s business operations.

 

Legislation – There could be a material adverse impact on the Company’s Direct Marketing business due to the enactment of legislation or industry regulations, including the recent creation of do-not-call lists, arising from public concern over consumer privacy issues. Restrictions or prohibitions could be placed upon the collection and use of information that is currently legally available.

 

Data Suppliers – There could be a material adverse impact on the Company’s Direct Marketing business if owners of the data the Company uses were to withdraw the data. Data providers could withdraw their data if there is a competitive reason to do so or if legislation is passed restricting the use of the data.

 

Acquisitions – Although the Company has not completed any acquisitions in 2003 or 2002, it continues to pursue acquisition opportunities, primarily in its Direct Marketing Segment. Acquisition activities, even if not consummated, require substantial amounts of management time and can distract from normal operations. In addition, there can be no assurance that the synergies and other objectives sought in acquisitions will be achieved.

 

Competition – Direct Marketing is a rapidly evolving business, subject to periodic technological advancements, high turnover of customer personnel who make buying decisions, and changing customer needs and preferences. Consequently, the Company’s Direct Marketing business faces competition in all of its offerings and within each of its vertical markets. The Company’s Shopper business competes for advertising, as well as for readers, with other print and electronic media. Competition comes from local and regional newspapers, magazines, radio, broadcast and cable television, shoppers and other communications media that operate in the Company’s markets. The extent and nature of such competition are, in large part, determined by the location and demographics of the markets targeted by a particular advertiser, and the number of media alternatives in those markets. Failure to continually improve the Company’s current processes and to develop new products and services could result in the loss of the Company’s customers to current or future competitors. In addition, failure to gain market acceptance of new products and services could adversely affect the Company’s growth.

 

Qualified Personnel – The Company believes that its future prospects will depend in large part upon its ability to attract, train and retain highly skilled technical, client services and administrative personnel. While dependent on employment levels and general economic conditions, qualified personnel historically have been in great demand and from time to time and in the foreseeable future will likely remain a limited resource.

 

Postal Rates – The Company’s Shoppers and Direct Marketing services depend on the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) to deliver products. The Company’s Shoppers are delivered by standard mail, and postage is the second largest expense, behind payroll, in the Company’s Shopper business. Standard postage rates increased at the beginning of the third quarter of 2002. Overall Shopper postage costs have grown moderately as a result of this increase and are expected to grow further as a result of anticipated increases in circulation and insert volumes. Postal rates also influence the demand for the Company’s Direct Marketing services even though the cost of mailings is borne by the Company’s customers and is not directly reflected in the Company’s revenues or expenses.

 

Paper Prices – Paper represents a substantial expense in the Company’s Shopper operations. In recent years newsprint prices have fluctuated widely, and such fluctuations can materially affect the results of the Company’s operations.

 

Economic Conditions – Changes in national economic conditions can affect levels of advertising expenditures generally, and such changes can affect each of the Company’s businesses. In addition, revenues from the Company’s Shopper business are dependent to a large extent on local advertising expenditures in the markets

 

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in which they operate. Such expenditures are substantially affected by the strength of the local economies in those markets. Direct Marketing revenues are dependent on national and international economics.

 

Interest Rates – Interest rate movements in Europe and the United States can affect the amount of interest the Company pays related to its debt and the amount it earns on cash equivalents. The Company’s primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate fluctuations in Europe, specifically EUROLIBOR rates due to their impact on interest related to the Company’s $125 million credit facility. The Company also has exposure to interest rate fluctuations in the United States, specifically money market, commercial paper and overnight time deposit rates as these affect the Company’s earnings on its excess cash.

 

War – War or the threat of war involving the United States could have a significant impact on the Company’s operations. War could substantially affect the levels of advertising expenditures by clients in each of the Company’s businesses. In addition each of the Company’s businesses could be affected by operational disruptions and a shortage of supplies and labor related to such a war.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company’s earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of its revolving credit agreements, which bear interest at floating rates. The Company does not believe that it has significant exposure to market risks associated with changing interest rates as of June 30, 2003. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments in its operations.

 

The Company’s earnings are also affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates as a result of its operations in foreign countries. Due to the level of operations in foreign countries, the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates is not significant to the Company’s overall earnings.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. No changes were made in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

The Company held its annual meeting of stockholders on May 6, 2003. At the meeting the stockholders were requested to vote on the following:

 

To elect David L. Copeland, Peter T. Flawn and Christopher M. Harte as Class I directors for a three-year term. The result of the vote was as follows:

 

     For

   Withheld

David L. Copeland

   79,316,637    1,459,398

Peter T. Flawn

   78,993,905    1,782,130

Christopher M. Harte

   78,995,706    1,780,329

 

The names of each director whose term of office continued are: Larry Franklin, William K. Gayden, Houston H. Harte, Richard Hochhauser and James L. Johnson.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

  (a)   Exhibits. See index to Exhibits on Page 20.

 

  (b)   The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated July 23, 2003. The report incorporated the Company’s earnings release for the period ended June 30, 2003.

 

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

 

        HARTE-HANKS, INC.

August 14, 2003


         

/s/ Richard M. Hochhauser


Date           Richard M. Hochhauser
                President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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

 

            HARTE-HANKS, INC.

August 14, 2003


         

/s/ Dean H. Blythe


Date           Dean H. Blythe
               

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit

No.


 

Description of Exhibit


   Page
No.


3(a)   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated by reference herein).     
3(b)   Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).     
3(c)   Amendment dated April 30, 1996 to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3(c) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and incorporated by reference herein).     
3(d)   Amendment dated May 5, 1998 to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3(d) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and incorporated by reference herein).     
3(e)   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as amended through May 5, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 3(e) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and incorporated by reference herein).     
*31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    21
*31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    22
*32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    23
*32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    24

*   Filed herewith

 

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