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 September 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, 87,399,629 shares as of October 31, 2003.

 



Table of Contents

HARTE-HANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-Q REPORT

September 30, 2003

 

          Page

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.   

Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

    
    

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002

   3
    

Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

   4
    

Consolidated Statements of Operations – Nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

   5
    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

   6
    

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income – Nine months ended September 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 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)

 

              
     September 30,
2003


    December 31,
2002


 
     (Unaudited)        

Assets

                

Current assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 29,745     $ 25,026  

Accounts receivable, net

     144,294       137,679  

Inventory

     4,827       5,299  

Prepaid expenses

     13,977       14,070  

Current deferred income tax asset

     8,872       8,129  

Other current assets

     8,392       8,409  
    


 


Total current assets

     210,107       198,612  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     97,766       94,154  

Goodwill, net

     437,159       436,800  

Other intangible assets, net

     2,817       3,267  

Other assets

     4,225       3,899  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 752,074     $ 736,732  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                

Current liabilities

                

Accounts payable

   $ 49,950     $ 40,746  

Accrued payroll and related expenses

     20,637       21,854  

Customer deposits and unearned revenue

     43,082       41,775  

Income taxes payable

     9,387       9,338  

Other current liabilities

     8,034       8,048  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     131,090       121,761  

Long-term debt

     25,000       16,300  

Other long-term liabilities

     66,079       66,138  
    


 


Total liabilities

     222,169       204,199  
    


 


Stockholders’ equity

                

Common stock, $1 par value, 375,000,000 shares authorized. 113,005,465 and 111,534,630 shares issued at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively

     113,005       111,535  

Additional paid-in capital

     232,400       216,149  

Retained earnings

     776,623       722,231  

Less treasury stock: 25,519,571 and 21,329,896 shares at cost at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively

     (568,373 )     (491,793 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (23,750 )     (25,589 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     529,905       532,533  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 752,074     $ 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
September 30,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Operating revenues

   $ 239,366     $ 226,466  
    


 


Operating expenses

                

Payroll

     82,734       80,123  

Production and distribution

     89,222       82,944  

Advertising, selling, general and administrative

     21,656       18,744  

Depreciation

     7,090       7,849  

Intangible amortization

     150       150  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     200,852       189,810  
    


 


Operating income

     38,514       36,656  
    


 


Other expenses (income)

                

Interest expense

     199       285  

Interest income

     (32 )     (37 )

Other, net

     488       505  
    


 


       655       753  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     37,859       35,903  

Income tax expense

     14,935       13,715  
    


 


Net income

   $ 22,924     $ 22,188  
    


 


Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.26     $ 0.24  
    


 


Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     88,288       92,115  
    


 


Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.26     $ 0.24  
    


 


Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     89,571       94,163  
    


 


 

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)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Operating revenues

   $ 688,855     $ 669,252  
    


 


Operating expenses

                

Payroll

     247,944       241,651  

Production and distribution

     252,792       236,220  

Advertising, selling, general and administrative

     60,333       56,511  

Depreciation

     22,523       24,322  

Intangible amortization

     450       450  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     584,042       559,154  
    


 


Operating income

     104,813       110,098  
    


 


Other expenses (income)

                

Interest expense

     650       876  

Interest income

     (132 )     (158 )

Other, net

     1,501       1,367  
    


 


       2,019       2,085  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     102,794       108,013  

Income tax expense

     40,410       41,467  
    


 


Net income

   $ 62,384     $ 66,546  
    


 


Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.70     $ 0.71  
    


 


Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     88,887       93,270  
    


 


Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.69     $ 0.70  
    


 


Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     90,327       95,634  
    


 


 

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)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

                

Net income

   $ 62,384     $ 66,546  

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

                

Depreciation

     22,523       24,322  

Intangible amortization

     450       450  

Amortization of option-related compensation

     72       75  

Deferred income taxes

     9,103       6,645  

Other, net

     297       510  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

                

Increase in accounts receivable, net

     (6,615 )     (392 )

Decrease in inventory

     472       691  

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     110       (1,119 )

Increase in accounts payable

     9,204       5,278  

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

     (1,252 )     1,911  

Other, net

     (8,836 )     2,673  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     87,912       107,590  
    


 


Cash Flows from Investing Activities

                

Acquisitions

     (343 )     (3,791 )

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (25,683 )     (11,903 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     444       351  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (25,582 )     (15,343 )
    


 


Cash Flows from Financing Activities

                

Long-term borrowings

     45,000       14,000  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (36,300 )     (52,000 )

Issuance of common stock

     10,069       12,685  

Purchase of treasury stock

     (68,483 )     (70,474 )

Issuance of treasury stock

     95       76  

Dividends paid

     (7,992 )     (6,872 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (57,611 )     (102,585 )
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     4,719       (10,338 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     25,026       30,468  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 29,745     $ 20,130  
    


 


 

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

     161       2,376       —         —         —         2,537  

Exercise of stock options for cash and by surrender of shares

     1,309       8,624       —         (5,767 )     —         4,166  

Tax benefit of options exercised

     —         5,271       —         —         —         5,271  

Dividends paid ($0.090 per share)

     —         —         (7,992 )     —         —         (7,992 )

Treasury stock repurchase

     —         —         —         (70,928 )     —         (70,928 )

Treasury stock issued

     —         (20 )     —         115       —         95  

Comprehensive income, net of tax:

                                                

Net income

     —         —         62,384       —         —         62,384  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —         —         —         —         1,839       1,839  
                                            


Total comprehensive income

                                             64,223  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at September 30, 2003

   $ 113,005     $ 232,400     $ 776,623     $ (568,373 )   $ (23,750 )   $ 529,905  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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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 nine months ended September 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 $14.9 million was calculated using an effective income tax rate of approximately 39.4%. The Company’s nine month income tax provision of $40.4 million, was calculated using an effective income tax rate of approximately 39.3%. 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
September 30,


In thousands, except per share amounts


   2003

   2002

BASIC EPS

             

Net Income

   $ 22,924    $ 22,188
    

  

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

     88,288      92,115
    

  

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.26    $ 0.24
    

  

DILUTED EPS

             

Net Income

   $ 22,924    $ 22,188
    

  

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     89,571      94,163
    

  

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.26    $ 0.24
    

  

Computation of shares used in earnings per share computations:

             

Average outstanding common shares

     88,288      92,115

Average common equivalent shares - dilutive effect of option shares

     1,283      2,048
    

  

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     89,571      94,163
    

  

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,


In thousands, except per share amounts


   2003

   2002

BASIC EPS

             

Net Income

   $ 62,384    $ 66,546
    

  

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

     88,887      93,270
    

  

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.70    $ 0.71
    

  

DILUTED EPS

             

Net Income

   $ 62,384    $ 66,546
    

  

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     90,327      95,634
    

  

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.69    $ 0.70
    

  

Computation of shares used in earnings per share computations:

             

Average outstanding common shares

     88,887      93,270

Average common equivalent shares - dilutive effect of option shares

     1,440      2,364
    

  

Shares used diluted in earnings per share computations

     90,327      95,634
    

  

 

As of September 30, 2003, the Company had 753,000 antidilutive market price options outstanding which have been excluded from the EPS calculations. As of September 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
September 30


 

In thousands


   2003

    2002

 

Operating revenues

                

Direct Marketing

   $ 147,964     $ 140,872  

Shoppers

     91,402       85,594  
    


 


Total operating revenues

   $ 239,366     $ 226,466  
    


 


Operating Income

                

Direct Marketing

   $ 19,712     $ 17,921  

Shoppers

     20,719       20,658  

Corporate Activities

     (1,917 )     (1,923 )
    


 


Total operating income

   $ 38,514     $ 36,656  
    


 


Income before income taxes

                

Operating income

   $ 38,514     $ 36,656  

Interest expense

     (199 )     (285 )

Interest income

     32       37  

Other, net

     (488 )     (505 )
    


 


Total income before income taxes

   $ 37,859     $ 35,903  
    


 


     Nine Months Ended
September 30


 

In thousands


   2003

    2002

 

Operating revenues

                

Direct Marketing

   $ 424,473     $ 419,425  

Shoppers

     264,382       249,827  
    


 


Total operating revenues

   $ 688,855     $ 669,252  
    


 


Operating Income

                

Direct Marketing

   $ 53,289     $ 60,082  

Shoppers

     57,678       56,208  

Corporate Activities

     (6,154 )     (6,192 )
    


 


Total operating income

   $ 104,813     $ 110,098  
    


 


Income before income taxes

                

Operating income

   $ 104,813     $ 110,098  

Interest expense

     (650 )     (876 )

Interest income

     132       158  

Other, net

     (1,501 )     (1,367 )
    


 


Total income before income taxes

   $ 102,794     $ 108,013  
    


 


 

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
September 30,


 

In thousands, except per share amounts


   2003

    2002

 

Net income – as reported

   $ 22,924     $ 22,188  

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

     15       15  

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

     (952 )     (1,083 )
    


 


Net income – pro forma

   $ 21,987     $ 21,120  
    


 


Basic earnings per share – as reported

   $ 0.26     $ 0.24  

Basic earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.25     $ 0.23  

Diluted earnings per share – as reported

   $ 0.26     $ 0.24  

Diluted earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.25     $ 0.22  
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 

In thousands, except per share amounts


   2003

    2002

 

Net income – as reported

   $ 62,384     $ 66,546  

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

     44       46  

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

     (2,805 )     (3,081 )
    


 


Net income – pro forma

   $ 59,622     $ 63,510  
    


 


Basic earnings per share – as reported

   $ 0.70     $ 0.71  

Basic earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.67     $ 0.68  

Diluted earnings per share – as reported

   $ 0.69     $ 0.70  

Diluted earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.66     $ 0.66  

 

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 nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
2003


    Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
2002


 

Expected dividend yield

   0.63 %   0.50 %

Expected stock price volatility

   26.7 %   27.8 %

Risk free interest rate

   4.0 %   5.4 %

Expected Life of options

   3-10 years     3-10 years  

 

11


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

         Nine months ended

      

In thousands


   Sept. 30,
2003


   Sept. 30,
2002


   Change

    Sept. 30,
2003


   Sept. 30,
2002


   Change

 

Revenues

   $ 239,366    $ 226,466    5.7 %   $ 688,855    $ 669,252    2.9 %

Operating expenses

     200,852      189,810    5.8 %     584,042      559,154    4.5 %
    

  

        

  

      

Operating income

   $ 38,514    $ 36,656    5.1 %   $ 104,813    $ 110,098    -4.8 %
    

  

        

  

      

Net income

   $ 22,924    $ 22,188    3.3 %   $ 62,384    $ 66,546    -6.3 %
    

  

        

  

      

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.26    $ 0.24    8.3 %   $ 0.69    $ 0.70    -1.4 %
    

  

        

  

      

 

Consolidated revenues increased 5.7% to $239.4 million while operating income increased 5.1% to $38.5 million in the third quarter of 2003 when compared to the third quarter of 2002. Overall operating expenses compared to 2002 increased 5.8% to $200.9 million.

 

Net income increased 3.3% to $22.9 million while diluted earnings per share grew 8.3% to 26 cents per share. The increase in net income was a result of the increase in operating income.

 

Direct Marketing

 

Direct Marketing operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended

         Nine months ended

      

In thousands


   Sept. 30,
2003


   Sept. 30,
2002


   Change

    Sept. 30,
2003


   Sept. 30,
2002


   Change

 

Revenues

   $ 147,964    $ 140,872    5.0 %   $ 424,473    $ 419,425    1.2 %

Operating expenses

     128,252      122,951    4.3 %     371,184      359,343    3.3 %
    

  

        

  

      

Operating income

   $ 19,712    $ 17,921    10.0 %   $ 53,289    $ 60,082    -11.3 %
    

  

        

  

      

 

Direct Marketing revenues increased $7.1 million or 5.0% in the third quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. These results reflect mixed results from Direct Marketing’s largest vertical markets. Direct Marketing had increased revenues from the high-tech/telecom and healthcare/pharmaceutical industry sectors as well as from its select markets group compared to the third quarter of 2002. Revenues from the financial services and retail industries declined compared to the prior year quarter. Direct Marketing experienced increased revenues in technical support, software sales, business-to-business telesales and consulting projects, partially offset by decreased revenues from fulfillment, data processing and data sales.

 

Operating expenses increased $5.3 million, or 4.3%, in the third quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. Labor costs increased $1.4 million due to higher healthcare costs and higher payrolls. Production and distribution costs increased $4.3 million, primarily driven by costs related to increased volumes associated with increase revenues. General and administrative expense increased $0.5 million due to increased professional services and insurance costs (including workers compensation), partially offset by decreased business services. Depreciation expense decreased $0.9 million due to lower capital expenditures in 2002 than in recent prior years.

 

Direct Marketing revenues increased $5.0 million, or 1.2%, in the first nine months of 2003 compared to the first nine months of 2002. Direct Marketing had

 

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increased revenues from the high-tech/telecom and healthcare/pharmaceutical industry sectors as well as from its select markets group in the first nine months of 2003 compared to 2002. Revenues from the financial services and retail industries declined compared to the first nine months of the prior year.

 

Operating expenses increased $11.8 million, or 3.3%, in the first nine months of 2003 compared to 2002. Labor costs increased $2.8 million due to higher payrolls and higher healthcare costs and pension expense. Production and distribution costs increased $11.1 million, primarily due to higher costs related to increased volumes associated with the increased revenues, partially offset by decreased lease expense. General and administrative expense increased $0.1 million due to increased professional services, partially offset by decreased business services. Depreciation expense decreased $2.2 million due to lower capital expenditures in 2002 than in recent prior years.

 

Shoppers

 

Shopper operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended

         Nine months ended

      

In thousands


   Sept. 30,
2003


   Sept. 30,
2002


   Change

    Sept. 30,
2003


   Sept. 30,
2002


   Change

 

Revenues

   $ 91,402    $ 85,594    6.8 %   $ 264,382    $ 249,827    5.8 %

Operating expenses

     70,683      64,936    8.9 %     206,704      193,619    6.8 %
    

  

        

  

      

Operating income

   $ 20,719    $ 20,658    0.3 %   $ 57,678    $ 56,208    2.6 %
    

  

        

  

      

 

Shopper revenues increased $5.8 million, or 6.8%, in the third 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 automotive-related ROP advertising and decreased coupon book revenues.

 

Operating expenses increased $5.7 million, or 8.9%, in the third quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. Labor costs increased $1.3 million due to higher benefit costs and higher volumes. Production costs increased $2.0 million, including additional postage of $0.9 million due to increased volumes and higher postage rates. General and administrative costs increased $2.3 million due to increased insurance costs (including workers compensation), bad debt expense and promotion expense. Depreciation expense increased $0.1 million due to new capital investments to support future growth.

 

Shopper revenues increased $14.6 million, or 5.8%, in the first nine months of 2003 compared to the first nine 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 automotive-related ROP advertising and decreased revenues from pre-printed inserts and coupon books.

 

Operating expenses increased $13.1 million, or 9.0%, in the first nine months of 2003 compared to the first nine months of 2002. Labor costs increased $3.7 million due to higher benefit costs and higher volumes. Production costs increased $5.4 million, including additional postage of $2.7 million due to increased volumes and higher postage rates. General and administrative costs increased $3.6 million due to increased insurance costs (including workers compensation), promotion expense and bad debt expense. Depreciation expense increased $0.4 million due to new capital investments to support future growth.

 

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Other Income and Expense

 

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

 

Interest Expense/Interest Income

 

Interest expense decreased $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2003 and $0.2 million in the first nine months of 2003 over the same periods in 2002. The decrease in interest expense was due primarily to lower debt levels and lower interest rates during the first nine months of 2003.

 

Interest income was flat in the third quarter and first nine months 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 nine months of 2003.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company’s income tax expense increased $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2003 and decreased $1.1 million in the first nine months 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 39.4% for the third quarter of 2003 and 38.2% for the third quarter of 2002. The effective tax rate was 39.3% for the first nine months of 2003 and 38.4% for the first nine months of 2002.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $87.9 million, compared to $107.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Net cash outflows from investing activities were $25.6 million for the first nine months of 2003 compared to net cash outflows of $15.3 million for the first nine 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 $57.6 million in 2003 compared to net cash outflows of $102.6 million in 2002. The decrease is attributable primarily to net borrowings of $8.7 million during the first nine months of 2003 compared to net repayment of borrowings of $38.0 million during the first nine months of 2002.

 

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 September 30, 2003, the Company had $100 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 the Company currently considers immaterial, could also impair the Company’s business operations.

 

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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. Legislation enacted in the State of California affected employers in that state in general could also have a material adverse impact on the Company’s Shopper business.

 

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

 

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are dependent to a large extent on local advertising expenditures in the markets 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 or the threat of 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 or threat of 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 September 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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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 October 22, 2003. The report incorporated the Company’s earnings release for the period ended September 30, 2003.

 

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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.

November 14, 2003       /s/    RICHARD M. HOCHHAUSER        
     
Date      

Richard M. Hochhauser

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Table of Contents

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.

November 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

 

20