EX-99.1 3 dex991.htm PART II, ITEM 8 AND SCHEDULE II OF VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.'S FORM 10-K Part II, Item 8 and Schedule II of Valassis Communications, Inc.'s Form 10-K

Exhibit 99.1

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     YEAR ENDED  

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

  

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31,

2005

 
    

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 52,619     $ 64,320  

Auction-rate securities

     102,533       72,031  

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,001 at

Dec. 31, 2006 and $5,101 at Dec. 31, 2005)

     339,079       273,863  

Inventories:

    

Raw materials

     12,729       13,352  

Work in progress

     13,105       11,883  

Prepaid expenses and other

     16,681       12,894  

Deferred income taxes (Note 5)

     1,789       2,573  

Refundable income taxes

     3,957       —    
                

Total current assets

     542,492       450,916  
                

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

    

Land and buildings

     55,723       54,247  

Machinery and equipment

     142,085       136,771  

Office furniture and equipment

     61,903       61,449  

Automobiles

     216       221  

Leasehold improvements

     2,949       2,784  
                
     262,876       255,472  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (153,490 )     (147,325 )
                

Net property, plant and equipment

     109,386       108,147  
                

Intangible assets (Note 2):

    

Goodwill

     173,134       173,134  

Other intangibles

     35,555       35,555  
                
     208,689       208,689  

Less accumulated amortization

     (75,280 )     (74,724 )
                

Net intangible assets

     133,409       133,965  
                

Investments

     4,899       614  

Other assets

     11,240       4,041  
                

Total assets

   $ 801,426     $ 697,683  
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

1


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets, Continued

 

     YEAR ENDED  

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

  

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31,

2005

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion long-term debt

   $ —       $ 14,260  

Accounts payable

     268,834       215,696  

Accrued interest

     3,307       3,308  

Accrued expenses

     40,821       45,873  

Progress billings

     49,258       44,314  
                

Total current liabilities

     362,220       323,451  
                

Long-term debt (Note 3)

     259,931       259,896  

Other non-current liabilities

     8,195       8,090  

Deferred income taxes (Note 5)

     3,506       2,721  

Stockholders’ equity (Notes 8 and 9):

    

Preferred stock of $.01 par value. Authorized 25,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at Dec. 31, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2005

    

Common stock of $.01 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 63,264,925 at Dec. 31, 2006 and 63,217,176 at Dec. 31, 2005; outstanding 47,783,908 at Dec. 31, 2006 and 47,629,580 at Dec. 31, 2005

     633       632  

Additional paid-in capital

     45,520       39,102  

Deferred compensation

     (1,295 )     (925 )

Retained earnings

     638,209       586,927  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     4,734       1,389  

Treasury stock, at cost (15,481,017 shares at Dec. 31, 2006 and 15,587,596 shares at Dec. 31, 2005)

     (520,227 )     (523,600 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     167,574       103,525  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 801,426     $ 697,683  
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

     YEAR ENDED  

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

  

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31,

2005

   

Dec. 31,

2004

 
      

Revenues

   $ 1,043,491     $ 1,131,043     $ 1,044,069  
                        

Costs and expenses:

      

Cost of sales

     789,588       836,331       748,075  

Amortization of intangible assets

     556       599       294  

Selling, general and administrative

     151,358       142,656       133,080  

Goodwill and investment impairment charges

     —         —         3,553  
                        

Total costs and expenses

     941,502       979,586       885,002  
                        

Earnings from operations

     101,989       151,457       159,067  
                        

Other expenses and income:

      

Interest expense

     24,749       10,927       11,362  

Other (income) and expenses

     (6,298 )     (5,695 )     (9,100 )
                        

Total other expenses and income

     18,451       5,232       2,262  
                        

Earnings before income taxes

     83,538       146,225       156,805  
                        

Income taxes

     32,256       50,829       56,058  
                        

Net earnings

   $ 51,282     $ 95,396     $ 100,747  
                        

Net earnings per common share, basic

   $ 1.07     $ 1.93     $ 1.95  
                        

Net earnings per common share, diluted

   $ 1.07     $ 1.90     $ 1.93  
                        

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)   

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

   

Deferred
Compen-
sation

   

Retained
Earnings

   Accumulated    

Total
Compre-
hensive
Income

 
             Treasury
Stock
    Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
(Loss)
    Total    

Balances at Dec. 31, 2003

   $ 631    $ 35,373     $ (471 )   $ 390,784    $ (351,962 )   $ 1,704     $ 76,059    

Net earnings

            100,747          100,747     $ 100,747  

Other comprehensive income:

                  

Foreign currency translation

                     1,952  

Gain on hedging contracts

                     83  
                        

Total comprehensive income

                   $ 102,782  
                        

Stock repurchase

        (11,842 )          (47,999 )       (59,841 )  

Exercise of stock options

        1,488            18,524         20,012    

Deferred compensation

          256              256    

Stock grants

        1,192                1,192    

Other comprehensive income

                 2,081       2,081    
                                                        

Balances at Dec. 31, 2004

     631      26,211       (215 )     491,531      (381,437 )     3,785       140,506    

Net earnings

            95,396          95,396     $ 95,396  

Other comprehensive income:

                  

Foreign currency translation

                     (2,577 )

Loss on hedging contracts

                     (21 )

Accrued interest on auction- rate securities

                     139  
                        

Total comprehensive income

                   $ 92,937  
                        

Stock repurchase

        6,705            (175,743 )       (169,038 )  

Exercise of stock options

        3,785            33,580         37,365    

Deferred compensation

          (710 )            (710 )  

Stock grants

     1      2,401                2,402    

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                 (2,396 )     (2,396 )  
                                                        

Balances at Dec. 31, 2005

     632      39,102       (925 )     586,927      (523,600 )     1,389       103,525    

Net earnings

            51,282          51,282     $ 51,282  

Other comprehensive income:

                  

Foreign currency translation

                     3,143  

Gain on hedging contracts

                     31  

Accrued interest on auction- rate securities

                     100  
                        

Total comprehensive income

                   $ 54,556  
                        

Stock repurchase

        (1,525 )          (2,379 )       (3,904 )  

Exercise of stock options

        490            5,752         6,242    

Deferred compensation

          (370 )            (370 )  

Stock grants

     1      1,953                1,954    

Stock option expense

        5,500                5,500    

Other comprehensive income

                 3,345       3,345    
                                                        

Balances at Dec. 31, 2006

   $ 633    $ 45,520     $ (1,295 )   $ 638,209    $ (520,227 )   $ 4,734     $ 167,574    

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     YEAR ENDED  

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

  

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31

2005

   

Dec. 31

2004

 
      

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net earnings

   $ 51,282     $ 95,396     $ 100,747  

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

      

Depreciation

     14,374       15,374       15,224  

Amortization of intangibles

     556       599       297  

Amortization of bond discount

     215       453       782  

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     1,128       346       1,405  

Writedown of impaired assets

     2,136       —         3,553  

Gain on equity investment

     (407 )     (300 )     (71 )

Stock-based compensation charge

     7,083       1,654       1,313  

Loss (Gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment

     —         36       (435 )

Deferred income taxes

     1,569       4,201       5,971  

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

      

Accounts receivable

     (66,344 )     (9,285 )     (56,111 )

Inventories

     (599 )     2,381       (6,624 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     (4,174 )     3,592       (1,919 )

Other assets

     (7,067 )     1,968       1,543  

Other liabilities

     105       (272 )     660  

Accounts payable

     53,138       (16,128 )     35,720  

Accrued interest and expenses

     (5,053 )     (2,196 )     (6,407 )

Income taxes

     (3,080 )     5,862       2,175  

Progress billings

     4,944       12,508       (21,004 )
                        

Total adjustments

     (1,476 )     20,793       (23,928 )
                        

Cash flows provided from operating activities

   $ 49,806     $ 116,189     $ 76,819  
                        

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

     YEAR ENDED  

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

  

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31,

2005

   

Dec. 31,

2004

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   $ (16,256 )   $ (24,666 )   $ (18,941 )

Replacement equipment reimbursed by insurance companies from damage claims

     —         (6,268 )     (3,117 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     —         18       813  

Purchases of auction rate securities

     (629,091 )     (341,929 )     (268,793 )

Proceeds from auction rate securities

     598,589       372,765       310,423  

Acquisition of Catalina Marketing’s DMS division

     —         —         (5,500 )

Investments and advances to affiliated companies

     (4,000 )     —         (250 )

Other

     202       213       129  
                        

Net cash (used) provided in investing activities

     (50,556 )     133       14,764  
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     5,752       33,580       18,524  

Purchase of treasury shares

     (3,913 )     (169,037 )     (50,968 )

Repayment of long-term debt

     (14,440 )     —         (38,741 )
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (12,601 )     (135,457 )     (71,185 )
                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     1,650       (1,759 )     1,952  

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (11,701 )     (20,894 )     22,350  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

     64,320       85,214       62,864  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

   $ 52,619     $ 64,320     $ 85,214  
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

      

Cash paid during the year for interest

   $ 24,749 *   $ 10,205     $ 10,091  

Cash paid during the year for income taxes

   $ 36,536     $ 43,070     $ 48,394  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

      

Stock issued under stock-based compensation plan

   $ 1,954     $ 2,402     $ 1,192  

* Includes cash paid during the year for swap and swaption contracts of $13,751 related to the pending ADVO transaction.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Valassis Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue for newspaper-delivered promotions is recognized in the period the product is distributed in the newspaper. In accordance with industry practice, Valassis generally pre-bills FSI customers in advance of the related distribution date. However, these billings are reflected as progress billings (liability) until the appropriate distribution period. Products and services not distributed via newspapers are recognized in revenue when the product is shipped, accepted by the U.S. Postal Service or the service is performed. Revenue generated by NCH for processing coupons for payment does not include the face value of the coupon or the retailer handling fee. Once the coupon processing is complete, the NCH processing fee revenue is recognized.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

CASH EQUIVALENTS

Valassis considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

AUCTION-RATE SECURITIES

Auction-rate Securities (ARS) are securities that have stated maturities beyond three months but are priced and traded as short-term instruments due to the liquidity provided through the interest rate reset mechanism of 7 to 35 days. In accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” these ARS are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at cost, or par value which approximates the fair market value. Accrued interest is recorded in other comprehensive income.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are accounted for at lower of cost or market using the first in, first out (FIFO) method of inventory valuation.

ADVERTISING

The costs of advertising are expensed as incurred and are classified within “Selling, General and Administrative” on the “Consolidated Statements of Income.”

STOCK COMPENSATION

Valassis grants stock options to its employees under various incentive plans. Options are granted with exercise prices at least equal to the fair value on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2006, Valassis accounts for all options under SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” and utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires us to make various estimates in calculating expense as required by SFAS No. 123R.

CUSTOMER CONTRACT INCENTIVES

Valassis occasionally provides upfront cash incentives to key customers to secure the value of a long-term contract. The cost of such incentives are capitalized and amortized as a reduction to revenue over the life of the customer contract to match the associated value of the contract.

 

7


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures and improvements that add significantly to the productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the related asset or the lease-term using the straight-line method. Property, plant and equipment are reviewed annually for impairment. The useful lives of the major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 

Class

  

Range

Buildings/Building Improvements

   10 - 30 years

Machinery and equipment

     5 - 20 years

Office furniture, fixtures, and computer equipment and software

     3 - 10 years

Automobiles

             3 years

Leasehold improvements

     5 - 10 years

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets largely consist of goodwill arising from our acquisitions. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to review annually or as needed based on impairment indicators. As part of this review, we assess the useful lives assigned to intangible assets.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 20 years. Fully amortized intangible assets are removed from the cost and accumulated amortization accounts.

INCOME TAXES

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the consolidated financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Valassis grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. Valassis adopted SFAS No. 123R, as required, in 2006. The standard requires that all share-based compensation be recorded in the financial statements at the grant date fair value. Valassis applied this Statement to all unvested awards outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and all awards granted on or after January 1, 2006. Compensation cost is being recognized on and after January 1, 2006 for the fair value of new grants issued and for the unvested portion of outstanding awards at that date based on the grant-date fair value of these awards previously calculated under SFAS 123 for pro-forma disclosures. Prior period financial statements are not restated to reflect the effect of SFAS 123R. Prior to 2006, we accounted for stock option grants in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and, accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for the stock option grants.

 

8


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table reconciles reported net income to pro forma net income as if we accounted for stock options under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 in 2005 and 2004. (See Note 8 for additional disclosures).

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Dec. 31
2005
    Dec. 31,
2004
 

Net income, as reported

   $ 95,396     $ 100,747  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects      1,076       843  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards granted since January 1, 1995, net of related tax effects      (19,930 )     (10,928 )
                

Pro forma net income

   $ 76,542     $ 90,662  
                

Earnings per share:

    

Basic—as reported

   $ 1.93     $ 1.95  

Basic—pro forma

   $ 1.55     $ 1.75  

Diluted—as reported

   $ 1.90     $ 1.93  

Diluted—pro forma

   $ 1.53     $ 1.74  

On December 6, 2005, the Compensation/Stock Option Committee of the Board approved the acceleration of vesting of all underwater unvested stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005, with an exercise price greater than the December 30, 2005 closing price of Valassis’ common stock of $29.07. As a result, options that would have otherwise vested from time to time during the five years subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 became immediately exercisable at December 31, 2005 and all associated pro forma expense is recognized in the disclosure above. Consequently, no expense related to these options remains to be recorded in the financial statements for future years.

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING TRANSACTIONS

Valassis accounts for all derivative instruments and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133 as amended by SFAS No. 149. These statements require all derivative instruments to be recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of hedging relationships.

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Foreign currency translation is the majority component of our other comprehensive income. Valassis also includes any gains or losses from hedging contracts and accrued interest from ARS in other comprehensive income.

ACCUMULATED FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.” All balance sheet accounts have been translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income statement amounts have been translated using the average exchange rate for the year. The gains and losses resulting from the changes in exchange rates from year-to-year have been reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity.

 

9


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

We adopted SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006. The standard requires that all equity-based compensation be recorded in the financial statements at the grant date fair value. Valassis applied this Statement to all unvested awards outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and all awards granted on or after January 1, 2006. Compensation cost is being recognized on and after January 1, 2006 for the fair value of new grants issued and for the unvested portion of outstanding awards at that date based on the grant-date fair value of these awards previously calculated under SFAS 123 for pro-forma disclosures. The adoption of SFAS 123R resulted in the recognition of an additional $5.5 million of stock compensation expense in 2006. Prior period financial statements are not restated to reflect the effect of SFAS 123R.

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs.” This Statement amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). SFAS 151 requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of SFAS 151 are effective for inventory costs incurred in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. As such, Valassis adopted these provisions on January 1, 2006. The adoption of SFAS 151 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). The interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Specifically, the pronouncement prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation also provides guidance on the related derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition of uncertain tax positions. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. As such, we will adopt these provisions as of January 1, 2007, and are currently evaluating the impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. The SEC staff believes that registrants should quantify errors using both a balance sheet and an income statement approach and evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying a misstatement that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are considered, is material. The provisions of SAB 108 are effective for fiscal years ending on or after November 15, 2006. As such Valassis adopted these provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

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

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial instruments that potentially subject Valassis to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash in short-term high credit quality securities. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. One customer, Procter & Gamble, accounted for slightly more than 10% of Valassis’ consolidated revenues during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and no single customer accounted for more than 10% of Valassis’ consolidated revenues during the year ended December 31, 2004. Generally, we do not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables.

 

10


Valassis’ debt is also a financial instrument with the estimated fair market value of the debt at $8.8 million below carrying value as of December 31, 2006 and $3.5 million above carrying value at December 31, 2005. See Note 3 for additional fair value disclosure. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.

(2) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets are comprised of:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

  

Intangible
Assets,

at Cost

   Accumulated
Amortization
at Dec. 31,
2006
    Unamortized
Balance at
Dec. 31,
2006
   Weighted
Average
Useful Life
(in years)

Amortizable intangible assets

   $ 3,455    $ (2,475 )   $ 980    5.9

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

          

Goodwill:

          

FSI

     65,401      (47,144 )     18,257   

ROP

     3,599      (2,260 )     1,339   

Neighborhood Targeted

     4,195      (209 )     3,986   

Household Targeted

     86,375      (53,733 ) (1)     32,642   

International & Services

     64,864      —         64,864   

The Valassis name and other

     32,100      (20,759 )     11,341   
                        

Total non-amortizable intangible assets

   $ 256,534    $ (124,105 )   $ 132,429   
                        

Total

   $ 259,989    $ (126,580 )   $ 133,409   
                        

(1) Includes impairment charge of $51.3 million taken in the fourth quarter of 2002.

Valassis performed impairment tests based on discounted cash flow analysis at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, concluding no impairment of goodwill had occurred as of these dates and no events had occurred during the respective years that would indicate an impairment of such assets had taken place.

Amortizable intangible assets include non-compete agreements and corporate logos. The associated amortization expense was approximately $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Amortization related to these intangible assets is expected to be approximately $0.5 million in 2007, $0.2 million in 2008 and negligible in 2009 and beyond.

 

11


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3) LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

  

Dec. 31,

2006

  

Dec. 31,

2005

     

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ —      $ —  

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

     99,931      99,896

Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2021, net of discount

     —        14,260

Senior Convertible Notes due 2033, net of discount

     160,000      160,000
             
   $ 259,931    $ 274,156

Less current portion

     —        14,260
             

Total long-term debt

   $ 259,931    $ 259,896
             

CREDIT FACILITY

Valassis had a revolving line of credit with a $125.0 million revolving credit facility pursuant to an agreement with Standard Federal Bank, N.A., Comerica Bank, Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Fifth Third Bank (collectively, the “Banks”), with Standard Federal Bank, N.A. acting as Agent for the Banks (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”). The Revolving Credit Agreement expired in November 2006, and Valassis elected not to renew it at such time in light of the pending ADVO acquisition and its anticipated financing. As of December 31, 2006, Valassis did not have a credit facility.

PUBLIC DEBT

At December 31, 2006, our public debt consists of 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 (the “2009 Notes”) and Senior Convertible Notes due 2033 (the “2033 Notes”). Each of the 2033 Notes and the 2009 Notes are general unsecured obligations of Valassis and rank on parity in right of payment with all other senior indebtedness of Valassis. As of December 31, 2006, Valassis was in compliance with all of its debt covenants contained in the indentures covering its public debt. All of Valassis’ public debt indentures contain cross-default provisions which become applicable if Valassis defaults under any mortgage, indebtedness or instrument for money borrowed by it and the default results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in excess of $25 million. In addition, the indenture covering the 2033 Notes contains a conversion trigger based upon credit rating downgrades by either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s.

 

12


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009

In January 1999, Valassis issued the 2009 Notes which resulted in gross proceeds to Valassis of $100 million. Interest is payable on the 2009 Notes semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2021

In June 2001, Valassis issued 272,100 of its 2021 Notes at an issue price of $551.26 per note, which resulted in gross proceeds to Valassis of $150 million. Each of the 2021 Notes has a yield of 3.0% with a maturity value of $1,000. In May 2003, Valassis purchased 185,260 of the 2021 Notes for approximately $111.0 million, which resulted in a $3.9 million refinance charge.

The holders of the 2021 Notes had the option to require Valassis to purchase all or a portion of their 2021 Notes on June 6, 2004 at a price of $602.77 per $1000 of principal amount at maturity, payable in cash or common stock at Valassis’ option. Of the 86,840 Notes outstanding at that date, 64,272 were put back to Valassis by the holders. Valassis elected to settle the put in cash and, accordingly, paid $38.7 million on June 7, 2004 to the Trustee of the 2021 Notes.

On June 6, 2006, the majority of the holders of the 2021 Notes put their notes to Valassis at a price of $639.76 per note for the $14.3 million in cash. Cash paid was equal to the accreted value of the debt recorded and no gain or loss was recognized. The remaining $97,000 of the 2021 Notes were called by Valassis on June 28, 2006 and settled in cash at the same price on July 28, 2006.

Senior Convertible Notes due 2033

In May 2003, Valassis issued 239,794 of its 2033 Notes at an issue price of $667.24 per note, which resulted in the gross proceeds to Valassis of $160 million. Each of the 2033 Notes has a yield of 1 5/8% per year with a maturity value of $1000. The holders of the 2033 Notes will receive cash interest payments of 1 5/8% per year on the original discounted amount, payable semiannually from 2003 to 2008. Valassis used approximately $111.0 million of the proceeds of this issuance to repurchase $185.3 million in face value of the 2021 Notes. The resulting premium and write-off of fees and discounts resulted in the $3.9 million refinancing charge discussed above.

The holders of the 2033 Notes may require Valassis to purchase all or a portion of their 2033 Notes on May 22, 2008, May 22, 2013, May 22, 2018, May 22, 2023 and May 22, 2028 at a price of $667.24, $723.48, $784.46, $850.58 and $922.27 per 2033 Note, respectively, payable in cash or common stock at the option of Valassis. Valassis waived its right to settle these puts in common stock.

Further, each holder of the 2033 Notes may require Valassis to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s 2033 Notes if a change of control occurs. In addition, Valassis, at its option, may redeem all or a portion of the 2033 Notes at their accreted value at any time on or after May 22, 2008 for cash.

The 2033 Notes are convertible by their holders when a market price trigger occurs. A market price trigger occurs the first time that the closing sales price per share of Valassis common stock for at least 20 trading days in any period of 30 consecutive trading days exceeds 120% of the accreted conversion price per share of common stock. The accreted conversion price as of any day is equal to the issue price of a 2033 Note plus the accrued original issue discount to that day. As of December 31, 2006, the accreted conversion price was $667.24. The 2033 Notes are convertible at a base rate of 15.1627 shares plus an incremental share factor of up to 9.8556. The incremental shares begin to accrue at the base conversion price, while the number of incremental shares is based upon the stock price at the time of the conversion. At May 22, 2008, the total conversion rate (base rate plus incremental shares) is fixed based upon the stock price as of this date.

 

13


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Debt discount is being amortized utilizing the interest method over the term of the notes through the first put date. The difference between the stated and effective interest rates is nominal. The estimated fair market value of the debt was $8.8 million below carrying value and $3.5 million above carrying value as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The fair market value was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on discount rates equivalent to comparable U.S. Treasury securities plus a spread for credit risk and other factors. The fair market value of convertible debt was estimated using theoretical value as determined through the binomial model. The indentures covering the public debt contain certain restrictive covenants that prescribe limits on Valassis’ ability to, among other things, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, incur liens, make certain stock redemptions and stock repurchases, and enter into mergers, consolidations or convey or transfer substantially all of its property.

(4) PROFIT SHARING AND BONUS PLANS

Valassis has discretionary profit sharing and team achievement dividend/bonus plans covering substantially all domestic salaried and hourly employees.

Expenses under the aforementioned plans were as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

  

Dec. 31,

2006

  

Dec. 31,

2005

  

Dec. 31,

2004

Profit sharing plan

   $ 2,801    $ 5,778    $ 4,332

Bonus plans for salaried, sales and hourly personnel

     9,054      15,406      14,751

Bonus plan for executives

     782      2,417      2,174

 

14


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(5) INCOME TAXES

For financial reporting purposes earnings before income taxes include the following components:

 

     YEAR ENDED

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Dec. 31,
2006
    Dec. 31,
2005
    Dec. 31,
2004

Pre-tax income (loss):

      

United States

   $ 84,541     $ 146,573     $ 149,142

Foreign

     (1,003 )     (348 )     7,663
                      
   $ 83,538     $ 146,225     $ 156,805
                      

Income taxes have been charged to earnings as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Dec. 31,
2006
    Dec. 31,
2005
    Dec. 31,
2004

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 28,619     $ 42,543     $ 45,708

Foreign

     1,030       1,310       2,510

State

     1,091       2,199       2,531
                      

Total current taxes

   $ 30,740     $ 46,052     $ 50,749
                      

Deferred:

      

Federal

   $ 3,763     $ 4,867     $ 4,853

Foreign

     (2,305 )     (261 )     266

State

     58       171       190
                      

Total deferred taxes

   $ 1,516     $ 4,777     $ 5,309
                      

Total income taxes

   $ 32,256     $ 50,829     $ 56,058
                      

Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are deemed to be permanently reinvested amounted to $17.0 million and $17.8 million at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Accordingly, U.S. income taxes have not been provided on these earnings. Quantification of the deferred tax liability, if any, associated with permanently reinvested earnings is not practicable.

 

15


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The actual income tax expense differs from expected amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED  

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Dec. 31,
2006
    Dec. 31,
2005
    Dec. 31,
2004
 

Expected income tax expense at statutory rate

   $ 29,238     $ 51,179     $ 54,882  

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

      

Litigation costs related to the pending ADVO acquisition

     5,652       —         —    

Valuation allowance

     (247 )     —         —    

Foreign currency loss

     —         —         (383 )

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

     746       2,370       1,645  

Tax credits

     (859 )     (1,582 )     (1,323 )

Other items, net

     (2,274 )     (1,138 )     1,237  
                        

Actual income tax expense

   $ 32,256     $ 50,829     $ 56,058  
                        

A significant portion of the litigation costs incurred related to the pending ADVO acquisition will be included in the tax basis of the ADVO stock acquired and will not be deductible for tax purposes in the foreseeable future.

 

16


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED  

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   Dec. 31,
2006
    Dec. 31,
2005
 

Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):

    

Depreciation on plant and equipment and amortization of intangibles

   $ (8,476 )   $ (6,045 )

Deferred compensation

     3,187       3,204  

Operating loss and credit carryforward

     5,167       3,347  

Convertible notes

     (11,378 )     (9,119 )

Stock compensation

     3,078       847  

Consulting agreement

     235       321  

Partnership losses

     3,594       3,776  

Investment impairments

     2,769       2,810  

Prepaid rent

     434       486  

Foreign

     782       525  

Accrued insurance

     —         25  

Other

     131       378  
                

Long-term deferred income tax assets

     (477 )     555  

Valuation allowance

     (3,029 )     (3,276 )
                

Net long-term deferred income tax (liabilities) assets

   $ (3,506 )   $ (2,721 )
                

Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities):

    

Inventory

   $ 560     $ 922  

Accrued expense

     961       1,334  

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

     1,405       1,324  

Other reserves

     (85 )     187  

Prepaid expense

     (1,052 )     (1,007 )

Other – net

     —         (187 )
                

Total current deferred income tax assets

   $ 1,789     $ 2,573  
                

For financial statement purposes, the tax benefit of net operating loss and credit carry forwards is recognized as a deferred tax asset, subject to appropriate valuation allowances when it is determined that recovery of the deferred tax asset is unlikely. Valassis evaluates its net operating loss and credit carry forwards on an ongoing basis. As of December 31, 2006, approximately $39,000 of the tax carry forwards relate to the alternative minimum tax credit which can be carried forward indefinitely. The remaining tax carry forwards relate to foreign operating losses, which can also be carried forward indefinitely. The valuation allowance of $3.0 million relates to foreign net operating losses.

 

17


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(6) COMMITMENTS

Total operating lease rentals, for various office space, charged to expense were $9.0 million, $9.2 million and $8.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Entire minimum rental payments required under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 

Year Ending Dec. 31,

  

(in thousands of

U.S. dollars)

2007    $ 7,771
2008      5,467
2009      4,952
2010      4,785
2011      4,539
Thereafter      5,543
      
   $ 33,057
      

Future commitments pursuant to senior executive employment agreements, which include non-compete clauses, are as follows:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)          

Year Ended

   Base
Salary
  

Maximum Cash

Bonus

Dec. 31, 2007    $ 2,490    $ 2,257
Dec. 31, 2008      2,273      1,633
Dec. 31, 2009      1,967      360
Dec. 31, 2010      780      —  
Dec. 31, 2011      780      —  
Thereafter      2,340      —  
             

Our obligation to pay the maximum cash bonus is based on Valassis attaining certain earnings per share and/or sales and cost targets. We also provide stock options and restricted stock grants to certain executives (See Note 8).

(7) CONTINGENCIES

On April 28, 2006, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had approved issuance of the final consent order concerning Valassis, settling a claim alleging that remarks made during Valassis’ second quarter earnings call, held on July 22, 2004, violated Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Under the terms of the settlement, we did not admit any wrongdoing and are not required to pay any fines or penalties. The allegations were limited to the remarks made on our second quarter earnings conference call held on July 22, 2004 and there were no allegations regarding any conduct or effect beyond the remarks themselves. The settlement relieved us of the substantial expense, time and resources of continuing this proceeding.

The FTC announced the approval of the consent agreement on March 14, 2006, subject to a 30-day public comment period, during which time there were no public comments. After such time period, the FTC decided to finalize the consent agreement. The consent agreement prohibits us from communicating certain statements about competitive intentions (and standard prohibitions related to allocating markets and fixing prices).

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

 

18


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(8) STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

Valassis’ Amended and Restated 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan authorizes option grants for the issuance of a maximum of 13,045,921 shares of common stock with exercise prices at least equal to the fair market value of the shares at date of grant. Subject to termination of employment and except as otherwise provided in the plan, these options expire not later than ten years from date of grant, are not transferable other than on death, and fully vest based on price targets and/or terms up to five years from date of grant.

Valassis’ Broad-Based Incentive Plan authorizes option grants for the issuance of a maximum of 2,165,000 shares of common stock with exercise prices at least equal to the fair market value of the shares at date of grant. Subject to termination of employment and except as otherwise provided in the plan, these options expire not later than 10 years from date of grant, are not transferable other than on death, and fully vest over terms ranging from six months to five years from date of grant.

In 2002, the Board of Directors of Valassis (the “Board”) and the Shareholders approved the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan which authorizes option grants for the issuance of 3,500,000 shares of common stock with exercise prices at least equal to the fair market value of the shares at date of grant. Subject to termination of employment and except as otherwise provided in the plan, these options expire not later than ten years from date of grant, are not transferable other than on death, and fully vest over terms ranging from six months to five years from date of grant.

On December 6, 2005, the Board accepted the voluntary forfeiture of stock options which had previously been granted to certain executives on October 1, 2005. The Compensation/Stock Option Committee of the Board also approved the acceleration of vesting of all underwater unvested stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005. All options outstanding at December 31, 2005 with an exercise price greater than the December 30, 2005 closing price of Valassis’ common stock ($29.07) became fully vested. As a result, options that would otherwise have vested from time to time during the five years subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 became immediately exercisable at that date.

At December 31, 2006, there were outstanding options among 2,250 participants for the purchase of 6,435,036 shares and there were 2,334,755 shares available for grant.

 

19


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following options to purchase our common shares were outstanding under the Plan on December 31, 2006.

 

OPTIONS OUTSTANDING

   OPTIONS EXERCISABLE

Range of Exercise Prices

   Outstanding
as of Dec. 31, 2006
   Weighted-Average
Contractual Life
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   Exercisable
As of Dec. 31, 2006
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

$  5.01 - $25.00

   376,355    4.5    $ 21.41    271,685    $ 22.03

$25.01 - $30.00

   2,830,889    5.7    $ 28.20    1,636,439    $ 28.02

$30.01 - $35.00

   1,280,653    5.5    $ 31.50    1,259,853    $ 31.51

$35.01 - $40.00

   1,771,939    4.4    $ 35.69    1,769,569    $ 35.69

$40.01 - $50.00

   175,200    3.4    $ 42.11    175,200    $ 42.11
                            
   6,435,036    5.0    $ 30.90    5,112,746    $ 31.70
                            

A summary of Valassis’ stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, is as follows:

 

     Year Ended Dec. 31, 2006    Year Ended Dec. 31, 2005
     Shares     Weighted Average
per Share
Exercise Price
   Shares     Weighted Average
per Share
Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of year

   6,448,022     $ 31.00    7,616,831     $ 30.29

Granted

   768,500     $ 28.04    1,145,592     $ 36.49

Exercised

   (246,451 )   $ 23.60    (929,356 )   $ 25.92

Forfeited/Expired

   (535,035 )   $ 31.89    (1,385,045 )   $ 35.07
                         

Outstanding at end of year

   6,435,036     $ 30.90    6,448,022     $ 31.00
                         

Options exercisable at year end

   5,112,746     $ 31.70    5,404,886     $ 31.61
                         

 

     Year Ended Dec. 31, 2004
     Shares    

Weighted Average
per Share

Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of year

   7,634,949     $ 30.22

Granted

   1,274,958     $ 30.75

Exercised

   (949,378 )   $ 29.77

Forfeited/Expired

   (343,698 )   $ 31.81
            

Outstanding at end of year

   7,616,831     $ 30.29
            

Options exercisable at year end

   4,025,036     $ 30.27
            

The incremental stock-based compensation expense resulting from the adoption of SFAS 123R was $5.5 million ($3.6 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2006. The portion of this expense related to options granted prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R was $4.3 million.

The intrinsic value of options exercised (the amount by which the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price) was $1.4 million, $2.1 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Based on the market price of the Company’s stock at December 31, 2006 ($14.50), there is no intrinsic value of the options outstanding or options exercisable at December 31, 2006.

As of December 31, 2006, there was a total of $9.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years.

 

20


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

As discussed more fully in Note 1, we adopted SFAS No. 123R effective January 1, 2006. Valassis had previously elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) and related Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options. Because the exercise price of our employee stock options is greater than or equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense was recognized. All options were granted with exercise prices equal to market value at the date of grant in 2006, 2005 and 2004.

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and has been determined as if Valassis had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement.

The weighted average fair value per option at date of grant during 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $10.65, $11.60 and $12.10, respectively. 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 for options granted:

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Expected option life

   6 years     6 years     6 years  

Expected annual volatility

   29 %   31 %   33 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.8 %   4.2 %   3.1 %

Dividend yield

   0 %   0 %   0 %

A table illustrating the effect on net income and earnings per share for 2005 and 2004 as if the Black-Scholes fair value method had been applied to long-term incentive plans is presented in Note 1.

The pro forma effects in 2005 and 2004 are not necessarily indicative of future pro forma adjustments. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Our employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.

Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan

In May 2005, our shareholders approved the 2005 Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan to replace the then existing plan which expired on May 20, 2006. A total of 150,000 shares of restricted stock has been reserved for this plan. 23,250 shares under this plan were granted to employees during the year ended December 31, 2006. The average fair value of these restricted stock grants was $29.09 and pre-tax expense related to these grants was $0.2 million for the year-ended December 31, 2006. Also during 2006, a portion of total payments to our outside directors was paid in restricted stock from this plan with a total value of approximately $144,000.

The Employee and Director Restricted Stock Award Plan authorizes the grant of restricted stock to executives and to non-employee directors. A total of 300,000 shares of restricted stock have been reserved for this plan. Pursuant to employment agreements between Valassis and certain executives, 13,500 shares of restricted stock were issued to such executives in each of 2005 and 2004. The average fair value of these restricted stock grants in 2005 and 2004 was $35.01 per share and $29.35 per share, respectively. Pre-tax compensation expense related to these grants for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was approximately $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Also during 2005 and 2004, a portion of the total payments to our outside directors was paid in restricted stock from this plan, with a total value of approximately $141,000 and $150,000 per year, respectively.

 

21


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Executive Restricted Stock Plan

In May 2005, our shareholders approved the 2005 Executive Restricted Stock Plan which provides for the grant of restricted stock, with a minimum of one-year vesting, to certain executives. The maximum number of restricted shares that are authorized under this plan is 150,000 shares, provided that not more than 60% of such shares are awarded to any one participant. 39,000 shares of restricted stock were granted under this plan in 2006, with a fair value at the date of grant of $29.07. Pre-tax compensation expense related to the plan for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $0.4 million.

The Executive Restricted Stock Plan provides for the grant of restricted stock, with a minimum one-year vesting, to certain executives. The maximum number of restricted shares that may be issued under this plan is 375,000, provided that not more than 60% of such shares are awarded to any one participant. Pursuant to an employment agreement between Valassis and the Chief Executive Officer, Alan F. Schultz, 22,500 of restricted stock each year with an average fair value at the date of grant of $35.01 and $29.35 per share, respectively, were issued to such executive in 2005, and 2004, respectively. Pre-tax compensation expense related to the plan for years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was approximately $0.2 million, $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

All domestic full-time employees are eligible to participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The plan provides that participants may authorize Valassis to withhold a portion of earnings to be used to purchase our common stock at prevailing market prices. Under the plan, Valassis contributed on behalf of each participant 25% of the participant’s contributions during the year. The value of our common stock contributed by Valassis and expensed totaled approximately $211,000, $183,000 and $157,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

401(k) Plan

Prior to 2005, Valassis’ 401(k) Plan included a 25% match, payable in Valassis stock, on each participant’s annual contributions to the Plan that are invested in Valassis stock at the end of the year. The expense related to this plan for the year ended December 31, 2004 was approximately $195,000.

(9) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

On September 1, 1999, the Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Agreement, which was amended on October 10, 2003 and was further amended on January 5, 2007 (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Board declared a dividend of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right (“Right”) for each outstanding share of Valassis’ common stock. The Rights are attached to and automatically trade with the outstanding shares of Valassis’ common stock.

The Rights will become exercisable only in the event that any person or group of persons acquires 15% (or 20% in the case of two particular investors) or more of Valassis’ common stock or commences a tender offer for 15% or more of Valassis’ common stock. Once the Rights become exercisable they entitle the shareholder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of preferred stock of Valassis at an exercise price of $1.70. The Rights expire on September 1, 2009. Valassis is entitled to redeem the Rights at $0.01 per Right at any time, prior to the expiration of the Rights, before a person or group acquires the requisite amount of common stock to trigger the Rights.

In addition, as of December 31, 2006, Valassis had authorization to repurchase an additional 6.1 million shares of its common stock under its existing share repurchase programs. Valassis repurchased 0.1 million shares, 4.6 million shares and 1.9 million shares during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

22


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(10) FOREIGN CURRENCY AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The functional currencies for Valassis’ foreign operations are the applicable local currencies. Accounts of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the spot rate of the local currency on the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and average monthly exchange rates for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are reflected as an adjustment to equity on a cumulative basis, the impact for 2006 was an increase of $3.1 million.

Valassis uses derivative financial instruments, including forward foreign exchange and swap contracts, to manage its exposures to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. The use of these financial instruments mitigates our exposure to these risks with the intent of reducing the risks and the variability of our operating results. Valassis is not a party to leveraged derivatives. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, Valassis designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or (3) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (a net investment hedge).

For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet. When the underlying hedged transaction is realized, the gain or loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statement of income on the same line as the hedged item. In addition, both changes in the fair value excluded from our effectiveness assessments and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value are recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statement of income as other expense, net.

Valassis formally documents its hedge relationships, including the identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. Derivatives are recorded at fair value in other current and long-term assets and other current and long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. This process includes linking derivatives that are designated as hedges of specific assets, liabilities, firm commitments or forecasted transactions. We also formally assess, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether a derivative used in a hedging transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. When it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting. Hedge ineffectiveness, determined in accordance with SFAS No. 133, did not have a material impact on operations for 2006, 2005 or 2004. No cash flow hedges were re-designated or discontinued during 2006, 2005 or 2004.

Currencies to which we have exposure are the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, British pound and the euro. Currency restrictions are not expected to have a significant effect on our cash flows, liquidity, or capital resources. We typically purchase the Mexican peso under three to 12-month forward foreign exchange contracts to stabilize the cost of production in Mexico. Under SFAS No. 133, our Mexican peso forward exchange contracts meet the definition of a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.

For the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded an immaterial unrealized market value gain in other comprehensive income. Actual exchange losses or gains are recorded against production expense when the contracts are executed. As of December 31, 2006, Valassis had a commitment to purchase $5.5 million in Mexican pesos over the next 12 months.

(11) ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

HOUSEHOLD TARGETED SEGMENT

Direct Marketing Services (DMS)

On September 17, 2004, Valassis acquired DMS for $5.5 million from existing cash on hand and integrated its operations into its existing direct mail group. The transaction resulted in $3.1 million in goodwill attributable to the Household Targeted segment and an additional $1.0 million in amortizable intangible assets. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141.

 

23


PreVision Marketing, LLC

On August 11, 2000, Valassis acquired 80% of the outstanding membership interest in PreVision for $30.0 million in cash and approximately $5.0 million in restricted stock. PreVision, was a direct-marketing agency specializing in one-to-one marketing, customer retention and customer acquisition. The acquisition of PreVision was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions and, accordingly, the results of operations for PreVision have been included in our financial statements since the date of acquisition. The purchase agreement executed in connection with this transaction also contained additional payments contingent on the future earnings performance of PreVision. Based upon the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2001 for PreVision, Valassis paid an additional $8.0 million in 2002. In May 2003, we acquired the remaining 20% of PreVision for $2.4 million.

In 2005, as part of our efforts to fully integrate the products and services of our Household Targeted segment, PreVision was eliminated as a stand-alone entity. We effectively exited the customer relationship marketing agency business and now provide these services only to customers placing their related media campaigns with us.

Impairment Charges

During December 2002, we wrote down $4.0 million of our cost-basis investment in an Internet couponing business based on the valuation implied during the investment’s financing activity for the year. We had a remaining $3.5 million balance on this investment. In 2004, based on the information available, we wrote off the remaining value of the investment. Included in “Goodwill and investment impairment charges” on the consolidated statements of income is a $3.5 million charge in 2004.

 

24


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(12) SEGMENT REPORTING

Beginning January 1, 2007 based on similarities in the sales and operational processes and the combination of sales and management teams, our previously reported business segment entitled Run-of-Press has been combined into the Neighborhood Targeted business segment. As a result, prior year segment data has been changed to reflect the new segment presentation.

Valassis has four reportable segments; Free-standing Inserts (FSI), Neighborhood Targeted, Household Targeted and International & Services. These segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are subject to regular review by our chief operating decision makers. They are managed separately because each business requires different marketing strategies and offers different products.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We evaluate performance based on earnings from operations. Assets are not allocated in all cases to reportable segments and are not used to assess the performance of a segment. Intersegment sales are accounted for at cost.

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   Year Ended Dec. 31,
     FSI    Neighbor-
hood
Targeted
   Household
Targeted
    Inter-
national &
Services
    Total

2006

            

Revenues from external customers

   $ 441.2    $ 432.0    $ 58.9     $ 111.4     $ 1,043.5

Depreciation/amortization

     8.9      2.0      0.2       3.8       14.9

Segment profit (loss)

   $ 65.9    $ 43.5    $ 3.0     $ 5.7 (1)   $ 118.1

2005

            

Revenues from external customers

   $ 504.5    $ 461.5    $ 63.2     $ 101.8     $ 1,131.0

Depreciation/amortization

     9.6      2.0      0.8       3.0       15.4

Segment profit

   $ 96.2    $ 50.0    $ (3.5 )(2)   $ 8.7     $ 151.4

2004

            

Revenues from external customers

   $ 493.8    $ 389.4    $ 61.8     $ 99.1     $ 1,044.1

Depreciation/amortization

     9.7      2.0      0.8       3.0       15.5

Segment profit (loss)

   $ 105.2    $ 39.9    $ 1.0     $ 13.0 (3)   $ 159.1

 

(1) Includes $3.6 million in costs related to the close-down of the French agency business, an eSettlement business unit of NCH.
(2) Includes charges of $2.7 million related to the elimination of PreVision as a stand-alone entity.
(3) Includes $3.5 million write-off of an investment in a cost-basis Internet investment.

 

25


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Reconciliations to consolidated financial statement totals are as follows:

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   YEAR ENDED  
     Dec. 31,
2006
    Dec. 31,
2005
    Dec. 31,
2004
 

Profit for reportable segments

   $ 118.1     $ 151.4     $ 159.1  

Unallocated amounts:

      

Legal and professional costs related to the pending ADVO transaction and related litigation

     (16.1 )     —         —    

Interest expense

     (24.7 )     (10.9 )     (11.4 )

Other (expenses) and income

     6.2       5.7       9.1  
                        

Earnings before Taxes

   $ 83.5     $ 146.2     $ 156.8  
                        

Domestic and foreign revenues were as follows:

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   YEAR ENDED
     Dec. 31,
2006
   Dec. 31,
2005
   Dec. 31,
2004

United States

   $ 982.5    $ 1,080.5    $ 988.4

Foreign

     61.0      50.5      55.7
                    
   $ 1,043.5    $ 1,131.0    $ 1,044.1
                    

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

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

   YEAR ENDED
     Dec. 31,
2006
   Dec. 31,
2005

United States

   $ 89,335    $ 88,227

Foreign

     20,051      19,920
             
   $ 109,386    $ 108,147
             

 

26


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(13) EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per common share (“EPS”) data was computed as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED  

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

  

Dec. 31,

2006

   

Dec. 31,

2005

   

Dec. 31,

2004

 

Net earnings

   $ 51,282     $ 95,396     $ 100,747  
                        

Basic EPS:

      

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     47,757       49,466       51,758  
                        

Net earnings per common share, basic

   $ 1.07     $ 1.93     $ 1.95  
                        

Diluted EPS:

      

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     47,757       49,466       51,758  

Shares issued on assumed exercise of dilutive options

     239       5,856       4,773  

Shares purchased with assumed proceeds of options and unearned restricted shares

     (250 )     (5,191 )     (4,387 )

Shares contingently issuable

     34       52       70  
                        

Shares applicable to diluted earnings

     47,780       50,183       52,214  
                        

Net earnings per common share, diluted

   $ 1.07     $ 1.90     $ 1.93  
                        

Unexercised employee stock options to purchase 6.4 million shares, 1.4 million shares, and 3.3 million shares of Valassis’ common stock as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were not included in the computations of diluted EPS because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock during the respective periods.

 

27


VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(14) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED

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

   Mar. 31    June 30    Sept. 30    Dec. 31

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006

           

Revenues

   $ 247,646    $ 260,593    $ 248,883    $ 286,369

Cost of sales

     185,269      197,972      187,233      219,114

Net earnings

     18,058      19,689      6,622      6,913

Net earnings per common share, diluted

   $ 0.38    $ 0.41    $ 0.14    $ 0.14

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED

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

   Mar. 31    June 30    Sept. 30    Dec. 31

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2005

           

Revenues

   $ 279,284    $ 276,427    $ 266,086    $ 309,246

Cost of sales

     199,656      200,009      199,163      237,503

Net earnings

     28,242      25,524      21,305      20,325

Net earnings per common share, diluted

   $ 0.55    $ 0.50    $ 0.42    $ 0.42

 

28


(15) SUBSEQUENT EVENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

On March 2, 2007, Valassis acquired the shares of ADVO common stock for an acquisition price of approximately $1.2 billion, including the refinancing of approximately $125 million in existing ADVO debt. We funded the ADVO acquisition, together with the refinancing of ADVO debt and the payment fees and expenses, through an $870.0 million senior secured credit facility and a $540 million offering of 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2015, along with existing cash.

The credit agreement and the 2015 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by substantially all of Valassis’ existing and future domestically wholly-owned subsidiaries.

The following guarantor and non-guarantor condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.

As of December 31, 2006

 

Assets

   VCI, Inc.     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

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

Auction-rate securities

     91,519       11,014       —        —         102,533

Accounts receivable, net

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

Inventories

     25,834       —         —        —         25,834

Prepaid expenses and other

     (5,043 )     28,085       1,863      (8,224 )     16,681

Refundable income taxes

     3,552       286       119      —         3,957

Deferred income taxes

     1,094       494       201      —         1,789
                                     

Total current assets

     385,363       114,760       50,593      (8,224 )     542,492
                                     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     17,955       71,381       12,665      7,385       109,386

Intangible assets, net

     35,656       98,009       6,988      (7,244 )     133,409

Investments

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

Other assets

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

Total assets

   $ 668,064     $ 314,602     $ 70,425    $ (251,665 )   $ 801,426
                                     

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   VCI, Inc.     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable

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

Federal and state taxes payable

     —         —         —        —         —  

Accrued expenses

     28,448       11,543       10,113      (5,976 )     44,128

Progress billings

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

Total current liabilities

     237,053       96,234       37,206      (8,273 )     362,220
                                     

Long-term debt

     259,931       —         —        —         259,931

Other non-current liabilities

     —         6,672       1,523      —         8,195

Deferred income taxes

     3,506       —         —        —         3,506

Stockholders’ equity

     167,574       211,696       31,696      (243,392 )     167,574
                                     

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 668,064     $ 314,602     $ 70,425    $ (251,665 )   $ 801,426
                                     

 

29


As of December 31, 2005:

 

Assets

   VCI, Inc.     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

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

Auction Rate Securities

     64,931       7,100      —         —         72,031

Accounts receivable, net

     194,014       57,114      22,735       —         273,863

Inventories

     25,235       —        —         —         25,235

Prepaid expenses and other

     (9,363 )     37,951      334       (16,028 )     12,894

Deferred income taxes

     2,086       287      200       —         2,573
                                     

Total current assets

     300,387       118,977      47,580       (16,028 )     450,916
                                     

Property, plant and equipment, net

     14,874       73,109      12,779       7,385       108,147

Intangible assets, net

     35,878       80,350      24,981       (7,244 )     133,965

Investments

     212,290       39,266      —         (250,942 )     614

Other assets

     2,446       1,429      (533 )     699       4,041
                                     

Total assets

   $ 565,875     $ 313,131    $ 84,807     $ (266,130 )   $ 697,683
                                     

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   VCI, Inc.     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total

Current liabilities:

           

Current Portion of Long Term Debt

   $ 14,260       —          —       $ 14,260

Accounts payable

     121,081       81,258      25,729       (12,372 )     215,696

Accrued expenses

     30,485       11,231      10,281       (2,816 )     49,181

Progress billings

     33,907       2,355      8,052       —         44,314
                                     

Total current liabilities

     199,733       94,844      44,062       (15,188 )     323,451
                                     

Long-term debt

     259,896       —        —         —         259,896

Other non-current liabilities

     —         6,611      1,479       —         8,090

Deferred income taxes

     2,721       —        —         —         2,721

Stockholders’ equity

     103,525       211,676      39,266       (250,942 )     103,525
                                     

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 565,875     $ 313,131    $ 84,807     $ (266,130 )   $ 697,683
                                     

 

30


Twelve months ended December 31, 2006:

 

     VCI, Inc.     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total
 

Revenues

   $ 697,653     $ 284,842     $ 67,125     $ (6,129 )   $ 1,043,491  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     577,924       167,802       49,991       (6,129 )     789,588  

Selling, general and administrative

     47,155       83,842       20,361       —         151,358  

Amortization

     556       —         —         —         556  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     625,635       251,644       70,352       (6,129 )     941,502  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     72,018       33,198       (3,227 )     —         101,989  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     24,737       —         12       —         24,749  

Other income, net

     (3,854 )     (992 )     (1,452 )     —         (6,298 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     20,883       (992 )     (1,440 )     —         18,451  
                                        

Earnings before income taxes

     51,135       34,190       (1,787 )     —         83,538  

Income taxes

     27,707       3,192       1,357       —         32,256  

Equity in net earnings of subsidiary

     27,854       (3,144 )     —         (24,710 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings

   $ 51,282     $ 27,854     $ (3,144 )   $ (24,710 )   $ 51,282  
                                        

Twelve months ended December 31, 2005:

 

     VCI, Inc.     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total
 

Revenues

   $ 771,828     $ 296,759     $ 67,646     $ (5,190 )   $ 1,131,043  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     618,951       170,958       51,612       (5,190 )     836,331  

Selling, general and administrative

     28,335       91,318       23,003       —         142,656  

Amortization

     599       —         —         —         599  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     647,885       262,276       74,615       (5,190 )     979,586  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     123,943       34,483       (6,969 )     —         151,457  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     10,914       (73 )     86       —         10,927  

Other income, net

     (4,309 )     (122 )     (1,264 )     —         (5,695 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     6,605       (195 )     (1,178 )     —         5,232  
                                        

Earnings before income taxes

     117,338       34,678       (5,791 )     —         146,225  

Income taxes

     45,920       3,194       1,715       —         50,829  

Equity in net earnings of subsidiary

     23,978       (7,506 )     —         (16,472 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings

   $ 95,396     $ 23,978     $ (7,506 )   $ (16,472 )   $ 95,396  
                                        

 

31


Twelve months ended December 31, 2004:

 

     VCI, Inc.     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Total
 

Revenues

   $ 739,668     $ 234,399     $ 75,524     $ (5,522 )   $ 1,044,069  

Cost and expenses:

          

Cost of products sold

     570,209       128,003       53,385       (3,522 )     748,075  

Selling, general and administrative

     35,418       78,364       21,298       (2,000 )     133,080  

Amortization

     294       —         —         —         294  

Goodwill and investment impariment charges

     3,553       —         —         —         3,553  
                                        

Total costs and expenses

     609,474       206,367       74,683       (5,522 )     885,002  
                                        

Earnings from operations

     130,194       28,032       841       —         159,067  

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest expense

     11,351       —         11       —         11,362  

Other income, net

     (1,045 )     (825 )     (7,230 )     —         (9,100 )
                                        

Total other expenses (income)

     10,306       (825 )     (7,219 )     —         2,262  
                                        

Earnings before income taxes

     119,888       28,857       8,060       —         156,805  

Income taxes

     50,887       2,317       2,854       —         56,058  

Equity in net earnings of subsidiary

     31,746       5,206       —         (36,952 )     —    
                                        

Net earnings

   $ 100,747     $ 31,746     $ 5,206     $ (36,952 )   $ 100,747  
                                        

For the twelve months ended December, 2006:

 

     VCI, Inc     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated
Total
 

Operating Activities

           

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   49,011     8,175     (7,380 )   —      49,806  
                             

Investing Activities

           

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   (8,045 )   (7,613 )   (598 )   —      (16,256 )

Purchases of auction rate securities

   (587,521 )   (41,570 )   —       —      (629,091 )

Proceeds from auction rate securities

   560,933     37,656     —       —      598,589  

Investments and advances to affiliated companies

   (4,000 )   —       —       —      (4,000 )

Other

   202     —       —       —      202  
                             

Net cash used in investing activities

   (38,431 )   (11,527 )   (598 )   —      (50,556 )
                             

Financing Activities

           

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

   5,752     —       —       —      5,752  

Purchase of treasury shares

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

Repayment of long-term debt

   (14,440 )   —       —       —      (14,440 )
                             

Net cash used in financing activities

   (12,601 )   —       —       —      (12,601 )
                             

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

   —       —       1,650     —      1,650  

Net decrease in cash

   (2,021 )   (3,352 )   (6,328 )   —      (11,701 )

Cash at beginning of period

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

Cash at end of period

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

 

32


For the twelve months ended December 31, 2005:

 

     VCI, Inc     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated
Total
 

Operating Activities

           

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   97,976     12,980     5,233     —      116,189  
                             

Investing Activities

           

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   (12,833 )   (10,862 )   (971 )   —      (24,666 )

Replacement equipment reimbursed by insurance companies from damage claims

   —       —       (6,268 )   —      (6,268 )

Purchases of auction rate securities

   (331,808 )   (10,121 )   —       —      (341,929 )

Proceeds from auction rate securities

   369,744     3,021     —       —      372,765  

Other

   231     —       —       —      231  
                             

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   25,334     (17,962 )   (7,239 )   —      133  
                             

Financing Activities

           

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

   33,580     —       —       —      33,580  

Purchase of treasury shares

   (169,037 )   —       —       —      (169,037 )
                             

Net cash used in financing activities

   (135,457 )   —       —       —      (135,457 )
                             

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

   —       —       (1,759 )   —      (1,759 )

Net decrease in cash

   (12,147 )   (4,982 )   (3,765 )   —      (20,894 )

Cash at beginning of period

   35,631     21,507     28,076     —      85,214  
                             

Cash at end of period

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

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2004:

 

     VCI, Inc     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    Consolidating
Adjustments
   Consolidated
Total
 

Operating Activities

           

Net cash provided by operating activities

   49,426     17,889     9,504     —      76,819  
                             

Investing Activities

           

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   (7,729 )   (9,950 )   (1,262 )   —      (18,941 )

Replacement equipment reimbursed by insurance companies from damage claims

   —       —       (3,117 )   —      (3,117 )

Purchases of auction rate securities

   (268,793 )   —       —       —      (268,793 )

Proceeds from auction rate securities

   310,423     —       —       —      310,423  

Acquisition of Catalina Marketing’s DMS division

   —       (5,500 )   —       —      (5,500 )

Investments and advances to affiliated companies

   (250 )   —       —       —      (250 )

Other

   942     —       —       —      942  
                             

Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities

   34,593     (15,450 )   (4,379 )   —      14,764  
                             

Financing Activities

           

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

   18,524     —       —       —      18,524  

Purchase of treasury shares

   (50,968 )   —       —       —      (50,968 )

Repayment of long-term debt

   (38,741 )   —       —       —      (38,741 )
                             

Net cash used in financing activities

   (71,185 )   —       —       —      (71,185 )
                             

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

   —       —       1,952     —      1,952  

Net increase in cash

   12,834     2,439     7,077     —      22,350  

Cash at beginning of period

   22,797     19,068     20,999     —      62,864  
                             

Cash at end of period

   35,631     21,507     28,076     —      85,214  
                             

 

33


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Valassis Communications, Inc.

Livonia, Michigan

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Valassis Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule included in Exhibit 99.1. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Valassis Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2006, the Company changed its method of accounting for share-based payments to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment.

 

34


We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report (not presented herein) dated February 10, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Detroit, Michigan

February 10, 2007

(June 28, 2007, as to Notes 12 and 15)

 

35


Schedule II

VALASSIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years Ended Dec. 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)   

Balance at

Beginning

of Period

  

Charged to

Costs and

Expenses

  

Deductions

(1)

   

Balance

at End
of Period

Description

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts receivable):

          

Year Ended Dec. 31, 2006

   5,101    1,128    1,228     5,001

Year Ended Dec. 31, 2005

   4,755    798    452     5,101

Year Ended Dec. 31, 2004

   3,344    1,345    (66 )   4,755

 

 

(1) Accounts deemed to be uncollectible.