Annual Statements Open main menu

HARTE HANKS INC - Quarter Report: 2008 June (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

or

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 1-7120

 

 

HARTE-HANKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   74-1677284

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

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

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

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock: $1 par value per share, 63,239,058 shares as of July 31, 2008.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

HARTE-HANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-Q REPORT

June 30, 2008

 

              Page
Part I. Financial Information
   Item 1.    Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
     

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007

  3
     

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

  4
     

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

  5
     

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

  6
     

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income - Six months ended June 30, 2008 and year ended December 31, 2007

  7
     

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  8
   Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   17
   Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   26
   Item 4.    Controls and Procedures   27
Part II. Other Information
   Item 1.    Legal Proceedings   27
   Item 1A.    Risk Factors   28
   Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   28
   Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   28
   Item 6.    Exhibits   28

 

2


Table of Contents
Item 1. Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

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

 

 

     June 30,
2008
(Unaudited)
    December 31,
2007

(Audited)
 

Assets

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 22,982     $ 22,847  

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,985 and $3,556 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

     183,403       199,222  

Inventory

     6,853       6,007  

Prepaid expenses

     17,466       15,473  

Current deferred income tax asset

     12,629       12,628  

Other current assets

     11,276       9,503  
                

Total current assets

     254,609       265,680  

Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation of $225,028 and $229,190 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

     107,750       112,354  

Goodwill, net

     552,925       543,583  

Other intangible assets (less accumulated amortization of $10,766 and $10,235 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

     19,464       20,939  

Other assets

     10,271       9,370  
                

Total assets

   $ 945,019     $ 951,926  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 55,193     $ 67,167  

Accrued payroll and related expenses

     21,380       26,443  

Customer deposits and unearned revenue

     65,009       61,988  

Income taxes payable

     12,206       12,482  

Other current liabilities

     11,380       12,028  
                

Total current liabilities

     165,168       180,108  

Long-term debt

     309,375       259,125  

Other long-term liabilities (including deferred income taxes of $69,888 at June 30, 2008 and $66,060 at December 31, 2007)

     108,962       104,181  
                

Total liabilities

     583,505       543,414  
                

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common stock, $1 par value per share, 250,000,000 shares authorized. 117,914,249 and 117,692,688 shares issued at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     117,914       117,693  

Additional paid-in capital

     328,973       323,182  

Retained earnings

     1,167,860       1,145,736  

Less treasury stock: 54,678,706 and 49,756,675 shares at cost at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     (1,236,749 )     (1,160,205 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (16,484 )     (17,894 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     361,514       408,512  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 945,019     $ 951,926  
                

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

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

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Operating revenues

   $ 274,756     $ 290,145  
                

Operating expenses

    

Labor

     111,351       113,636  

Production and distribution

     98,441       100,526  

Advertising, selling, general and administrative

     21,198       25,260  

Depreciation and amortization

     8,289       8,293  

Intangible asset amortization

     737       851  
                

Total operating expenses

     240,016       248,566  
                

Operating income

     34,740       41,579  
                

Other expenses (income)

    

Interest expense

     3,575       3,263  

Interest income

     (115 )     (128 )

Other, net

     970       234  
                
     4,430       3,369  
                

Income before income taxes

     30,310       38,210  

Income tax expense

     12,096       15,315  
                

Net income

   $ 18,214     $ 22,895  
                

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.29     $ 0.31  
                

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     63,214       73,398  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.29     $ 0.31  
                

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     63,303       74,796  
                

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

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

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Operating revenues

   $ 543,265     $ 573,173  
                

Operating expenses

    

Labor

     227,166       230,792  

Production and distribution

     194,881       200,542  

Advertising, selling, general and administrative

     42,588       45,650  

Depreciation and amortization

     16,604       16,614  

Intangible asset amortization

     1,475       1,881  
                

Total operating expenses

     482,714       495,479  
                

Operating income

     60,551       77,694  
                

Other expenses (income)

    

Interest expense

     7,338       6,257  

Interest income

     (226 )     (304 )

Other, net

     1,638       354  
                
     8,750       6,307  
                

Income before income taxes

     51,801       71,387  

Income tax expense

     20,001       28,165  
                

Net income

   $ 31,800     $ 43,222  
                

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.49     $ 0.58  
                

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     64,537       74,057  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.49     $ 0.57  
                

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     64,720       75,530  
                

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

    

Net income

   $ 31,800     $ 43,222  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     16,604       16,614  

Intangible asset amortization

     1,475       1,881  

Stock-based compensation

     2,891       3,522  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (120 )     (1,758 )

Deferred income taxes

     3,692       3,336  

Other, net

     128       227  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

    

Decrease in accounts receivable, net

     17,492       18,695  

(Increase) decrease in inventory

     (846 )     807  

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (3,536 )     1,353  

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable

     (13,337 )     783  

Decrease in other accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     (4,743 )     (7,623 )

Other, net

     1,914       (4,518 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     53,414       76,541  
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

    

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (8,609 )     —    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (12,041 )     (13,933 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     113       111  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (20,537 )     (13,822 )
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

    

Long-term borrowings

     177,000       39,000  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (126,750 )     (32,000 )

Issuance of common stock

     3,037       10,629  

Purchase of treasury stock

     (76,649 )     (76,241 )

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     120       1,758  

Dividends paid

     (9,676 )     (10,335 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (32,918 )     (67,189 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     176       155  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     135       (4,315 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     22,847       38,270  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 22,982     $ 33,955  
                

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

(2008 Unaudited)

 

     Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2006

   $ 116,497    $ 295,555     $ 1,073,395     $ (974,625 )   $ (17,346 )   $ 493,476  

Common stock issued-employee benefit plans

     213      3,851       —         —         —         4,064  

Exercise of stock options

     983      13,163       —         (1,892 )     —         12,254  

Tax benefit of options exercised

     —        3,554       —         —         —         3,554  

Stock-based compensation

     —        7,057       —         —         —         7,057  

Dividends paid ($0.28 per share)

     —        —         (20,299 )     —         —         (20,299 )

Treasury stock repurchased

     —        —         —         (183,867 )     —         (183,867 )

Treasury stock issued

     —        2       —         179       —         181  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

     —        —         92,640       —         —         92,640  

Adjustment to pension liability (net of tax benefit of $595)

     —        —         —         —         (484 )     (484 )

Change in value of derivative instrument accounted for as a cash flow hedge (net of tax benefit of $1,038)

     —        —         —         —         (1,557 )     (1,557 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —        —         —         —         1,493       1,493  
                   

Total comprehensive income

                92,092  
                                               

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 117,693    $ 323,182     $ 1,145,736     $ (1,160,205 )   $ (17,894 )   $ 408,512  

Common stock issued-employee benefit plans

     132      1,549       —         —         —         1,681  

Exercise of stock options

     89      1,262       —         (42 )     —         1,309  

Tax benefit of options exercised

     —        136       —         —         —         136  

Stock-based compensation

     —        2,891       —         —         —         2,891  

Dividends paid ($0.15 per share)

     —        —         (9,676 )     —         —         (9,676 )

Treasury stock repurchased

     —        —         —         (76,649 )     —         (76,649 )

Treasury stock issued

     —        (47 )     —         147       —         100  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

     —        —         31,800       —         —         31,800  

Adjustment to pension liability (net of tax expense of $432).

     —        —         —         —         650       650  

Change in value of derivative instrument accounted for as a cash flow hedge (net of tax benefit of $179)

     —        —         —         —         (272 )     (272 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —        —         —         —         1,032       1,032  
                   

Total comprehensive income

                33,210  
                                               

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 117,914    $ 328,973     $ 1,167,860     $ (1,236,749 )   $ (16,484 )   $ 361,514  
                                               

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note A - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Harte-Hanks, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

The statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

As used in this report, the terms “Harte-Hanks,” “we,” “us,” or “our” may refer to Harte-Hanks, one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries, or all of them taken as a whole.

Note B - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

We adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (SFAS 157) on January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. New disclosures required by SFAS 157 are included in Note F, Interest Rate Risk.

We adopted SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159) on January 1, 2008. SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. We have not made any fair value elections as permitted under the provisions of SFAS 159; therefore, the adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB revised SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS 141). The revised SFAS No. 141 (SFAS 141R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquiring company:

 

   

Recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree;

 

   

Recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and

 

   

Determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.

 

8


Table of Contents

SFAS 141R requires an acquiring company to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value as of the acquisition date. Under SFAS 141, acquisition-related costs were included in the total costs of the acquisition that were allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Under SFAS 141R, these acquisition-related costs will be expensed in the period in which they occur. SFAS 141R requires an acquiring company to recognize contractual contingencies as assets or liabilities at fair value as of the acquisition date. SFAS 141 permitted deferred recognition of preacquisition contingencies until certain recognition criteria were met. Under SFAS 141, contingent consideration usually was not recognized until the contingency was resolved, in which case an adjustment was made to goodwill. SFAS 141R requires an acquiring company to recognize contingent consideration at fair value as of the acquisition date. SFAS 141R is effective for us beginning January 1, 2009. Our adoption of SFAS 141R will affect the way we account for acquisitions, including acquisition-related costs, contractual contingencies and contingent consideration. Our adoption of SFAS 141R may also impact the amount of information we disclose about acquisitions.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 establishes, among other things, the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. This statement requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair values and amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about contingent features related to credit risk in derivative agreements. SFAS 161 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2009. As SFAS 161 only affects disclosure requirements, our adoption of SFAS 161 will not affect our consolidated financial statements.

Note C - Income Taxes

Our second quarter 2008 income tax provision of $12.1 million was calculated using an effective income tax rate of approximately 39.9%. Our first half 2008 income tax provision of $20.0 million was calculated using an effective income tax rate of approximately 38.6%. Our effective income tax rate is derived by estimating pretax income and income tax expense for the year ending December 31, 2008. The effective income tax rate calculated is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the addition of state income taxes.

At January 1, 2008, unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions totaled $11.8 million, of which $2.0 million represents accruals for interest and penalties that were recorded as additional tax expense in accordance with our accounting policy. If recognized, the entire unrecognized tax benefit amount, net of tax, would impact the effective tax rate. There have been no significant changes to these amounts during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Harte-Hanks or one of our subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. For U.S. state and foreign returns, we are no longer subject to tax examinations for years prior to 2003. For U.S. federal returns, we are no longer subject to tax examinations for the years prior to 2004. We believe that it is reasonably possible that a reduction in our unrecognized tax liabilities in the range of $1.6 million to $1.8 million, net of tax, will occur in the next twelve months related to the statute expiring on various tax returns. If this reduction were to occur, it would decrease the tax expense and effective tax rate for the full year 2008.

Note D – Stock-Based Compensation

We recognized $1.7 million and $1.9 million of stock-based compensation during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We recognized $2.9 million and $3.5 million of stock-based compensation during the six months ended June, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

9


Table of Contents

Our annual grant of stock-based awards occurred in the first quarter, which is consistent with the timing of previous annual grants. We did not have any significant stock-based compensation activity in the second quarter of 2008.

Note E – New Credit Facility

On March 7, 2008, we entered into a new four-year $100 million term loan facility (2008 Term Loan Facility) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The 2008 Term Loan Facility is in addition to, and does not replace, our existing Revolving Credit Facility and our existing 2006 Term Loan Facility. We utilized the funds from the 2008 Term Loan Facility primarily to repurchase shares of our common stock and for other general corporate purposes.

Note F – Interest Rate Risk

We use derivative instruments to manage the risk of changes in prevailing interest rates adversely affecting future cash flows associated with our credit facilities. The derivative instrument used to manage such risk is the interest rate swap. We account for interest rate swaps in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

As with any financial instrument, derivative instruments have inherent risks, primarily market and credit risk. Market risk associated with changes in interest rates is managed as part of our overall market risk monitoring process by establishing and monitoring limits as to the degree of risk that may be undertaken. Credit risk occurs when a counterparty to a derivative contract in which we have an unrealized gain fails to perform according to the terms of the agreement. We minimize our credit risk by entering into transactions with counterparties that maintain high credit ratings.

We have designated our interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. For a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and is recognized as a component of interest expense in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects results of operations. We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively if it is determined that (i) an interest rate swap is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item, (ii) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or (iii) the derivative is undesignated as a hedge instrument.

If hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative instrument will continue to be carried at fair value, with changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument recognized in the current period’s results of operations. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the accumulated gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be recognized immediately in results of operations. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the derivative instrument has not been or will not continue to be highly effective as a hedge, the remaining amount in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is amortized into earnings over the period that cash flows that were being hedged affect earnings.

In September 2007, we entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $150.0 million and a fixed rate of 4.655%. The two-year term began on September 28, 2007. This interest rate swap changes the variable-rate cash flow exposure on the $150.0 million notional amount to fixed-rate cash flows by entering into receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swap transactions. Under this swap transaction, we receive London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) based variable interest rate payments and make fixed-interest rate

 

10


Table of Contents

payments, thereby creating fixed-rate debt. We designated this hedging relationship as hedging the risk of changes in cash flows (a cash flow hedge) attributable to changes in the LIBOR rate applicable to our 2005 five-year revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) and 2006 five-year term loan facility (2006 Term Loan Facility). As such, we report the fair value of the swap as an asset or liability on our balance sheet, any ineffectiveness as interest expense, and effective changes to the fair value of the swap in other comprehensive income (loss). Fair value is determined using projected discounted future cash flows calculated using readily available market information (future LIBOR rates). At June 30, 2008, this swap is recorded at fair value as a $3.0 million liability. We reclassified into earnings losses of $0.8 million and $1.1 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, that were related to the swap and previously reported in other comprehensive loss. We expect losses of $2.6 million to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months related to the swap and currently reported in other comprehensive loss. The amount ultimately realized, however, could differ as interest rates change.

SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS 157 also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in valuation methodologies into three levels. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs are based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The following table provides additional detail of the fair value of our swap liability at June 30, 2008 by level within the SFAS 157 fair value measurement hierarchy, as required by SFAS 157:

 

In thousands

   June 30,
2008
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

Interest rate swap liability

   $ 3,046    $ —      $ 3,046    $ —  
                           

Total

   $ 3,046    $ —      $ 3,046    $ —  
                           

On a quarterly basis, we assess the ineffectiveness of the hedging relationship, and any gains or losses related to the ineffectiveness are recorded as interest expense in our statement of operations. We do not expect the ineffectiveness related to our current hedging activity to be material to our financial results in the future. There were no components of the derivative instruments that were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. We do not speculate using derivative instruments.

We assess interest rate risk by regularly identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposure that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities.

 

11


Table of Contents

Note G - Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options and nonvested shares.

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

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,

In thousands, except per share amounts

   2008    2007

BASIC EPS

     

Net Income

   $ 18,214    $ 22,895
             

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

     63,214      73,398
             

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.29    $ 0.31
             

DILUTED EPS

     

Net Income

   $ 18,214    $ 22,895
             

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     63,303      74,796
             

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.29    $ 0.31
             

Computation of shares used in earnings per share computations:

     

Weighted-average outstanding common shares

     63,214      73,398

Weighted-average common equivalent shares - dilutive effect of stock options and awards

     89      1,398
             

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     63,303      74,796
             

7.4 million and 2.4 million anti-dilutive market price options have been excluded from the calculation of shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

12


Table of Contents
     Six Months Ended June 30,

In thousands, except per share amounts

   2008    2007

BASIC EPS

     

Net Income

   $ 31,800    $ 43,222
             

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

     64,537      74,057
             

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.49    $ 0.58
             

DILUTED EPS

     

Net Income

   $ 31,800    $ 43,222
             

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     64,720      75,530
             

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.49    $ 0.57
             

Computation of shares used in earnings per share computations:

     

Weighted-average outstanding common shares

     64,537      74,057

Weighted-average common equivalent shares - dilutive effect of stock options and awards

     183      1,473
             

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     64,720      75,530
             

7.0 million and 2.3 million anti-dilutive market price options have been excluded from the calculation of shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

13


Table of Contents

Note H – Business Segments

Harte-Hanks is a worldwide, direct and targeted marketing company with operations in two segments – Direct Marketing and Shoppers.

Information about the operations of our two business segments follows:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  

In thousands

   2008     2007  

Operating revenues

    

Direct Marketing

   $ 182,203     $ 174,472  

Shoppers

     92,553       115,673  
                

Total operating revenues

   $ 274,756     $ 290,145  
                

Operating Income

    

Direct Marketing

   $ 25,935     $ 24,334  

Shoppers

     11,727       20,344  

Corporate Activities

     (2,922 )     (3,099 )
                

Total operating income

   $ 34,740     $ 41,579  
                

Income before income taxes

    

Operating income

   $ 34,740     $ 41,579  

Interest expense

     (3,575 )     (3,263 )

Interest income

     115       128  

Other, net

     (970 )     (234 )
                

Total income before income taxes

   $ 30,310     $ 38,210  
                

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  

In thousands

   2008     2007  

Operating revenues

    

Direct Marketing

   $ 361,313     $ 345,645  

Shoppers

     181,952       227,528  
                

Total operating revenues

   $ 543,265     $ 573,173  
                

Operating Income

    

Direct Marketing

   $ 47,178     $ 44,762  

Shoppers

     19,432       39,089  

Corporate Activities

     (6,059 )     (6,157 )
                

Total operating income

   $ 60,551     $ 77,694  
                

Income before income taxes

    

Operating income

   $ 60,551     $ 77,694  

Interest expense

     (7,338 )     (6,257 )

Interest income

     226       304  

Other, net

     (1,638 )     (354 )
                

Total income before income taxes

   $ 51,801     $ 71,387  
                

 

14


Table of Contents

Note I – Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost

Prior to January 1, 1999, we maintained a defined benefit pension plan for which most of our employees were eligible. In conjunction with significant enhancements to our 401(k) plan, we elected to freeze benefits under this defined benefit pension plan as of December 31, 1998.

In 1994, we adopted a non-qualified, supplemental pension plan covering certain employees, which provides for incremental pension payments so that total pension payments equal those amounts that would have been payable from our principal pension plan if it were not for limitations imposed by income tax regulations. The benefits under this supplemental pension plan will continue to accrue as if the principal pension plan had not been frozen.

Net pension cost for both plans included the following components:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  

In thousands

   2008     2007  

Service Cost

   $ 168     $ 191  

Interest Cost

     1,992       1,945  

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,244 )     (2,262 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     15       15  

Transition obligation

     24       24  

Recognized actuarial loss

     501       611  
                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 456     $ 524  
                
     Six Months Ended June 30,  

In thousands

   2008     2007  

Service Cost

   $ 336     $ 383  

Interest Cost

     3,984       3,889  

Expected return on plan assets

     (4,488 )     (4,440 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     30       30  

Transition obligation

     48       48  

Recognized actuarial loss

     1,003       1,221  
                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 913     $ 1,131  
                

We do not believe that we will have to make a contribution in 2008 in order to obtain the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation full funding limit exemption. We do not plan to make a contribution to either pension plan in 2008 other than to the extent needed to cover benefit payments related to the unfunded plan.

 

15


Table of Contents

Note J – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income for a period encompasses net income and all other changes in equity other than from transactions with our stockholders. Our comprehensive income was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,

In thousands

   2008     2007

Net income

   $ 18,214     $ 22,895

Other comprehensive income:

    

Adjustment to pension liability (net of tax expense of $216 and $513 in 2008 and 2007, respectively)

     325       786

Change in value of derivative instrument accounted for as a cash flow hedge (net of tax expense of $994)

     1,489       —  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     211       259
              

Total comprehensive income

   $ 20,239     $ 23,940
              
     Six Months Ended June 30,

In thousands

   2008     2007

Net income

   $ 31,800     $ 43,222

Other comprehensive income:

    

Adjustment to pension liability (net of tax expense of $432 and $513 in 2008 and 2007, respectively)

     650       786

Change in value of derivative instrument accounted for as a cash flow hedge (net of tax benefit of $179)

     (272 )     —  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,032       387
              

Total comprehensive income

   $ 33,210     $ 44,395
              

Note K – Litigation Contingencies

On March 23, 2001, inactive Harte-Hanks Shoppers employees Frank Gattuso and Ernest Sigala filed a putative class action against Harte-Hanks Shoppers, Inc., claiming that Harte-Hanks Shoppers failed to comply with a California statutory provision requiring an employer to indemnify employees for expenses incurred on behalf of the employer. The plaintiffs allege that Harte-Hanks Shoppers failed to reimburse them for expenses of using their automobiles as outside sales representatives and failed to accurately itemize these expenses on plaintiffs’ wage statements. The suit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The putative class that plaintiffs seek to represent has been limited to all California Harte-Hanks outside sales representatives who were not separately reimbursed apart from their base salary and commissions for the expenses they incurred in using their own automobiles after early 1998. The plaintiffs seek indemnification and compensatory damages, statutory damages, exemplary damages, penalties, interest, costs of suit, and attorneys’ fees. Harte-Hanks Shoppers filed a cross-complaint seeking a declaratory judgment that the plaintiffs have been indemnified for their automobile expenses by the higher salaries and commissions paid to them as outside sales representatives. The cross-

 

16


Table of Contents

complaint also alleges conversion, unjust enrichment, constructive trust and rescission and restitution based on mutual mistake. On January 30, 2002, the trial court ruled that California Labor Code Section 2802 requires employers to reimburse employees for mileage and other expenses incurred in the course of employment, but that an employer is permitted to pay increased wages or commissions instead of indemnifying actual expenses. On May 28, 2003, the trial court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On October 27, 2005, the California Court of Appeal issued a unanimous opinion affirming the trial court’s rulings, including the interpretation of Labor Code Section 2802 and denial of class certification. On November 23, 2005, the Court of Appeal denied the plaintiffs’ petition for rehearing. On November 5, 2007, the California Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s ruling that Labor Code Section 2802 permits lump sum reimbursement and that an employer may satisfy its obligations to indemnify employees for reasonable and necessary business expenses under Labor Code Section 2802 by paying enhanced taxable compensation. The Supreme Court remanded the matter back to the trial court for further proceedings related to the class certification issue and directed the trial court to consider whether the following issues could properly be resolved on a class-wide basis: (1) did Harte-Hanks Shoppers adopt a practice or policy of reimbursing outside sales representatives for automobile expenses by paying them higher commission rates and base salaries than it paid to inside sales representatives, (2) did Harte-Hanks Shoppers establish a method to apportion the enhanced compensation payments between compensation for labor performed and expense reimbursement and (3) was the amount paid for expense reimbursement sufficient to fully reimburse the employees for the automobile expenses they reasonably and necessarily incurred. On July 29, 2008, the trial court stated its intention to issue a split class action certification ruling, certifying a class action with respect to the first two questions listed immediately above (adoption of a policy or practice, and establishment of an apportionment method) and denying class certification on the third question listed immediately above (sufficiency of reimbursement). Based upon its belief that the conditions for a loss accrual described in SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, have not been met, Harte-Hanks has made no accrual for this loss contingency. An estimate of the possible loss or range of loss from any adverse result on this case cannot reasonably be made. We believe that we have substantial meritorious defenses to these claims and we intend to vigorously defend the lawsuit.

We are also subject to various other legal proceedings in the course of conducting our businesses and, from time to time, we may become involved in additional claims and lawsuits incidental to our businesses. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, any ultimate liability arising out of these pending claims and lawsuits is not currently expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. Nevertheless, we cannot predict the impact of future developments affecting our pending or future claims and lawsuits and any resolution of a claim or lawsuit within a particular fiscal quarter may adversely impact our results of operations for that quarter. We expense legal costs as incurred, and all recorded legal liabilities are adjusted as required as better information becomes available to us. The factors we consider when recording an accrual for contingencies include, among others: (i) the opinions and views of our legal counsel; (ii) our previous experience; and (iii) the decision of our management as to how we intend to respond to the complaints.

 

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

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report, including this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All such statements are qualified by this cautionary note, which is provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may also be included in our other public filings, press releases, our website and oral and written presentations by management. Statements other than historical facts are forward-looking and may be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “seeks,”

 

17


Table of Contents

“could,” “intends,” or words of similar meaning. Examples include statements regarding (1) our strategies and initiatives, (2) our financial outlook, (3) planned adjustments to our cost structure and other actions designed to respond to market conditions and improve our performance, (4) expectations for our businesses and for the industries in which we operate, including with regard to the negative performance trends in our Shoppers business, (5) competitive factors, (6) acquisition and development plans, (7) our stock repurchase program, (8) expectations regarding legal proceedings and other contingent liabilities, and (9) other statements regarding future events, conditions or outcomes. These forward-looking statements are based on current information, expectations and estimates and involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. In that event, our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity could be materially adversely affected and investors in our securities could lose part or all of their investments. Some of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the factors discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (2007 Form 10-K) and any updates thereto in our Forms 10-Q. The forward-looking statements included in this report and those included in our other public filings, press releases, our website and oral and written presentations by management are made only as of the respective dates thereof, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement in this report or in other documents, our website or oral statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

Overview

The following MD&A section is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Harte-Hanks, Inc. (Harte-Hanks). This section is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements contained elsewhere in this report and our MD&A section, financial statements and accompanying notes to financial statements in our 2007 Form 10-K. Our 2007 Form 10-K contains a discussion of other matters not included herein, such as disclosures regarding critical accounting policies and estimates, and contractual obligations.

Harte-Hanks is a worldwide direct and targeted marketing company that provides direct marketing services and shopper advertising opportunities to local, regional, national and international consumer and business-to-business marketers. We manage our operations through two operating segments: Direct Marketing and Shoppers.

Direct Marketing services are targeted to specific industries or markets with services and software products tailored to each industry or market. Currently, our Direct Marketing business services various vertical markets including retail, high-tech/telecom, financial services, pharmaceutical/healthcare, and a wide range of selected markets. We believe that we are generally able to provide services to new industries and markets by modifying our services and applications as opportunities are presented. Depending on the needs of our clients, our Direct Marketing capabilities are provided in an integrated approach through more than 30 facilities worldwide, more than 10 of which are located outside of the United States. Each of these centers possesses some specialization and is linked with others to support the needs of our clients.

We use various capabilities and technologies to enable our Direct Marketing clients to identify, reach, influence and nurture their customers. Our Direct Marketing business improves the return on our clients’ marketing investment by increasing their prospect and customer value through solutions and services organized around five groupings of integrated activities:

 

   

Information (data collection/management);

 

   

Opportunity (data access/utilization);

 

18


Table of Contents
   

Insight (data analysis/interpretation);

 

   

Engagement (program and campaign creation and development); and

 

   

Interaction (program execution).

Revenues from the Direct Marketing segment represented approximately 66% and 67% of our total revenue for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.

Harte-Hanks Shoppers is North America’s largest owner, operator and distributor of shopper publications, with shoppers that are zoned into more than 1,000 separate editions and total circulation of more than 12.5 million each week in California and Florida. Shoppers are weekly advertising publications delivered free by Standard Mail to households and businesses in a particular geographic area. Shoppers offer advertisers a targeted, cost-effective local advertising system, with virtually 100% penetration in their area of distribution. Shoppers are particularly effective in large markets with high media fragmentation in which major metropolitan newspapers generally have low penetration. Our Shoppers segment also provides advertising and other services online through our websites, PennySaverUSA.com and TheFlyer.com. In the first half of 2008, Shoppers continued to integrate its print and online products and formally changed the names of its print publications to PennySaverUSA.com (California) and TheFlyer.com (Florida). Both PennySaverUSA.com and TheFlyer.com display the ads published in the print versions of both the PennySaverUSA.com and TheFlyer.com publications. Both websites also aggregates online classified ads from free community papers and shoppers across the country. Revenues from the Shoppers segment represented approximately 34% and 33% of our total revenue for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008.

We derive revenues from the sale of direct marketing services and shopper advertising services. As a worldwide business, Direct Marketing is affected by general national and international economic trends. Our Shoppers operate in regional markets in California and Florida and are largely affected by the strength of the local economies.

Our principal operating expense items are labor, postage and transportation.

Results of Operations

Operating results were as follows:

 

In thousands, except per share amounts

   Three months ended     Six months ended  
   June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007    Change     June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007    Change  

Revenues

   $ 274,756    $ 290,145    -5.3 %   $ 543,265    $ 573,173    -5.2 %

Operating expenses

     240,016      248,566    -3.4 %     482,714      495,479    -2.6 %
                                

Operating income

   $ 34,740    $ 41,579    -16.4 %   $ 60,551    $ 77,694    -22.1 %
                                

Net income

   $ 18,214    $ 22,895    -20.4 %   $ 31,800    $ 43,222    -26.4 %
                                

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.29    $ 0.31    -6.5 %   $ 0.49    $ 0.57    -14.0 %
                                

2nd Quarter 2008 vs. 2nd Quarter 2007

Revenues

Consolidated revenues decreased 5.3%, to $274.8 million, and operating income decreased 16.4% to $34.7 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. Our overall results reflect decreased revenues of 20.0% from our Shoppers segment, partially offset by increased revenues of 4.4% from our Direct Marketing segment. The revenue performance from Shoppers was the result of decreased sales in established markets, primarily attributable to the difficult economic environment in the California and Florida

 

19


Table of Contents

geographies in which we operate, and circulation reductions that we initiated at the end of June 2007. Direct Marketing results reflect year-over-year double-digit growth in our high tech/telecom and select markets verticals, flat revenues in our retail and financial verticals, and a double-digit revenue decline from our pharma/healthcare vertical.

Operating Expenses

Overall operating expenses decreased 3.4%, to $240.0 million, in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The overall decrease in operating expenses was driven by decreased operating expenses in Shoppers, attributable to cost cutting measures and the overall decline in Shoppers circulation and insert volumes over the past twelve months. Compared to the second quarter of 2007, Shoppers operating expenses decreased $14.5 million or 15.2%, while Direct Marketing operating expenses increased $6.1 million or 4.1% and general corporate expense decreased $0.2 million or 5.7%. As a result of the continuing weak market conditions, Shoppers workforce was reduced by more than 9% in the first half of 2008.

Net Income/Earnings Per Share

Net income decreased 20.4%, to $18.2 million, and diluted earnings per share decreased 6.5%, to $0.29 per share, in the second quarter of 2008 when compared to the second quarter of 2007. The decrease in net income was a result of decreased operating income from Shoppers and increased interest expense.

First Half 2008 vs. First Half 2007

Revenues

Consolidated revenues decreased 5.2%, to $543.3 million, and operating income decreased 22.1% to $60.6 million in the first half of 2008 when compared to the first half of 2007. Our overall results reflect decreased revenues of 20.0% from our Shoppers segment, partially offset by increased revenues of 4.5% from our Direct Marketing segment. The revenue performance from Shoppers was the result of decreased sales in established markets, primarily attributable to the difficult economic environment in the California and Florida geographies in which we operate, and circulation reductions that we initiated at the end of June 2007. Direct Marketing results reflect year-over-year double-digit growth in our high tech/telecom vertical, mid single-digit growth in our select markets vertical, flat revenues in our retail and financial verticals, and a double-digit revenue decline from our pharma/healthcare vertical.

Operating Expenses

Overall operating expenses decreased 2.6%, to $482.7 million, in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. The overall decrease in operating expenses was driven by decreased operating expenses in Shoppers, attributable to cost cutting measures and the overall decline in Shoppers circulation and insert volumes over the past twelve months. Compared to the first half of 2007, Shoppers operating expenses decreased $25.9 million or 13.8%, while Direct Marketing operating expenses increased $13.3 million or 4.4% and general corporate expense decreased $0.1 million or 1.6%. As a result of the continuing weak market conditions, Shoppers workforce was reduced by more than 9% in the first half of 2008.

Net Income/Earnings Per Share

Net income decreased 26.4%, to $31.8 million, and diluted earnings per share decreased 14.0%, to $0.49 per share, in the first half of 2008 when compared to the first half of 2007. The decrease in net income was a result of decreased operating income from Shoppers and increased interest expense, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate in the first half of 2008 when compared to the first half of 2007.

While we continue to believe in the long-term strength and viability of our Shoppers business, the general economic conditions, initially created by weakness in the real estate and associated financing markets in the California and Florida geographies in which we operate remain extremely challenging. In July 2008 we further reduced our Shoppers circulation by approximately 250,000 per week in response to this difficult environment.

 

20


Table of Contents

This reduction was primarily in California and was concentrated in unprofitable areas. We have taken steps over the past 12 months to reduce our cost base in both Shoppers and Direct Marketing and we continue to look at ways to further reduce costs in both of these businesses.

Direct Marketing

Direct Marketing operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended    Change     Six months ended    Change  

In thousands

   June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007      June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007   

Revenues

   $ 182,203    $ 174,472    4.4 %   $ 361,313    $ 345,645    4.5 %

Operating expenses

     156,268      150,138    4.1 %     314,135      300,883    4.4 %
                                

Operating income

   $ 25,935    $ 24,334    6.6 %   $ 47,178    $ 44,762    5.4 %
                                

2nd Quarter 2008 vs. 2nd Quarter 2007

Revenues

Direct Marketing revenues increased $7.7 million, or 4.4%, in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. Our high tech/telecom and select markets verticals had strong year-over-year double-digit revenue growth in the quarter. Our retail and financial verticals were essentially flat compared to the second quarter of 2007. Our pharma/healthcare vertical recorded a double-digit revenue decline compared to the prior year quarter. Revenues from our vertical markets are impacted by, among other things, the economic fundamentals of each industry, various market factors, including the demand for services by our clients, and the financial condition of and budgets available to specific clients. Revenues for Direct Marketing are affected by a number of factors, including general national and international economic trends.

The acquisition of Mason Zimbler in January 2008 also positively affected our revenues in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007.

Future revenues will depend on, among other factors, how successful we are at growing business with existing clients, acquiring new clients, meeting client demands, and the strength of the national and international economies. We believe that in the long-term we will benefit from marketing and advertising expenditures being moved from other advertising media to the targeted media space, the results of which can be more effectively tracked, enabling measurement of the return on marketing investment. Standard postage rates increased in each of the last two calendar years and increased again in May of 2008. Postage rates influence the demand for our Direct Marketing services even though the cost of mailings is borne by our clients and is not directly reflected in our revenues or expenses. While we do not expect the postal rate increases to have a significant impact on our Direct Marketing business, there is no assurance that future postal increases will not have an adverse impact on us.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $6.1 million, or 4.1%, in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The acquisition of Mason Zimbler in January 2008 contributed to this increase. Labor costs increased $2.8 million, or 3.5%, due to higher severance, increased incentive compensation expense, increased medical costs and annual salary increases. Production and distribution costs increased $4.1 million, or 8.1%, due to higher logistics-related transportation costs and outsourced costs. General and administrative expense decreased $0.7 million, or 4.9%, due primarily to decreased travel, recruiting, training, and workers’ compensation expense. Depreciation and amortization expense was essentially flat compared to the prior year quarter.

Direct Marketing’s largest cost components are labor, outsourced costs and transportation costs. Each of these costs is somewhat variable and tends to fluctuate with revenues and the demand for our direct marketing services.

 

21


Table of Contents

First Half 2008 vs. First Half 2007

Revenues

Direct Marketing revenues increased $15.7 million, or 4.5%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. Our high tech/telecom vertical had strong year-over-year double-digit revenue growth, while our select markets vertical grew in the mid single-digits. Our retail and financial services verticals were essentially flat over the prior year. Our pharma/healthcare vertical recorded a double-digit revenue decline compared to the prior year.

The acquisition of Mason Zimbler in January 2008 also positively affected our revenues in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $13.3 million, or 4.4%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. The acquisition of Mason Zimbler in January 2008 contributed to this increase. Labor costs increased $6.3 million, or 4.0%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007 due to increased severance, increased incentive compensation expense, increased medical costs and annual salary increases. Production and distribution costs increased $7.4 million, or 7.3%, due to higher logistics-related transportation costs and outsourced costs. General and administrative expense decreased $0.1 million, or 0.3%, due primarily to decreased travel, recruiting, training, and bad debt expense due to timing, partially offset by increased outside sales commissions and royalties. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.4 million, or 2.5%, due to intangible assets becoming fully amortized during 2007.

Shoppers

 

     Three months ended    Change     Six months ended    Change  

In thousands

   June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007      June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007   

Revenues

   $ 92,553    $ 115,673    -20.0 %   $ 181,952    $ 227,528    -20.0 %

Operating expenses

     80,826      95,329    -15.2 %     162,520      188,439    -13.8 %
                                

Operating income

   $ 11,727    $ 20,344    -42.4 %   $ 19,432    $ 39,089    -50.3 %
                                

2nd Quarter 2008 vs. 2nd Quarter 2007

Revenues

Shoppers revenues decreased $23.1 million, or 20.0%, in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. These results reflect the continued impact that the difficult economic environments in California and Florida are having on our Shoppers business. The decrease in revenues was the result of decreased sales in established markets, including declines in virtually every revenue category, and circulation reductions of approximately 600,000 that we initiated in 2007. This unprofitable circulation, which was shut down at the end of June 2007, represented approximately $1.5 million of revenue in the second quarter of 2007. At June 30, 2008 our Shoppers circulation reached approximately 13 million in California and Florida each week. In early July 2008 we further reduced our circulation by approximately 250,000, to approximately 12.8 million per week. This reduction was primarily in California and was concentrated in unprofitable areas. We continue to evaluate all of our circulation performance and at this time we do not anticipate further significant circulation reductions in the near future. Despite the recent circulation reduction and current economic conditions in California and Florida, we continue to believe that future expansions may provide increased revenue opportunities in the long term.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased $14.5 million, or 15.2%, in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. Total labor costs decreased $5.2 million, or 15.6%. As a result of the continuing weak market

 

22


Table of Contents

conditions, we reduced our Shoppers workforce by more than 9% in the first half of 2008. Total production costs decreased $6.2 million, or 12.3%, due primarily to decreased paper costs resulting from circulation reductions, a decline in ad placements and lower newsprint rates, decreased postage costs due to a decline in distribution revenues and circulation reductions, and decreased offload printing costs due to decreased print-and-deliver volumes. Total general and administrative costs decreased $3.1 million, or 31.8%, due primarily to lower promotion-related expense and lower bad debt expense due to timing. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.1 million, or 4.5%, due to decreased capital expenditures in recent periods. We are continuing to look for ways to further reduce our cost base in this business.

Shoppers’ largest cost components are labor, postage and paper. Shoppers’ labor costs are partially variable and tend to fluctuate with the number of zones, circulation, volumes and revenues. Standard postage rates increased in each of the last two calendar years. However, in 2007 we changed the manner in which we address our Shoppers publications from detached cards to direct labeling on the shopper publication. As a result of this change, our per-piece postage rates remained steady when the May 2007 rates were put into effect. Standard postage rates increased again in May of 2008, which increased Shoppers’ production costs. Paper prices have continued to decline since the third quarter of 2007, contributing to lower production costs. Paper prices are expected to increase from the current levels in the second half of 2008. We do not anticipate recording any significant charges related to the approximately 250,000 circulation reduction that we initiated in July of 2008.

First Half 2008 vs. First Half 2007

Revenues

Shoppers revenues decreased $45.6 million, or 20.0%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. These results reflect the continued impact that the difficult economic environments in California and Florida are having on our Shoppers business. The decrease in revenues was the result of decreased sales in established markets, including declines in virtually every revenue category, and circulation reductions of approximately 600,000 that we initiated in 2007. This unprofitable circulation, which was shut down at the end of June 2007, represented approximately $3.0 million of revenue in the first half of 2007.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased $25.9 million, or 13.8%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. Total labor costs decreased $9.9 million, or 14.5%. As a result of the continuing weak market conditions, we reduced our Shoppers workforce by more than 9% in the first half of 2008. Total production costs decreased $13.0 million, or 13.1%, due primarily to decreased paper costs resulting from circulation reductions, a decline in ad placements and lower newsprint rates, decreased postage costs due to a decline in distribution revenues and circulation reductions, and decreased offload printing costs due to decreased print-and-deliver volumes. Total general and administrative costs decreased $2.9 million, or 17.9%, due primarily to lower promotion-related expense. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.1 million, or 1.4%, due to decreased capital expenditures in recent periods.

General Corporate Expense

General corporate expense decreased $0.2 million, or 5.7%, in the second quarter of 2008 and $0.1 million, or 1.6%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the same periods in 2007. Theses decreases were primarily due to lower stock-based compensation and lower employee expenses including travel and recruiting.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was up $0.3 million, or 9.6%, in the second quarter of 2008 and $1.1 million, or 17.3%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the same periods in 2007. This increase is due to higher outstanding debt levels in 2008 than in 2007, primarily due to share repurchases and the acquisition of Mason Zimbler, and additional expense related to credit agreements entered into in the first quarter of 2008. The increase was partially offset by lower interest rates on borrowings in 2008 than in 2007.

 

23


Table of Contents

Interest Income

Interest income was down slightly in the second quarter of 2008 and down $0.1 million or 25.7% in the first half of 2008 compared to the same periods in 2007 due to normal variances in cash levels and lower interest rates on investments.

Other Income and Expense

Other net expense increased $0.7 million, or 314.5%, in the second quarter of 2008 and $1.3 million, or 362.7%, in the first half of 2008 compared to the same periods in 2007, primarily due to an increase in foreign currency transaction losses.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense decreased $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2008 and $8.2 million in the first half of 2008 compared to the same periods in 2007. The effective tax rate was 39.9% for the second quarter of 2008, down from 40.1% for the second quarter of 2007. The effective tax rate was 38.6% for the first half of 2008, down from 39.5% for the first half of 2007. This decrease was primarily the result of the recognition of certain tax benefits in the first quarter of 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Cash

As of June 30, 2008, cash and cash equivalents were $23.0 million, increasing $0.1 million from December 31, 2007. This net increase was a result of net cash provided by operating activities of $53.4 million, offset by cash used in investing activities of $20.5 million and net cash used in financing activities of $32.9 million.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $53.4 million, compared to $76.5 million for the first six months of 2007. The $23.1 million year-over-year decrease was attributable to lower net income and changes within working capital assets and liabilities.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, our principal working capital changes, which directly affected net cash provided by operating activities, were as follows:

 

   

A decrease in accounts receivable attributable to lower revenues in the second quarter of 2008 than in the fourth quarter of 2007. Days sales outstanding of approximately 61 days at June 30, 2008 increased from 60 days at December 31, 2007 and increased from 54 days at June 30, 2007;

 

   

An increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets due to timing of payments;

 

   

A decrease in accounts payable due to overall lower operating expenses in the second quarter of 2008 than in the fourth quarter of 2007;

 

   

A decrease in accrued payroll and related expenses due to payment of 2007 bonuses and lower accrued commissions at June 30, 2008 than at December 31, 2007 due to 2008 revenue performance; and

 

   

An increase in customer deposits and unearned revenue due to timing of receipts.

 

24


Table of Contents

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $20.5 million for the first half of 2008, compared to $13.8 million for the first half of 2007. The difference is primarily the result of the January 2008 acquisition of Mason Zimbler.

Financing Activities

Net cash outflows from financing activities were $32.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to net cash outflows of $67.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The difference is attributable primarily to $43.3 million higher net borrowings in the first six months of 2008 than in the first six months of 2007.

Outlook

We consider such factors as current assets, current liabilities, total debt, revenues, operating income and cash flows from operations, investing activities and financing activities when assessing our liquidity. Our primary sources of liquidity have been cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash generated from operating activities. Our management of cash is designed to optimize returns on cash balances and to ensure that it is readily available to meet our operating, investing and financing requirements as they arise. Capital resources are also available from and provided through our unsecured credit facilities, subject to the terms and conditions of those facilities.

The amount of cash on hand and borrowings available under our credit facilities are influenced by a number of factors, including fluctuations in our operating results, revenue growth, accounts receivable collections, capital expenditures, tax payments, share repurchases, acquisitions and dividends.

Based on our current operational plans, we believe that our credit facilities, together with cash provided by operating activities, will be sufficient to fund operations and anticipated capital expenditures, payments of principal and interest on our borrowings, and dividends on our common stock for at least the next twelve months.

Credit Facilities

Our five-year Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date of August 12, 2010. At June 30, 2008, our debt balance related to the Revolving Credit Facility was $29.0 million. The five-year 2006 Term Loan Facility has a maturity date of September 6, 2011. At June 30, 2008, our debt balance related to the 2006 Term Loan Facility was $180.4 million. The four-year 2008 Term Loan Facility has a maturity date of March 7, 2012. As of June 30, 2008, we had $96.0 million of unused borrowing capacity under our five-year Revolving Credit Facility.

Under all of our credit facilities we are required to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.75 to 1 and a total debt-to-EBITDA ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1. The credit facilities also contain covenants restricting our and our subsidiaries’ ability to grant liens and enter into certain transactions and limit the total amount of indebtedness of our subsidiaries to $20 million.

The credit facilities each also include customary covenants regarding reporting obligations, delivery of notices regarding certain events, maintaining our corporate existence, payment of obligations, maintenance of our properties and insurance thereon at customary levels with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, maintaining books and records and compliance with applicable laws. The credit facilities each also provide for customary events of default including nonpayment of principal or interest, breach of representations and warranties, violations of covenants, failure to pay certain other indebtedness, bankruptcy and material judgments and liabilities, certain violations of environmental laws or ERISA or the occurrence of a change of control. As of June 30, 2008, we were in compliance with all of the covenants of our credit facilities.

As we have capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility and the intent to use the Revolving Credit Facility to fund the required quarterly principal payments under the 2006 Term Loan Facility and the 2008 Term Loan Facility through the June 30, 2009, we have classified our entire debt balance at June 30, 2008 as long-term.

 

25


Table of Contents

In September 2007, we entered into a two-year interest rate swap with a notional amount of $150 million and a fixed rate of 4.655% in order to limit a portion of our interest rate exposure by converting a portion of our variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt. Please refer to Note F of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Interest Rate Risk, and Item 3. to this Form 10-Q, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, for a description of our interest rate risk.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S generally accepted accounting principles. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies. We consider the following to be our critical accounting policies, as described in detail in our 2007 Form 10-K:

 

   

Revenue recognition;

 

   

Allowance for doubtful accounts;

 

   

Reserve for healthcare, workers’ compensation, automobile and general liability;

 

   

Goodwill; and

 

   

Stock-based compensation.

There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies described in our 2007 Form 10-K.

As discussed in Note B, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, certain new financial accounting pronouncements have been issued which either have already been reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, or will become effective for our financial statements at various dates in the future. Our adoption of SFAS 141R, Business Combinations, in 2009 will affect the way we account for acquisitions, including acquisition-related costs, contractual contingencies and contingent consideration, and may also impact the amount of information we disclose about acquisitions.

The adoption of the remaining new accounting pronouncements discussed in Note B of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have not and are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Market risk includes the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. We face market risks related to interest rate variations and to foreign exchange rate variations. From time to time, we may utilize derivative financial instruments as described below to manage our exposure to such risks.

We are exposed to market risk for changes in interest rates related to our credit facilities. Our earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of our credit facilities, which bear interest at variable rates based on Eurodollar rates (effective rate of 2.48% at June 30, 2008). The five-year Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date of August 12, 2010. At June 30, 2008, our debt balance related to the Revolving Credit Facility was $29.0 million. The five-year 2006 Term Loan Facility has a maturity date of September 6, 2011. At June 30, 2008, our debt balance related to the 2006 Term Loan Facility was $180.4 million. The four-year 2008 Term Loan Facility has a maturity date of March 7, 2012. At June 30, 2008, our debt balance related to the 2008 Term Loan Facility was $100.0 million. In September 2007, we entered into a two-year interest rate swap with a notional amount of $150 million and a fixed rate of 4.655% in order to limit a portion of our interest rate exposure by converting a portion of our variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt.

 

26


Table of Contents

Assuming the actual level of debt throughout the second quarter and first half of 2008, and assuming a one percentage point change in the period’s average interest rates, it is estimated that our net income for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2008 would have changed by approximately $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Due to our interest rate swap, overall debt level at June 30, 2008, anticipated cash flows from operations, and the various financial alternatives available to management should there be an adverse change in interest rates, we do not believe that we currently have significant exposure to market risks associated with changing interest rates.

Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates as a result of our operations in foreign countries, a portion of which are conducted in foreign currencies. We monitor these risks throughout the normal course of business. Due to the current level of operations conducted in foreign currencies, we do not believe that the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates is significant to our overall earnings.

We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. We do not speculate using derivative instruments.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act). It should be noted that, because of inherent limitations, our disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective, at the “reasonable assurance” level, to ensure information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the second quarter of 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. We may make changes in our internal control processes from time to time in the future. It should also be noted that, because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, and controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Information regarding legal proceedings is set forth in Note K to the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Litigation Contingencies, in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

27


Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2007 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our 2007 Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In our judgment, there were no material changes in the risk factors as previously disclosed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2007 Form 10-K.

 

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

 

During the second quarter of 2008, we did not purchase any shares of our stock through our stock repurchase program that was publicly announced in January 1997. Under this program, from which shares can be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 74,400,000 shares of our outstanding common stock. As of June 30, 2008, we had repurchased a total of 63,924,509 shares at an average price of $18.83 per share under this program. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under this program was 10,475,491 at June 30, 2008.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

We held our annual meeting of stockholders on May 13, 2008. At the meeting , our stockholders elected all three of our nominees for Class III directors and ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2008 by the following votes:

 

     For    Withheld

Dean H. Blythe

   50,411,199    500,764

Houston H. Harte

   48,643,038    2,268,925

Judy C. Odom

   50,499,026    412,937

The following five directors’ terms continued after the annual meeting: David L. Copeland, William F. Farley, Larry D. Franklin, William K. Gayden, and Christopher M. Harte. The terms of Messrs. Copeland and Christopher M. Harte will expire at the 2009 annual meeting, and the terms of Messrs. Farley, Franklin, and Gayden will expire at the 2010 annual meeting.

 

     For    Against    Abstentions

Ratification of KPMG

   50,728,337    119,388    64,238

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

See Index to Exhibits on Page 30.

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

 

28


Table of Contents
  HARTE-HANKS, INC.
August 8, 2008  

/s/ Dean H. Blythe

Date   Dean H. Blythe
  President and Chief Executive Officer
August 8, 2008  

/s/ Douglas C. Shepard

Date   Douglas C. Shepard
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
August 8, 2008  

/s/ Jessica M. Huff

Date   Jessica M. Huff
  Vice President, Finance and
  Chief Accounting Officer

 

29


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

On June 27, 2008, Harte-Hanks, Inc. (“Harte-Hanks”) entered into amended and restated versions of certain of its existing compensatory plans and agreements to address the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which was added by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and to make certain other amendments, as described in Harte-Hanks Form 8-K, dated June 27, 2008 (the “June 27th 8-K”). Exhibits 10.1 through 10.6 below were filed as exhibits to the June 27th 8-K.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit

  10.1    Harte-Hanks, Inc. Restoration Pension Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Harte-Hanks Form 8-K, dated June 27, 2008)
  10.2    Harte-Hanks, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Harte-Hanks Form 8-K, dated June 27, 2008)
  10.3    Harte-Hanks, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Harte-Hanks Form 8-K, dated June 27, 2008)
  10.4    Form of Change of Control Severance Agreement between the Company and its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Executive Vice Presidents (other than Peter E. Gorman) and Senior Vice Presidents, dated as of June 27, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Harte-Hanks Form 8-K, dated June 27, 2008)
  10.5    Form of Severance Agreement between the Company and Peter E. Gorman, dated as of June 27, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Harte-Hanks Form 8-K, dated June 27, 2008)
  10.6    Form of Change of Control Severance Agreement between the Company and its Vice Presidents, dated as of June 27, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Harte-Hanks Form 8-K, dated June 27, 2008)
*31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.1    Furnished Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.2    Furnished Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* Filed or furnished herewith

 

30