HARTE HANKS INC - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)
U.S.
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 September 30, 2014
or
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 001-07120
HARTE-HANKS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
|
74-1677284 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
|
(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) |
|
Identification Number) |
9601 McAllister Freeway, Suite 610, San Antonio, Texas |
|
78216 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
Registrants 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. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and small reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o |
|
Accelerated filer x |
|
|
|
Non-accelerated filer o |
|
Smaller reporting company o |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
|
|
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrants classes of common stock as of October 15, 2014 was 62,068,391 shares of common stock, all of one class.
HARTE-HANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q REPORT
September 30, 2014
Item 1. Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
In thousands, except per share and share amounts |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
2013 |
| ||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
67,234 |
|
$ |
88,747 |
|
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,251 at September 30, 2014 and $1,729 at December 31, 2013) |
|
107,867 |
|
120,122 |
| ||
Inventory |
|
1,540 |
|
1,286 |
| ||
Prepaid expenses |
|
9,192 |
|
8,528 |
| ||
Current deferred income tax asset |
|
4,942 |
|
7,696 |
| ||
Prepaid income tax |
|
3,062 |
|
4,755 |
| ||
Other current assets |
|
7,338 |
|
8,171 |
| ||
Total current assets |
|
201,175 |
|
239,305 |
| ||
Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation of $175,684 at September 30, 2014 and $169,854 at December 31, 2013) |
|
36,008 |
|
40,711 |
| ||
Goodwill |
|
398,164 |
|
398,164 |
| ||
Other intangible assets (less accumulated amortization of $9,768 at September 30, 2014 and $9,748 at December 31, 2013) |
|
2,283 |
|
2,303 |
| ||
Other assets |
|
3,565 |
|
5,053 |
| ||
Total assets |
|
$ |
641,195 |
|
$ |
685,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
|
$ |
18,375 |
|
$ |
15,313 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
32,965 |
|
36,756 |
| ||
Accrued payroll and related expenses |
|
12,121 |
|
16,255 |
| ||
Deferred revenue and customer advances |
|
30,502 |
|
36,257 |
| ||
Income taxes payable |
|
1,496 |
|
3,407 |
| ||
Customer postage and program deposits |
|
16,557 |
|
23,877 |
| ||
Other current liabilities |
|
5,931 |
|
8,978 |
| ||
Total current liabilities |
|
117,947 |
|
140,843 |
| ||
Long-term debt |
|
68,906 |
|
82,687 |
| ||
Other long-term liabilities (including deferred income taxes of $69,928 at September 30, 2014 and $65,788 at December 31, 2013) |
|
109,761 |
|
112,952 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
|
296,614 |
|
336,482 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Stockholders equity |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock, $1 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized 119,598,385 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and 119,186,705 shares issued at December 31, 2013 |
|
119,598 |
|
119,187 |
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
346,651 |
|
345,095 |
| ||
Retained earnings |
|
1,160,949 |
|
1,163,201 |
| ||
Less treasury stock, 57,459,160 shares at cost at September 30, 2014 and 56,600,972 shares at cost at December 31, 2013 |
|
(1,255,372 |
) |
(1,250,311 |
) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
(27,245 |
) |
(28,118 |
) | ||
Total stockholders equity |
|
344,581 |
|
349,054 |
| ||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
|
$ |
641,195 |
|
$ |
685,536 |
|
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands, except per share amounts |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
134,121 |
|
$ |
134,973 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Labor |
|
67,026 |
|
68,341 |
| ||
Production and distribution |
|
40,350 |
|
39,315 |
| ||
Advertising, selling, general and administrative |
|
12,528 |
|
12,258 |
| ||
Impairment of other intangible assets |
|
|
|
2,750 |
| ||
Depreciation, software and intangible asset amortization |
|
3,677 |
|
3,949 |
| ||
Total operating expenses |
|
123,581 |
|
126,613 |
| ||
Operating income |
|
10,540 |
|
8,360 |
| ||
Other (income) expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest expense, net |
|
641 |
|
729 |
| ||
Other, net |
|
(581 |
) |
536 |
| ||
Total other (income) expenses |
|
60 |
|
1,265 |
| ||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
|
10,480 |
|
7,095 |
| ||
Income tax expense |
|
4,060 |
|
2,644 |
| ||
Income from continuing operations |
|
6,420 |
|
4,451 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
|
|
|
(12,624 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
6,420 |
|
$ |
(8,173 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic earnings (loss) per common share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.20 |
) | ||
Basic earnings (loss) per common share |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
62,398 |
|
62,538 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.20 |
) | ||
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding |
|
62,585 |
|
62,994 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Adjustment to pension liability |
|
$ |
558 |
|
$ |
1,003 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
(1,348 |
) |
1,056 |
| ||
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
|
(790 |
) |
2,059 |
| ||
Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
$ |
5,630 |
|
$ |
(6,114 |
) |
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands, except per share amounts |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
407,158 |
|
$ |
407,430 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Labor |
|
207,943 |
|
205,601 |
| ||
Production and distribution |
|
122,784 |
|
118,871 |
| ||
Advertising, selling, general and administrative |
|
39,118 |
|
38,243 |
| ||
Impairment of other intangible assets |
|
|
|
2,750 |
| ||
Depreciation, software and intangible asset amortization |
|
11,207 |
|
11,788 |
| ||
Total operating expenses |
|
381,052 |
|
377,253 |
| ||
Operating income |
|
26,106 |
|
30,177 |
| ||
Other (income) expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest expense, net |
|
1,949 |
|
2,260 |
| ||
Other, net |
|
1,228 |
|
(600 |
) | ||
Total other (income) expenses |
|
3,177 |
|
1,660 |
| ||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
|
22,929 |
|
28,517 |
| ||
Income tax expense |
|
9,027 |
|
10,810 |
| ||
Income from continuing operations |
|
13,902 |
|
17,707 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
|
|
|
(10,903 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income |
|
$ |
13,902 |
|
$ |
6,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic earnings per common share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.17 |
) | ||
Basic earnings per common share |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
62,606 |
|
62,485 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted earnings per common share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.17 |
) | ||
Diluted earnings per common share |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding |
|
62,818 |
|
62,808 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Adjustment to pension liability |
|
$ |
1,615 |
|
$ |
3,009 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
(742 |
) |
(663 |
) | ||
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax |
|
873 |
|
2,346 |
| ||
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
14,775 |
|
$ |
9,150 |
|
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income |
|
$ |
13,902 |
|
$ |
6,804 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Impairment of other intangible assets |
|
|
|
2,750 |
| ||
(Gain) Loss from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
(1,452 |
) | ||
Loss on the sale of discontinued operations |
|
|
|
12,355 |
| ||
Depreciation and software amortization |
|
11,187 |
|
11,623 |
| ||
Intangible asset amortization |
|
20 |
|
165 |
| ||
Stock-based compensation |
|
3,297 |
|
4,409 |
| ||
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
(32 |
) | ||
Net pension cost (payments) |
|
(4,346 |
) |
(564 |
) | ||
Deferred income taxes |
|
4,469 |
|
1,355 |
| ||
Other, net |
|
(738 |
) |
(851 |
) | ||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Decrease in accounts receivable, net |
|
12,255 |
|
13,789 |
| ||
Increase in inventory |
|
(254 |
) |
(466 |
) | ||
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
1,862 |
|
732 |
| ||
Decrease in accounts payable |
|
(4,066 |
) |
(6,090 |
) | ||
Decrease other accrued expenses and liabilities |
|
(23,536 |
) |
(7,132 |
) | ||
Other, net |
|
3,913 |
|
(2,588 |
) | ||
Net cash provided by continuing operations |
|
17,965 |
|
34,807 |
| ||
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations |
|
|
|
(60 |
) | ||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
17,965 |
|
34,747 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
|
(6,814 |
) |
(12,760 |
) | ||
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment |
|
604 |
|
4,686 |
| ||
Net cash flows from investing activities within discontinued operations |
|
|
|
22,500 |
| ||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
|
(6,210 |
) |
14,426 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Repayment of borrowings |
|
(10,719 |
) |
(9,188 |
) | ||
Debt refinancing costs |
|
|
|
(581 |
) | ||
Issuance of common stock |
|
(291 |
) |
264 |
| ||
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensations |
|
|
|
32 |
| ||
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
(5,362 |
) |
(1,049 |
) | ||
Dividends paid |
|
(16,154 |
) |
(10,749 |
) | ||
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
(32,526 |
) |
(21,271 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
(742 |
) |
(525 |
) | ||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
(21,513 |
) |
27,377 |
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
88,747 |
|
49,384 |
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
67,234 |
|
$ |
76,761 |
|
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(2014 Unaudited)
In thousands, except per share amounts |
|
Common |
|
Additional |
|
Retained |
|
Treasury |
|
Accumulated |
|
Total |
| ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
118,737 |
|
$ |
341,586 |
|
$ |
1,165,952 |
|
$ |
(1,248,377 |
) |
$ |
(49,734 |
) |
$ |
328,164 |
|
Exercise of stock options and release of unvested shares |
|
450 |
|
469 |
|
|
|
(407 |
) |
|
|
512 |
| ||||||
Net tax effect of stock options exercised and release of unvested shares |
|
|
|
(2,606 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,606 |
) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
5,744 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,744 |
| ||||||
Dividends paid ($0.255 per share) |
|
|
|
|
|
(16,121 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(16,121 |
) | ||||||
Treasury stock issued |
|
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
37 |
| ||||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,662 |
) |
|
|
(1,662 |
) | ||||||
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
13,370 |
|
|
|
|
|
13,370 |
| ||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,616 |
|
21,616 |
| ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
|
$ |
119,187 |
|
$ |
345,095 |
|
$ |
1,163,201 |
|
$ |
(1,250,311 |
) |
$ |
(28,118 |
) |
$ |
349,054 |
|
Exercise of stock options and release of unvested shares |
|
411 |
|
48 |
|
|
|
(750 |
) |
|
|
(291 |
) | ||||||
Net tax effect of stock options exercised and release of unvested shares |
|
|
|
(1,277 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,277 |
) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
3,552 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,552 |
| ||||||
Dividends paid ($0.255 per share) |
|
|
|
|
|
(16,154 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(16,154 |
) | ||||||
Treasury stock issued |
|
|
|
(767 |
) |
|
|
1,051 |
|
|
|
284 |
| ||||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,362 |
) |
|
|
(5,362 |
) | ||||||
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
13,902 |
|
|
|
|
|
13,902 |
| ||||||
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
873 |
|
873 |
| ||||||
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
|
$ |
119,598 |
|
$ |
346,651 |
|
$ |
1,160,949 |
|
$ |
(1,255,372 |
) |
$ |
(27,245 |
) |
$ |
344,581 |
|
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note A - Basis of Presentation
Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Harte-Hanks, Inc. and subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All of its used in this report, the terms Harte Hanks, The Company, we, us or our may refer to Harte Hanks, Inc., one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries, or all of them taken as a whole.
Interim Financial Information
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) 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. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Discontinued Operations
As discussed in Note M, Discontinued Operations, we sold the assets of our Shoppers operations on September 27, 2013. The operating results of our Shoppers are being reported as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Unless otherwise stated, amounts related to the Shoppers operations are excluded from the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented. Results of the remaining Harte Hanks business are reported as continuing operations.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP 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. Actual results and outcomes could differ from those estimates and assumptions. On an ongoing basis management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances could result in revised estimates and assumptions.
Operating Expense Presentation in Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Labor in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income includes all employee payroll and benefits, including stock-based compensation, along with temporary labor costs. Production and distribution and Advertising, selling, general and administrative do not include labor, depreciation or amortization.
Note B - Recent Accounting Pronouncements
During the second quarter of 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This ASU changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the ASU, discontinued operations are defined as either a:
· Component of an entity or group of components that
· has been disposed, meets the criteria to be classified as held-for sale, or has been abandoned/spun-off; and
· represents a strategic shift that has (or will have a major effect on an entitys operations and financial results), or a
· Business or nonprofit activity that, on acquisition, meets the criteria to be classified as held-for sale.
This ASU is effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, is applied prospectively and early adoption is permitted. This ASU does not have an impact on our year-to-date interim period ending September 30, 2014 and does not impact any of our previously reported and disclosed discontinued operations. The impact of the Company will be dependent on any transaction that is within the scope of the new guidance.
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017.
Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
Note C - Fair Value of Financial Instruments
FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, (ASC 820) 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. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in valuation methodologies into three levels:
Level 1 |
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
|
|
Level 2 |
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
|
|
Level 3 |
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
Because of their maturities and/or variable interest rates, certain financial instruments have fair values approximating their carrying values. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and trade payables. The fair value of our outstanding debt is disclosed in Note E, Long-Term Debt.
Note D Goodwill
As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had goodwill of $398.2 million. Under the provisions of FASB ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill might be impaired. Such events could include a significant change in business conditions, a significant negative regulatory outcome or other events that could negatively affect our business and financial performance. We perform our annual goodwill impairment assessment as of November 30th of each year.
During the second quarter of 2014, Harte Hanks initiated a new strategy and began implementing changes to optimize our operational structure for that strategy. As a result, we now report two distinct divisions as segments Customer Interaction and Trillium Software. This is considered a triggering event that requires additional consideration of potential impairment. Harte Hanks performed a Step 0 analysis and determined that there is no indication of impairment based on this occurrence, and that as of September 30, 2014, no other triggers are present at this time.
We continue to monitor potential triggering events, including changes in the business climate in which we operate, attrition of key personnel, the current volatility in the capital markets, the Companys market capitalization compared to our book value, our recent operating performance, and financial projections. The occurrence of one or more triggering events could require additional impairment testing, which could result in impairment charges in the future.
Note E Long-Term Debt
Our long-term debt obligations were as follows:
The carrying values and estimated fair values of our outstanding debt were as follows:
|
|
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
| ||||||||
|
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||||||||
In thousands |
|
Carrying |
|
Fair |
|
Carrying |
|
Fair |
| ||||
Total Debt |
|
$ |
87,281 |
|
$ |
87,281 |
|
$ |
98,000 |
|
$ |
98,000 |
|
The estimated fair values were calculated using current rates provided to us by our bankers for debt of the same remaining maturity and characteristics. These current rates are considered Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820.
Note F Stock-Based Compensation
We recognized $1.0 million and $1.2 million of stock-based compensation during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We recognized $3.3 million and $4.4 million of stock-based compensation during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
We made our annual grant of stock-based awards in the second quarter of 2014 (April 15, 2014). Additional grants were made during the third quarter relating to current and recently hired employees.
Equity awards granted during the quarter were as follows:
|
|
Number of |
|
Weighted- |
| |
Stock options |
|
116,210 |
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
Unvested shares |
|
55,459 |
|
$ |
6.92 |
|
Performance stock units |
|
22,666 |
|
$ |
6.04 |
|
Note G 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. We elected to freeze benefits under this defined benefit pension plan as of December 31, 1998.
In 1994, we adopted a non-qualified, unfunded, 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 accrued after December 31, 1998 as if the principal pension plan had not been frozen.
We are not required to make and do not intend to make any contributions to our unfunded, supplemental pension plan in 2014 other than to the extent needed to cover benefit payments. We expect benefit payments under this supplemental pension plan to total $1.6 million in 2014.
Effective April 1, 2014, we froze benefits under our unfunded, supplemental pension plan, which was accounted for as a curtailment of the plan in the second quarter of 2014. The plan freeze results in a reduction of plan expense of $0.4 million over the remainder of 2014 and a reduction in the projected benefit obligation of $1.2 million. This curtailment gain offsets the unrecognized loss held by the plan. The remaining portion of the unrecognized loss will then be amortized over the average life expectancy of all participants.
Net pension cost for both plans included the following components:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Service cost |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
86 |
|
Interest cost |
|
1,916 |
|
1,809 |
| ||
Expected return on plan assets |
|
(2,109 |
) |
(1,846 |
) | ||
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Recognized actuarial loss |
|
892 |
|
1,672 |
| ||
Net periodic benefit cost |
|
$ |
699 |
|
$ |
1,721 |
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Service cost |
|
$ |
100 |
|
$ |
257 |
|
Interest cost |
|
5,771 |
|
5,428 |
| ||
Expected return on plan assets |
|
(6,327 |
) |
(5,537 |
) | ||
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Recognized actuarial loss |
|
2,734 |
|
5,015 |
| ||
Net periodic benefit cost |
|
$ |
2,278 |
|
$ |
5,163 |
|
We made contributions of $4.4 million to our funded, frozen pension plan in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. We do not plan to make additional contributions to this pension plan during the remainder of 2014. These contributions to our funded, frozen pension plan are being made in order to satisfy the Pension Protection Act of 2006 minimum required contribution.
Note H - Income Taxes
Our third quarter 2014 income tax expense of $4.1 million resulted in an effective income tax rate of 38.7%. Our first nine months of 2014 income tax expense of $9.0 million resulted in an effective income tax rate of 39.4%. Our effective income tax rate is derived by estimating pretax income and income tax expense for the year ending December 31, 2014. The effective income tax rate calculated for the first nine months of 2014 is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35.0%, primarily due to the addition of state income taxes.
Our third quarter 2013 income tax expense of $2.6 million resulted in an effective income tax rate of 37.3%. Our first nine months of 2013 income tax expense of $10.8 million resulted in an effective income tax rate of 37.9% which benefited from favorable first quarter discrete items including reductions in tax accruals related to certain foreign subsidiaries, and to additional tax credits made available by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 enacted in January of 2013. The effective income tax rate calculated for the first nine months of 2013 is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35.0%, primarily due to the addition of state income taxes.
Harte Hanks 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 tax years prior to 2010. For U.S. federal returns, we are no longer subject to tax examinations for tax years prior to 2011.
We have elected to classify any interest expense and penalties related to income taxes within income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. We did not have a significant amount of interest or penalties accrued at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
Note I - 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 non-vested shares.
Reconciliations of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) are as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands, except per share amounts |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
6,420 |
|
$ |
4,451 |
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
(12,624 |
) | ||
Net income |
|
$ |
6,420 |
|
$ |
(8,173 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic EPS |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in earnings per share computations |
|
62,398 |
|
62,538 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.20 |
) | ||
Net income |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted EPS |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations |
|
62,585 |
|
62,994 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.20 |
) | ||
Net income |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Computation of Shares Used in Earnings Per Share Computations |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
62,398 |
|
62,538 |
| ||
Weighted-average common equivalent shares-dilutive effect of stock options and awards |
|
187 |
|
456 |
| ||
Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations |
|
62,585 |
|
62,994 |
|
4.2 million and 4.1 million of anti-dilutive market price options have been excluded from the calculation of shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 0.5 million anti-dilutive non-vested shares have been excluded from the calculation of shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2014. There were no anti-dilutive unvested shares excluded from the calculation of shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands, except per share amounts |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
13,902 |
|
$ |
17,707 |
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
(10,903 |
) | ||
Net income |
|
$ |
13,902 |
|
$ |
6,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic EPS |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in earnings per share computations |
|
62,606 |
|
62,485 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.17 |
) | ||
Net income |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted EPS |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations |
|
62,818 |
|
62,808 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Diluted earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.17 |
) | ||
Net income |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Computation of Shares Used in Earnings Per Share Computations |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
62,606 |
|
62,485 |
| ||
Weighted-average common equivalent shares-dilutive effect of stock options and awards |
|
212 |
|
323 |
| ||
Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations |
|
62,818 |
|
62,808 |
|
4.1 million and 4.3 million anti-dilutive market price options have been excluded from the calculation of shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. An insignificant number of anti-dilutive non-vested shares have been excluded from the calculation of shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Note J Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income (loss) for a period encompasses net income (loss) and all other changes in equity other than from transactions with our stockholders. Our comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
6,420 |
|
$ |
(8,173 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Adjustment to pension liability |
|
930 |
|
1,672 |
| ||
Tax expense |
|
(372 |
) |
(669 |
) | ||
Adjustment to pension liability, net of tax |
|
558 |
|
1,003 |
| ||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
(1,348 |
) |
1,056 |
| ||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
(790 |
) |
2,059 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
|
$ |
5,630 |
|
$ |
(6,114 |
) |
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Net income |
|
$ |
13,902 |
|
$ |
6,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Adjustment to pension liability |
|
2,691 |
|
5,015 |
| ||
Tax expense |
|
(1,076 |
) |
(2,006 |
) | ||
Adjustment to pension liability, net of tax |
|
1,615 |
|
3,009 |
| ||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
(742 |
) |
(663 |
) | ||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
873 |
|
2,346 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total comprehensive income |
|
$ |
14,775 |
|
$ |
9,150 |
|
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component are as follows:
In thousands |
|
Defined Benefit |
|
Foreign |
|
Total |
| |||
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
|
$ |
(32,279 |
) |
$ |
4,161 |
|
$ |
(28,118 |
) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax, before reclassifications |
|
|
|
(742 |
) |
(742 |
) | |||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax |
|
1,615 |
|
|
|
1,615 |
| |||
Net current period other comprehensive income, net of tax |
|
1,615 |
|
(742 |
) |
873 |
| |||
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
|
$ |
(30,664 |
) |
$ |
3,419 |
|
$ |
(27,245 |
) |
In thousands |
|
Defined Benefit |
|
Foreign |
|
Total |
| |||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
(54,431 |
) |
$ |
4,697 |
|
$ |
(49,734 |
) |
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax, before reclassifications |
|
|
|
(663 |
) |
(663 |
) | |||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax |
|
3,009 |
|
|
|
3,009 |
| |||
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
|
3,009 |
|
(663 |
) |
2,346 |
| |||
Balance at September 30, 2013 |
|
$ |
(51,422 |
) |
$ |
4,034 |
|
$ |
(47,388 |
) |
Reclassification amounts related to the defined pension plans are included in the computation of net period pension benefit cost (see Note G, Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost).
Note K Litigation Contingencies
In the normal course of our business, we are obligated under some agreements to indemnify our clients as a result of claims that we infringe on the proprietary rights of third parties. The terms and duration of these commitments vary and, in some cases, may be indefinite, and certain of these commitments do not limit the maximum amount of future payments we could become obligated to make there under; accordingly, our actual aggregate maximum exposure related to these types of commitments cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not been obligated to make significant payments for obligations of this nature, and no liabilities have been recorded for these obligations in our financial statements.
We are also currently 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, none of these matters is currently considered to be reasonably possible of resulting in 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.
Note L Business Segments
During the second quarter of 2014, Harte Hanks initiated a new strategy to optimize our operational structure by organizing into two distinct operating divisions: Customer Interaction and Trillium Software. In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, we determined that under this new organizational structure, we will report the two operating divisions as two reportable segments Customer Interaction and Trillium Software. Our reportable segments are described below.
Customer Interaction
Our Customer Interaction services offer a wide variety of integrated, multi-channel, data-driven marketing service solutions for our customers. We derive revenues by offering a full complement of capabilities and resources to provide these services in media from direct mail to email, including:
· agency and digital services;
· database marketing solutions and business-to-business lead generation;
· direct mail; and
· contact centers.
Customer Interactions largest cost components are labor, outsourced costs and mail supply chain costs. 2013 results reflect an impairment loss of $2.8 million related to other intangible assets associated with our Aberdeen business recorded in the third quarter of 2013.
Trillium Software
Trillium Software is a leading enterprise data quality solutions provider. Our full complement of technologies and services includes global data profiling, data cleansing, enrichment, and data linking for e-business, customer relationship management, data governance, enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, data warehouse, and other enterprise applications. Revenues from the Trillium Software segment are comprised primarily of software, maintenance and professional services.
Trillium Softwares largest cost component is software development, which is comprised primarily of labor. General corporate expense consists primarily of pension and workers compensation expense related to employees from operations we no longer own.
Information about the operations of our two business segments is as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Operating revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Customer Interaction |
|
$ |
121,078 |
|
$ |
121,338 |
|
Trillium Software |
|
13,043 |
|
13,635 |
| ||
Total operating revenues |
|
$ |
134,121 |
|
$ |
134,973 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating income |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Customer Interaction |
|
$ |
7,601 |
|
$ |
5,559 |
|
Trillium Software |
|
3,318 |
|
3,931 |
| ||
Corporate |
|
(379 |
) |
(1,130 |
) | ||
Total operating income |
|
$ |
10,540 |
|
$ |
8,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
|
$ |
10,540 |
|
8,360 |
| |
Interest expense |
|
716 |
|
$ |
754 |
| |
Interest income |
|
(75 |
) |
(25 |
) | ||
Other, net |
|
(581 |
) |
536 |
| ||
Total income from continuing operations before income taxes |
|
$ |
10,480 |
|
$ |
7,095 |
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Operating revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Customer Interaction |
|
$ |
367,133 |
|
$ |
367,928 |
|
Trillium Software |
|
40,025 |
|
39,502 |
| ||
Total operating revenues |
|
$ |
407,158 |
|
$ |
407,430 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating income |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Customer Interaction |
|
$ |
18,743 |
|
$ |
22,600 |
|
Trillium Software |
|
9,662 |
|
10,969 |
| ||
Corporate |
|
(2,299 |
) |
(3,392 |
) | ||
Total operating income |
|
$ |
26,106 |
|
$ |
30,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
|
$ |
26,106 |
|
$ |
30,177 |
|
Interest expense |
|
2,153 |
|
2,336 |
| ||
Interest income |
|
(204 |
) |
(76 |
) | ||
Other, net |
|
1,228 |
|
(600 |
) | ||
Total income from continuing operations before income taxes |
|
$ |
22,929 |
|
$ |
28,517 |
|
Note M Discontinued Operations
We sold the assets of our Shoppers operations to affiliates of OpenGate Capital Management, LLC on September 27, 2013. Because Shoppers represented a distinct business unit with operations and cash flows that can clearly be distinguished, both operationally and for financial purposes, from the rest of Harte Hanks, the results of the Shoppers operations are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Results of the remaining Harte Hanks marketing services business are reported as continuing operations.
Summarized operating results for the Shoppers discontinued operations are as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Revenues |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
46,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income from discontinued operations before impairment charges and income taxes |
|
|
|
76 |
| ||
Loss on sale before income taxes |
|
|
|
(21,402 |
) | ||
Income tax benefit |
|
|
|
8,702 |
| ||
Income from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
(12,624 |
) |
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Revenues |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
140,834 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Income from discontinued operations before impairment charges and income taxes |
|
|
|
2,767 |
| ||
Loss on sale before income taxes |
|
|
|
(21,402 |
) | ||
Income tax benefit |
|
|
|
7,732 |
| ||
Income from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
(10,903 |
) |
The major components of cash flows for the Shoppers discontinued operations are as follows:
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| ||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
| ||
Loss from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
(10,903 |
) |
Loss on the sale of discontinued operations |
|
|
|
12,355 |
| ||
Impairment of Intangible Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Deferred Income Taxes |
|
|
|
(5,094 |
) | ||
Depreciation and software amortization |
|
|
|
2,592 |
| ||
Intangible asset amortization |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Other, net |
|
|
|
990 |
| ||
Net cash provided by discontinued operations |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
(60 |
) |
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report, including this Managements 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, could, intends, or words of similar meaning. Examples include statements regarding (1) our strategies and initiatives related there to (2) adjustments to our cost structure and other actions designed to respond to market conditions and improve our performance, and the anticipated effectiveness and expenses associated with these actions, (3) our financial outlook for revenues, earnings per share, operating income, expense related to equity-based compensation, capital resources and other financial items, (4) expectations for our businesses and for the industries in which we operate, including the impact of economic conditions of the markets we serve on the marketing expenditures and activities of our clients and prospects, (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, 2013 and in the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in our third quarter 2014 earnings release issued on October 30, 2014. 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 2013 Form 10-K. Our 2013 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 one of the worlds leading, insight-driven multi-channel marketing organizations, delivering impactful business results for some of the worlds best-known brands. Through strategic agencies and our core marketing services, we develop integrated solutions that connect brands with prospects and customers, moving them beyond awareness to transactions and brand loyalty.
Our Customer Interaction services offer a wide variety of integrated, multi-channel, data-driven solutions for top brands around the globe. We help our clients gain insight into their customers behaviors from their data and use that insight to create innovative multi-channel marketing programs to deliver a return on marketing investment. We believe our clients success is determined not only by how good their tools are, but how well we help them use the tools to gain insight and analyze their consumers. This results in a strong and enduring relationship between our clients and their customers. We offer a full complement of capabilities and resources to provide a broad range of marketing services, in media from direct mail to email, including:
· agency and digital services;
· database marketing solutions and business-to-business lead generation;
· direct mail; and
· contact centers.
Revenues from the Customer Interaction segment represented approximately 90% of our total revenues for both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
Trillium Software is a leading enterprise data quality solutions provider. Our data quality specialists help organizations achieve increased business from their data management initiatives and existing business-critical processes by providing enterprise data profiling and data cleansing software and services. We offer industry-specific business solutions that help solve data problems experienced by financial services, banking, compliance, insurance, risk and retail professionals. Our full complement of technologies and services includes global data profiling, data cleansing, enrichment, and data linking for e-business, customer relationship management, data governance, enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, data warehouse, and other enterprise applications. Revenues from the Trillium Software segment are comprised primarily of software, maintenance and professional services, and represented approximately 10% of our total revenues for both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
We derive revenues by providing Customer Interaction services and Trillium Software sales and services.
General corporate expense consists primarily of pension and workers compensation expense related to employees from operations we no longer own.
Previously, Harte Hanks also provided shopper advertising opportunities through our Shoppers segment, which operated in certain California markets. On September 27, 2013 we sold the assets of our Shoppers operations, The Pennysaver, for gross proceeds of $22.5 million. This transaction resulted in an after-tax loss of $12.4 million. Because Shoppers represented a distinct business unit with operations and cash flows that can clearly be distinguished, both operationally and for financial purposes, from the rest of Harte Hanks, the results of the Shoppers operations are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Results of the remaining Harte Hanks business are reported as continuing operations. After this sale, Harte Hanks no longer has any Shoppers operations or circulation.
We are affected by the general, national and international economic and business conditions in the markets where we and our customers operate. Marketing budgets are often discretionary in nature, and are easier to reduce in the short-term than other expenses in response to weak economic conditions. Our revenues are also affected by the economic fundamentals of each industry that we serve, various market factors, including the demand for services by our clients, and the financial condition of and budgets available to specific clients, among other factors. We remain committed to making the investments necessary to execute our multichannel strategy while also continuing to adjust our cost structure to reduce costs in the parts of the business that are not growing as fast. We believe these actions will improve our profitability in future periods.
Our principal operating expense items are labor, outsourced costs and mail supply chain management.
Results of Continuing Operations
As discussed in Note M, Discontinued Operations, we sold the assets of our Shoppers operations on September 27, 2013. Therefore, the operating results of our Shoppers are being reported as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and are excluded from managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations below.
Operating results from our continuing operations were as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
| ||||||||
In thousands, except per share amounts |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
% Change |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
% Change |
| ||||
Revenues |
|
$ |
134,121 |
|
$ |
134,973 |
|
-0.6 |
% |
$ |
407,158 |
|
$ |
407,430 |
|
-0.1 |
% |
Operating expenses |
|
123,581 |
|
126,613 |
|
-2.4 |
% |
381,052 |
|
377,253 |
|
1.0 |
% | ||||
Operating income |
|
$ |
10,540 |
|
$ |
8,360 |
|
26.1 |
% |
$ |
26,106 |
|
$ |
30,177 |
|
-13.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
6,420 |
|
$ |
4,451 |
|
44.2 |
% |
$ |
13,902 |
|
$ |
17,707 |
|
-21.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Diluted EPS from continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
45.2 |
% |
$ |
0.22 |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
-21.6 |
% |
3rd Quarter 2014 vs. 3rd Quarter 2013
Revenues
Consolidated revenues decreased $0.9 million, or 0.6%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 due to decreased revenues of $0.3 million, or 0.2%, from our Customer Interaction segment and decreased revenues of $0.6 million, or 4.3%, from our Trillium Software segment.
These results reflect the impact of our retail markets vertical decreasing $5.0 million, or 13.1%, compared to the third quarter of 2013. This is primarily due to reduced revenue from department store and specialty group clients in our direct mail business. This was offset by increases in our financial services vertical of $2.2 million, or 11.5%, over the prior year quarter due to increased credit card and retail banking business, and our select markets vertical increase of $0.7 million, or 5.9%, over the prior year quarter due to work with a new contact center customer. Our technology and auto and consumer brands verticals increased 1.9%, and 5.6%, respectively. The healthcare and pharmaceuticals vertical decreased 4.4%.
Operating Expenses
Overall operating expenses were $123.6 million in the third quarter of 2014, compared to $126.6 million in the third quarter of 2013.
Labor costs decreased $1.3 million, or 1.9%, compared to the third quarter of 2013 primarily due to reduced management labor from headcount reductions. Production and distribution expenses increased $1.0 million, or 2.6% over the prior year quarter primarily due to an increase in outsourced services. General and administrative expense, decreased $2.5 million, or 16.5%, compared to prior year, as a result of third quarter 2013 including the impairment charge for the Aberdeen intangible asset. Depreciation and intangible asset and software amortization expense decreased $0.3 million, or 2.4%.
Our largest cost components are labor, outsourced costs and mail supply chain costs. Each of these costs is somewhat variable and tends to fluctuate with revenues and the demand for our services. Mail supply chain rates have increased over the last few years due to demand and supply issues within the transportation industry. Future changes in mail supply chain rates will continue to impact our total production costs and total operating expenses and may have an impact on future demand for our supply chain management.
Postage costs of mailings are borne by our clients and are not directly reflected in our revenues or expenses.
Income/Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
We recorded income from continuing operations of $6.4 million and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.10 per share in the third quarter of 2014. These results compare to income from continuing operations of $4.5 million and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.07 per share in the third quarter of 2013. The increase in income from continuing operations is primarily a result of decreased operating expenses.
First Nine Months 2014 vs. First Nine Months 2013
Revenues
Revenues were relatively flat, decreasing $0.3 million, or 0.1%, in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. Customer Interaction revenues decreased $0.8 million, or 0.2%, and Trillium Software revenues increased $0.5 million, or 1.3%. These results reflect the impact of a decrease in our retail vertical of $13.6 million, or 11.9% over prior year quarter primarily due to reduced revenues from department store and specialty customers. This was offset by our select markets vertical increasing $10.6 million, or 31.6%, compared to the third quarter of 2013, primarily due to non-recurring streaming enrollment services from a large contract with an existing contact center customer. In addition, our automobile and consumer brands vertical increased $4.9 million, or 7.2%, over the prior year, due to additional work with an existing contact center customer, and our healthcare and pharmaceuticals vertical increased $1.6 million, or 4.8%, due to new mail business with an existing customer. Our technology and financial services verticals decreased 2.0% and 2.9%, respectively. 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.
Operating Expenses
Overall operating expenses were $381.1 million in the first nine months of 2014, compared to $377.3 million in the first nine months of 2013.
Labor costs increased $2.3 million, or 1.1%, compared to the first nine months of 2013, primarily due to an increase in labor related to production and , severance expense. Production and distribution costs increased $3.9 million, or 3.3%, due to increased outsourced services to support additional revenues and software service contracts and repairs and maintenance costs. General and administrative expense, decreased $1.9 million, or 4.6%, compared to prior year as a result of third quarter 2013 including the impairment charge for the Aberdeen intangible asset. Depreciation and intangible asset and software amortization expense decreased $0.6 million, or 4.9%, compared to the prior year, primarily related to decreased software depreciation.
Our largest cost components are labor, outsourced costs and mail supply chain costs. Each of these costs is somewhat variable and tends to fluctuate with revenues and the demand for our services. Mail supply chain rates have increased over the last few years due to demand and supply issues within the transportation industry. Future changes in mail supply chain rates will continue to impact our total production costs and total operating expenses, and may have an impact on future demand for our supply chain management.
Income/Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
We recorded income from continuing operations of $13.9 million and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.22 per share in the first nine months of 2014. These results compare to income from continuing operations of $17.7 million and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.28 per share in the first nine months of 2013. The decrease in income from continuing operations is primarily a result of decreased revenues of prior year, increased operating expenses, and an increase in loss from foreign currency translation adjustments. The first nine months of 2013 also included a gain on the sale of our facility in Belgium.
Customer Interaction
Customer Interaction operating results were as follows:
Customer Interaction
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
| ||||||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
% Change |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
% Change |
| ||||
Revenues |
|
$ |
121,078 |
|
$ |
121,338 |
|
-0.2 |
% |
$ |
367,133 |
|
$ |
367,928 |
|
-0.2 |
% |
Operating expenses |
|
113,477 |
|
115,779 |
|
-2.0 |
% |
348,390 |
|
345,328 |
|
0.9 |
% | ||||
Operating income |
|
$ |
7,601 |
|
$ |
5,559 |
|
36.7 |
% |
$ |
18,743 |
|
$ |
22,600 |
|
-17.1 |
% |
3rd Quarter 2014 vs, 3rd Quarter 2013
Revenues
Customer Interaction revenues decreased $0.3 million, or 0.2%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013.
These results reflect the impact of our financial services vertical increasing by $1.8 million, or 11.9%, compared to the third quarter of 2013, primarily due to revenue from credit card and retail banking customers. In addition, our technology, auto and consumer brands, and select market verticals increased by $1.7 million, or 6.4% $1.1 million, or 5.5%, and $0.5 million, or 5.1%, respectively. These increases were offset by a decrease in revenues in our retail vertical of $5.0 million, or 13.5% as the result of reduced business from a department store customer. 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.
Future revenue performance will depend on, among other factors, the overall strength of the national and international economies and how successful we are at maintaining and growing business with existing clients, acquiring new clients and meeting client demands. We believe that, in the long-term, an increasing portion of overall marketing and advertising expenditures will be moved from other advertising media to the targeted media space, and that our business will benefit as a result. Targeted media advertising results can be more effectively tracked, enabling measurement of the return on marketing investment.
Operating Expenses
Customer Interaction operating expenses decreased $2.3 million, or 2.0%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. Labor costs decreased compared to the third quarter of 2013, primarily due to a decrease in salaries and wages.
Customer Interactions largest cost components are labor, outsourced costs and mail supply chain costs. Each of these costs is somewhat variable and tends to fluctuate with revenues and the demand for our services. Mail supply chain rates have increased over the last few years due to demand and supply issues within the transportation industry. Future changes in mail supply chain rates will continue to impact our total production costs and total operating expenses, and may have an impact on future demand for our supply chain management.
First Nine Months of 2014 vs. First Nine Months of 2013
Revenues
Customer Interaction revenues decreased $0.8 million, or 0.2%, in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. These results reflect the impact of a decrease in our retail vertical of $13.7 million, or 12.3%, offset by an increase in our select markets vertical by $10 million, or 34.5%. Our auto and consumer brands, healthcare and pharmaceuticals and technology verticals increased by $3.5 million, or 5.9%, $1.7 million, or 5.5 %, and $0.5 million, or 0.6%, respectively over the first nine months of 2013. Our financial services vertical decreased $2.9 million, or 5.6% compared to the third quarter of 2013.
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.
Future revenue performance will depend on, among other factors, the overall strength of the national and international economies and how successful we are at maintaining and growing business with existing clients, acquiring new clients and meeting client demands. We believe that, in the long-term, an increasing portion of overall marketing and advertising expenditures will be moved from other advertising media to the targeted media space, and that our business will benefit as a result. Targeted media advertising results can be more effectively tracked, enabling measurement of the return on marketing investment.
Operating Expenses
Customer Interaction operating expenses increased $3.1 million, or 0.9%, in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. Labor costs increased compared to the first nine months of 2013, primarily due to an increase in salaries and wages related to an investment in key personnel to generate additional revenues, as well as headcount additions. Production and distribution costs increased due to increased outsourced services to support additional revenues and software service contracts and repairs and maintenance costs. General and administrative expense compared to prior year, reflecting increased promotion expense related to rebranding and various increased business services expenses. Depreciation and intangible asset and software amortization expense decreased compared to the prior year, primarily related to decreased software depreciation.
Customer Interactions largest cost components are labor, outsourced costs and mail supply chain costs. Each of these costs is somewhat variable and tends to fluctuate with revenues and the demand for our services. Mail supply chain rates have increased over the last few years due to demand and supply issues within the transportation industry. Future changes in mail supply chain rates will continue to impact our total production costs and total operating expenses, and may have an impact on future demand for our supply chain management.
Trillium Software
Trillium Software operating results were as follows:
Trillium Software
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
| ||||||||
In thousands |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
% Change |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
% Change |
| ||||
Revenues |
|
$ |
13,043 |
|
$ |
13,635 |
|
-4.3 |
% |
$ |
40,025 |
|
$ |
39,502 |
|
1.3 |
% |
Operating expenses |
|
9,725 |
|
9,704 |
|
0.2 |
% |
30,363 |
|
28,533 |
|
6.4 |
% | ||||
Operating income |
|
$ |
3,318 |
|
$ |
3,931 |
|
-15.6 |
% |
$ |
9,662 |
|
$ |
10,969 |
|
-11.9 |
% |
3rd Quarter 2014 vs, 3rd Quarter 2013
Revenues
Trillium Software revenues decreased $0.6 million, or 4.3%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. This decrease was primarily related to decreased revenue from sales of software licenses and professional services.
Operating Expenses
Trillium Software operating expenses were flat in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. This is primarily due to flat labor and production expense.
Trillium Softwares largest cost component is software development, which is comprised primarily of labor.
First Nine Months of 2014 vs. First Nine Months of 2013
Revenues
Trillium Software revenues increased $0.5 million, or 1.3%, in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. This increase is primarily a result of increased software license revenues related to recently introduced financial market data solutions. Maintenance and professional service revenues were flat compared to the first nine months of last year.
Operating Expenses
Trillium Software, operating expenses increased $1.8 million, or 6.4%, in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. This increase was primarily related to an increase in labor resulting from the hiring of key personnel to drive additional revenues and severance related to a reduction in headcount.
Trillium Softwares largest cost component is development, which is comprised primarily of labor.
General Corporate Expense
3rd Quarter 2014 vs 3rd Quarter 2013
General corporate expense decreased $0.8 million, or 66.5%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. This is primarily due to reduced workers compensation expenses as a result of the sale of the Shoppers operations.
First Nine Months of 2014 vs. First Nine Months of 2013
General corporate expense decreased $1.1 million, or 32.3%, in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. This is primarily due to the retirement and hiring of key executives in the prior year, offset by increased consulting fees during 2014 and expenses related to the communication of our new strategy.
Interest Expense
3rd Quarter 2014 vs. 3rd Quarter 2013
Interest expense decreased $0.1 million, or 12.1%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. This was due to a lower average debt balance in the third quarter of 2014. The lower average debt balance in the third quarter of 2014 is a result of scheduled quarterly principal payments on the 2011 Term Loan Facility. See discussion of our credit facilities in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below.
First Nine Months of 2014 vs. First Nine Months of 2013
Interest expense, net decreased $0.3 million, or 13.8%, in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013. This was due to a lower average debt balance in the first nine months of 2014. The lower average debt balance in the first nine months of 2014 is a result of scheduled quarterly principal payments on the 2011 Term Loan Facility. See discussion of our credit facilities in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below.
Other Income and Expense
3rd Quarter 2014 vs. 3rd Quarter 2013
Other income, net, was $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to other expense, net, $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2013. This $1.2 million variance from the prior year quarter is primarily due to a $0.8 million foreign currency transaction gain in the third quarter of 2014 versus a $0.8 million foreign currency transaction loss during the prior year quarter.
First Nine Months of 2014 vs. First Nine Months of 2013
Other expense, net, was $1.2 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to other income, net of $0.6 million in the first nine months of 2013. This $1.8 million variance from the prior year quarter is due to a net change, in foreign currency transaction gains and losses and a $0.9 million gain on the sale of our facility in Belgium in the first quarter of 2013.
Income Taxes
3rd Quarter 2014 vs. 3rd Quarter 2013
Income tax expense increased $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. The increase in expense is primarily the result of the change in operating performance coupled with the $1.0 million tax benefit resulting from an intangible asset impairment loss recorded in the third quarter of 2013. Our effective tax rate was 38.7% for the third quarter of 2014, increasing from an impairment loss excluded 37.3% effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a slight increase in the state income tax component of our tax expense.
First Nine Months of 2014 vs. First Nine Months of 2013
Income tax expense was $9.0 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to $10.8 million in the first nine months of 2013. The $1.8 million decrease is primarily a result of the change in operating performance offset by the $1.0 million tax benefit resulting from an intangible asset impairment loss recorded in the third quarter of 2013. Our effective tax rate was 39.4% for the first nine months of 2014, increasing from an impairment loss excluded 37.9% effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to 2013 reductions in tax accruals related to certain foreign subsidiaries, and to additional tax credits made available by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 enacted in January of 2013.
Income/Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
3rd Quarter 2014 vs. 3rd Quarter 2013
We recorded income from continuing operations of $6.4 million and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.10. These results compare to income from continuing operations of $4.5 million and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.07 per share in the third quarter of 2013. The increase in income from continuing operations is primarily a result of a comparatively slight decrease in revenues, decreased operating expenses, and the change in other income and expense discussed above.
First Nine Months of 2014 vs. First Nine Months of 2013
We recorded income from continuing operations of $13.9 million and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.22. These results compare to income from continuing operations of $17.7 million and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.28 in the first nine months of 2013. The decrease in income from continuing operations is primarily a result of a decrease in revenues, increased operating expenses, and the change in other income and expense discussed above.
Economic Climate and Impact on our Financial Statements
As discussed above, we sold the assets of the Shoppers operations on September 27, 2013. The business and economic climate in California had a negative impact on our Shoppers operations and cash flows, which is reflected in the discontinued operations results throughout our financial statements. In addition, local, national and international economic and business conditions affect the marketing expenditures of our clients, as they adjust expenditures in reaction to market conditions. These conditions are presently uneven among the markets we serve, with most showing modest but uncertain economic growth. These conditions also affect our costs and ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash
As of September 30, 2014, cash and cash equivalents were $67.2 million, decreasing $21.5 million from cash and cash equivalents of $88.7 million at December 31, 2013. This net decrease was a result of net cash provided by operating activities of $18.0 million, net cash used in investing activities of $6.2 million, net cash used in financing activities of $32.5 million and the negative effect of exchange rate changes of $0.7 million.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $18.0 million, compared to $34.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The $16.8 million year-over-year decrease was attributable to a $5.3 million decrease in net income excluding the $12.3 loss on sale of discontinued operations in 2013, as well as a $8.1 million decrease due to changes within working capital assets and liabilities.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our principal working capital changes, which directly affected net cash provided by operating activities, were as follows:
· |
A decrease in accounts receivable attributable to collection of the December 31, 2013 receivables as well as higher revenues in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2014. Days sales outstanding were approximately 73 days at September 30, 2014, which increased from 71 days at December 31, 2013; |
|
|
· |
A decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets due to timing of payments, prepaid insurance, rent and annual licenses/agreements; |
|
|
· |
A decrease in accounts payable attributable to payment of the December 31, 2013 payables; and |
|
|
· |
A decrease in accrued payroll and related expenses due to the severance accruals at release of incentive accruals and accrual of severance at year-end 2013. |
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $14.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The $20.6 million variance is the result of reduced capital spending during the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013, offset by the sale of our Belgium facility in the first quarter of 2013 for net proceeds of $4.6 million and the sale of our Shoppers business for net proceeds of $22.5 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $32.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $21.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The $11.2 million increase is due to the $16.2 million in dividends paid in the first nine months of 2014 compared to only $10.7 million in dividends paid in the first nine months of 2013. We accelerated the payment of our regular first quarter 2013 dividend into December of 2012. Additionally, we increased the amount of stock repurchase activity in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 by $4.3 million.
Credit Facilities
On August 16, 2011, we entered into a five-year $122.5 million term loan facility (2011 Term Loan Facility) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The 2011 Term Loan Facility matures on August 16, 2016. For each borrowing under the 2011 Term Loan Facility, we can generally choose to have the interest rate for that borrowing calculated based on either (i) the LIBOR rate (as defined in the 2011 Term Loan Facility) for the applicable interest period, plus a spread (ranging from 2.00% to 2.75% per annum) based on our total net funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio (as defined in the 2011 Term Loan Facility) then in effect; or (ii) the highest of (a) the Agents prime rate, (b) the BBA daily floating rate LIBOR, as determined by Agent for such date, plus
1.00%, and (c) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, plus a spread (ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% per annum) based on our total net funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio then in effect. We may elect to prepay the 2011 Term Loan Facility at any time without incurring any prepayment penalties. At September 30, 2014, we had $87.3 million outstanding under the 2011 Term Loan Facility.
On August 8, 2013, we entered into a three-year $80.0 million revolving credit facility, a $25.0 million letter of credit sub-facility and a $5.0 million swing line loan sub-facility (2013 Revolving Credit Facility) by amending and restating our 2010 Revolving Credit Facility agreements. The 2013 Revolving Credit Facility permits us to request up to a $15.0 million increase in the total amount of the facility, and matures on August 16, 2016. The 2013 Revolving Credit Facility replaces our 2010 Revolving Credit Facility, under which Harte Hanks had no borrowings as of August 8, 2013, except for letters of credit totaling approximately $9.5 million. For each borrowing under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility, we can generally choose to have the interest rate for that borrowing calculated on either (i) the Eurodollar rate for the applicable interest period plus a spread which is determined based on our total net debt-to-EBITDA ratio then in effect, which ranges from 2.25% to 3.00% per annum; or (ii) the highest of (a) the Agents prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% per annum, (c) Eurodollar rate plus 1.00% per annum, plus a spread which is determined based on our total debt-to-EBITDA ratio then in effect, which spread ranges from 1.25% to 2.00% per annum. We are also required to pay a quarterly commitment fee under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility. The rate of which is applied to the amount equal to the difference of the total commitment amount under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility less the aggregate amount of outstanding obligations under such facility. The commitment fee rate ranges from 0.50% to 0.55% per annum, depending on our total net debt-to-EBITDA ratio then in effect. In addition, we pay a letter of credit fee with respect to outstanding letters of credit. That fee is calculated by applying a rate equal to the spread applicable to Eurodollar based loans plus a fronting fee of 0.125% per annum to the average daily undrawn amount of the outstanding letters of credit. We may elect to prepay the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility at any time without incurring any prepayment penalties.
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 2.25 to 1. The credit facilities also contain customary covenants restricting our and our subsidiaries ability to:
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authorize distributions, dividends, stock redemptions and repurchases if a payment event of default has occurred and is continuing; |
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enter into certain merger or liquidation transactions; |
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grant liens; |
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enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions; |
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have foreign subsidiaries account for more than 25% of the consolidated revenue, or 20% of the assets of Harte Hanks and its subsidiaries, in the aggregate; |
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enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and |
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allow the total indebtedness of Harte Hanks subsidiaries to exceed $20.0 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. Our material domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the performance of Harte Hanks under our credit facilities. As of September 30, 2014, we were in compliance with all of the covenants of our credit facilities.
Outlook
We consider such factors as total cash and cash equivalents, current assets, current liabilities, total debt, revenues, operating income, 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 2013 Revolving Credit Facility, subject to the terms and conditions of that facility. The amount of cash on hand and borrowings available under our 2013 Revolving Credit Facility are influenced by a number of factors, including fluctuations in our operating results, revenue growth, accounts receivable collections, working capital changes, capital expenditures, tax payments, share repurchases, pension plan contributions, acquisitions and dividends.
As of September 30, 2014, we had $72.8 million of unused borrowing capacity under our 2013 Revolving Credit Facility (which matures on August 16, 2016) and a cash balance of $67.2 million. Based on our current operational plans, we believe that our cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities, and availability under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund operations, anticipated capital expenditures, payments of principal and interest on our borrowings, dividends on our common stock and pension contributions for the next 12 months. Nevertheless, we cannot predict the impact on our business performance of the economic climate in the U.S. and other economies in which we operate. A lasting economic recession in the U.S. and other economies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or operating results.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Preparing financial statements requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by managements application of accounting policies. We consider the following to be our critical accounting policies, as described in detail in our 2013 Form 10-K:
· Revenue recognition;
· Allowance for doubtful accounts;
· Reserve for healthcare, workers compensation, automobile and general liability insurance;
· Goodwill and other intangible assets; and
· Stock-based compensation.
There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies described in our 2013 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. The adoptions of these new accounting pronouncements have not had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements; however, the Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance and method of adoption.
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 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 LIBOR rates (effective 30 day LIBOR rate of 0.15% at September 30, 2014). The five-year 2011 Term Loan Facility has a maturity date of August 16, 2016. At September 30, 2014, our debt balance related to the 2011 Term Loan Facility was $87.3 million. The three-year $80.0 million 2013 Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date of August 16, 2016. At September 30, 2014, we did not have any debt outstanding under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility.
Assuming the actual level of borrowings throughout the third quarter of 2014, and assuming a one percentage point change in the average interest rates, we estimate that our net income for the third quarter of 2014 would have changed by approximately $0.1 million. Due to our overall debt level and cash balance at September 30, 2014, anticipated cash flows from operations, and the various financial alternatives available to us 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. At this time we are not entered into any interest rate swap or other derivative instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in interest rates.
Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of our operations in foreign countries. Our primary exchange rate exposure is to the Euro, British pound, Australian dollar and Philippine peso. We monitor these risks throughout the normal course of business. The majority of the transactions of our U.S. and foreign operations are denominated in the respective local currencies. Changes in exchange rates related to these types of transactions are reflected in the applicable line items making up operating income in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Due to the current level of operations conducted in foreign currencies, we do not believe that the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on these types of transactions is significant to our overall annual earnings. A smaller portion of our transactions are denominated in currencies other than the respective local currencies. For example, intercompany transactions that are expected to be settled in the near-term are denominated in U.S. dollars. Since the accounting records of our foreign operations are kept in the respective local currency, any transactions denominated in other currencies are accounted for in the respective local currency at the time of the transaction. Any foreign currency gain or loss from these transactions, whether realized or unrealized, results in an adjustment to income, which is recorded in Other, net in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Transactions such as these amounted to $0.4 million in pre-tax currency transaction losses in the third quarter of 2014. At this time we are not entered into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
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 third quarter of 2014 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.
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.
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 2013 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our 2013 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 2013 Form 10-K. Refer to Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for a discussion of the economic climate and impact on our financial statements.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table contains information about our purchases of equity securities during the third quarter of 2014:
Period |
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Total Number of |
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Average |
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Total Number of |
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Maximum |
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July 1 - 31, 2014 |
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59,608 |
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$ |
7.01 |
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35,000 |
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$ |
1,603,774 |
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August 1 - 31, 2014 |
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204,391 |
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$ |
6.99 |
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204,391 |
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$ |
20,176,052 |
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September 1 - 30, 2014 |
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239,768 |
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$ |
6.68 |
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239,768 |
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$ |
18,574,484 |
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Total |
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503,767 |
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$ |
7.00 |
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479,159 |
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(1) During the third quarter of 2014, we purchased 479,159 shares of our common stock. 264,080 shares were purchased through our stock repurchase program that was publicly announced in August 2012. Under this program, from which shares can be purchased in the open market, our Board of Directors has authorized us to spend up to $10.0 million to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock. This authorization was exhausted on September 4, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, we have repurchased 1,456,801 shares and spent $10.0 million under the 2012 stock repurchase program. Of the shares repurchased in this quarter, 215,079 shares were purchased through our stock repurchase program that was publicly announced on August 27, 2014 stock repurchase program. Under the 2014 stock repurchase program our Board of Directors has authorized us to spend up to $20.0 million to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock in the open market. As of September 30, 2014, we have repurchased 1,852,893 shares and spent $1.4 million under the 2014 stock repurchase program. Through September 30, 2014, we had repurchased a total of 66,596,389 shares at an average price of $18.33 per share under all repurchase programs.
(2) Total number of shares purchased includes shares, if any, (i) purchased as part of our publicly announced stock repurchase programs, and pursuant to our 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan and 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, (ii) withheld to pay withholding taxes and the exercise price in certain cashless exercises of stock options, and (iii) withheld to offset withholding taxes upon the vesting of unvested shares.
Exhibit |
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No. |
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Description of Exhibit |
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*31.1 |
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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*31.2 |
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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*32.1 |
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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. |
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*32.2 |
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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. |
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*101 |
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XBRL Instance Document |
*Filed or furnished herewith
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.
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HARTE-HANKS, INC. |
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November 3, 2014 |
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/s/ Robert A. Philpott |
Date |
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Robert A. Philpott |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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November 3, 2014 |
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/s/ Douglas C. Shepard |
Date |
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Douglas C. Shepard |
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Executive Vice President and |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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November 3, 2014 |
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/s/ Carlos M. Alvarado |
Date |
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Carlos M. Alvarado |
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Vice President, Finance and |
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Corporate Controller |