VIAD CORP - Annual Report: 2010 (Form 10-K)

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 4, 2011

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission file number: 001-11015

 

VIAD CORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(602) 207-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

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 þ     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 (§ 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 o     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

 

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

 

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock (based on its closing price per share on such date) held by non-affiliates on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2010) was approximately $353 million.

 

Registrant had 20,214,320 shares of Common Stock ($1.50 par value) outstanding as of January 31, 2011.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

A portion of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Viad Corp to be held May 17, 2011 is incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report.

 

 

INDEX

 

 

 

Viad Corp (together with its subsidiaries, “Viad” or the “Company”) derives its revenues from services provided primarily within the exhibition and events industry and travel and recreation industry. Viad occupies leading positions as a value added service provider in many of the markets in which it competes. Viad serves clients predominantly in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

 

Viad organizes its businesses into two main operating groups:

 

Marketing & Events Group.  The Marketing & Events Group specializes in all aspects of the design, planning and production of face-to-face events, immersive environments and brand-based experiences for clients, including show organizers, corporate brand marketers and retail shopping centers. The mission of the Marketing & Events Group is to create the world’s most meaningful and memorable experiences for brand marketers, show organizers, event attendees and retail shopping centers. Show organizers include for-profit and not-for-profit show owners as well as show management companies. Corporate brand marketers include exhibitors and domestic and international corporations which want to promote their brand, feature new products, services and innovations, and build business relationships. Retail shopping centers include major developers, owners and management companies of shopping malls and lifestyle centers.

 

Travel & Recreation Group.  The Travel & Recreation Group generates its revenues from tourism products and services including world-class attractions, hotel and concession operations, transportation services and package tour operations in and around Western Canada, Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada.

 

Viad’s two business groups are supported by a centralized Corporate Services Group, which provides functional support in the areas of human resources, legal, finance and accounting, internal auditing, information technology, corporate development, real estate and tax.

 

Reportable Segments

 

With the two business groups, Viad’s organizational structure, operational decision-making authority, allocation of resources and internal reporting are aligned into the following reportable business segments:

 

 

No reportable segment has a client comprising more than six percent of that segment’s revenues, and no client comprises more than four percent of Viad’s revenues. Viad’s reportable business segments are described below.

 

Marketing & Events U.S. Segment

 

The Marketing & Events U.S. segment includes the domestic operations of Global Experience Specialists, Inc. (“GES”) and affiliates, including those services formerly provided under the Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Becker Group brands. This segment generates revenues from the following services:

 

Show Organizer Services.  Under agreements with show organizers, the Marketing & Events U.S. segment serves as the official services contractor of an exhibition, which is also referred to as a “trade show,” “convention,” or “show.” As the official services contractor, the U.S. segment provides the following services to the show organizer: general event management; planning and consultation; concept design; exhibition layout and design; graphics and design; show traffic analysis; carpeting and flooring; decorating products and accessories; custom graphics; overhead rigging; cleaning; and temporary electrical, lighting and plumbing.

 

Exclusive Services Provided to Exhibitors.  As the official services contractor, the U.S. segment is designated by the show organizer as the exclusive provider of certain services offered to exhibitors participating in the exhibition. This designation provides exhibitors with a single point of contact to facilitate a timely, safe and efficient move-in and move-out of the exhibition. The exclusive services offered by the U.S. segment to exhibitors include: material handling services; overhead rigging; temporary electrical and plumbing; and cleaning.

 

Discretionary Services Provided to Exhibitors.  In addition to the exclusive services offered to exhibitors, the U.S. segment competes with other service providers to sell non-exclusive services to exhibitors, including: custom exhibit design and

construction; portable and “modular” exhibits and design; integrated marketing, including pre- and post-event communications and customer relationship management; multimedia services; event surveys; return on investment analysis; attendee and exhibit booth traffic analysis; staff training; online management tools; logistics and freight-forwarding, storage and refurbishment of exhibits; booth furnishings, carpeting and signage; in-house installation and dismantling; and various other show services. The U.S. segment aims to provide these services, combined with complete event program management and planning, to corporate brand marketers across all exhibitions and events in which they participate. The U.S. segment competes with other service providers to offer these discretionary services to exhibitors, regardless of whether or not the U.S. segment is the official services contractor of the exhibition.

 

Other Marketing Services.  The U.S. segment also provides a variety of immersive, entertaining attractions and brand-based experiences, sponsored events, mobile marketing and other branded entertainment and face-to-face marketing solutions for clients and venues, including shopping malls, movie studios, museums, leading consumer brands and casinos. In addition, the U.S. segment offers retail clients complete turnkey services, including design, engineering, graphic production, fabrication, warehousing, shipping, and on-site installation of retail merchandising units, kiosks and holiday environments. The U.S. segment also provides construction and installation services for permanent installations, including museum exhibits, corporate lobbies, visitors centers, showrooms, and retail interiors.

 

Competition.  The U.S. segment generally competes in the exhibition and events industry on the basis of discernible differences, value, quality, price, convenience and service. Viad believes the primary competitor in the domestic official services contractor market is The Freeman Companies (a private company), however, the U.S. segment encounters substantial competition from a large number of providers of similar services. No competitor has significant market share in the other service categories. Most of the competitors are privately held companies with limited information available about them.

 

During 2010, the U.S. segment provided services to over 1,350 exhibitions and events and more than 163,000 exhibitors. The U.S. segment has full-service operations in every major exhibition market in the U.S., including: Las Vegas, Nevada; Chicago, Illinois; Orlando, Florida; New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. In each of these locations, the U.S. segment is a leading service provider, servicing some of the most visible and influential events in its industry.

 

Marketing & Events International Segment

 

The Marketing & Events International segment includes all foreign operations of the Marketing & Events Group and consists of two operating segments: Canada and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia). The International segment offers services that are similar to those provided by the U.S. segment. These services are delivered by Viad’s wholly owned subsidiaries, including: GES Exposition Services (Canada) Limited, Melville Exhibition and Event Services Limited and affiliates (collectively “Melville”), SDD Exhibitions Limited and GES GmbH & Co. KG.

 

During 2010, the International segment provided services to over 550 exhibitions and events and more than 48,000 exhibitors. The International segment has full-service operations in many of the most active and popular exhibition and event destinations, including 10 Canadian cities, six United Kingdom cities, one German city, and two cities in the United Arab Emirates. In each location, the International segment is a leading service provider, servicing some of the most visible and influential events in its industry.

 

Competition.  The International segment generally competes on the basis of discernible differences, value, quality, price, convenience and service. This segment is the largest exhibitions competitor in countries in which it competes. The International segment encounters competition from a large number of providers of similar services. Most of the competitors are privately held companies, with limited information available about them.

 

Travel & Recreation Group Segment

 

Travel and recreation services are provided by Brewster Inc. (“Brewster”) and Glacier Park, Inc. (“Glacier Park”). Glacier Park is an 80 percent owned subsidiary of Viad.

 

Brewster

 

Brewster is a major tourism service operator in Western Canada, delivering tourism products that include world-class attractions, transportation services, inbound package tour operations, hotel operations and corporate and event management.

 

Attractions.  Brewster’s attractions include the Banff Gondola, tours of the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield and the Banff Lake Cruise operations. The Banff Gondola transports visitors to an elevation of over 7,000 feet above sea level to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Alberta, Canada, offering an unobstructed view of the Canadian Rockies and overlooking the town

of Banff and the Bow Valley. Tours of the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield provide clients with an opportunity to experience one of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Icefield customers ride in an “Ice Explorer,” a unique vehicle specially designed for glacier travel. Brewster also offers boat tours, small boat rentals and charter fishing on Lake Minnewanka, which is situated outside of the town of Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

 

Transportation Operations.  Brewster’s transportation operations include charter motorcoach services, sightseeing and scheduled services and airport service. Brewster operates a modern fleet of luxury motorcoaches, available for groups of any size, for travel throughout the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. In addition, Brewster provides year-round half- and full-day sightseeing tours from Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, Canada.

 

Package Tour Operations and Corporate and Event Management.  Brewster’s inbound package tour operations feature year-round package tours throughout Canada. These packages include motorcoach, rail, self-drive automobile, ski and winter touring and consist of both group and individual tours which may be custom designed at the time of booking. Brewster also offers a full suite of corporate and event management services for meetings, conferences, incentive travel, sports and special events. Event-related service offerings include staffing, off-site events, tours/activities, team building, housing, event management, theme development, production and audio visual services.

 

Hotels.  Brewster operates two hotels in Alberta: the Mount Royal Hotel, which is located in the heart of Banff, and the Glacier View Inn (formerly, the Columbia Icefield Chalet), which is located on the Columbia Icefields between Lake Louise and Jasper. The hotels cater principally to leisure travelers.

 

Brewster draws its customers from major markets including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia/New Zealand and Asia. Brewster markets directly to consumers, as well as through distribution channels that include tour operators, tour wholesalers, destination management companies and retail travel agencies/organizations.

 

In October 2010, “Brewster Travel Canada” became the new brand identity of Brewster.

 

Glacier Park

 

Glacier Park is an independent hotel operator and concessionaire of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which encompasses Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Glacier Park is the largest concessionaire in Glacier National Park which is among the most visited National Parks in the U.S. Glacier Park provides lodging accommodations, food and beverage services, retail operations, transportation services and tours throughout Glacier and Waterton-Lakes National Parks.

 

The operations of Glacier Park are seasonal, typically running from mid-May until the end of September. During those months, Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks typically host over two million visitors, the vast majority of whom purchase services from Glacier Park. During the peak months of July and August, the occupancy level at Glacier Park’s lodges and motor inns typically exceeds 90 percent. During the “shoulder” months of June and September, occupancy typically exceeds 80 percent.

 

Individual travelers account for over 80 percent of Glacier Park’s customers, and the balance of its customers are tour groups. Demographically, Glacier Park draws over 90 percent of its customers from the U.S., with approximately 50 percent of them coming from the Northwest and Midwest regions.

 

Historic Lodges.  Glacier Park operates four historic lodges and three 1960s-era motor inns, with accommodation offerings varying from hikers’ cabins to suites. In January 2011, Glacier Park acquired a 145-room hotel in Whitefish, Montana, which is near Glacier National Park.

 

Hospitality Services.  Glacier Park has food and beverage operations providing services to lodging guests and park visitors. Glacier Park also has retail operations, including a camp store and gift shops catering to lodging guests and park visitors.

 

Tour and Transportation Services.  Glacier Park utilizes a fleet of authentic 1930s red touring buses that have rollback canvas tops to conduct interpretive park tours throughout Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, including tours of the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road.

 

Concession Business.  Glacier Park operates the concession portion of its business under a concession contract with the U.S. National Park Service (the “Park Service”) for Glacier National Park. Glacier Park’s original 25-year concession contract with the Park Service that was to expire on December 31, 2005, has been extended for six one-year periods and now expires on December 31, 2011. The Park Service, in its sole discretion, may continue extending Glacier Park’s concession contract in one-year

increments. When this contract ultimately expires, Glacier Park will have the opportunity to bid on a new concession contract. If Glacier Park does secure a new contract, possible terms would be for 10, 15 or 20 years. Glacier Park generated approximately 70 percent of its 2010 revenue through its concession contract for services provided within Glacier National Park. If a new concessionaire is selected by the Park Service, Glacier Park’s remaining business would consist of its operations at Waterton Lakes National Park; East Glacier, Montana and Whitefish, Montana. In such a circumstance, Glacier Park would be entitled to an amount equal to its “possessory interest,” which generally means the value of the structures acquired or constructed, fixtures installed and improvements made to the concession property at Glacier National Park during the term of the concession contract. Glacier Park owns its Glacier Park Lodge operations in East Glacier, Montana as well as the Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, Montana (acquired January 5, 2011). Glacier Park also owns the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, which is operated under a ground lease with the Canadian Government that was recently renewed for a 42-year term running through January 31, 2052. Glacier Park generated approximately 25 percent of the Travel & Recreation Group’s full year 2010 segment operating income.

 

Competition.  Viad’s Travel & Recreation Group segment generally competes on the basis of location, uniqueness of facilities, service, quality and price. Competition exists both locally and regionally in the package-tour business, hotel and restaurant business and charter service business.

 

Recent Business Developments

 

Over the past two years, Viad reorganized its structure and rebranded its services.

 

In July 2009, Viad announced a strategic reorganization to align operations into two groups: the Marketing & Events Group and the Travel & Recreation Group. The two groups are described above. On the close of business on December 31, 2009, the operations of the Marketing & Events U.S. segment were combined into Global Experience Specialists, Inc. (such operations being formerly known as GES Expositions Services, Inc., Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and The Becker Group).

 

On February 2, 2010, the Marketing & Events Group introduced “Global Experience Specialists” as its new brand which is used in connection with all of the Marketing & Events Group’s services, replacing the “GES Exposition Services,” “Exhibitgroup/Giltspur” and “Becker Group” brands.

 

Additionally, Viad has made acquisitions and strategic investments to grow its business.

 

Viad expanded into the major exhibition venues of the United Kingdom with the acquisition of Melville in February 2007. Melville provided Viad with a platform to continue its international expansion. In late 2007, Viad expanded into Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and is the exclusive provider of venue services for exhibitions and events at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC). In January 2009, Viad extended its logistics and freight forwarding services business into continental Europe by launching a Melville operation in Germany. In late 2009, Viad further expanded into the United Arab Emirates by opening an operation in Dubai, which serviced its first exhibition as the official services contractor in February 2010.

 

On January 4, 2008, Viad acquired The Becker Group. The Becker Group’s lines of business specialized in creating immersive, entertaining attractions and brand-based experiences for year-round branded attractions, sponsored events, mobile marketing tours, retail marketing (including retail merchandising units, kiosks and holiday environments) and other place-based marketing solutions. These lines of business are now a part of GES within Viad’s Marketing & Events Group.

 

Most recently, on January 5, 2011, Viad acquired Grouse Mountain Lodge, a 145-room, four-season resort hotel located in Whitefish, Montana. The hotel will be operated by Glacier Park within Viad’s Travel & Recreation Group segment.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Viad and its subsidiaries own or have the right to many registered trademarks and trademarks pending registration, used in their businesses, including GES/Global Experience Specialists & Design, GES^®, GESCORE Connect^®, ExhibitSelect^®, GES Servicenter^®, GES National Servicenter^®, HANG:RZ^®, Toys Thru Time Hall of Fame^®, Trade Show Electrical^®, Trade Show Rigging TSR^®, TSE Trade Show Electrical & Design^®, ethnoMetrics^®, EMAX^®, DEXZ^®, WAM! The Wireless Ambassador^®, LUMA2 & Design^® and the portfolio of trademarks adopted in association with Brewster Inc.’s rebranding in 2010 as Brewster Travel Canada. Viad and its subsidiaries also own or have the right to many registered trademarks and trademarks pending registration outside of the United States, including the Melville lion image, GES Worldwide Network^®, GES/Global Experience Specialists & Design, Maxim^®, Royal Glacier Tours^®, Emax^®, and the trademarks associated with Brewster’s rebranding in 2010. United States trademark registrations are for a term of ten years and are renewable every ten years as long as the trademarks are used in the regular course of business.

The Company owns a number of patents for exhibit technology and exhibit processes that are cumulatively important to its business and that it believes provide competitive advantages in the marketplace for designing and building exhibits. These include patents relating to modular furniture used in exhibits and displays and a modular structure having a load-bearing surface. The Company also owns a number of design patents for its retail merchandising units. United States utility patents are currently granted for a term of 20 years from the date a patent application is filed and United States design patents are currently granted for a term of 14 years from the date granted. The Marketing & Events Group has extensive design libraries with copyright protections and owns copyright registrations for a number of the designs within its design libraries. Copyright protection for such work is 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

 

Although Viad believes that certain of its trademarks, patents and copyrights have substantial value, it does not believe that the loss of any one of these patents, trademarks or copyrights would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

Government Regulation

 

Compliance with legal requirements and government regulations represents a normal cost of doing business. The principal regulations affecting the day-to-day businesses are rules and regulations relating to transportation (such as regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its state counterparts), employees (such as regulations implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, equal employment opportunity laws, guidelines implemented pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act and general federal and state employment laws), unionized labor (such as guidelines imposed by the National Labor Relations Act) and U.S. and Canadian regulations relating to national parks (such as regulations established by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. National Park Service).

 

Employees

 

Viad’s businesses had approximately 3,350 employees as of December 31, 2010 as follows:

 

 

Viad believes that relations with its employees are satisfactory and that collective bargaining agreements expiring in 2011 will be renegotiated in the ordinary course of business without a material adverse effect on Viad’s operations.

 

Viad’s Corporate Services Group had 73 employees as of December 31, 2010 providing management, financial and accounting, internal auditing, tax, administrative, information technology, human resources, corporate development, legal and other services to its operating units and handling residual matters pertaining to businesses previously discontinued or sold by the Company. Viad is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of eight non-employee directors and one employee director and has an executive management team consisting of ten executive officers (including the CEO, who is also an employee director, and the president of each operating group).

 

Seasonality

 

Exhibition and event activity varies significantly depending on the frequency and timing of shows (some shows are not held each year and some may shift between quarters). The Marketing & Events U.S. segment generally reports its highest revenues during the first quarter of each year, while the Marketing & Events International segment generally reports its highest revenues during the second quarter of each year. Viad’s Travel & Recreation Group segment experiences peak activity during the summer months and approximately 80 percent of revenues are earned in the second and third quarters. Viad’s average segment operating income during the past three years, as a percentage of the average full year’s segment operating income during the past three years, was approximately 35 percent (first quarter), 38 percent (second quarter), 33 percent (third quarter) and minus six percent (fourth quarter). See “Risk Factors — Viad’s businesses are seasonal, which causes results of operations to fluctuate and makes results of operations particularly sensitive to adverse events during peak periods” and “Risk Factors — Exhibition rotation impacts overall profitability and makes comparisons between periods difficult” in Item 1A, which are incorporated herein by reference; see also Notes 19 and 22 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

Financial Information about Restructuring Charges and Recoveries

 

Information regarding restructuring charges and recoveries is provided in Note 16 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Financial Information about Segments

 

Business segment financial information is provided in Note 19 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Financial Information about Geographic Areas

 

Geographic area financial information is provided in Note 19 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Available Information

 

Viad’s internet address is www.viad.com. Viad uses its web site as a routine channel for distribution of Company information, including press releases, financial information and corporate governance initiatives. Viad posts filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including Viad’s annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements, amendments to those reports or statements, and other information, as well as transactions in Viad securities by Viad’s directors and executive officers. All such postings and filings are available on Viad’s web site free of charge. In addition, Viad’s web site allows interested persons to sign up to automatically receive e-mail alerts when the Company posts news releases and financial information. The SEC’s web site, www.sec.gov, contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information, regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Such information also can be read and copied at the SEC’s public reference section, located in Room 1580, 100 F. Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 and on the SEC’s internet site at www.sec.gov. Information regarding the operation of the public reference section can be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330. The content on any web site referred to in this Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K unless expressly noted.

 

Viad’s web site, at www.viad.com/investors/corp_governance.html, includes key information about the Company’s corporate governance initiatives, including its Corporate Governance Guidelines, charters of the committees of the Board of Directors, Code of Ethics and information concerning Viad’s directors and a method to communicate with them. Viad will make available in print any of this information upon request to: Corporate Secretary, Viad Corp, 1850 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-4545.

 

 

Viad’s operating results are subject to known and unknown risks. As a result, past financial performance and historical trends may not be reliable indicators of future performance.

 

Viad’s businesses and operating results are adversely affected by deterioration in general economic conditions.

 

Viad’s businesses are sensitive to fluctuations in general economic conditions and are impacted by increases and decreases in the cost of materials and operating supplies. Operating results for the Marketing & Events U.S. and International segments depend largely on the number of exhibitions held and on the size of exhibitors’ marketing expenditures, which in turn depend partly on the strength of particular industries in which exhibitors operate. The number and size of exhibitions generally decrease when the economy weakens.

 

Further, many exhibitors’ marketing budgets are partly discretionary, and are frequently among the first expenditures reduced by exhibitors when economic conditions deteriorate, resulting in reduced spending by exhibitors for the Company’s services. Marketing expenditures often are not increased until economic conditions improve. As a result, during periods of general economic weakness, the operating results for the Marketing & Events Group are adversely affected. Similarly, many of the retail shopping mall and lifestyle center clients of the Marketing & Events Group may reduce marketing expenditures when economic conditions deteriorate.

 

Revenues from the Travel & Recreation Group businesses depend largely on the amount of disposable income that consumers have available for travel and vacations. This amount decreases during periods of weak general economic conditions.

 

Viad’s results of operations are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Viad conducts foreign operations primarily in Canada, the United Kingdom and, to a lesser extent, in certain other countries. The functional currency of Viad’s foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Accordingly, for purposes of consolidation, Viad

translates the assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The unrealized gains or losses resulting from the translation of these foreign denominated assets and liabilities are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in Viad’s consolidated balance sheets. Significant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar may result in material changes to Viad’s net equity position reported in its consolidated balance sheets. Viad has not hedged its equity risk arising from the translation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.

 

In addition, for purposes of consolidation, the revenues, expenses and gains and losses related to Viad’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the period. As a result, Viad’s consolidated results of operations are exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, even when the functional currency amounts have not changed. Accordingly, fluctuations in the exchange rates affect overall profitability and historical period to period comparisons. Viad has not hedged its net earnings exposure arising from the translation of its foreign operating results.

 

During 2010, $165.0 million of revenue and $9.5 million of operating income was derived through Canadian and United Kingdom operations of Viad’s Marketing & Events International segment. In addition, $64.2 million of 2010 revenue and $15.8 million of 2010 operating income generated in the Travel & Recreation Group segment was derived through its Canadian operations. For this segment, Canadian operations are largely dependent on foreign customer visitation, and accordingly, increases in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to other currencies could adversely affect customer volumes, and therefore, revenue and operating income in the Travel & Recreation Group segment.

 

Exhibition rotation impacts overall profitability and makes comparisons between periods difficult.

 

The business activities of the Marketing & Events Group are largely dependent upon the frequency, timing and location of exhibitions and events. Some large exhibitions are not held annually (they may be held once every two or three years or longer). Some large exhibitions may be held at a different time of year than when they have historically been held. In addition, the same exhibition may be held in different locations in different years, and may result in Viad generating lower margins in a given period if the exhibition shifts to a higher-cost city.

 

As a consequence of these factors, the operating results for these businesses may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter or from year to year, making periodic comparisons difficult.

 

Viad’s businesses are adversely affected by disruptions in the travel industry, particularly those adversely affecting the hotel and airline industries.

 

The success of Viad’s businesses depends largely on the ability and willingness of people, whether exhibitors, exhibition attendees or others, to travel. Factors adversely affecting the travel industry as a whole, and particularly the airline and hotel industries, generally also adversely affect Viad’s businesses and results of operations. Factors that could adversely affect the travel industry as a whole include high or rising fuel prices, increased security and passport requirements, weather conditions, airline accidents and international political instability and hostilities. Unexpected events of this nature, or other events that may have an impact on the availability and pricing of air travel and accommodations, could adversely affect Viad’s businesses and results of operations.

 

The failure of a large client to renew its services contract or the loss of business from convention facilities could adversely impact revenues.

 

Although no single client accounts for more than five percent of the revenue of any of Viad’s reporting segments, the Marketing & Events U.S. and International segments have a relatively small number of large exhibition show organizers and large customer accounts. The loss of any of these large clients would adversely affect results of operations.

 

In addition, revenues of the Marketing & Events Group may be significantly impacted if certain exhibition facilities choose to in-source electrical, plumbing and other services. When the Marketing & Events Group is hired as the official services contractor for an exhibition, the show organizer contractually grants an exclusive right to perform these electrical and plumbing services, subject in each case to the exhibition facility’s option to in-source the services (either by performing the services themselves or by hiring a separate service provider). Many exhibition facilities are under financial pressure as a result of conditions generally affecting their industry, including an increased supply of exhibitions space. As a result, some of these facilities have sought to in-source all or a large portion of these services. If a large number of facilities with which the Marketing & Events Group has these relationships seek to move these services in-house, Viad’s revenues and operating results could be adversely affected.

Viad’s key businesses are relationship driven.

 

The business activities of the Marketing & Events U.S. and International segments are heavily focused on client relationships, and, specifically, on the close collaboration and interaction with the client. These relationships require the account team to become attuned to the client’s desires and expectations in order to provide top-quality service. Viad has in the past lost, and may in the future lose, important clients (and corresponding revenues) if a key member of the account team were to cease employment with the Company and take that customer to a competitor.

 

Completed acquisitions may not perform as anticipated or be integrated as planned.

 

Viad has acquired businesses and intends to continue to pursue opportunities to acquire businesses that could complement, enhance or expand Viad’s current businesses or offer growth opportunities to Viad. Any acquisition can involve a number of risks, including: the failure to achieve the financial and strategic goals and other benefits from the acquisition; the inability to successfully integrate the acquired business into Viad’s ongoing businesses; the inability to retain key personnel or customers of the acquired business; the inability to successfully integrate financial reporting and internal control systems; the disruption of Viad’s ongoing businesses and distraction of senior management and employees of Viad from other opportunities and challenges due to the integration of the acquired business; and the potential existence of liabilities or contingencies not disclosed to or known by Viad prior to closing the acquisition or not otherwise provided for through the purchase agreement.

 

Viad’s businesses are seasonal, which causes results of operations to fluctuate and makes results of operations particularly sensitive to adverse events during peak periods.

 

The Marketing & Events U.S. segment generally reports its highest revenues during the first quarter of each year, while the Marketing & Events International segment generally reports its highest revenues during the second quarter of each year. The Travel & Recreation Group businesses are also seasonal, experiencing peak activity during the second and third quarters; these quarters accounted for 84 percent of the segment’s 2010 revenues. Because of the seasonal nature of Viad’s businesses, adverse events or conditions occurring during peak periods could reduce the operating results of Viad’s businesses.

 

Transportation disruptions and increases in transportation costs could adversely affect Viad’s businesses and operating results.

 

The Marketing & Events U.S. and International segments rely on independent transportation carriers to send materials and exhibits to and from exhibitions, warehouse facilities and customer facilities. If they were unable to secure the services of these independent transportation carriers at favorable rates, it could have a material adverse effect on these businesses and their results of operations. In addition, disruption of transportation services because of weather-related problems, strikes, lockouts or other events could adversely affect their ability to supply services to customers and could cause the cancellation of exhibitions, which may have a material adverse effect on these businesses and operating results. Similarly, disruption of transportation services could adversely affect the ability of the Marketing & Events Group to supply time-sensitive holiday-themed exhibits and experiences to retail shopping mall and lifestyle center customers and could cause the cancellation of the exhibits and experiences.

 

Union-represented labor creates an increased risk of work stoppages and higher labor costs.

 

A significant portion of Viad’s employees are unionized and Viad’s businesses are party to approximately 100 collective-bargaining agreements, with approximately one-fourth requiring renegotiation each year. If the results of labor negotiations caused the Company to increase wages or benefits, which increases total labor costs, the increased costs could either be absorbed (which would adversely affect operating margins) or passed on to the customers, which may lead customers to turn to other vendors in response to higher prices. In either event, Viad’s businesses and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Moreover, if the Company were unable to reach an agreement with a union during the collective bargaining process, the union may strike or carry-out other types of work stoppages. In such a circumstance, Viad might be unable to find substitute workers with the necessary skills to perform many of the services, or may incur additional costs to do so, which could adversely affect the Company’s businesses and results of operations.

 

Obligations to fund multi-employer pension plans to which Viad contributes may have an adverse impact on operating results.

 

Viad’s businesses contribute to various multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering its union-represented employees. Viad’s contributions to these multi-employer plans in 2010 and 2009 totaled $15.3 million and $15.7 million, respectively. Viad does not directly manage these multi-employer plans, which are generally

managed by boards of trustees. Based upon the information available to Viad from plan administrators, management believes that several of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires pension plans underfunded at certain levels to reduce, over defined time periods, the underfunded status. In addition, under current laws, the termination of a plan, or a voluntary withdrawal from a plan by Viad, or a shrinking contribution base to a plan as a result of the insolvency or withdrawal of other contributing employers to such plan would require Viad to make payments to such plan for its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. Viad cannot determine at this time the amount of additional funding, if any, it may be required to make to these plans. However, plan contribution increases, if any, could have an adverse impact on Viad’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Viad competes in competitive industries and increased competition could negatively impact operating results.

 

Viad is engaged in a number of highly competitive industries. Competition in the exhibition and events industry and the exhibits and experiential environments industries is driven by price and service quality, among other factors. To the extent competitors seek to gain or retain their market presence through aggressive underpricing strategies, Viad may be required to lower its prices and rates to avoid loss of related business, thereby adversely affecting operating results. In addition, if Viad is unable to anticipate and respond as effectively as competitors to changing business conditions, including new technologies and business models, Viad could lose market share to its competitors. If Viad were unable to meet the challenges presented by the competitive environment, results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Liabilities relating to prior and discontinued operations may adversely affect results of operations.

 

Viad and its predecessors have a corporate history spanning over seven decades and involving approximately 2,400 previous subsidiaries in diverse businesses, such as the manufacturing of locomotives, buses, industrial chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, leather, textiles, food and fresh meats. Some of these businesses used raw materials that have been, and may continue to be, the subject of litigation. Moreover, some of the raw materials used and the waste produced by these businesses have been and are the subject of U.S. federal and state environmental regulations, including laws enacted under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or its state law counterparts. In addition, Viad may incur other liabilities, resulting from indemnification claims involving sold subsidiaries, as well as from past operations of those of predecessors or their subsidiaries. Although the Company believes it has adequate reserves and sufficient insurance coverage to cover these future liabilities, results of operations could be materially affected if future events or proceedings contradict current assumptions, and reserves or insurance become inadequate.

 

Terrorist attacks, natural disasters or other catastrophic events may have a negative effect on Viad’s business.

 

The occurrence of catastrophic events ranging from natural disasters (such as hurricanes), health epidemics or pandemics, acts of war or terrorism, or the prospect of these events could disrupt Viad’s businesses. Such catastrophic events could impact our production facilities preventing us from timely completing exhibit fabrication and other projects for customers, and also could cause a disruption in the services we provide to our customers at convention centers, exhibition halls, hotels and other public venues. Such catastrophic events also could cause a cancellation of exhibitions and other events held in public venues. If the conditions arising from such events persist or worsen, Viad could experience continuing or increased adverse effects on its results of operations and financial condition.

 

 

None.

 

 

Viad’s businesses operate service or production facilities and maintain sales and service offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. The principal properties of Viad’s businesses as of December 31, 2010, were:

 

Viad’s headquarters are located at 1850 North Central Avenue, Suite 800 in Phoenix, Arizona 85004-4545. Excluding space which is subleased to third parties, Viad leases approximately 59,400 square feet.

 

The Marketing & Events U.S. segment operates 20 offices and 28 multi-use facilities (manufacturing, sales and design, office and/or warehouse and truck marshaling yards). The multi-use facilities vary in size up to approximately 590,900 square feet. Three of the multi-use facilities are owned; all other properties are leased.

The Marketing & Events International segment operates six offices and 20 multi-use facilities, with three offices and eight multi-use facilities in Canada, one office and eight multi-use facilities in the United Kingdom, one office and two multi-use facilities in Germany and one office and two multi-use facilities in the United Arab Emirates. The multi-use facilities vary in size up to approximately 134,000 square feet. One of the multi-use facilities is owned; all other properties are leased.

 

The Travel & Recreation Group segment operates two offices, nine retail stores, one bus terminal, three garages, an icefield tour facility, a gondola lift operation, a boat tour facility and nine hotels/lodges (with approximately 900 rooms and ancillary foodservice and recreational facilities). All of the facilities are in the United States or Canada. Four of the hotels/lodges are owned and the five other hotels/lodges are operated pursuant to concessionaire agreements. One bus terminal, three garages and the boat tour facility are owned and one garage is leased. The icefield tour facility and gondola lift operation are operated through lease agreements with Parks Canada and all other properties are leased. In January 2011, Viad acquired a 145-room hotel with ancillary foodservice facilities in Whitefish, Montana, which is operated by Glacier Park within Viad’s Travel & Recreation Group segment.

 

Management believes that the Company’s facilities in the aggregate are adequate and suitable for their purposes and that capacity is sufficient for current needs.

 

 

Viad and certain subsidiaries are plaintiffs or defendants to various actions, proceedings and pending claims, some of which involve, or may involve, compensatory, punitive or other damages. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties and it is possible that some of the legal actions, proceedings or claims could be decided against Viad. Although the amount of liability as of December 31, 2010 with respect to certain of these matters is not ascertainable, Viad believes that any resulting liability, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for, including insurance coverage, will not have a material effect on Viad’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Viad is subject to various U.S. federal, state and foreign laws and regulations governing the prevention of pollution and the protection of the environment in the jurisdictions in which Viad has or had operations. If the Company has failed to comply with these environmental laws and regulations, civil and criminal penalties could be imposed and Viad could become subject to regulatory enforcement actions in the form of injunctions and cease and desist orders. As is the case with many companies, Viad also faces exposure for actual or potential claims and lawsuits involving environmental matters relating to its past operations. Although it is a party to certain environmental disputes, Viad believes that any resulting liabilities, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for, including insurance coverage, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

The names, ages and positions of Viad’s executive officers as of the filing of this Annual Report, are listed below:

 

 

The term of office of the executive officers is until the next annual organization meeting of the Board of Directors of Viad which is scheduled for May 17, 2011.

 

 

The principal market on which Viad’s common stock is traded is the New York Stock Exchange. The common stock is also admitted for trading on the American, Chicago, National, Pacific and NASDAQ OMX Exchanges. The following tables summarize the high and low market prices as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape and the cash dividends declared for the two years ended December 31:

 

SALES PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

 

 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED ON COMMON STOCK

 

 

Regular quarterly dividends were paid on Viad common stock on the first business day of January, April, July and October. The terms of Viad’s $75 million secured revolving credit facility, as amended as of November 20, 2009, restrict Viad from paying more than $5 million in dividends in the aggregate in any calendar year.

 

As of January 31, 2011, there were 8,132 shareholders of record of Viad’s common stock following the one-for-four reverse stock split effective on July 1, 2004. There also were 1,296 shareholders of record as of January 31, 2011 that had not converted pre-split shares into the post-split common stock. Accordingly, there were a total of 9,428 shareholders of record as of January 31, 2011.

 

For information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related shareholder matters, refer to Part III, Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in this Annual Report.

 

SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

Set forth below is a line graph comparing, for the five year period ended December 31, 2010, the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on Viad’s common stock to the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Media Index, Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Commercial Services & Supplies Index, Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Index, Russell 2000 Index and Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

 

The graph below assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2005 in Viad common stock, Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Media Index, Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Commercial Services & Supplies Index, Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Index, Russell 2000 Index and Standard & Poor’s 500 Index with reinvestment of all dividends.

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return

 

 

 

Set forth below is a table showing that no shares of Viad common stock were repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2010 by Viad from employees or former employees surrendering previously owned Viad common stock (outstanding shares) to pay the taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards. The table also reflects that no shares of Viad common stock were repurchased by Viad on the open market as part of a repurchase program.

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

VIAD CORP
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Viad Corp’s consolidated financial statements and related notes. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Viad Corp’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors discussed under “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements” and elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

Overview:

 

Viad’s reportable segments consist of Marketing & Events U.S., Marketing & Events International and Travel & Recreation Group.

 

In July 2009, Viad announced a strategic reorganization to align its brands and operations into two operating groups: the Marketing & Events Group and the Travel & Recreation Group. The operating groups are supported by a Corporate Services Group that centralizes responsibility for various corporate functions. On the close of business on December 31, 2009, substantially all of the domestic operations of the Marketing & Events Group were combined into one legal entity by transferring all of the assets and third party liabilities of Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, a division of Viad Corp, The Becker Group, Ltd. (“Becker Group”) and other related entities into GES Exposition Services, Inc. Furthermore, on February 2, 2010, GES Exposition Services, Inc. changed its name to Global Experience Specialists, Inc. (“GES”). The services that were previously provided under the Company’s brands of “Exhibitgroup/Giltspur” and “Becker Group” are now provided under the “Global Experience Specialists” brand.

 

Beginning in 2010, the Company changed its reportable segments as a result of the reorganization and consolidation of business units within the Marketing & Events Group. The reportable segments are based on geographical lines of responsibility and reflect the management structure and internal organization of the business. Accordingly, the presentation of segment information for the Marketing & Events Group is based on the redefined segments, and comparable information for earlier periods has been restated to reflect the revised segment structure.

 

Marketing & Events Group

 

The Marketing & Events Group specializes in all aspects of the design, planning and production of face-to-face events, immersive environments and brand-based experiences for clients, including show organizers, corporate brand marketers and retail shopping centers. In addition, the Marketing & Events Group provides a variety of immersive, entertaining attractions and brand-based experiences, sponsored events, mobile marketing and other branded entertainment and face-to-face marketing solutions for clients and venues, including shopping malls, movie studios, museums, leading consumer brands and casinos.

 

The composition of the Marketing & Events Group’s reportable segments reflects geographical lines of responsibility. The reportable segments are:

 

1. Marketing & Events U.S. segment includes all domestic GES and affiliated operations, including those services formerly provided under the Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Becker Group brands. The consolidation of the domestic Marketing & Events Group operations is intended to provide a fully integrated service delivery network through a realigned sales organization, shared infrastructure and facilities, and a common operational platform.

 

2. Marketing & Events International segment includes all foreign operations of the Marketing & Events Group and consists of two operating segments: Canada and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia). This reporting segment includes the operations of the following companies: GES Exposition Services (Canada) Limited, Melville Exhibition and Event Services Limited and affiliates (collectively “Melville”), SDD Exhibitions Limited and GES GmbH & Co. KG.

 

Travel & Recreation Group

 

Travel and recreation services are provided by Brewster Inc. (“Brewster”) and Glacier Park, Inc. (“Glacier Park”).

 

Brewster provides tourism services in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and in other parts of Western Canada. Brewster’s operations include the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer Tours, motorcoach services, charter and sightseeing services, tour boat operations, inbound package tour operations and hotel operations.

 

Glacier Park operates four historic lodges and three motor inns and provides food and beverage operations, retail operations and tour and transportation services in and around Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Glacier Park is an 80 percent owned subsidiary of Viad.

Financial Highlights

 

The following 2010 financial highlights are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”):

 

Viad Corp (Consolidated)

 

 

Marketing & Events U.S.

 

 

Marketing & Events International

 

 

Travel & Recreation Group

 

 

Non-GAAP Measures:

 

The following discussion includes a presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses, which are utilized by management to measure the profit and performance of Viad’s operations and to facilitate period to period comparisons. “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined by Viad as net income attributable to Viad before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment losses and recoveries, changes in accounting principles and the effects of discontinued operations. “Income before impairment losses” is defined by Viad as income from continuing operations before the after-tax effect of impairment losses related to goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses is supplemental to results presented under GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is considered a useful operating metric as potential variations arising from taxes, depreciation, debt service costs, impairment losses and recoveries, changes in accounting principles and the effects of discontinued operations are eliminated, thus resulting in an additional measure considered to be indicative of Viad’s ongoing operations. Income before impairment losses is utilized by management to review operating results of the business without the effects of non-cash impairment losses. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

Management believes that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses provides useful information to investors regarding Viad’s results of operations for trending, analyzing and benchmarking the performance and value of Viad’s business. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses primarily as performance measures and believes that the GAAP financial measures most directly comparable to these non-GAAP measures are net income attributable to Viad and income from continuing operations attributable to Viad, respectively. Although Adjusted EBITDA is used as a financial measure to assess the performance of the business, the use of Adjusted EBITDA is limited because it does not consider material costs, expenses and other items necessary to operate the business. These items include debt service costs,

non-cash depreciation and amortization expense associated with long-lived assets, expenses related to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income taxes, impairment losses or recoveries, and the effects of accounting changes and discontinued operations. Similarly, although Income before impairment losses is used as a financial measure to assess the performance of the business, its use is limited because it does not consider non-cash goodwill, other intangible asset and other long-lived asset impairment losses. Because Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses do not consider the above items, a user of Viad’s financial information should consider net income attributable to Viad and income from continuing operations attributable to Viad as important measures of financial performance because they provide more complete measures of the Company’s performance.

 

A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) attributable to Viad is as follows:

 

 

The increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $19.5 million from 2009 to 2010 was primarily driven by higher segment operating results at all operating segments and lower restructuring charges. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA of $91.9 million from 2008 to 2009 was primarily driven by lower segment operating results at all operating segments, restructuring charges and lower interest income, partially offset by lower corporate activities expense.

 

A reconciliation of income (loss) before impairment losses attributable to Viad to income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Viad is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Results of Operations:

 

2010 vs. 2009:

 

Revenues for 2010 increased 4.8 percent to $844.8 million compared to $805.8 million in 2009. Viad’s income from continuing operations before income taxes was $2.6 million for 2010 compared to a loss of $133.4 million in 2009. Impairment losses for 2010 were $268,000 (after-tax), or $0.01 per diluted share. In 2009, the Company recorded impairment losses of $98.2 million (after-tax), or $4.92 per diluted share, primarily related to goodwill and other intangible assets in the Marketing & Events Group, as well as $2.9 million related to the write down of a non-strategic real estate asset held for sale as of December 31, 2009. Income attributable to Viad before impairment losses for 2010 was $449,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to the 2009 loss attributable to Viad before impairment losses of $7.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share. Net restructuring charges in 2010 were $4.2 million compared to $14.1 million in 2009, both primarily related to the Marketing & Events Group. The improved results as compared to 2009 were also the result of higher revenues, overhead reductions and productivity improvements driven by the Company’s Lean initiatives.

 

Net income attributable to Viad for 2010 was $443,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $104.7 million, or $5.25 per diluted share, in 2009. These results include income from discontinued operations of $262,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, in 2010 and $679,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, in 2009 relating to obligations associated with previously sold operations.

 

During 2010, foreign exchange rate variances resulted in increases in revenues and segment operating income of $8.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, as compared to 2009. Viad conducts its foreign operations primarily in Canada and the

United Kingdom and to a lesser extent in certain other countries. The following table summarizes the effects of foreign exchange rate variances on full year revenues and segment operating results from Viad’s significant international operations:

 

 

Accordingly, Viad’s full year results were primarily impacted by the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Future decreases in the exchange rates may adversely impact overall expected profitability and historical period-to-period comparisons when operating results are translated into U.S. dollars.

 

Marketing & Events Group.  Revenues for the Marketing & Events U.S. segment were $571.0 million for 2010, up 0.4 percent compared to $568.4 million in 2009. The increase was primarily due to positive show rotation of $15 million in revenue, mostly offset by reductions in brand marketer spending and a base same-show revenue decline of one percent. Management defines base same-show revenue as revenue from exhibitions and events that occur in the same quarter and same city every year. Base same-shows represented 37.1 percent of Marketing & Events U.S. segment revenues in 2010. The 2010 segment operating loss was $15.2 million, compared to a loss of $22.1 million in 2009. The improved operating results were primarily the result of higher revenues, overhead reductions of approximately $10 million versus 2009 and productivity improvements driven by the Company’s Lean initiatives, partially offset by higher accruals for performance-based incentives (which were not significant in 2009) and pricing pressures.

 

Revenues for the Marketing & Events International segment were $197.8 million for 2010, up 14.6 percent compared to $172.6 million in 2009. Segment operating income was $10.1 million in 2010, compared to $9.2 million in 2009. As discussed above, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rates during 2010, resulting in increases of $4.3 million in revenue and $519,000 in segment operating income, as compared to 2009. Excluding exchange rate variances, 2010 revenues increased by $20.8 million, or 12.1 percent, and operating income increased by $343,000, or 3.7 percent. The increase in revenue primarily resulted from market share gains, improving industry trends, a major project for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Canada and positive show rotation of $3 million. The improved operating income was primarily the result of higher revenues, partially offset by performance-based incentives and the reinstatement of full wages after a temporary reduction in 2009.

 

Although the Marketing & Events Group has a diversified revenue base and long-term contracts for future shows, its revenues are affected by general economic and industry-specific conditions. The prospects for individual shows tend to be driven by the success of the industry related to those shows. In general, the exhibition and event industry is experiencing modest improvement. Following quarterly declines from the second quarter of 2008 through the first quarter of 2010, Marketing & Events U.S. base same-show revenues were essentially flat in the 2010 second quarter and increased by 8.6 percent and 16.6 percent in the 2010 third and fourth quarters, respectively. Excluding the strong growth of a major auto show, the fourth quarter increase in U.S. base same-show revenues was 5.4 percent.

 

In 2011, management expects U.S. same-show revenues to increase at a mid-single-digit rate. Additionally, management expects show rotation to positively impact full year revenues by approximately $10 million. Foreign currency exchange rate variances are not expected to have a significant impact on full year 2011 results. Management remains focused on improving the profitability of the U.S. segment through continued integration and consolidation of operations to increase capacity utilization and reduce costs. Management expects to record restructuring charges of approximately $500,000 in the first quarter of 2011 as a result of these efforts. Additional charges may be incurred as additional cost structure improvements are made.

 

The Marketing & Events Group is subject to multiple collective bargaining agreements that affect labor costs, about one-fourth of which expire each year. Although labor relations between the Company and labor are currently stable, disruptions during future contract negotiations could occur, with the possibility of an adverse impact on the operating results of the Marketing & Events Group.

 

Travel & Recreation Group.  Revenues for the Travel & Recreation Group segment were $88.3 million, up 17.2 percent compared to 2009 revenues of $75.3 million. Segment operating income was $19.9 million, up 16.6 percent from 2009 operating

income of $17.1 million. As discussed above, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rate variances during 2010, resulting in increases of $4.4 million and $538,000 in revenues and segment operating income, respectively, as compared to 2009. Excluding exchange rate variances, 2010 revenues increased by $8.6 million, or 11.4 percent, primarily due to initiatives to capture incremental spend per guest as well as stronger demand for the Company’s tourism services that was partly related to the centennial anniversary of Glacier National Park and the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

The Travel & Recreation Group segment is affected by consumer discretionary spending on tourism activities. Management expects 2011 results from the Travel & Recreation Group segment to benefit from improved tourism demand versus 2010. Management anticipates that foreign currency exchange rate variances versus 2010 will not have a significant impact on 2011 results. Additionally, management anticipates lower room revenues at Many Glacier Hotel, a property operated by Glacier Park, Inc., due to planned construction that will reduce the number of rooms available during 2011 as compared to 2010. However, management expects the acquisition of Grouse Mountain Lodge, which is located near Glacier National Park, to more than offset the revenue decline at Many Glacier Hotel. The Company acquired the 145-room Grouse Mountain Lodge on January 5, 2011 for $10.5 million in cash.

 

During 2010, approximately 73 percent of revenue and 79 percent of segment operating income generated in the Travel & Recreation Group segment was derived through its Canadian operations. These operations are largely affected by foreign customer visitation, and, accordingly, increases in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to other currencies could adversely affect customer volumes, revenue and segment operating income from the Travel & Recreation Group segment.

 

Glacier Park operates the concession portion of its business under a concession contract with the U.S. National Park Service (the “Park Service”) for Glacier National Park. Glacier Park’s original 25-year concession contract with the Park Service that was to expire on December 31, 2005, has been extended for six one-year periods and now expires on December 31, 2011. The Park Service, in its sole discretion, may continue extending Glacier Park’s concession contract in one-year increments. When this contract ultimately expires, Glacier Park will have the opportunity to bid on a new concession contract. If Glacier Park does secure a new contract, possible terms would be for 10, 15 or 20 years. Glacier Park generated approximately 70 percent of its 2010 revenue through its concession contract for services provided within Glacier National Park. If a new concessionaire is selected by the Park Service, Glacier Park’s remaining business would consist of its operations at Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada; East Glacier, Montana and Whitefish, Montana. In such a circumstance, Glacier Park would be entitled to an amount equal to its “possessory interest,” which generally means the value of the structures acquired or constructed, fixtures installed and improvements made to the concession property at Glacier National Park during the term of the concession contract. Glacier Park owns its Glacier Park Lodge operations in East Glacier, Montana as well as the Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, Montana (acquired January 5, 2011). Glacier Park also owns the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, which is operated under a ground lease with the Canadian Government that was recently renewed for a 42-year term running through January 31, 2052. Glacier Park generated approximately 25 percent of the Travel & Recreation Group’s full year 2010 segment operating income.

 

Corporate Activities.  Corporate activities expense of $6.4 million in 2010 increased from $5.6 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher performance-based compensation expense in 2010 as compared to performance-based compensation expense reversals in 2009, partially offset by lower consulting fees in 2010.

 

Impairment Losses.  In 2010, Viad recorded impairment losses of $302,000 related to other intangible assets and certain property and equipment at the Travel & Recreation Group. In 2009, Viad recorded impairment losses of $116.9 million, including $112.3 million related to the non-cash write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets at the Marketing & Events Group, $1.7 million related to touring exhibit assets at the Marketing & Events Group and $2.9 million related to the write-down of a non-strategic real estate asset held for sale at the Travel & Recreation Group as of December 31, 2009.

 

Restructuring Charges.  In 2010, Viad recorded gross restructuring charges of $5.0 million compared to $15.4 million in 2009 primarily related to reorganization activities in the Marketing & Events Group, comprised of the elimination of certain positions as well as facility consolidations. In 2010, Viad also reversed restructuring reserves of $814,000 versus $1.3 million in 2009 primarily related to revisions in estimated sublease income associated with certain leased facilities.

 

Income Taxes.  The effective tax rate for 2010 was 68.1 percent compared to 21.5 percent for 2009. The relatively high rate for 2010 compared to the statutory rate was due to the write-off of deferred taxes of $1.3 million as a result of recent health care legislation, partially offset by favorable tax resolutions of $514,000. Excluding the effects of these items, the 2010 effective rate was 38.2 percent. The relatively low rate for 2009 compared to the statutory rate was due to the effect of certain nondeductible impairment losses of $26.8 million, partially offset by favorable tax resolutions of $3.5 million. Excluding the effects of these items, the 2009 effective rate was 39.0 percent.

2009 vs. 2008:

 

Revenues for 2009 decreased 28.1 percent to $805.8 million from $1.1 billion in 2008. Viad’s loss from continuing operations before income taxes was $133.4 million for 2009 compared to income of $64.2 million for 2008. The 2009 loss from continuing operations attributable to Viad was $105.4 million, or $5.28 per diluted share, compared to income of $43.0 million, or $2.08 per diluted share, in 2008. These declines were largely the result of impairment losses of $116.9 million as well as recessionary declines in marketing spending and tourism, negative show rotation revenue of $87 million and a $31 million decline in revenues due to unfavorable exchange rate variances. The 2009 impairment losses primarily related to goodwill and other intangible assets in the Marketing & Events Group, as well as $2.9 million related to the write down of a non-strategic real estate asset held for sale as of December 31, 2009. Impairment losses were $11.2 million in 2008, primarily related to goodwill and other intangible assets in the Marketing & Events Group. The 2009 loss attributable to Viad before impairment losses was $7.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to income attributable to Viad before impairment losses of $52.4 million, or $2.56 per diluted share, in 2008.

 

The net loss attributable to Viad for 2009 was $104.7 million, or $5.25 per diluted share, compared to net income of $43.4 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, for 2008. These results include income from discontinued operations of $679,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, in 2009 and $385,000, or $0.02 per diluted share in 2008, relating to obligations associated with previously sold operations.

 

During 2009, foreign exchange rate variances resulted in a decrease of $30.8 million in revenues and $3.4 million in segment operating income as compared to 2008. Viad conducts its foreign operations primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent in certain other countries. The following table summarizes the effects of foreign exchange rate variances on revenues and segment operating results from Viad’s significant international operations:

 

 

Accordingly, Viad’s 2009 results were impacted by the weakening of the British pound and Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

Marketing & Events Group.  Revenues for the Marketing & Events U.S. segment were $568.4 million for 2009, down 30.8 percent compared to $821.5 million in 2008. Segment operating loss was $22.1 million in 2009 compared to segment operating income of $41.5 million in 2008. These declines resulted primarily from a significant reduction in exhibition marketing spending, as well as show rotation that negatively impacted revenue by $87 million versus 2008. Marketing & Events U.S. base same-show revenues declined 22.5 percent in 2009. Management defines base same-show revenue as revenue from exhibitions and events that occur in the same quarter and same city every year. Base same-shows represented 38.0 percent of Marketing & Events U.S. revenues in 2009. Additionally, the declines versus 2008 reflect lower sales of holiday-themed events and experiences and retail merchandising units as shopping center clients reduced spending in response to the recession.

 

Revenues for the Marketing & Events International segment were $172.6 million for 2009, down 23.6 percent compared to $225.9 million in 2008. Segment operating income was $9.2 million in 2009, compared to $18.5 million in 2008. As discussed above, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rate variances during 2009, resulting in decreases of $26.7 million in revenue and $2.5 million in segment operating income, as compared to 2008. Excluding exchange rate variances, 2009 revenues decreased by $26.5 million, or 11.7 percent, primarily due to a significant reduction in exhibition marketing spending.

 

During 2009, Viad revised downward its forecast for future revenues and earnings in the Marketing & Events Group based on continued declines in exhibition marketing spending by its customers and a sharper than expected decline in retail holiday décor demand. As a result, the Company projected a more prolonged contraction in its trade show and retail marketing revenues than was previously anticipated. Due to these facts and circumstances, Viad performed an impairment evaluation of goodwill, other intangible assets and certain other long-lived assets. As a result of the evaluation, Viad recorded aggregate impairment losses of $114.0 million primarily related to goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

In anticipation of revenue pressures in 2009, management began taking actions to reduce overhead costs during early 2008. Through continued efforts in this area, management realized a 2009 full year reduction in overhead costs (including performance-

based incentives) of approximately $41 million in the Marketing & Events Group as compared to 2008. These savings were realized in part by the strategic reorganization announced in July 2009, which included the consolidation of the GES, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Becker Group businesses into the Marketing & Events Group. Primarily as a result of the strategic reorganization, Viad recorded restructuring charges of $14.6 million during 2009 related to the Marketing & Events Group. In addition, Viad also reversed restructuring reserves of $1.3 million primarily related to revisions in estimated sublease income associated with certain leased facilities.

 

Travel & Recreation Group.  Revenues of the Travel & Recreation Group segment were $75.3 million in 2009, a decrease of 13.1 percent from $86.6 million in 2008. Segment operating income was $17.1 million in 2009 compared to $22.0 million in 2008. Operating margins were 22.7 percent in 2009 compared to 25.4 percent in 2008. As discussed above, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rate variances during 2009, resulting in decreases of $4.0 million and $956,000 in revenues and segment operating income, respectively, as compared to 2008. Excluding exchange rate variances, 2009 revenues decreased by $7.3 million, or 8.4 percent, due to reduced tourism demand resulting from global economic weakness.

 

During 2009, the Travel & Recreation Group commenced a plan to sell a non-strategic real estate asset, which consists of land, building and related improvements, and which was expected to be sold within one year. Accordingly, the value of this asset was remeasured based on the estimated fair value, less costs to sell. As a result of the remeasurement, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $2.9 million. Furthermore, the recorded value of this asset of $14.0 million was reclassified and presented under the caption “Asset held for sale” in Viad’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2009. Viad completed the sale of this asset in the first quarter of 2010.

 

During 2009, approximately 72 percent of revenue and 80 percent of operating income generated by Viad’s Travel & Recreation Group segment was derived through its Canadian operations. These operations are largely dependent on foreign customer visitation, and accordingly, increases in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to other currencies could adversely affect customer volumes, and, therefore, revenue and operating income in the Travel & Recreation Group segment.

 

Corporate Activities.  Corporate activities expense of $5.6 million for 2009 decreased from $7.5 million in 2008. This decrease was primarily related to higher incentive compensation expenses in 2008, partially offset by higher corporate development expenses in 2009.

 

Interest Income.  Interest income of $579,000 for 2009 decreased from $3.2 million for 2008. The decrease was due to lower interest rates on invested cash balances, and, to a lesser extent, a decline in the average cash balance from 2008.

 

Impairment Losses.  In 2009, Viad recorded impairment losses of $116.9 million, including $112.3 million primarily related to the non-cash write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets at the Marketing & Events Group, $1.7 million related to touring exhibit assets at the Marketing & Events Group and $2.9 million related to the write-down of a non-strategic real estate asset held for sale as of December 31, 2009 at the Travel & Recreation Group. In 2008, Viad recorded impairment losses of $11.2 million, including $10.2 million related to goodwill and other intangible assets and $1.0 million related to a touring exhibit asset at the Marketing & Events Group.

 

Restructuring Charges.  In 2009, Viad recorded restructuring charges of $15.4 million primarily related to reorganization activities, including facility consolidations. In 2008, Viad recorded restructuring charges of $647,000 primarily related to corporate office expenses, including the elimination of certain positions. In 2009 and 2008, Viad also reversed restructuring reserves of $1.3 million and $141,000, respectively, primarily related to revisions in estimated sublease income associated with certain leased facilities.

 

Income Taxes.  The effective tax rate for 2009 was 21.5 percent compared to 32.2 percent for 2008. The relatively low rates compared to the statutory rate were primarily due to certain nondeductible impairment losses recorded in 2009 and 2008 and also reflect aggregate favorable resolution of tax matters of $3.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Excluding the effects of these items, Viad’s effective tax rates were 39.0 percent and 37.1 percent in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

 

Cash and cash equivalents were $145.8 million as of December 31, 2010 as compared to $116.3 million as of December 31, 2009, with the increase primarily due to cash flow from operations, partially offset by share repurchases. Management believes that Viad’s existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund operations and capital commitments for at least the next 12 months.

 

Viad’s total debt as of December 31, 2010 was $9.1 million compared to $12.8 million as of December 31, 2009. The debt-to-capital ratio was 0.023 to 1 as of December 31, 2010 compared with 0.032 to 1 as of December 31, 2009. Capital is defined as total debt and capital lease obligations plus total stockholders’ equity.

Effective November 20, 2009, Viad amended its secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) to ensure that the Company continued to meet its obligations under the Credit Facility given the current economic environment. The amended Credit Facility provides for a $75 million revolving line of credit, which was lowered from $150 million, and may be increased up to an additional $50 million under certain circumstances. The Credit Facility borrowings are to be used for general corporate purposes (including permitted acquisitions) and to support up to $25 million of letters of credit. The lenders have a first perfected security interest in all of the personal property of Viad and GES, including 65 percent of the capital stock of top-tier foreign subsidiaries. Viad is in discussions with its agent bank on the renewal of the Credit Facility, and expects to have a Credit Facility in place before its June 15, 2011 expiration.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Facility (of which GES is a guarantor) are indexed to the prime rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus appropriate spreads tied to Viad’s leverage ratio. Commitment fees and letters of credit fees are also tied to Viad’s leverage ratio. The fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility are currently 0.375 percent annually. As of December 31, 2010, Viad had $65.9 million of capacity remaining under its Credit Facility reflecting an outstanding borrowing of $4.5 million (indexed to LIBOR) and issued letters of credit of $4.6 million. As part of the amendment, Viad’s financial covenants were revised to include a fixed-charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1 and a leverage ratio (defined as total debt to Adjusted EBITDA) of not greater than 2.50 to 1. Additionally, Viad must maintain a consolidated minimum cash balance of $50 million. As of December 31, 2010, the fixed-charge coverage and leverage ratios were 1.29 to 1 and 0.71 to 1, respectively. Significant other covenants include limitations on: investments, common stock dividends, stock repurchases, additional indebtedness, sales/leases of assets, acquisitions, consolidations or mergers and liens on property. The terms of the Credit Facility restrict Viad from paying more than $5 million in dividends in the aggregate in any calendar year and also restrict the Company from repurchasing more than $10 million in the aggregate of the Company’s common stock during the remainder of the Credit Facility term. As of December 31, 2010, Viad was in compliance with all covenants.

 

As of December 31, 2010, Viad had certain obligations under guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries. These guarantees are not subject to liability recognition in the consolidated financial statements and relate to leased facilities entered into by the Company’s subsidiary operations. The Company would generally be required to make payments to the respective third parties under these guarantees in the event that the related subsidiary could not meet its own payment obligations. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Viad would be required to make under all guarantees existing as of December 31, 2010 would be $36.3 million. These guarantees relate to leased facilities and expire through October 2017. There are no recourse provisions that would enable Viad to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees. Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements whereby Viad could recover payments.

 

Capital expenditures for 2010 totaled $17.0 million and primarily related to the purchase of rental inventory, equipment and computer hardware primarily at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment and building improvements and equipment at the Travel & Recreation Group. Capital expenditures for 2009 totaled $21.3 million and primarily related to the purchase of equipment, information systems and related costs and exhibit costs at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment.

 

In March 2010, Viad completed the sale of a non-strategic real estate asset for $14.3 million (net of selling costs). The asset was previously held in the Travel & Recreation Group and was classified on Viad’s consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Asset held for sale” as of December 31, 2009.

 

On January 5, 2011, Viad completed the acquisition of Grouse Mountain Lodge for $10.5 million in cash. Grouse Mountain Lodge is a 145-room, four-season resort hotel located in Whitefish, Montana, and will be operated by Glacier Park within Viad’s Travel & Recreation Group segment.

 

In September 2010, Viad announced its intent to repurchase up to an additional 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. At the time of the announcement, there were 160,681 shares available for repurchase pursuant to previously announced authorizations. Viad purchased 356,300 shares for $6.3 million during 2010, with 304,381 shares remaining for repurchase. Additionally, during 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company repurchased 28,407 shares for $573,000, 72,294 shares for $1.2 million and 50,061 shares for $1.6 million, respectively, related to tax withholding requirements on vested share-based awards.

 

Viad exercises significant judgment in determining its income tax provision due to transactions, credits and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. During 2009, Viad paid certain foreign income tax reassessments of $4.9 million and received tax refunds of $1.9 million pursuant to a joint settlement with certain Canadian taxing jurisdictions. During 2010, Viad received income tax refunds of $5.6 million related to carryback claims associated with 2009 operating losses.

The following table presents Viad’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010:

 

 

 

 

Viad and certain of its subsidiaries are plaintiffs or defendants to various actions, proceedings and pending claims, some of which involve, or may involve, compensatory, punitive or other damages. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties and it is possible that some of the legal actions, proceedings or claims could be decided against Viad. Although the amount of liability as of December 31, 2010 with respect to these matters is not ascertainable, Viad believes that any resulting liability, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for, including insurance coverage, will not have a material effect on Viad’s business, financial position or results of operations.

 

Viad is subject to various U.S. federal, state and foreign laws and regulations governing the prevention of pollution and the protection of the environment in the jurisdictions in which Viad has or had operations. If the Company has failed to comply with these environmental laws and regulations, civil and criminal penalties could be imposed and Viad could become subject to regulatory enforcement actions in the form of injunctions and cease and desist orders. As is the case with many companies, Viad also faces exposure to actual or potential claims and lawsuits involving environmental matters relating to its past operations. Although it is a party to certain environmental disputes, Viad believes that any resulting liabilities, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for, including insurance coverage, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. As of December 31, 2010, there was a remaining environmental remediation liability of $6.1 million related to previously sold operations of which $1.1 million is included in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Other current liabilities” and $5.0 million under the caption “Other deferred items and liabilities.”

 

Viad’s businesses contribute to various multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering its union-represented employees. Viad’s contributions to these plans in 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled $15.3 million, $15.7 million and $21.9 million, respectively. Based upon the information available to Viad from plan administrators, management believes that several of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires pension plans underfunded at certain levels to reduce, over defined time periods, the underfunded status. In addition, under current laws, the termination of a plan, or a voluntary withdrawal from a plan by Viad, or a shrinking contribution base to a plan as a result of the insolvency or withdrawal of other contributing employers to such plan would require Viad to make payments to such plan for its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. As of December 31, 2010, the amount of additional funding, if any, that Viad would be required to make related to multi-employer pension plans is not ascertainable.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:

 

Viad does not have any “off-balance sheet” arrangements with unconsolidated special-purpose or other entities that would materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. Furthermore, Viad does not have any relationships with special-purpose or other entities that provide off-balance sheet financing; liquidity, market risk or

credit risk support; or engage in leasing or other services that may expose the Company to liability or risks of loss that are not reflected in Viad’s consolidated financial statements and related notes. See Notes 9, 17 and 18 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. The SEC has defined a company’s most critical accounting policies as those that are most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial position and results of operations, and that require a company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on these criteria, Viad has identified and discussed with its audit committee the following critical accounting policies and estimates pertaining to Viad, and the methodology and disclosures related to those estimates:

 

Goodwill — Goodwill is not amortized, but tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis on October 31 of each year. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Viad’s reporting units are defined, and goodwill is tested, at either an operating segment level or at the component level of an operating segment, depending on various factors including: the internal reporting structure of the operating segment, the level of integration among components, the sharing of assets among components and the benefits and likely recoverability of goodwill by the component’s operations.

 

As of December 31, 2010, Viad had total goodwill of $127.4 million consisting of $85.1 million related to the Marketing & Events Group and $42.3 million related to the Travel & Recreation Group. Within the Marketing & Events Group, goodwill of $62.7 million relates to the Marketing & Events U.S. segment and $22.4 million to the Marketing & Events International segment. For impairment testing purposes, the goodwill related to the Marketing & Events U.S. segment is assigned to and tested at the operating segment level, which represents all domestic operations of GES. Furthermore, the goodwill related to the Marketing & Events International segment is assigned to and tested at the component level within the segment’s geographical operations. As of December 31, 2010, the amount of goodwill assigned to the reporting units in the United Kingdom (Melville) and Canada was $13.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively. Also, as of December 31, 2010, the Brewster operating segment (within the Travel & Recreation Group) had goodwill of $42.3 million. Brewster is considered a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes.

 

Viad uses a discounted expected future cash flow methodology (income approach) in order to estimate the fair value of its reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected future cash flows, discount rates and terminal values require considerable judgment and are based on market conditions, financial forecasts, industry trends and historical experience.

 

The most critical assumptions and estimates in determining the estimated fair value of its reporting units relate to the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows for each reporting unit and the reporting unit cost of capital (discount rate) applied to those cash flows. Furthermore, the assumed reporting unit cost of capital rates (discount rates) are estimated using a build-up method based on the perceived risk associated with the cash flows pertaining to the specific reporting unit. In order to assess the reasonableness of its fair value estimates, the Company performs a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of its reporting units to Viad’s market capitalization.

 

As noted above, the estimates and assumptions regarding expected future cash flows, discount rates and terminal values require considerable judgment and are based on market conditions, financial forecasts, industry trends and historical experience. These estimates, however, have inherent uncertainties and different assumptions could lead to materially different results. As of December 31, 2010, Viad had aggregate goodwill of $127.4 million recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. Furthermore, as a result of the Company’s most recent impairment analysis performed in the fourth quarter of 2010, the excess of the estimated fair values over the carrying values (expressed as a percentage of the carrying amounts) under step one of the impairment test were 80 percent, 69 percent and 69 percent, respectively, for each of the Marketing & Events Group reporting units in the United States, the United Kingdom (Melville) and Canada. For the Brewster reporting unit, the excess of the estimated fair value over the carrying value was 50 percent as of the most recent impairment test. Due to continued uncertainties in the current economic environment, reductions in the Company’s expected future revenue, operating income or cash flow forecasts and projections, or an increase in reporting unit cost of capital, could trigger additional goodwill impairment testing, which may result in impairment losses. Furthermore, management continues to monitor the market capitalization of the Company as ongoing declines in market capitalization could be indicative of possible goodwill impairment. See “Results of Operations” above and Note 3 of notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion of goodwill impairment losses recorded during 2009 and 2008.

Income taxes — Viad is required to estimate and record provisions for income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Accordingly, the Company must estimate its actual current income tax liability, and assess temporary differences arising from the treatment of items for tax purposes as compared to the treatment for accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities which are included in Viad’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company must assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. The Company uses significant judgment in forming a conclusion regarding the recoverability of its deferred tax assets and evaluates the available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that its deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Viad had gross deferred tax assets of $67.1 million and $61.2 million, respectively. These deferred tax assets reflect the expected future tax benefits to be realized upon reversal of deductible temporary differences, and the utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

 

During 2010 and 2009, Viad recorded pre-tax losses from its operations in the United States. The Company considered the negative evidence of these domestic pre-tax operating losses on the future recoverability of its deferred tax assets. Viad also considered positive evidence regarding the realization of deferred tax assets including the Company’s historical and forecasted taxable income, taxpaying history and future reversals of deferred tax liabilities. Furthermore, Viad also considered the fact that goodwill impairment losses are not tax deductible and thus did not contribute to tax losses in 2009. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Viad had a valuation allowance of $411,000 and $162,000, respectively, related to certain state deferred tax assets. With respect to all other deferred tax assets, management believes that recovery from future taxable income is more-likely-than-not.

 

As noted above, Viad uses considerable judgment in forming a conclusion regarding the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. As a result, there are inherent uncertainties regarding the ultimate realization of these assets, which is primarily dependent on Viad’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. In light of the Company’s recent domestic operating losses, and the continued uncertainties in the current economic environment, it is possible that the relative weight of positive and negative evidence regarding the recoverability of Viad’s deferred tax assets may change, which could result in a material increase in the Company’s valuation allowance. If such an increase in the valuation allowance were to occur, it would result in increased income tax expense in the period the assessment was made.

 

Viad exercises judgment in determining its income tax provision due to transactions, credits and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Viad did not have any accrued gross liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for continuing operations. However, as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Viad had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for continuing operations of $146,000 and $407,000, respectively.

 

During 2010, 2009 and 2008, Viad recorded tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of tax matters in continuing operations of $514,000, $3.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively. These tax resolutions primarily represent the reversal of amounts accrued for tax and related interest and penalties in connection with uncertain tax positions which were effectively settled or for which there was a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.

 

In addition to the above, Viad had accrued gross liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for discontinued operations of $636,000 as of both December 31, 2010 and 2009. In addition, as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Viad had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for discontinued operations of $351,000 and $313,000, respectively. Future tax resolutions or settlements that may occur related to these uncertain tax positions would be recorded through discontinued operations (net of federal tax effects, if applicable).

 

Insurance liabilities — Viad is self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation, automobile, product and general liability and property loss claims. The aggregate amount of insurance liabilities related to Viad’s continuing operations was $22.6 million as of December 31, 2010. Of this total, $16.2 million related to workers’ compensation liabilities and the remaining $6.4 million related to general/auto liability claims. Viad has also retained and provided for certain insurance liabilities in conjunction with previously sold businesses totaling $7.5 million as of December 31, 2010, primarily related to workers’ compensation liabilities. Provisions for losses for claims incurred, including estimated claims incurred but not yet reported, are made based on Viad’s historical experience, claims frequency and other factors. A change in the assumptions used could result in an adjustment to recorded liabilities. Viad has purchased insurance for amounts in excess of the self-insured levels, which generally range from $200,000 to $500,000 on a per claim basis. Viad does not maintain a self-insured retention pool fund as claims are paid from current cash resources at the time of settlement. Viad’s net cash payments in connection with these insurance liabilities were $6.8 million, $6.7 million and $8.3 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Pension and postretirement benefits — Viad’s pension plans use traditional defined benefit formulas based on years of service and final average compensation. Funding policies provide that payments to defined benefit pension trusts shall be at least equal to the minimum funding required by applicable regulations. The Company presently anticipates contributing $1.6 million to its funded pension plans and $943,000 to its unfunded pension plans in 2011.

Viad and certain of its subsidiaries have defined benefit postretirement plans that provide medical and life insurance for certain eligible employees, retirees and dependents. The related postretirement benefit liabilities are recognized over the period that services are provided by employees. In addition, Viad retained the obligations for these benefits for retirees of certain sold businesses. While the plans have no funding requirements, Viad expects to contribute $500,000 to the plans in 2011.

 

The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the December 31, 2010 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was nine and one-half percent, declining one-half percent each year to the ultimate rate of five percent by the year 2019 and remaining at that level thereafter. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the December 31, 2009 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was ten percent, declining one-half percent each year to the ultimate rate of five percent by the year 2019 and remaining at that level thereafter.

 

A one-percentage-point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate for each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2010 by approximately $1.6 million and the total of service and interest cost components by approximately $124,000. A one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate for each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2010 by approximately $1.4 million and the total of service and interest cost components by approximately $104,000.

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31 were as follows:

 

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

 

 

The discount rates used in determining future pension and postretirement benefit obligations are based on rates determined by actuarial analysis and management review, and reflect the estimated rates of return on a high-quality, hypothetical bond portfolio whose cash flows match the timing and amounts of expected benefit payments. See Note 15 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Share-based compensation — Viad grants share-based compensation awards to officers, directors and certain key employees pursuant to the 2007 Viad Corp Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan has a ten-year life and provides for the following types of awards: (a) incentive and non-qualified stock options; (b) restricted stock and restricted stock units; (c) performance units or performance shares; (d) stock appreciation rights; (e) cash-based awards and (f) certain other stock-based awards.

 

Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements in 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $3.5 million, $3.1 million and $6.2 million, respectively. Furthermore, the total tax benefits related to such costs were $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $2.3 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. No share-based compensation costs were capitalized during 2010, 2009 or 2008.

 

The fair value of restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock awards are based on Viad’s stock price on the date of grant. Liability-based awards are recorded at estimated fair value, based on the number of units expected to vest and the level of achievement of predefined performance goals (where applicable) and are remeasured on each balance sheet date based on Viad’s stock price until the time of settlement. Viad uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for purposes of determining the fair value of each stock option grant for which key assumptions are necessary. These assumptions include Viad’s expected stock price volatility; the expected period of time the stock option will remain outstanding; the expected dividend yield on Viad common stock, and the risk-free interest rate. Changes in the assumptions could result in different estimates of the fair value of stock option grants, and consequently impact Viad’s results of operations. See Note 2 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

 

For a description of recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on Viad’s consolidated financial statements, see Note 1 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Forward-Looking Statements:

 

As provided by the safe harbor provision under the “Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,” Viad cautions readers that, in addition to historical information contained herein, this Annual Report includes certain information, assumptions and discussions that may constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but reflect current estimates, projections, expectations, or trends concerning future growth, operating cash flows, availability of short-term borrowings, consumer demand, new business, investment policies, productivity improvements, ongoing cost reduction efforts, efficiency, competitiveness, legal expenses, tax rates and other tax matters, foreign exchange rates and the realization of restructuring cost savings. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Viad’s businesses can be affected by a host of risks and uncertainties. Among other things, natural disasters, gains and losses of customers, consumer demand patterns, labor relations, purchasing decisions related to customer demand for exhibition and event services, existing and new competition, industry alliances, consolidation and growth patterns within the industries in which Viad competes, acquisitions, adverse developments in liabilities associated with discontinued operations, any deterioration in the economy and other risks discussed in Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” included in this Annual Report, may individually or in combination impact future results. In addition to factors mentioned elsewhere, economic, competitive, governmental, technological, capital marketplace and other factors, including terrorist activities or war, a pandemic health crisis and international conditions, could affect the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report.

 

 

Viad’s market risk exposures relate to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and certain commodity prices. Foreign exchange risk is the risk that fluctuating exchange rates will adversely affect financial condition or results of operations. Interest rate risk is the risk that changing interest rates will adversely affect the earnings of Viad. Commodity risk is the risk that changing prices will adversely affect results of operations.

 

Viad conducts its foreign operations primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent in certain other countries. The functional currency of Viad’s foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Accordingly, for purposes of consolidation, Viad translates the assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The unrealized gains or losses resulting from the translation of these foreign denominated assets and liabilities are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in Viad’s consolidated balance sheets. As a result, significant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar may result in material changes to Viad’s net equity position reported in its consolidated balance sheets. Viad does not currently hedge its equity risk arising from the translation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities. Viad had cumulative unrealized foreign currency translation gains recorded in stockholders’ equity of $39.0 million and $31.3 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. During 2010 and 2009, unrealized foreign currency translation gains of $7.7 million and $25.1 million, respectively, were recorded in other comprehensive income.

 

In addition, for purposes of consolidation, the revenues, expenses, gains and losses related to Viad’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the period. As a result, Viad’s consolidated results of operations are exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates as the operating results of its foreign operations, when translated, may vary from period to period, even when the functional currency amounts have not changed. Such fluctuations may adversely impact overall expected profitability and historical period to period comparisons. Viad does not currently hedge its net earnings exposure arising from the translation of its foreign operating results. As noted above, Viad primarily conducts its foreign operations in Canada and the United Kingdom. The following table summarizes the effect of foreign exchange rate variances on segment operating results from Viad’s Canadian and United Kingdom operations:

 

As the Canadian operations generated aggregate operating income in 2010, Viad’s segment operating income has been favorably impacted by $1.1 million from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. A hypothetical change of ten percent in the Canadian exchange rate would have resulted in a change to operating income of approximately $1.9 million. As the United Kingdom operations generated aggregate operating income in 2010, Viad’s segment operating income has been favorably impacted by $52,000 from the strengthening of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar. A hypothetical change of ten percent in the British pound exchange rate would have resulted in a change to operating income of approximately $656,000.

 

Viad is exposed to foreign exchange transaction risk as its foreign subsidiaries have certain revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective subsidiary. From time to time, Viad utilizes forward contracts to mitigate the impact on earnings related to these transactions due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Viad did not have any significant foreign currency forward contracts outstanding.

 

Viad is exposed to short-term interest rate risk on certain of its debt obligations. Viad currently does not use derivative financial instruments to hedge cash flows for such obligations. As of December 31, 2010 Viad had variable rate debt outstanding of $4.5 million under the Credit Facility. Interest payments related to Viad’s variable rate debt outstanding are indexed to LIBOR. Assuming a hypothetical adverse change in short term interest rates of 50 and 100 basis points, Viad’s 2010 income from continuing operations before income taxes would have been lower by approximately $200,000 and $230,000, respectively. See Note 9 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Viad’s subsidiaries have exposure to changing fuel prices. Periodically, Brewster enters into futures contracts with an oil company to purchase two types of fuel and specifies the monthly total volume, by fuel product, to be purchased over the agreed upon term of the contract, which is generally no longer than one year. The main objective of Viad’s risk policy related to changing fuel prices is to reduce transaction exposure in order to mitigate the cash flow risk and protect profit margins. There were no fuel contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2010 or 2009.

 

 

Refer to Index to Financial Statements on page 35 for required information.

 

 

None.

 

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Viad, the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures has been evaluated as of December 31, 2010, and, based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2010. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the report of Viad’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, are provided in this Annual Report immediately prior to the Index to Financial Statements.

 

 

None.

 

 

Information regarding directors of Viad, director nomination procedures, the Audit Committee of Viad’s Board of Directors and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are included in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Viad to be held on May 17, 2011, and are incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding executive officers of Viad is located in Part I, “Executive Officers of Registrant” on page 10 of this Annual Report.

 

Viad has adopted a Code of Ethics for all directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. A copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics is available at Viad’s website at www.viad.com/pdf/corpgovernance/CodeofEthics.pdf and is also available without charge to any shareholder upon request by writing to: Viad Corp, 1850 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-4545, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

 

 

Information regarding executive compensation is contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Viad to be held on May 17, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans are contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Viad to be held on May 17, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Information regarding director independence, and certain relationships and related transactions, is contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Viad to be held on May 17, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services and the pre-approval policies and procedures for such fees and services, as adopted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, is contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Viad to be held on May 17, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

2. The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed as part of this Annual Report.

 

 

See Exhibit Index.

 

 

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Phoenix, Arizona, on the 4th day of March, 2011.

 

VIAD CORP

 

Paul B. Dykstra
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Viad Corp and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

The management of Viad Corp is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of the inherent limitations of internal control, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of Viad’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

 

Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, Viad’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

 

Viad’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has issued a report relating to its audit of the effectiveness of Viad’s internal control over financial reporting, which appears on page 34 of this Annual Report.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Viad Corp

Phoenix, Arizona

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Viad Corp and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”). A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, of the Company and our report dated March 4, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule.

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Phoenix, Arizona

March 4, 2011

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

VIAD CORP

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

VIAD CORP

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

VIAD CORP