Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 1-7120

 


HARTE-HANKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   74-1677284

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

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

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

 


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

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

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock: $1 par value per share, 76,900,328 shares as of October 31, 2006.

 



Table of Contents

HARTE-HANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-Q REPORT

September 30, 2006

 

           Page

Part I. Financial Information

  

Item 1.

   Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)   
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

   3
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

   4
  

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

   5
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

   6
  

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income - Nine months ended September 30, 2006 and twelve months ended December 31, 2005

   7
  

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   8

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    19

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    30

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    31

Part II. Other Information

  

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    31

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    31

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    32

Item 6.

   Exhibits    32

 

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Table of Contents

Item 1. Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

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

 

     (Unaudited)
September 30,
2006
    December 31,
2005
 

Assets

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 35,291     $ 24,561  

Accounts receivable, net

     182,785       184,537  

Inventory

     9,247       7,947  

Prepaid expenses

     17,130       14,783  

Current deferred income tax asset

     16,559       14,158  

Other current assets

     11,492       7,718  
                

Total current assets

     272,504       253,704  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     118,484       112,911  

Goodwill, net

     544,833       502,750  

Other intangible assets, net

     24,146       16,669  

Other assets

     4,526       3,629  
                

Total assets

   $ 964,493     $ 889,663  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable

     84,420       62,978  

Accrued payroll and related expenses

     24,233       35,735  

Customer deposits and unearned revenue

     59,290       54,143  

Income taxes payable

     11,343       12,710  

Other current liabilities

     10,794       9,781  
                

Total current liabilities

     190,080       175,347  

Long-term debt

     167,000       62,000  

Other long-term liabilities

     93,162       90,970  
                

Total liabilities

     450,242       328,317  
                

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common stock, $1 par value per share, 250,000,000 shares authorized. 116,192,528 and 115,453,416 shares issued at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

     116,193       115,453  

Additional paid-in capital

     290,108       269,865  

Retained earnings

     1,047,813       980,505  

Less treasury stock: 39,152,041 and 33,965,335 shares at cost at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

     (918,867 )     (782,495 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (20,996 )     (21,982 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     514,251       561,346  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 964,493     $ 889,663  
                

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

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

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005  

Operating revenues

   $ 294,681     $ 281,735  
                

Operating expenses

    

Labor

     107,966       102,550  

Production and distribution

     109,406       101,554  

Advertising, selling, general and administrative

     24,070       21,071  

Depreciation and amortization

     8,001       7,499  

Intangible amortization

     632       456  
                

Total operating expenses

     250,075       233,130  
                

Operating income

     44,606       48,605  
                

Other expenses (income)

    

Interest expense

     1,485       554  

Interest income

     (48 )     (43 )

Other, net

     114       446  
                
     1,551       957  
                

Income before income taxes

     43,055       47,648  

Income tax expense

     15,392       18,823  
                

Net income

   $ 27,663     $ 28,825  
                

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.35     $ 0.34  
                

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     78,318       83,752  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.35     $ 0.34  
                

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     79,855       85,408  
                

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

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

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005  

Operating revenues

   $ 871,448     $ 834,038  
                

Operating expenses

    

Labor

     326,367       312,227  

Production and distribution

     317,395       293,935  

Advertising, selling, general and administrative

     67,069       65,874  

Depreciation and amortization

     23,326       22,276  

Intangible amortization

     1,567       982  
                

Total operating expenses

     735,724       695,294  
                

Operating income

     135,724       138,744  
                

Other expenses (income)

    

Interest expense

     3,353       1,262  

Interest income

     (159 )     (158 )

Other, net

     843       1,217  
                
     4,037       2,321  
                

Income before income taxes

     131,687       136,423  

Income tax expense

     50,052       53,398  
                

Net income

   $ 81,635     $ 83,025  
                

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.02     $ 0.98  
                

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     79,990       84,316  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 1.00     $ 0.96  
                

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     81,599       86,056  
                

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

    

Net income

   $ 81,635     $ 83,025  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     23,326       22,276  

Intangible amortization

     1,567       982  

Stock-based compensation

     5,556       141  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (2,856 )     —    

Deferred income taxes

     2,701       3,039  

Other, net

     1,477       344  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

    

Decrease in accounts receivable, net

     6,199       —    

Increase in inventory

     (1,268 )     (509 )

Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (5,816 )     (1,808 )

Increase in accounts payable

     20,983       304  

Decrease in other accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     (8,730 )     (2,154 )

Other, net

     (4,482 )     1,938  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     120,292       107,578  
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

    

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (53,977 )     (63,274 )

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (26,789 )     (22,328 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     155       199  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (80,611 )     (85,403 )
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

    

Long-term borrowings

     232,000       74,000  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (127,000 )     (36,000 )

Issuance of common stock

     9,944       8,275  

Purchase of treasury stock

     (132,766 )     (76,242 )

Issuance of treasury stock

     153       136  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     2,856       —    

Dividends paid

     (14,327 )     (12,610 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (29,140 )     (42,441 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     189       —    

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     10,730       (20,266 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     24,561       38,807  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 35,291     $ 18,541  
                

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (in thousands)

(2006 Unaudited)

 

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

Balance at January 1, 2005

   $ 114,505    $ 253,515    $ 882,750     $ (663,779 )   $ (15,192 )   $ 571,799  

Common stock issued-employee benefit plans

     174      3,874      —         —         —         4,048  

Exercise of stock options for cash and by surrender of shares

     774      7,311      —         (4,654 )     —         3,431  

Tax benefit of options exercised

     —        5,133      —         —         —         5,133  

Dividends paid ($0.20 per share)

     —        —        (16,703 )     —         —         (16,703 )

Treasury stock repurchased

     —        —        —         (114,213 )     —         (114,213 )

Treasury stock issued

     —        32      —         151       —         183  

Comprehensive income, net of tax:

              

Net income

     —        —        114,458       —         —         114,458  

Adjustment for minimum pension liability (net of tax of $3,567)

     —        —        —         —         (5,450 )     (5,450 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —        —        —         —         (1,340 )     (1,340 )
                    

Total comprehensive income

                 107,668  
                                              

Balance at December 31, 2005

   $ 115,453    $ 269,865    $ 980,505     $ (782,495 )   $ (21,982 )   $ 561,346  

Common stock issued-employee benefit plans

     149      3,186      —         —         —         3,335  

Exercise of stock options for cash and by surrender of shares

     591      7,365      —         (3,739 )     —         4,217  

Tax benefit of options exercised

     —        3,605      —         —         —         3,605  

Stock-based compensation

     —        6,067      —         —         —         6,067  

Dividends paid ($0.18 per share)

     —        —        (14,327 )     —         —         (14,327 )

Treasury stock repurchased

     —        —        —         (132,766 )     —         (132,766 )

Treasury stock issued

     —        20      —         133       —         153  

Comprehensive income, net of tax:

              

Net income

     —        —        81,635       —         —         81,635  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —        —        —         —         986       986  
                    

Total comprehensive income

                 82,621  
                                              

Balance at September 30, 2006

   $ 116,193    $ 290,108    $ 1,047,813     $ (918,867 )   $ (20,996 )   $ 514,251  
                                              

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Harte-Hanks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note A - Basis of Presentation

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

The statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2006. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

Note B - Income Taxes

Our third quarter 2006 income tax provision of $15.4 million was calculated using an effective income tax rate of approximately 35.7%. Tax expense in the third quarter of 2006 was positively impacted by manufacturing tax deductions resulting in a lower effective tax rate. Our income tax provision for the first nine months of 2006 of $50.1 million was calculated using an effective income tax rate of approximately 38.0%. Our effective income tax rate is derived by estimating pretax income and income tax expense for the year ending December 31, 2006. The effective income tax rate calculated is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% due to the addition of state taxes and to certain expenses recorded for financial reporting purposes that are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Note C – Stock-Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, as revised, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R). SFAS No. 123R requires that all share-based awards be recognized as operating expense, based on their fair values on the date of grant, over the requisite service period, in the consolidated statement of operations. Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for share-based awards under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB No. 25) and related interpretations. Accordingly, prior to January 1, 2006, no compensation expense was recognized for share-based awards granted where the exercise price was equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.

We have elected to adopt SFAS No. 123R under the modified-prospective transition method and we have not restated prior periods in the consolidated financial statements. Under this transition method, stock-based compensation expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 includes:

 

  1. Compensation expense for all stock options granted prior to, but not vested as of, January 1, 2006, based on the fair value estimated at grant date in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”;

 

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  2. Compensation expense for all stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on fair value estimated at the grant date in accordance with SFAS No. 123R;

 

  3. Compensation expense for all nonvested share awards in accordance with SFAS No. 123R;

 

  4. Compensation expense for all performance stock unit awards in accordance with SFAS No. 123R; and

 

  5. Compensation expense for the 15% discount from market value for shares purchased under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

We estimated forfeitures in calculating stock-based compensation expense for both the stock-based awards granted prior to, but not vested as of January 1, 2006, as well as stock-based awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006.

Compensation expense for stock-based awards is recognized in the Labor line of the consolidated statement of operations. For the quarters ended September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2005, we recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $1.9 million ($1.2 million, net of tax) and $13,000 ($8,000, net of tax), respectively. Included in this total stock-based compensation expense is incremental expense for stock-based compensation, as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, of $1.9 million ($1.2 million, net of tax) for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2005, we recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $5.6 million ($3.4 million, net of tax) and $0.1 million ($0.1 million, net of tax), respectively. Included in this total stock-based compensation expense is incremental expense for stock-based compensation, as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, of $5.5 million ($3.4 million, net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. For periods prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we followed APB No. 25 and recorded stock-based compensation expense only for stock options granted where the exercise price was less than the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.

We are required to reflect the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense as both a financing cash inflow and an operating cash outflow upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R resulted in the recognition of $2.9 million as a financing cash inflow and an operating cash outflow.

 

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The following tables illustrate the effect on net income and earnings per share as if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R to stock-based compensation for all periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  

In thousands, except per share amounts

   2006     2005  

Net income — as reported

   $ 27,663     $ 28,825  

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

     1,218       8  

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

     (1,218 )     (990 )
                

Net income — pro forma

   $ 27,663     $ 27,843  
                

Basic earnings per share — as reported

   $ 0.35     $ 0.34  

Basic earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 0.35     $ 0.33  

Diluted earnings per share — as reported

   $ 0.35     $ 0.34  

Diluted earnings per share — pro forma

   $ 0.35     $ 0.33  
     Nine Months Ended September 30,  

In thousands, except per share amounts

   2006     2005  

Net income — as reported

   $ 81,635     $ 83,025  

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

     3,449       87  

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

     (3,449 )     (3,209 )
                

Net income — pro forma

   $ 81,635     $ 79,903  
                

Basic earnings per share — as reported

   $ 1.02     $ 0.98  

Basic earnings per share – pro forma

   $ 1.02     $ 0.95  

Diluted earnings per share — as reported

   $ 1.00     $ 0.96  

Diluted earnings per share — pro forma

   $ 1.00     $ 0.93  

In November 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Staff Position (FSP) SFAS No. 123R-3, “Transition Election to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share Based Payment Awards”. This FSP requires an entity to follow either the transition guidance for the additional paid-in capital pool as described in SFAS No. 123R, or the alternative transition method as described in this FSP. An entity that adopts SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective application may make a one-time election to adopt the transition method described in this FSP. We have elected to adopt the transition method described in this FSP.

 

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In May 2005 we adopted the 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (2005 Plan), a shareholder approved plan, pursuant to which we may issue to directors, officers and key employees up to 4,570,000 equity securities. Under the 2005 Plan we have awarded stock options, nonvested shares and performance stock units. The 2005 Plan replaced the 1991 Stock Option Plan (1991 Plan), a shareholder approved plan, pursuant to which we issued stock options to officers and key employees. No additional options will be granted under the 1991 Plan. As of September 30, 2006, there were 3,541,363 shares available for grant under the 2005 Plan.

Stock Options

Under the 2005 Plan, all options have been granted at exercise prices equal to the market price of the common stock on the grant date (2005 Plan market price options). All 2005 Plan market price options become exercisable in 25% increments on the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of their date of grant and expire on the tenth anniversary of their date of grant. As of September 30, 2006, 2005 Plan market price options to purchase 891,875 shares were outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $25.76 to $29.05 per share. There were no exercisable 2005 Plan market price options at September 30, 2006.

Under the 1991 Plan, options were granted at exercise prices equal to the market price of the common stock on the grant date (1991 Plan market price options) and at exercise prices below the market price of the common stock (1991 Plan performance options). 1991 Plan market price options granted prior to January 1998 became exercisable after the fifth anniversary of their date of grant and expire on the tenth anniversary of their date of grant. Beginning January 1998, 1991 Plan market price options become exercisable in 25% increments on the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of their date of grant and expire on the tenth anniversary of their date of grant. As of September 30, 2006, 1991 Plan market price options to purchase 6,565,486 shares were outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $8.58 to $26.55 per share.

At September 30, 2006, 1991 Plan performance options to purchase 55,950 shares were outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $0.67 to $1.33 per share. No 1991 Plan performance options have been granted since January 1999. The 1991 Plan performance options became exercisable in whole or in part after three years, and the extent to which they became exercisable at that time depended upon the extent to which we achieved certain goals established at the time the options were granted. In December 2005 the remaining unvested 1991 Plan performance options were amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under this option amendment, these unvested 1991 Plan performance options will only be exercisable on the business day following the vesting date of each option.

 

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The following summarizes all stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

 

     Number Of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Option Price
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(Thousands)

Options outstanding at January 1, 2006

   7,428,184     $ 18.07      

Granted

   712,125       25.80      

Exercised

   (413,464 )     13.39      

Cancelled

   (68,835 )     22.82      
              

Options outstanding at March 31, 2006

   7,658,010     $ 19.00    6.03    $ 63,944
              

Granted

   10,500       27.00      

Exercised

   (31,347 )     15.36      

Cancelled

   (37,567 )     25.90      
              

Options outstanding at June 30, 2006

   7,599,596     $ 18.99    5.77    $ 50,537
              

Granted

   85,000       26.82      

Exercised

   (149,023 )     11.12      

Cancelled

   (22,262 )     23.06      
              

Options outstanding at September 30, 2006

   7,513,311     $ 19.22    5.64    $ 53,568
              

Exercisable at September 30, 2006

   4,225,062     $ 15.78    3.90    $ 44,643
              

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005  

Expected term (in years)

   6.75     6.59  

Expected stock price volatility

   23.25 %   25.64 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.45 %   4.00 %

Expected dividend yield

   0.89 %   0.75 %

Expected term is estimated using the simplified method under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, which takes into account vesting and contractual term. Expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility from traded shares of our stock over the expected term. The risk-free interest rate is based on the rate of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury instrument with a remaining term approximately equal to the expected term. Expected dividend yield is based on historical stock price movement and anticipated future annual dividends over the expected term. Future annual dividends over the expected term are estimated to range between $0.24 and $0.48 per share, with a weighted-average annual dividend of $0.36 per share.

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $7.63 and $8.11, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $8.30 and $8.48, respectively. As of September 30, 2006, there was $13.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.20 years.

 

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The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $2.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $8.5 million and $9.7 million, respectively.

Nonvested Shares

In the first quarter of 2006 we granted nonvested shares for the first time since going public in 1993. In addition, in January 2006, certain officers of the Company elected to receive a portion of their 2005 bonus in the form of nonvested shares instead of cash payments. In connection with this election, the value of nonvested shares granted was equal to 125% of the value of the foregone cash payment. All nonvested shares were granted under the 2005 Plan, and vest 100% on the third anniversary of their date of grant. As of September 30, 2006, 81,024 nonvested shares were outstanding, none of which had vested.

The following summarizes all nonvested share activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

 

     Number
Of Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Nonvested shares outstanding at January 1, 2006

   —       $ —  

Granted

   82,624       25.82

Vested

   —         —  

Cancelled

   (350 )     25.80
        

Nonvested shares outstanding at March 31, 2006

   82,274     $ 25.82
        

Granted

   —         —  

Vested

   —         —  

Cancelled

   (1,050 )     25.80
        

Nonvested shares outstanding at June 30, 2006

   81,224     $ 25.82
        

Granted

   —         —  

Vested

   —         —  

Cancelled

   (200 )     25.80
        

Nonvested shares outstanding at Sept. 30, 2006

   81,024     $ 25.82
        

The fair value of each nonvested share is estimated on the date of grant as the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. There were no nonvested shares granted during the three months ended September 30, 2006. The weighted-average fair value of nonvested shares granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $25.82. We did not grant any nonvested shares prior to January 1, 2006. As of September 30, 2006, there was $1.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.32 years.

Performance Stock Units

In the first quarter of 2006 we granted performance stock units for the first time. These performance stock units were granted under the 2005 Plan. Performance stock units are a form of share-based awards in which the number of shares ultimately issued is based on our performance against specific performance goals over a three-year period. At the end of the performance period, the number of shares of stock issued will be determined by adjusting upward or downward from the target in a range between 0% and 125%. As of September 30, 2006, 46,575 performance stock units were outstanding. As of September 30, 2006, no shares of stock associated with the performance stock units awarded have been issued.

 

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The following summarizes all performance stock unit activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

 

     Number
Of Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Performance stock units outstanding at January 1, 2006

   —       $ —  

Granted

   48,175       25.03

Issued

   —         —  

Cancelled

   (350 )     25.03
        

Performance stock units outstanding at March 31, 2006

   47,825     $ 25.03
        

Granted

   —         —  

Issued

   —         —  

Cancelled

   (1,050 )     25.03
        

Performance stock units outstanding at June 30, 2006

   46,775     $ 25.03
        

Granted

   —         —  

Issued

   —         —  

Cancelled

   (200 )     25.03
        

Performance stock units outstanding at September 30, 2006

   46,575     $ 25.03
        

The fair value of each performance stock unit is estimated on the date of grant as the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant, minus the present value of dividend payments anticipated to be paid by the Company over the vesting period. Annual dividends over the vesting period are estimated to range between $0.24 and $0.32 per share, with a weighted-average annual dividend of $0.28 per share. Periodic compensation expense is based on the current estimate of future performance against specific performance goals over a three-year period and is adjusted up or down based on those estimates. There were no nonvested shares granted during the three months ended September 30, 2006. The weighted-average fair value of performance stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $25.03. As of September 30, 2006, there was $0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance stock units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.32 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP Plan), a shareholder approved plan, provides for a total of 6,000,000 shares to be sold to participating employees at 85% of the fair market value at specified quarterly investment dates. During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we issued 52,159 shares under our employee stock purchase plan at an average price of $20.53 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we issued 147,493 shares under our employee stock purchase plan at an average price of $22.23 per share. 2,504,610 shares were available for issuance at September 30, 2006.

 

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Note D - Earnings Per Share

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

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

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,

In thousands, except per share amounts

   2006    2005

BASIC EPS

     

Net Income

   $ 27,663    $ 28,825
             

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

     78,318      83,752
             

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.35    $ 0.34
             

DILUTED EPS

     

Net Income

   $ 27,663    $ 28,825
             

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     79,855      85,408
             

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.35    $ 0.34
             

Computation of shares used in earnings per share computations:

     

Weighted-average outstanding common shares

     78,318      83,752

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

     1,537      1,656
             

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     79,855      85,408
             

For the purpose of calculating the shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2006, 1,997,000 anti-dilutive market price options have been excluded from the EPS calculation. In addition, 47,000 performance stock units have been excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on our performance against goals established for the performance period. For the purpose of calculating the shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2005, 71,000 anti-dilutive market price options have been excluded from the EPS calculation. There were no performance stock units awarded prior to 2006.

 

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     Nine Months Ended September 30,

In thousands, except per share amounts

   2006    2005

BASIC EPS

     

Net Income

   $ 81,635    $ 83,025
             

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

     79,990      84,316
             

Earnings per common share

   $ 1.02    $ 0.98
             

DILUTED EPS

     

Net Income

   $ 81,635    $ 83,025
             

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     81,599      86,056
             

Earnings per common share

   $ 1.00    $ 0.96
             

Computation of shares used in earnings per share computations:

     

Weighted-average outstanding common shares

     79,990      84,316

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

     1,609      1,740
             

Shares used in diluted earnings per share computations

     81,599      86,056
             

For the purpose of calculating the shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, 1,915,000 anti-dilutive market price options have been excluded from the EPS calculation. In addition, 43,000 performance stock units have been excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on our performance against goals established for the performance period. For the purpose of calculating the shares used in the diluted EPS calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, 32,000 anti-dilutive market price options have been excluded from the EPS calculation. There were no performance stock units awarded prior to 2006.

Note E – Business Segments

Harte-Hanks is a highly focused targeted media company with operations in two segments – Direct Marketing and Shoppers.

 

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Information about the operations of Harte-Hanks in our two different business segments follows:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  

In thousands

   2006     2005  

Operating revenues

    

Direct Marketing

   $ 174,122     $ 168,861  

Shoppers

     120,559       112,874  
                

Total operating revenues

   $ 294,681     $ 281,735  
                

Operating Income

    

Direct Marketing

   $ 25,276     $ 26,395  

Shoppers

     22,174       25,096  

Corporate Activities

     (2,844 )     (2,886 )
                

Total operating income

   $ 44,606     $ 48,605  
                

Income before income taxes

    

Operating income

   $ 44,606     $ 48,605  

Interest expense

     (1,485 )     (554 )

Interest income

     48       43  

Other, net

     (114 )     (446 )
                

Total income before income taxes

   $ 43,055     $ 47,648  
                
     Nine Months Ended September 30,  

In thousands

   2006     2005  

Operating revenues

    

Direct Marketing

   $ 512,248     $ 507,268  

Shoppers

     359,200       326,770  
                

Total operating revenues

   $ 871,448     $ 834,038  
                

Operating Income

    

Direct Marketing

   $ 74,237     $ 75,890  

Shoppers

     70,374       72,469  

Corporate Activities

     (8,887 )     (9,615 )
                

Total operating income

   $ 135,724     $ 138,744  
                

Income before income taxes

    

Operating income

   $ 135,724     $ 138,744  

Interest expense

     (3,353 )     (1,262 )

Interest income

     159       158  

Other, net

     (843 )     (1,217 )
                

Total income before income taxes

   $ 131,687     $ 136,423  
                

Note F – Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost

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

 

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

Net pension cost for both plans included the following components:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  

In thousands

   2006     2005  

Service Cost

   $ 182     $ 185  

Interest Cost

     1,845       1,756  

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,126 )     (1,979 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     15       15  

Transition obligation

     24       24  

Recognized actuarial loss

     547       594  
                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 487     $ 595  
                
     Nine Months Ended September 30,  

In thousands

   2006     2005  

Service Cost

   $ 579     $ 554  

Interest Cost

     5,475       5,267  

Expected return on plan assets

     (6,131 )     (5,938 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     46       46  

Transition obligation

     72       72  

Recognized actuarial loss

     1,966       1,783  
                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 2,007     $ 1,784  
                

We made a $5.0 million contribution to our frozen pension plan in May 2006 in order to obtain the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation full funding limit exemption. We are not required to make and do not intend to make any additional contributions to either pension plan for the remainder of 2006 other than to the extent needed to cover benefit payments related to the unfunded plan. As a result of the $5.0 million contribution in May 2006, which reduced the liability, we remeasured certain plan assets and benefit obligations using a discount rate of 6.00% compared to the previously used discount rate of 5.75%.

Note G – Comprehensive Income

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

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  

In thousands

   2006     2005  

Net income

   $ 27,663     $ 28,825  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

    

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (52 )     (48 )
                

Total comprehensive income

   $ 27,611     $ 28,777  
                

 

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     Nine Months Ended September 30,  

In thousands

   2006    2005  

Net income

   $ 81,635    $ 83,025  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

     

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     986      (1,312 )
               

Total comprehensive income

   $ 82,621    $ 81,713  
               

Note H – Acquisitions

In September 2006, we acquired AberdeenGroup, Inc., a provider of technology market research, intelligence, and demand generation services located in Boston, Massachusetts. AberdeenGroup offers market information and services through research channels, and prepares reports based on primary research and benchmarking data from more than 25,000 companies. We see the acquisition providing synergy opportunities with our Ci Technology Database, which now tracks technology infrastructure, business profiles and technology purchase plans at 680,000 locations in North America, South America and Europe – expanding their base globally for research. The results of AberdeenGroup’s reports on current marketplace experiences and trends are used to generate qualified leads by its clients, and we believe this intelligence will assist our clients in their own marketing efforts. Goodwill of $33.3 million and intangible assets subject to amortization of $8.1 million have been preliminarily recognized in this transaction and assigned to the Direct Marketing segment. We are in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of certain intangible asset and the final allocation of the purchase price is subject to refinement.

In July 2006, we acquired Global Address, a provider of global postal address data quality software and services incorporating standards for more than 230 nations and territories worldwide. Global Address, located in Bristol, UK, and with additional operations in Mountain View, CA, focuses on international address data, and has provided key components of Harte-Hanks Global Data Management, a data services offering of the company. We plan to integrate elements of Global Address into our existing international offerings, among them Global Data Management and our Trillium Software data quality solutions, while continuing to support stand-alone Global Address products and services in the marketplace. The total amount of goodwill recognized in this transaction was $8.4 million and was assigned to the Direct Marketing segment. No intangible assets were recognized in this transaction.

The total cost of these acquisitions was approximately $50.8 million and was paid in cash. The operating results of these acquisitions have been included in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of the acquisitions.

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

Special Note about Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, in particular, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) contain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. These forward looking statements are based on current information and expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. These risk factors and a description of some of the risks and uncertainties potentially impacting our business and future performance can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

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Overview

The following MD&A section is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Harte-Hanks, Inc. (Harte-Hanks). This section is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

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

Harte-Hanks Direct Marketing improves the return on its clients’ marketing investment by increasing their prospect and customer value – a process of “customer optimization” – organized around five strategic considerations:

 

    Information (data collection/management);

 

    Opportunity (data access/utilization);

 

    Insight (data analysis/interpretation);

 

    Engagement (knowledge application); and

 

    Interaction (program execution).

We utilize various capabilities and technologies to enable our clients to identify, reach, influence and nurture their customers. The services and products offered by Direct Marketing are tailored to specific industries or markets. Our direct marketing business services various vertical markets including retail, high-tech/telecom, financial services, pharmaceutical/healthcare, and a wide range of selected markets. Depending on the needs of our clients, our direct marketing capabilities are provided in an integrated approach through more than 30 facilities worldwide, more than 10 of which are located outside of the United States. Each of these centers possesses some specialization and is linked with others to support the needs of our clients. We believe that we have the ability to provide services to new industries and markets by modifying our services and applications as opportunities are presented. Revenues from the Direct Marketing segment represented approximately 59% of our total revenue for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Harte-Hanks Shoppers is North America’s largest owner, operator and distributor of shopper publications, based on weekly circulation and revenues. Shoppers are weekly advertising publications delivered free by Standard Mail to households and businesses in a particular geographic area. Shoppers offer advertisers a targeted, cost-effective, local advertising system, with virtually 100% penetration in their area of distribution. Shoppers are particularly effective in large markets with high media fragmentation in which major metropolitan newspapers generally have low penetration. As of September 30, 2006, our shoppers are zoned into 1,103 separate editions with total circulation in excess of 13 million in California and Florida each week (including 240,000 in South Orange County, California where Shoppers publish two editions each week). We have expanded our circulation over time, including by 500,000 in the third quarter of 2006. We believe that expansions provide increased revenues and, ultimately, increased operating income as the publications in these new areas mature. Revenues from the Shoppers segment represented approximately 41% of our total revenue for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

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

 

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Our overall strategy is based on seven key elements:

 

    Being a market leader in each of our businesses;

 

    Increasing revenues through growing our base businesses;

 

    Introducing new services and products;

 

    Entering new markets and making acquisitions;

 

    Using technology to create competitive advantages;

 

    Employing people who understand our clients’ business and markets; and

 

    Creating shareholder value.

Our principal expense items are labor, postage and transportation.

Results of Operations

Operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  

In thousands

   September 30, 2006    September 30, 2005    Change     September 30, 2006    September 30, 2005    Change  

Revenues

   $ 294,681    $ 281,735    4.6 %   $ 871,448    $ 834,038    4.5 %

Operating expenses

     250,075      233,130    7.3 %     735,724      695,294    5.8 %
                                

Operating income

   $ 44,606    $ 48,605    -8.2 %   $ 135,724    $ 138,744    -2.2 %
                                

Net income

   $ 27,663    $ 28,825    -4.0 %   $ 81,635    $ 83,025    -1.7 %
                                

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.35    $ 0.34    2.9 %   $ 1.00    $ 0.96    4.2 %
                                

3rd Quarter 2006 vs. 3rd Quarter 2005

Revenues

Consolidated revenues increased 4.6%, to $294.7 million, while operating income decreased 8.2% to $44.6 million in the third quarter of 2006 when compared to the third quarter of 2005. Our overall results reflect increased revenues of 6.8% from our Shoppers segment and 3.1% from our Direct Marketing segment. The revenue performance from Shoppers was the result of improved sales in established markets, new products and year-over-year geographic expansions and household growth in California and Florida. Direct Marketing results reflect year-over-year growth in all of our vertical markets in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005.

Operating Expenses

Overall operating expenses increased 7.3%, to $250.1 million, in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005. The increase in consolidated operating expenses was a result of increased operating expenses of 12.1% from the Shoppers segment and 4.5% from the Direct Marketing segment, partially offset by a 1.5% decrease in general corporate expense. The primary drivers of the increase in operating expenses were higher Shoppers postage costs due to the postal rate increase in January 2006, higher Shoppers payrolls to support increased revenues, higher circulation volumes and expansions, higher paper costs due to higher rates, and $1.9 million of stock-based compensation recorded in the third quarter of 2006 as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

Net Income/Earnings Per Share

Net income decreased 4.0%, to $27.7 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 2.9%, to $0.35 per share,

 

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in the third quarter of 2006 when compared to the third quarter of 2005. The decrease in net income was a result of decreased operating income and increased interest expense, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2006 when compared to the third quarter of 2005. In 2006 we began expensing stock options and other equity-compensation, which impacted third quarter 2006 diluted earnings per share by approximately one and a half cents per share.

First Nine Months 2006 vs. First Nine Months 2005

Revenues

Consolidated revenues increased 4.5%, to $871.4 million, while operating income decreased 2.2%, to $135.7 million, in the first nine months of 2006 when compared to the first nine months of 2005. Our overall results reflect increased revenues of 9.9% from our Shoppers segment and 1.0% from our Direct Marketing segment. The acquisition of The Tampa Flyer in April 2005 contributed a little more than a third of the Shoppers revenue growth. The remaining Shoppers revenue increases primarily were the result of improved sales in established markets, year-over-year geographic expansions and household growth in California and Florida, and new products. Direct Marketing results were affected by (i) $7.0 million of revenue recognized in the second quarter of 2006 relating to a contract termination fee received from one of our customers in the financial vertical that was acquired earlier this year, and (ii) a large, complex, world-wide project that was launched and substantially completed in the first quarter of 2005 for a client in the high-tech vertical market.

Operating Expenses

Overall operating expenses increased 5.8%, to $735.7 million, in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005. The increase in consolidated operating expenses was a result of increased operating expenses of 13.6% from the Shoppers segment and 1.5% from the Direct Marketing segment, partially offset by a 7.6% decrease in general corporate expense. The primary drivers of the increase in operating expenses were the acquisition of The Tampa Flyer in April 2005, higher Shoppers postage costs due to the postal rate increase in January 2006, higher Shoppers payrolls to support increased revenues, higher circulation volumes and expansions, $5.6 million of stock-based compensation as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 123R, higher logistics-related transportation costs, higher paper costs due to higher rates, and expenses related to the contract termination discussed above.

Net Income/Earnings Per Share

Net income decreased 1.7%, to $81.6 million, while diluted earnings per share were up 4.2%, to $1.00 per share, in the first nine months of 2006 when compared to the first nine months of 2005. The decrease in net income was a result of decreased operating income and increased interest expense, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2006 when compared to the first nine months of 2005. In 2006 we began expensing stock options and other equity-compensation, which impacted the first nine months 2006 diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.04 per share.

Direct Marketing

Direct Marketing operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  

In thousands

   September 30, 2006    September 30, 2005    Change     September 30, 2006    September 30, 2005    Change  

Revenues

   $ 174,122    $ 168,861    3.1 %   $ 512,248    $ 507,268    1.0 %

Operating expenses

     148,846      142,466    4.5 %     438,011      431,378    1.5 %
                                

Operating income

   $ 25,276    $ 26,395    -4.2 %   $ 74,237    $ 75,890    -2.2 %
                                

 

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3rd Quarter 2006 vs. 3rd Quarter 2005

Revenues

Direct Marketing revenues increased $5.3 million, or 3.1%, in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005. These results reflect year-over-year growth in all of our vertical markets in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005. Our pharma/healthcare vertical was up in the low double digits and our select vertical grew in the mid-single digits. Our retail, high tech/telecom and financial verticals were each up in the low single digits in the quarter. Revenues from our vertical markets are impacted by the economic fundamentals of each industry, various market factors, including the demand for services by our clients, and the financial condition of and budgets available to specific clients. In general, revenues for Direct Marketing are affected by general national and international economic trends.

From a service offering perspective, Direct Marketing experienced increased revenues from telesales, software sales and logistics. Partially offsetting these increases were declines in revenues from database sales.

Future revenues will depend on how successful we are at growing business with existing clients, acquiring new clients and meeting client demands, and the strength of the national and international economy. We believe that we will continue to benefit from marketing and advertising expenditures being moved from other advertising media to the targeted media space, the results of which can be more effectively tracked enabling measurement of the return on marketing investment.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $6.4 million, or 4.5%, in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005. Labor costs increased $2.5 million, or 3.6%, in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005 due to $1.0 million of stock-based compensation, higher temporary labor expense and higher payrolls. This increase was partially offset by lower bonus and other incentive compensation that is tied to our financial performance. Excluding stock-based compensation, labor costs were up $1.5 million, or 2.2%, compared to the prior year quarter. Production and distribution costs increased $1.0 million, or 1.8%, due to higher logistics-related transportation costs and printing material costs. General and administrative expense increased $2.4 million, or 21.1%, as a result of losses related to the sale of a print operation in October 2006, increased bad debt expense primarily due to timing of collections, and increased facility costs due to our new facility in Manila and higher utility costs at existing facilities. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.5 million, or 8.6%, due to additional intangible amortization related to recent acquisitions, depreciation of assets related to the new facility in Manila and amortization beginning on a new release of our Trillium software.

First Nine Months 2006 vs. First Nine Months 2005

Revenues

Direct Marketing revenues increased $5.0 million, or 1.0%, in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005. These results were affected by (i) $7.0 million of revenue recognized in the second quarter of 2006 relating to a contract termination fee received from one of our customers in the financial vertical that was acquired earlier this year, and (ii) a large, complex, world-wide project that was launched and substantially completed in the first quarter of 2005 for a client in the high-tech vertical market. Our pharma/healthcare vertical was up over 25% and our retail vertical and select vertical both grew in the mid-single digits compared to the first nine months of 2005. Our financial (excluding the termination fee) and high-tech (excluding the one-time project) verticals were both down in the high single digits compared to the first nine months of 2005.

From a service offering perspective, Direct Marketing experienced increased revenues from data processing, logistics and software sales. Partially offsetting these increases were declines in revenues from account management, telesales and database sales.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $6.6 million, or 1.5%, in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005. These results include (i) $2.4 million of operating expense recognized in the second quarter of

 

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2006 as a result of the contract termination discussed above, and (ii) $3.2 million of stock-based compensation. Excluding these two factors, operating expense increased $1.0 million, or 0.2%. Labor costs in the first nine months of 2006 increased $2.5 million, or 1.2%, compared to the first nine months of 2005. Excluding the additional labor costs associated with the contract termination and stock-based compensation, labor costs were down $2.2 million, or 1.0%, in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005. Production and distribution costs increased $2.7 million, or 1.7%, due to higher logistics-related transportation costs. General and administrative expense increased $0.8 million, or 2.2%, due to losses on the sale of a print operation in October 2006, increased facility costs from our new facility in Manila, and higher utility costs at existing facilities. These increases were partially offset by decreased bad debt expense, primarily due to timing of collections. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.7 million, or 3.6%, due to additional intangible amortization due to recent acquisitions, depreciation of assets related to the new facility in Manila and amortization beginning on a new release of our Trillium software.

Direct Marketing’s largest cost components are labor, outsourced costs and transportation costs. Each of these costs is variable and tends to fluctuate with revenues and the demand for our direct marketing services. Fuel costs increased significantly in 2005 and are expected to remain at high levels for the foreseeable future. These fuel costs are expected to continue to impact Direct Marketing’s total production costs and total operating expenses.

Shoppers

Shoppers operating results were as follows:

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  

In thousands

   September 30, 2006    September 30, 2005    Change     September 30, 2006    September 30, 2005    Change  

Revenues

   $ 120,559    $ 112,874    6.8 %   $ 359,200    $ 326,770    9.9 %

Operating expenses

     98,385      87,778    12.1 %     288,826      254,301    13.6 %
                                

Operating income

   $ 22,174    $ 25,096    -11.6 %   $ 70,374    $ 72,469    -2.9 %
                                

3rd Quarter 2006 vs. 3rd Quarter 2005

Revenues

Shoppers revenues increased $7.7 million, or 6.8%, in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005. The increase in revenues was the result of improved sales in established markets, new products, and year-over-year geographic expansions and household growth in California and Florida. Total Shoppers circulation increased by more than 500,000 during the third quarter of 2006, including 300,000 in Southern California and 200,000 in the Tampa, Florida area. At the end of the quarter, Shopper circulation reached over 13.4 million in California and Florida each week (including 240,000 in South Orange County, California where Shoppers publish two editions each week). We believe that expansions provide increased revenue opportunities. We do not anticipate any additional expansion for the remainder of 2006 and we plan to moderate the pace of expansion in 2007. Newer areas initially tend to contribute less from a revenue-per-thousand perspective than existing areas, and in fact are typically expected to be less profitable or even unprofitable until the publications in those areas mature.

From a product-line perspective, Shoppers had growth from both run-of-press (ROP, or in-book) advertising, including core sales, employment, real estate and automotive advertising, and distribution products.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $10.6 million, or 12.1%, in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005 as a result of increased labor costs, production and distribution costs, general and administrative costs, and depreciation and amortization expense. Total labor costs increased $3.1 million, or 9.9%, due to higher

 

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payrolls to support increased revenues, higher circulation volumes and expansions, $0.5 million of stock-based compensation and higher healthcare costs. Excluding stock-based compensation, total labor costs increased $2.6 million or 8.3% compared to the prior year quarter. Total production costs increased $6.9 million, or 15.0%, due to increased postage costs and higher paper costs due to increased newsprint and job paper rates and circulation growth. Postage expense was up $3.7 million, or 15.0%, due to the postal rate increase in January 2006 and circulation growth. Total general and administrative costs increased $0.5 million, or 5.5%, due to higher facility costs, professional services and bad debt expense, partially offset by lower insurance costs. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.2 million, or 8.4%, due to increased capital expenditures in recent years to support growth.

First Nine Months 2006 vs. First Nine Months 2005

Revenues

Shoppers revenues increased $32.4 million, or 9.9%, in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005. The acquisition of The Tampa Flyer in April 2005 contributed a little more than a third of this revenue growth. The remaining revenue increases primarily were the result of improved sales in established markets, year-over-year geographic expansions and household growth in California and Florida, and new products. Total Shoppers circulation increased by 860,000 during the first nine months of 2006, including expansion of 567,000 in California and 293,000 in Florida area.

From a product-line perspective, Shoppers had growth from both run-of-press (ROP, or in-book) advertising, including core sales, and employment, real estate and automotive advertising, and distribution products.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $34.5 million, or 13.6%, in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005 as a result of increased labor costs, production and distribution costs, general and administrative costs, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation and the acquisition of The Tampa Flyer in April 2005. Total labor costs increased $12.0 million, or 13.2%. Excluding the Tampa acquisition, labor costs increased $7.7 million, or 8.4%. $1.3 million of this increase relates to stock-based compensation recorded in the first nine months of 2006 as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 123R. The remaining increase in labor costs relates to higher payroll costs to support increased revenues, higher circulation volumes and expansions and higher healthcare costs. Total production costs increased $20.7 million, or 15.7%. Excluding the Tampa acquisition, production costs increased $15.5 million, or 11.6%, including increased postage costs, increased offload printing expense due to increased print-and-deliver volumes and higher printing rates, and higher paper costs due to increased newsprint and job paper rates and circulation growth. Excluding the Tampa acquisition, postage expense was up $9.1 million, or 12.3%, due to the postal rate increase in January 2006 and circulation growth. Total general and administrative costs increased $0.8 million, or 3.0%. Excluding the Tampa acquisition, general and administrative costs decreased $0.1 million, or 0.4%, primarily due to lower bad debt expense, and lower insurance expense, partially offset by increased promotion expense. Total depreciation expense was up $0.6 million, or 13.8%, with a little more than a third of the increase attributable to the Tampa acquisition. Intangible amortization related to the Tampa acquisition was $0.9 million during the first nine months of 2006 compared to $0.5 million for the first nine months of 2005.

Shoppers’ largest cost components are labor, postage and paper. Shoppers’ labor costs are variable and tend to fluctuate with the number of zones, circulation, volumes and revenues. Standard postage rates increased in January of 2006, and likely will increase again in the middle of 2007. Increased postage rates increased Shoppers total production costs in the first nine months of 2006 and will increase production costs for the reminder of the year and into 2007. Newsprint prices, which have been increasing since 2004, continued to increase in the first nine months of 2006 and are expected to continue to increase throughout the remainder of the year and into 2007. This increase resulted in higher production costs in the first nine months of 2006, and rising newsprint prices are expected to affect Shoppers’ production costs for the remainder of the year and into 2007.

 

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General Corporate Expense

General corporate expense decreased $42,000, or 1.5%, during the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005, as lower incentive compensation expense was partially offset by higher professional service costs and $0.4 million of stock-based compensation recorded in the third quarter of 2006 as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

General corporate expense decreased $0.7 million, or 7.6%, during the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005, due to decreased labor, primarily due to lower incentive compensation, and decreased insurance expense and professional service costs. Partially offsetting this decrease was $0.9 million of additional stock-based compensation recorded in the first nine months of 2006 over the first nine months of 2005 as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was up $0.9 million, or 168.1% in the third quarter of 2006 and $2.1 million, or 165.7%, in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the same periods in 2005. These increases are due to higher outstanding debt levels, primarily due to the repurchases of our common stock and acquisitions, and higher interest rates on borrowings in 2006 than 2005.

Interest Income

Interest income was essentially unchanged in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 compared to the same periods in 2005 as a result of the combination of normal variances in cash levels and an increase in rates on investments.

Other Income and Expense

Other net expense primarily consists of stockholder expenses and balance-based bank charges.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense decreased $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2006 and $3.3 million in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the same periods in 2005. The effective tax rate was 35.7% for the third quarter of 2006, down from 39.5% for the third quarter of 2005. The effective tax rate was 38.0% for the first nine months of 2006, down from 39.1% for the first nine months of 2005. Tax expense in the third quarter of 2006 was positively impacted by manufacturing tax deductions, resulting in a lower effective tax rate than in the third quarter of 2005. Tax expense in the first nine months of 2006 was positively impacted by a favorable resolution to a state tax matter and manufacturing tax deductions, resulting in a lower effective tax rate compared to the first nine months of 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Cash

As of September 30, 2006, cash and cash equivalents were $35.3 million, increasing $10.7 million from cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2005. This net increase was a result of net cash provided by operating activities of $120.3 million, partially offset by cash used in investing activities of $80.6 million and net cash used in financing activities of $29.1 million.

 

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Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $120.3 million, compared to $107.6 million for the first nine months of 2005. The $12.7 million year-over-year increase was attributable to changes within working capital assets and liabilities.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 our principal working capital changes, which directly affected net cash provided by operating activities, were as follows:

 

    A decrease in accounts receivable attributable to collection efforts and a higher beginning year accounts receivable balance. Days sales outstanding of approximately 56 days at September 30, 2006 was the same as at December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2005;

 

    An increase in inventory due to increased paper prices and timing of purchases;

 

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

 

    An increase in accounts payable due to an $18.1 million net overdraft position in one of our banks at September 30, 2006, timing and higher workers’ compensation and healthcare accruals;

 

    A decrease in accrued payroll and related expenses due to payment of 2005 bonuses;

 

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

 

    An increase in income taxes payable due to the timing of quarterly estimated federal and state taxes payments.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $80.6 million for the first nine months of 2006, compared to $85.4 million for the first nine months of 2005. The difference between net cash outflows from investing activities in 2006 and 2005 is the result of higher spending on acquisitions in the first nine months of 2005, primarily the acquisition of The Tampa Flyer in April 2005. This was partially offset by increased capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2006.

Financing Activities

Net cash outflows from financing activities were $29.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to net cash outflows of $42.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The difference between net cash outflows from financing activities in 2006 and 2005 is attributable primarily to $67.0 million higher net debt borrowings in 2006, partially offset by a $56.5 million higher amount spent on repurchases of our common stock in 2006.

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

On August 12, 2005, we entered into a five-year $125 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Facility allows us to obtain revolving credit loans and provides for the issuance of letters of credit. For each borrowing under the Credit Facility, we can generally choose to have the interest rate for that borrowing calculated based on either JPMorgan Chase Bank’s publicly announced New York prime rate or on a Eurodollar (as defined in the Five-Year Credit Agreement) rate plus a spread. The spread is determined based on our total debt-to-EBITDA (as defined in the Five-Year Credit

 

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Agreement) ratio then in effect, and ranges from .315% to .6%. There is a facility fee that we are also required to pay under the Credit Facility that is based on a rate applied to the total commitment amount under the Credit Facility, regardless of how much of that commitment we have actually drawn upon. The facility fee rate ranges from .085% to .15% per annum, depending on our total debt-to-EBITDA ratio then in effect. In addition, we will also be charged a letter of credit fee with respect to any outstanding letters of credit issued under this credit facility. That fee is calculated by applying a rate equal to the spread applicable to Eurodollar based loans plus a fronting fee of .125% per annum to the average daily undrawn amount of the outstanding letters of credit.

On September 6, 2006, we entered into a term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. The Term Loan Facility provides for a commitment of up to $200 million which we may draw upon at anytime until September 6, 2007 (the “Drawdown Period”). On December 31, 2007 we will begin making quarterly principal payments as follows:

 

Quarterly

Installments

  

Percentage of

Drawn Amounts

1 – 8

   2.5% each

9 – 12

   3.75% each

13 – 15

   5.00% each

Maturity Date

   Remaining Principal Balance

The Term Loan Facility matures on September 6, 2011. For each borrowing under the Term Loan Facility, we can generally choose to have the interest rate for that borrowing calculated based on either (i) a Eurodollar (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) rate, plus a spread which is determined based on our total debt-to-EBITDA ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) then in effect, and ranges from .315% to .6% per annum, or (ii) the higher of Wells Fargo Bank’s prime rate in effect on such date or the Federal Funds rate in effect on such date plus .50%. There is a facility fee that we are also required to pay under the Term Loan Facility that is based on a facility fee rate. During the Drawdown Period, the facility rate is applied to the total commitment amount under the Term Loan Facility, regardless of how much of that commitment we have actually drawn upon. After the Drawdown period, the facility rate is applied to the outstanding principal balance owed under the Term Loan Facility. The facility fee rate ranges from .085% to .15% per annum, depending on our total debt-to-EBITDA ratio then in effect. We may elect to prepay the Term Loan Facility at any time. Once an amount has been prepaid, it may not be reborrowed.

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

The Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility each also include customary covenants regarding reporting obligations, delivery of notices regarding certain events, maintaining our corporate existence, payment of obligations, maintenance of our properties and insurance thereon at customary levels with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, maintaining books and records and compliance with applicable laws. The Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility each also provide for customary events of default including nonpayment of principal or interest, breach of representations and warranties, violations of covenants, failure to pay certain other indebtedness, bankruptcy and material judgments and liabilities, certain violations of environmental laws or ERISA or the occurrence of a change of control. As of September 30, 2006, we were in compliance with all of the covenants of our credit facility.

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

 

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Based on our current operational plans, we believe that our Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility, together with cash provided by operating activities, will be sufficient to fund operations and anticipated capital expenditures and dividends for the foreseeable future. As of September 30, 2006, we had $73.0 million of unused borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility and $85.0 million of unused borrowing capacity under our Term Loan Facility.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

 

    Revenue recognition;

 

    Allowance for doubtful accounts;

 

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

 

    Goodwill; and

 

    Stock-based compensation.

Other than the adoption of SFAS No. 123R in January 2006 described in Note C of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, there have been no changes to the critical accounting policies described in our annual report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Beginning January 1, 2006 we account for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Determining the fair value of share-based awards requires judgment, including in some cases estimating expected term, volatility and dividend yield. In addition, judgment is required in estimating the amount of stock-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be materially impacted.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. An enterprise would be required to recognize in its financial statements the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement only if that position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. FIN 48 will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2007 and we are in the process of assessing the impact of adopting this interpretation.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2008 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or a liability in its statement of financial position. The funded status is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation (the projected benefit obligation for pension plans or the accumulated benefit obligation for other postretirement benefit plans). An employer is also required to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end balance sheet with changes in the funded status recognized through comprehensive income. SFAS 158 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effects on net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and the transition asset or obligation. We will be required to recognize the funded status of our defined benefit postretirement benefit plans in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the year-end balance sheet is effective for our financial statements beginning January 1, 2009. SFAS 158 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In September 2006, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of a Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (SAB 108). SAB 108 addresses how the effects of prior year uncorrected errors must be considered in quantifying misstatements in the current year financial statements. The effects of prior year uncorrected errors include the potential accumulation of improper amounts that may result in a material misstatement on the balance sheet or the reversal of prior period errors in the current period that result in a material misstatement of the current period income statement amounts. Adjustments to current or prior period financial statements would be required in the event that after application of various approaches for assessing materiality of a misstatement in current period financial statements and consideration of all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors, a misstatement is determined to be material. SAB 108 will be applicable to all financial statements issued by us after November 15, 2006.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of our revolving credit agreement and term loan agreement, both of which bear interest at variable rates based on Eurodollar rates (effective rate of 5.65% at September 30, 2006). At September 30, 2006, we had $52.0 million of debt outstanding under our revolving credit agreement, which has a maturity date of August 12, 2010, and $115.0 million of debt outstanding under our term loan agreement, which has a final maturity date of September 6, 2011. Our earnings are also affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of a deferred compensation agreement, which bears interest at variable rates based on Prime (effective rate of 8.25% at September 30, 2006) and has a balance of $6.1 million at September 30, 2006. Assuming the actual level of borrowing and deferred compensation balance throughout the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 and assuming a one percentage point change in average interest rates, it is estimated that our net income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2006 would have changed by approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Due to our overall debt level and deferred compensation balance at September 30, 2006, anticipated cash flows from operations, and the various financial alternatives available to management should there be an adverse change in interest rates, we do not believe that we have significant exposure to market risks associated with changing interest rates.

Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates as a result of our operations in foreign countries. Due to the level of operations in foreign countries, the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates is not significant to our overall earnings.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the third quarter of 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATI ON

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time we become involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to our businesses. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, any ultimate liability arising out of currently pending claims and lawsuits are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. There were no material changes in the risk factors as previously disclosed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report Form 10-k for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

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

The following table contains information about our purchases of equity securities during the third quarter of 2006:

 

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price
Paid per
Share
  

Total Number

of Shares
Purchased

as Part of

a Publicly
Announced Plan(1)

   Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plan(2)

July 1 – 31, 2006

   735,791    $ 25.06    696,600    3,324,028

August 1 – 31, 2006 (3)

   1,222,000    $ 25.42    1,222,000    8,102,028

September 1 – 30, 2006 (3)

   806,056    $ 26.47    798,500    7,303,528
                   

Total

   2,763,847    $ 25.63    2,717,100   
                   

(1) During the third quarter of 2006, 2,717,100 shares were purchased through our stock repurchase program that was publicly announced in January 1997. Under this program, from which shares can be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 55,900,000 shares of our outstanding common stock. As of September 30, 2006 we had repurchased a total of 48,596,472 shares at an average price of $18.32 per share under this program.
(2) On August 30, 2006, our Board of Directors of authorized and approved an amendment of our stock repurchase program by increasing the number of shares the Company may repurchase under the program by 6 million shares.
(3) During the third quarter of 2006 we purchased 300,000 shares of our common stock from Mr. Houston H. Harte, a member of our Board of Directors. Details of the purchases are as follows:

 

Date of Purchase

   Shares    Price Per Share    Closing Price on
Date of Purchase

8/03/2006

   100,000    $ 25.02    $ 25.02

8/30/2006

   100,000    $ 26.59    $ 26.59

9/06/2006

   100,000    $ 26.41    $ 26.41

Item 6. Exhibits

See Index to Exhibits on Page 34.

 

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

 

  HARTE-HANKS, INC.
November 9, 2006  

/s/ Richard M. Hochhauser

Date   Richard M. Hochhauser
  President and Chief Executive Officer
November 9, 2006  

/s/ Dean H. Blythe

Date   Dean H. Blythe
  Senior Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
November 9, 2006  

/s/ Jessica M. Huff

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

 

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Exhibit No.  

Description of Exhibit

*31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

* Filed herewith

 

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