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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ----- to -----
Commission file number 0-13163
Acxiom Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
DELAWARE 71-0581897
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
P.O. Box 8180, 1 Information Way,
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(501) 342-1000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
The number of shares of Common Stock, $ 0.10 par value per share, outstanding as of August 8, 2002 was 88,026,023.
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
JUNE 30, 2002
Page No.
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2002 and March 31,
2002 (Unaudited) 2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended
June 30, 2002 and 2001 (Unaudited) 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended
June 30, 2002 and 2001 (Unaudited) 4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 5 - 13
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations 14 - 24
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
25
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 26
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 26
Signature 27
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, March 31,
2002 2002
------------------ ------------------
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,279 $ 5,676
Trade accounts receivable, net 185,883 185,579
Deferred income taxes 48,716 48,716
Refundable income taxes 3,406 41,652
Other current assets 85,780 78,602
------------------ ------------------
Total current assets 326,064 360,225
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation and amortization 179,757 181,775
Software, net of accumulated amortization 66,525 61,437
Goodwill 181,941 174,655
Purchased software licenses, net of 170,219 169,854
accumulated amortization
Unbilled and notes receivable, excluding 34,547 40,358
current portions
Deferred costs, net of accumulated amortization 119,961 125,843
Other assets, net 38,078 42,687
------------------ ------------------
$ 1,117,092 $ 1,156,834
================== ==================
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt 29,398 23,274
Trade accounts payable 26,946 29,472
Accrued expenses:
Restructuring and impairment costs 2,456 3,022
Payroll 12,258 17,612
Other 33,377 43,176
Deferred revenue 60,358 61,114
------------------ ------------------
Total current liabilities 164,793 177,670
------------------ ------------------
Long-term debt, excluding current installments 343,327 396,850
Deferred income taxes 78,828 71,383
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 8,794 8,734
Additional paid-in capital 287,876 281,355
Retained earnings 242,256 231,791
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (6,029) (8,609)
Treasury stock, at cost (2,753) (2,340)
------------------ ------------------
Total stockholders' equity 530,144 510,931
------------------ ------------------
$ 1,117,092 $ 1,156,834
================== ==================
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
2002 2001
----------- -----------
Revenue $ 225,406 $ 205,038
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits 74,792 93,548
Computer, communications and other equipment 63,026 81,727
Data costs 28,944 30,789
Other operating costs and expenses 37,413 46,408
Gains, losses and nonrecurring items, net (457) 45,342
----------- -----------
Total operating costs and expenses 203,718 297,814
----------- -----------
Income (loss) from operations 21,688 (92,776)
----------- -----------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (5,327) (6,742)
Other, net (9) (791)
----------- -----------
(5,336) (7,533)
----------- -----------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 16,352 (100,309)
Income taxes 5,887 (36,670)
----------- -----------
Net earnings (loss) $ 10,465 $ (63,639)
=========== ===========
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ 0.12 $ (0.71)
=========== ===========
Diluted $ 0.12 $ (0.71)
=========== ===========
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
2002 2001
-------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss) $ 10,465 $ (63,639)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash
provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 28,174 42,446
Loss on disposal or impairment of assets, net - 45,354
Deferred income taxes 7,552 (34,742)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 85 15,654
Other assets 34,079 (5,194)
Accounts payable and other liabilities (19,546) (37,024)
Restructuring and impairment costs (566) (2,135)
-------------- -------------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 60,243 (39,280)
-------------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from the disposition of assets 45 127
Capitalized software development costs (8,652) (5,935)
Capital expenditures (1,916) (8,867)
Deferral of costs (3,240) (8,612)
Investments in joint ventures and other investments (1,052) (3,689)
Net cash paid in acquisitions (772) -
-------------- -------------
Net cash used by investing activities (15,587) (26,976)
-------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt 73,707 102,113
Payments of debt (127,972) (20,861)
Sale of common stock, net of repurchases 6,168 3,210
Payments on equity forward contracts - (22,544)
-------------- -------------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (48,097) 61,918
-------------- -------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 44 (9)
-------------- -------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3,397) (4,347)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 5,676 14,176
-------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 2,279 $ 9,829
============== =============
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest $ 6,702 $ 6,714
Income taxes (39,906) 12,192
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Enterprise software licenses acquired under software obligation 2,828 -
Acquisition of property and equipment under capital lease 2,310 -
============== =============
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Acxiom Corporation ("Registrant", "Acxiom" or "the
Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "the
Commission"). In the opinion of the Registrant's management, however, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the
results for the periods included have been made and the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not
misleading. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain note information has been omitted because it has
not changed significantly from that reflected in Notes 1 through 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as
a part of Item 14 of the Registrant's 2002 annual report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002. This
report and the accompanying financial statements should be read in connection with the annual report for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2002. The financial information contained in this report is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
for any other period or for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2003.
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities
and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Certain of the accounting policies used in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements
require management to make complex judgments and/or significant estimates regarding amounts reported or disclosed in these
financial statements. Additionally, the application of certain of these accounting policies is governed by complex accounting
principles and interpretations thereof. A full discussion of the Company's significant accounting principles and the
application thereof is discussed in note 1 and in management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K.
Effective January 1, 2001, the Company changed its method of accounting for certain transactions, retroactive to April 1, 2000,
in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements." The cumulative effect of
the change resulted in a charge to earnings of $37.5 million, net of income taxes, and was included in the Company's condensed
consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2000 (not included herein). For the quarters ended June
30, 2002 and 2001, the Company recognized approximately $4.2 million and $5.1 million, respectively, in revenue that was
included in the cumulative effect adjustment.
5
2. IMPAIRMENT CHARGES
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
On June 25, 2001, the Company announced a restructuring plan ("Restructuring Plan") for significant cost-reduction efforts,
including workforce reductions, the sale and leaseback of a significant amount of its computer equipment, and certain other
restructuring activities, asset impairments and other adjustments and accruals totaling $45.3 million. The charges recorded by
the Company and included in gains, losses and nonrecurring items, net in the June 30, 2001 condensed consolidated financial
statements include a loss on the sale-leaseback transaction of $31.2 million; $8.3 million in associate-related reserves,
principally employment contract termination and severance costs; $3.6 million for lease and contract termination costs and $2.2
million for abandoned or otherwise impaired assets and transaction costs.
In addition to the above charges, the Company recorded accelerated depreciation and amortization and certain other charges of
approximately $25.8 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2001, on certain software and long-lived assets that are no
longer in service or have otherwise been deemed impaired under the appropriate accounting literature, primarily Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 86, "Accounting for the Cost of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise
Marketed," or SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of."
Sale Leaseback Transaction
On June 29, 2001, in connection with the Restructuring Plan, the Company entered into an agreement whereby it sold equipment
with a net book value of $50.7 million to Technology Investment Partners, LLC ("TIP") and recorded a loss on this sale of $31.2
million. Simultaneous with the sale of this equipment, the Company also agreed to lease the equipment under a capital lease
from TIP for a period of thirty-six months. The Company received $2.0 million of the sale proceeds from TIP during July 2001
and received an additional $4.0 million of the sales proceeds during December 2001. The remaining sales proceeds have been
applied as a prepayment of the lease. Included in property and equipment at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, is equipment of
$13.0 million and $14.7 million, respectively, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, related to the assets under
this leaseback arrangement. Included in long-term debt at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, is a capital lease obligation in
the amount of $5.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively, representing sales proceeds to be repaid to TIP under the leaseback
provision of the agreement.
Montgomery Wards Bankruptcy
During the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2001, the Company recorded a charge totaling $34.6 million relating to
the bankruptcy filing of Montgomery Ward ("Wards"), a significant customer of the Information Technology ("IT") Management
segment, for the write-down of impaired assets and for certain ongoing obligations that have no future benefit to the Company.
As of June 30, 2001, the Company is no longer providing services to Wards.
6
The following table shows the balances related to the Restructuring Plan and to Wards that were included in the restructuring
and impairment accruals as of March 31, 2002 and the changes in those balances during the period ended June 30, 2002 (dollars
in thousands):
March 31, Less payments June 30, 2002
2002
-------------- -------------- --------------
Associate-related reserves $ 600 $(325) $ 275
Contract termination costs 2,025 (200) 1,825
Transaction costs and other
accruals 397 (41) 356
-------------- -------------- --------------
$ 3,022 $(566) $ 2,456
============== ============== ==============
The remaining accruals will be paid out over periods ranging up to three years.
3. ACQUISITIONS
Effective June 1, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with Publishing & Broadcasting Limited ("PBL") whereby Acxiom
purchased PBL's 50% ownership interest in an Australian joint venture ("JV") for cash of $0.8 million (net of cash acquired)
and a note payable of $1.4 million, such that Acxiom now owns 100% of the JV operations. Additionally, the purchase agreement
provides that Acxiom may pay PBL additional consideration, based on a percentage of the JV's operating results through March
31, 2007, and also provides PBL the option to repurchase between 25% and 49% of the JV subsequent to March 31, 2007, at an
option price specified in the purchase agreement. The following table shows the total investment in the JV and the allocation
of the investment to assets acquired and liabilities assumed (dollars in thousands):
Cash (net of cash acquired) $ 772
Note payable 1,364
Previous investment in JV 5,662
----------------
$ 7,798
================
Goodwill $ 5,828
Other assets acquired 3,047
Liabilities assumed (1,077)
----------------
$ 7,798
================
The results of operations of the JV are included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements beginning June 1,
2002. Prior to that time, the Company accounted for the JV as an equity investment in accordance with the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18, "The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock." The pro forma
effect of this acquisition is not material to the Company's consolidated results for any of the periods presented. Management
believes the Australian market is an important and potentially lucrative component of the Company's long-term global strategy.
Sole ownership of the JV will enable the Company to more quickly and effectively capitalize on that opportunity.
7
4. DIVESTITURES
During the year ended March 31, 2002, the Company sold three of its business operations, including SIGMA, a database marketing
operation headquartered in Rochester, New York; Buckley Dement, a list brokerage and fulfillment operation located in Skokie,
Illinois; and a minor portion of its U.K. operations located in Spain and Portugal. Additionally, during the quarter ended June
30, 2002, the Company sold the remaining portion of its assets located in Spain, primarily its tax loss carryforwards. Gross
proceeds from the sale of these operations were $15.9 million, consisting of cash of $6.8 million and notes receivable of $9.1
million. At June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, notes receivable of $5.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively, are included in
the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company recorded a net loss of $0.9 million during the year
ended March 31, 2002 and a gain of $0.5 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2002, associated with these dispositions. The
aggregate net loss of $0.4 million recorded by the Company reflects the write-off of $1.9 million of goodwill during fiscal
2002, and the write-off of $0.1 million of goodwill during the quarter ended June 30, 2002 (see note 6).
5. OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Unbilled and notes receivable are from the sales of software, data licenses, equipment sales and from the sale of divested
operations (see note 4), net of the current portions of such receivables. Certain of the unbilled and notes receivable from
software and data licenses and equipment sales have no stated interest rate and have been discounted using an imputed interest
rate that approximates the fair market rate, generally 8%, based on the customer, type of agreement, collateral and payment
terms. The term of these notes is generally three years or less. This discount is being recognized into income using the
interest method and is included as a component of other, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of
operations.
Other current assets include the current portion of the unbilled and notes receivable of $39.5 million and $38.4 million at
June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively. Other current assets also include prepaid expenses, non-trade receivables and
other miscellaneous assets of $46.3 million and $40.2 million at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively.
Deferred revenue consists of amounts billed in excess of revenue recognized on sales and/or licensing of software, data
licenses, services and equipment. Deferred revenues are recorded as revenue in accordance with the Company's revenue
recognition policies (see note 1 to the Company's 2002 annual report on Form 10-K).
Other noncurrent assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
June 30, March 31,
2002 2002
--------------- ---------------
Investments in joint ventures and other companies, net of unrealized
loss on available-for-sale marketable securities $ 21,253 $ 27,394
Other, net 16,825 15,293
--------------- ---------------
$ 38,078 $ 42,687
=============== ===============
8
The Company defers costs associated with a customer once work is begun, after obtaining a signed contract or other definitive
agreement. These deferred costs primarily consist of up-front costs and generally include salary and related costs and certain
other costs, all of which are both direct and incremental to the associated contract, and are amortized over the service period
of the contract. In the event that it is determined that these deferred costs will not be recovered under a contract, the costs
are written off in the period such determination is made.
6. GOODWILL
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by business segment, for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, are as follows
(dollars in thousands):
Data and
Software IT Management
Services Products Total
------------- ----------------- ------------------ ---------------
Balance at March 31, 2002 $ 97,833 $1,533 $ 75,289 $ 174,655
Acquisition (note 3) 5,828 -- -- 5,828
Disposal (note 4) (84) -- -- (84)
Change in foreign currency
translation adjustment 1,542 -- -- 1,542
------------- ----------------- ------------------ ---------------
Balance at June 30, 2002 $ 105,119 $1,533 $ 75,289 $ 181,941
============= ================= ================== ===============
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
June 30, 2002 March 31, 2002
---------------- ----------------
Convertible subordinated notes due 2009; interest at 3.75% $ 175,000 $ 175,000
Software license liabilities payable over terms up to seven years;
effective interest rates at approximately 6% 89,391 88,444
Term note, due 2005 64,169 64,169
Convertible subordinated notes repaid April 2002 -- 62,589
Capital leases on land, buildings and equipment payable in monthly
payments of principal plus interest at approximately 8%; remaining
terms up to fifteen years 18,542 18,878
Revolving credit agreement 13,023 --
Other capital leases, debt and long-term liabilities 12,600 11,044
---------------- ----------------
Total long-term debt 372,725 420,124
Less current installments 29,398 23,274
---------------- ----------------
Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 343,327 $ 396,850
================ ================
9
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $13.0 million at June 30, 2002 (none at March 31, 2002) bear interest at
LIBOR plus 2.25%, or at an alternative base rate plus 0.75% or at the Federal funds rate plus 1.75%, depending upon the type of
borrowing. At June 30, 2002, the average interest rate under this credit facility was approximately 3.81% per annum. All
borrowings under this credit facility are secured by substantially all of the Company's assets and are due January 2005.
On September 21, 2001, the Company executed an agreement for the settlement of certain equity forward contracts through
borrowings of $64.2 million from a bank under a term loan facility. The borrowings under this term loan bear interest, payable
semiannually, at LIBOR plus 3.75% or an alternative base rate. At June 30, 2002, the interest rate under this facility was
5.61%. The borrowings under this facility are secured by substantially all of the Company's assets.
Under the terms of some of the above borrowings, the Company is required to maintain certain tangible net worth levels,
debt-to-cash flow and debt service coverage ratios, among other restrictions. At June 30, 2002, the Company was in compliance
with these covenants and restrictions. Accordingly, the Company has classified all portions of its debt obligations due beyond
June 30, 2003 as long-term in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Below is the calculation and reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in
thousands, except per share amounts):
For the quarter ended
June 30,
2002 2001
------------------------ -------------------------
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Numerator - net earnings (loss) $ 10,465 $ (63,639)
Denominator - weighted-average shares
outstanding 87,781 89,931
------------------------ -------------------------
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.12 $ (0.71)
======================== =========================
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Numerator:
Net earnings (loss) $ 10,465 $ (63,639)
Interest expense on convertible debt (net
of tax benefit) 1,050 --
------------------------ -------------------------
$ 11,515 $ (63,639)
------------------------ -------------------------
10
For the quarter ended
June 30,
2002 2001
------------------------ -------------------------
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding 87,781 89,931
Dilutive effect of common stock options
and warrants, as computed under the
treasury stock method 2,468 --
Dilutive effect of convertible debt, as
computed under the if-converted method
9,589 --
------------------------ -------------------------
99,838 89,931
------------------------ -------------------------
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.12 $ (0.71)
======================== =========================
All stock options, stock warrants, equity forward contracts and convertible debt were excluded from the above calculations for
the quarter ended June 30, 2001, because such items were antidilutive. The equivalent share effect of convertible debt and the
equivalent share effect of the common stock options and stock warrants excluded for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, were 5.8
million and 2.0 million, respectively. Interest expense on convertible debt (net of income tax effect) excluded in computing
diluted loss per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, was $0.9 million.
At June 30, 2002, the Company had options and warrants outstanding providing for the purchase of approximately 19.5 million
shares of its common stock. Options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding during the quarter
ended June 30, 2002, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the exercise price
was greater than the average market price of the common shares are shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
For the quarter ended
June 30, 2002
------------------------------
Excluded number of shares outstanding under
options and warrants 9,563
Range of exercise prices $17.49 - 62.06
==============================
9. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts, returns, and credits of $6.6 million and $6.3
million, respectively, at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002.
10. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
No single customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the quarter ended June 30, 2002. During the quarter ended June
30, 2001, the Company had one customer, Allstate Insurance Company, which accounted for $24.4 million (11.9%) of revenue.
11
11. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The following tables present information by business segment (dollars in thousands):
For the quarter ended
June 30,
2002 2001
------------------ -------------------
Revenue:
Services $ 169,369 $ 149,427
Data and Software Products 38,372 32,850
IT Management 56,461 52,966
Intercompany eliminations (38,796) (30,205)
------------------ -------------------
$ 225,406 $ 205,038
================== ===================
Income from operations:
Services $ 20,962 $ (13,040)
Data and Software Products 2,670 (3,243)
IT Management 1,072 (278)
Intercompany eliminations (3,025) 3,243
Corporate and other 9 (79,458)
------------------ -------------------
$ 21,688 $ (92,776)
================== ===================
Substantially all of the nonrecurring charges incurred with the Restructuring Plan discussed in note 2 have been recorded in
Corporate and other, since the Company does not hold individual segments responsible for these charges. During the quarter
ended June 30, 2002, the Company revised certain of its internal cost allocations to distribute substantially all recurring
costs to the business segments. Accordingly, the prior year's segment information has been restated to conform to the current
year presentation.
12. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss, which consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized
depreciation on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, was $6.0 million and $8.6 million at June 30, 2002 and
March 31, 2002, respectively. Comprehensive income (loss) was income of $12.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, and
was a loss of $64.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2001.
13. CONTINGENCIES
Refer to Part II, Item 1 for a description of legal proceedings.
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Effective August 12, 2002, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of an employment screening business
owned by Trans Union, LLC ("Trans Union"), a related party. This employment screening business offers a range of services
including criminal and civil records search, education and reference verification, and other verification services for its
12
customers. Management believes the acquired business will provide the Company with additional products and services and will
support the Company's initiatives in the identification and security arena, including with governmental agencies. The aggregate
purchase price of $35 million consisted of cash of $10 million (of which $7.5 million was paid at closing and $2.5 million is
payable on October 1, 2002) and 664,562 shares of common stock valued at $10.5 million and warrants to purchase 1,272,024
shares of common stock valued at $14.5 million. If the value of the 664,562 shares of common stock twelve months after the
closing date is less than $10 million, the Company will be required to pay additional cash consideration in the amount of the
deficit, but not more than $5 million. If the value of those shares twelve months after the closing date is greater than $13
million, Trans Union will be required to return shares of common stock in the amount of the excess, but not more than $5
million worth of common stock. The Company has not yet completed the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets
acquired. The results of operations of this acquired business will be included in the Company's consolidated results from the
date of acquisition. The acquired business generates annual revenues of approximately $14 million. The pro forma effect of this
acquisition is not material to the Company's consolidated results for any of the periods presented.
13
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction
Acxiom Corporation ("Acxiom" or "the Company") integrates data, services and technology to create and deliver customer and
information management solutions for many of the largest, most respected companies in the world. The core components of Acxiom's
innovative solutions are customer data integration ("CDI") technology, data content, database services, information technology
("IT") outsourcing, consulting and analytics, and privacy leadership. Founded in 1969, Acxiom is headquartered in Little Rock,
Arkansas, with locations throughout the United States, and in the United Kingdom ("U.K."), France and Australia.
Results of Operations
For the quarter ended June 30, 2002, consolidated revenue was $225.4 million, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year.
Adjusting 2001 for divested operations (see note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), the increase in revenue was
16%. The increase in revenue for the quarter reflects increases in customer demand for Acxiom products and services and the layering
effect of recognition of subscription revenue from contracts signed in current and prior quarters as the Company provides service.
The table below shows the Company's revenue by business segment for the quarters ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 (dollars in millions).
June 30,
2002 2001 % Change
---------------- --------------- -----------------
Services $169.4 $149.4 +13%
Data and Software Products 38.4 32.8 +17
IT Management 56.4 53.0 + 7
Intercompany eliminations (38.8) (30.2) +28
---------------- --------------- -----------------
$225.4 $205.0 +10%
================ =============== =================
The Services segment, the Company's largest segment, provides data warehousing, list processing and consulting services to large
corporations in a number of vertical industries. Segment revenue of $169.4 million in the current quarter increased 13% over the
prior year. Excluding divested operations, this segment grew 21% as compared to the same quarter a year ago. The increase in
revenues year over year reflects increased customer demand and layering of contracts signed in current and prior quarters as
discussed above. The Company also experienced a return of some project-based revenue, primarily in the financial services industry,
which some customers had previously delayed in the past three quarters.
The Data and Software Products segment provides data content and software primarily in support of the Services segment customers'
activities. Segment revenue of $38.4 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2002 increased 17% as compared to the quarter ended
June 30, 2001. The increase in segment revenue as compared to the prior year amount is primarily attributable to an increase in data
and data licenses sales.
14
The IT Management segment consists of outsourcing services primarily in the areas of data center, client server and network
management. IT Management segment revenue of $56.4 million in the June 30, 2002 quarter reflects an increase of 7% over the prior
year's June quarter. This increase is primarily attributable to additional outsourcing contracts signed over the last year.
Certain revenues, including certain data and software product revenue, are reported both as revenue in the segment which owns the
customer relationship (generally the Services segment) as well as the Data and Software Products segment which owns the product
development, maintenance, sales support, etc. These duplicate revenues are eliminated in consolidation. The intercompany
elimination increased 28% for the quarter, reflecting the increase in data and software product revenue recorded through the
Services segment.
The following table presents operating expenses for the quarters ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 (dollars in millions):
June 30,
2002 2001 % Change
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Salaries and benefits $ 74.8 $ 93.6 - 20%
Computer, communications and other equipment
63.0 81.7 - 23
Data costs 29.0 30.8 - 6
Other operating costs and expenses 37.4 46.4 - 19
Gains, losses and nonrecurring items, net (0.5) 45.3 -101
-------------- --------------- ---------------
$203.7 $297.8 - 32%
============== =============== ===============
Salaries and benefits for the quarter decreased 20% from the prior year. This decrease is primarily attributable to the work force
reductions that were a component of the restructuring plan discussed below and certain mandatory and voluntary salary reductions
effective April 2001. The Company's associates received stock options at the time of these mandatory and voluntary salary
reductions. The voluntary portion of the salary reduction was reinstated on April 1, 2002, and one-half of the involuntary portion
of the salary reduction was reinstated August 1, 2002. The remaining portion of the involuntary salary reduction is scheduled to be
reinstated on November 1, 2002, contingent upon the Company achieving certain performance targets. The net impact of reinstatement
of the voluntary and involuntary salary reductions is expected to be approximately $16 million during fiscal 2003, of which
approximately $9.5 million relates to the April voluntary reinstatement.
Computer, communications and other equipment costs decreased 23% over the same quarter in the prior year. Adjusting for divested
operations and for the additional depreciation and amortization taken during the quarter ended June 30, 2001, these costs increased
34%. The increase reflects increases in leased data processing equipment and software amortization. Capitalized software, including
purchased and internally developed, is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or when events or changes in circumstances
indicate the carrying amount of the asset might not be recoverable. At June 30, 2002, the Company's most recent impairment analysis
of its software indicates that no impairment exists. However, no assurance can be given that future analysis of the Company's
capitalized software will not result in an impairment charge.
15
Data costs for the quarter decreased 6% from the prior year. Decreases in data costs are primarily the result of lower Allstate
Insurance Company ("Allstate") business in the current quarter, offset in part by increases in data and data licenses sales.
Other operating costs and expenses for the quarter decreased by 19% compared to a year ago, primarily as a result of lower expenses
for advertising (down 55%), travel and entertainment (down 23%), consulting costs (down 47%) and administrative costs (down 35%).
These lower expenses primarily reflect initiatives taken to reduce the Company's cost structure.
Gains, losses and nonrecurring items, net was a gain of $0.5 million for the current quarter as a result of the disposal of the
remaining assets located in Spain, primarily tax loss carryforwards (see note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
On June 25, 2001, the Company announced a restructuring plan ("Restructuring Plan") for significant cost-cutting efforts, including
workforce reductions, the sale and leaseback of a significant amount of its computer equipment, and certain other restructuring
activities, asset impairments, and other adjustments and accruals. The aggregate amount of these Restructuring Plan charges
recorded by the Company totaled $45.3 million and is included in gains, losses and nonrecurring items, net for the quarter ended
June 30, 2001 (see note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). In addition, during the quarter ended June 30, 2001,
the Company recorded accelerated depreciation and amortization and other charges of approximately $25.8 million on certain other
assets that are no longer in service or were otherwise deemed impaired.
Income from operations for the quarter of $21.7 million increased $114.5 million from the prior year. Excluding gains, losses and
nonrecurring items, net; the accelerated depreciation and amortization discussed above; divested operations; and approximately $18
million of operating expenses incurred during the first quarter of the prior year that will not recur as a result of the
Restructuring Plan, operating income increased $26.1 million for the current quarter from a loss of $(4.9) million in the prior year
quarter to income of $21.2 million in the current quarter. Interest expense for the quarter of $5.3 million decreased from $6.7
million last year reflecting a combination of lower average debt levels this year and lower weighted-average interest rates. Other,
net decreased from $0.8 million expense in last year's first quarter to $9 thousand expense this year. The current year includes
interest income of $1.3 million, largely offset by losses from the Australian joint venture.
Earnings before income taxes of $16.4 million for the quarter increased $116.7 million over the same quarter a year ago. Excluding
the gains, losses and nonrecurring items, net from both years; excluding the accelerated depreciation and amortization recorded
during the quarter ended June 30, 2001; excluding divested operations; and excluding approximately $18 million of operating expenses
incurred during the first quarter of the prior year that will not recur as a result of the Restructuring Plan, the change from the
prior year would have been an increase of approximately $27.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002 to earnings of $15.9
million from a loss of $(11.2) million for the quarter ended June 30, 2001.
16
The Company's effective tax rate was 36% in the current quarter and 36.6% in the prior year. The Company currently expects its
effective tax rate to remain at approximately 36% for fiscal 2003. This estimate is based on current tax law and current estimates
of earnings.
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the quarter was $0.12 compared to a loss of $(0.71) a year ago. Excluding the
special charges included in gains, losses and nonrecurring items, net; the accelerated depreciation and amortization recorded during
the prior year; divested operations; and approximately $18 million of operating expenses incurred during the first quarter of the
prior year that will not recur as a result of the Restructuring Plan, diluted earnings (loss) per share would have been a loss of
$(0.07) for the quarter ended June 30, 2001.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Working capital at June 30, 2002 totaled $161.3 million compared to $182.6 million at March 31, 2002. At June 30, 2002, the Company
had available credit lines of $175 million of which $13.0 million was outstanding. The Company's debt-to-capital ratio (capital
defined as long-term debt plus stockholders' equity) was 39% at June 30, 2002, compared to 44% at March 31, 2002. The decrease
largely relates to strong cash flow during the current quarter and the payoff of the 5.25% convertible subordinated notes ("5.25%
Notes") in April 2002. Included in long-term debt at both June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002 are the 3.75% convertible notes in the
amount of $175 million. The conversion price for the convertible notes is $18.25 per share. If the price of the Company's common
stock increases above the conversion price, this debt may be converted to equity. Total stockholders' equity has increased to $530.1
million at June 30, 2002 from $510.9 million, primarily due to the net income reported during the current quarter and proceeds from
the sale of common stock.
Cash provided by operating activities was $60.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, compared to $39.3 million used by
operating activities for the same period in the prior year. Operating cash flow was increased by $14.1 million in the current year,
and was reduced by $28.7 million in the prior year due to the net change in operating assets and liabilities. The change in the
current period primarily reflects a refund of Federal income taxes received in June 2002 in the amount of approximately $40 million
as a result of the utilization of Federal tax loss carrybacks. Accounts receivable days sales outstanding of 72 days at June 30,
2002, compared to 63 days at March 31, 2002 and 75 days at June 30, 2001, increased primarily as a result of lower than expected
collections at the end of June.
Investing activities used $15.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, compared to $27.0 million a year previously. Investing
activities in the current year include capitalized software development costs of $8.7 million ($5.9 million in 2001), capital
expenditures of $1.9 million ($8.9 million in 2001) and $3.2 million of cost deferrals ($8.6 million in 2001). Capitalized software
costs in the current quarter include capitalization of the Company's recently announced new data products, new security products and
Acxiom's new customer data integration technology. Capital expenditures decreased compared to the previous year due to measures the
Company initiated to control costs, as well as the Company's decision to generally lease equipment which is required to support
customers to match cash inflows from customer contracts and cash outflows. Deferral of costs, which are primarily salaries and
17
benefits and other direct and incremental third party costs, are being amortized over the life of the related service agreement.
Deferral of costs in the prior year was higher due to capitalization under certain customer projects that have now been completed.
Investing activities during the current year also include advances made to fund certain investments and joint ventures operations of
$1.1 million, compared to $3.7 million in the prior year, and $0.8 million of cash paid in the current quarter for the acquisition
of the Australian joint venture discussed below (net of cash acquired).
Effective June 1, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with Publishing & Broadcasting Limited ("PBL") whereby Acxiom
purchased PBL's 50% ownership interest in an Australian joint venture ("JV") for cash of $0.8 million (net of cash acquired) and a
note payable of $1.4 million, such that Acxiom now owns 100% of the JV operations. Additionally, the purchase agreement provides
that Acxiom may pay PBL additional consideration, based on a percentage of the JV's operating results through March 31, 2007, and
also provides PBL the option to repurchase between 25% and 49% of the JV subsequent to March 31, 2007, at an option price specified
in the purchase agreement. The JV purchase price, together with Acxiom's previously recorded investment in the JV, resulted in an
excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired of $5.8 million (see note 4 to these condensed consolidated
financial statements).
With respect to certain of its investments, Acxiom has provided cash advances to fund losses and cash flow deficits of $1.1 million
during the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Although Acxiom has no commitment to continue to do so, the Company may continue to fund
such losses and deficits until such time as certain of these investments become profitable. Additionally, Acxiom may, at its
discretion, discontinue providing financing to these investments during future periods. In the event that Acxiom ceases to provide
funding and these investments have not achieved profitable operations, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge up
to the amount of the carrying value of its investments ($21.3 million at June 30, 2002). Also, during the current quarter, the
Company recorded unrealized losses on certain of its investments as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in the amount
of $0.3 million, net of related income tax effect. In the event that declines in the value of its investments continue, the Company
may be required to record further unrealized losses as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and/or "other than
temporary" impairment as a charge to earnings.
Financing activities in the current year used $48.1 million, a large portion of which relates to net repayments of the Company's
revolving credit facility and certain other of the Company's credit facilities. Proceeds from the sale of common stock through stock
options and the employee stock purchase plan were $6.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively, during the quarters ended June 30,
2002 and 2001. Financing activities in the prior year provided $61.9 million primarily due to proceeds received from debt.
The Company has entered into certain synthetic operating lease facilities for computer equipment, furniture and an aircraft. These
synthetic operating lease facilities are accounted for as operating leases under generally accepted accounting principles and are
treated as capital leases for income tax reporting purposes. These synthetic lease arrangements provide the Company with a more
cost-effective way to acquire equipment than alternative financing arrangements and better match inflows of cash from customer
contracts to outflows related to lease payments. Lease terms under the computer equipment and furniture facility range from three to
seven years, with the Company having the option at expiration of the initial term to return, or purchase at a fixed price, or extend
or renew the term of the leased equipment. Monthly payments under these facilities are approximately $4 million. The Company's
potential future purchase commitment over the next twelve months, should it elect to purchase the equipment upon expiration of the
initial term, is approximately $12.9 million.
18
The lease term under the aircraft facility expires in January 2010, with the Company having the option at expiration to either
purchase the aircraft at a fixed price, renew the lease for an additional twelve month period (with a nominal purchase price being
paid at the expiration of the renewal period) or return the aircraft in the condition and manner required by the lease.
As of June 30, 2002, the total amount drawn under these synthetic operating lease facilities was $177.5 million and the remaining
capacity for additional funding (for computer equipment and furniture only) was $76.0 million. The Company has made aggregate
payments of $86.1 million through June 30, 2002, and has a remaining commitment under these synthetic operating lease facilities of
$77.6 million payable over the next nine years.
The Company has also entered into a real estate synthetic lease arrangement with respect to a facility under construction in Little
Rock, Arkansas and land in Phoenix, Arizona. This synthetic lease arrangement provides the Company with more desirable terms than
other alternative construction financing options. Under the arrangement, the Company has agreed to lease each property for an
initial term of five years with an option to renew for an additional two years, subject to certain conditions. The lessors have
committed to fund up to a maximum of $45.8 million for the construction of the Little Rock building and acquisition of the land at
both sites. At June 30, 2002, the remaining amount of the commitment available from the lessors was approximately $9.4 million. The
Little Rock building is expected to cost approximately $30 to $35 million, including interest during construction, and is expected
to be completed in October 2002. The impact of the leasing arrangement is expected to reduce operating cash flow by approximately $3
million per year over the term of the lease, which will be offset by reductions in current leased facilities. At any time during the
term of the lease, Acxiom may, at its option, purchase the land and building for a price approximately equal to the amount expended
by the lessors. If the Company does not purchase the land and building, the Company has guaranteed a residual value of 87% of the
construction costs or approximately $40 million at the end of the lease term. During June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board ("FASB") issued an exposure draft entitled "Consolidation of Certain Special-Purpose Entities." The provisions of this
exposure draft, in its current form, could impact the Company's accounting for this real estate synthetic lease arrangement, as
discussed in the New Accounting Pronouncements portion of this report.
For a full discussion of future cash obligations, including obligations under the synthetic lease arrangements discussed above, see
Item 7 of the Company's 2002 annual report on Form 10-K.
19
In connection with the construction of certain of the Company's other buildings and facilities, the Company has entered into 50/50
joint ventures with local real estate developers. In each case, the Company is guaranteeing portions of the loans for the
buildings. The aggregate amount of the guarantees at June 30, 2002 was $5.8 million. The Company has not recorded the guarantee
obligation or the underlying assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
While the Company does not have any other material contractual commitments for capital expenditures, minimum levels of investments
in facilities and computer equipment continue to be necessary to support the growth of the business. It should be noted, however,
that the Company has spent considerable capital over recent years building the AbiliTec infrastructure. It is the Company's current
intention generally to lease any new required equipment to better match cash outflows with customer inflows. In some cases, the
Company also sells software and hardware to customers. In addition, new outsourcing or facilities management contracts frequently
require substantial up-front capital expenditures in order to acquire or replace existing assets. We believe that our existing
available debt and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for
the foreseeable future. The Company also evaluates acquisitions from time to time, which may require up-front payments of cash.
Depending on the size of the acquisition it may be necessary to raise additional capital. If additional capital becomes necessary as
a result of any material variance of our operating results from our projections or from potential future acquisitions, the Company
could use available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit agreement, and/or the issuance of other debt or equity securities.
However, no assurance can be given that the Company would be able to obtain funding through the issuance of other debt or equity
securities at terms favorable to the Company, or that such funding would be available.
The Company has never paid cash dividends on its common stock. The Company presently intends to retain its earnings to provide funds
for its business and for the expansion of its business. Thus, it does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable
future.
Other Information
No single customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the quarter ended June 30, 2002. During the quarter ended June 30,
2001, the Company had one customer, Allstate, which accounted for $24.4 million (11.9%) of revenue.
Effective August 12, 2002, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of an employment screening business owned
by Trans Union, LLC ("Trans Union"), a related party. This employment screening business offers a range of services including
criminal and civil records search, education and reference verification, and other verification services for its customers.
Management believes the acquired business will provide the Company with additional products and services and will support the
Company's initiatives in the identification and security arena, including with governmental agencies. The aggregate purchase price
of $35 million consisted of cash of $10 million (of which $7.5 million was paid at closing and $2.5 million is payable on October 1,
2002) and 664,562 shares of common stock valued at $10.5 million and warrants to purchase 1,272,024 shares of common stock valued at
$14.5 million. If the value of the 664,562 shares of common stock twelve months after the closing date is less than $10 million, the
20
Company will be required to pay additional cash consideration in the amount of the deficit, but not more than $5 million. If the
value of those shares twelve months after the closing date is greater than $13 million, Trans Union will be required to return
shares of common stock in the amount of the excess, but not more than $5 million worth of common stock. The Company has not yet
completed the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired. The results of operations of this acquired business will
be included in the Company's consolidated results from the date of acquisition. The acquired business generates annual revenues of
approximately $14 million. The pro forma effect of this acquisition is not material to the Company's consolidated results for any of
the periods presented.
In accordance with a data center management agreement dated July 27, 1992 between Acxiom and Trans Union, Acxiom (through its
subsidiary, Acxiom CDC, Inc.) acquired all of Trans Union's interest in its Chicago data center and agreed to provide Trans Union
with various data center management services. The current term of the agreement expires in 2005. In a 1992 letter agreement, Acxiom
agreed to use its best efforts to cause one person designated by Trans Union to be elected to Acxiom's board of directors. Trans
Union designated its CEO and President, Harry C. Gambill, who was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board in November 1992 and was
elected at the 1993 annual meeting of stockholders to serve a three-year term. He was elected to serve additional three-year terms
at the 1996, 1999 and 2002 annual stockholders meetings. Under a second letter agreement, executed in 1994 in connection with an
amendment to the 1992 agreement, Acxiom agreed to use its best efforts to cause two people designated by Trans Union to be elected
to Acxiom's board of directors. In addition to Mr. Gambill, Trans Union designated Robert A. Pritzker, an executive officer of
Marmon Industrial Corporation, who was appointed to fill a newly created position on Acxiom's board of directors in October 1994.
Mr. Pritzker was elected to serve a three-year term at the 1995 annual meeting and was elected to serve a second three-year term at
the 1998 annual meeting. Mr. Pritzker resigned from the board in May 2000, to attend to other business obligations. While these
undertakings by Acxiom are in effect until the end of the current term of the agreement, Acxiom has been notified that Trans Union
does not presently intend to designate another individual to serve as director. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, Acxiom
recorded approximately $12.9 million in revenue from Trans Union. All revenues received from Trans Union have been in accordance
with the pricing terms established under the agreements.
Effective April 1, 2002, Acxiom and Trans Union entered into a marketing joint venture that will serve as a sales agent for both
parties for certain existing mutual clients. The purpose of the joint venture is to provide these joint clients with leading-edge
solutions that leverage the strengths of both parties. Expected to serve a small number of financial service clients, the joint
venture will market substantially all of the products and services currently offered by Acxiom and Trans Union, as well as any new
products and services that may be agreed upon. The parties have agreed to share equally the aggregate incremental increase (or
decrease) in revenue and direct expenses generated from any client supported by the joint venture. If either party determines that
its participation in the joint venture is economically disadvantageous, it may terminate the arrangement after certain negotiation
procedures specified in the agreement have occurred. The results of operations from this joint venture were not material for the
quarter ended June 30, 2002.
21
New Accounting Pronouncements
The FASB currently has outstanding in exposure draft format, a proposed Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"),
"Accounting for Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Liabilities, Equity or Both." This exposure draft, in its current
form, could have a significant impact on the Company's accounting for its convertible debt obligations by requiring some amount of
those convertible debt obligations to be classified as equity. The issuance of a final SFAS is expected during fiscal 2003. The
Company will continue to monitor the progress of this exposure draft and its potential impact on the Company's financial position
and/or results of operations.
In May 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and
Technical Corrections." Under the provisions of SFAS No. 145, gains and losses from the early extinguishment of debt are no longer
classified as an extraordinary item, net of income taxes, but are included in the determination of pretax earnings. The effective
date for SFAS No. 145 is for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, with early application encouraged. Upon adoption, the
Company will reclassify all gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt previously reported as an extraordinary item to pretax
earnings.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146
addresses accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities by requiring that a liability for a cost
associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized and measured at fair value only when the liability is incurred. SFAS No.
146 also nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other
Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for
exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002.
As previously discussed, the FASB issued an exposure draft in June 2002 entitled "Consolidation of Certain Special-Purpose
Entities." Under the provisions of the exposure draft, the underlying assets, liabilities and results of activities of a large
number of special-purpose entities ("SPE's") would be required to be consolidated into the financial statements of its primary
beneficiary. Accordingly, Acxiom may be required to record on its consolidated balance sheet the underlying real estate asset and
the related debt associated with the real estate synthetic lease arrangement discussed above should the exposure draft be issued in
its current form. The provisions of the exposure draft, in its current form, would be effective and applied to all SPE's existing as
of the beginning of the year of the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after March 15, 2003. However, no final
authoritative pronouncement has been issued and the exposure draft may change prior to issuance in its final form. The Company will
continue to monitor this exposure draft and the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Forward-looking Statements
This document and other written reports and oral statements made from time to time by us and our representatives contain
forward-looking statements. These statements, which are not statements of historical fact, may contain estimates, assumptions,
projections and/or expectations regarding our financial position, results of operations, market position, product development,
22
growth opportunities, economic conditions, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation. We generally indicate these
statements by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "intend," "foresee," and similar words
or phrases. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of factors and
uncertainties that could cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations
expressed in such forward-looking statements.
The factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the
forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following:
o the complexity and uncertainty regarding the development of new high technologies;
o the possible loss of market share through competition or the acceptance of our technological offerings on a less rapid
basis than expected;
o the possibility that economic or other conditions might lead to a reduction in demand for our products and services;
o the possibility that the current economic slowdown may worsen and/or persist for an unpredictable period of time;
o the possibility that economic conditions will not improve as rapidly as expected;
o the possibility that significant customers may experience extreme, severe economic difficulty;
o the possibility that sales cycles may lengthen;
o the continued ability to attract and retain qualified technical and leadership associates and the possible loss of
associates to other organizations;
o the ability to properly motivate our sales force and other associates;
o the ability to achieve cost reductions and avoid unanticipated costs;
o the continued availability of credit upon satisfactory terms and conditions;
o the introduction of competent, competitive products, technologies or services by other companies;
o changes in consumer or business information industries and markets;
o our ability to protect proprietary information and technology or to obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable
terms;
o the difficulties encountered when entering new markets or industries;
23
o changes in the legislative, accounting, regulatory and consumer environments affecting our business, including but not
limited to litigation, legislation, regulations and customs relating to our ability to collect, manage, aggregate and use
data;
o the possibility that data suppliers might withdraw data from us, leading to our inability to provide certain products and
services;
o the effect of our short-term contracts on the predictability of our revenues or the possibility that customers may cancel
or modify their agreements with us;
o the possibility that the amount of ad hoc project work will not be as expected;
o the potential loss of data center capacity or interruption of telecommunication links or power sources;
o postal rate increases that could lead to reduced volumes of business;
o the potential disruption of the services of the United States Postal Service;
o the successful integration of acquired businesses and strategic alliances;
o with respect to the providing of products or services outside our primary base of operations in the United States, all of
the above factors and the difficulty of doing business in numerous sovereign jurisdictions due to differences in culture,
laws and regulations; and
o other competitive factors.
In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking
statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements based on the occurrence of future
events, the receipt of new information or otherwise.
24
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Acxiom's earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates primarily as a result of its revolving credit agreement and
term note, which bear interest at a floating rate. Acxiom does not use derivative or other financial instruments to mitigate the
interest rate risk. Risk can be estimated by measuring the impact of a near-term adverse movement of 10% in short-term market
interest rates. If short-term market interest rates average 10% more during the next four quarters than during the previous four
quarters, there would be no material adverse impact on Acxiom's results of operations. Acxiom has no material future earnings or
cash flow expenses from changes in interest rates related to its other long-term debt obligations as substantially all of Acxiom's
remaining long-term debt instruments have fixed rates. At both June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, the fair value of Acxiom's fixed
rate long-term obligations approximated carrying value.
Although Acxiom conducts business in foreign countries, principally the United Kingdom, foreign currency translation gains and
losses are not material to Acxiom's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Accordingly, Acxiom is not
currently subject to material foreign exchange rate risks from the effects that exchange rate movements of foreign currencies would
have on Acxiom's future costs or on future cash flows it would receive from its foreign investment. To date, Acxiom has not entered
into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates.
25
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
On September 20, 1999, the Company and certain of its directors and officers were sued by an individual shareholder in a
purported class action filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas ("the Court"). The
action alleges that the defendants violated Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 ("the 1933 Act") in connection with
the July 23, 1999 public offering of 5,421,000 shares of the common stock of the Company. In addition, the action seeks
to assert liability against the Company Leader pursuant to Section 15 of the 1933 Act. The action seeks to have a class
certified of all purchasers of the stock sold in the public offering. Two additional suits were subsequently filed in the
same venue against the same defendants and asserting the same allegations. On March 29, 2001, the Court granted the
defendants' motion to dismiss. The plaintiffs appealed the decision to dismiss to the United States Court of Appeals for
the Eighth Circuit. On July 15, 2002, the Eighth Circuit upheld the Court's motion to dismiss. Subsequent to the Eighth
Circuit's decision, the plaintiffs have filed a petition for rehearing, which is currently pending
The Company is involved in various other claims and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of the business.
None of these, however, are believed to be material in their nature or scope.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following exhibits are filed with this report:
10(h) Acxiom Corporation Leadership Team Compensation Plan - Fiscal Year 2003
99.1 Certification of Company Leader (principal executive officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
99.2 Certification of Company Financial Operations Leader (principal financial officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
A report was filed on May 16, 2002, which reported that the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company dismissed the Company's independent auditors, Arthur Andersen LLP, and engaged the services of KPMG LLP as
its independent auditors, effective May 16, 2002.
26
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Acxiom Corporation
Dated: August 14, 2002
By: /s/ Jefferson D. Stalnaker
------------------------------------------------------
(Signature)
Jefferson D. Stalnaker
Company Financial Operations Leader
(principal financial and accounting officer)
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following exhibits are filed with this report:
10(h) Acxiom Corporation Leadership Team Compensation Plan - Fiscal Year 2003
99.1 Certification of Company Leader (principal executive officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
99.2 Certification of Company Financial Operations Leader (principal financial officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
A report was filed on May 16, 2002, which reported that the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company dismissed the Company's independent auditors, Arthur Andersen LLP, and engaged the services of KPMG LLP as
its independent auditors, effective May 16, 2002.