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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - SHERIDAN GROUP INCex31_2.htm
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EX-10.57C - EXHIBIT 10.57.C - SHERIDAN GROUP INCex10_57c.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC  20549

FORM 10-Q
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                TO               

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 333–110441

THE SHERIDAN GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
 
52–1659314
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
11311 McCormick Road, Suite 260
   
Hunt Valley, Maryland
 
21031–1437
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

410–785–7277
(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 o  No x
  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o No o
  
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,”  “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)             Yes o  No x
There was 1 share of Common Stock outstanding as of November 10, 2011.
 


 
 

 

The Sheridan Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Quarterly Report
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2011

INDEX

 
Page
3
     
Item 1.
3
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
     
Item 2.
12
     
Item 3.
23
     
Item 4.
23
     
24
     
Item 1.
24
     
Item 1A.
24
     
Item 2.
24
     
Item 3.
24
     
Item 4.
24
     
Item 5.
24
     
Item 6.
24
     
25
   
 26
 
 
2

 

Item 1.
Financial Statements.

THE SHERIDAN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,755,372     $ 13,717,082  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,134,575 and $2,261,252, respectively
    28,390,501       25,470,633  
Inventories, net
    14,044,876       15,809,053  
Other current assets
    4,878,783       5,962,519  
Total current assets
    52,069,532       60,959,287  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    102,895,396       112,044,062  
Intangibles, net
    29,272,168       32,168,520  
Goodwill
    33,978,641       33,978,641  
Deferred financing costs, net
    5,859,307       516,286  
Assets held for sale
    3,800,000       -  
Other assets
    2,490,914       1,843,739  
                 
Total assets
  $ 230,365,958     $ 241,510,535  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 13,777,456     $ 16,305,544  
Accrued expenses
    20,583,486       15,541,858  
Current portion of notes payable
    -       142,923,740  
Due to parent
    -       534,440  
Total current liabilities
    34,360,942       175,305,582  
                 
Notes payable
    142,128,771       -  
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities
    22,965,047       28,106,160  
Total liabilities
    199,454,760       203,411,742  
                 
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
               
                 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100 shares authorized; 1 share issued and outstanding at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
    -       -  
Additional paid-in capital
    42,098,717       42,075,908  
Accumulated deficit
    (11,187,519 )     (3,977,115 )
Total stockholder's equity
    30,911,198       38,098,793  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity
  $ 230,365,958     $ 241,510,535  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3


THE SHERIDAN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 67,015,471     $ 67,867,423     $ 200,204,437     $ 200,583,436  
                                 
Cost of sales
    53,558,919       56,532,805       163,865,013       160,484,571  
                                 
Gross profit
    13,456,552       11,334,618       36,339,424       40,098,865  
                                 
Selling and administrative expenses
    7,799,982       8,915,649       26,667,101       26,902,425  
(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets
    (35,789 )     63,179       (18,536 )     101,631  
Restructuring costs
    1,269,885       414       2,105,741       78,335  
Amortization of intangibles
    421,463       349,504       2,896,352       1,048,511  
                                 
Total operating expenses
    9,455,541       9,328,746       31,650,658       28,130,902  
                                 
Operating income
    4,001,011       2,005,872       4,688,766       11,967,963  
                                 
Other (income) expense:
                               
Interest expense
    6,104,129       3,939,891       15,741,436       11,851,578  
Interest income
    (6,279 )     (18,442 )     (7,710 )     (43,340 )
Loss on repurchase of notes payable
    -       -       1,167,225       -  
Other, net
    68,166       (54,804 )     51,174       105,722  
                                 
Total other expense
    6,166,016       3,866,645       16,952,125       11,913,960  
                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (2,165,005 )     (1,860,773 )     (12,263,359 )     54,003  
                                 
Income tax benefit
    (1,201,780 )     (654,984 )     (5,052,955 )     (892,446 )
                                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (963,225 )   $ (1,205,789 )   $ (7,210,404 )   $ 946,449  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4


THE SHERIDAN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
           
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,210,404 )   $ 946,449  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation
    15,069,525       15,265,447  
Amortization of intangible assets
    2,896,352       1,048,511  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    196,730       736,468  
Provision for inventory realizability and LIFO value
    13,652       243,997  
Stock-based compensation
    22,809       17,200  
Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount, included in interest expense
    2,719,980       715,138  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (4,349,807 )     (1,637,693 )
Non-cash portion of loss on repurchase of notes payable
    236,789       -  
(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets
    (18,536 )     101,631  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable
    (3,116,598 )     (28,195 )
Inventories
    1,750,524       (999,774 )
Other current assets
    1,148,063       192,542  
Refundable income taxes
    -       95,013  
Other assets
    (647,175 )     50,026  
Accounts payable
    (2,479,401 )     436,946  
Accrued expenses
    5,041,628       (3,795,185 )
Due to parent, net
    (525,983 )     569,027  
Other liabilities
    (862,970 )     (467,826 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    9,885,178       13,489,722  
                 
Cash flows used in investing activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (11,327,120 )     (5,244,715 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    1,574,991       31,326  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,752,129 )     (5,213,389 )
                 
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities:
               
Borrowing of working capital facility
    16,101,098       -  
Repayment of working capital facility
    (16,101,098 )     -  
Repayment of long term debt
    (142,900,000 )     -  
Proceeds from issuance of long term debt
    141,000,000       -  
Payment of deferred financing costs in connection with long term debt
    (7,194,759 )     -  
Proceeds from capital contribution from parent company
    -       2,970  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (9,094,759 )     2,970  
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (8,961,710 )     8,279,303  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    13,717,082       4,109,740  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 4,755,372     $ 12,389,043  
                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities
               
Asset additions in accounts payable
  $ 739,306     $ 395,287  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5


THE SHERIDAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1.
Company Information and Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of The Sheridan Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) have been prepared by us pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position as of September 30, 2011, our results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 and our cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. All such adjustments are deemed to be of a normal and recurring nature and all material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto of The Sheridan Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

New Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance to improve the comparability of fair value measurements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This update amends the accounting rules for fair value measurements and disclosure. The amendments are of two types: (i) those that clarify FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and (ii) those that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The update is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2012. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income that will require us to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity.  This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  We are in the process of evaluating this guidance but currently do not believe that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance that will simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. After assessment of certain qualitative factors, if it is determined to be more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, entities must perform the quantitative analysis of the goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the quantitative tests become optional. The guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and earlier adoption is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance but currently do not believe that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 
2.
Inventory
  
Components of net inventories at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Work-in-process
  $ 5,753,787     $ 6,617,642  
Raw materials (principally paper)
    8,594,199       9,494,521  
      14,347,986       16,112,163  
Excess of current costs over LIFO inventory value
    (303,110 )     (303,110 )
Net inventory
  $ 14,044,876     $ 15,809,053  
 
3.
Notes Payable and Working Capital Facility

On April 15, 2011, we completed a private debt offering of senior secured notes totaling $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount (the “2011 Notes”).  The 2011 Notes, which were issued by The Sheridan Group, Inc. under an indenture (the “Indenture”), will mature on April 15, 2014 and bear interest payable in cash in arrears at the fixed interest rate of 12.5% per year. Interest on the 2011 Notes will be payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2011. Proceeds of the offering of $141.0 million, net of discount, together with cash on hand and borrowings under our working capital facility, were used to repurchase all of our 10.25% senior secured notes that were due to mature on August 15, 2011 (the “2003 and 2004 Notes”) and to pay approximately $6.5 million in professional fees and expenses. These fees and expenses were capitalized as deferred financing costs and will be amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the 2011 Notes. We recognized a loss on the repurchase of the 2003 and 2004 Notes of approximately $1.2 million as a result of the tender offer premium paid, the professional fees incurred and the write-off of unamortized financing costs.

The 2011 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by all of our current subsidiaries. The 2011 Notes and the related guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all of our and the guarantors’ senior obligations and senior to all of our and the guarantors’ subordinated obligations. The 2011 Notes and the related guarantees, respectively, are secured by a lien on substantially all of our and the guarantors’ current and future assets (other than certain excluded assets), subject to permitted liens and other limitations, and by a limited recourse pledge of all of our capital stock by TSG Holdings Corp. (“Parent”), our parent company.

Our obligations and those of the guarantors under our working capital facility are secured by a lien on substantially all of our and the guarantors’ assets. Pursuant to an intercreditor agreement between the trustee under the Indenture and the lender under our working capital facility, (1) in the case of real property, fixtures and equipment that secure the 2011 Notes and guarantees, the lien securing the notes and the guarantees will be senior to the lien securing borrowings, other credit extensions and guarantees under our working capital facility and (2) in the case of the other assets of us and the guarantors (including the shares of stock of us and the guarantors) that secure the 2011 Notes and guarantees, the lien securing the 2011 Notes and the related guarantees is contractually subordinated to the lien thereon securing borrowings, other credit extensions and guarantees under our working capital facility. Consequently, the 2011 Notes and the related guarantees are effectively subordinated to the borrowings, other credit extensions and guarantees under our working capital facility to the extent of the value of such other assets.
 
The Indenture requires that we maintain certain minimum Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Indenture) levels for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, taken as one accounting period, and prohibits us from making capital expenditures in amounts exceeding certain thresholds for the period beginning on April 15, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011 and for each fiscal year thereafter. In addition, the Indenture contains covenants that, subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions or restricted payments; incur indebtedness; make certain investments; create liens; agree to restrictions on the payment of dividends; consolidate or merge; sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of assets, including equity interests of our restricted subsidiaries; enter into transactions with our affiliates; designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; use the proceeds of permitted sales of our assets; and change business lines. If an event of default, as specified in the Indenture, shall occur and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of a specified percentage of the 2011 Notes may accelerate the maturity of all the 2011 Notes.

On February 3, 2011, we entered into a contract to sell the Ashburn, Virginia facility. Consummation of the transaction is conditioned upon satisfaction of specific terms and conditions and delivery of specific documents, which are customary for similar transactions (see Note 10). If the Ashburn, Virginia property of United Litho is sold on or prior to December 31, 2011, we will be required to use the net proceeds of such sale to redeem 2011 Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest (and liquidated damages, if any) to the redemption date. In addition, if we sell certain assets (other than such specified property) or experience an event of loss and we do not use the proceeds for specified purposes, we may be required to use the proceeds to repurchase the 2011 Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest (and liquidated damages, if any) to the date of repurchase.
 
 
7

 
Subject to certain conditions, we are required to make an offer to purchase 2011 Notes with 75% of our Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Indenture) following the end of each of (1) the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2011, (2) the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2012 and (3) the three consecutive fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2013 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest (and liquidated damages, if any) to the date of repurchase.

We may redeem some or all of the 2011 Notes at any time prior to April 15, 2012 by paying a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest (and liquidated damages, if any) to the redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to April 15, 2012, we may use the net proceeds of certain equity offerings to redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the 2011 Notes at a redemption price equal to 112.5% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest (and liquidated damages, if any) to the redemption date; provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of such 2011 Notes originally issued remain outstanding immediately following such redemption and such redemption occurs within 90 days of such equity offering. Furthermore, if we experience specific kinds of change of control, the holders of the 2011 Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase their 2011 Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest (and liquidated damages, if any) to the date of repurchase.

We may also redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest (and liquidated damages, if any) to the redemption date.

On April 15, 2011, we entered into an agreement to amend and restate our working capital facility to, among other things, extend the scheduled maturity to April 15, 2013. Terms of the amended and restated working capital facility allow for revolving debt of up to $15.0 million, including letters of credit commitments of up to $5.0 million, subject to a borrowing base test. The interest rate on borrowings under the working capital facility is the base rate plus a margin of 3.25%. The base rate is a fluctuating rate equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (b) the bank’s prime rate, and (c) the specified LIBOR rate plus 1.00%. At our option, we can elect for borrowings to bear interest for specified periods at the specified LIBOR rate in effect for such periods plus a margin of 4.25%.

We have agreed to pay an annual commitment fee on the unused portion of the working capital facility at a rate of 0.75% and an annual fee of 4.25% on all letters of credit outstanding. As of September 30, 2011, we had no amount outstanding under the working capital facility, no letters of credit outstanding and unused amounts available of $15.0 million. In addition, we paid an upfront fee of $0.3 million at closing and approximately $0.4 million of professional fees, which were capitalized as deferred financing costs and will be amortized on a straight line basis over the term of the working capital facility.

The working capital facility requires us to maintain certain minimum Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the working capital facility) levels for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, taken as one accounting period, and prohibits us from making capital expenditures in amounts exceeding certain thresholds for the period beginning on April 15, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011 and for each fiscal year thereafter. In addition, the working capital facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, representations and warranties, borrowing conditions, events of default and remedies for the lender. The aggregate loan or any individual loan made under the working capital facility may be prepaid at any time subject to certain restrictions.
 
In accordance with the terms of the working capital facility, payment of the borrowings may be accelerated at the option of the lender if an event of default, as defined in the working capital facility agreement, occurs.  Events of default include, without limitation, nonpayment of principal and interest by the due date; failure to perform or observe certain specific covenants; material breach of representations or warranties; default as to other indebtedness (including under the notes); certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency; inability or failure to pay debts as they come due; the entry of certain judgments against us; certain liabilities with regard to ERISA plans; the invalidity of any documents in connection with the working capital facility; a change in control of the Company; or an event effecting the subordination of certain indebtedness.

Prior to April 15, 2011, we had a working capital facility agreement that allowed for revolving debt of up to $20.0 million, including letters of credit commitments of up to $5.0 million, subject to a borrowing base test. We had no borrowings under this working capital facility during 2011. We paid an annual commitment fee on the unused portion of the working capital facility at a rate of 0.50%. In addition, we paid an annual fee of 3.875% on all letters of credit outstanding.
 
 
8

 
4.
Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Payroll and related expenses
  $ 4,449,139     $ 3,177,493  
Accrued interest
    8,593,756       5,517,147  
Customer prepayments
    3,553,805       3,298,520  
Self-insured health and workers' compensation accrual
    1,445,565       1,631,830  
Other
    2,541,221       1,916,868  
    $ 20,583,486     $ 15,541,858  
 
5.
Business Segments

We are a specialty printer offering a full range of printing and value-added support services for the journal, catalog, magazine and book markets. We operate in three business segments: “Publications,” “Specialty Catalogs” and “Books.” The Publications segment is focused on the production of short-run journals, medium-run journals and specialty magazines and is comprised of the assets and operations of The Sheridan Press, Dartmouth Printing, United Litho and Dartmouth Journal Services. Our Books segment is focused on the production of short-run books and is comprised of the assets and operations of Sheridan Books. The Specialty Catalogs segment, which is comprised of the assets and operations of The Dingley Press, is focused on catalog merchants that require run lengths between 50,000 and 8,500,000 copies.

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the consolidated financial statements in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. The results of each segment include certain allocations for general, administrative and other shared costs. However, certain costs, such as corporate profit sharing and bonuses, are not allocated to the segments. Our customer base resides in the continental United States, and our manufacturing, warehouse and office facilities are located throughout the East Coast and Midwest.

We had no customer that accounted for 10.0% or more of our net sales for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

The following table provides segment information as of September 30, 2011 and 2010 and for the three and nine month periods then ended:
 
   
Three months ended
 September 30,
   
Nine months ended
 September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
(in thousands)
                       
                         
Net sales
                       
Publications
  $ 34,633     $ 36,302     $ 107,699     $ 112,297  
Specialty catalogs
    17,614       16,154       49,966       46,693  
Books
    14,787       15,413       42,653       41,597  
Intersegment sales elimination
    (19 )     (2 )     (114 )     (4 )
Consolidated total
  $ 67,015     $ 67,867     $ 200,204     $ 200,583  
                                 
Operating income
                               
Publications
  $ 3,705     $ 1,449     $ 5,271     $ 10,523  
Specialty catalogs
    (166 )     (516 )     (1,498 )     (565 )
Books
    925       1,419       2,579       2,922  
Corporate expenses
    (463 )     (346 )     (1,663 )     (912 )
Consolidated total
  $ 4,001     $ 2,006     $ 4,689     $ 11,968  
                                 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
                 
      2011       2010                  
Assets
                               
Publications
  $ 127,428     $ 140,566                  
Specialty catalogs
    50,400       51,669                  
Books
    48,990       46,519                  
Corporate
    3,548       2,757                  
Consolidated total
  $ 230,366     $ 241,511                  
 
Included in the Publications segment as of September 30, 2011 is $3.8 million of assets held-for-sale related to the sale of the United Litho facility.
 
 
9

 
A reconciliation of total segment operating income to consolidated (loss) income before income taxes is as follows:
 
   
Three months ended
 September 30,
   
Nine months ended
 September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Total operating income (as shown above)
  $ 4,001     $ 2,006     $ 4,689     $ 11,968  
                                 
Interest expense
    (6,104 )     (3,940 )     (15,741 )     (11,852 )
Interest income
    6       18       7       43  
Loss on repurchase of notes payable
    -       -       (1,167 )     -  
Other, net
    (68 )     55       (51 )     (105 )
                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes
  $ (2,165 )   $ (1,861 )   $ (12,263 )   $ 54  
 
6.
Income Taxes

We recorded income tax benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 based on an estimated effective income tax rate of approximately 40.7%, which was adjusted by discrete items of approximately $0.1 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of approximately 41.2%. Although we generated income before income taxes of $0.1 million for the first nine months of 2010, we recorded an income tax benefit during that same period. The income tax benefit was the result of the impact of certain discrete adjustments of approximately $0.9 million (most of which were recorded in the first quarter of 2010), in relation to our modest income before income taxes for the first nine months of 2010. The discrete adjustments which reduced income tax expense included: (i) a change in the apportionment rules in the state of Maine which will result in a decrease in the income taxes we pay that state and (ii) a reduction in our accrual for uncertain tax positions due to an audit settlement with a state tax authority. Additionally, the impact of the permanent differences (primarily tax deductible goodwill) reduced the forecasted effective tax rate as of September 30, 2010 to approximately 8%. 

We file consolidated tax returns with Parent for Federal and certain state jurisdictions. We classify the current tax receivables as “Due from parent” and the current tax payables as “Due to parent,” which are netted as appropriate, on the consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2011, we generated a $5.1 million income tax benefit as the result of current net operating losses. Approximately $3.6 million of the benefit was recorded as a non-current deferred tax asset, which is presented net of our non-current deferred tax liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, as it will be available to reduce taxable income in future periods.

7.
Fair Value Measurements

Certain of our assets and liabilities must be recorded at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Accounting guidance outlines a valuation framework, creates a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and the related disclosures and prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
 
Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
 
Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
 
Our financial instruments consist of long-term investments in marketable securities (held in trust for payment of non-qualified deferred compensation) and long-term debt. We are permitted to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value that were not previously required to be measured at fair value. We have elected not to measure any financial assets or financial liabilities, including long-term debt, at fair value which were not previously required to be measured at fair value. We classify the investments in marketable securities within Level 1 of the hierarchy since they are invested in publicly traded mutual funds with quoted market prices that are available in active markets.
 
 
10

 
 8.
 Related Party Transactions
 
Under the terms of a management agreement with our private equity sponsors, we paid an annual management fee equal to the greater of $500,000 or 2% of EBITDA (as defined in the management agreement) plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. On April 15, 2011, the management agreement was terminated, and no amounts will be expensed in connection with the management agreement subsequent to the three month period ended March 31, 2011. We expensed $0.5 million in such fees for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 and $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

9.
Contingencies

We are party to legal actions as a result of various claims arising in the normal course of business. We believe that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

10.
Restructuring and Other Exit Costs

Due to continued adverse trends in the specialty magazine business (within our Publications segment) as a result of the weak economy, on January 19, 2011, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan to consolidate all specialty magazine printing operations into one site. Our United Litho facility in Ashburn, Virginia ceased operation on July 1, and we have consolidated the printing of specialty magazines at Dartmouth Printing Company in Hanover, New Hampshire. Approximately 80 positions were eliminated as a result of the consolidation. Approximately 20 employees in the Customer Service and Sales areas were retained by Dartmouth Printing Company.

In connection with this consolidation, we recorded $0.7 million and $1.5 million of restructuring charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Charges related to severance and other personnel costs totaled $0.5 million and $1.1 million and charges for other exit costs totaled $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. We estimate approximately $0.2 million of additional restructuring charges resulting in future cash expenditures will be incurred during 2011, primarily related to other exit costs. We had a liability of $0.5 million related to this restructuring outstanding as of September 30, 2011.

During the third quarter of 2011, we implemented a restructuring plan to reduce our operating costs through a workforce reduction across all segments of our business. Approximately 20 positions were eliminated as a result of this action. We recorded $0.6 million of restructuring costs during the three months ended September 30, 2011. The costs related primarily to guaranteed severance payments and employee health benefits. We do not believe any other costs will be expensed in the future in connection with this action. We had a liability of $0.4 million related to this restructuring outstanding as of September 30, 2011.

The table below shows the restructuring accrual balance and activity (in thousands):

   
ULI/DPC
   
Workforce
       
   
consolidation
   
reduction
   
Total
 
Restructuring accrual at December 31, 2010
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
Restructuring costs expenses
    1,521       585       2,106  
Restructuring costs paid
    (1,056 )     (166 )     (1,222 )
Restructuring accrual at September 30, 2011
  $ 465     $ 419     $ 884  
 
We recorded non-cash charges of $1.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, associated with the accelerated amortization of the United Litho trade name based on updated estimates of useful life.

We also recorded non-cash charges of approximately $2.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 associated with the accelerated depreciation of equipment, based on updated estimates of remaining useful life and estimated residual value, equal to the lower of carrying value or best estimate of selling price, less costs to sell.

On February 3, 2011, we entered into a contract to sell the Ashburn, Virginia facility for $4.2 million. After deducting related closing costs, we estimate our net proceeds will be approximately $3.8 million. We accelerated the depreciation of the property, which had a net book value of approximately $3.9 million as of December 31, 2010, down to the amount of the estimated net proceeds, over the expected remaining service period prior to consolidating the operations at the Dartmouth Printing Company facility. Consummation of the transaction is conditioned upon satisfaction of specific terms and conditions and delivery of specific documents, which are customary for similar transactions. The closing is expected to take place by November 30, 2011. The buyer paid deposits totaling approximately $0.4 million to an escrow agent which will be delivered to us in the event that the buyer is in default under the terms of the contract. The land and building are classified as non-currents assets held-for-sale, and are recorded at their estimated net realizable value, on our September 30, 2011 balance sheet.
 
 
11

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our historical consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. References to the “Company” refer to The Sheridan Group, Inc. The terms “we,” “us,” “our” and other similar terms refer to the consolidated businesses of the Company and all of its subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements.”  Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate solely to historical fact, including but not limited to statements regarding our liquidity and cash flow and restructuring costs. They include, but are not limited to, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, achievements or events. They may contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” or words or phrases of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those expected. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors and, of course, it is impossible to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Accordingly, we caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make include, among others:

 
competitive pressures and trends in the printing industry, including but not limited to the continued migration to digital from offset printing, reduced run lengths and reprint orders, and the increasing use of electronic formats rather than paper-based formats;

 
factors that affect customer demand, including but not limited to changes in technology, changes in advertising markets, changes in postal rates and postal regulations;

 
general economic conditions;

 
our liquidity and capital resources, including our ability to refinance our debt from time to time;

 
changes in the availability or costs of key materials and inputs (such as paper, energy, freight/postage, plates and ink), including but not limited to our ability to pass through cost increases to our customers;

 
the loss of key employees;

 
the satisfaction of the conditions to the closing of the sale of the Ashburn, Virginia facility;

 
legal proceedings and regulatory matters; and

 
other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the our filings with the SEC, including but not limited to those discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read with the other cautionary statements in this report.  New risk factors can emerge from time to time. It is not possible for us to predict all of these risks, nor can we assess the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements, which we make in this report, speak only as of the date of such statement. Although we periodically reassess material trends and uncertainties affecting our results of operations and financial condition in connection with the preparation of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and certain other sections contained in our quarterly, annual or other reports filed with the SEC, we do not undertake any obligation (and we do not intend) to update such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments.  Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.
 
 
12

 
Overview

Company Background

We are a leading specialty printer offering a full range of printing and value-added support services for the journal, catalog, magazine and book markets. We provide a wide range of printing services and value-added support services that supplement the core printing operations such as page composition, electronic copy-editing, digital proofing, electronic publishing systems, subscriber services, digital media distribution, custom publishing and back issue fulfillment. We utilize a decentralized management structure, which provides our customers with access to the resources of a large company, while maintaining the high level of service and flexibility of a smaller company.

2011 Notes and Amended and Restated Working Capital Facility

On April 15, 2011, we completed a private debt offering of the 2011 Notes (senior secured notes totaling $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount).  The 2011 Notes will mature on April 15, 2014 and bear interest payable in cash in arrears at the fixed interest rate of 12.5% per year. On the same date, we entered into an agreement to amend and restate our working capital facility to, among other things, extend the scheduled maturity to April 15, 2013. Terms of the amended and restated working capital facility allow for revolving debt of up to $15.0 million, including letters of credit commitments of up to $5.0 million, subject to a borrowing base test.

Proceeds of the 2011 Notes offering of $141.0 million, net of discount, together with cash on hand and borrowings under our working capital facility were used to repurchase all of our existing 2003 and 2004 Notes (due August 15, 2011) and to pay related fees and expenses.

Restructuring costs and facility shutdown

Due to continued adverse trends in the specialty magazine business (within our Publications segment) as a result of the weak economy, on January 19, 2011, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan to consolidate all specialty magazine printing operations into one site. Our United Litho facility in Ashburn, Virginia ceased operation on July 1, and we have consolidated the printing of specialty magazines at Dartmouth Printing Company in Hanover, New Hampshire. Approximately 80 positions were eliminated as a result of the closure. Approximately 20 employees in the Customer Service and Sales areas were retained by Dartmouth Printing Company.

In connection with this consolidation, we recorded $0.7 million and $1.5 million of restructuring charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Charges related to severance and other personnel costs totaled $0.5 million and $1.1 million and charges for other exit costs totaled $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. We estimate approximately $0.2 million of additional restructuring charges resulting in future cash expenditures will be incurred during 2011, primarily related to other exit costs. We had a liability of $0.5 million related to this restructuring outstanding as of September 30, 2011.

During the third quarter of 2011, we implemented a restructuring plan to reduce our operating costs through a workforce reduction across all segments of our business. Approximately 20 positions were eliminated as a result of this action. We recorded $0.6 million of restructuring costs during the three months ended September 30, 2011. The costs related primarily to guaranteed severance payments and employee health benefits. We do not believe any other costs will be expensed in the future in connection with this action. We had a liability of $0.4 million related to this restructuring outstanding as of September 30, 2011.

The table below shows the restructuring accrual balance and activity (in thousands):

   
ULI/DPC
   
Workforce
       
   
consolidation
   
reduction
   
Total
 
Restructuring accrual at December 31, 2010
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
Restructuring costs expenses
    1,521       585       2,106  
Restructuring costs paid
    (1,056 )     (166 )     (1,222 )
Restructuring accrual at September 30, 2011
  $ 465     $ 419     $ 884  
 
We recorded non-cash charges of $1.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, associated with the accelerated amortization of the United Litho trade name based on updated estimates of useful life.

We also recorded non-cash charges of approximately $2.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 associated with the accelerated depreciation of equipment, based on updated estimates of remaining useful life and estimated residual value, equal to the lower of carrying value or best estimate of selling price, less costs to sell.
 
 
13

 
On February 3, 2011, we entered into a contract to sell the Ashburn, Virginia facility for $4.2 million. After deducting related closing costs, we estimate our net proceeds will be approximately $3.8 million. We accelerated the depreciation of the property, which had a net book value of approximately $3.9 million as of December 31, 2010, down to the amount of the estimated net proceeds, over the expected remaining service period prior to consolidating the operations at the Dartmouth Printing Company facility.  Consummation of the transaction is conditioned upon satisfaction of specific terms and conditions and delivery of specific documents, which are customary for similar transactions. The closing is expected to take place by November 30, 2011. The buyer paid deposits totaling approximately $0.4 million to an escrow agent which will be delivered to us in the event that the buyer is in default under the terms of the contract. The land and building are classified as assets held-for-sale, at their estimated net realizable value, on our September 30, 2011 balance sheet.

Critical Accounting Estimates

In the ordinary course of business, we make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial position in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. We believe the estimates, assumptions and judgments described in the section “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates” included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. These policies include our accounting for allowances for doubtful accounts, impairment of goodwill and other identifiable intangibles, income taxes and self-insurance. These policies require us to exercise judgments that are often difficult, subjective and complex due to the necessity of estimating the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. We believe the consistent application of these policies enables us to provide readers of our financial statements with useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition.

Results of Operations

Our business includes three reportable segments comprised of “Publications,” “Specialty Catalogs” and “Books.” The Publications business segment is focused on the production of short-run journals, medium-run journals and specialty magazines and is comprised of the assets and operations of The Sheridan Press, Dartmouth Printing, Dartmouth Journal Services and United Litho. Our Books segment is focused on the production of short-run books and is comprised of the assets and operations of Sheridan Books. The Specialty Catalogs segment, which is comprised of the assets and operations of The Dingley Press, is focused on catalog merchants that require run lengths between 50,000 and 8,500,000 copies.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information derived from our condensed consolidated statements of operations, the relative percentage that those amounts represent to total net sales (unless otherwise indicated), and the percentage change in those amounts from period to period. This table should be read in conjunction with the commentary that follows it.
 
 
14

 
Three months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010:

   
Three months ended
 September 30,
   
Increase (decrease)
   
Percent of revenue
Three months ended
 September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollars
   
Percentage
   
2011
   
2010
 
                                     
Net sales
                                   
Publications
  $ 34,633     $ 36,302     $ (1,669 )     (4.6 %)     51.7 %     53.5 %
Specialty catalogs
    17,614       16,154       1,460       9.0 %     26.3 %     23.8 %
Books
    14,787       15,413       (626 )     (4.1 %)     22.0 %     22.7 %
Intersegment sales elimination
    (19 )     (2 )     (17 )  
nm
      -       -  
Total net sales
  $ 67,015     $ 67,867     $ (852 )     (1.3 %)     100.0 %     100.0 %
                                                 
Cost of sales
    53,559       56,532       (2,973 )     (5.3 %)     79.9 %     83.3 %
                                                 
Gross profit
  $ 13,456     $ 11,335     $ 2,121       18.7 %     20.1 %     16.7 %
                                                 
Selling and administrative expenses
  $ 7,800     $ 8,915     $ (1,115 )     (12.5 %)     11.6 %     13.1 %
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets
    (36 )     64       (100 )  
nm
      -       0.1 %
Restructuring costs
    1,270       -       1,270    
nm
      1.9 %     -  
Amortization of intangibles
    421       350       71       20.3 %     0.6 %     0.5 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 9,455     $ 9,329     $ 126       1.4 %     14.1 %     13.7 %
                                                 
Operating income
                                               
Publications
  $ 3,705     $ 1,449     $ 2,256       155.7 %     10.7 %     4.0 %
Specialty catalogs
    (166 )     (516 )     350       67.8 %     (0.9 %)     (3.2 %)
Books
    925       1,419       (494 )     (34.8 %)     6.3 %     9.2 %
Corporate expenses
    (463 )     (346 )     (117 )     (33.8 %)  
nm
   
nm
 
Total operating income
  $ 4,001     $ 2,006     $ 1,995       99.5 %     6.0 %     3.0 %
                                                 
Other (income) expense
                                               
Interest expense
  $ 6,104     $ 3,940     $ 2,164       54.9 %     9.1 %     5.8 %
Interest income
    (6 )     (18 )     12       66.7 %     -       -  
Loss on repurchase of notes payable
    -       -       -    
nm
      -       -  
Other, net
    68       (55 )     123    
nm
      0.1 %     (0.1 %)
Total other expense
  $ 6,166     $ 3,867     $ 2,299       59.5 %     9.2 %     5.7 %
                                                 
Loss before income taxes
    (2,165 )     (1,861 )     (304 )     (16.3 %)     (3.2 %)     (2.7 %)
                                                 
Income tax benefit
    (1,202 )     (655 )     (547 )     (83.5 %)     (1.8 %)     (1.0 %)
                                                 
Net loss
  $ (963 )   $ (1,206 )   $ 243       20.1 %     (1.4 %)     (1.7 %)
 

nm - not meaningful

Commentary:

Net sales for the third quarter of 2011 decreased $0.9 million or 1.3% versus the third quarter of 2010 due primarily to pricing and volume reductions versus a year ago. Net sales for the Publications segment decreased $1.7 million or 4.6% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same period a year ago due primarily to: (i) sales declines in journals due to lower pricing and reduced run lengths coupled with the continued migration to digital from offset printing and (ii) sales declines in magazines due primarily to lower pricing coupled with reduced run lengths. Net sales for the Specialty Catalogs segment increased $1.5 million or 9.0% in the third quarter of 2011 compared with the same period a year ago with most of the increase due to increases in paper and freight pass through costs coupled with increases in volume from new customers. Net sales for the Books segment decreased $0.6 million or 4.1% in the third quarter of 2011 compared with the same period a year ago due primarily to lower paper costs as a result of product mix and reduced sales due to shorter run lengths and lower pricing.
 
 
15

 
Gross profit for the third quarter of 2011 increased by $2.1 million or 18.7% compared to the third quarter of 2010. Gross margin of 20.1% of net sales for the third quarter of 2011 reflected a 3.4 margin point increase versus the third quarter of 2010. The absence in 2011 of a one-time charge of $2.3 million for depreciation expense in connection with the write down of the value of a printing press that was removed from service in 2010 was the primary reason for the gross profit and margin point improvement.   Additionally, reductions in people costs and operating lease expenses coupled with higher recycling revenue offset the adverse impact of the lower sales and increased investment in technology.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million or 12.5% for the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the third quarter of 2010 due primarily to reductions in staffing and benefit costs, lower professional fees and the absence in 2011 of the management fee paid to our equity sponsors following the termination of the underlying agreement in the second quarter of 2011.

Restructuring costs of $1.3 million were recorded in the third quarter of 2011. Approximately $0.7 million of the restructuring costs were the result of our decision to shut down the operations of United Litho and consolidate the production of specialty magazines at Dartmouth Printing Company. This decision resulted from adverse trends in the specialty magazine business. The restructuring costs related primarily to severance payments, employee health benefits and other one-time costs. ULI ceased operation on July 1 and all production has been transferred to DPC. We estimate an additional $0.2 million of restructuring charges resulting in future cash expenditures related to the shutdown will be charged in 2011. Total restructuring costs related to the shutdown are projected to be $1.7 million. Approximately $0.6 million of the restructuring costs were the result of a workforce reduction across all segments of our business designed to reduce our overall cost structure. The costs related primarily to guaranteed severance payments and employee health benefits. We do not believe any other costs will be expensed in the future in connection with this action.
 
Operating income of $4.0 million for the third quarter of 2011 represented an increase of $2.0 million or 99.5% as compared to operating income of $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2010. The increase in operating income was due primarily to the improvement in gross profit and the reduction in selling and administrative expenses mentioned above. Publications operating income increased by $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010 due principally to the absence in 2011 of a one-time charge of $2.3 million for depreciation expense in connection with the write down of the value of a printing press that was removed from service in 2010. The combined results of ULI/DPC accounted for more than 75% of the Publications segment operating profit improvement due principally to the reduction in depreciation expense and lower people costs partially offset by lower sales and the increase in restructuring costs. The remaining increase in Publications operating income was attributable to lower people-related costs and reduced operating lease expenses which were partially offset by an increase in corporate technology allocations and lower sales. Specialty Catalogs had an operating loss of $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to an operating loss of $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2010, a decrease in the operating loss of $0.3 million. This decrease was primarily due to higher sales (excluding higher paper and freight pass through costs), lower healthcare costs and higher recycling revenue partially offset by restructuring costs and higher material costs. Operating income for the Books segment decreased $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared with the same period last year due principally to lower sales (excluding pass through costs) coupled with higher healthcare costs. An increase in corporate expenses decreased operating income by $0.1million in the third quarter of 2011 as compared with the same period last year due primarily to an increased investment in technology resources partially offset by the elimination of the management fee paid to our private equity sponsors, higher cost allocations to our subsidiaries and lower professional fees.

Interest expense of $6.1 million for the third quarter of 2011 represented a $2.2 million increase as compared to the third quarter of 2010 due to our April 15, 2011 refinancing, whereby we replaced our 2003 and 2004 Notes (10.25% senior secured notes with a face amount of $142.9 million) with our 2011 Notes (12.5% senior secured notes with a face amount of $150.0 million). Additionally, the amortization of the deferred financing costs paid and the original issue discount (both in connection with the 2011 Notes) resulted in higher interest charges in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to a year ago.

The loss before income taxes of $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2011 represented a $0.3 million decline as compared to the same period last year. The decline was due primarily to higher interest expense partially offset by higher operating income as mentioned previously.

We had an effective income tax rate of approximately 55.5% for the third quarter of 2011 compared to 35.2% for the same period in 2010. The income tax benefit recorded in the third quarter of 2011 was favorably impacted by certain discrete adjustments of approximately $0.3 million as the result of a reduction in our accrual for uncertain tax positions, which also accounts for the variance in rates as compared to the year ago period.

Net loss of $1.0 million for the third quarter of 2011 represented a $0.2 million improvement as compared to the third quarter of 2010 due to the factors mentioned previously.
 
 
16

 
Nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010:

                               
   
Nine months ended
 September 30,
   
Increase (decrease)
   
Percent of revenue
Nine months ended
 September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollars
   
Percentage
   
2011
   
2010
 
                                     
Net sales
                                   
Publications
  $ 107,699     $ 112,297     $ (4,598 )     (4.1 %)     53.8 %     56.0 %
Specialty catalogs
    49,966       46,693       3,273       7.0 %     25.0 %     23.3 %
Books
    42,653       41,597       1,056       2.5 %     21.3 %     20.7 %
Intersegment sales elimination
    (114 )     (4 )     (110 )  
nm
      (0.1 %)     -  
Total net sales
  $ 200,204     $ 200,583     $ (379 )     (0.2 %)     100.0 %     100.0 %
                                                 
Cost of sales
    163,865       160,484       3,381       2.1 %     81.8 %     80.0 %
                                                 
Gross profit
  $ 36,339     $ 40,099     $ (3,760 )     (9.4 %)     18.2 %     20.0 %
                                                 
Selling and administrative expenses
  $ 26,667     $ 26,902     $ (235 )     (0.9 %)     13.3 %     13.4 %
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets
    (19 )     102       (121 )  
nm
      -       0.1 %
Restructuring costs
    2,106       78       2,028    
nm
      1.1 %     -  
Amortization of intangibles
    2,896       1,049       1,847       176.1 %     1.4 %     0.5 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 31,650     $ 28,131     $ 3,519       12.5 %     15.8 %     14.0 %
                                                 
Operating income
                                               
Publications
  $ 5,271     $ 10,523     $ (5,252 )     (49.9 %)     4.9 %     9.4 %
Specialty catalogs
    (1,498 )     (565 )     (933 )     (165.1 %)     (3.0 %)     (1.2 %)
Books
    2,579       2,922       (343 )     (11.7 %)     6.0 %     7.0 %
Corporate expenses
    (1,663 )     (912 )     (751 )     (82.3 %)  
nm
   
nm
 
Total operating income
  $ 4,689     $ 11,968     $ (7,279 )     (60.8 %)     2.4 %     6.0 %
                                                 
Other (income) expense
                                               
Interest expense
  $ 15,741     $ 11,852     $ 3,889       32.8 %     7.9 %     5.9 %
Interest income
    (7 )     (43 )     36       83.7 %     -       -  
Loss on repurchase of notes payable
    1,167       -       1,167    
nm
      0.6 %     -  
Other, net
    51       105       (54 )     (51.4 %)     -       0.1 %
Total other expense
  $ 16,952     $ 11,914     $ 5,038       42.3 %     8.5 %     6.0 %
                                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (12,263 )     54       (12,317 )  
nm
      (6.1 %)     -  
                                                 
Income tax benefit
    (5,053 )     (892 )     (4,161 )  
nm
      (2.5 %)     (0.5 %)
                                                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,210 )   $ 946     $ (8,156 )  
nm
      (3.6 %)     0.5 %
 

nm - not meaningful

Commentary:

Net sales for the first nine months of 2011 decreased slightly versus the first nine months of 2010 as the impact of higher pass through paper costs (approximately $3.0 million) were more than offset by pricing and volume reductions versus a year ago. Net sales for the Publications segment decreased $4.6 million or 4.1% in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period a year ago due primarily to: (i) sales declines in journals due to lower pricing and reduced run lengths, the continued migration to digital from offset printing and fewer reprint orders and (ii) sales declines in magazines due primarily to lower pricing and reduced run lengths. Net sales for the Specialty Catalogs segment increased $3.3 million or 7.0% in the first nine months of 2011 compared with the same period a year ago with much of the increase due to increases in paper pass through costs coupled with increases in volume principally from new customers. Net sales for the Books segment increased $1.1 million or 2.5% in the first nine months of 2011 compared with the same period a year ago due primarily to higher paper costs which were passed on to our customers.
 
 
17

 
Gross profit for the first nine months of 2011 decreased by $3.8 million or 9.4% compared to the first nine months of 2010. Gross margin of 18.2% of net sales for the first nine months of 2011 reflected a 1.8 margin point decrease versus the first nine months of 2010. Approximately two-thirds of the gross profit decline is attributable to the decline in sales at ULI and DPC partially offset by consolidation cost reductions realized in the third quarter of 2011 following the closure of ULI. The remainder of the gross profit decline is due principally to reductions in sales (excluding pass through costs) in our other businesses, an increase in development costs related to our technology-based services and increases in material and supply costs partially offset by lower operating lease costs, increases in recycling revenue and lower people-related costs.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased slightly for the first nine months of 2011 as compared to the first nine months of 2010. The decrease was due primarily to reductions in bad debt expense, professional fees and management incentive expense partially offset by an increase in selling, marketing and technology staffing and travel costs coupled with certain non-capitalizable legal fees incurred in connection with negotiations to refinance our debt.

Restructuring costs of $2.1 million were recorded in the first nine months of 2011. Approximately $1.5 million of the restructuring costs were as a result of our decision to shut down the operations of ULI and consolidate the production of specialty magazines at DPC. This decision resulted from adverse trends in the specialty magazine business. The restructuring costs related primarily to severance payments, employee health benefits and other one-time costs. We estimate an additional $0.2 million of restructuring charges resulting in future cash expenditures related to the shutdown will be charged in 2011. Total restructuring costs related to the shutdown are projected to be $1.7 million. ULI ceased operation on July 1 and all production has been transferred to DPC. Additionally, $0.6 million of the restructuring costs were the result of a workforce reduction across all segments of our business designed to reduce our overall cost structure. The costs related primarily to guaranteed severance payments and employee health benefits. We do not believe any other costs will be expensed in the future in connection with this action.
 
Amortization expense in the first nine months of 2011 included a $1.6 million charge associated with accelerated amortization of the United Litho trade name as a result of the shutdown of ULI.
 
Operating income of $4.7 million for the first nine months of 2011 represented a decrease of $7.3 million or 60.8% as compared to operating income of $12.0 million for the first nine months of 2010. The combined results of ULI/DPC accounted for more than 60% of the aforementioned $7.3 million decrease. The reduction in operating income was due primarily to the decline in gross profit mentioned above as well as the amortization expense and restructuring costs recorded in connection with the shutdown of ULI and the restructuring costs recorded as a result of the workforce reduction. Publications operating income decreased by $5.3 million in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the first nine months of 2010 with approximately 90% of the decline attributable to the ULI/DPC business units. The ULI/DPC declines were due principally to the impact of lower sales, the increases in start-up operating costs at DPC in preparation for the incremental volume from ULI, the acceleration of depreciation and amortization expense and the restructuring costs recorded in connection with the shutdown of ULI. The balance of the decline in Publications operating income was attributable to declines in sales versus the same period a year ago coupled with increases in corporate technology staffing cost allocations, which were partially offset by decreases in equipment lease costs and people costs including benefits. Specialty Catalogs had an operating loss of $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2011 as compared to an operating loss of $0.6 million in the first nine months of 2010, resulting in a decrease in profitability of $0.9 million. This decrease was primarily due to increases in paper waste, production wages, selling salaries, supplies and restructuring costs recorded as a result of the workforce reduction partially offset by higher recycling revenue and lower healthcare costs. Operating income for the Books segment decreased $0.3 million in the first nine months of 2011 compared with the same period last year due principally to higher selling expenses, an increase in corporate expenses due primarily to our increased investment in technology resources and restructuring costs recorded as a result of the workforce reduction. An increase in corporate expenses decreased operating income by an additional $0.8 million in the first nine months of 2011 as compared with the same period last year due primarily to our increased investment in technology resources, certain non-capitalizable legal fees incurred in connection with negotiations to refinance our debt and restructuring costs recorded as a result of the workforce reduction which were partially offset by higher cost allocations to our subsidiaries.

Interest expense of $15.7 million for the first nine months of 2011 represented a $3.9 million increase as compared to the first nine months of 2010 due to our April 15, 2011 refinancing, whereby we replaced our 2003 and 2004 Notes (10.25% senior secured notes with a face amount of $142.9 million) with our 2011 Notes (12.5% senior secured notes with a face amount of $150.0 million). Additionally, the amortization of the deferred financing costs paid and the original issue discount (both in connection with the 2011 Notes) resulted in higher interest charges in the first nine months of 2011 as compared to a year ago. We also recorded a $1.2 million loss on the repurchase of our 2003 and 2004 Notes as the result of the tender offer premium paid, the professional fees incurred and the write-off of unamortized financing costs associated with the 2003 and 2004 Notes.

The loss before income taxes of $12.3 million for the first nine months of 2011 represented a $12.3 million decline as compared to the same period last year. The decline was due primarily to the higher expenses mentioned previously.
 
 
18

 
We recorded income tax benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 based on an estimated effective income tax rate of approximately 40.7%, which was adjusted by discrete items of approximately $0.1 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of approximately 41.2%. Although we generated income before income taxes of $0.1 million for the first nine months of 2010, we recorded income tax benefit during that same period. The income tax benefit was the result of the impact of certain discrete adjustments of approximately $0.9 million (most of which were recorded in the first quarter of 2010), in relation to our modest income before income taxes for the first nine months of 2010. The discrete adjustments which reduced income tax expense included: (i) a change in the apportionment rules in the State of Maine which will result in a decrease in the income taxes we pay to that state and (ii) a reduction in our accrual for uncertain tax positions due to an audit settlement with a state tax authority. Additionally, the impact of the permanent differences (primarily tax deductible goodwill) reduced the forecasted effective tax rate as of September 30, 2010 to approximately 8%. 
 
Net loss of $7.2 million for the first nine months of 2011 represented an $8.2 million decline as compared to net income of $1.0 million for the first nine months of 2010 due to the factors mentioned previously.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As further described below under “—Indebtedness,” on April 15, 2011, we completed the offering of the 2011 Notes and entered into an agreement to amend and restate our working capital facility. Proceeds of the 2011 Notes offering of $141.0 million, net of discount, together with cash on hand and borrowings under our working capital facility, were used to repurchase all of our existing 2003 and 2004 Notes (due August 15, 2011) and to pay related fees and expenses.

Our principal sources of liquidity are expected to be cash flow generated from operations and borrowings under our working capital facility. Our principal uses of cash are expected to be to meet debt service requirements, finance capital expenditures and provide working capital. We estimate that our capital expenditures for the remainder of 2011 will total about $2.8 million. We may from time to time seek to purchase or retire our 2011 Notes through cash purchases, open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. Based on our current level of operations, we believe that our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under our working capital facility will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months, but external sources would be necessary to repay at maturity or refinance our 2011 Notes (due April 2014).

We had cash of $4.8 million as of September 30, 2011 compared to $13.7 million as of December 31, 2010. During the first nine months of 2011, we utilized cash on hand to fund operations, pay fees and expenses related to the offering of the 2011 Notes, make investments in new plant and equipment and make the semi-annual interest payments on and repurchase our notes.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.9 million for the first nine months of 2011 compared to $13.5 million for the first nine months of 2010. This $3.6 million decrease was primarily due to a decrease in net income of $8.2 million, which was partially offset by net non-cash expenses of $0.3 million coupled with favorable changes in working capital and other assets and liabilities that totaled $4.3 million.

The major favorable changes included:

 
an increase in accrued expenses due primarily to the amount and timing of the interest payments in connection with the 2011 Notes as compared to the 2003 and 2004 Notes;

 
a decrease in inventory levels during the first nine months of 2011 versus December 2010 as compared to the first nine months of 2010 versus December 2009 due primarily to the timing of purchases.

These favorable changes were partially offset by:

 
a decrease in accounts payable levels during the first nine months of 2011 versus December 2010 as compared to the first nine months of 2010 versus December 2009 due primarily to the timing of purchases;

 
an increase in accounts receivable levels due primarily to higher sales volume and the timing of collections in September 2011 versus December 2010 as compared to September 2010 versus December 2009;

 
a decrease in the amount due to parent, net, which represents a tax asset as the result of net operating losses generated by us which can be used to offset future tax liabilities.
 
 
19

 
Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $9.7 million for the first nine months of 2011 compared to $5.2 million for the first nine months of 2010. This $4.5 million increase in cash used was primarily the result of higher capital spending in the first nine months of 2011 as compared to the same period last year due primarily to the expansion of Dartmouth Printing Company as part of the United Litho consolidation plan. This was offset by a $1.5 million increase in fixed asset sale proceeds in the first nine months of 2011 as compared to the same period last year due to the sale of equipment in connection with the closing of the United Litho facility.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $9.1 million for the first nine months of 2011 compared to minimal activity during the same period a year ago. The primary use of cash was to pay $7.2 million of costs in connection with the offering of the 2011 Notes and the amendment and restatement of our working capital facility. We used $1.9 million of cash on hand and borrowings on our working capital facility to fund the difference between the proceeds from the 2011 Notes and the amount needed to repay our 2003 and 2004 Notes.

Indebtedness

2011 Notes and Amended and Restated Working Capital Facility

On April 15, 2011, we completed the offering of the 2011 Notes pursuant to an indenture, by and among us, our subsidiaries named on the signature pages thereto, as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Indenture”).  The 2011 Notes will mature on April 15, 2014 and bear interest payable in cash in arrears at the fixed interest rate of 12.5% per year. Interest on the 2011 Notes will be payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2011. The 2011 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by all of our current subsidiaries.

The Indenture requires that we maintain certain minimum Consolidated EBITDA levels (as discussed further below) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, taken as one accounting period, and prohibits us from making capital expenditures in amounts exceeding certain thresholds for the period beginning on April 15, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011 and for each fiscal year thereafter. In addition, the Indenture contains covenants that, subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions or restricted payments; incur indebtedness; make certain investments; create liens; agree to restrictions on the payment of dividends; consolidate or merge; sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of assets, including equity interests of our restricted subsidiaries; enter into transactions with our affiliates; designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; use the proceeds of permitted sales of our assets; and change business lines. If an event of default, as specified in the Indenture, shall occur and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of a specified percentage of the 2011 Notes may accelerate the maturity of all the 2011 Notes.

On April 15, 2011, we entered into an agreement to amend and restate our working capital facility to, among other things, extend the scheduled maturity to April 15, 2013. Terms of the amended and restated working capital facility allow for revolving debt of up to $15.0 million, including letters of credit commitments of up to $5.0 million, subject to a borrowing base test. The interest rate on borrowings under the working capital facility is the base rate plus a margin of 3.25%. The base rate is a fluctuating rate equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (b) the bank’s prime rate, and (c) the specified LIBOR rate plus 1.00%. At our option, we can elect for borrowings to bear interest for specified periods at the specified LIBOR rate in effect for such periods plus a margin of 4.25%.  We have agreed to pay an annual commitment fee on the unused portion of the working capital facility at a rate of 0.75% and an annual fee of 4.25% on all letters of credit outstanding.

Both the 2011 Notes and the related guarantees and our and the guarantors’ obligations under the working capital facility are secured by a lien in substantially all of our and the guarantors’ assets. Pursuant to an intercreditor agreement between the trustee under the Indenture and the lender under the working capital facility, (1) in the case of real property, fixtures and equipment that secure the 2011 Notes and guarantees, the lien securing the notes and the guarantees will be senior to the lien securing borrowings, other credit extensions and guarantees under the working capital facility and (2) in the case of the other assets of the Company and the guarantors (including the shares of stock of the Company and the guarantors) that secure the 2011 Notes and guarantees, the lien securing the 2011 Notes and the related guarantees is contractually subordinated to the lien thereon securing borrowings, other credit extensions and guarantees under the working capital facility. Consequently, the 2011 Notes and the related guarantees are effectively subordinated to the borrowings, other credit extensions and guarantees under the working capital facility to the extent of the value of such other assets.

Proceeds of the 2011 Notes offering of $141.0 million, net of discount, together with cash on hand and borrowings under the working capital facility were used to repurchase all of our existing 2003 and 2004 Notes (due August 15, 2011) and to pay related fees and expenses.  We have significant interest payments due on the 2011 Notes, as well as interest payments due on borrowings under our working capital facility. Total cash interest payments related to our working capital facility and the 2011 Notes are expected to be in excess of $18.7 million on an annual basis.
 
 
20

 
Each of the Indenture and the working capital facility agreement requires that we maintain certain minimum consolidated EBITDA (“Consolidated EBITDA”) amounts for any period of four consecutive quarters, taken as one accounting period, as follows:

Period
     
Amount
April 15, 2011 to March 31, 2012
  $    
32.00 million
April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013
  $    
34.00 million
April 1, 2013 and thereafter
  $    
35.00 million

Consolidated EBITDA has the same meaning under each of the Indenture and the working capital facility agreement and generally consists of net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring charges and certain other non-cash items.  Pursuant to the Indenture and the working capital facility agreement, Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended (i) March 31, 2011 will be deemed to equal our Consolidated EBITDA for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011 plus $28,869,000, (ii) June 30, 2011 will be deemed to equal our Consolidated EBITDA for the two consecutive fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2011 plus $18,896,000 and (iii) September 30, 2011 will be deemed to equal our Consolidated EBITDA for the three consecutive fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2011 plus $9,485,000.  Failure to satisfy the minimum Consolidated EBITDA amounts will constitute a default under each of the Indenture and the working capital facility agreement.  For the twelve months ended September 30, 2011, our Consolidated EBITDA was $35.1 million.

Consolidated EBITDA is used for purposes of calculating our compliance with the minimum Consolidated EBITDA covenants in each of the Indenture and the working capital facility agreement and to evaluate our operating performance and determine management incentive payments. Consolidated EBITDA is not an indicator of financial performance or liquidity under generally accepted accounting principles and may not be comparable to similarly captioned information reported by other companies. In addition, it should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, income before income taxes, cash flows from operating activities or other traditional indicators of operating performance.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Consolidated EBITDA to cash flows from operating activities for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands). The Consolidated EBITDA covenants under each of the Indenture and the working capital facility agreement are based upon a rolling twelve months. Therefore, Consolidated EBITDA for the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 includes the amounts presented in the following table as well as an assumed amount of $9,485,000 as required under the terms of each of the Indenture and the working capital facility agreement (as described above).
 
 
21

 
   
Nine Months Ended Sept 30,
 
   
2011
 
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 9,885  
         
Accounts receivable
    3,117  
Inventories
    (1,750 )
Other current assets
    (1,148 )
Other assets
    647  
Accounts payable
    2,479  
Accrued expenses
    (5,042 )
Due to parent, net
    526  
Other liabilities
    863  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    (197 )
Deferred income tax benefit
    4,350  
Provision for inventory realizability and LIFO value
    (14 )
Loss on disposition of fixed assets, net
    19  
Income tax provision
    (5,053 )
Cash interest expense
    13,021  
Management fees
    491  
Non cash adjustments:
       
Increase in market value of investments
    (2 )
Amortization of prepaid lease costs
    1  
Loss on disposition of fixed assets
    78  
Interest income
    (7 )
Loss on repurchase of notes payable - cash portion
    930  
Restructuring costs
    2,106  
Non capitalizable professional fees associated with refinancing debt
    278  
         
Consolidated EBITDA
  $ 25,578  
 
Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company’s future minimum non-cancellable contractual obligations as of September 30, 2011:
  
   
Remaining Payments Due by Period
 
               
2012 to
   
2014 to
   
2016 and
 
   
Total
   
2011
   
2013
   
2015
   
beyond
 
(in thousands)
                             
                               
Long term debt, including interest (1)
  $ 206,250     $ 9,375     $ 37,500     $ 159,375     $ -  
Operating leases
    5,094       503       2,809       1,420       362  
Purchase obligations (2)
    2,093       1,246       831       16       -  
Other long-term obligations (3)
    202       38       164       -       -  
                                         
Total (4)
  $ 213,639     $ 11,162     $ 41,304     $ 160,811     $ 362  
 
(1)
Includes the $150.0 million aggregate principal amount due on the 2011 Notes plus interest at 12.50% payable semi-annually through April 15, 2014.

(2)
Represents payments due under purchase agreements for consumable raw materials and commitments for construction projects and equipment acquisitions.

(3)
Represents payments due under a non-compete arrangement with our former Chairman of the Board.

(4)
At September 30, 2011, we have recognized approximately $1.7 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. There is a high degree of uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash outflows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits because they are dependent on various matters including, among others, tax examinations, changes in tax laws or interpretation of those laws and expiration of statutes of limitation. Due to these uncertainties, our unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above.
 
 
22

 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually-narrow or limited purposes. We therefore are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

New Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance to improve the comparability of fair value measurements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This update amends the accounting rules for fair value measurements and disclosure. The amendments are of two types: (i) those that clarify FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and (ii) those that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The update is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2012. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income that will require us to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity.  This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  We are in the process of evaluating this guidance but currently do not believe that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance that will simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. After assessment of certain qualitative factors, if it is determined to be more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, entities must perform the quantitative analysis of the goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the quantitative tests become optional. The guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and earlier adoption is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance but currently do not believe that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 Market risk represents the risk of changes in value of a financial instrument, derivative or non-derivative, caused by fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in results of our operations and cash flows. In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency and interest rate risks. These risks primarily relate to the purchase of products and services from foreign suppliers and changes in interest rates on our long-term debt.

Foreign Exchange Rate Market Risk

We consider the U.S. dollar to be the functional currency for all of our entities. All of our net sales and virtually all of our expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 were denominated in U.S. dollars. Therefore, foreign currency fluctuations had a negligible impact on our financial results in those periods.

Interest Rate Market Risk

We are exposed to changes in interest rates because our working capital facility is variable rate debt. Interest rate changes generally do not affect the market value of such debt but do impact the amount of our interest payments and, therefore, our future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. During the first nine months of 2011, we had borrowings under our working capital facility, and we estimate that a 1.0% increase in interest rates would have resulted in a negligible amount of additional interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. All of our other debt carries fixed interest rates.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer (“CEO”) and principal financial officer (“CFO”), of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
 
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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time, we are party to various legal actions in the ordinary course of our business. In our opinion, these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition 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, 2010, 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 facing us. 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 or operating results.
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.
 
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.
 
Item 4.
Reserved
 
None.
 
Item 5.
Other Information

None.
 
Item 6.
Exhibits

Exhibits filed as part of this report are listed in the Exhibit Index.
 
 
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SIGNATURE

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 thereunto duly authorized.

 
The Sheridan Group, Inc.
 
Registrant
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert M. Jakobe
   
Robert M. Jakobe
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
Date:
November 10, 2011
     
 
 
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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibits
   
 
Second Amendment to Contract of Sale by and between United Litho, Inc. and Beaumeade Development Partners LLC, dated as of October 19, 2011, relating to the sale of the facility in Ashburn, VA.
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a) or 15d—14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a) or 15d—14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002, executed by John A. Saxton, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Sheridan Group, Inc. and Robert M. Jakobe, Chief Financial Officer of The Sheridan Group, Inc.
101.1
 
The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
 
 
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