10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number: 001-11015
VIAD CORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   36-1169950
     
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)    
     
1850 North Central Avenue, Suite 800
Phoenix, Arizona
 
85004-4545
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(602) 207-4000
(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 þ No o
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 þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Small reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of October 31, 2010, there were 20,191,294 shares of common stock ($1.50 par value) outstanding.
 
 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6. Exhibits
SIGNATURES
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2


Table of Contents

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
VIAD CORP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    September 30, 2010     December 31, 2009  
    (in thousands, except share data)  
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 152,127     $ 116,342  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,130 and $3,892, respectively
    56,915       44,767  
Inventories
    36,095       44,818  
Deferred income taxes
    20,136       20,150  
Asset held for sale
          13,982  
Other current assets
    18,134       21,476  
 
           
Total current assets
    283,407       261,535  
Property and equipment, net
    146,663       155,000  
Other investments and assets
    30,912       29,069  
Deferred income taxes
    38,086       35,951  
Goodwill
    125,758       124,931  
Other intangible assets, net
    1,970       2,700  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 626,796     $ 609,186  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 53,323     $ 41,509  
Other current liabilities
    97,068       85,077  
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
    6,954       4,301  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    157,345       130,887  
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
    2,624       8,487  
Pension and postretirement benefits
    32,907       32,767  
Other deferred items and liabilities
    48,119       52,414  
 
           
Total liabilities
    240,995       224,555  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Viad Corp stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $1.50 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 24,934,981 shares issued
    37,402       37,402  
Additional capital
    607,441       606,038  
Retained deficit
    (14,022 )     (16,405 )
Unearned employee benefits and other
    (4,856 )     (5,954 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Unrealized gains on investments
    232       154  
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments
    34,066       31,283  
Unrecognized net actuarial loss and prior service credit
    (10,043 )     (8,385 )
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 4,741,937 and 4,379,125 shares, respectively
    (272,301 )     (266,618 )
 
           
Total Viad Corp stockholders’ equity
    377,919       377,515  
Noncontrolling interest
    7,882       7,116  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    385,801       384,631  
 
           
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 626,796     $ 609,186  
 
           
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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VIAD CORP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in thousands, except per share data)  
Revenues:
                               
Convention and event services
  $ 130,609     $ 104,895     $ 464,465     $ 456,512  
Exhibits and environments
    32,550       29,761       111,544       109,565  
Travel and recreation services
    51,985       46,469       81,787       69,562  
 
                       
Total revenues
    215,144       181,125       657,796       635,639  
 
                       
 
                               
Costs and expenses:
                               
Costs of services
    170,354       147,035       517,905       498,302  
Costs of products sold
    34,871       36,780       122,048       123,552  
Corporate activities
    1,749       2,024       4,451       4,230  
Interest income
    (174 )     (102 )     (358 )     (495 )
Interest expense
    472       378       1,438       1,223  
Restructuring charges
    183       3,867       2,795       6,797  
Goodwill impairment losses
          98,304             98,304  
Intangible asset impairment losses
          11,352             11,352  
Other impairment losses
          1,700             1,700  
 
                       
Total costs and expenses
    207,455       301,338       648,279       744,965  
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
    7,689       (120,213 )     9,517       (109,326 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,911       (23,947 )     3,909       (19,735 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    5,778       (96,266 )     5,608       (89,591 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (982 )     (867 )     (766 )     (640 )
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad
  $ 4,796     $ (97,133 )   $ 4,842     $ (90,231 )
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted income (loss) per common share
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders
  $ 0.23     $ (4.86 )   $ 0.24     $ (4.52 )
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares
    20,309       19,981       20,332       19,950  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic income (loss) per common share
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders
  $ 0.23     $ (4.86 )   $ 0.24     $ (4.52 )
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average outstanding common shares
    20,001       19,981       20,037       19,950  
 
                       
 
                               
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.12     $ 0.12  
 
                       
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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VIAD CORP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Net income (loss)
  $ 5,778     $ (96,266 )   $ 5,608     $ (89,591 )
 
                       
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Unrealized gains on investments:
                               
Holding gains arising during the period, net of tax
    97       146       78       207  
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments
    6,693       11,571       2,783       21,995  
Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
                               
Net actuarial loss, net of tax
    183       106       (1,188 )     201  
Prior service credit, net of tax
    (175 )     (190 )     (470 )     (570 )
 
                       
Total other comprehensive income
    6,798       11,633       1,203       21,833  
 
                       
Comprehensive income (loss)
    12,576       (84,633 )     6,811       (67,758 )
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (982 )     (867 )     (766 )     (640 )
 
                       
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Viad
  $ 11,594     $ (85,500 )   $ 6,045     $ (68,398 )
 
                       
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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VIAD CORP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 5,608     $ (89,591 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    21,314       21,380  
Deferred income taxes
    (5,217 )     (6,353 )
Restructuring charges
    2,795       6,797  
Impairment charges
          111,356  
Losses (gains) on dispositions of property and other assets
    51       (22 )
Share-based compensation expense
    2,748       2,239  
Other non-cash items, net
    3,281       4,023  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (12,801 )     (2,706 )
Inventories
    8,723       8,198  
Accounts payable
    12,536       (6,123 )
Restructuring liabilities
    (5,866 )     (5,537 )
Accrued compensation
    7,018       (16,086 )
Customer deposits
    2,670       (4,297 )
Income taxes payable
    1,983       (10,281 )
Other assets and liabilities, net
    429       (11,354 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    45,272       1,643  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (11,609 )     (18,727 )
Proceeds from dispositions of property and other assets
    14,630       43  
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    3,021       (18,684 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on debt and capital lease obligations
    (3,944 )     (2,493 )
Dividends paid on common stock
    (2,466 )     (2,470 )
Common stock purchased for treasury
    (6,906 )     (1,167 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    38        
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (13,278 )     (6,130 )
 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    770       3,674  
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    35,785       (19,497 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    116,342       148,040  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 152,127     $ 128,543  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Income taxes
  $ 5,680     $ 8,642  
 
           
Interest
  $ 792     $ 673  
 
           
Equipment acquired under capital leases
  $ 590     $ 3,253  
 
           
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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VIAD CORP
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Basis of Preparation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements of Viad Corp (“Viad” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2009, included in the Company’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-11015), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2010.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Viad and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions between Viad and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. Viad’s reporting segments consist of Marketing & Events U.S., Marketing & Events International and the Travel & Recreation Group. As discussed below, the Company changed its reporting segments related to the Marketing & Events Group during the first quarter of 2010. The Travel & Recreation Group segment consists of Brewster Inc. (“Brewster”) and Glacier Park, Inc. (“Glacier Park”). Glacier Park is an 80 percent owned subsidiary of Viad.
In July 2009, Viad announced a strategic reorganization to align its brands and operations into two operating groups: the Marketing & Events Group and the Travel & Recreation Group. The operating groups are supported by a Corporate Services Group that centralizes responsibility for various corporate functions. Immediately following the close of business on December 31, 2009, substantially all of the domestic operations of the Marketing & Events Group were combined into one legal entity by transferring all of the assets and third party liabilities of Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, a division of Viad Corp, The Becker Group, Ltd. (“Becker Group”) and other related entities into GES Exposition Services, Inc. Furthermore, on February 2, 2010, GES Exposition Services, Inc. changed its name to Global Experience Specialists, Inc. (“GES”). The services that were previously provided under the Company’s brands of “Exhibitgroup/Giltspur” and “Becker Group” are now provided under the “Global Experience Specialists” brand.
In connection with the reorganization and consolidation of business units within the Marketing & Events Group, the Company changed its management structure and internal organization in a manner that caused a change to the composition of its reportable segments, which was effective in the first quarter of 2010. Accordingly, the Marketing & Events Group consists of two reporting segments based on geographical lines of responsibility, the U.S. segment and International segment, as follows:
  1.  
Marketing & Events U.S., which includes all domestic GES and affiliated operations, including those services formerly provided under the Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Becker Group brands. The consolidation of the domestic Marketing & Events Group operations is aimed to provide a fully integrated service delivery network through a realigned sales organization, shared infrastructure and facilities, and a common operational platform.
  2.  
Marketing & Events International, which includes all foreign operations of the Marketing & Events Group and consists of two operating segments: Canada and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa). This reporting segment includes the operations of the following companies: GES Exposition Services (Canada) Limited, Giltspur Exhibits of Canada, Inc., Melville Exhibition and Event Services Limited and Melville Data Services Limited (collectively “Melville”) and affiliates, SDD Exhibitions and GES GmbH & Co. KG.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2010, the presentation of segment information for the Marketing & Events Group is based on the redefined segments, and comparable prior year information has been restated to reflect the revised segment structure.

 

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Note 2. Share-Based Compensation
Viad grants share-based compensation awards to officers, directors and certain key employees pursuant to the 2007 Viad Corp Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan has a ten-year life and provides for the following types of awards: (a) incentive and non-qualified stock options; (b) restricted stock and restricted stock units; (c) performance units or performance shares; (d) stock appreciation rights; (e) cash-based awards and (f) certain other stock-based awards. The number of shares of common stock available for grant under the 2007 Plan is limited to 1,700,000 shares plus shares awarded under the 1997 Viad Corp Omnibus Incentive Plan (which terminated in May 2007) that subsequently cease for any reason to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the awards to the extent the shares are exercised for, or settled in, vested and non-forfeited shares) up to an aggregate maximum of 1,500,000 shares. Viad issues shares related to its share-based compensation awards from shares held in treasury.
Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements during the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $948,000 and $1.0 million, respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, $509,000 of costs associated with share-based compensation were included in restructuring expense (including $43,000 related to restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units presented below) during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Furthermore, the total tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense were $329,000 and $381,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $957,000 and $788,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. No share-based compensation costs were capitalized during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.
Share-based compensation expense of restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock (“PBRS”) for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $736,000 and $907,000, respectively, and $2.2 million and $2.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The unamortized cost of all outstanding restricted stock and PBRS awards as of September 30, 2010 was $3.4 million and $33,000, respectively. Viad expects to recognize the unamortized cost of these awards in the consolidated financial statements over weighted-average periods of approximately 2.0 years and less than one year, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 28,407 shares for $573,000 and 68,988 shares for $1.2 million, respectively, related to tax withholding requirements on vested share-based awards.
The following table summarizes restricted stock and PBRS activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2010:
                                 
    Restricted Stock     PBRS  
            Weighted-Average             Weighted-Average  
            Grant Date             Grant Date  
    Shares     Fair Value     Shares     Fair Value  
Balance at January 1, 2010
    390,810     $ 24.59       174,927     $ 20.77  
Granted
    149,000       19.19              
Vested
    (65,961 )     34.42       (29,547 )     35.31  
Forfeited
    (2,500 )     22.04       (126,550 )     15.36  
 
                           
 
                               
Balance at September 30, 2010
    471,349       21.53       18,830       33.02  
 
                           
In addition to the awards in the table above, Viad also grants restricted stock unit and PBRS unit liability awards to key employees at certain of the Company’s Canadian operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Viad granted 12,350 restricted stock units. The aggregate liability is recorded at estimated fair value and is remeasured on each balance sheet date. Share-based compensation costs related to these awards were $60,000 and $14,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $122,000 and $65,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. A portion of the 2009 PBRS unit award vested effective December 31, 2009 and a cash payout of $37,000 was distributed in March 2010. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had liabilities recorded of $279,000 and $151,000, respectively, related to these awards.
From time to time, Viad has granted units to key employees under the performance unit incentive plan (“PUP”). PUP liability awards are earned based on the level of achievement of predefined performance goals over a three-year performance period. Share-based compensation expense attributable to PUP awards for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was $11,000. No expense was recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, share-based compensation expense attributable to PUP awards were credits of $3,000 and $1.1 million, respectively. The PUP awards for the 2006-2008 period vested effective December 31, 2008 and a cash payout of $1.8 million was distributed in March 2009. The PUP awards for the 2007-2009 period vested effective December 31, 2009 and a cash payout of $19,000 was distributed in March 2010. No PUP awards were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 or 2009 nor were there any additional cash settlements of PUP awards or any other share-based compensation awards during those periods. There was no PUP liability recorded as of September 30, 2010.

 

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Stock options granted in 2010 were for a term of 10 years and become exercisable one third after one year, another third after two years and the balance after three years from the date of grant. The fair value of the 2010 stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model assuming Viad’s expected stock price volatility of 33.2 percent, a five year expected period of time the stock options will remain outstanding, an expected dividend yield on Viad common stock of 0.8 percent and a risk-free interest rate estimate of 2.44 percent. Share-based compensation expense related to stock option awards was $152,000 and $92,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $415,000 and $404,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The total unrecognized cost related to non-vested stock option awards was $1.4 million as of September 30, 2010. Viad expects to recognize such cost in the consolidated financial statements over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.4 years.
The aggregate intrinsic value related to stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2010 was $40,000. The total intrinsic value of stock option awards exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $16,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Viad received cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $38,000. No stock options were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The grant date fair value of stock options that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $370,000 and $622,000, respectively.
The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2010:
                         
            Weighted-        
            Average     Options  
    Shares     Exercise Price     Exercisable  
Options outstanding at January 1, 2010
    541,718     $ 25.74       462,683  
Granted
    280,900       19.20          
Exercised
    (695 )     19.57          
Forfeited or expired
    (38,648 )     26.36          
 
                     
Options outstanding at September 30, 2010
    783,275       23.37       468,050  
 
                     
The following table summarizes information concerning stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2010:
                                     
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Weighted-Average   Weighted-             Weighted-  
            Remaining   Average             Average  
Range of Exercise Prices   Shares     Contractual Life   Exercise Price     Shares     Exercise Price  
$18.40 to $19.20
    282,150     9.4 years   $ 19.20       1,250     $ 18.40  
$19.57 to $24.05
    148,434     1.2 years     21.92       148,434       21.92  
$24.22 to $26.07
    149,986     1.2 years     25.12       141,986       25.14  
$26.31 to $26.49
    137,680     1.3 years     26.34       137,680       26.34  
$30.82 to $38.44
    65,025     3.4 years     34.46       38,700       34.23  
 
                             
 
                                   
$18.40 to $38.44
    783,275     4.4 years     23.37       468,050       25.21  
 
                               
In addition to the above, Viad had stock options outstanding which were granted to employees of MoneyGram International, Inc. (“MoneyGram”) prior to the spin-off of that company in 2004. As of September 30, 2010, there were 26,322 of such options outstanding and exercisable, both with exercise prices ranging from $17.74 to $26.07. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of these options outstanding was less than one year. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, 1,250 options were exercised by MoneyGram employees at an exercise price of $19.52.
Note 3. Impairment Losses
There were no impairment losses recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. During the third quarter of 2009, Viad recorded aggregate goodwill impairment losses of $98.3 million related to the Marketing & Events Group, which were included in the consolidated statements of operations under the caption “Goodwill impairment losses.” The goodwill impairment losses consisted of $79.7 million at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment and $18.6 million at the Marketing & Events International segment. In addition, the Company recorded aggregate other intangible asset impairment losses of $11.4 million, which were included in the consolidated statements of operations under the caption “Intangible asset impairment losses.” Of the total amount, $8.9 million related to trade name, customer relationships, design libraries and proprietary technology intangible assets at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment and $2.5 million related to a trade name at the Marketing & Events International segment. Viad also recorded impairment losses of $1.7 million related to touring exhibit assets at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment, which were included in the consolidated statements of operations under the caption “Other impairment losses.”

 

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Note 4. Inventories
The components of inventories were as follows:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Raw materials
  $ 19,337     $ 23,113  
Work in process
    16,758       21,705  
 
           
Inventories
  $ 36,095     $ 44,818  
 
           
During the three months ended September 30, 2009, Viad recorded an excess inventory write-down of $1.8 million related to the Marketing & Events U.S. segment, which was included under the caption “Cost of services” in the consolidated statements of operations.
Note 5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Land
  $ 9,055     $ 8,997  
Buildings and leasehold improvements
    87,308       84,242  
Equipment and other
    297,753       291,108  
 
           
 
    394,116       384,347  
Accumulated depreciation
    (247,453 )     (229,347 )
 
           
Property and equipment, net
  $ 146,663     $ 155,000  
 
           
Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $7.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $20.6 million and $19.9 million, respectively.
As discussed in Note 3, Viad recorded impairment losses of $1.7 million related to touring exhibit assets at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment during the three months ended September 30, 2009.
During the fourth quarter of 2009, Viad commenced a plan of sale related to a non-strategic real estate asset. The asset consisted of land, building and related improvements and as of December 31, 2009, was classified on Viad’s consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Asset held for sale.” In March 2010, Viad completed the sale for $14.3 million (net of selling costs).
Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were as follows:
                                 
            Marketing &              
    Marketing &     Events     Travel &        
    Events U.S.     International     Recreation Group     Total  
    (in thousands)  
Balance at January 1, 2010
  $ 62,686     $ 22,472     $ 39,773     $ 124,931  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
          (198 )     1,025       827  
 
                       
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 62,686     $ 22,274     $ 40,798     $ 125,758  
 
                       
As discussed in Note 3, during the third quarter of 2009, Viad recorded impairment losses of $98.3 million related to goodwill and $11.4 million related to other intangible assets.

 

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A summary of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2010 is presented below:
                         
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Net Carrying  
    Value     Amortization     Value  
    (in thousands)  
Amortized intangible assets:
                       
Customer contracts and relationships
  $ 2,499     $ (974 )   $ 1,525  
Non-compete agreements
    1,989       (1,974 )     15  
Proprietary technology
    519       (419 )     100  
Design libraries
    175       (88 )     87  
Other
    162       (96 )     66  
 
                 
 
    5,344       (3,551 )     1,793  
 
                       
Unamortized intangible assets:
                       
Trademarks and trade names
    177             177  
 
                 
Total
  $ 5,521     $ (3,551 )   $ 1,970  
 
                 
A summary of other intangible assets as of December 31, 2009 is presented below:
                         
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Net Carrying  
    Value     Amortization     Value  
    (in thousands)  
Amortized intangible assets:
                       
Customer contracts and relationships
  $ 2,507     $ (511 )   $ 1,996  
Non-compete agreements
    1,952       (1,865 )     87  
Proprietary technology
    526       (331 )     195  
Design libraries
    175       (22 )     153  
Other
    158       (65 )     93  
 
                 
 
    5,318       (2,794 )     2,524  
 
                       
Unamortized intangible assets:
                       
Trademarks and trade names
    176             176  
 
                 
Total
  $ 5,494     $ (2,794 )   $ 2,700  
 
                 
Intangible asset amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $238,000 and $542,000, respectively, and $721,000 and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Estimated amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets for future periods is expected to be as follows:
         
    (in thousands)  
2010
  $ 232  
2011
  $ 717  
2012
  $ 360  
2013
  $ 350  
2014 and thereafter
  $ 134  

 

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Note 7. Accrued Liabilities and Other
Other current liabilities consisted of the following:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Continuing operations:
               
Customer deposits
  $ 44,081     $ 41,411  
Accrued compensation
    17,646       10,533  
Self-insured liability accrual
    8,069       8,078  
Accrued foreign income taxes
    4,665       1,118  
Accrued restructuring
    2,732       5,684  
Accrued sales and use taxes
    1,895       3,325  
Accrued dividends
    841       845  
Other
    15,285       12,212  
 
           
 
    95,214       83,206  
 
           
Discontinued operations:
               
Environmental remediation liabilities
    913       1,075  
Self-insured liability accrual
    375       395  
Other
    566       401  
 
           
 
    1,854       1,871  
 
           
Total other current liabilities
  $ 97,068     $ 85,077  
 
           
Other deferred items and liabilities consisted of the following:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Continuing operations:
               
Self-insured liability accrual
  $ 15,204     $ 14,083  
Accrued compensation
    4,881       4,979  
Accrued restructuring
    4,773       5,971  
Foreign deferred tax liability
    2,979       4,358  
Accrued income taxes
    193       407  
Deferred gain on sale of property
          646  
Other
    4,639       5,111  
 
           
 
    32,669       35,555  
 
           
Discontinued operations:
               
Self-insured liability accrual
    7,872       8,075  
Environmental remediation liabilities
    5,198       5,638  
Accrued income taxes
    977       948  
Other
    1,403       2,198  
 
           
 
    15,450       16,859  
 
           
Total other deferred items and liabilities
  $ 48,119     $ 52,414  
 
           
Note 8. Debt
As of September 30, 2010, Viad’s total debt of $9.6 million consisted of $4.7 million of capital lease obligations and a $4.9 million borrowing under the Company’s secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility provides for a $75 million revolving line of credit, which may be increased up to an additional $50 million under certain circumstances. The term of the Credit Facility is five years (expiring on June 15, 2011) and borrowings are to be used for general corporate purposes (including permitted acquisitions) and to support up to $25 million of letters of credit. The lenders have a first perfected security interest in all of the personal property of Viad and GES, including 65 percent of the capital stock of top-tier foreign subsidiaries.

 

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Borrowings under the Credit Facility (of which GES is a guarantor) are indexed to the prime rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate, plus appropriate spreads tied to Viad’s leverage ratio. Commitment fees and letters of credit fees are also tied to Viad’s leverage ratio. The fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility are currently 0.50 percent annually.
As of September 30, 2010, Viad had $65.5 million of capacity remaining under its Credit Facility reflecting an outstanding borrowing of $4.9 million and outstanding letters of credit of $4.6 million. Financial covenants include a fixed-charge coverage ratio of not less than 0.80 to 1 through the third quarter of 2010 and 1.00 to 1 thereafter and a leverage ratio of not greater than 2.50 to 1. Additionally, Viad must maintain a consolidated minimum cash balance of $50 million. As of September 30, 2010, the fixed-charge coverage and leverage ratios were 1.27 to 1 and 0.87 to 1, respectively. Significant other covenants include limitations on: investments, common stock dividends, stock repurchases, additional indebtedness, sales/leases of assets, acquisitions, consolidations or mergers and liens on property. The terms of the Credit Facility restrict Viad from paying more than $5 million in dividends in the aggregate in any calendar year and also restrict the Company from repurchasing more than $10 million in the aggregate of the Company’s common stock during the remainder of the credit facility term. As of September 30, 2010, Viad was in compliance with all covenants.
The estimated fair value of total debt was $9.7 million and $12.8 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The fair value of debt was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity.
Note 9. Stockholders’ Equity
The following represents a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of stockholders’ equity attributable to Viad and the noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2010:
                         
    Total Viad             Total  
    Stockholders’     Noncontrolling     Stockholders’  
    Equity     Interest     Equity  
    (in thousands)  
 
                       
Balance at January 1, 2010
  $ 377,515     $ 7,116     $ 384,631  
Net income
    4,842       766       5,608  
Dividends on common stock
    (2,466 )           (2,466 )
Common stock purchased for treasury
    (6,906 )           (6,906 )
Employee benefit plans
    2,621             2,621  
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment
    2,783             2,783  
Unrealized gain on investments
    78             78  
Prior service credit and net actuarial loss
    (1,658 )           (1,658 )
ESOP allocation adjustment
    1,100             1,100  
Other
    10             10  
 
                 
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 377,919     $ 7,882     $ 385,801  
 
                 
The following represents a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of stockholders’ equity attributable to Viad and the noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2009:
                         
    Total Viad             Total  
    Stockholders’     Noncontrolling     Stockholders’  
    Equity     Interest     Equity  
    (in thousands)  
 
                       
Balance at January 1, 2009
  $ 460,555     $ 6,534     $ 467,089  
Net income (loss)
    (90,231 )     640       (89,591 )
Dividends on common stock
    (2,470 )           (2,470 )
Common stock purchased for treasury
    (1,167 )           (1,167 )
Employee benefit plans
    2,837             2,837  
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment
    21,995             21,995  
Unrealized gain on investments
    207             207  
Prior service credit and net actuarial loss
    (369 )           (369 )
ESOP allocation adjustment
    1,000             1,000  
Other
    42             42  
 
                 
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ 392,399     $ 7,174     $ 399,573  
 
                 

 

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Note 10. Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of an asset or liability is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value guidance requires an entity to maximize the use of quoted prices and other observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value as follows:
   
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
   
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
   
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value.
Viad measures its money market mutual funds and certain other mutual fund investments at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 1 inputs. The fair value information related to these assets is summarized in the following table:
                                 
            Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2010 Using  
                    Significant        
            Quoted Prices     Other     Significant  
            in Active     Observable     Unobserved  
    September 30,     Markets     Inputs     Inputs  
    2010     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
    (in thousands)  
Assets:
                               
Money market funds
  $ 32,775     $ 32,775     $     $  
Other mutual funds
    1,702       1,702              
 
                       
Total
  $ 34,477     $ 34,477     $     $  
 
                       
As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had investments in money market mutual funds of $32.8 million and $27.6 million, respectively, which were included in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Cash and cash equivalents.” These investments were classified as available-for-sale and were recorded at fair value. There have been no realized or unrealized gains or losses related to these investments and the Company has not experienced any redemption restrictions with respect to any of the money market mutual funds.
As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had investments in other mutual funds of $1.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, which were classified in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Other investments and assets.” These investments were classified as available-for-sale and were recorded at fair value. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, there were unrealized gains on the investments of $380,000 ($232,000 after-tax) and $252,000 ($154,000 after-tax), respectively, which were included in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).”
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The estimated fair value of debt obligations is disclosed in Note 8.

 

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Note 11. Income Per Share
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of diluted and basic per share computations for net income (loss) attributable to Viad:
                                 
    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in thousands, except per share data)  
Basic net income (loss) per share
                               
Numerator:
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad
  $ 4,796     $ (97,133 )   $ 4,842     $ (90,231 )
Less: Allocation to non-vested shares
    (114 )           (126 )      
 
                       
Net income (loss) allocated to Viad common stockholders
  $ 4,682     $ (97,133 )   $ 4,716     $ (90,231 )
 
                       
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted-average outstanding common shares
    20,001       19,981       20,037       19,950  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders
  $ 0.23     $ (4.86 )   $ 0.24     $ (4.52 )
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted net income (loss) per share
                               
Numerator:
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad
  $ 4,796     $ (97,133 )   $ 4,842     $ (90,231 )
 
                       
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted-average outstanding shares
    20,001       19,981       20,037       19,950  
Additional dilutive shares related to share-based compensation
    308             295        
 
                       
Weighted-average outstanding and potentially dilutive shares
    20,309       19,981       20,332       19,950  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad common stockholders
  $ 0.23     $ (4.86 )   $ 0.24     $ (4.52 )
 
                       
Options to purchase 474,000 and 637,000 shares of common stock were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, but were not included in the computation of dilutive shares outstanding because the effect would be anti-dilutive. Additionally, 295,000 share-based compensation awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were considered dilutive and included in the computation of diluted income per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, 269,000 share-based compensation awards that would normally have been considered dilutive and thus included as outstanding for purposes of computing diluted income per share were excluded due to net losses reported in the period, thereby making such shares anti-dilutive.
Note 12. Income Taxes
The following represents a reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) and the amount that would be computed using the statutory federal income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30:
                                 
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Computed income tax expense (benefit) at statutory federal income tax rate of 35%
  $ 3,331       35.0 %   $ (38,264 )     35.0 %
State income tax benefit, net of federal provision
    (279 )     (2.9 %)     (5,473 )     5.0 %
Tax resolutions, net
    (149 )     (1.6 %)     (3,297 )     3.1 %
Change in enacted tax law
    1,279       13.5 %           0.0 %
Nondeductible goodwill impairment
          0.0 %     26,831       (24.5 %)
Other, net
    (273 )     (2.9 %)     468       (0.5 %)
 
                       
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 3,909       41.1 %   $ (19,735 )     18.1 %
 
                       
In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and a related measure, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010, were both enacted into law. As a result of this legislation, the tax deductions for the portion of the prescription drug costs for which Viad receives a Medicare Part D subsidy have been eliminated for tax years beginning after December 31, 2012. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2010, Viad reduced its deferred tax asset related to its postretirement benefit plan liability to reflect the change in the tax law. The reduction in the deferred tax asset resulted in an increase to income tax expense of $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2010.

 

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Viad is required to estimate and record provisions for income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Accordingly, the Company must estimate its actual current income tax liability, and assess temporary differences arising from the treatment of items for tax purposes as compared to the treatment for accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities which are included in Viad’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company must assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. The Company uses significant judgment in forming a conclusion regarding the recoverability of its deferred tax assets and evaluates the available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that its deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had gross deferred tax assets of $63.5 million and $61.2 million, respectively. These deferred tax assets reflect the expected future tax benefits to be realized upon reversal of deductible temporary differences, and the utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
For the cumulative three-year period ending December 31, 2009, Viad had a pre-tax operating loss, which was primarily the result of the goodwill and other impairment losses recorded during 2009. The Company considered the negative evidence of this cumulative pre-tax operating loss position on the future recoverability of its deferred tax assets. Viad also considered positive evidence regarding the realization of deferred tax assets including the Company’s historical and forecasted taxable income, taxpaying history and future reversals of deferred tax liabilities. Furthermore, Viad also considered the fact that the goodwill impairment losses are not tax deductible, and thus do not contribute to tax losses. As of both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had a valuation allowance of $162,000 related to certain state deferred tax assets. With respect to all other deferred tax assets, management believes that recovery from future taxable income is more-likely-than-not.
As noted above, Viad uses considerable judgment in forming a conclusion regarding the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. As a result, there are inherent uncertainties regarding the ultimate realization of these assets, which is primarily dependent on Viad’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. In light of the Company’s recent operating losses, and the risks and uncertainties in the current economic environment, it is possible that the relative weight of positive and negative evidence regarding the recoverability of Viad’s deferred tax assets may change, which could result in a material increase in the Company’s valuation allowance. If such an increase in the valuation allowance were to occur, it would result in increased income tax expense in the period the assessment was made.
Viad is subject to regular and recurring audits by the taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts or had previously conducted operations. These include U.S. federal and most state jurisdictions, and certain foreign jurisdictions including Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Viad exercises judgment in determining its income tax provision due to transactions, credits and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad did not have any accrued gross liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for continuing operations. However, as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for continuing operations of $193,000 and $407,000, respectively. Viad classifies interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities as a component of income tax expense. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, Viad recorded a tax-related interest expense credit of $230,000 and $214,000, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, Viad recorded tax-related interest expense of $9,000 and $125,000, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, Viad recorded tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of tax matters in continuing operations of $149,000 and $3.3 million, respectively. These favorable tax resolutions represent the reversal of amounts accrued for tax and related interest and penalties in connection with uncertain tax positions which were effectively settled or for which there was a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
In addition to the above, Viad had accrued gross liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for discontinued operations of $636,000 as of both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. In addition, as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for discontinued operations of $341,000 and $312,000, respectively. Future tax resolutions or settlements that may occur related to these uncertain tax positions would be recorded through discontinued operations (net of federal tax effects, if applicable).
As of September 30, 2010, Viad did not have any unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations; however, the Company had $193,000 of accrued tax-related interest. If amounts accrued are less than amounts ultimately assessed by the taxing authorities, Viad would record additional income tax expense. To the extent that the Company determines that accrued amounts are no longer needed due to a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations or other reasons, such liabilities would be reversed as a reduction of income tax expense (net of federal tax effects, if applicable) in the period such determination is made. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the entire amount of accrued interest could be resolved or settled within the next 12 months, which would reduce the amount of accrued income taxes payable. If such tax resolutions or settlements occur, they could result in cash payments, the recognition of additional income tax expense, or the reversal of accrued income taxes which may impact Viad’s effective tax rate in future periods.

 

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During the second quarter of 2010, Viad received income tax refunds of $5.6 million related to carryback claims associated with 2009 operating losses.
During the first quarter of 2009, Viad paid reassessments of $4.9 million and received aggregate tax refunds of $1.9 million related to a Canadian tax settlement agreement.
Viad’s 2007 through 2009 U.S. federal tax years and various state tax years from 2006 through 2009 remain subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities. In addition, tax years from 2007 through 2009 related to Viad’s foreign taxing jurisdictions also remain subject to examination.
Viad classifies liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions as non-current liabilities in its consolidated balance sheets unless they are expected to be paid within the next year. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions (including interest and penalties) of $1.2 million and $1.4 million were classified as non-current liabilities, respectively.
Viad does not record deferred taxes on the undistributed earnings of its Canadian subsidiaries as management presently intends to reinvest the earnings of those operations. As of December 31, 2009, there was approximately $84.6 million of accumulated undistributed earnings related to Viad’s Canadian subsidiaries, the majority of which has been previously reinvested in the assets of those foreign operations. The incremental unrecognized tax liability (net of estimated foreign tax credits) related to those undistributed earnings was approximately $2.3 million. To the extent that circumstances change and it becomes apparent that some or all of the undistributed earnings will be remitted to the parent, Viad would accrue incremental U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes attributable to such remittance. Furthermore, there have been certain legislative initiatives, which could potentially result in the reduction or elimination of the deferral of U.S. income taxes on unrepatriated foreign earnings. If such initiatives were to become enacted tax law, the Company may be required to record additional income tax expense, which could have a negative impact on Viad’s financial position and results of operations.
Note 13. Pension and Postretirement Benefits
The net periodic benefit cost of Viad’s pension and postretirement benefit plans for the three months ended September 30, included the following components:
                                                 
    Domestic Plans        
                    Postretirement     Foreign  
    Pension Plans     Benefit Plans     Pension Plans  
    2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Service cost
  $ 53     $ 50     $ 27     $ 19     $ 75     $ 65  
Interest cost
    311       327       265       301       193       198  
Expected return on plan assets
    (149 )     (149 )     (41 )     (50 )     (149 )     (136 )
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
    10       11       (293 )     (323 )            
Recognized net actuarial loss
    139       96       157       120              
 
                                   
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 364     $ 335     $ 115     $ 67     $ 119     $ 127  
 
                                   

 

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The net periodic benefit cost of Viad’s pension and postretirement benefit plans for the nine months ended September 30 included the following components:
                                                 
    Domestic Plans        
                    Postretirement     Foreign  
    Pension Plans     Benefit Plans     Pension Plans  
    2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  
                (in thousands)              
Service cost
  $ 159     $ 138     $ 81     $ 51     $ 227     $ 123  
Interest cost
    933       975       795       843       581       392  
Expected return on plan assets
    (447 )     (471 )     (123 )     (154 )     (448 )     (258 )
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
    30       33       (879 )     (969 )            
Recognized net actuarial loss
    416       276       470       270              
 
                                   
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 1,091     $ 951     $ 344     $ 41     $ 360     $ 257  
 
                                   
Viad expects to contribute $1.1 million to its funded pension plans, $790,000 to its unfunded pension plans and $182,000 to its postretirement benefit plans in 2010. As of September 30, 2010, Viad had contributed $921,000 to its funded pension plans, $622,000 to its unfunded pension plans and $84,000 to its postretirement benefit plans.
Note 14. Restructuring Charges
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Viad recorded aggregate restructuring charges of $2.8 million. The charges primarily related to reorganization activities in the Marketing & Events Group, comprised of the elimination of certain positions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, certain non-cash adjustments were made to the restructuring liabilities which primarily related to the amortization of share-based awards. Previously, Viad has incurred charges attributable to headcount reductions and facility consolidations, and has recorded adjustments to restructuring liabilities in certain circumstances. As of September 30, 2010, the remaining aggregate restructuring liabilities primarily relate to future lease payment obligations to be made over the remaining lease terms. The changes in the restructuring liability balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 are as follows:
                         
    Marketing &              
    Events Group     Other        
    Consolidation     Restructurings     Total  
    (in thousands)  
 
                       
Balance at January 1, 2010
  $ 8,628     $ 3,027     $ 11,655  
Restructuring charges
    2,508       287       2,795  
Cash payments
    (4,727 )     (1,139 )     (5,866 )
Adjustment to liability
    (763 )     (278 )     (1,041 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (38 )           (38 )
 
                 
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 5,608     $ 1,897     $ 7,505  
 
                 
Note 15. Litigation, Claims and Other Contingencies
Viad and certain of its subsidiaries are plaintiffs or defendants to various actions, proceedings and pending claims, some of which involve, or may involve, compensatory, punitive or other damages. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties and it is possible that some of the legal actions, proceedings or claims could be decided against Viad. Although the amount of liability as of September 30, 2010, with respect to certain of these matters is not ascertainable, Viad believes that any resulting liability, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for, including insurance coverage, will not have a material impact on the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations.
Viad is subject to various U.S. federal, state and foreign laws and regulations governing the prevention of pollution and the protection of the environment in the jurisdictions in which Viad has or had operations. If the Company has failed to comply with these environmental laws and regulations, civil and criminal penalties could be imposed and Viad could become subject to regulatory enforcement actions in the form of injunctions and cease and desist orders. As is the case with many companies, Viad also faces exposure to actual or potential claims and lawsuits involving environmental matters relating to its past operations. Although it is a party to certain environmental disputes, Viad believes that any resulting liabilities, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for, including insurance coverage, will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. As of September 30, 2010, there was a remaining environmental remediation liability of $6.1 million related to previously sold operations of which $913,000 was included in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Other current liabilities” and $5.2 million under the caption “Other deferred items and liabilities.”

 

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As of September 30, 2010, Viad had certain obligations under guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries. These guarantees are not subject to liability recognition in the consolidated financial statements and primarily relate to leased facilities and credit or loan arrangements with banks, entered into by Viad’s subsidiary operations. The Company would generally be required to make payments to the respective third parties under these guarantees in the event that the related subsidiary could not meet its own payment obligations. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Viad would be required to make under all guarantees existing as of September 30, 2010 would be $38.6 million. These guarantees primarily relate to leased facilities expiring through October 2017. There are no recourse provisions that would enable Viad to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees. Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements whereby Viad could recover payments.
Viad’s businesses contribute to various multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering its union-represented employees. Based upon the information available to Viad from plan administrators, management believes that approximately one-third to one-half of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires pension plans underfunded at certain levels to reduce, over defined time periods, the underfunded status. In addition, under current laws, the termination of a plan, or a voluntary withdrawal from a plan by Viad, or a shrinking contribution base to a plan as a result of the insolvency or withdrawal of other contributing employers to such plan would require Viad to make payments to such plan for its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. As of September 30, 2010, the amount of additional funding, if any, that Viad would be required to make related to multi-employer pension plans is not ascertainable.
Glacier Park operates the concession portion of its business under a concession contract with the U.S. National Park Service (the “Park Service”) for Glacier National Park. Glacier Park’s original 25-year concession contract with the Park Service that was to expire on December 31, 2005, has been extended for five one-year periods and now expires on December 31, 2010. The Park Service, in its sole discretion, may continue extending Glacier Park’s concession contract in one-year increments. When this contract ultimately expires, Glacier Park will have the opportunity to bid on a new concession contract. If Glacier Park does secure a new contract, possible terms would be for 10, 15 or 20 years. If a new concessionaire is selected by the Park Service, Glacier Park’s remaining business would consist of its operations at Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada and East Glacier, Montana. In such a circumstance, Glacier Park would be entitled to an amount equal to its “possessory interest,” which generally means the value of the structures acquired or constructed, fixtures installed and improvements made to the concession property at Glacier National Park during the term of the concessions contract. Glacier Park owns its Glacier Park Lodge operations in East Glacier. Glacier Park also owns the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, which is operated under a ground lease with the Canadian government that was recently renewed for a 42-year term running through January 31, 2052. Glacier Park generated 25 percent of Travel & Recreation Group’s full year 2009 segment operating income.

 

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Note 16. Segment Information
Viad measures profit and performance of its operations on the basis of segment operating income which excludes restructuring charges and recoveries and impairment losses and recoveries. Corporate activities include expenses not allocated to operations. Depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation are the only significant non-cash items for the reportable segments. Disclosures regarding Viad’s reportable segments with reconciliations to consolidated totals are as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Revenues:
                               
Marketing & Events Group:
                               
U.S.
  $ 125,127     $ 104,737     $ 438,996     $ 445,767  
International
    38,133       32,830       144,559       128,764  
Intersegment eliminations
    (101 )     (2,911 )     (7,546 )     (8,454 )
 
                       
 
    163,159       134,656       576,009       566,077  
Travel & Recreation Group
    51,985       46,469       81,787       69,562  
 
                       
 
  $ 215,144     $ 181,125     $ 657,796     $ 635,639  
 
                       
 
                               
Segment operating income (loss):
                               
Marketing & Events Group:
                               
U.S.
  $ (9,544 )   $ (19,640 )   $ (11,890 )   $ (12,497 )
International
    (2,038 )     (2,598 )     7,131       6,845  
 
                       
 
    (11,582 )     (22,238 )     (4,759 )     (5,652 )
Travel & Recreation Group
    21,501       19,548       22,602       19,437  
 
                       
 
    9,919       (2,690 )     17,843       13,785  
Corporate activities
    (1,749 )     (2,024 )     (4,451 )     (4,230 )
 
                       
 
    8,170       (4,714 )     13,392       9,555  
Interest income
    174       102       358       495  
Interest expense
    (472 )     (378 )     (1,438 )     (1,223 )
Restructuring charges:
                               
Marketing & Events U.S.
    (183 )     (3,093 )     (2,508 )     (6,023 )
Travel & Recreation Group
                (235 )      
Corporate
          (774 )     (52 )     (774 )
Impairment losses:
                               
Marketing & Events U.S.
          (90,290 )           (90,290 )
Marketing & Events International
          (21,066 )           (21,066 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 7,689     $ (120,213 )   $ 9,517     $ (109,326 )
 
                       
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Assets:
               
Marketing & Events U.S.
  $ 241,737     $ 245,255  
Marketing & Events International
    78,900       78,450  
Travel & Recreation Group
    170,015       147,090  
Corporate and other
    136,144       138,391  
 
           
 
  $ 626,796     $ 609,186  
 
           
Note 17. Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to accounting and reporting for transfers of financial assets, which is codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 860. The objective of this guidance is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets. Viad adopted the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2010, which did not have an impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting and reporting for variable interest entities, which is codified in ASC Topic 810. This guidance amends previously issued standards and addresses the effects of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept contained in those previous standards. Viad adopted the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2010, which did not have an impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations.
In October 2009, the FASB issued new guidance related to revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables, which is codified in ASC Topic 605. This guidance changes the requirements for establishing separate units of accounting for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements and requires revenue to be allocated to each deliverable based on the relative selling price. The new guidance is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is retrospectively applied to the beginning of the period of adoption. Viad will adopt the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations.
Note 18. Common Stock Repurchases
In September 2010, Viad announced its intent to repurchase up to an additional 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. At the time of the announcement, there were 160,681 shares available for repurchase pursuant to previously announced authorizations. Viad purchased 356,300 shares for $6.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010, with 304,381 shares remaining for repurchase from the recently announced authorization. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 28,407 shares for $573,000 and 68,988 shares for $1.2 million, respectively, related to tax withholding requirements on share-based awards.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Viad Corp’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Viad Corp’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and elsewhere in this quarterly report.
Overview:
Viad Corp (“Viad” or the “Company”) operates in three reportable business segments: Marketing & Events U.S., Marketing & Events International and Travel & Recreation Group. As discussed below, the Company changed its reporting segments related to the Marketing & Events Group during the first quarter of 2010.
In July 2009, Viad announced a strategic reorganization to align its brands and operations into two operating groups: the Marketing & Events Group and the Travel & Recreation Group. The operating groups are supported by a Corporate Services Group that centralizes responsibility for various corporate functions. Immediately following the close of business on December 31, 2009, substantially all of the domestic operations of the Marketing & Events Group were combined into one legal entity by transferring all of the assets and third party liabilities of Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, a division of Viad Corp, The Becker Group, Ltd. (“Becker Group”) and other related entities into GES Exposition Services, Inc. Furthermore, on February 2, 2010, GES Exposition Services, Inc. changed its name to Global Experience Specialists, Inc. (“GES”). The services that were previously provided under the Company’s brands of “Exhibitgroup/Giltspur” and “Becker Group” are now provided under the “Global Experience Specialists” brand.
Marketing & Events Group — In connection with the reorganization and consolidation of business units within the Marketing & Events Group, the Company changed its management structure and internal organization in a manner that caused a change to the composition of its reportable segments, which was effective in the first quarter of 2010. Accordingly, the Marketing & Events Group consists of two reporting segments based on geographical lines of responsibility, the U.S. segment and International segment, as follows:
  1.  
Marketing & Events U.S., which includes all domestic GES and affiliated operations, including those services formerly provided under the Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Becker Group brands. The consolidation of the domestic Marketing & Events Group operations is aimed to provide a fully integrated service delivery network through a realigned sales organization, shared infrastructure and facilities, and a common operational platform.
  2.  
Marketing & Events International, which includes all foreign operations of the Marketing & Events Group and consists of two operating segments: Canada and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa). This reporting segment includes the operations of the following companies: GES Exposition Services (Canada) Limited, Giltspur Exhibits of Canada, Inc., Melville Exhibition and Event Services Limited and Melville Data Services Limited (collectively “Melville”) and affiliates, SDD Exhibitions and GES GmbH & Co. KG.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2010, the presentation of segment information for the Marketing & Events Group is based on the redefined segments, and comparable prior year information has been restated to reflect the revised segment structure.
The Marketing & Events Group specializes in all aspects of the design, planning and production of face-to-face events, immersive environments and brand-based experiences for clients, including show organizers, corporate brand marketers and retail shopping centers. Show organizers include for-profit and not-for-profit show owners as well as show management companies. Corporate brand marketers include exhibitors and other major domestic and international corporations. Retail shopping centers include major developers, owners and management companies of shopping malls and lifestyle centers.
Under its agreements with show organizers, the Marketing & Events Group serves as the official services contractor, providing services to the show organizer, and is designated as the exclusive provider of certain services to exhibitors participating in the exhibition or event. Show organizer services generally include: general event management; planning and consultation; concept design; exhibition layout and design; graphics and design; show traffic analysis; carpeting and flooring; decorating products and accessories; custom graphics; overhead rigging; cleaning; and electrical, lighting and plumbing distribution. Exclusive exhibitor services provide exhibitors with a single point of contact to facilitate a timely, safe and efficient move-in and move-out of the show. These services typically include: material handling services; overhead rigging; electrical distribution; and cleaning.

 

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In addition to exclusive exhibitor services, the Marketing & Events Group competes with other providers to sell non-exclusive services to exhibitors, including: custom exhibit design and construction; portable and “modular” exhibits and design; integrated marketing, including pre- and post-event communications and customer relationship management; multimedia services; event surveys; return on investment analysis; attendee and exhibit booth traffic analysis; staff training; online management tools; logistics, storage and refurbishment of exhibits; booth furnishings, carpeting and signage; in-house installation and dismantling; and various other show services. The Marketing & Events Group aims to provide these services, combined with complete event program management and planning, to corporate brand marketer clients across all exhibitions and events in which they participate regardless of whether or not it is the official services contractor.
The Marketing & Events Group also provides a variety of immersive, entertaining attractions and brand-based experiences, sponsored events, mobile marketing and other branded entertainment and face-to-face marketing solutions for clients and venues, including shopping malls, movie studios, museums, leading consumer brands and casinos. In addition, the Marketing & Events Group offers retail clients complete turnkey services, including design, engineering, graphic production, fabrication, warehousing, shipping, and on-site installation of retail merchandising units, kiosks and holiday environments. The Marketing & Events Group also provides construction and installation services for permanent installations, including museum exhibits, corporate lobbies, visitors centers, showrooms, and retail interiors.
Travel & Recreation Group — Brewster Inc. (“Brewster”) provides tourism services in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and in other parts of Western Canada. Brewster’s operations include the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer Tours, motorcoach services, charter and sightseeing services, tour boat operations, inbound package tour operations and hotel operations. Glacier Park, Inc. (“Glacier Park”) operates four historic lodges and three motor inns and provides food and beverage operations, retail operations and tour and transportation services in and around Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Glacier Park is an 80 percent owned subsidiary of Viad.
The following are financial highlights of the third quarter of 2010 presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”):
Viad Corp (Consolidated)
   
Total revenues of $215.1 million compared to $181.1 million in the third quarter of 2009
   
Net income attributable to Viad of $4.8 million versus a loss of $97.1 million in the third quarter of 2009
   
Diluted income per share of $0.23 versus a loss per share of $4.86 in the third quarter of 2009
   
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $152.1 million as of September 30, 2010
   
Debt was $9.6 million as of September 30, 2010
Marketing & Events U.S.
   
Revenues of $125.1 million, an increase of 19.5 percent from the third quarter of 2009
   
Segment operating loss of $9.5 million, as compared to a loss of $19.6 million in the third quarter of 2009
Marketing & Events International
   
Revenues of $38.1 million, an increase of 16.2 percent from the third quarter of 2009
   
Segment operating loss of $2.0 million, as compared to a loss of $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2009
Travel & Recreation Group
   
Revenues of $52.0 million, an increase of 11.9 percent from the third quarter of 2009
   
Segment operating income of $21.5 million, an increase of 10.0 percent from the third quarter of 2009
Non-GAAP Measures:
The following discussion includes a presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses, which are utilized by management to measure the profit and performance of Viad’s operations and to facilitate period to period comparisons. “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined by Viad as net income attributable to Viad before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment losses and recoveries, changes in accounting principles and the effects of discontinued operations. “Income before impairment losses” is defined by Viad as net income attributable to Viad before the after-tax effect of impairment losses related to goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses is supplemental to results presented under GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is considered a useful operating metric as potential variations arising from taxes, depreciation, debt service costs, impairment losses and recoveries, changes in accounting principles and the effects of discontinued operations are eliminated, thus resulting in an additional measure considered to be indicative of Viad’s ongoing operations. Income before impairment losses is utilized by management to review operating results of the business without the effects of noncash impairment losses. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Management believes that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses provides useful information to investors regarding Viad’s results of operations for trending, analyzing and benchmarking the performance and value of Viad’s business. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses primarily as performance measures and believes that the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to these non-GAAP measures is net income attributable to Viad. Although Adjusted EBITDA is used as a financial measure to assess the performance of the business, the use of Adjusted EBITDA is limited because it does not consider material costs, expenses and other items necessary to operate the business. These items include debt service costs, non-cash depreciation and amortization expense associated with long-lived assets, expenses related to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income taxes, impairment losses or recoveries, and the effects of accounting changes and discontinued operations. Similarly, although Income before impairment losses is used as a financial measure to assess the performance of the business, its use is limited because it does not consider non-cash goodwill, other intangible asset and other long-lived asset impairment losses. Because Adjusted EBITDA and Income before impairment losses do not consider the above items, a user of Viad’s financial information should consider net income attributable to Viad as an important measure of financial performance because it provides a more complete measure of the Company’s performance.
A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) attributable to Viad is as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 14,489     $ (1,501 )   $ 31,503     $ 23,993  
Impairment losses
          (111,356 )           (111,356 )
Interest expense
    (472 )     (378 )     (1,438 )     (1,223 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (1,911 )     23,947       (3,909 )     19,735  
Depreciation and amortization
    (7,310 )     (7,845 )     (21,314 )     (21,380 )
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad
  $ 4,796     $ (97,133 )   $ 4,842     $ (90,231 )
 
                       
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $16.0 million for the third quarter of 2010 compared to the third quarter of 2009 was primarily driven by higher segment operating results at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment and the Travel & Recreation Group and lower restructuring charges. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $7.5 million for the first nine months of 2010 compared to 2009 was primarily due to higher segment operating results at the Travel & Recreation Group and lower restructuring charges. See “Results of Operations” below for a discussion of fluctuations.
A reconciliation of income (loss) before impairment losses attributable to Viad to net income (loss) attributable to Viad is as follows:
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Income (loss) before impairment losses attributable to Viad
  $ 4,796     $ (2,955 )   $ 4,842     $ 3,947  
Impairment losses, net of tax
          (94,178 )           (94,178 )
 
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to Viad
  $ 4,796     $ (97,133 )   $ 4,842     $ (90,231 )
 
                       
Results of Operations:
Comparison of Third Quarter of 2010 to the Third Quarter of 2009
Revenues for the third quarter of 2010 increased 18.8 percent to $215.1 million compared to $181.1 million in the third quarter of 2009. Viad’s income before income taxes was $7.7 million for the third quarter of 2010 compared to a loss of $120.2 million in the third quarter of 2009. The 2010 third quarter net income attributable to Viad was $4.8 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $97.1 million, or $4.86 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2009. In the 2009 third quarter, the Company recorded impairment losses of $94.2 million (after-tax), or $4.71 per diluted share, primarily related to goodwill and other intangible assets in the Marketing & Events Group. The 2009 third quarter loss attributable to Viad before impairment losses was $3.0 million, or $0.15 per diluted share. There were no impairment losses in the third quarter of 2010. The improved results as compared to the 2009 third quarter were also the result of higher revenues, overhead reductions and productivity improvements driven by the Company’s Lean initiatives.

 

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During the third quarter of 2010, foreign exchange rate variances resulted in a decrease of $215,000 in revenues and an increase of $578,000 in segment operating income as compared to the third quarter of 2009. Viad conducts its foreign operations primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent in certain other countries. The following table summarizes the effect of foreign exchange rate variances on revenues and segment operating results from Viad’s significant international operations for the third quarter:
                                                 
    Revenues     Segment Operating Results  
    Weighted Average     Effect of Rate     Weighted Average     Effect of Rate  
    Exchange Rates     Variance     Exchange Rates     Variance  
    2010     2009     (thousands)     2010     2009     (thousands)  
Marketing & Events Group:
                                               
Canada
  $ 0.96     $ 0.92     $ 457     $ 0.96     $ 0.86     $ (94 )
United Kingdom
  $ 1.54     $ 1.62     $ (1,666 )   $ 1.65     $ 1.71     $ 28  
 
Travel & Recreation Group:
                                               
Canada
  $ 0.96     $ 0.91     $ 1,382     $ 0.96     $ 0.91     $ 626  
Accordingly, Viad’s third quarter results were impacted by the strengthening of the Canadian dollar and weakening of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar. Future decreases in the exchange rates may adversely impact overall expected profitability and historical period-to-period comparisons when operating results are translated into U.S. dollars.
Marketing & Events Group. Revenues for the Marketing & Events U.S. segment were $125.1 million for the third quarter of 2010, up 19.5 percent compared to $104.7 million in the third quarter of 2009. The increase was primarily due to positive show rotation of $17 million and base same-show revenue increases of 8.6 percent in the third quarter of 2010. Management defines base same-show revenue as revenue from exhibitions and events that occur in the same quarter and same city every year. Base same-shows represented 33.8 percent of 2010 third quarter Marketing & Events U.S. revenues. Segment operating loss was $9.5 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to a loss of $19.6 million in the third quarter of 2009. The improved operating results were primarily due to increases in revenues, overhead reductions and productivity improvements driven by the Company’s Lean initiatives.
Revenues for the Marketing & Events International segment were $38.1 million for the third quarter of 2010, up 16.2 percent compared to $32.8 million in the third quarter of 2009. Segment operating loss was $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to a loss of $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2009. As discussed above, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rates during the 2010 third quarter, resulting in decreases of $1.6 million in revenue and $50,000 in segment operating income, as compared to the third quarter of 2009. Excluding exchange rate variances, 2010 third quarter revenues increased by $6.9 million, or 21.0 percent, primarily resulting from positive show rotation of $8 million.
Although the Marketing & Events Group has a diversified revenue base and long-term contracts for future shows, its revenues are affected by general economic and industry-specific conditions. In general, the exhibition and event industry is experiencing modest improvement; however, the prospects for individual shows tend to be driven by the success of the industry related to those shows. For the 2010 full year, management expects U.S. same-show revenues to decline at a single-digit rate, reflecting decreases during the first and second quarters, partially offset by increases during the second half of the year. Management expects demand from shopping center clients for holiday-themed events and experiences and retail merchandising units to improve somewhat over 2009 levels but to remain below historical levels. Accordingly, management anticipates that the pricing environment will remain challenging. Additionally, management expects show rotation to positively impact full year revenues by $15 million to $20 million due to a few major, non-annual shows that occurred in 2010, while foreign currency exchange rate variances are not expected to have a significant impact on full year 2010 results.
In anticipation of recessionary pressures on revenues, management began taking actions to reduce overhead costs during early 2008, and in early 2009, management began implementing changes to its Marketing & Events Group service delivery processes based on ‘Lean’ principles in order to further increase efficiencies, decrease costs and enhance service levels. Also in 2009, management commenced the integration of GES Exposition Services, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Becker Group to form the new Global Experience Specialists organization. As a result of these efforts, management realized a reduction in Marketing & Events Group overhead costs of approximately $41 million during 2009 and anticipates a further reduction in U.S. overhead costs of approximately $10 million during 2010, partially offset by accruals for performance-based incentives. Additionally, management anticipates realizing more than $10 million in variable cost savings from its Lean initiatives during 2010, offsetting general market pressures on margins.

 

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As part of the business integration, the Marketing & Events U.S. sales force was combined and aligned with its primary customer segments – exhibition sales, brand marketer sales (which primarily represents exhibitor sales) and retail sales. These sales forces are supported by an integrated service delivery network, shared infrastructure and facilities, and a common operational platform.
Management remains focused on improving the profitability of the Marketing & Events Group through continued integration and consolidation of operations to increase capacity utilization and reduce costs, as well as leveraging the collective strengths and capabilities of the combined organization to increase productivity and win market share by delivering comprehensive, innovative, value-added solutions that enable clients to generate a higher return on their face-to-face marketing investments.
The Marketing & Events Group is subject to multiple collective bargaining agreements that affect labor costs, about one-third of which expire each year. Although labor relations between the companies and labor are currently stable, disruptions during future contract negotiations could occur, with the possibility of an adverse impact on the operating results of the Marketing & Events Group.
Travel & Recreation Group. Revenues for the Travel & Recreation Group segment were $52.0 million, up 11.9 percent compared to third quarter 2009 revenues of $46.5 million. Segment operating income was $21.5 million, up 10.0 percent from 2009 operating income of $19.5 million. As discussed above, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rate variances during the 2010 third quarter, resulting in increases of $1.4 million and $626,000 in revenues and segment operating income, respectively, as compared to the third quarter of 2009. Excluding exchange rate variances, 2010 third quarter revenues increased by $4.1 million, or 8.9 percent, primarily due to stronger demand for the Company’s tourism services as well as initiatives to capture incremental spend per guest.
The Travel & Recreation Group segment is affected by consumer discretionary spending on tourism activities. As the economy stabilizes, management expects results from the Travel & Recreation Group segment to benefit from improved tourism demand versus 2009. Additionally, management anticipates that foreign currency exchange rate variances will have a moderately favorable impact on full year 2010 results.
During 2009, approximately 72 percent of revenue and 80 percent of segment operating income generated in the Travel & Recreation Group segment was derived through its Canadian operations. These operations are largely affected by foreign customer visitation, and, accordingly, increases in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to other currencies could adversely affect customer volumes, revenue and operating income from the Travel & Recreation Group segment.
Glacier Park operates the concession portion of its business under a concession contract with the U.S. National Park Service (the “Park Service”) for Glacier National Park. Glacier Park’s original 25-year concession contract with the Park Service that was to expire on December 31, 2005, has been extended for five one-year periods and now expires on December 31, 2010. The Park Service, in its sole discretion, may continue extending Glacier Park’s concession contract in one-year increments. When this contract ultimately expires, Glacier Park will have the opportunity to bid on a new concession contract. If Glacier Park does secure a new contract, possible terms would be for 10, 15 or 20 years. If a new concessionaire is selected by the Park Service, Glacier Park’s remaining business would consist of its operations at Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada and East Glacier, Montana. In such a circumstance, Glacier Park would be entitled to an amount equal to its “possessory interest,” which generally means the value of the structures acquired or constructed, fixtures installed and improvements made to the concession property at Glacier National Park during the term of the concessions contract. Glacier Park owns its Glacier Park Lodge operations in East Glacier. Glacier Park also owns the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, which is operated under a ground lease with the Canadian government that was recently renewed for a 42-year term running through January 31, 2052. Glacier Park generated 25 percent of Travel & Recreation Group’s full year 2009 segment operating income.
Corporate Activities. Corporate activities expense totaled $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2009. The decrease was primarily due to lower consulting fees in the 2010 quarter as compared to the 2009 quarter, partially offset by an accrual for performance-based incentives.
Restructuring Charges. Viad recorded restructuring charges of $183,000 in the third quarter of 2010 related to reorganization activities resulting from the elimination of certain positions. In the third quarter of 2009, Viad recorded restructuring charges of $5.2 million related to facility consolidations and other reorganization activities. Also in the third quarter of 2009, Viad reversed $1.3 million of restructuring reserves due to a revision in estimated sublease income associated with certain leased facilities.
Income Taxes. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2010 was 24.9 percent, compared to 19.9 percent in the third quarter of 2009. The lower rate in 2009 was primarily due to goodwill impairment losses in 2009, as well as the resolution of tax matters of $149,000 in 2010 versus $3.3 million in 2009. Excluding these items, the effective tax rates in the third quarters of 2010 and 2009 would have been 26.8 percent and 39.2 percent, respectively.

 

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Comparison of First Nine Months of 2010 to the First Nine Months of 2009
Revenues for the first nine months of 2010 increased 3.5 percent to $657.8 million compared to $635.6 million during the first nine months of 2009. Viad’s income before income taxes was $9.5 million for the first nine months of 2010 compared to a loss of $109.3 million in the comparable period in 2009. Net income attributable to Viad for the first nine months of 2010 was $4.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $90.2 million, or $4.52 per diluted share, during the first nine months of 2009. In the 2009 third quarter, the Company recorded impairment losses of $94.2 million (after-tax), or $4.72 per diluted share, primarily related to goodwill and other intangible assets in the Marketing & Events Group. Income attributable to Viad before impairment losses for the first nine months of 2009 was $3.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share. There were no impairment losses for the comparable period in 2010. The improved results as compared to the 2009 period were also the result of increased revenues, overhead reductions and productivity improvements driven by the Company’s Lean initiatives, partially offset by accruals for 2010 performance-based incentives (versus incentive reversals in the 2009 period).
During the first nine months of 2010, foreign exchange rate variances resulted in increases of $9.3 million and $1.2 million in revenues and segment operating income, respectively, as compared to the first nine months of 2009. Viad conducts its foreign operations primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent in certain other countries. The following table summarizes the effect of foreign exchange rate variances on revenues and segment operating results from Viad’s significant international operations for the first nine months of the year:
                                                 
    Revenues     Segment Operating Results  
    Weighted Average     Effect of Rate     Weighted Average     Effect of Rate  
    Exchange Rates     Variance     Exchange Rates     Variance  
    2010     2009     (thousands)     2010     2009     (thousands)  
Marketing & Events Group:
                                               
Canada
  $ 0.96     $ 0.85     $ 6,821     $ 0.99     $ 0.75     $ 431  
United Kingdom
  $ 1.53     $ 1.54     $ (878 )   $ 1.51     $ 1.47     $ 67  
 
Travel & Recreation Group:
                                               
Canada
  $ 0.96     $ 0.89     $ 4,100     $ 0.95     $ 0.92     $ 707  
Accordingly, Viad’s nine-month results were favorably impacted by the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Viad’s nine-month results were also impacted by the strengthening of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar during the first four months of 2010, followed by its subsequent weakening during the last five months of the period. Future decreases in the exchange rates may adversely impact overall expected profitability and historical period-to-period comparisons when operating results are translated into U.S. dollars.
Marketing & Events Group. Revenues for the Marketing & Events U.S. segment were $439.0 million for the first nine months of 2010, down 1.5 percent compared to $445.8 million in 2009. The revenue decline was due primarily to lower same-show revenues and pricing pressures, largely offset by positive show rotation of approximately $20 million in revenue. Base same-show revenues declined 4.0 percent during the first nine months of 2010. Management defines base same-show revenue as revenue from exhibitions and events that occur in the same quarter and same city every year. Base same-shows represented approximately 40 percent of Marketing & Events U.S. revenues for the first nine months of 2010. Segment operating loss was $11.9 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to a loss of $12.5 million in the 2009 period. The improved operating results were largely the result of overhead reductions and productivity improvements driven by the Company’s Lean initiatives, partially offset by accruals for 2010 performance-based incentives (versus incentive reversals in 2009).
Revenues for the Marketing & Events International segment were $144.6 million for the first nine months of 2010, up 12.3 percent from $128.8 million in 2009. Segment operating income was $7.1 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $6.8 million in the 2009 period. As discussed above, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rates during the first nine months of 2010, resulting in increases of $5.2 million and $454,000 in revenues and segment operating income, respectively, as compared to 2009. Excluding exchange rate variances, revenues for the first nine months of 2010 increased by $10.6 million, or 8.2 percent, and segment operating income decreased by $168,000. The increase in revenue primarily resulted from a major project for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Canada, improving industry trends, same-show growth and market share gains, partially offset by a reduction in revenues of approximately $1 million due to show rotation. The decline in operating income was primarily the result of a less profitable mix of business during the 2010 first quarter.

 

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Travel & Recreation Group. Revenues from the Travel & Recreation Group segment were $81.8 million for the first nine months of 2010, up 17.6 percent compared to 2009 revenues of $69.6 million. Segment operating income was $22.6 million compared to $19.4 million in 2009. As discussed above, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rate variances during the first nine months of 2010, resulting in increases of $4.1 million and $707,000 in revenues and segment operating income, respectively, as compared to 2009. Excluding exchange rate variances, revenues for the first nine months of 2010 increased by $8.1 million, or 11.7 percent, primarily due to stronger demand for the Company’s tourism services as well as initiatives to capture incremental spend per guest.
Corporate Activities. Corporate activities expense totaled $4.5 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $4.2 million in the comparable period in 2009. The increase was primarily due to higher performance-based compensation expense in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to performance-based compensation expense reversals in the 2009 period, partially offset by lower consulting fees in the 2010 period.
Restructuring Charges. Viad recorded restructuring charges of $2.8 million in the first nine months of 2010, compared to $8.1 million in the comparable period in 2009. The charges primarily related to reorganization activities in the Marketing & Events Group, comprised of the elimination of certain positions as well as facility consolidations. Additionally, during the first nine months of 2009, Viad reversed $1.3 million of restructuring reserves due to a revision in estimated sublease income associated with certain leased facilities.
Income Taxes. The effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2010 was 41.1 percent, compared to 18.1 percent in the comparable period in 2009. The low rate in 2009 was primarily due to goodwill impairment losses in 2009 and the resolution of tax matters in 2010 resulting in net expense of $1.1 million versus the favorable resolution of tax matters of $3.3 million in 2009. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2010 and 2009 would have been 29.2 percent and 36.5 percent, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources:
Cash and cash equivalents were $152.1 million as of September 30, 2010 as compared to $116.3 million as of December 31, 2009, with the increase primarily due to cash flow from operations and proceeds from the sale of certain assets, partially offset by capital expenditures and common stock share repurchases. Management believes that Viad’s existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund operations and capital commitments for at least the next 12 months.
Viad’s total debt as of September 30, 2010 was $9.6 million compared to $12.8 million as of December 31, 2009. The debt-to-capital ratio was 0.024 to 1 as of September 30, 2010 compared with 0.032 to 1 as of December 31, 2009. Capital is defined as total debt and capital lease obligations plus total stockholders’ equity.
Effective November 20, 2009, Viad amended its secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) to ensure that the Company continued to meet its obligations under the Credit Facility given the current economic environment. The amended Credit Facility provides for a $75 million revolving line of credit, and may be increased up to an additional $50 million under certain circumstances. The Credit Facility expires on June 15, 2011 and borrowings are to be used for general corporate purposes (including permitted acquisitions) and to support up to $25 million of letters of credit. The lenders have a first perfected security interest in all of the personal property of Viad and GES, including 65 percent of the capital stock of top-tier foreign subsidiaries.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility (of which GES is a guarantor) are indexed to the prime rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus appropriate spreads tied to Viad’s leverage ratio. Commitment fees and letters of credit fees are also tied to Viad’s leverage ratio. The fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility are currently 0.50 percent annually. As of September 30, 2010, Viad had $65.5 million of capacity remaining under its Credit Facility reflecting an outstanding borrowing of $4.9 million and issued letters of credit of $4.6 million. As part of the amendment, Viad’s financial covenants were amended and include a fixed-charge coverage ratio of not less than 0.80 to 1 through the third quarter of 2010 and 1.00 to 1 thereafter and a leverage ratio (defined as total debt to Adjusted EBITDA) of not greater than 2.50 to 1. Additionally, Viad must maintain a consolidated minimum cash balance of $50 million. As of September 30, 2010, the fixed-charge coverage and leverage ratios were 1.27 to 1 and 0.87 to 1, respectively. Significant other covenants include limitations on: investments, common stock dividends, stock repurchases, additional indebtedness, sales/leases of assets, acquisitions, consolidations or mergers and liens on property. The terms of the Credit Facility restrict Viad from paying more than $5 million in dividends in the aggregate in any calendar year and also restrict the Company from repurchasing more than $10 million in the aggregate of the Company’s common stock during the remainder of the Credit Facility term. As of September 30, 2010, Viad was in compliance with all covenants.

 

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As of September 30, 2010, Viad had certain obligations under guarantees to third parties on behalf of its subsidiaries. These guarantees are not subject to liability recognition in the consolidated financial statements and primarily relate to leased facilities and credit or loan arrangements with banks, entered into by Viad’s subsidiary operations. The Company would generally be required to make payments to the respective third parties under these guarantees in the event that the related subsidiary could not meet its own payment obligations. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Viad would be required to make under all guarantees existing as of September 30, 2010 would be $38.6 million. These guarantees primarily relate to leased facilities expiring through October 2017. There are no recourse provisions that would enable Viad to recover from third parties any payments made under the guarantees. Furthermore, there are no collateral or similar arrangements whereby Viad could recover payments.
Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2010 totaled $11.6 million and primarily related to the purchase of rental inventory, equipment and computer hardware primarily at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment and building improvements and equipment at the Travel & Recreation Group. For the first nine months of 2009, capital expenditures totaled $18.7 million and primarily related to the purchase of equipment and information systems and related costs, as well as exhibit costs, at the Marketing & Events U.S. segment.
During the first quarter of 2010, Viad completed the sale of a non-strategic real estate asset for $14.3 million (net of selling costs). The asset was previously held in the Travel & Recreation Group and was classified on Viad’s consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Asset held for sale” as of December 31, 2009.
In September 2010, Viad announced its intent to repurchase up to an additional 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. At the time of the announcement, there were 160,681 shares available for repurchase pursuant to previously announced authorizations. Viad purchased 356,300 shares for $6.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010, with 304,381 shares remaining for repurchase from the recently announced authorization. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 28,407 shares for $573,000 and 68,988 shares for $1.2 million, respectively, related to tax withholding requirements on share-based awards.
Viad exercises significant judgment in determining its income tax provision due to transactions, credits and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Accordingly, Viad has recorded accrued liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions. The final resolution or settlement of uncertain tax positions could result in future cash payments. During the first quarter of 2009, Viad paid certain foreign income tax reassessments of $4.9 million and received tax refunds of $1.9 million pursuant to a joint settlement agreement with certain Canadian taxing jurisdictions.
During the second quarter of 2010, Viad received income tax refunds of $5.6 million related to carryback claims associated with 2009 operating losses.
Viad and certain of its subsidiaries are plaintiffs or defendants to various actions, proceedings and pending claims, some of which involve, or may involve, compensatory, punitive or other damages. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties and it is possible that some of the legal actions, proceedings or claims could be decided against Viad. Although the amount of liability as of September 30, 2010 with respect to certain of these matters is not ascertainable, Viad believes that any resulting liability, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for, including insurance coverage, will not have a material impact on Viad’s business, financial position or results of operations.
Viad is subject to various U.S. federal, state and foreign laws and regulations governing the prevention of pollution and the protection of the environment in the jurisdictions in which Viad has or had operations. If the Company has failed to comply with these environmental laws and regulations, civil and criminal penalties could be imposed and Viad could become subject to regulatory enforcement actions in the form of injunctions and cease and desist orders. As is the case with many companies, Viad also faces exposure to actual or potential claims and lawsuits involving environmental matters relating to its past operations. Although it is a party to certain environmental disputes, Viad believes that any resulting liabilities, after taking into consideration amounts already provided for, including insurance coverage, will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. As of September 30, 2010, there was a remaining environmental remediation liability of $6.1 million related to previously sold operations of which $913,000 was included in the consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Other current liabilities” and $5.2 million under the caption “Other deferred items and liabilities.”
Viad’s businesses contribute to various multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering its union-represented employees. Based upon the information available to Viad from plan administrators, management believes that several of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires pension plans underfunded at certain levels to reduce, over defined time periods, the underfunded status. In addition, under current laws, the termination of a plan, or a voluntary withdrawal from a plan by Viad, or a shrinking contribution base to a plan as a result of the insolvency or withdrawal of other contributing employers to such plan would require Viad to make payments to such plan for its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. As of September 30, 2010, the amount of additional funding, if any, that Viad would be required to make related to multi-employer pension plans is not ascertainable.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:
Viad does not have any “off-balance sheet” arrangements with unconsolidated special-purpose or other entities that would materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. Furthermore, Viad does not have any relationships with special-purpose or other entities that provide off-balance sheet financing; liquidity, market risk or credit risk support; or engage in leasing or other services that expose the Company to liability or risks of loss that are not reflected in Viad’s consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. The SEC has defined a company’s most critical accounting policies as those that are most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial position and results of operations, and that require a company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on these criteria, Viad has identified and discussed with its audit committee the following critical accounting policies and estimates pertaining to Viad, and the methodology and disclosures related to those estimates:
Goodwill and other intangible assets — Goodwill is not amortized, but tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis on October 31 of each year. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Viad’s reporting units are defined, and goodwill is tested, at either an operating segment level, or at the component level of an operating segment, depending on various factors including the internal reporting structure of the operating segment, the level of integration among components, the sharing of assets among components, and the benefits and likely recoverability of goodwill by the component’s operations.
As of September 30, 2010, Viad had goodwill of $85.0 million related to its Marketing & Events Group, which consisted of $62.7 million related to the Marketing & Events U.S. segment and $22.3 million related to the Marketing & Events International segment. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, this goodwill is assigned to and tested at the component level within the respective segment’s geographical operations. As of September 30, 2010, the amount of goodwill assigned to each of the discrete reporting units in the United States, the United Kingdom (Melville) and Canada was $62.7 million, $13.5 million and $8.8 million, respectively. Also, as of September 30, 2010, the Brewster operating segment (within the Travel & Recreation Group) had goodwill of $40.8 million. Brewster is considered a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes.
Viad uses a discounted expected future cash flow methodology (income approach) in order to estimate the fair value of its reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected future cash flows, discount rates and terminal values require considerable judgment and are based on market conditions, financial forecasts, industry trends and historical experience.
The most critical assumptions and estimates in determining the estimated fair value of its reporting units relate to the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows for each reporting unit and the reporting unit cost of capital (discount rate) applied to those cash flows. Furthermore, the assumed reporting unit cost of capital rates (discount rates) are estimated using a build-up method based on the perceived risk associated with the cash flows pertaining to the specific reporting unit. In order to assess the reasonableness of its fair value estimates, the Company performs a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of its reporting units to Viad’s market capitalization.
As noted above, the estimates and assumptions regarding expected future cash flows, discount rates and terminal values require considerable judgment and are based on market conditions, financial forecasts, industry trends and historical experience. These estimates, however, have inherent uncertainties and different assumptions could lead to materially different results. As of September 30, 2010, Viad had aggregate goodwill of $125.8 million recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. Furthermore, as a result of the Company’s most recent impairment analysis performed in the fourth quarter of 2009, the excess of the estimated fair values over the carrying values (expressed as a percentage of the carrying amounts) under step one of the impairment test were 35 percent, 52 percent and 54 percent, respectively, for each of the Marketing & Events reporting units in the United States, the United Kingdom (Melville) and Canada. For the Brewster reporting unit, the excess of the estimated fair value over the carrying value was 46 percent as of the most recent impairment test. Due to continued uncertainties in the current economic environment, reductions in the Company’s expected revenue, operating income or cash flow forecasts and projections, or an increase in reporting unit cost of capital, could trigger additional goodwill impairment testing, which may result in impairment losses.

 

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Other intangible assets not subject to amortization, which consist of trademarks and trade names, are also tested for impairment annually on October 31 of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Other intangible assets not subject to amortization are also reviewed annually to determine whether an indefinite useful life remains appropriate. The Company also uses an income approach to measure the estimated fair values of its trademarks and trade names not subject to amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization, and are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable through undiscounted cash flows. Intangible assets subject to amortization primarily consist of customer contracts and relationships, non-compete agreements, proprietary technology and design libraries.
As of September 30, 2010, the Company had aggregate intangible assets not subject to amortization of $177,000, and aggregate intangible assets subject to amortization of $1.8 million. Due to continued uncertainties in the current economic environment, reductions in the Company’s expected revenue, operating income or cash flow forecasts and projections could trigger additional impairment testing for these intangible assets, which may result in impairment losses.
Income taxes — Viad is required to estimate and record provisions for income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Accordingly, the Company must estimate its actual current income tax liability, and assess temporary differences arising from the treatment of items for tax purposes as compared to the treatment for accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities which are included in Viad’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company must assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. The Company uses significant judgment in forming a conclusion regarding the recoverability of its deferred tax assets and evaluates the available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely-than-not that its deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had gross deferred tax assets of $63.5 million and $61.2 million, respectively. These deferred tax assets reflect the expected future tax benefits to be realized upon reversal of deductible temporary differences, and the utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
For the cumulative three-year period ending December 31, 2009, Viad had a pre-tax operating loss, which was primarily the result of the goodwill and other impairment losses recorded during 2009. The Company considered the negative evidence of this cumulative pre-tax operating loss position on the future recoverability of its deferred tax assets. Viad also considered positive evidence regarding the realization of deferred tax assets including the Company’s historical and forecasted taxable income, taxpaying history and future reversals of deferred tax liabilities. Furthermore, Viad also considered the fact that the goodwill impairment losses are not tax deductible, and thus do not contribute to tax losses. As of both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had a valuation allowance of $162,000 related to certain state deferred tax assets. With respect to all other deferred tax assets, management believes that recovery from future taxable income is more-likely-than-not.
As noted above, Viad uses considerable judgment in forming a conclusion regarding the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. As a result, there are inherent uncertainties regarding the ultimate realization of these assets, which is primarily dependent on Viad’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. In light of the Company’s recent operating losses, and the risks and uncertainties in the current economic environment, it is possible that the relative weight of positive and negative evidence regarding the recoverability of Viad’s deferred tax assets may change, which could result in a material increase in the Company’s valuation allowance. If such an increase in the valuation allowance were to occur, it would result in increased income tax expense in the period the assessment was made.
In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and a related measure, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010, were both enacted into law. As a result of this legislation, the tax deductions for the portion of the prescription drug costs for which Viad receives a Medicare Part D subsidy have been eliminated for tax years beginning after December 31, 2012. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2010, Viad reduced its deferred tax asset related to its postretirement benefit plan liability to reflect the change in the tax law. The reduction in the deferred tax asset resulted in an increase to income tax expense of $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2010.
Viad is subject to regular and recurring audits by the taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts or had previously conducted operations. These include U.S. federal and most state jurisdictions, and certain foreign jurisdictions including Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.

 

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Viad exercises judgment in determining its income tax provision due to transactions, credits and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad did not have any accrued gross liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for continuing operations. However, as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for continuing operations of $193,000 and $407,000, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, Viad recorded tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of tax matters in continuing operations of $149,000 and $3.3 million, respectively. These favorable tax resolutions represent the reversal of amounts accrued for tax and related interest and penalties in connection with uncertain tax positions which were effectively settled or for which there was a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
In addition to the above, Viad had accrued gross liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for discontinued operations of $636,000 as of both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. In addition, as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Viad had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for discontinued operations of $341,000 and $312,000, respectively. Future tax resolutions or settlements that may occur related to these uncertain tax positions would be recorded through discontinued operations (net of federal tax effects, if applicable).
In the first quarter of 2009, Viad paid reassessments of $4.9 million and received aggregate tax refunds of $1.9 million related to a Canadian tax settlement agreement.
During the second quarter of 2010, Viad received income tax refunds of $5.6 million related to carryback claims associated with 2009 operating losses.
Viad does not record deferred taxes on the undistributed earnings of its Canadian subsidiaries as management presently intends to reinvest the earnings of those operations. As of December 31, 2009, there was approximately $84.6 million of accumulated undistributed earnings related to Viad’s Canadian subsidiaries, the majority of which have been previously reinvested in the assets of those foreign operations. The incremental unrecognized tax liability (net of estimated foreign tax credits) related to those undistributed earnings was approximately $2.3 million. To the extent that circumstances change and it becomes apparent that some or all of the undistributed earnings will be remitted to the parent, Viad would accrue incremental U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes attributable to such remittance. Furthermore, there have been certain legislative initiatives, which could potentially result in the reduction or elimination of the deferral of U.S. income taxes on unrepatriated foreign earnings. If such initiatives were to become enacted tax law, the Company may be required to record additional income tax expense, which could have a negative impact on Viad’s financial position and results of operations.
Insurance liabilities — Viad is self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation, automobile, product and general liability and property loss claims. The aggregate amount of insurance liabilities related to Viad’s continuing operations was $23.3 million as of September 30, 2010. Of this total, $17.1 million related to workers’ compensation liabilities and the remaining $6.2 million related to general/auto liability claims. Viad has also retained and provided for certain insurance liabilities in conjunction with previously sold businesses totaling $8.2 million as of September 30, 2010, primarily related to workers’ compensation liabilities. Provisions for losses for claims incurred, including estimated claims incurred but not yet reported, are made based on Viad’s historical experience, claims frequency and other factors. A change in the assumptions used could result in an adjustment to recorded liabilities. Viad has purchased insurance for amounts in excess of the self-insured levels, which generally range from $200,000 to $500,000 on a per claim basis. Viad does not maintain a self-insured retention pool fund as claims are paid from current cash resources at the time of settlement. Viad’s net cash payments in connection with these insurance liabilities were $4.8 million and $6.2 million for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Pension and postretirement benefits — Viad’s pension plans use traditional defined benefit formulas based on years of service and final average compensation. Funding policies provide that payments to defined benefit pension trusts shall be at least equal to the minimum funding required by applicable regulations. The Company presently anticipates contributing $1.1 million to its funded pension plans and $790,000 to its unfunded pension plans in 2010, of which the Company has contributed $921,000 and $622,000 as of September 30, 2010, respectively.
Viad and certain of its subsidiaries have defined benefit postretirement plans that provide medical and life insurance for certain eligible employees, retirees and dependents. The related postretirement benefit liabilities are recognized over the period that services are provided by employees. In addition, Viad retained the obligations for these benefits for retirees of certain sold businesses. While the plans have no funding requirements, Viad expects to contribute $182,000 to the plans in 2010, of which $84,000 has been contributed as of September 30, 2010.

 

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The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the December 31, 2009 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was ten percent, declining one-half percent each year to the ultimate rate of five percent by the year 2019 and remaining at that level thereafter.
A one-percentage-point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate for each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2009 by $1.5 million and the total of service and interest cost components by $102,000. A one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate for each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2009 by $1.3 million and the total of service and interest cost components by $88,000.
The weighted-average discount rates used to determine the domestic funded pension, domestic unfunded pension and postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2009 were 5.90 percent, 5.70 percent and 5.60 percent, respectively. The weighted-average discount rate used to determine the foreign pension benefit obligations as of December 31, 2009 was 5.60 percent. The weighted-average discount rates used to determine the 2009 net periodic benefit cost for the domestic and foreign pension plans were 6.90 percent and 7.00 percent, respectively. The discount rates used in determining future pension and postretirement benefit obligations are based on rates determined by actuarial analysis and management review, and reflect the estimated rates of return on a high-quality, hypothetical bond portfolio whose cash flows match the timing and amounts of expected benefit payments.
The expected return on plan assets used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s domestic and foreign pension plans for 2009 was 6.35 percent and 6.50 percent, respectively. The expected return on plan assets used to determine net periodic benefit cost for postretirement benefit plans for 2009 was 6.10 percent.
Share-based compensation — Viad grants share-based compensation awards to officers, directors and certain key employees pursuant to the 2007 Viad Corp Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan has a ten-year life and provides for the following types of awards: (a) incentive and non-qualified stock options; (b) restricted stock and restricted stock units; (c) performance units or performance shares; (d) stock appreciation rights; (e) cash-based awards and (f) certain other stock-based awards. The number of shares of common stock available for grant under the 2007 Plan is limited to 1,700,000 shares plus shares awarded under the 1997 Viad Corp Omnibus Incentive Plan (which terminated in May 2007) that subsequently cease for any reason to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the awards to the extent the shares are exercised for, or settled in, vested and non-forfeited shares) up to an aggregate maximum of 1,500,000 shares. Viad issues shares related to its share-based compensation awards from shares held in treasury.
Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements during the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $948,000 and $1.0 million, respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, $509,000 of costs associated with share-based compensation were included in restructuring expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Furthermore, the total tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense were $329,000 and $381,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $957,000 and $788,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. No share-based compensation costs were capitalized during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.
The fair value of restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock awards are based on Viad’s stock price on the date of grant. Liability-based awards are recorded at estimated fair value, based on the number of units expected to vest and the level of achievement of predefined performance goals (where applicable) and are remeasured on each balance sheet date based on Viad’s stock price until the time of settlement. Viad uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for purposes of determining the fair value of each stock option grant for which key assumptions are necessary. These assumptions include Viad’s expected stock price volatility; the expected period of time the stock option will remain outstanding; the expected dividend yield on Viad common stock, and the risk-free interest rate. Changes in the assumptions could result in different estimates of the fair value of stock option grants, and consequently impact Viad’s results of operations.
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to accounting and reporting for transfers of financial assets, which is codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 860. The objective of this guidance is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets. Viad adopted the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2010, which did not have an impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting and reporting for variable interest entities, which is codified in ASC Topic 810. This guidance amends previously issued standards and addresses the effects of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept contained in those previous standards. Viad adopted the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2010, which did not have an impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations.
In October 2009, the FASB issued new guidance related to revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables, which is codified in ASC Topic 605. This guidance changes the requirements for establishing separate units of accounting for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements and requires revenue to be allocated to each deliverable based on the relative selling price. The new guidance is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is retrospectively applied to the beginning of the period of adoption. Viad will adopt the provisions of this guidance on January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations.
Forward-Looking Statements:
As provided by the safe harbor provision under the “Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,” Viad cautions readers that, in addition to historical information contained herein, this quarterly report includes certain information, assumptions and discussions that may constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but reflect current estimates, projections, expectations, or trends concerning future growth, operating cash flows, availability of short-term borrowings, consumer demand, new business, investment policies, productivity improvements, ongoing cost reduction efforts, efficiency, competitiveness, legal expenses, tax rates and other tax matters, foreign exchange rates and the realization of restructuring cost savings. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Viad’s businesses can be affected by a host of risks and uncertainties. Among other things, natural disasters, gains and losses of customers, consumer demand patterns, labor relations, purchasing decisions related to customer demand for exhibition and event services, existing and new competition, industry alliances, consolidation and growth patterns within the industries in which Viad competes, acquisitions, adverse developments in liabilities associated with discontinued operations, and any deterioration in the economy, may individually or in combination impact future results. In addition to factors mentioned elsewhere, economic, competitive, governmental, technological, capital marketplace and other factors, including further terrorist activities or war, a pandemic health crisis and international conditions, could affect the forward-looking statements in this quarterly report. Additional information concerning business and other risk factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those in the forward looking statements are discussed in “Risk Factors” in the risk factors sections included in Viad’s 2009 Annual Report.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Viad’s market risk exposures relate to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and certain commodity prices. Foreign exchange risk is the risk that fluctuating exchange rates will adversely affect Viad’s financial condition or results of operations. Interest rate risk is the risk that changing interest rates will adversely affect the earnings of Viad. Commodity risk is the risk that changing prices will adversely affect results of operations.
Viad conducts its foreign operations primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent in certain other countries. The functional currency of Viad’s foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Accordingly, for purposes of consolidation, Viad translates the assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The unrealized gains or losses resulting from the translation of these foreign denominated assets and liabilities are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in Viad’s consolidated balance sheets. As a result, significant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar may result in material changes to Viad’s net equity position reported in its consolidated balance sheets. Viad does not currently hedge its equity risk arising from the translation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities. Viad had cumulative unrealized foreign currency translation gains recorded in equity of $34.1 million and $31.3 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, unrealized foreign currency translation gains of $6.7 million and $2.8 million were recorded in other comprehensive income, respectively.

 

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In addition, for purposes of consolidation, the revenues, expenses, gains and losses related to Viad’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the period. As a result, Viad’s consolidated results of operations are exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates as the operating results of its foreign operations, when translated, may vary from period to period, even when the functional currency amounts have not changed. Such fluctuations may adversely impact overall expected profitability and historical period to period comparisons. Viad does not currently hedge its net earnings exposure arising from the translation of its foreign operating results. As noted above, Viad primarily conducts its foreign operations in Canada and the United Kingdom. The following table summarizes the effect of foreign exchange rate variances on segment operating results from Viad’s Canadian and United Kingdom operations for the three months ended September 30:
                         
    Weighted Average     Effect of Rate  
    Exchange Rates     Variance  
    2010     2009     (thousands)  
 
                       
Canadian Operations:
                       
Marketing & Events Group
  $ 0.96     $ 0.86     $ (94 )
Travel & Recreation Group
  $ 0.96     $ 0.91     $ 626  
 
United Kingdom Operations:
                       
Marketing & Events Group
  $ 1.65     $ 1.71     $ 28  
The following table summarizes the effect of foreign exchange rate variances on segment operating results from Viad’s Canadian and United Kingdom operations for the nine months ended September 30:
                         
    Weighted Average     Effect of Rate  
    Exchange Rates     Variance  
    2010     2009     (thousands)  
 
                       
Canadian Operations:
                       
Marketing & Events Group
  $ 0.99     $ 0.75     $ 431  
Travel & Recreation Group
  $ 0.95     $ 0.92     $ 707  
 
United Kingdom Operations:
                       
Marketing & Events Group
  $ 1.51     $ 1.47     $ 67  
As the Canadian operations generated aggregate operating income for the third quarter of 2010, Viad’s segment operating income has been favorably impacted by $532,000 from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. As the United Kingdom operations generated aggregate operating losses in the third quarter of 2010, Viad’s segment operating income has been favorably impacted by $28,000 from the weakening of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar. As the Canadian operations generated aggregate operating income in the first nine months of 2010, Viad’s segment operating income has been favorably impacted by $1.1 million from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. As the United Kingdom operations generated aggregate operating income in the first nine months of 2010, Viad’s segment operating income has been favorably impacted by $67,000 from the strengthening of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar.
Viad is exposed to short-term interest rate risk on certain of its debt obligations. Viad currently does not use derivative financial instruments to hedge cash flows for such obligations. As of September 30, 2010, Viad had variable rate debt outstanding of $4.9 million under the Credit Facility. Interest payments related to Viad’s variable rate debt outstanding are indexed to the prime rate or LIBOR.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Viad, the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures has been evaluated as of September 30, 2010, and, based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2010. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Part 1 and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II of Viad’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or future results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Set forth below is a table showing the total number of shares of Viad common stock repurchased during the third quarter of 2010 by Viad either on the open market as part of a repurchase program or from employees and former employees surrendering previously owned Viad common stock (outstanding shares) to pay the taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based awards.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
                                 
                    Total Number of     Maximum Number (or  
                    Shares Purchased as     Approximate Dollar Value)  
                    Part of Publicly     of Shares that May Yet Be  
    Total Number of     Average Price Paid     Announced Plans or     Purchased Under the Plans  
Period   Shares Purchased (#)     Per Share ($)     Programs     or Programs  
September 2010
    356,300       17.77       356,300       304,381  
 
                       
Total
    356,300       17.77       356,300       304,381  
 
                       
In September 2010, Viad announced its intent to repurchase up to an additional 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. At the time of the announcement, there were 160,681 shares available for repurchase pursuant to previously announced authorizations. Viad purchased 356,300 shares for $6.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010, with 304,381 shares remaining for repurchase from the recently announced authorization. The authorization of the Board of Directors does not have an expiration date. The terms of Viad’s $75 million secured revolving credit facility, as amended as of November 20, 2009, restrict the Company from paying more than $5 million in dividends in the aggregate in any calendar year and also restrict the Company from repurchasing more than $10 million in the aggregate of the Company’s common stock during the remainder of the credit facility term, which expires in June 2011.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits.
     
Exhibit No. 31.1  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Viad Corp pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
   
 
Exhibit No. 31.2  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Viad Corp pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
   
 
Exhibit No. 32.1  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Viad Corp pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
   
 
Exhibit No. 32.2  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Viad Corp pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
     
*  
Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
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.
                 
        VIAD CORP    
             
        (Registrant)    
 
               
November 5, 2010
      By   /s/ G. Michael Latta    
 
               
(Date)
          G. Michael Latta    
 
          Vice President — Controller    
 
          (Chief Accounting Officer and Authorized Officer)    

 

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