The Charles River wends its way through 22 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts before reaching Boston Harbor. Today, I’m highlighting the select few homes for sale along the banks of the Charles River.
Contact me at 508-904-4967 or leslie.mann@sothebysrealty.com for a tour of homes for sale across Boston’s MetroWest suburbs. You’re also welcome to browse homes on our website www.positiverelocation.com.
Not too long ago, my dear brother Mick roasted a pig for my father and many of his friends and relatives. It was for his Birthday party. He just turned ninety years old! Everyone had a great time. Now when my father says he won’t buy green bannanas, I tell him he certaintly can because we are going to have another pig roast for him next year, and every year for ten years thereafter! I think he will live forever because he is in excellent health, and he walks two or three miles at a time. Here’s to Miles walking for miles!!!!
The other day I had lunch with a single mother who had just bought her first home. She told me an interesting story.
She said that she was an entry level buyer and truly thrilled to be making a start for herself and her daughter. The process was exciting and daunting and she was happy to have a great agent as well as her father who is in construction.
After closing, she bumped into a Realtor who was complaining about having a terrible year in 2009. “Really,” she responded. “My agent had a great year.”
When the Realtor discovered who the other agent was, she made a disparaging remark about the price range that agent specialized in. “Oh, sure, but who wants to deal with that range? It’s hardly worth the trouble.”
For the moment, let’s leave aside the fact that one agent had a great year in this dredful price range while the Hot6 Shot, used to a higher price range, was starving. My friend, the single mother, never made that leap.
Instead, as she was leaping down the throat of the other agent, she said something like, “Oh, yea? Well, I don’t intend to be in this house forever. In fact, I have a three year plan. I figure by the time m y daughter graduates from high school I’ll be on my third house. I expect to improve my current home and use my equity to move up in price range each time.”
Sounds like the American Dream, doesn’t it. But it goes on. Now that this gal had a head of steam, she was unstoppable. “And,” she informed Hot Shot, “I won’t be buying any houses from you!”
True, that does sound like the kind of experience many of us have where we get to say what we’ve always wanted to say. The Hot Shot handed over the straight lines, one after the other.
But I’ve heard much the same type of drivel from Hot Shots in my own market. Recently, a Hot Shot whipped a hot prospect right out from under me. I chided her good naturedly later and her retort was “Well, it’s not that great a prospect! He wants a home under $200,000!” That’s a sale, too, cookie. And it will be yours, disrespect and all, not mine.
My point is that we should never disparage the lower end. They still provide us with a commission and they will move up. What’s more, they have friends and family who could be in all sorts of ranges. And if you can’t respect the client, refer them to someone who will.
DALLAS, March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Reddy Ice Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: FRZ) (the “Company”) announced today the results of the exchange offer and consent solicitation by Reddy Ice Corporation, a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Reddy Corp”), for the Company’s outstanding 10 1/2% Senior Discount Notes due 2012 (the “Old Notes”) through 5:00 pm New York City time on March 5, 2010 (the “Early Tender Date”). On or prior to the Early Tender Date, tenders and consents had been received with respect to approximately 91.0% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes.
Upon the acceptance of the Old Notes for exchange, holders of Old Notes who provided valid tenders and consents on or prior to the Early Tender Date will receive $1,000.00 principal amount of new 13.25% senior secured notes due 2015 of Reddy Corp (the “New Notes”) for each $1,000 principal amount of their Old Notes that are accepted for exchange, plus an additional $5.00 principal amount of New Notes (the “Early Tender Payment”). Reddy Corp expects to accept for exchange the Old Notes validly tendered on or prior to the Early Tender Date simultaneously with the closing of the offering of its new first lien notes.
The exchange offer and consent solicitation will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on March 19, 2010, unless extended. Holders tendering Old Notes after the Early Tender Date will receive $1,000.00 principal amount of the New Notes for each $1,000 principal amount of their Old Notes that are accepted for exchange, but will not receive the Early Tender Payment.
The exchange offer and consent solicitation is subject to certain conditions, including the entry into a new revolving credit facility by Reddy Corp, the termination and repayment of all indebtedness under Reddy Corp’s existing credit facility and the issuance by Reddy Corp of new first lien notes in an amount sufficient to refinance Reddy Corp’s existing credit facility. Reddy Corp has the right to waive these conditions or to terminate or withdraw the exchange offer and consent solicitation at any time and for any reason prior to the fulfillment or waiver of the conditions to the offer.
This press release is neither an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. This announcement is also not a solicitation of consents to the proposed amendments to the Indenture. No recommendation is made as to whether the holders of Old Notes should tender their Old Notes for exchange in the exchange offer.
ABOUT REDDY ICE
Reddy Ice Holdings, Inc. is the largest manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice in the United States. With approximately 2,000 year-round employees, the Company sells its products primarily under the widely known Reddy Ice® brand to a variety of customers in 33 states and the District of Columbia. The Company provides a broad array of product offerings in the marketplace through traditional direct store delivery, warehouse programs and its proprietary in-store bagging technology, The Ice Factory®. Reddy Ice serves most significant consumer packaged goods channels of distribution, as well as restaurants, special entertainment events, commercial users and the agricultural sector.
This press release contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s belief as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Such statements contain certain risks, uncertainty and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected.
SOURCE Reddy Ice Holdings, Inc.
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RELATED LINKS
http://www.reddyice.com
The winter months have not been kind to home sales.
After plunging 17 percent in December, Existing Home Sales fell by an additional 7 percent in January, according to the National Association of Realtors®. An “existing home” is a home resold by a previous owner (i.e. not new construction).
In looking at the annualized, adjusted Existing Home Sales data, we find:
These are similar findings to the New Home Sales data issued by the government last week. That report put new home sales at a 40-year low and showed new homes supplies higher by an entire month.
But don’t think housing rebound has halted! Home sales are cyclical and there are outside forces on today’s market.
For one, the market is still feeling the after-effects of the original First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Sales spiked in the months leading up to the original November 2009 expiration date. A pull-back is natural and expected.
Looking at the long-term trend, Existing Home Sales volume appears right in line.
Furthermore, weather across much of the U.S. was awful in January. That, too, can impede home sales as homes are neither shown nor negotiated when weather is majorly inclement.
Anecdotal evidence is showing sales activity higher through February and into March. And, although it’s unlikely we’ll see a spike through April like we did last November, buy-side demand for homes should remain strong. The good news of the sagging sales reports is that today’s buyers may find home prices are lower and sellers are more willing to negotiate.
For more information about buying, selling, or investing… Just give us a call we offer FREE consultations: The Real Estate Geeks 714-272-5369 or 714-720-2555
INDIANAPOLIS, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) today issued the following statement in response to the Court’s decision to shorten the exclusivity period requested by General Growth Properties, Inc. (OTC: GGWPQ.PK):
“We appreciate the Court’s decision to shorten the exclusivity period requested by General Growth. The Court has made it abundantly clear that General Growth must now conduct a truly fair process with all parties on a level playing field. Today we have been permitted to commence due diligence, and we will determine our best course of action as we move forward.”
About Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest public U.S. real estate company. Simon is a fully integrated real estate company which operates from five retail real estate platforms: regional malls, Premium Outlet Centers(R), The Mills(R), community/lifestyle centers and international properties. It currently owns or has an interest in 382 properties comprising 261 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. Simon Property Group, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Company’s website at www.simon.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, the Company can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained, and it is possible that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to meet debt service requirements, the availability and terms of financing, changes in the Company’s credit rating, changes in market rates of interest and foreign exchange rates for foreign currencies, changes in value of investments in foreign entities, the ability to hedge interest rate risk, risks associated with the acquisition, development, expansion, leasing and management of properties, general risks related to retail real estate, the liquidity of real estate investments, environmental liabilities, international, national, regional and local economic climates, changes in market rental rates, trends in the retail industry, relationships with anchor tenants, the inability to collect rent due to the bankruptcy or insolvency of tenants or otherwise, risks relating to joint venture properties, costs of common area maintenance, competitive market forces, risks related to international activities, insurance costs and coverage, terrorist activities, changes in economic and market conditions and maintenance of our status as a real estate investment trust. The Company discusses these and other risks and uncertainties under the heading “Risk Factors” in its annual and quarterly periodic reports filed with the SEC. The Company may update that discussion in its periodic reports, but otherwise the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
SOURCE Simon Property Group, Inc.
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RELATED LINKS
http://www.simon.com
CHICAGO, March 1 /PRNewswire/ — Seven Summits Research issues PriceWatch Alerts for GS, UNH, WAG, TAM, and KCI.
Seven Summits Strategic Investments’ PriceWatch Alerts are available at http://www.iotogo.com/s/030110A (Note: You may have to copy this link into your browser then press the [ENTER] key.)
Today’s PriceWatch Alerts cover the following stocks: Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS), UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (NYSE: UNH), Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG), TAM S.A. (NYSE: TAM), and Kinetic Concepts Inc. ( KCI).
In today’s unsure markets these brief PriceWatch Alerts contain concise detailed strategies for each covered stock and include position protection tactics designed to potentially defend investors from unexpected market shifts. While other market reports only provide stock news and opinion, we offer strategies that position investments against uncertainty and increase chances of making a profit, even if a stock goes down.
“Our PriceWatch Alerts go beyond other market reports. Along with a brief concise overview, each PriceWatch Alert provides useful strategies, which ensure potential investments are protected with basic hedging techniques,” says Reid Stratton, Seven Summits Senior Analyst. “These brief company reports contain information that can benefit expert and novice investors who want to stay ahead of the market.”
For essential information on stocks poised to move go to:
http://www.iotogo.com/s/030110A for Seven Summits Strategic Investments’ PriceWatch Alerts.
Seven Summits Investment Research is an independent investment research group, which focuses on the U.S. equities and options markets. Our analytical tools, screening techniques, rigorous research methods and committed staff provide solid information to help our clients make the best possible investment decisions. For more information go to www.SevenSummitsInvestmentResearch.com . CRD# 137114
All stocks and options shown are examples only — not recommendations to buy or sell. Our picks do not represent a positive or negative outlook on any security. Potential returns do not take into account your trade size, brokerage commissions or taxes — expenses that will affect actual investment returns. Stocks and options involve risk, thus they are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling options, a person should request a copy of Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options available from Catherine at 800-698-9101 or at http://www.cboe.com/Resources/Intro.aspx . Privacy policy available upon request.
SOURCE Seven Summits Investment Research
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RELATED LINKS
http://www.sevensummitsstrategicinvestments.com
PHOENIX, March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) announced today that it has notified the registered holders of its 7.25% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “Notes”) that it will redeem all of the Notes outstanding on March 31, 2010 (the “Redemption Date”). The Notes will be redeemed at a price equal to 103.625% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the Redemption Date. Payment of the redemption price will be made by U.S. Bank National Association, the trustee under the indenture governing the Notes, on the Redemption Date upon presentation and surrender of the Notes as set forth in the redemption notice. The company intends to use incremental borrowings under its revolving credit facility and cash on hand to fund the redemption. The company expects to incur a charge upon extinguishment of the Notes of approximately $82 million, of which $22 million is the cash premium. This charge will be reflected in its first quarter 2010 financial results.
Republic Services, Inc. provides recycling and solid waste collection, transfer and disposal services in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Company’s various operating units, including collection companies, transfer stations recycling centers and landfills, are focused on providing reliable environmental services and solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers. For more information, visit the Republic Services web site at www.republicservices.com.
SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.
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RELATED LINKS
http://www.republicservices.com
ARMONK, N.Y., March 1 /PRNewswire/ — VISANT CORPORATION today announced results for its fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, including consolidated net sales of $1,255.3 million, compared to $1,365.6 million for its fiscal year ended January 3, 2009, a decrease of approximately 8%. Consolidated net income increased by 4% during fiscal year 2009 to $90.7 million from $87.0 million of consolidated net income for fiscal year 2008. Visant also reported consolidated earnings before net interest expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization expense (EBITDA) for fiscal year 2009 of $304.7 million, a decrease of 3% compared to consolidated EBITDA of $313.8 million for fiscal year 2008. Visant’s consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (defined in the accompanying summary of financial data) was $327.8 million for fiscal year 2009, a decrease of 4% compared to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $339.9 million for the comparable period in 2008.
For Visant’s fourth quarter ended January 2, 2010, consolidated net sales were $255.1 million compared to consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter ended January 3, 2009 of $294.2 million, a decrease of 13%. In addition, the company reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2009 of $1.3 million, compared to consolidated net loss of $2.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Consolidated EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $43.0 million, an increase of 3% compared to consolidated EBITDA of $41.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $46.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2009, a decrease of 9% compared to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $50.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2008.
Visant also today announced that its Board of Directors declared an extraordinary cash distribution to the Visant Holding Corp. stockholders and vested option holders of record on February 26, 2010, to be paid on March 1, 2010, in the aggregate amount of $137.7 million, funded from cash on hand.
Fiscal Year 2009
For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, net sales for the Scholastic segment were $462.7 million, a decrease of 2% compared to $472.4 million for the 2008 fiscal year. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower overall volumes offset slightly by higher prices in our jewelry and graduation products.
Net sales for the Memory Book segment were $386.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, a decrease of 2% compared to $393.3 million for the 2008 fiscal year. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower volume in both our memory book and commercial print operations year-over-year, offset somewhat by higher prices from new and enhanced products and service offerings.
Net sales for the Marketing and Publishing Services segment decreased $95.3 million, or 19%, to $406.0 million during the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010 from $501.4 million for fiscal 2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower volumes in our sampling, direct marketing and educational book component operations, offset in part by incremental volume generated by the Phoenix Color operations acquired in 2008.
For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, the Scholastic segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $78.8 million, an increase of $0.7 million compared to $78.1 million for fiscal 2008. This slight increase was primarily due to higher prices in our jewelry and graduation products, the impact of cost reduction initiatives and lower precious metal costs year-over-year in our jewelry operations, partially offset by lower overall volumes.
The Memory Book segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $155.2 million for fiscal year 2009, an increase of $11.6 million, or 8%, compared to $143.5 million for fiscal 2008. This increase was primarily the result of strong operating performance and the impact of cost reduction initiatives undertaken during the year.
The Marketing and Publishing Services segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $93.8 million for the 2009 fiscal year, a decrease of $24.5 million, or 21%, compared to $118.3 million during the full fiscal year 2008. This decrease was primarily due to lower volumes in our sampling, direct marketing and educational book component operations, offset somewhat by incremental volume generated by the Phoenix Color operations acquired in 2008 and the impact of facility consolidations and other cost reduction initiatives.
Fourth Fiscal Quarter 2009
Net sales of the Scholastic segment decreased $6.2 million, or 4%, to $137.7 million for the fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2010 from $143.9 million for the fourth quarter ended January 3, 2009. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower volumes in our jewelry products.
Net sales of the Memory Book segment decreased $8.9 million, or 34%, to $17.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to $26.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. This decrease was primarily due to the shift in timing of shipments from the fourth quarter to the third quarter resulting in lower volume in our memory book business in the fourth quarter as well as lower volumes in our commercial print business year-over-year.
Net sales of the Marketing and Publishing Services segment decreased $24.4 million, or 20%, to $99.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 from $124.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower volume in our sampling, direct marketing and educational book component operations.
Adjusted EBITDA for the Scholastic segment decreased $2.8 million, or 9%, to $26.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 from $29.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. This decrease was primarily due to lower volumes in our jewelry products.
Adjusted EBITDA for the Memory Book segment was a loss of $4.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to a loss of $3.9 million for the prior year comparative period. This slight decline was primarily due to the shift in timing of memory book shipments from the fourth quarter to the third quarter and lower commercial print volume.
Adjusted EBITDA for the Marketing and Publishing Services segment decreased $1.3 million, or 5%, to $23.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2009 from $25.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower volume in our sampling and direct marketing operations, offset by the favorable impact of facility consolidations and other cost reduction initiatives.
Consolidated Indebtedness
As of January 2, 2010, Visant Corporation’s consolidated debt, comprised of the outstanding indebtedness under its senior credit facilities and its senior subordinated notes, was $826.5 million, including $10.0 million of equipment financing and capital lease obligations. Visant’s cash position as of January 2, 2010 totaled $113.1 million and as of February 26, 2010 was approximately $140 million. Visant’s parent, Visant Holding Corp., had outstanding senior discount notes with an accreted value of $247.2 million, senior notes of $350.0 million and cash of $0.2 million as of January 2, 2010.
Visant has provided a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in the accompanying summary of financial data.
Supplemental data has also been provided for Visant’s three segments: Scholastic, Memory Book and Marketing and Publishing Services.
CONFERENCE CALL
The company’s regular quarterly conference call concerning the full year and fourth quarter results will be webcast live today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the Investor Information section of Visant’s website at www.visant.net.
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Visant Corporation is a leading marketing and publishing services enterprise servicing the school affinity, direct marketing, fragrance and cosmetics, and educational and trade publishing segments.
The company has three reportable segments:
Scholastic – provides services in conjunction with the marketing, sale and production of class rings and an array of graduation products and other scholastic affinity products to students and administrators primarily in high schools, colleges and other post-secondary institutions.
Memory Book – provides services in conjunction with the publication, marketing, sale and production of school yearbooks, memory books and related products that help people tell their stories and chronicle important events.
Marketing and Publishing Services – provides services in conjunction with the development, marketing, sale and production of multi-sensory and interactive advertising sampling systems, primarily for the fragrance, cosmetics and personal care segments, and provides innovative products and related services to the direct marketing sector. The group also produces book components primarily for the educational and trade publishing segments.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This release may contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “project”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “outlook”, “continue”, “believe”, or the negative thereof or other similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company or industry results to differ materially from historical results, any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions by our management that, although we believe are reasonable, are inherently uncertain and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and you should not place undue reliance on them. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: our substantial indebtedness and our ability to service the indebtedness; our inability to implement our business strategy in a timely and effective manner; global market and economic conditions; levels of customers’ advertising and marketing spending, including as may be impacted by economic factors and general market conditions; competition from other companies; fluctuations in raw material prices; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers; the seasonality of our businesses; the loss of significant customers or customer relationships; Jostens’ reliance on independent sales representatives; our reliance on numerous complex information systems; the amount of capital expenditures required at our businesses; the reliance of our businesses on limited production facilities; actions taken by the U.S. postal service and the failure of our sampling systems to comply with U.S. postal regulations; labor disturbances; environmental regulations; privacy laws; the outcome of litigation; the impact of changes in applicable law and regulations; the textbook adoption cycle and levels of government funding for education spending; and control by our stockholders. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated or predicted by the forward-looking statements. We caution that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. Readers are strongly encouraged to read the full cautionary statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any of them in light of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
The following information contains financial measures other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the company’s historical consolidated financial statements. The company presents this information because management uses it to monitor and evaluate the company’s ongoing operating results and trends, and the covenants in its debt agreements are tied to these measures. The company believes this information provides investors with an understanding of the company’s operating performance over comparative periods.
VISANT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Three months ended Twelve months ended
------------------ -------------------
January 2, January 3, January 2, January 3,
In thousands 2010 2009 2010 2009
------------ ---- ---- ---- ----
Net sales $255,052 $294,150 $1,255,325 $1,365,560
Cost of products sold 126,441 152,435 588,783 675,801
----------------------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit 128,611 141,715 666,542 689,759
Selling and administrative
expenses 113,532 120,988 451,303 463,563
(Gain) loss on disposal
of fixed assets (952) 1,052 (1,405) 958
Special charges (1) (330) 4,845 14,486 14,433
--------------------- ---- ----- ------ ------
Operating income 16,361 14,830 202,158 210,805
Interest expense, net 13,314 17,818 55,289 69,110
----------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) before
income taxes 3,047 (2,988) 146,869 141,695
Provision for (benefit
from) income taxes 1,789 (422) 56,209 54,647
------------------------- ----- ---- ------ ------
Net income (loss) $1,258 $(2,566) $90,660 $87,048
=================== ====== ======= ======= =======
Adjusted EBITDA (2) $46,307 $50,624 $327,796 $339,913
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:
In thousands
------------
Net income (loss) $1,258 $(2,566) $90,660 $87,048
Interest expense, net 13,314 17,818 55,289 69,110
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes 1,789 (422) 56,209 54,647
Depreciation and amortization
expense 26,636 27,059 102,545 103,018
------ ------ ------- -------
EBITDA 42,997 41,889 304,703 313,823
Special charges (1) (330) 4,845 14,486 14,433
(Gain) loss on disposal
of fixed assets (952) 1,052 (1,405) 958
Other (3) 4,592 2,838 10,012 10,699
----------- ----- ----- ------ ------
Adjusted EBITDA (2) $46,307 $50,624 $327,796 $339,913
===================== ======= ======= ======== ========
(1) Special charges for the fourth fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2010
included the reversal of $0.4 million of previously accrued costs
associated with reductions in force in our Marketing and Publishing
services segment. These amounts were partially offset by $0.1 million
of other costs incurred in our Scholastic and Memory Book segments.
Special charges for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010 included
$8.4 million in the Memory Book segment primarily related to cost
reduction initiatives and the closure of Jostens' Winston-Salem, North
Carolina facility. These charges included approximately $4.0 million
of severance and related benefits for associated headcount reductions
with respect to the facility closure and certain other reductions in
force and $4.1 million of non-cash facility-related asset impairment
charges related to facility consolidation activity. The Scholastic
segment reported $1.0 million of charges related to cost reduction
initiatives and $0.5 million of non-cash asset impairment charges
related to the closure of Jostens' Attleboro, Massachusetts facility.
Additionally, the Marketing and Publishing Services segment reported
$4.5 million of costs related to facility consolidation activity and
other reductions in force which included $2.6 million of severance and
related benefits for associated headcount reductions, $1.4 million of
non-cash costs related to asset impairment charges and $0.5 million of
other facility consolidation costs.
Special charges for the fourth quarter ended January 3, 2009
represented $4.7 million of costs associated with the closure of the
Pennsauken, New Jersey; Attleboro, Massachusetts; and certain
international operations, as well as the consolidation of the
Chattanooga, Tennessee facilities. These charges included
approximately $1.9 million of non-cash costs, including $0.1 million
resulting from the write-off of accumulated currency translation
balances and $1.8 million of related asset impairment charges.
Additionally, Visant incurred approximately $0.1 million of other
severance and related benefits charges during the quarter.
Special charges for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 represented
$12.8 million of costs associated with the closure of the Pennsauken,
New Jersey; Attleboro, Massachusetts; and certain international
operations, as well as the consolidation of the Chattanooga, Tennessee
facilities. These charges included approximately $6.1 million of non-
cash costs, including $3.1 million resulting from the write-off of
accumulated currency translation balances, $0.3 million related to the
impairment of certain asset balances associated with the closure of
certain international operations and $2.7 million of facility related
asset impairment charges. Additionally, Visant incurred approximately
$1.6 million of other severance and related benefits associated with
headcount reductions during the twelve-month period.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income plus net interest expense,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization, excluding certain non-
recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain items that are also
excluded for purposes of calculating required covenant ratios and
compliance under the indentures governing our and our parent's
outstanding notes and our senior secured credit facilities. As such,
Adjusted EBITDA is a material component of these covenants. Non-
compliance with the financial ratio maintenance covenants contained in
our senior secured credit facilities could result in the requirement
to immediately repay all amounts outstanding under such facilities,
while non-compliance with the debt incurrence ratios contained in the
indentures governing our and our parent's notes would prohibit Visant
Corporation and its restricted subsidiaries from being able to incur
additional indebtedness other than pursuant to specified exceptions.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America (GAAP), is not a measure of financial condition or
profitability and should not be considered as an alternative to (a)
net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or (b) operating
cash flows determined in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, Adjusted
EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for
management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash
requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service
requirements. Because not all companies use identical calculations,
this presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other
similarly titled measures of other companies.
(3) Other charges for the quarter ended January 2, 2010 included $3.8
million of consolidation costs in connection with the closure of
certain facilities and $0.9 million of management fees which were
offset by a refund of $0.1 million for employment taxes previously
paid by the company.
Other charges for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010 included $6.0
million of consolidation costs in connection with the closure of
certain facilities, $3.4 million of management fees, $0.5 million of
additional rent in connection with the relocation of certain operating
facilities and $0.1 million of other costs that are non-recurring in
nature.
Other charges for the quarter ended January 3, 2009 primarily
consisted of $1.7 million of equipment relocation and other costs
associated with the closure of the Pennsauken, New Jersey and
Attleboro, Massachusetts facilities, $0.8 million of management fees
and $0.3 million of other costs that are non-recurring in nature.
For the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009, other charges primarily
consisted of $4.7 million of equipment relocation and other costs
associated with the closure of the Pennsauken, New Jersey and
Attleboro, Massachusetts facilities as well as certain costs related
to the realignment of international operations, $3.3 million of
management fees, $1.9 million of non-recurring inventory costs
associated with the company's strategic decision to no longer sell
certain products in the Scholastic segment and $0.8 million of other
costs that are non-recurring in nature.
VISANT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Three months ended
------------------
January 2, January 3,
In thousands 2010 2009 $ Change % Change
------------ ---- ---- -------- --------
Net sales
Scholastic $137,732 $143,934 $(6,202) (4%)
Memory Book 17,378 26,319 (8,941) (34%)
Marketing and Publishing
Services 99,942 124,367 (24,425) (20%)
Inter-segment eliminations - (470) 470 NM
-------------------------- --- ---- ---
$255,052 $294,150 $(39,098) (13%)
=============== ======== ======== ========
Adjusted EBITDA
Scholastic $26,683 $29,474 $(2,791) (9%)
Memory Book (4,095) (3,856) (239) (6%)
Marketing and Publishing
Services 23,719 25,006 (1,287) (5%)
------------------------ ------ ------ ------
$46,307 $50,624 $(4,317) (9%)
======= ======= =======
NM = not meaningful
Twelve months ended
-------------------
January 2, January 3,
In thousands 2010 2009 $ Change % Change
------------ ---- ---- -------- --------
Net sales
Scholastic $462,718 $472,405 $(9,687) (2%)
Memory Book 386,848 393,309 (6,461) (2%)
Marketing and Publishing
Services 406,032 501,374 (95,342) (19%)
Inter-segment eliminations (273) (1,528) 1,255 NM
-------------------------- ---- ------ -----
$1,255,325 $1,365,560 $(110,235) (8%)
=============== ========== ========== =========
Adjusted EBITDA
Scholastic $78,829 $78,061 $768 1%
Memory Book 155,175 143,544 11,631 8%
Marketing and Publishing
Services 93,792 118,308 (24,516) (21%)
------------------------ ------ ------- -------
$327,796 $339,913 $(12,117) (4%)
======== ======== ========
NM = not meaningful
SOURCE Visant Corporation
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RELATED LINKS
http://www.visant.net
My Life as a Realtor ~
Day 219:
Anticipated storm never really came! Of course the kids were disappointed – but… I had the day to myself – trying to do as much work as possible…
For dinner, I made a dish that I had seen on Rachael Ray – Grilled chicken, eggplant, tomatoe and mozzarella cheese. Everything but the cheese gets grilled separately - drizzling olive oil and adding a dash of salt & pepper – stacking all and popping back in the over to just melt the cheese! Mmmmm!
~~ CLICK Here to view the recipe and video~~