# Pursuit Attractions & Hospitality, Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Jun 30, 2009 - Company: [Pursuit Attractions & Hospitality, Inc.](/companies/prsu.md) (CIK 884219) - Form: 10-Q - Filed: 2009-08-07 - Accepted by EDGAR: Aug 7, 2009, 17:15 ET - Period: 2009-06-30 - Accession: 0000950123-09-032240 - Inline XBRL: no - Main document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/884219/000095012309032240/c89014e10vq.htm - All documents and exhibits: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/884219/000095012309032240/ ## Management's discussion and analysis As filed, 69,764 characters. 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: In July 2009, Viad announced a strategic reorganization to enhance shareholder value by aligning its brands and operations into two business units: the Marketing & Events Group (which includes Viad’s GES and Experiential Marketing Services segments) and the Travel & Recreation Group (which includes Brewster and Glacier Park). The business units will be supported by a Corporate Services Group that centralizes responsibility for various corporate functions. Management anticipates future restructuring charges as a result of integration and consolidation activities associated with the reorganization. Viad Corp (“Viad” or the “Company”) operates in three reportable business segments as follows: #### Marketing & Events Group: *GES —* GES Exposition Services, Inc. (“GES”) and its segment affiliates provide exhibition and event services throughout North America and the United Kingdom consisting of: show planning and production; floor plan design and layout; decorating, graphics and signage, and furniture, carpet and fixture procurement and rental. These services are provided to a variety of show organizers, including venues, trade associations and show management companies. GES’ customer base also includes exhibitors for which GES provides exhibit design, construction, refurbishment, storage and rental services, including related show services such as logistics and transportation; material handling, electrical, plumbing, rigging and cleaning, and exhibit installation and dismantling. *Experiential Marketing Services —* This segment consists of Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, a division of Viad, and its affiliated companies, including SDD Exhibitions Limited and Voblo Verwaltungs GmbH (“Exhibitgroup/Giltspur”) and The Becker Group, Ltd. (“Becker Group”). Exhibitgroup/Giltspur is an integrated experience marketing agency that specializes in exhibits, events and other face-to-face marketing opportunities. Exhibitgroup/Giltspur combines its core services of custom design, construction and marketing expertise with an ability to provide complete event program management. It leverages its global network to efficiently manage client programs. Its services include: design; integrated marketing including pre- and post event communications and customer relationship management; staff training; event surveys; program management and planning; logistics management; maintenance and warehousing; in-house installation and dismantling; show services; online program management tools and multimedia services. Exhibitgroup/Giltspur also provides portable and “modular” exhibits, kiosks for shopping malls and retail stores, and design, construction and installation services for permanent installations including museums, corporate lobbies, visitors’ centers, showrooms and retail interiors. Becker Group is an experiential marketing company specializing in creating immersive, entertaining attractions and brand-based experiences for clients and venues, including shopping malls, movie studios, museums, leading consumer brands and casinos. Becker Group is the leading provider of large-scale, holiday-themed events and experiences for regional shopping malls and lifestyle centers in North America. *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 second quarter of 2009 presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”): ### Viad Corp (Consolidated) - Total revenues of $213.6 million compared to $277.2 million in the second quarter of 2008 - Net income attributable to Viad of $5.4 million versus $12.9 million in the second quarter of 2008 - Diluted income per share of $0.26 versus $0.62 in the second quarter of 2008 - Restructuring charges of $198,000 in 2009 primarily related to GES - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $109.9 million as of June 30, 2009 - Debt was $13.9 million as of June 30, 2009 ### Marketing & Events Group ### GES: - Revenues of $132.4 million, a decrease of 29.4 percent from the second quarter of 2008 - Segment operating income of $4.8 million, a decrease of 65.5 percent from the second quarter of 2008 ### Experiential Marketing Services: - Revenues of $62.9 million, a decrease of 4.3 percent from the second quarter of 2008 - Segment operating income of $2.7 million, an increase of 38.7 percent from the second quarter of 2008 ### Travel & Recreation Group - Revenues of $18.2 million, a decrease of 23.6 percent from the second quarter of 2008 - Segment operating income of $2.3 million, a decrease of 55.7 percent from the second quarter of 2008 ### Non-GAAP Measure: The following discussion includes a presentation of Adjusted EBITDA which is 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. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA 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. This non-GAAP measure should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA 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 primarily as a performance measure and believes that the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to this non-GAAP measure 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. Because Adjusted EBITDA does 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 attributable to Viad is as follows: *(in thousands)* | | Three months ended June 30, 2009 | 2008 | Six months ended June 30, 2009 | 2008 | | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | | Adjusted EBITDA | $16,305 | $26,821 | $25,494 | $60,847 | | Interest expense | (425) | (415) | (845) | (878) | | Income tax expense | (3,311) | (6,107) | (4,212) | (16,297) | | Depreciation and amortization | (7,170) | (7,216) | (13,535) | (13,844) | | Loss from discontinued operations | — | (210) | — | (210) | | Net income attributable to Viad | $5,399 | $12,873 | $6,902 | $29,618 | The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA of $10.5 million for the second quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter of 2008 was primarily driven by lower segment operating results at GES and the Travel & Recreation Group. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA of $35.4 million for the first six months of 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to lower segment operating results at all segments as well as the 2009 restructuring charges. See “Results of Operations” below for a discussion of fluctuations. ### Results of Operations: ### Comparison of Second Quarter of 2009 to the Second Quarter of 2008 Revenues for the second quarter of 2009 decreased 23.0 percent to $213.6 million from $277.2 million in the second quarter of 2008. Income from continuing operations before income taxes was $8.6 million for the second quarter of 2009 compared to $19.1 million in the second quarter of 2008. Income from continuing operations attributable to Viad for the second quarter of 2009 was $5.4 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to $13.1 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2008. These declines were largely the result of recessionary declines in trade show marketing spending and tourism, as well as unfavorable currency translation, which negatively impacted revenues by $13 million. Net income attributable to Viad for the second quarter of 2009 was $5.4 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, as compared to $12.9 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2008. The 2008 period included a loss from discontinued operations of $210,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, related to certain obligations associated with previously sold operations. **Marketing & Events Group.** Revenues for GES were $132.4 million for the second quarter of 2009, down 29.4 percent from $187.6 million in the second quarter of 2008. GES’ segment operating income was $4.8 million in the second quarter of 2009, compared to $14.0 million in the second quarter of 2008. These declines resulted primarily from a significant reduction in trade show marketing spending, as well as negative show rotation and unfavorable currency translation, which negatively impacted GES’ revenues by approximately $12 million and $7 million, respectively. GES’ base same-show revenue declined approximately 27.9 percent in the second quarter of 2009. Management defines base same-show revenue growth as growth in exhibitions and events that occur in the same quarter and same city every year. Base same-shows represented approximately 27 percent of GES’ revenue in the second quarter of 2009. Revenues for Viad’s Experiential Marketing Services segment were $62.9 million in the second quarter of 2009, down 4.3 percent from $65.7 million in the second quarter of 2008. Experiential Marketing Services segment operating income for the second quarter of 2009 was $2.7 million compared to $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2008. The revenue decline was primarily due to unfavorable currency translation, which negatively impacted segment revenues by approximately $4 million, and reduced client spending mostly offset by positive show rotation revenue of approximately $12 million from the International Paris Air Show. The increase in segment operating income on lower revenues was primarily due to strong profit margins on branded entertainment projects, including the company’s new Harry Potter touring exhibition, as well as lower overhead expenses. Although the Marketing & Events Group has a diversified revenue base, its revenues are affected by general economic and industry-specific conditions. The current recessionary environment is negatively impacting the exhibition and event industry, resulting in lower trade show attendance and exhibitor spending. Additionally, the pricing environment remains challenging. Although GES has long-term contracts for future shows, the prospects for individual shows tend to be driven by the success of the industry related to those shows. For the 2009 full year, management expects GES’ same-show revenues to decline by approximately 25 percent and annual show rotation to negatively impact revenues by approximately $85 million due to the occurrence of several major, non-annual shows during 2008. Management also expects lower revenues from its Experiential Marketing Services segment in 2009 due to reduced exhibitor spending as well as lower sales of holiday-themed events and experiences and retail merchandising units as shopping center clients reduce their spending in response to the recession. Additionally, management expects the stronger U.S. dollar to result in unfavorable currency translation of approximately $30 million in revenue for the 2009 full year as compared to 2008 (including approximately $21 million and $9 million for GES and Experiential Marketing Services, respectively). In anticipation of revenue pressures, management began taking actions to reduce overhead costs during early 2008. Through continued efforts in this area, management expects to reduce 2009 full year overhead costs by over $25 million at GES and by approximately $5 million in the Experiential Marketing Services segment as compared to 2008. GES is also in the process of implementing changes to its service delivery processes in order to further increase efficiencies, decrease costs and enhance service levels. Management expects to realize additional cost reductions and revenue synergies as a result of the strategic reorganization announced in July 2009, which included the alignment of GES and the Experiential Marketing Services segment into one business unit, the Marketing & Events Group. Management is focused on leveraging the collective strengths of GES and the Experiential Marketing Services segment to 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. Management is also focused on improving the sales pipeline and win rate to drive profitable revenue growth, as well as ongoing cost control, productivity enhancements and increased capacity utilization in order to improve profitability in future years. GES and Exhibitgroup/Giltspur are subject to multiple collective bargaining agreements that affect labor costs, about one-fourth 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 GES and/or Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. **Travel & Recreation Group.** Revenues of the Travel & Recreation Group segment were $18.2 million, down 23.6 percent compared to second quarter 2008 revenues of $23.8 million. Segment operating income was $2.3 million for the second quarter of 2009, compared to $5.2 million in the 2008 quarter. As discussed below, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rates during the 2009 second quarter resulting in reductions of approximately $1.9 million and $371,000 in revenues and segment operating income, respectively, as compared to the second quarter of 2008. Results in the 2009 second quarter were also negatively affected by reduced tourism demand. During 2008, approximately 75 percent of revenue and 82 percent of 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, and, therefore, revenue and operating income from the Travel & Recreation Group segment. The operating results related to Viad’s Canadian travel and recreation subsidiaries were translated into U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates of 0.88 and 1.00 for the second quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. Accordingly, Viad’s consolidated second quarter results of operations were impacted by the weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar as it relates to the translation of its Canadian operations. 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. Viad’s Travel & Recreation Group segment is affected by consumer discretionary spending on tourism activities. As a result of the global economic slowdown, management expects results from its Travel & Recreation Group segment to be impacted by tourism declines in 2009. Additionally, management expects the stronger U.S. dollar to result in unfavorable currency translation of approximately $6 million in revenue as compared to 2008. Glacier Park operates the concession portion of its business under concession contracts with the U.S. National Park Service (the “Park Service”) for Glacier National Park and with the Canadian Government for Waterton Lakes National Park. Glacier Park’s 42-year lease with the Canadian Government was to expire in 2010. However, Glacier Park exercised a renewal option for an additional 42-year lease term. Glacier Park’s original 25-year concession contract with the Park Service that was to expire on December 31, 2005, has been extended for four one-year periods and now expires on December 31, 2009. 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 the operations at Waterton Lakes National Park 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. This value is based on the reconstruction cost of a new unit of like kind, less physical depreciation, but not to exceed fair market value. Glacier Park generated approximately 22 percent of Travel & Recreation Group’s full year 2008 segment operating income. **Corporate Activities.** Corporate activities totaled $703,000 in the second quarter of 2009, compared to $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2008. The decrease was primarily due to higher corporate development expenses and incentive compensation expenses in the 2008 quarter. **Interest Income.** Interest income totaled $132,000 in the second quarter of 2009, compared to $653,000 in the second quarter of 2008. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates on invested cash balances. **Restructuring Charges.** Viad recorded a restructuring charge of $286,000 in the second quarter of 2009 attributable to headcount reductions. Additionally, $88,000 was reversed related to the $2.7 million restructuring charge recorded in the first quarter of 2009. **Income Taxes.** The effective tax rate in the second quarter of 2009 on income from continuing operations before taxes was 38.4 percent, compared to 32.0 percent in the second quarter of 2008. The higher rate in 2009 relative to 2008 was primarily due to the net favorable resolution of tax matters of $853,000 in the 2008 period. ### Comparison of First Six Months of 2009 to the First Six Months of 2008 Revenues for the first six months of 2009 decreased 25.8 percent to $454.5 million from $612.7 million in 2008. Income from continuing operations before income taxes was $10.9 million for the first six months of 2009, down 76.3 percent from $45.9 million for the comparable period in 2008. Income from continuing operations attributable to Viad for the first six months of 2009 was $6.9 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, compared to $29.8 million, or $1.44 per diluted share in the comparable period in 2008. These declines were largely the result of recessionary declines in trade show marketing spending and tourism, as well as negative show rotation and unfavorable currency translation, which negatively impacted revenues by approximately $31 million and $13 million, respectively, as compared to the first six months of 2008. Net income attributable to Viad for the first six months of 2009 was $6.9 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, as compared to $29.6 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2008. The 2008 period included a loss from discontinued operations of $210,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, related to certain obligations associated with previously sold operations. **Marketing & Events Group.** Revenues for GES were $338.1 million for the first six months of 2009, down 28.6 percent from $473.3 million in the first six months of 2008. The decrease was primarily due to negative show rotation revenue of $43 million, a significant reduction in trade show marketing spending, and a $19 million reduction due to unfavorable currency translation as compared to the first six months of 2008. Base same-show revenues declined 22.0 percent in the first six months of 2009. Base same-shows represented approximately 42 percent of GES’ revenue in the first six months of 2009. GES’ segment operating income was $21.2 million in the first six months of 2009, down 57.4 percent from $49.8 million in the 2008 period. Segment operating margins were 6.3 percent in the first six months of 2009, compared to 10.5 percent in the 2008 period. The decline in segment operating margins was primarily due to the revenue decline, partially offset by overhead cost reductions. Revenues for Viad’s Experiential Marketing Services segment were $93.4 million in the first six months of 2009, down 14.9 percent from $109.7 million in the comparable period in 2008. Segment operating loss in the first six months of 2009 was $4.6 million, compared to an operating loss of $2.2 million in the 2008 period. The declines were primarily due to unfavorable currency translation, which negatively impacted segment revenues by approximately $6 million, and reduced client spending partially offset by positive show rotation revenue of approximately $12 million from the International Paris Air Show. **Travel & Recreation Group.** Revenues of the Travel & Recreation Group segment were $23.1 million in the first six months of 2009, down 22.2 percent from $29.7 million in the comparable period in 2008. Segment operating loss was $111,000 in the first six months of 2009, compared with segment operating income of $2.0 million in the first six months of 2008. As discussed below, results in this segment were impacted by exchange rates during the first six months of 2009, resulting in reductions of approximately $3.1 million and $53,000 in revenues and segment operating income, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2008. Results in the 2009 period were also negatively affected by reduced tourism demand. The operating results related to Viad’s Canadian subsidiaries were translated into U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates of 0.88 and 0.99 for the first six months of 2009 and 2008, respectively. Accordingly, Viad’s consolidated results of operations have been unfavorably impacted by the weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar as it relates to the translation of its Canadian operations. 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. **Corporate Activities.** Corporate activities totaled $2.2 million in the first six months of 2009, compared to $4.7 million in the comparable period in 2008. The decrease was primarily due to lower incentive compensation expenses in the 2009 period. **Interest Income.** Interest income totaled $393,000 in the first six months of 2009, compared to $1.8 million in the comparable period in 2008. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates on invested cash balances. **Income Taxes.** The effective tax rate in the first six months of 2009 on income before taxes was 38.7 percent, compared to 35.5 percent in the comparable period in 2008. The higher rate in 2009 relative to 2008 was primarily due to the net favorable resolution of tax matters of $853,000 in the 2008 period. ### Liquidity and Capital Resources: Cash and cash equivalents were $109.9 million as of June 30, 2009 as compared to $148.0 million as of December 31, 2008, with the decrease primarily due to cash used for operations and capital expenditures. 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 June 30, 2009 was $13.9 million compared to $12.6 million as of December 31, 2008. The debt-to-capital ratio was 0.028 to 1 as of June 30, 2009 compared with 0.026 to 1 as of December 31, 2008. Capital is defined as total debt and capital lease obligations plus total stockholders’ equity. Effective June 15, 2006, Viad amended and restated its $150 million secured revolving credit agreement dated June 30, 2004. The term of the amended and restated revolving credit agreement (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 $75 million of letters of credit. The Credit Facility may be increased up to an additional $75 million under certain circumstances. 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 0.15 percent annually. As of June 30, 2009, Viad had $135.8 million of capacity remaining under its Credit Facility reflecting an outstanding borrowing of $7.7 million and issued letters of credit of $6.5 million. Financial covenants include a fixed-charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1, a leverage ratio (defined as total debt to Adjusted EBITDA) of not greater than 2.75 to 1 and a minimum consolidated net worth requirement. Viad’s consolidated net worth must not be less than $344.6 million plus 50 percent of positive quarterly consolidated net income attributable to Viad earned in each fiscal quarter beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2006, plus net cash proceeds from all issuances of capital stock minus the amount of capital stock repurchased ($357.9 million as of June 30, 2009). As of June 30, 2009, the fixed-charge coverage and leverage ratios were 1.62 to 1 and 0.37 to 1, respectively, and Viad’s consolidated net worth was $482.7 million. 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. As of June 30, 2009, Viad was in compliance with all covenants. As of June 30, 2009, 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 June 30, 2009 would be $40.4 million. These guarantees primarily relate to leased facilities and certain equipment 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 six months of 2009 totaled $14.8 million and primarily related to the purchase of equipment and information systems and related costs at GES and exhibit costs at Becker Group. For the first six months of 2008, capital expenditures totaled $25.5 million and primarily related to the purchase of equipment and information systems and related costs at GES and new buses at Brewster. On January 4, 2008, Viad completed the acquisition of Becker Group for $24.3 million in cash and incurred $325,000 of direct acquisition costs for a total purchase price of $24.6 million. Viad has announced its intent, under authorizations by its Board of Directors, to repurchase up to an aggregate of three million shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time at prevailing prices in the open market. No shares were repurchased during the first six months of 2009 or 2008. The authorizations of the Board of Directors do not have expiration dates and 160,681 shares are available for repurchase as of June 30, 2009. Additionally, during the first six months of 2009 and 2008, the Company repurchased 68,715 shares for $1.2 million and 50,061 shares for $1.6 million, respectively, related to tax withholding requirements on vested 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 significant 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 six months 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. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” for further discussion. 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 June 30, 2009 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 June 30, 2009, there was a remaining environmental remediation liability of $6.9 million related to previously sold operations of which $1.7 million 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.” ### 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 June 30, 2009, Viad had goodwill of $177.7 million related to the GES operating segment. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, this goodwill is assigned to and tested at the GES component level, based on its discrete geographical operations in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. As of June 30, 2009, Viad had goodwill of $5.1 million related to the Becker Group operating segment (within the Experiential Marketing Services reportable segment), and goodwill of $35.3 million related to the Brewster operating segment (within the Travel & Recreation Group reportable segment). Both the Becker Group and Brewster operating segments are considered reporting units 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. Viad recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $6.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 related to the Becker Group reporting unit. During the first six months of 2009, Viad further reduced its expected future revenue and operating income forecasts for 2009 primarily related to the GES operating segment as the Company believes that there will be lower overall customer spending for its goods and services. These reductions were driven by the deterioration of the macroeconomic environment, increased uncertainties in the marketplace and the global economic downturn in general. Accordingly, during the first and second quarters of 2009, Viad performed interim goodwill impairment testing under the income approach described above. The most critical assumptions and estimates in determining the estimated fair value of its reporting units related 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) were 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 performed a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of its reporting units to Viad’s market capitalization. Based on the Company’s interim goodwill impairment testing during the first and second quarters of 2009, there was no indicated impairment related to the reporting units for which goodwill had been assigned and tested. However, the Company has experienced a further narrowing of the margin between the estimated fair values of the reporting units and their related net book values under step one of the goodwill impairment test. 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. Due to the substantial uncertainties in the current economic environment, a further reduction in the Company’s 2009 expected revenue, operating income or cash flow forecasts, or an increase in reporting unit cost of capital, could trigger additional interim goodwill impairment testing, which may result in additional goodwill impairment charges. Furthermore, management continues to monitor the market capitalization of the Company as declines in market capitalization could be indicative of possible goodwill impairment. During the first six months of 2009, the Company has experienced declines in its market capitalization which management will continue to evaluate with respect to its assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets. In addition, as of June 30, 2009, the Company had remaining goodwill of $5.1 million related to the acquisition of Becker Group in 2008, and $26.6 million of goodwill related to the acquisition of Melville Exhibition and Event Services Limited in 2007, which constitutes GES’ United Kingdom reporting unit. Due to the relatively recent timing of these acquisitions, there is a higher level of sensitivity with respect to the estimated fair values of these reporting units relative to their respective book values. Accordingly, changes in the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these reporting units may result in additional goodwill impairment charges. Other intangible assets not subject to amortization, which primarily 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 consist of customer contracts and relationships, design libraries, non-compete agreements and proprietary technology. Viad recorded aggregate other intangible asset impairment losses of $3.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2008. During the first and second quarters of 2009, the Company performed interim impairment testing of other intangible assets not subject to amortization and also completed an impairment evaluation of intangible assets subject to amortization due to the continued deterioration of the macroeconomic environment and other factors discussed above. As a result, there was no indicated impairment of other intangible assets. The assumptions used to complete the evaluation of other intangible assets were consistent with those used in the goodwill impairment testing described above. To the extent that goodwill and another asset of the same reporting unit were tested at the same time, the other asset was tested for impairment before goodwill. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had aggregate intangible assets not subject to amortization of $8.2 million and aggregate intangible assets subject to amortization of $9.4 million. As noted above, due to the substantial uncertainties in the current economic environment, a further reduction in the Company’s 2009 expected revenue, operating income or cash flow forecasts could trigger interim impairment tests for these intangible assets, which may result in additional impairment charges. *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. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Viad had gross deferred tax assets of $48.9 million and $51.4 million, respectively. As of both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Viad had a valuation allowance recorded of $162,000 related to certain state deferred tax assets at Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. With respect to all other deferred tax assets, management believes that recovery from future taxable income is more-likely-than-not. Viad exercises judgment in determining its income tax provision due to transactions, credits and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As of both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Viad had accrued gross liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for continuing operations of $3.5 million. In addition, as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Viad had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for continuing operations of $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Viad classifies interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities as a component of income tax expense. During the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Viad recorded tax-related interest expense of $52,000 and $313,000, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Viad recorded tax-related interest expense of $116,000 and $605,000, respectively. In addition to the above, Viad had accrued gross liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions for discontinued operations of $636,000 as of both June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. In addition, as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Viad had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for discontinued operations of $294,000 and $273,000, 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 June 30, 2009, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations of $2.4 million (including federal income tax effects of $1.1 million) would favorably affect Viad’s effective tax rate, if recognized, as the related uncertain tax positions are permanent in nature. However, 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 has favorable tax settlements, or 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 had been subject to certain foreign tax audits in multiple Canadian jurisdictions related to the 2001 through 2005 tax years. As a result of such audits, certain issues had been raised regarding the tax treatment of specific intercompany debt transactions. These uncertain tax positions had been accrued as tax liabilities, as the Company had not previously recognized any tax benefits associated with those transactions in its income tax provision. During the fourth quarter of 2008, Viad reached a joint settlement agreement with the Canadian taxing jurisdictions pertaining to the 2001 through 2005 tax audits. The settlement agreement resulted in gross tax reassessments of $4.9 million (consisting of $3.5 million of tax due, and $1.4 million of related interest). Viad paid the reassessments of $4.9 million during the first six months of 2009. In addition, the joint settlement agreement also resulted in certain tax reassessments for which the Company would receive aggregate tax refunds of $1.9 million. The Company received these refunds during the first six months of 2009. The Company has uncertain tax positions in U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions for which the unrecognized tax benefits may significantly decrease due to effective settlements or a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations. These tax positions primarily relate to the deductibility of certain expenses and the method of filing for combined and separate entities. Accordingly, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $3.1 million (excluding federal income tax effects of $1.0 million) of its uncertain tax positions and approximately $1.7 million of related interest and penalties (excluding federal income tax effects of $422,000) 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. *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 $22.4 million as of June 30, 2009. Of this total, $16.4 million related to workers’ compensation liabilities and the remaining $6.0 million related to general/auto liability claims. Viad has also retained and provided for certain insurance liabilities in conjunction with previously sold businesses totaling $9.8 million as of June 30, 2009, 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 $4.4 million and $4.2 million for the first six months of June 30, 2009 and 2008, 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 $565,000 to its funded pension plans and $773,000 to its unfunded pension plans in 2009, of which the Company has contributed $167,000 and $285,000 as of June 30, 2009, 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 $535,000 to the plans in 2009, of which $382,000 has been contributed as of June 30, 2009. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the 2008 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was nine percent in the year 2008, declining one-half percent each year to the ultimate rate of five percent by the year 2016 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, 2008 by approximately $1.2 million and the total of service and interest cost components by approximately $88,000. 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, 2008 by approximately $1.1 million and the total of service and interest cost components by approximately $78,000. The weighted-average discount rates used to determine the domestic pension and postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2008 were both 6.90 percent. The weighted-average discount rate used to determine the foreign pension benefit obligations as of December 31, 2008 was 7.00 percent. The weighted-average discount rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the domestic and foreign pension plans were 6.40 percent and 5.75 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 2008 was 7.75 percent and 6.50 percent, respectively. The expected return on plan assets used to determine net periodic benefit cost for postretirement benefit plans for 2008 was 7.50 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. Total share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements during the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $982,000 and $1.2 million, respectively, and $1.2 million and $3.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Furthermore, the total tax benefits related to such costs were $359,000 and $436,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $420,000 and $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. No share-based compensation costs were capitalized during the six months ended June 30, 2009 or 2008. 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 September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement. Accordingly, fair value measurements should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. SFAS No. 157 generally applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, except for share-based payment transactions and other limited exceptions. SFAS No. 157 was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which partially defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. Accordingly, Viad adopted the applicable provisions of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, which did not have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. The nonfinancial assets and liabilities for which Viad had not applied the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 157 included the fair value measurements related to goodwill impairment testing, indefinite lived intangible asset impairment testing and the nonfinancial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, but not measured at fair value in subsequent periods. Viad adopted the remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2009, which did not have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) replaces SFAS No. 141 and, although it retains certain requirements of that guidance, it is broader in scope. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements in the recognition and measurement of the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests related to a business combination. Among other requirements, direct acquisition costs and acquisition-related restructuring costs must be accounted for separately from the business combination. In addition, SFAS No. 141(R) provides guidance in accounting for step acquisitions, contingent liabilities, goodwill, contingent consideration and other aspects of business combinations. Viad adopted SFAS No. 141(R) on January 1, 2009, which did not have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 requires that ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be presented separately within equity in the consolidated balance sheet. SFAS No. 160 also requires that the consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interests be identified and displayed on the face of the consolidated income statement. Changes in ownership interests, deconsolidation and additional disclosures regarding noncontrolling interests are also addressed in the new guidance. Viad adopted SFAS No. 160 on January 1, 2009, and has presented the amounts related to its noncontrolling interest (20 percent noncontrolling interest in Glacier Park) on a retrospective basis for all periods presented. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Viad presented the noncontrolling interest of $6.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively, as a component of equity within the consolidated balance sheets. Furthermore, Viad’s consolidated statements of operations reflect a separate presentation of total consolidated net income, net income attributable to Viad Corp and net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest. During the first six months of June 30, 2009 and 2008, the net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest was $227,000 and $244,000, respectively. In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures related to an entity’s derivative and hedging activities to improve financial reporting and enhance the current disclosure framework in SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Viad adopted SFAS No. 161 on January 1, 2009, which did not have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The intent of this guidance is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141(R), and other GAAP. The guidance for determining the useful life of a recognized intangible asset is to be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date. However, the disclosure requirements are to be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of, and subsequent to, the effective date. Viad adopted FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009, which did not have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities.” FSP EITF 03-6-1 addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing income per share under the two-class method pursuant to SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” This guidance establishes that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, Viad had certain nonvested restricted stock and nonvested performance-based restricted stock awards outstanding, which were subject to the provisions of FSP EITF 03-6-1 as such awards contain nonforfeitable dividend rights. Viad adopted FSP EITF 03-6-1 on January 1, 2009, and accordingly, applied the two-class method of calculating earnings per share on a retrospective basis for all periods presented. The adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 resulted in a reduction of basic income per share of $0.01 and $0.03, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 and $0.01 and $0.02 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, diluted income per share was reduced by $0.01 for the three months ended June 30, 2009. In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets.” FSP FAS 132(R)-1 provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plan. The required disclosures include information regarding investment policies and strategies, categories of plan assets, fair value measurements of plan assets and concentrations of risk. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Accordingly, Viad will adopt the provisions of FSP FAS 132(R)-1 in the Company’s annual 2009 disclosures. The adoption of FSP FAS 132(R)-1 is not expected to have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In April 2009, the FASB issued a series of FASB Staff Positions, which provide guidance related to fair value disclosures and measurements, and other-than-temporary impairments. This new guidance includes FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 requires that public companies disclose the fair value of their financial instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” for interim reporting periods, and also requires disclosure of the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of their financial instruments. The FSP is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. Viad adopted FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 in the second quarter of 2009, which did not have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” SFAS No. 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. Viad adopted SFAS No. 165 in the second quarter of 2009, which did not have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets — an amendment of SFAS No. 140.” The objective of this statement 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; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. This statement applies to Viad as of the first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. The adoption of SFAS No. 166 is not expected to have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). The emphasis of this statement is to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities. The statement also addresses the effects on certain provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in SFAS No. 166 and the application of certain key provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). This statement is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period after November 15, 2009 for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. The adoption of SFAS No. 167 is not expected to have a material impact on Viad’s financial position or results of operations. In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162,” which replaced SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” and establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. All existing accounting standard documents are superseded by the Codification and accounting literature not included in the Codification will not be authoritative. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC issued under the authority of federal securities laws will continue to be sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009. Therefore, beginning in the third fiscal quarter of 2009, all references made to GAAP in the consolidated financial statements will use the new Codification numbering system. The adoption of SFAS No. 168 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 2008 Annual Report. ## Market risk As filed, 5,467 characters. 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 $16.7 million and $6.2 million as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, unrealized foreign currency translation gains of $15.5 million and $10.4 million were recorded in other comprehensive income, respectively. 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. Accordingly, the operating results related to its Canadian operations were translated into U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates of 0.88 and 1.00 for the second quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. As the Canadian operations generated aggregate operating income in the second quarter of 2009, Viad’s segment operating income has been unfavorably impacted by approximately $532,000 from the weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. The weighted-average exchange rates used to translate into U.S. dollars the operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were 0.88 and 0.99, respectively. As the Canadian operations generated aggregate operating income in the first six months of 2009, Viad’s segment operating income has been unfavorably impacted by approximately $428,000 from the weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. The operating results related to its United Kingdom operations were translated into U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates of 1.44 and 1.99 for the second quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. As the United Kingdom operations generated aggregate operating income in the second quarter of 2009, Viad’s segment operating income has been unfavorably impacted by approximately $1.4 million from the weakening of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar. The weighted-average exchange rates used to translate into U.S. dollars the operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were 1.52 and 1.99, respectively. As the United Kingdom operations generated aggregate operating income in the first six months of 2009, Viad’s segment operating income has been unfavorably impacted by approximately $2.6 million from the weakening 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 June 30, 2009, Viad had variable rate debt outstanding of $7.7 million under the Credit Facility. Interest payments related to Viad’s variable rate debt outstanding are indexed to LIBOR. Viad’s subsidiaries also have exposure to changing fuel prices. Periodically, Brewster enters into futures contracts with an oil company to purchase two types of fuel and specifies the monthly total volume, by fuel product, to be purchased over the agreed upon term of the contract, which is generally no longer than one year. The main objective of Viad’s risk policy related to changing fuel prices is to reduce transaction exposure in order to mitigate the cash flow risk and protect profit margins. As of June 30, 2009, Viad had fuel contracts outstanding to purchase 245,000 gallons of diesel fuel at approximately $2.51 per gallon (plus applicable taxes), expiring October 2009. ## Controls and procedures As filed, 1,326 characters. 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 June 30, 2009, 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 June 30, 2009. 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 second quarter of 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting. ## Risk factors As filed, 596 characters. 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, 2008, as well as the updated risk factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Part II of Viad’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or future results. Filed Aug 7, 2009. Source: SEC EDGAR, the filing index for accession 0000950123-09-032240. Last ingested by Listed: Nov 4, 2026, 17:36 ET. No prices; not investment advice.