UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013
 
                         OR
 
[  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________
 
 
Commission file number 0-13163
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
DELAWARE
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation
or Organization)
71-0581897
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
P.O. Box 8180, 601 E. Third Street,
Little Rock, Arkansas
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
72201
(Zip Code)
 
   
(501) 342-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
Title of each class
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common Stock, $.10 Par Value
 
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
   
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
Yes [X]
No [ ]
 
   
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act.
Yes [ ]
No [X]
 
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes [X]
No [ ]
 

 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes [X]
No [ ]
 
   
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [X]
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer [X]
Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ]
Smaller reporting company [ ]
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes [ ]
No [X]
 
   
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was approximately $­­­­­­­­898,724,507.  (For purposes of determination of the above stated amount only, all directors, executive officers and 10% or more shareholders of the registrant are presumed to be affiliates.)
 
The number of shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, outstanding as of May 23, 2013, was 73,913,373.
­­­­­





 
2 
 

Table of Contents                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Page

 
4
     
Part I
   
     
 
4
     
 
6
     
 
14
     
 
22
     
 
22
     
 
24
     
 
24
     
Part II
   
     
 
 
25
     
 
27
     
 
27
     
 
27
     
 
28
     
 
28
     
 
28
     
 
28
     
Part III
   
     
 
28
     
 
29
     
 
29
     
 
30
     
 
30
     
Part IV
   
     
 
30
     
 
­­34
     
 
F-1 – F-59

 
3 
 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2013 Proxy Statement”) of Acxiom Corporation (“Acxiom,” the “Company,” “we” or “us”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

PART I

AVAILABILITY OF SEC FILINGS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION

Our website address is www.acxiom.com , where copies of documents which we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) may be obtained free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after being filed electronically.  Included among those documents are our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”).  Copies may also be obtained through the SEC’s EDGAR site, or by sending a written request for copies to Acxiom Investor Relations, 601 East Third Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.  Copies of all of our SEC filings were available on our website during the past fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.  In addition, at the “Corporate Governance” section of our website, we have posted copies of our Corporate Governance Principles, the charters for the Audit/Finance, Compensation, Executive, Governance/Nominating, and Technology & Innovation Committees of the Board of Directors, the codes of ethics   applicable to directors, financial personnel and all employees, and other information relating to the governance of the Company.  Although referenced herein, information contained on or connected to our corporate website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this report or any other filing we make with the SEC.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including, without limitation, the items set forth on pages F-3 – F-19 in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains and may incorporate by reference certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended (the “PSLRA”), and that are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the PSLRA.   These statements, which are not statements of historical fact, may contain estimates, assumptions, projections and/or expectations regarding the Company’s financial position, results of operations, market position, product development, growth opportunities, economic conditions, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation.  Forward-looking statements are often identified by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “foresee,” and similar words or phrases.  These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements.

 
Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to the following:
 
·  
management’s expectations about the macro economy;
 
·  
statements containing a projection of revenues, income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure, or other financial items;
 
·  
statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including, but not limited to, those statements contained under the heading “Acxiom’s Growth Strategy” in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K;
 
·  
statements of future economic performance, including, but not limited to, those statements contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K;
 
·  
statements containing any assumptions underlying or relating to any of the above statements; and
 
·  
statements containing a projection or estimate.

 
4
 

Among the factors that may cause actual results and expectations to differ from anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are the following:
 
·  
the risk factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the SEC;
 
·  
the possibility that in the event a change of control of the Company is sought that certain clients may attempt to invoke provisions in their contracts resulting in a decline in revenue and profit;
 
·  
the possibility that the integration of acquired businesses may not be as successful as planned;
 
·  
the possibility that the fair value of certain of our assets may not be equal to the carrying value of those assets now or in future time periods;
 
·  
the possibility that sales cycles may lengthen;
 
·  
the possibility that we will not be able to properly motivate our sales force or other associates;
 
·  
the possibility that we may not be able to attract and retain qualified technical and leadership associates, or that we may lose key associates to other organizations;
 
·  
the possibility that we may be unable to quickly and seamlessly integrate our new executive officers;
 
·  
the possibility that we will not be able to continue to receive credit upon satisfactory terms and conditions;
 
·  
the possibility that competent, competitive products, technologies or services will be introduced into the marketplace by other companies;
 
·  
the possibility that there will be changes in consumer or business information industries and markets that negatively impact the Company;
 
·  
the possibility that we will not be able to protect proprietary information and technology or to obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms;
 
·  
the possibility that there will be changes in the legislative, accounting, regulatory and consumer environments affecting our business, including but not limited to litigation, legislation, regulations and customs relating to our ability to collect, manage, aggregate and use data;
 
·  
the possibility that data suppliers might withdraw data from us, leading to our inability to provide certain products and services;
 
·  
the possibility that we may enter into short-term contracts which would affect the predictability of our revenues;
 
·  
the possibility that the amount of ad hoc, volume-based and project work will not be as expected;
 
·  
the possibility that we may experience a loss of data center capacity or interruption of telecommunication links or power sources;
 
·  
the possibility that we may experience failures or breaches of our network and data security systems, leading to potential adverse publicity, negative customer reaction, or liability to third parties;
 
·  
the possibility that our clients may cancel or modify their agreements with us;
 
·  
the possibility that we will not successfully complete customer contract requirements on time or meet the service levels specified in the contracts, which may result in contract penalties or lost revenue;
 
·  
the possibility that we experience processing errors which result in credits to customers, re-performance of services or payment of damages to customers; and
 
·  
general and global negative economic conditions.


 
5
 
With respect to the provision of products or services outside our primary base of operations in the United States, all of the above factors apply, along with the difficulty of doing business in numerous sovereign jurisdictions due to differences in scale, competition, culture, laws and regulations.

Other factors are detailed from time to time in periodic reports and registration statements filed with the SEC.  The Company believes that we have the product and technology offerings, facilities, associates and competitive and financial resources for continued business success, but future revenues, costs, margins and profits are all influenced by a number of factors, including those discussed above, all of which are inherently difficult to forecast.

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements based on the occurrence of future events, the receipt of new information or otherwise.


Item 1.  Business
 
Acxiom is an enterprise data, analytics and software-as-a-service company.  For over 40 years, Acxiom has been an innovator in harnessing the powerful potential of data to strengthen connections between people, businesses and their partners.  We focus on creating better connections that enable better living for people and better results for the businesses who serve them.
 
 
Founded in 1969 in Conway, Arkansas, we serve clients around the world from locations in the United States, Europe, South America and the Asia-Pacific region.  Our client list includes many of  the largest organizations in these regions across most major industry verticals, including but not limited to financial, insurance and investment services, automotive, retail, telecommunications, high tech, healthcare, travel, entertainment, non-profit and government.
 
We excel in relationships with organizations that view the activation, management, and application of data as an integral component of their business decision-making processes.  We help these clients with and generate our revenue from the following categories of services, aligned consistently with the Company’s long-term strategy: Marketing and data services, IT Infrastructure management, and Other services.

·  
Marketing and data services is our largest business segment.  In this business, we help our clients:  connect and analyze online, offline, customer and partner data to help organizations better know their customers; connect and personalize customer experiences – across channels and partners, and over time – to help organizations better engage their customers; and connect partners via a “safe haven” (a privacy-compliant environment that allows advertisers and partners to responsibly shield sensitive information across multiple media channels) and create software to help organizations optimize customer value.  This focus is grounded in our belief that better connections enable marketing that is more effective, drives greater customer value and improves margins.  The range of capabilities we provide includes:  data sourcing; data activation via analytics, integration and enhancement; the building and managing of customer marketing databases; partner integration; and the application of insights to the range of business applications that our clients’ value.  Our offerings span technology, applications and tools, analytics and consulting.
 
·  
Our IT Infrastructure management segment provides mainframe, server hosting and cloud computing services.  We have unique experience hosting complex, processing-intensive database environments and maintaining a highly secure IT environment.

·  
The Other services segment includes e-mail fulfillment – the execution of e-mail campaigns for our clients; our risk business – providing solutions that assist clients in predicting and managing risk (predominantly in the U.S.); and our U.K. fulfillment business – providing outsourced call-center operations.
 
 
6
 
 
Market Growth Drivers

Empowered consumers have virtually unlimited choices and information creating new opportunities for engagement and value.  But today’s technologically advanced communications can be disruptive to our clients’ customers’ loyalty and profit margin performance.  In response, we believe organizations need to develop and control insight about their customers.  They need multidimensional insight – intelligence refined across all relevant data signals – and an audience operating system to activate and evaluate the signals at scale.

Looking forward, these global issues and challenges provide Acxiom with multiple growth opportunities:

·  
Big Data Challenges – Organizations   will likely continue to struggle with the management, activation and retrieval of data across customer engagement channels.  Managing increasing data volume, velocity, veracity and variety is affecting all parts of the business world.
 
·  
Analytical & Consumer Insight Needs – In addition to managing the data, we believe organizations will be challenged by an increasing demand for business intelligence requiring marketers and business analysts to transform huge stores of structured and unstructured data into insight for operational decision making.
 
·  
Consumer Driven Engagement Model – Consumer empowerment is changing the way marketers engage and disrupting entire business and industry models.  Technologies enable individuals to better choose, receive and reject information across all channels of communication, from search engines to blogs to social networking and addressable TV.
 
·  
Global – While the highest absolute advertising spend is in the U.S., we see higher projected growth rates in advertising spend in four other top ten markets.
 
·  
Partner Ecosystems – The classic agency interaction and media buying models are long gone. Collaboration across the lines of online and offline data, media options, insight, real-time decisioning, recognition, consumer autonomy and privacy – done in a cohesive, efficient fashion – is a necessity for many businesses.
 
·  
Privacy & Compliance – Diligence in the areas of consumer privacy and security is and will continue to be paramount.  Threats are increasing, and new demands are coming from government agencies and consumer advocacy groups across the world.  These factors increase the liability every company faces when managing consumer data, thus driving the demand for data, insight and recognition services.
 
 
Acxiom’s Growth Strategy

While the terms “big data” and “data management platforms” or “DMPs” have recently become more common, for over 40 years Acxiom has been a thought leader and innovator in solving large-scale data problems and improving marketing results through high-performance, highly scalable, highly secured and privacy-compliant marketing solutions.  Our growth strategy is focused upon:

1.  
Delivering Innovation – We are investing in products innovation that enables one-to-one marketing at scale with privacy compliance.  In response to what we view as the market’s  needs, we are investing in, (a) improving the quality and usability of data, (b) transforming data into insights, and (c) an “Audience Operating System,” which connects data, experiences and partners.  We believe these innovations are meaningful both to existing and new clients and partners.

2.  
Enabling Great Results For Our Clients – We are committed to continuous improvement in client relationship-building, strong execution, and creating a steady stream of ideas that advance our clients’ business.

 
7
 
3.  
Building a Better Business – We are focused on operational excellence by improving tools, processes and resource allocation.  We are reinventing our culture around “PACT” – Passion, Accountability, Creativity and Teamwork – in order to achieve a high performance organization.
 
4.  
Assessing Our Business Through a Portfolio Approach – We intend to continue to make our business segments operationally independent to further our goals of simplicity, efficiency and accountability.


Our Competitive Strengths

Our competitive strengths include:

·  
Strong Client Relationships – We have relationships with 47 of the Fortune 100 companies and the business-to-consumer marketing leaders in key industries, including financial services, retail, telecommunications, media, insurance, health care, automotive, technology, and travel and entertainment.

·  
Security and Privacy – As noted above, we utilize a “safe haven,” a privacy-compliant environment that allows advertisers and partners to responsibly shield sensitive information across multiple media channels.  We have expertise in unifying datasets to connect the online and offline world and facilitate sharing between trusted partners in ways that protect consumers and form seamless bridges between traditional channels/media and constantly evolving new ones.  We created a Chief Privacy Officer role in 1991, focused on the protection and responsible use of consumer data.

·  
Expertise in Big Data – We are currently maintaining approximately 15,000 databases for 7,000 clients around the world, executing more than 1 trillion global data transactions per week.

·  
Breadth and Depth of Privacy-Compliant Consumer Data – For over 40 years, Acxiom has been an innovator in every important source and use of data for marketing.  We know data’s intricacies and how to responsibly leverage them.
 
 
At a more granular level, our capabilities include:

·  
Data and Insight
o  
Multi-sourced insight into approximately 700 million consumers worldwide
o  
Over 3,000 propensities for nearly every U.S. consumer

·  
Partner and Consumer Connections
o  
Can responsibly reach nearly 1 billion addresses across a wide range of media and partners
o  
Have adopted a channel and media neutral model focused on utilizing a broad array of data – client data, partner data and external data – to help our clients solve for customer value

·  
Enterprise Data Management, Data Quality and Recognition
o  
Manage over 15,000 databases and process roughly 13 trillion transactions per quarter for clients
o  
Manage over 2.5 billion customer relationships and maintain over 3.7 billion prospect records for our clients
o  
Perform nearly 11 trillion consumer record updates per year (including updates to an estimated 25 trillion individual fields or elements within those records)

8 
 
 


·  
Strategy, Analytics and Cross-Channel Enablement
o  
Perform due diligence on all external sources of data which includes data from hundreds of offline sources and data from thousands of websites per year
o  
Execute over 800 strategy and analytics projects per year


Privacy Considerations

The growth of the online advertising and e-commerce industries are converging, with consumers expecting a seamless experience across all channels, in real time.   This challenges marketing organizations to balance the deluge of data and demands of the consumer with responsible, privacy-compliant methods of managing data internally and with advertising technology intermediaries.

We have policies governing Acxiom’s use of data that we believe reflect leading best practices and actively promote a set of effective privacy guidelines for direct marketing via all channels of addressable media, e-commerce, risk management and information industries as a whole.  We are certified under the European Union Safe Harbor and contractually comply with other international data protection requirements to ensure the continued ability to process information across borders. We have a dedicated team in place to oversee our compliance with the privacy regulations that govern our business activities in the various countries in which we operate.

The U.S. Congress continues to debate privacy legislation, and there are many different types of privacy legislation pending at the state level. In all of the non-U.S. locations in which we do business, laws and regulations governing the collection and use of personal data either exist or are being contemplated.

We expect the trend of enacting and revising data protection laws to continue and that new and expanded privacy legislation in various forms will be implemented in the U.S. and in other countries around the globe.  We are supportive of legislation that codifies the current industry guidelines of meaningful transparency for the individual and appropriate choices regarding whether information related to that individual is shared with independent third parties for marketing purposes. We also support legislation requiring all custodians of sensitive information to deploy reasonable information security safeguards to protect that information.


Clients

Our client base consists primarily of Fortune 1000 companies and organizations in the financial services, insurance, information services, direct marketing, retail, consumer packaged goods, technology, automotive, healthcare, travel and communications industries as well as in non-profit and the government sectors.  We seek to maintain long-term relationships with our clients, many of which typically operate under contracts with initial terms of at least two years.  We have historically experienced high retention rates among our clients.

Our ten largest clients represented approximately 38% of our revenue in fiscal year 2013.  No single client accounted for more than 10% of the revenues of the Company as a whole.


Sales and Marketing

The process of buying marketing services has become more complex and therefore requires a more collaborative decision process between client and provider.  As such, our approach to sales and marketing is strategy-led and client-intimate.  Utilizing a proprietary maturity model, we employ both a diagnostic approach, guided by gaps between a client’s current and desired state, and a prescriptive approach, focused on proven solutions and approaches to close those gaps.

Our Global Client Services organization focuses on new business development across all markets – sales to new clients and sales of new lines of business to existing clients, as well as revenue growth within existing accounts.  We organize our client relationships around industry verticals, as we believe that understanding and speaking to the nuances of each industry is the most effective way to positively impact our clients’ businesses.

 
9
 
Our partner organization focuses on enabling key media partners, agencies and software providers who can help drive value for our clients or who benefit from using Acxiom for data, analytics and audience management.

The focus of our marketing efforts is to disseminate our thought leadership.  We do this by promoting topical points of view across multiple touch points and by fueling our sales efforts with prescriptive insights.


Research and Development

Consistent with the plan announced in fiscal 2012, the Company significantly increased the level of product investment in fiscal 2013.  Total engineering investment (research and development expense plus capitalization of software) was $31.6 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $10.8 million in 2012 and $16.2 million in 2011.  Management expects to maintain an increased emphasis on product development during fiscal 2014. 


Business Segments

We report segment information consistent with the way we internally disaggregate our operations to assess performance and to allocate resources.  We regularly review our segments and the approach used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources.

Our business segments consist of Marketing and data services, IT Infrastructure management, and Other services.  The Marketing and data services segment includes our global lines of business for Customer Data Integration, Consumer Insight Solutions, Marketing Management Services, and Consulting and Agency Services.  The IT Infrastructure management segment develops and delivers IT outsourcing and transformational solutions.  The Other services segment includes the e-mail fulfillment business, the U.S. risk business, and the U.K. fulfillment business.

We evaluate performance of the segments based on segment operating income, which excludes certain gains, losses and other items.  Information concerning the financial results of our fiscal year 2013 business segments is included in note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are attached to this Annual Report as part of the Financial Supplement.

Financial information about geographic areas in which we operate, including revenues generated in foreign regions and long-lived assets located in foreign regions, is set forth in note 15, “Foreign Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is attached to this Annual Report as part of the Financial Supplement.


Competition

Marketing and Data Services   – We believe that we are a global leader in marketing and data services.  Our traditional competitors for data and marketing services have been database marketing services providers.  We find that the competitive landscape is becoming more complex and now includes a range of players.  Our primary competitors tend to be database marketing services providers, data management platforms or “DMPs,” data companies and data distributors.  In-house IT departments provide a secondary source of competition for portions of our offerings.  Other types of companies such as technology consultants, business process outsourcers, analytics consultants, and management consultants, participate to a lesser extent in portions of our market space.

Different types of competitors have different core competencies and assets that they bring to bear. We compete for both broad-based and specific solutions.  Our competitors can vary depending on the type of solution we are competing for.  Generally, competition is based on the quality and reliability of the offering, whether the strategy will deliver the desired business results for the client, historical success and market presence.  Competition for more granular offerings is based on variables that are more specific.  With regard to data products in our Consumer Insights Solutions business, for example, we compete with two types of firms:  data providers and list providers.  Competition is based on the quality and comprehensiveness of the information provided, the ability to deliver the information in products and formats that our clients need, and, to a lesser extent, pricing.

 
10
 
In local markets outside the United States, we face both global players as well as local market players.  Local market players vary between those offering a range of services and those who may compete with Acxiom in more limited areas, such as for data products or data integration services.  We continue to focus on levers to increase our competitiveness   and   believe that investing in the product and technology platform of our marketing and data services business is a key to our continued success.  Further, we believe that enabling a broad partner ecosystem will help us to continue to provide competitive differentiation.

IT Infrastructure Management –   In the IT Infrastructure Management market, we compete with managed IT and full service cloud providers, where competition is grounded in technical expertise and innovation, financial stability, past experience with the provider, marketplace reputation, cultural fit, scale, quality and reliability of services, project management capabilities, processing environments and price.

Other Services – Competition in our e-mail fulfillment business comes from a range of stand-alone email service providers as well as traditional marketing services providers with proprietary email platforms.  Competition is based on a number of factors including complexity of email program, agency services requirements, quality and differentiation of the platform offering, desired integration with a client’s marketing database, price, and the client’s alignment with Acxiom’s strategy.  Competition in our U.S.-based risk business comes from traditional data providers with risk divisions, companies specializing in broad risk management solutions, and companies with various niche risk businesses.  Competition is based primarily on range of offering, reliability and price.  Competition for our U.K. fulfillment business comes from both in-house call centers as well as from other out-sourced call centers.  Competition is based primarily on range of offering, reliability, agility/responsiveness to client needs and price.

Maintaining technological competitiveness in our data products, processing functionality, software systems and services is key to our continued success.  Our ability to continually improve our current processes and to develop and introduce new products and services is essential in order to maintain our competitive position and meet the increasingly sophisticated requirements of our clients.  If we fail to do so, we could lose clients to current or future competitors, which could result in decreased revenues, net income and earnings per share.

Our industry has experienced a variety of business combinations.  The possibility of the consolidation or merger of companies who might combine forces to provide multiple services to the marketplace in which we compete could result in increased price competition for us which would negatively affect our business results.  We currently compete against numerous providers in several separate market spaces.  Since we offer a larger variety of services than many of our current competitors, we have been able to successfully compete against them.  However, the dynamics of the marketplace could be significantly altered if some providers were to combine with each other to provide a wider variety of services.

The complexity and uncertainty regarding the development of new technologies affect our business greatly, as does the loss of market share through competition, or the extent and timing of market acceptance of innovative products and technology.  We are also potentially affected by:

·  
Longer sales cycles for our solutions due to the nature of that technology as an enterprise-wide solution;

·  
The introduction of competent, competitive products or technologies by other companies;

·  
Changes in the marketing mix away from direct mail and toward alternate channels such as online advertising which, if we fail to address with sales of new offerings, could result in lower revenues and profit margins;

·  
The ability to protect our proprietary information and technology or to obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms; and

 
11
 
·  
The impact of changing legislative, judicial, accounting, regulatory, cultural and consumer environments in the geographies where our products and services are deployed.

Further discussion of factors that could affect our competitive position are discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” below.


Seasonality and Inflation

Historically, our marketing and data services business has experienced the lowest revenue in the first quarter of each fiscal year.  In order to minimize the impact of these fluctuations, we continue to pursue long-term contracts with more stable revenue.

Although we cannot accurately determine the amounts attributable to inflation, we are affected by inflation through increased costs of compensation and other operating expenses.  If inflation were to increase over the low levels of recent years, the impact in the short run would be to cause an increase in costs, which we would attempt to pass on to clients, although there is no assurance we would be able to do so.  Generally, the effects of inflation in recent years have been offset by technological advances, economies of scale and other operational efficiencies.


Pricing

Given the diverse nature of the markets and industries in which our clients operate, we deploy a number of pricing techniques designed to yield acceptable margins and returns on invested capital.  In our top-tier markets, a substantial portion of Acxiom’s revenue is generated from highly customized, outsourced solutions in which prices are dictated by the scope, complexity, nature of assets deployed and service levels required for the individual client engagements.  For mid-tier markets, Acxiom offers pre-packaged or standard solutions for which prices are driven by standard rates applied to the volumes and frequencies of client inputs and outputs.  Some product offerings, such as consumer data or data hygiene, are priced under a transactional model and others are priced under a subscription or license model.  Acxiom’s consulting and analytical services are typically priced per engagement, using a professional services model or on a fee-per-model basis.


Employees

Acxiom employs approximately 6,300 employees (associates) worldwide.  No U.S. associates are represented by a labor union or are the subject of a collective bargaining agreement.  To the best of management’s knowledge, approximately 22 associates are elected members of work councils or trade unions representing Acxiom associates in the European Union.   Acxiom has never experienced a work stoppage, and we believe that our employee relations are good.


Executive Officers of the Registrant

Acxiom’s executive officers, their current positions, ages and business experience are listed below.  They are elected by the board of directors annually or as necessary to fill vacancies or to fill new positions.  There are no family relationships among any of the officers or directors of the Company.
 
Scott E. Howe , age 45, joined the Company in 2011 as its Chief Executive Officer & President.  He is also a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.  Prior to joining Acxiom he served as corporate vice president of Microsoft Advertising Business Group from 2007 – 2010.  In this role, he managed a multi-billion dollar business encompassing all emerging businesses related to online advertising, including search, display, ad networks, in-game, mobile, digital cable and a variety of enterprise software applications.  In 2010 he co-founded and served as interim CEO and president of King of the Web, Inc., a portfolio of online game shows. Mr. Howe served from 1999 - 2007 as an executive and later as a corporate officer at aQuantive where he managed three lines of business, including Avenue A|Razorfish (one of the world’s largest digital agencies), DRIVE Performance Media (now Microsoft Media Network) and Atlas International (one of the top two applications for enterprise software for advertising).  Earlier in his career, he was with The Boston Consulting Group and Kidder, Peabody & Company, Inc.  He serves on the board of directors of the Center for Medical Weight Loss and is a former director of the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) and Turn, Inc, a digital advertising company.  Mr. Howe served on the board of directors of Geeknet (NASDAQ: GEEK) from 2007 – 2010.  He is a magna cum laude graduate of Princeton University, with a degree in economics, and he earned an MBA from Harvard University.
 
 
12
 
 
Warren C. Jenson , age 56, is the Company’s Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President.  He joined Acxiom in 2012 and is responsible for all aspects of Acxiom’s financial management.  Prior to joining Acxiom, he served as COO at Silver Spring Networks, a successful start-up specializing in smart grid networking technology, where he had responsibility for the company’s service delivery, operations and manufacturing organizations.  From 2002 - 2008 he was CFO at Electronic Arts Inc., a leading global interactive entertainment software company.  He has more than 30 years of experience in operational finance and has been CFO of some of the most important success stories of the last two decades including Amazon.com, NBC and Electronic Arts.  In addition, he was twice designated one of the “Best CFOs in America” by Institutional Investor magazine, and he was also honored as Bay Area Venture CFO of the Year in 2010.  He also has significant experience in mergers, acquisitions and in the development and formulation of strategic partnerships.  His board experience includes Digital Globe (NYSE: DIG), Tapjoy, Intematix, California State Summer School of the Arts, and Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.  Mr. Jenson received both an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy from Brigham Young University.
 
Nada C. Stirratt , age 47, is the Company’s Chief Revenue Officer & Executive Vice President.  She joined Acxiom in 2012 and is responsible for leading Global Client Services, which includes sales, account management, delivery, operations and consulting across the globe.  Prior to joining Acxiom, she served for two years as chief revenue officer at MySpace, where she led global sales, strategy and advertising operations.  Previously, Ms. Stirratt served for three years as executive vice president of digital advertising at MTV Networks, where she successfully led the company’s aggressive expansion into the digital advertising arena across all properties, overseeing advertising sales, strategy and operations.  Earlier in her career, she was senior vice president and general manager of advertising sales at Advertising.com and also held senior positions with some of the world’s most well-known brands, including AOL, Moviefone, Hearst Publications and Condé Nast.  Ms. Stirratt holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Illinois.

Philip L. Mui , age 41, is the Company’s Chief Product and Engineering Officer & Executive Vice President.  He joined Acxiom in 2012 and is responsible for leading the strategic direction, development and management of Acxiom’s global product management and engineering functions.  He also has a decisive role in guiding Acxiom’s renewed investment in research and development.  Before joining Acxiom, he was employed by Google for over six years, most recently as group product manager for Google Analytics.  He also led the development of an annotation infrastructure that underlies Google+, Google Maps Reviews and Ratings, and Google Bookmarks, among other Google products.  Prior to Google, he served in leadership or engineering roles at Stanford Functional Genomics Facility, Oracle Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Lycos Inc., and a London-based display ads startup.  Mr. Mui has a Ph.D., M.Eng., and S.B. (EECS) from MIT where he was a Whitaker Fellow, Harvard/MIT Health Sciences and Technology Fellow, and National Institute of Health/NLM Fellow.  He also has an M.Phil. (Management) from Oxford University where he was a Marshall Scholar.

Jerry C. Jones , age 57, is the Company’s Chief Ethics and Legal Officer, Executive Vice President & Assistant Secretary.  He joined Acxiom in 1999, oversees legal and privacy matters and assists in the strategy and execution of mergers and alliances and the Company’s strategic initiatives.  Prior to joining Acxiom, he was employed for 19 years as an attorney with the Rose Law Firm in Little Rock, Arkansas, representing a broad range of business interests.  He is a member of the board of directors of Agilysys, Inc. (NASD: AGYS), a leading developer and marketer of proprietary enterprise software, services and solutions to the hospitality and retail industries, where he serves as chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee.  He also serves on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Board of Visitors, and is a co-founder of uhire U.S.  He is a Special Advisor to the Club de Madrid, an organization comprised of 93 former Presidents and Prime Ministers of 62 democratic countries.  He was a member of the board of directors of Entrust, Inc. until it was purchased by private investors in 2009 and is former chairman of the board of the Arkansas Virtual Academy.  Mr. Jones holds a juris doctorate degree and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas.

 
13
 
Timothy J. Suther , age 52, is the Company’s Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer & Senior Vice President.  Mr. Suther joined Acxiom in 2005 and is responsible for the Company’s global marketing, strategy and business development activities.  Previously, he led the Company’s worldwide digital, agency and multichannel marketing services business.  Prior to joining Acxiom, Mr. Suther served for three years at Metavante, a leading provider of banking and payment technology solutions, most recently as senior vice president and general manager of its Response Data Corporation subsidiary, a provider of consumer funds transfer services.  For the preceding five years he was president of Protagona Worldwide, a then publicly traded global provider of enterprise marketing software.  Earlier, he held various leadership positions at Unisys, a global information services provider.  He is a member of the Direct Marketing Association board of directors, the board of advisors for Loyalty 360, and the North American advisory board for the CMO Council.  He is also a former member of the executive board of directors for the Sam M. Walton College of Business Center for Retailing Excellence at the University of Arkansas, and the former co-chair of the iDirect leadership committee of the Direct Marketing Association.  Mr. Suther holds a degree in finance and marketing from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Jennifer B. Compton , age 40, is the Company’s Senior Vice President – Human Resources.  Ms. Compton leads strategic planning and execution in all areas of human resources, including organizational development and effectiveness, talent acquisition, talent management and employee relations.  She joined Acxiom in 2000 as a corporate attorney for employment matters, having most recently served as Vice President of Human Resources and Director of Employment Compliance until her promotion to Senior Vice President – Human Resources in November 2012.  Before joining Acxiom, she was counsel for Fairfield Communities, Inc. in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she was responsible for regulatory and employment compliance.  Ms. Compton graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas and with high honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law.  She is a licensed attorney in the state of Arkansas.


Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The risks described below could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of future operations.  

If the Company’s leadership is unsuccessful in implementing our new business strategy or if our new investments and business initiatives are not successful, the Company’s financial condition could be adversely affected.

Since 2011, we have experienced significant changes in our executive leadership, including the appointment of Chief Executive Officer Scott Howe, Chief Financial Officer Warren Jenson, Chief Revenue Officer Nada Stirratt, and Chief Product and Engineering Officer Phil Mui.  Under the Company’s executive leadership, we launched an aggressive growth strategy that includes, among other things, accelerated investment in product development, which began in fiscal 2013.  See “Item 1. Business” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-K.   These investments in product development, however, may not lead to increased revenue and profitability as we may not be successful in deploying our new products and services.   If the Company is not successful in creating value from these investments, the investments and lack of new product sales could have a negative impact on the Company’s operating results and financial condition.

Failure to keep up with rapidly changing technologies and marketing practices could cause our products and services to become less competitive or obsolete, which could result in loss of market share and decreased revenues and net income.

Advances in information technology are changing the way our clients use and purchase information products and services.  Maintaining the technological competitiveness of our data products, processing functionality, software systems and services is key to our continued success.  However, the complexity and uncertainty regarding the development of new technologies and the extent and timing of market acceptance of innovative products and services create difficulties in maintaining this competiveness.  Without the timely introduction of new products, services and enhancements, our products and services will become technologically or commercially obsolete over time, in which case our revenue and operating results would suffer.

 
14
 
Consumer needs and the business information industry as a whole are in a constant state of change.  For example, in recent years, we have seen a decline in the use of direct mail marketing and an increase in the use of alternative marketing channels such as online advertising.  Our ability to continually improve our current processes and products in response to changes in technology and to develop new products and services are essential in maintaining our competitive position, preserving our market share and meeting the increasingly sophisticated requirements of our clients.  If we fail to enhance our current products and services or fail to develop new products in light of emerging technologies and industry standards, we could lose clients to current or future competitors, which could result in impairment of our growth prospects, loss of market share and decreased revenues.

A significant breach of the confidentiality of the information we hold or of the security of our computer systems could be detrimental to our business, reputation and results of operations.

We operate complex computer systems that contain personally identifiable data, much of which must be maintained on a confidential basis.  Although we have extensive physical and cyber security and associated procedures, our databases have in the past been and in the future may be subject to unauthorized access by third parties.  Such third parties could attempt to gain entry to our systems for the purpose of stealing data or disrupting the systems.  We believe we have taken adequate measures to protect our systems from intrusion, but we cannot be certain that advances in criminal capabilities, discovery of new vulnerabilities in our systems and attempts to exploit those vulnerabilities, physical system or facility break-ins and data thefts or other developments will not compromise or breach the technology protecting our systems and the information we possess.  In the event that our protection efforts are unsuccessful and we experience an unauthorized disclosure of confidential information or the security of such information or our systems are compromised, we could suffer substantial harm.  Such a security breach could result in operation disruptions that impair our ability to meet our clients’ requirements, which could result in decreased revenues.  Also, our reputation could suffer irreparable harm, causing our current and prospective clients to reject our products and services in the future.  Further, we could be forced to expend significant Company resources in response to a security breach, including repairing system damage, increasing cyber security protection costs by deploying additional personnel and protection technologies, and litigating and resolving legal claims, all of which could divert the attention of our management and key personnel away from our business operations.  In any event, a significant security breach could materially harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

Changes in legislative, judicial, regulatory, cultural or consumer environments relating to consumer privacy or information collection and use may limit our ability to collect and use data.  Such developments could cause revenues to decline, increase the cost and availability of data and adversely affect the demand for our products and services.

With the growth of online advertising and e-commerce, there is increasing awareness and concern among the general public, governmental bodies and others regarding marketing and privacy matters, particularly as they relate to individual privacy interests and global reach of the online marketplace.   See “Item 1. Business – Privacy Considerations” in this Form 10-K.  In the U.S., both Congress and the legislatures of various states have recently focused their attention on matters concerning the collection and use of consumer data.  In all of the non-U.S. locations in which we do business, legislation restricting the collection and use of personal data already exists or is presently contemplated.  Restrictions are often placed on the use of data upon the occurrence of unanticipated events that rapidly drive the adoption of legislation or regulation.  Restrictions could be placed upon the collection, management, aggregation and use of information, which could result in a material increase in the cost of collecting certain kinds of data.  In the U.S., non-sensitive data about a consumer is generally usable under current rules and regulations so long as the person does not affirmatively “opt-out” of the collection of such data.  In Europe the reverse is true.  If the European model were to be adopted in the U.S., less data would be available and the cost of data would be higher.  Decreased availability and increased costs of information could adversely affect our ability to meet our clients’ requirements and could result in decreased revenues.  Additionally, legislative, regulatory, adverse publicity, litigation or cultural changes regarding commercial use of consumer data could negatively influence, change or reduce our current and prospective clients’ demand for our products and services.

 
15 
 


Industry consolidations may increase competition for our products and services, which could negatively impact our financial condition and operating results.

We compete against numerous providers of products and services in several separate markets.  See “Item 1. Business - Competition” in this Form 10-K.   Since we offer a larger variety of products and services than many of these competitors, we have been able to successfully compete.  However, the dynamics of the marketplace would be significantly altered if several of these providers were to combine with each other to offer a wider variety of products and services that more directly compete with our portfolio of products and services. If our competitors were to combine forces to create a single-source provider of multiple products and services to the markets in which we compete, we could experience increased price competition, lower demand for our products and services, and loss of market share, each of which could negatively affect our operating results.

Significant system disruptions, loss of data center capacity or interruption of telecommunication links could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our business is heavily dependent upon highly complex data processing capability.  Our ability to protect our data centers against damage or interruption from fire, flood, tornadoes, power loss, telecommunications or equipment failure or other disasters and events beyond our control is critical to our continued success.  The online services we provide are dependent on links to telecommunication providers.  We believe we have taken reasonable precautions to protect our data centers and telecommunication links from events that could interrupt our operations.  Any damage to our data centers or any failure of our telecommunications links that causes loss of data center capacity or otherwise causes interruptions in our operations, however, could materially adversely affect our ability to quickly and effectively respond to our clients’ requirements, which could result in loss of their confidence, adversely impact our ability to attract new clients and force us to expend significant Company resources to repair the damage.  Such events could result in decreased revenues, net income, and earnings per share.

Each of our business segments is subject to substantial competition from a diverse group of competitors.  New products and pricing strategies introduced by these competitors in the markets where our products and services are offered could decrease our market share or cause us to lower our prices in a manner that reduces our operating margin and the profitability of our products.

Each of our business segments faces significant competition in all of its offerings and within each of its markets.  See “Item 1. Business - Competition” in this Form 10-K.   Our competitors for Marketing and data services include database marketing services providers, DMPs (Data Management Platforms), data companies and data distributors, some of whom may have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing or other resources allocated to serving customers.  Other types of companies such as technology consultants, business process outsourcers, analytics consultants and management consultants participate to a lesser extent in portions of our market space.  Additionally, we compete with the in-house IT departments of some of our existing and prospective clients that have developed or are developing the in-house capacity to perform the services we provide.  Our competitors for IT Infrastructure management include managed IT and full-service cloud providers, and our competitors for Other services include a range of providers.  Maintaining technological competitiveness in our data products, processing functionality, software systems and services, continually improving our current processes, and developing and introducing new products and services are necessary to maintain our competitive position.  If we fail to do so, we could lose clients to current or future competitors, which could result in decreased revenues, net income and earnings per share.

The resources we allocate to each market in which we compete vary, as do the number and size of our competitors across these markets.  These competitors may be in a better position to develop new products and pricing strategies that more quickly and effectively respond to changes in customer requirements in these markets.  Some of our competitors may choose to sell products or services competitive to ours at lower prices by accepting lower margins and profitability, or may be able to sell products or services competitive to ours at lower prices given proprietary ownership of data, technical superiority or economies of scale.  Such introduction of competent, competitive products, pricing strategies or other technologies by our competitors that are superior to or that achieve greater market acceptance than our products and services could adversely affect our business.  In such event, we could experience a decline in market share and be forced to reduce our prices, resulting in lower profit margins for the Company.

 
16
 

Engagements with certain clients, particularly those with long-term, fixed price agreements, may prove to be more costly than anticipated, thereby adversely impacting future operating results.

The pricing and other terms of our client contracts, particularly our long-term IT Infrastructure management agreements, are based on estimates and assumptions we make at the time we enter into these contracts.  These estimates reflect our best judgments regarding the nature of the engagement and our expected costs to provide the contracted services and could differ from actual results.  Any increased or unexpected costs or unanticipated delays in connection with the performance of these engagements, including delays caused by factors outside our control, could make these contracts less profitable or unprofitable, which would have an adverse effect on our profit margin.  Our exposure to this risk increases generally in proportion to the scope of the client contract and is higher in the early stages of such a contract.  In addition, a majority of our IT infrastructure management contracts contain some fixed-price, incentive-based or other pricing terms that condition our fee on our ability to meet defined goals.  Our failure to meet a client’s expectations in any type of contract may result in an unprofitable engagement, which could adversely affect our operating results and result in future rejection of our products and services by current and prospective clients.

The failure to recruit and retain qualified personnel could hinder our ability to successfully manage our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and operating results.

Our growth strategy and future success depend in large part on our ability to attract and retain technical, client services, sales, consulting, research and development, marketing, administrative and management personnel. The complexity of our data products, processing functionality, software systems and services requires highly trained professionals.  While we presently have a sophisticated, dedicated and experienced team of associates who have a deep understanding of our business and in many cases have been with Acxiom for decades, the labor market for these individuals has historically been very competitive due to the limited number of people available with the necessary technical skills and understanding, compensation strategies, general economic conditions and various other factors.  As the business information and marketing industries continue to become more technologically advanced, we anticipate increased competition for qualified personnel.  The loss or prolonged absence of the services of highly trained personnel like the Company’s current team of associates, or the inability to recruit and retain additional, qualified associates, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or operating results. 

Additionally, in recent years, we experienced significant changes in our executive leadership, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Product and Engineering Officer.  Continuing or unexpected turnover in key leadership positions within the Company may adversely impact our ability to manage the Company efficiently and effectively, could be disruptive and distracting to management and may lead to additional departures of existing personnel, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial results and internal controls over financial reporting.

Processing errors or delays in completing service level requirements could result in loss of client confidence, harm to our reputation and negative financial consequences.

Processing errors, or significant errors and defects in our products, can be harmful to our business and result in increases in operating costs.  Such errors may result in the issuance of credits to clients, re-performance of work, payment of damages, future rejection of our products and services by current and prospective clients and irreparable harm to our reputation.  Likewise, the failure to meet contractual service level requirements or to meet specified goals within contractual timeframes could result in monetary penalties or lost revenue.  Taken together, these issues could result in loss of revenue and decreases in profit margins as service and support costs increase.

Data suppliers may withdraw data that we have previously collected or withhold data from us in the future, leading to our inability to provide products and services to our clients which could lead to a decrease in revenue and loss of client confidence.

Much of the data that we use is either purchased or licensed from third-party data suppliers, and we are dependent upon our ability to obtain necessary data licenses on commercially reasonable terms.  We compile the remainder of
 
 
17
 
the data that we use from public record sources.  We could suffer material adverse consequences if our data suppliers were to withhold their data from us, which could occur either because we fail to maintain sufficient relationships with the suppliers or if they decline to provide (or are prohibited from providing) such data to us due to legal, contractual, privacy, competition or other economic concerns.  For example, data suppliers could withhold their data from us if there is a competitive reason to do so, if we breach our contract with a supplier, if they are acquired by one of our competitors, if legislation is passed restricting the use of the data they provide, or if judicial interpretations are issued restricting use of such data.  Additionally, we could terminate relationships with our data suppliers if they fail to adhere to our data quality standards.  If a substantial number of data suppliers were to withdraw or withhold their data from us, our ability to provide products and services to our clients could be materially adversely impacted, which could result in decreased revenues, net income and earnings per share.

A failure in the integrity or a reduction in the quality of our data could harm our brand and result in a loss of revenue and an increase in legal claims.

The reliability of our solutions is dependent upon the integrity and quality of the data in our database.  A failure in the integrity of our database, whether inadvertently or through the actions of a third party, or a reduction in the quality of our data could harm us by exposing us to client or third-party claims or by causing a loss of client confidence in our solutions. We may experience an increase in risks to the integrity of our database and quality of our data as we move toward real-time, anonymous, consumer-powered data through our Enterprise Data-Management Platform. We must continue to invest in our database to improve and maintain the quality, timeliness and coverage of the data if we are to maintain our competitive position and retain our clients’ confidence.  Failure to do so could result in significant harm to our reputation and growth prospects, as well as a loss of revenue.

The loss of a contract upon which we rely for a significant portion of our revenues could adversely affect our operating results.

Our ten largest clients represented approximately 38% of our revenue in fiscal year 2013, but no single client accounted for more than 10% of the revenues of the Company as a whole.  The loss of, or decrease in revenue from, any of our significant clients for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and operating results.

While a significant amount of our total revenue is currently derived from clients who have long-term contracts (defined as contracts with initial terms of two years or more), these contracts have been entered into at various times, and some of them are in the latter part of their terms and are approaching their originally scheduled expiration dates.  In addition, many of these contracts contain provisions allowing the client to terminate prior to the end of the term upon giving advance notice.  Even if renewed by these clients, the terms of the renewal contracts may not have a term as long as, or may otherwise be on terms less favorable than, the original contract.  Revenue from clients with long-term contracts is not necessarily “fixed” or guaranteed as portions of the revenue from these clients is volume-driven or project-related.  With respect to the portion of our business that is not under long-term contract, revenues are even less predictable and are almost completely volume-driven or project-related.  Therefore, we must engage in continual sales efforts to maintain revenue stability and future growth with all of our clients or our operating results will suffer.  If a significant client fails to renew a contract, or renews the contract on terms less favorable to us than before, our business could be negatively impacted if additional business were not obtained to replace or supplement that which was lost.

Acquisition and divestiture activities may disrupt our ongoing business and may involve increased expenses, and we may not realize the financial and strategic goals contemplated at the time of a transaction, all of which could adversely affect our business and growth prospects.

Historically, we have engaged in acquisitions to grow our business. To the extent we find suitable and attractive acquisition candidates and business opportunities in the future, we may continue to acquire other complementary businesses, products and technologies and enter into joint ventures or similar strategic relationships.  While we believe we will be able to successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into our existing operations, there is no certainty that future acquisitions or alliances will be consummated on acceptable terms or that we will be able to integrate successfully the services, content, products and personnel of any such transaction into our operations.  In
 
 
18
 
addition, any future acquisitions, joint ventures or similar relationships may cause a disruption in our ongoing business and distract our management.  Further, we may be unable to realize the revenue improvements, cost savings and other intended benefits of any such transaction.  The occurrence of any of these events could result in decreased revenues, net income and earnings per share.
 
We have also divested assets in the past and may do so again in the future.  As with acquisitions, divestitures involve significant risks and uncertainties, such as:
 
·  
disruption of our ongoing business
·  
reductions of our revenues or earnings per share
·  
unanticipated liabilities, legal risks and costs
·  
the potential loss of key personnel
·  
distraction of management from our ongoing business
·  
impairment of relationships with employees and clients as a result of migrating a business to new owners.
 
Because acquisitions and divestitures are inherently risky, transactions we undertake may not be successful and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Our balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill. The impairment of a significant portion of this asset would negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Goodwill is a significant portion of our total assets. Goodwill accounted for approximately 32% and 31% of the total assets on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We may not realize the full carrying value of our goodwill. Goodwill is measured and tested for impairment on an annual basis in the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year and between annual tests if an event occurs or changes in circumstances suggest a potential decline in the fair value of goodwill. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator or change in circumstances relating to impairment has occurred. If testing indicates that impairment has occurred, we would be required to write off the impaired portion of goodwill, resulting in a charge to our earnings. An impairment of a significant portion of goodwill could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

Our business is directly dependent upon and correlates closely to the marketing levels and ongoing business activities of our existing clients.  If material adverse developments in domestic and global economic and market conditions adversely affect our clients’ businesses, our business and results of operations could equally suffer.
 
We serve clients around the world from locations in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, South America and the
United States. Our client list includes many of the largest organizations in these regions across most major industry verticals, including but not limited to financial, insurance and investment services, automotive, retail, telecommunications, high tech, healthcare, travel, entertainment, non-profit and government.  Our results of operations are affected directly by the level of business activity of our clients, which in turn is affected by the level of economic activity in the industries and markets that they serve.   Future widespread economic slowdowns in any of these markets, particularly in the United States, may negatively affect the businesses, purchasing decisions and spending of our clients and prospective clients, which could result in reductions in our existing business as well as our new business development.  In the event of such widespread economic downturn, we will likely experience a reduction in current projects, longer sales cycles, deferral or delay of purchase commitments for our data products, processing functionality, software systems and services, and increased price competition, all of which could adversely affect our revenue and operating results.

Our operations outside the U.S. are subject to risks that may harm the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

During the last fiscal year, we received approximately 13% of our revenues from business outside the United States.  The cost of executing our business plan in non-U.S. locations is increasingly expensive.  In those non-U.S. locations where legislation restricting the collection and use of personal data currently exists, less data is available and at a much higher cost.  In some foreign markets, the types of products and services we offer have not been generally available and thus are not fully understood by prospective clients.  Upon entering these markets, we have to educate and condition the markets, increasing the cost and difficulty of successfully executing our business plan
 
 
19
 
 
in these markets.  Additionally, each of our foreign locations is generally expected to fund its own operations and cash flows, although periodically funds may be loaned or invested from the U.S. to the foreign subsidiaries.  As a result of such loan or investment, exchange rate movements of foreign currencies may have an impact on our future costs of, or future cash flows from, foreign investments.  We have not entered into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Additional risks inherent in our non-U.S. business activities generally include, among others, potentially longer accounts receivable payment cycles, the costs and difficulties of managing international operations, potentially adverse tax consequences, and greater difficulty enforcing intellectual property rights.  The various risks which are inherent in doing business in the U.S. are also generally applicable to doing business outside of the U.S., but such risks may be exaggerated by factors normally associated with international operations, such as differences in culture, laws and regulations, especially restrictions on collection, management, aggregation and use of information.  Failure to effectively manage the risks facing our non-U.S. business activities could materially adversely affect our operating results.

In addition, when operating in foreign jurisdictions, we must comply with complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and other local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials, as well as anti-competition regulations. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, criminal sanctions, restrictions on our business conduct and on our ability to offer our products and services in one or more countries.  Such violations could also adversely affect our reputation with existing and prospective clients, which could negatively impact our operating results and growth prospects.

Our products and services have long and variable sales cycles due to their nature as enterprise-wide solutions.  Failure to accurately predict these sales cycles could impair our ability to forecast operating results, which could result in a decline in the market value of our stock.

When purchasing our products and services, our clients and prospects are often faced with a significant commitment of capital, the need to integrate new software and/or hardware platforms across multiple business units and other changes in company-wide operational procedures, all of which result in cautious deliberation and evaluation by prospective clients, longer sales cycles and delays in completing transactions.  Additional delays result from the significant up-front expenses and substantial time, effort and other resources necessary of our clients to implement our solutions.  For example, depending on the size of a prospective client’s business and its needs, a sales cycle can range from two weeks to nine months.   Because of these longer sales cycles, revenues and operating results may vary significantly from period to period.  As a result, it is often difficult to accurately forecast our revenues on a quarterly basis as it is not always possible for us to predict the quarter in which sales will actually be completed.  This difficulty in predicting revenue, combined with the revenue fluctuations we may experience from quarter to quarter, can adversely affect and cause substantial fluctuations in our stock price.

Third parties may claim that we are infringing their intellectual property and we could suffer significant litigation or licensing expenses or be prevented from selling products or services. Additionally, third parties may infringe our intellectual property and we may suffer competitive injury or expend significant resources enforcing our rights.
 
As our business is focused on data-driven results and analytics, we rely heavily on proprietary information technology, processes and other protectable intellectual property rights.  From time to time, third parties may claim that one or more of our products or services infringe their intellectual property rights. We analyze and take action in response to such claims on a case-by-case basis. Any dispute or litigation regarding patents or other intellectual property could be costly and time-consuming due to the complexity of our technology and the uncertainty of intellectual property litigation, which could divert the attention of our management and key personnel away from our business operations. A claim of intellectual property infringement could force us to enter into a costly or restrictive license agreement, which might not be available under acceptable terms or at all, or could subject us to significant damages or to an injunction against development and sale of certain of our products or services.

 
20
 
Our proprietary portfolio is comprised of various intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, database rights, source code, trademarks, trade secrets, know-how, confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements.  The extent to which such rights can be protected varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. If we do not enforce our intellectual property rights vigorously and successfully, our competitive position may suffer which could harm our operating results.

Our brand and reputation are key assets and competitive strengths of our Company, and our business may be adversely affected if events occur that could cause us to be negatively perceived in the marketplace.

For over 40 years Acxiom has been a thought leader and innovator in solving large-scale data problems and improving marketing results through high-performance, highly scalable, highly secured and privacy-compliant marketing solutions, with a track record of building strong technology and being an innovator in the marketing services space.  Our brand and reputation earned over these years are key assets of the Company.  Our ability to attract and retain clients is highly dependent upon the external perceptions of our level of data quality, our ability to deliver consumer insights, our enterprise data management and analytical capabilities, the competence of our current associate team, and our ability to meet contractual service level requirements in a timely manner.  Negative perceptions or publicity regarding these matters could damage our reputation with prospective clients and the public generally. Adverse developments with respect to our industry may also, by association, negatively impact our reputation, or result in higher regulatory or legislative scrutiny. Any damage to our brand or reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

Failure to recover significant, up-front capital investments required by certain client contracts could be harmful to the Company’s financial condition and operating results.

Certain of our client contracts require significant investment in the early stages, which we expect to recover through billings over the life of the contract.  These contracts may involve the construction of new computer systems and communications networks or the development and deployment of new technologies.  Substantial performance risk exists in each contract with these characteristics, and some or all elements of service delivery under these contracts are dependent upon successful completion of the development, construction and deployment phases.  Failure to successfully meet our contractual requirements under these contracts over their life increases the possibility that we may not recover our capital investments in these contracts.  Failure to recover our capital investments could be detrimental to the profitability of the particular engagement as well as our operating results.

The decline in direct mail business could occur more rapidly than we are able to offset with new revenues from investments in new products and services, which could, in turn, negatively impact revenue, net income and profit margins. 

Postal rate increases are expected to continue.  The most recent increase in the U.S. was announced in October 2012 and became effective in 2013.  As postal costs continue to rise, we expect to see increased pressure on direct mailers to leverage digital and other forms of online communication and to mail fewer pieces.  The concerns of direct mailers are further exacerbated by the on-going financial struggles of the United States Postal Service (“USPS”).  In recent years, the USPS has incurred significant financial losses and may, as a result, implement significant changes to the breadth or frequency of its mail delivery.  In 2011, the USPS announced its plan to cut billions of dollars in operating costs by 2015 in hopes of returning to profitability.  The proposed cuts have included, among other things, terminating Saturday mail delivery (subject to Congressional approval) and closing approximately half of its mail processing centers across the United States.  The USPS recently announced the planned closure of 50 mail processing centers in 2013.  These changes are expected to increase mail processing time and slow delivery frequency, which in turn may decrease marketers and the general public’s willingness to continue to use traditional mail, which may negatively impact our direct mail clients and thus the Company’s revenue derived from our traditional direct marketing business.  Additionally, those in the traditional direct mail business, as well as the USPS, are under growing pressure to reduce their impact on the environment.  It is uncertain at this time what either marketers or the USPS will do to lessen their impact.  From a postal service perspective, the actions to be taken may involve changing certain aspects of mail service that would negatively affect direct marketers.  From a marketer’s perspective, such actions could have the same effect as increased rates, thereby causing them to mail fewer pieces, which may negatively impact the Company’s revenue derived from our traditional direct marketing business. 

 
21 
 


Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.


Item 2.  Properties

Acxiom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas with additional locations around the United States.  We also have operations in Europe, Asia-Pacific and South America.  In general, our facilities are in good condition, and we believe that they are adequate to meet our current needs.  We do not anticipate that any substantial additional properties will be required for our existing business during fiscal year 2014.  The table below sets forth the location, ownership and general use of our principal properties currently being used by each business segment.

Location
Held
Use
Business Segment
United States:
 
     
Conway, Arkansas
Eleven facilities held in fee
 
Data center; office space
 
Marketing and Data Services, IT Infrastructure Management, and Other Services
 
Little Rock, Arkansas
Two buildings held in fee
Principal executive offices; office space; data center
Marketing and Data Services, IT Infrastructure Management, and Other Services
 
Foster City, California
 
Lease
 
Office space
Marketing and Data Services, Other Services
Downers Grove, Illinois
 
Lease
Data center; office space
Marketing and Data Services, IT Infrastructure Management
 
Southfield, Michigan
Lease
Office space
IT Infrastructure Management
 
Shoreview, Minnesota
 
 
Lease
 
Office space
 
IT Infrastructure Management
New York, New York
 
Lease
Office space
Marketing and Data Services, IT Infrastructure Management, and Other Services
 
Memphis, Tennessee
Lease
Office space
 
 Marketing and Data
 Services
 
Nashville, Tennessee
Lease
 
Office space
 Marketing and Data
 Services
 

 
22 
 


Location
Held
Use
Business Segment
 
Europe:
 
     
London, England
 
Lease
Office space
Marketing and Data Services
 
Normanton, England
 
Lease
Data center; office space
Marketing and Data Services
 
Sunderland, England
Two leased
offices
Data center; fulfillment service center; office space; warehouse space
 
Marketing and Data Services; Other Services
 
Paris, France
Lease
Data center; office space
 
Marketing and Data Services
 
Frankfurt, Germany
Lease
Office space
 
Marketing and Data Services
 
Munich, Germany
Lease
Office space
 
Marketing and Data Services
       
Gdansk, Poland
Lease
Office space
 
Marketing and Data Services
 
Warsaw, Poland
Lease
Office space
 
Marketing and Data Services
 
 
Australia:
 
     
Sydney, Australia
Lease
Office space
Marketing and Data Services
 
 
China:
 
     
Shanghai, China
Lease
Office space
Marketing and Data Services
 
Nantong, China
Lease
Data center; office space
Marketing and Data Services
 

South America:

Porto Alegre, Brazil
Lease
Office space
Marketing and Data Services
 


 
23 
 


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in various claims and legal matters that arise in the ordinary course of the business.  None of these, however, are believed to be material in their nature or scope.  Listed below are certain matters pending against the Company and/or its subsidiaries that are considered material.  While the ultimate results of these matters cannot be determined, they are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

On August 16, 2012, a putative class action styled Henderson, et al. v. Acxiom Risk Mitigation, Inc., et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against the Company, Acxiom Information Security Systems, a former subsidiary of the Company that was sold to another company in fiscal 2012, and Acxiom Risk Mitigation, Inc., a Colorado corporation and subsidiary of the Company, seeking to certify nationwide classes of persons who requested a consumer file from any Acxiom entity from 2007 forward; who were the subject of an Acxiom report sold to a third party that contained information not obtained directly from a governmental entity and who did not receive a timely copy of the report; who were subject of an Acxiom report and about whom Acxiom adjudicated the hire/no hire decision on behalf of the employer; who, from 2010 forward,  disputed an Acxiom report and Acxiom did not complete the investigation within 30 days; or who, from 2007 forward,  were subject to an Acxiom report for which no permissible purpose existed. The complaint alleges various violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and seeks injunctive relief, an unspecified amount of statutory, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. The Company intends to vigorously dispute the allegations.

On February 10, 2012, the founders of GoDigital Tecnologia E Participacoes, Ltda., a Brazilian entity and subsidiary of the Company (“GoDigital”), filed suit against the Company in the Lower Civil Court of the Judicial District of Porto Alegre, Brazil, contending that the Company breached its obligations to maximize the founders’ earnout revenue and reduced the value of the founders’ remaining holdings. The Company acquired a 70% interest in GoDigital in fiscal 2011. The acquisition agreement provided for an up-front payment with the possibility of a future payment (also known as an “earnout”) based upon the performance of GoDigital over a two-year period of time. The founders are seeking compensatory damages.  The Company disputes the allegations and intends, if appropriate, to bring forth certain opposing claims. The Company has brought an action against the founders of GoDigital in the courts of Delaware asserting that Delaware law controls the parties’ relationship, that under Delaware law it is clear that the claims asserted against Acxiom in the Brazil action are without merit, that the founders of GoDigital misrepresented the value of the business by not properly advising Acxiom of a material adverse change in the business prior to closing and that the founders were unjustly enriched.


Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 
24 
 


PART II

Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

The outstanding shares of Acxiom’s common stock are listed and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and trade under the symbol ACXM.  The following table reflects the range of high and low sales prices of Acxiom’s common stock as reported by NASDAQ Online for each quarter in fiscal 2013 and 2012.

Fiscal 2013
 
 
High
   
Low
 
Fourth Quarter
    $ 20.46       $ 16.43  
Third Quarter
    18.98       16.18  
Second Quarter
    18.99       15.13  
First Quarter
    15.14       12.66  

Fiscal 2012
 
 
High
   
Low
 
Fourth Quarter
    $ 14.92       $ 12.04  
Third Quarter
    14.33       9.30  
Second Quarter
    14.37       8.94  
First Quarter
    15.40       11.70  

Holders

As of May 23, 2013 the approximate number of record holders of the Company’s common stock was 2,875.

Dividends

The Company has not paid dividends on its common stock in the past two fiscal years.  The Board of Directors may consider paying dividends in the future but has no plans to pay dividends in the short term.

 
25 
 

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative five-year total return to shareholders of Acxiom's common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite index and the NASDAQ Computer & Data Processing index.  The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each of the indexes (including reinvestment of dividends) from March 31, 2008 through March 31, 2013.

 
  STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
 
               
   
3/08
3/09
3/10
3/11
3/12
3/13
               
Acxiom Corporation
 
$100.00
$62.88
$152.43
$121.93
$124.73
$173.33
NASDAQ Composite
 
100.00
67.15
105.94
124.71
139.71
150.83
NASDAQ Computer & Data Processing
 
100.00
72.40
112.48
128.69
139.45
145.22


The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.


 
26 
 



Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The table below provides information regarding purchases by Acxiom of its common stock during the periods indicated.
Period
 
Total Number
 of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid
 Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
1/1/13 – 1/31/13
 
0
 
n/a
 
0
   
$    69,108,980
2/1/13 – 2/28/13
 
264,348
 
$17.94
 
264,348
   
      64,365,955
3/1/13 – 3/31/13
 
229,604
 
18.64
 
229,604
   
      60,086,067
 Total
 
493,952
 
18.27
 
493,952
   
$    60,086,067

The repurchases listed above were made pursuant to a repurchase program adopted by the Board of Directors on August 29, 2011.  That program was subsequently modified and expanded on the following dates:  December 5, 2011, May 24, 2012, and February 5, 2013.  Under the modified common stock repurchase program, the Company may purchase up to $200 million worth of its common stock through the period ending February 5, 2014.  Through March 31, 2013, the Company had repurchased 10.4 million shares of its stock for $139.9 million.


Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

For information pertaining to selected financial data of Acxiom, refer to page F-2 of the Financial Supplement, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.


Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information required by this item appears in the Financial Supplement at pp. F-3 – F-19, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Acxiom’s earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates primarily as a result of its term loan agreement and its revolving credit agreement, which bear interest at a floating rate.  Acxiom currently uses an interest rate swap agreement to mitigate the interest rate risk on $150 million of its floating-rate debt.  Risk can be estimated by measuring the impact of a near-term adverse movement of one percentage point in short-term market interest rates.  If short-term market interest rates increase one percentage point during the next four quarters compared to the previous four quarters, there would be no material adverse impact on Acxiom’s results of operations.  Acxiom has no material future earnings or cash flow expenses from changes in interest rates related to its other long-term debt obligations, as substantially all of Acxiom’s remaining long-term debt instruments have fixed rates.  At both March 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate long-term obligations approximated carrying value.

Acxiom has a presence in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Australia, China and Brazil.  In general, each of the foreign locations is expected to fund its own operations and cash flows, although funds may be loaned or invested from the U.S. to the foreign subsidiaries.  Therefore, exchange rate movements of foreign currencies may have an impact on Acxiom’s future costs or on future cash flows from foreign investments.  Acxiom has not entered into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

 
27 
 


Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The financial statements required by this item appear in the Financial Supplement at pp. F-23 – F-59, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.


Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.


Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2013, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer), we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).  Based on this evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that as of March 31, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management’s report on Acxiom’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act), and the related report of Acxiom’s independent public accounting firm, are included in the Financial Supplement on pages F-20 and F-22, respectively, and are incorporated by reference.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 

Item 9B.  Other Information

Not applicable.



PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Please see the information concerning our executive officers contained in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” which is included there pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K.

The Acxiom Board of Directors has adopted a code of ethics applicable to our principal executive, financial and accounting officers and all other persons performing similar functions.  A copy of this code of ethics is posted on Acxiom’s website at www.acxiom.com under the Corporate Governance section of the site.  The remaining information required by this item appears under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in Acxiom's 2013 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 
28
 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information required by this item appears under the heading “Executive Compensation” in Acxiom's 2013 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table contains information about our common stock which may be issued upon the exercise of options under our existing equity compensation plans as of the end of fiscal 2013 (March 31, 2013):

 
 
 
 
 
Plan category
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Number of securities
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 
(a)
(b)
 
(c)
 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
 
 
7,972,142 1
 
$21.05
 
  4,194,017 3
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders
 
 
   221,106 2
 
 13.74
 
 
    47,500
 
 
Total
 
8,193,248
 
$20.85
 
                                                 4,241,517
   
1
This figure represents stock options issued under shareholder-approved stock option plans, of which 16,859 options were assumed in connection with our acquisitions of Digital Impact, Inc. in 2006.
 
2
Issued pursuant to the Company’s 2011 Nonqualified Equity Compensation Plan described below, which does not require shareholder approval under the exception provided for in NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5635(c)(4).
 
3
This figure includes 1,567,009 shares available for future issuance under the 1983 Plan.  On May 23, 2013, the Board terminated the 1983 Plan, effectively reducing the number of shares of common stock available for future issuance under the Company’s stockholder-approved equity compensation plans by 1,567,009 shares.

Equity Compensation Plan Not Approved By Security Holders 
 
The Company adopted the 2011 Nonqualified Equity Compensation Plan of Acxiom Corporation (the “2011 Plan”) for the purpose of making equity grants to induce new key executives to join the Company.  The awards that may be made under the 2011 Plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, RSU awards, performance awards, or other stock unit awards.  In order to receive such an award, a person must be newly employed with the Company with the award being provided as an inducement material to their employment, provided the award is first properly approved by the board of directors or an independent committee of the board.  The board of
 
 
 
29
 
directors and its compensation committee are the administrators of the 2011 Plan, and as such, determine all matters relating to awards granted under the 2011 Plan, including the eligible recipients, whether and to what extent awards are to be granted, the number of shares to be covered by each grant and the terms and conditions of the awards.  The 2011 Plan has not been approved by the Company’s shareholders.

The remaining information required by this item appears under the heading “Stock Ownership” in Acxiom's 2013 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item appears under the headings “Related-Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance - Board and Committee Matters” in Acxiom's 2013 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item appears under the heading “Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accountant - Fees Billed for Services Rendered by Independent Auditor” in Acxiom's 2013 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.



PART IV

Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

 
1.   Financial Statements.

The following consolidated financial statements of the registrant and its subsidiaries included in the Financial Supplement and the Independent Auditors' Reports thereof are attached hereto.  Page references are to page numbers in the Financial Supplement.

 
      Page  
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm  
 
 
 
F-21 - F-22
 
       
         Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and 2012   F-23  
       
          Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011  
 
 
F-24
 
       
          Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 
 
 
F-25
 
       
          Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 
 
 
F-26
 
       
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 
 
 
F-27 - F-28
 
         Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements   
 
F-29 - F-59
 
       
       
       
 
                                                                                                           
 
30 
 


 
2.   Financial Statement Schedules.

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 
 
3.   Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed with this report or are incorporated by reference to previously filed material:

Exhibit No.

3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (previously filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Acxiom Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)

3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws (previously filed on August 20, 2012, as Exhibit 3(a) to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.1
2005 Stock Purchase Plan of Acxiom Corporation (previously filed as Appendix B to Acxiom Corporation’s Proxy Statement dated June 24, 2005, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.2
Amended and Restated Key Associate Stock Option Plan of Acxiom Corporation (previously filed as Exhibit 10(e) to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.3
2005 Equity Compensation Plan of Acxiom Corporation (formerly known as the Amended and Restated 2000 Associate Stock Option Plan of Acxiom Corporation) (previously filed as Appendix A to Acxiom Corporation’s Proxy Statement dated June 19, 2008, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)
                   
 10.4  
 UK Addendum to the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan of Acxiom Corporation adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board on February 14, 2012 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.5
Acxiom Corporation U.K. Share Option Scheme (previously filed as Exhibit 10(f) to Acxiom Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.6
2010 Executive Cash Incentive Plan of Acxiom Corporation   (previously filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.7
Acxiom Corporation Executive Officer 2014 Cash Incentive Plan

10.8
2011 Nonqualified Equity Compensation Plan of Acxiom Corporation (previously filed on July 27, 2011, as Exhibit 10.1 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)
 
10.9
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Nonqualified Equity Compensation Plan of Acxiom Corporation (previously filed on July 27, 2011, as Exhibit 10.3 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)

 
31
 
10.10
Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement under the 2011 Nonqualified Equity Compensation Plan of Acxiom Corporation (previously filed on July 27, 2011, as Exhibit 10.4 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.11
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Nonqualified Equity Compensation Plan of Acxiom Corporation (previously filed on July 27, 2011, as Exhibit 10.5 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)
 
 
10.12
General Electric Capital Corporation Master Lease Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1999 (previously filed as Exhibit 10(m) to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)
 
10.13
Amendment to General Electric Capital Corporation Master Lease Agreement dated as of December 6, 2002 (previously filed as Exhibit 10 (j) to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.14
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 15, 2006, by and among Acxiom Corporation, a Delaware corporation, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (previously filed on September 19, 2006, as Exhibit 10.1 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)
 
10.15
First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 13, 2009, among Acxiom Corporation, a Delaware corporation, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (previously filed on November 19, 2009, as Exhibit 10.1 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.16
Assignment of Head Lease dated as of February 10, 2003, by and between Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, National Association, as Owner Trustee under the AC Trust 2001-1 (“Assignor”) and Acxiom Corporation, assigning all of Assignor’s rights, title and interest in that certain Head Lease Agreement dated as of May 1, 2000, between the City of Little Rock, AR and Assignor, each relating to the lease of an office building in downtown Little Rock which was previously financed pursuant to a terminated synthetic real estate facility (previously filed as Exhibit 10 (l) to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.17
Employment Agreement by and between Acxiom Corporation and Scott E. Howe dated as of July 26, 2011   (previously filed on July 27, 2011 as Exhibit 10.1 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.18
Employment Agreement by and between Acxiom Corporation and Warren C. Jenson dated as of January 11, 2012   (previously filed on January 11, 2012 as Exhibit 10.1 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.19
Employment Offer Letter dated January 30, 2012, between Acxiom Corporation and Nada C. Stirratt (previously filed as Exhibit 10.23 to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.20
Employment Offer Letter dated April 19, 2012, between Acxiom Corporation and Philip L. Mui (previously filed as Exhibit 10.24 to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.21
Retention Agreement by and between Acxiom Corporation and Cindy Childers dated as of  December 12, 2011

10.22
Acxiom Corporation Chief Revenue Officer 2013 Cash Incentive Plan

10.23
Acxiom Corporation Chief Revenue Officer 2014 Commission Plan

 
32
 
10.24
Acxiom Corporation 2010 Executive Officer Severance Policy (previously filed on November 16, 2010 as Exhibit 10.3 to Acxiom Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.25
Form of director indemnity agreement (previously filed as Exhibit 10(x) to Acxiom Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.26
Form of officer and director indemnity agreement (previously filed as Appendix C to Acxiom Corporation’s Proxy Statement dated January 22, 1987, Commission File No. 0-13163, and incorporated herein by reference)

10.27
Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Deferral Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2009

10.28
First Amendment to the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Deferral Plan, effective July 1, 2009

10.29
Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2009

10.30
First Amendment to the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Plan, effective July 1, 2009
 
 
21
Subsidiaries of Acxiom Corporation

23
Consent of KPMG LLP

24
Powers of Attorney

31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101
The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and 2012; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011; (v)  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011; and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements



 
33 
 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ACXIOM CORPORATION

Date:  May 29, 2013
By:
/s/Warren C. Jenson
 
 
Warren C. Jenson
Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
 
 
 John L. Battelle*
 
Director
May 29, 2013
 John L. Battelle
 

  Timothy R. Cadogan*
 
Director
May 29, 2013
 Timothy R. Cadogan
 

  William T. Dillard II*
 
Director
May 29, 2013
 William T. Dillard II

  Richard P. Fox*
 
Director
May 29, 2013
 Richard P. Fox 
 

  Jerry D. Gramaglia*
 
Director (Non-Executive Chairman of the Board)
May 29, 2013
 Jerry D. Gramaglia
 

 Ann Die Hasselmo*
 
Director
May 29, 2013
 Ann Die Hasselmo
 
 William J. Henderson*   Director May 29, 2013
 William J. Henderson
 
  Scott E. Howe*      Director, CEO & President (principal executive officer)   May 29, 2013
  Scott E. Howe

  Clark M. Kokich*
 
Director
May 29, 2013
 Clark M. Kokich
 

 Kevin M. Twomey*
Director
May 29, 2013
 Kevin M. Twomey
 
 
  /s/Warren C. Jenson
 Warren C. Jenson
 
Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President
(principal financial and accounting officer)
May 29, 2013
 
       
*By:
/s/ Catherine L. Hughes
 
Catherine L. Hughes
Attorney-in-Fact


 
34 
 


Selected Financial Data
F-2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
F-3
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
F-20
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-21
 
Annual Financial Statements:
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and 2012
F-23
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
F-24
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
F-25
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
F-26
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
F-27
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
F-29

F-1

 
 
 

ACXIOM CORPORATION
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands, except per share data)

Years ended March 31,
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Statement of operations data:
                             
Revenue
  $ 1,099,359     $ 1,130,624     $ 1,113,755     $ 1,063,598     $ 1,235,711  
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 57,119     $ 37,617     $ (31,838 )   $ 43,427     $ 36,498  
Net earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       33,899       3,396       732       1,006  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 57,119     $ 71,516     $ (28,442 )   $ 44,159     $ 37,504  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom
  $ 57,607     $ 77,263     $ (23,147 )   $ 44,549     $ 37,504  
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                                       
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.76     $ 0.47     $ (0.40 )   $ 0.55     $ 0.47  
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       0.43       0.04       0.01       0.01  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 0.76     $ 0.90     $ (0.36 )   $ 0.56     $ 0.48  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom
  $ 0.77     $ 0.97     $ (0.29 )   $ 0.56     $ 0.48  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                                       
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.75     $ 0.47     $ (0.40 )   $ 0.54     $ 0.47  
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       0.42       0.04       0.01       0.01  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 0.75     $ 0.89     $ (0.36 )   $ 0.55     $ 0.48  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom
  $ 0.75     $ 0.96     $ (0.29 )   $ 0.56     $ 0.48  
 
Cash dividend per common share
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 0.12  
                                         
 
As of March 31,
    2013       2012       2011       2010       2009  
Balance sheet data:
                                       
Current assets
  $ 461,096     $ 472,005     $ 480,276     $ 458,705     $ 458,522  
Current liabilities
  $ 224,576     $ 256,401     $ 229,494     $ 255,056     $ 254,554  
Total assets
  $ 1,187,706     $ 1,232,777     $ 1,306,625     $ 1,363,420     $ 1,366,792  
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
  $ 237,400     $ 251,886     $ 394,260     $ 458,629     $ 537,272  
Total equity
  $ 619,368     $ 611,855     $ 591,033     $ 578,497     $ 503,414  

The selected financial data for the periods reported above has been derived from the consolidated financial statements.  This information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical financial statements and related notes.  Previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current year.  The historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period.


F-2

 
 
 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction and Overview

Acxiom is an enterprise data, analytics and software-as-a-service company.  For over 40 years, Acxiom has been an innovator in harnessing the powerful potential of data to strengthen connections between people, businesses and their partners.  We focus on creating better connections that enable better living for people and better results for the businesses who serve them.

Founded in 1969, Acxiom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA and serves clients around the world from locations in the United States, Europe, South America and the Asia-Pacific region.

During fiscal 2012 we realigned our business segments to better reflect the way we assess the business.  Our business segments consist of Marketing and data services, IT Infrastructure management, and Other services.  The Marketing and data services segment includes the Company’s global lines of business for Customer Data Integration (CDI), Consumer Insight Solutions, Marketing Management Services, and Consulting and Agency Services.  The IT Infrastructure management segment includes the Company’s IT outsourcing and transformational solutions.  The Other services segment includes the e-mail fulfillment business, the U.S. risk business, and the UK fulfillment business.  The segment results do not include any inter-company transactions.  Additionally, items reported as impairment expense or gains, losses, and other items, net on the consolidated statement of operations are excluded from segment results.

During fiscal 2012 we announced the sale of our background screening unit, Acxiom Information Security Systems (AISS).  This transaction closed on February 1, 2012.  AISS results are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations.  Revenue and expenses related to discontinued operations as well as the gain from sale of the business are presented together, net of tax, in the statement of operations for all periods presented.  Unless otherwise indicated, we refer to captions such as revenues, earnings, and earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the Company simply as “revenues”, “earnings”, and “earnings per share” throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.  Similarly, discussion of other matters in our consolidated financial statements relates to continuing operations unless otherwise indicated.

As we complete fiscal 2013 and look ahead to 2014, our Company has completed the transition to a new executive leadership team.  During fiscal 2012 we named a new chief executive officer, a new chief financial officer, and a new chief revenue officer.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2013 we named a new chief product and engineering officer.  During fiscal 2012 we also announced plans to significantly accelerate investment in product development in fiscal 2013, which management believes will help drive revenue growth later in fiscal 2014 and beyond.

Highlights of the most recently completed fiscal year are identified below.
 
·  
Revenue of $1.099 billion, a 2.8% decrease from $1.131 billion in the prior fiscal year.
 
·  
Income from operations was $102.7 million compared to $85.6 million in the prior fiscal year.
 
·  
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.75 compared to $0.47 in the prior fiscal year.
 
·  
Operating cash flow was $150.1 million compared to $229.5 million in the prior fiscal year.
 
·  
The Company acquired $71.7 million of its stock as part of a stock repurchase program.

The highlights above are intended to identify to the reader some of the more significant events and transactions of the Company during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.  However, these highlights are not intended to be a full discussion of the Company’s 2013 fiscal year.  These highlights should be read in conjunction with the following discussion of Results of Operations and Capital Resources and Liquidity and with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes accompanying this report.


F-3

 
 
 


Results of Operations

A summary of selected financial information for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2013 is presented below (dollars in millions, except per share amounts):
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
2013-2012
   
% Change
2012-2011
 
Revenues
  $ 1,099.4     $ 1,130.6     $ 1,113.8       (3 )%     2 %
Total operating costs and expenses
    996.7       1,045.0       1,088.6       (5 )     (4 )
Income from operations
  $ 102.7     $ 85.6     $ 25.2       20 %     240 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
  $ 0.75     $ 0.47     $ (0.40 )     60 %     118 %

Revenues
The following table presents the Company’s revenue for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2013 (dollars in millions):
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
2013-2012
   
% Change
2012-2011
 
Revenues
                             
Marketing and data services
  $ 767.7     $ 771.7     $ 736.1       (1 )%     5 %
IT Infrastructure management services
    275.5       291.5       302.7       (6 )     (4 )
Other services
    56.2       67.4       75.0       (17 )     (10 )
Total revenues
  $ 1,099.4     $ 1,130.6     $ 1,113.8       (3 )%     2 %
                                         

Total revenue decreased 2.8%, or $31.3 million, to $1,099.4 million in fiscal 2013.  Revenue in fiscal 2012 included $1.3 million related to the disposed MENA operations.  Excluding the impact of the disposed operation and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of $4.1 million, revenue decreased 2.3% in fiscal 2013.

Total revenue increased 1.5%, or $16.9 million, to $1,130.6 million in fiscal 2012.  Revenue in fiscal 2011 included $9.9 million related to the disposed Portugal, Netherlands, and MENA operations.  Excluding the impact of the disposed operations and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation of $6.3 million, revenue increased 1.7% in fiscal 2012.

Marketing and data services (MDS) revenue decreased $4.0 million, or 0.5%, to $767.7 million in fiscal 2013.  On a geographic basis, International MDS revenue decreased $16.5 million, or 12.7%, and U.S. MDS revenue increased $12.5 million, or 2.0%.  Excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation, International MDS revenue decreased $12.9 million primarily due to decreased revenue volumes from existing customers and lost business in Europe and Australia.  The increase in U.S. MDS revenue primarily resulted from new business and one-time project revenues in the Retail, Technology, and Insurance industries offset by a $10.1 million revenue decrease in the Healthcare industry resulting from the termination of a contract.

By lines of business, the MDS revenue increase in Marketing Management ($6.4 million, or 2.0%) was offset by decreases in CDI and Consumer Insights Services ($10.4 million, or 2.9%).  The CDI Services revenue decrease resulted from the expiration of a Healthcare industry contract.  The Consumer Insights Services revenue decline resulted from decreases in Europe and Australia.

MDS revenue increased $35.6 million, or 4.8%, to $771.7 million in fiscal 2012.  On a geographic basis, International MDS revenue increased $3.7 million, or 2.9%, and U.S. MDS revenue increased $31.9 million, or 5.2%.  Excluding the impact of the disposed Portugal and Netherlands operations of $4.2 million and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, International MDS revenue increased $1.6 million.  A $1.2 million revenue decline in Brazil was offset by revenue increases in Australia and China.  The increase in U.S. MDS revenue was broad-based, with increases in business activity in most industry verticals, in particular, the Retail, Financial Services, Technology and Automotive vertical markets.

MDS revenue increased in all lines of business in fiscal 2012.  The largest increases were in Consulting and Agency Services ($14.1 million, or 14.1%) and Marketing Management ($12.1 million or 4.1%).  Increases in the Consumer Insight Products ($4.5 million or 3.1%) and the CDI Services ($4.8 million or 2.3%) lines of business were impacted by a prior year one-time project with a large customer ($4.1 million) and the revenue decline in Brazil.
 
 
 
F-4
 
IT Infrastructure management services (IM) revenue decreased $16.0 million, or 5.5%, to $275.5 million in fiscal 2013.  IM revenue decreased $15.6 million as a result of the loss of a large contract during the third quarter of fiscal 2012.  IM revenue also decreased from a contract renegotiation and lower project work with existing customers during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

IM revenue decreased $11.2 million, or 3.7%, to $291.5 million in fiscal 2012.  IM revenue decreased $23.5 million primarily as a result of contract losses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, partially offset by one-time projects and revenue growth with existing clients.

The Company has recently received notices of termination from three existing customers in the IM segment.  These customers represented approximately $38 million in revenue in fiscal 2013.  Because the customers will continue for a portion of fiscal 2014 and may be required to pay the Company certain penalties upon termination, the Company does not expect a material impact on income from operations during fiscal 2014.  However, these contract terminations will have an impact on revenue and income from operations in future years.

Other services (OS) revenue decreased $11.2 million, or 16.7%, to $56.2 million in fiscal 2013.  Excluding the impact of the MENA disposal in fiscal 2012, OS revenue decreased approximately $9.9 million.  Revenue in the U.S. E-mail fulfillment operation decreased $6.1 million from lower project revenue with existing customers and the wind-down of an E-mail contract.  In addition, the Company transitioned Risk customers to a third-party partner as part of the plan to exit that line of business, resulting in a $5.9 million revenue decrease.  The decreases were partially offset by a $2.1 million increase in UK fulfillment operation revenue from new business.

OS revenue decreased $7.6 million, or 10.2%, to $67.4 million in fiscal 2012.  Excluding the impact of the MENA disposal of $4.4 million, OS revenue decreased $3.3 million during the year.  OS revenue from U.S. Risk operations decreased $3.9 million, or 2.8%, during the year due to lower project volume from existing customers.  The decrease was partially offset by modest increases in other operations.

Operating Costs and Expenses
The following table presents the Company’s operating costs and expenses for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2013 (dollars in millions):
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
2013-2012
   
% Change
2012-2011
 
Cost of revenue
  $ 841.9     $ 863.5     $ 848.4       (3 )%     2 %
Selling, general and administrative
    152.8       151.1       155.9       1       (3 )
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles
    -       17.8       79.7       (100 )     (78 )
Gains, losses and other items, net
    2.0       12.6       4.6       (84 )     175  
Total operating costs and expenses
  $ 996.7     $ 1,045.0     $ 1,088.6       (5 )%     (4 )%

Cost of revenue decreased 2.5%, or $21.7 million, to $841.9 million in fiscal 2013.  Gross margins decreased slightly from 23.6% in fiscal 2012 to 23.4% in fiscal 2013.  Decreased gross margins from higher costs of delivery and investments in data in the U.S. MDS business were partially offset by improving IM gross margins and the impact of International cost reduction actions taken in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  U.S. gross margins decreased from 25.0% to 24.3%, and International gross margins increased from 15.3% to 17.4% despite decreased revenue due to the cost reduction actions in International markets.

Cost of revenue increased 1.8%, or $15.1 million, to $863.5 million in fiscal 2012.  Gross margins decreased from 23.8% in fiscal 2011 to 23.6% in fiscal 2012.  US gross margins decreased from 25.2% to 25.0% primarily due to increasing compensation and delivery costs.  International gross margins decreased from 15.5% to 15.3% in fiscal 2012 primarily due to increasing losses in Brazil.  International gross margin benefited in fiscal 2012 from the MENA disposal in the second quarter of the year.

Selling, general and administrative expense  was $152.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2013 representing a $1.7 million, or 1.1%, increase over the prior year.  As a percent of total revenue, these expenses are 13.9% compared to 13.4% a year earlier.  Lower selling expense in the U.S. from cost reductions and lower commissions, as well as International costs reductions, were offset by increased incentive and non-cash compensation and legal expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expense was $151.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 representing a $4.8 million, or 3.1%, decrease from the prior year.  As a percent of total revenue, these expenses were 13.4% in fiscal 2012
 
 
 
F-5
 
compared to 14.0% in fiscal 2011.  Decreases in 2012 selling, general, and administrative expense resulted primarily from lower non-cash stock compensation costs of $4.1 million due to executive changes as well as lower marketing and legal expenditures during the period.

Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles was $17.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2012.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, management determined that results for the Brazil operation were likely to be significantly lower than had been projected in the goodwill test that was performed as of April 1, 2011.  Management further determined that the failure of the Brazil operation to meet expectations, combined with the expectation that future budget projections would also be lowered, constituted a triggering event requiring an interim goodwill impairment test.  In conjunction with the interim goodwill impairment test, management also tested for impairment all other intangible assets other than goodwill associated with the Brazil operation.  This test was performed during the third quarter of fiscal 2012, resulting in a total impairment charge of $17.8 million, of which $13.8 million was recorded as impairment of goodwill and $4.0 million was recorded as impairment of other intangible assets.  In addition, the $2.6 million earn-out liability relating to the Brazil acquisition was reduced to zero as there was no future expectation of an earn-out payment.  The reduction of the earn-out liability is reflected as a credit to gains, losses and other items, net.

Gains, losses and other items for each of the years presented are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Restructuring plan charges and adjustments
  $ 2,894     $ 12,778     $ 4,435  
Earnout liability adjustment
    -       (2,598 )     (1,058 )
Other
    (884 )     2,458       1,223  
    $ 2,010     $ 12,638     $ 4,600  

Gains, losses and other items, net was $2.0 million in fiscal 2013.  The Company recorded a total of $2.9 million in restructuring charges and adjustments which included severance and other associate-related costs of $2.8 million and lease accruals of $0.1 million.

Gains, losses and other items, net was $12.6 million in fiscal 2012.  The Company recorded a total of $12.8 million in restructuring charges and adjustments which included severance and other associate-related costs of $9.9 million, lease accruals of $2.6 million, and adjustments to the fiscal 2011 restructuring plan of $0.3 million.  On July 12, 2011, the Company entered into a transaction with MENA’s minority partners to fully dispose of the Company’s interest in its MENA subsidiary.  The Company recorded a loss on the MENA disposal of $3.4 million in the statement of operations.  Of the $3.4 million loss, $2.5 million is recorded in gains, losses and other items, net and $0.9 million is recorded in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.  During fiscal 2012, the Company adjusted the value of the earnout related to the Brazil acquisition from $2.6 million to zero through gains, losses and other items, since there is no expectation of an earnout payment.

Gains, losses and other items, net was $4.6 million in fiscal 2011.  The Company recorded $4.4 million in restructuring charges and adjustments which included severance and other associate-related charges of $3.4 million and executive leadership transition charges of $2.7 million.  These were offset by adjustments to previous restructuring plans of $1.7 million.

The following table summarizes the balances that were accrued for restructuring plans discussed above, as well as the changes in those balances during the years ended March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):

   
Associate-related reserves
   
Ongoing
contract costs
   
Total
 
March 31, 2010
  $ 2,870     $ 12,904     $ 15,774  
Restructuring charges and adjustments
    5,773       (1,338 )     4,435  
Payments
    (3,081 )     (2,024 )     (5,105 )
March 31, 2011
  $ 5,562     $ 9,542     $ 15,104  
Restructuring charges and adjustments
    10,126       2,652       12,778  
Payments
    (6,091 )     (1,145 )     (7,236 )
March 31, 2012
  $ 9,597     $ 11,049     $ 20,646  
Restructuring charges and adjustments
    2,836       58       2,894  
Payments
    (8,744 )     (2,086 )     (10,830 )
March 31, 2013
  $ 3,689     $ 9,021     $ 12,710  
                         


F-6

 
 
 

Operating Profit and Profit Margins
The following table presents the Company’s operating profit margin by segment for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating profit and profit margin:
                 
Marketing and data services
  $ 80,513     $ 95,820     $ 87,254  
      10.5 %     12.4 %     11.9 %
                         
IT Infrastructure management services
  $ 29,330     $ 24,988     $ 24,467  
      10.6 %     8.6 %     8.1 %
                         
Other services
  $ (5,114 )   $ (4,804 )   $ (2,270 )
      (9.1 )%     (7.1 )%     (3.0 )%
                         
Corporate
  $ (2,010 )   $ (30,441 )   $ (84,274 )
                         
Total operating profit
  $ 102,719     $ 85,563     $ 25,177  
Total operating profit margin
    9.3 %     7.6 %     2.3 %

Fiscal 2013 operating margins were 9.3% compared to 7.6% in fiscal 2012.  Fiscal 2013 operating margin improvement primarily results from the $28.4 million decrease in impairment of goodwill and other intangibles and gains, losses and other items, net.

Fiscal 2012 operating margins were 7.6% compared to 2.3% in fiscal 2011.  In fiscal 2012, operating margins were impacted less by the $17.8 million impairment of Brazil goodwill and other intangibles than the  $79.7 million impairment of Europe and MENA goodwill and other intangibles in the prior year.  Operating margins were also impacted by restructuring charges of $12.8 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $4.4 million in fiscal 2011.

By segment, MDS margins declined to 10.5% in fiscal 2013 compared to 12.4% in 2012 and 11.9% in 2011, primarily due to investment initiatives both in client relationships and products.  IM margins increased to 10.6% in fiscal 2013 compared to 8.6% in 2012 and 8.1% in 2011 due to ongoing efficiency improvements.  In OS, operating losses were $5.1 million in 2013 compared to $4.8 million in 2012 and $2.3 million in 2011.  The disposal of the MENA business in 2012 improved 2013 by $1.0 million.  Additionally, increased profit from the UK fulfillment business in 2013 was offset by a $2.7 million increased loss in the U.S. risk business.

Other Income (Expense), Income Taxes and Other Items
Interest expense was $12.7 million in fiscal 2013, a decrease of $4.8 million from $17.4 million in fiscal 2012.  The decrease primarily relates to the reduction in outstanding borrowing under the Company’s term loan described below.  In addition, approximately $1.3 million in fiscal 2012 related to accelerated amortization of deferred debt costs due to loan prepayments.  The term loan average balance declined approximately $50 million and the average interest rate decreased approximately 12 basis points.  Interest on other debt, such as capital leases, also declined.

Interest expense was $17.4 million in fiscal 2012, a decrease of $6.4 million from $23.8 million in fiscal 2011.  The decrease primarily related to a reduction in outstanding borrowing under the Company’s term loan described below.  The Company pre-paid $125 million of the term loan during the year and, as a result, the term loan average balance declined approximately $130 million.  The average interest rate remained relatively flat in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.  Interest on other debt, such as capital leases, also decreased slightly.

Other income was $0.2 million in fiscal 2013 compared to other expense of $1.4 million in fiscal 2012 and $1.5 million in fiscal 2011.  Other, net primarily consists of foreign currency transaction gains and losses, and interest and investment income.

The effective tax rate was 36.7% for 2013, compared to 43.6% in 2012.  The rate for 2013 benefitted from higher U.S. research and development tax credits and a lower impact from foreign losses.  The U.S. research and development tax credit was reenacted in January 2013 retroactive to the beginning of 2012.  During fiscal 2012, the Company’s tax expense was reduced by $12.3 million due to utilization of capital losses.  This was offset by an increase in the valuation allowance for foreign deferred tax assets of $5.2 million.  Removing the impact of the impairment charges, gains, losses and other items, and the impact of the capital losses and valuation allowance increase from the fiscal 2012 tax rate calculation would have resulted in a tax rate of approximately 42 %.

 
 
F-7
 
Excluding the impact of the goodwill and intangible impairment charges, which were all non-deductible for tax purposes, the fiscal 2011 effective tax rate on continuing operations was 39.9%.  During fiscal 2011, the Company reduced a reserve for unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $3.5 million due to the expiration of the related statute of limitations.  Additionally, there was no tax benefit recorded related to the impairment of an investment in fiscal 2011.

All three fiscal period tax rates were impacted by losses in foreign jurisdictions.  The Company does not record the tax benefit of certain of those losses due to uncertainty of future benefit.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Working Capital and Cash Flow
Working capital increased $20.9 million to $236.5 million at March 31, 2013 compared to $215.6 million at March 31, 2012.  Total current assets decreased $10.9 million, resulting primarily from decreases in cash ($6.7 million) and trade accounts receivable, net ($9.6 million), offset by an increase in refundable income taxes ($5.8 million).  Current liabilities decreased $31.8 million, primarily resulting from decreases in current installments of long-term debt ($10.2 million), deferred revenue ($18.6 million), and income taxes payable ($15.8 million), partially offset by increases in trade accounts payable ($4.8 million) and accrued payroll and related expenses ($7.6 million).

The Company’s cash is primarily located in the United States.  Approximately $14.1 million of the total cash balance of $223.0 million, or approximately 6.3%, is located outside of the United States.  The Company has no current plans to repatriate this cash to the United States.

Cash provided by operating activities was $150.1 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $229.5 million and $166.2 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The $79.3 million decrease in fiscal 2013 operating cash flow primarily results from a $36.7 million increase in income tax payments, a decrease in customer prepayments (deferred revenue) of $22.7 million, and other changes in operating assets and liabilities.  In fiscal 2012, cost additions were approximately $27.1 million lower than fiscal 2011 due to decreased IT Infrastructure management contract migration activity.  Fiscal 2012 operating cash flows also benefited from positive operating assets and liability movements, primarily in trade and tax payables, accrued payroll, and deferred revenue.

Accounts receivable days sales outstanding (“DSO”) was 52 and 54 days at March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively, and is calculated as follows (dollars in thousands):
   
March 31,
2013
   
March 31,
2012
 
Numerator – trade accounts receivable, net
  $ 159,882     $ 169,446  
Denominator:
               
Quarter revenue
    277,131       287,255  
Number of days in quarter
    90       91  
Average daily revenue
  $ 3,079     $ 3,157  
Days sales outstanding
    52       54  

Investing activities used $66.9 million of cash in fiscal 2013 compared to cash provided of $3.4 million in fiscal 2012 and cash used of $90.8 million in fiscal 2011.  Fiscal 2013 investing activities include $8.6 million of deferred data acquisition costs, $19.9 million of capitalized software costs, and $38.5 million of capital expenditures.  Fiscal 2012 investing activities reflected net cash received for disposal of operations of $72.4 million.  The cash received results from $73.5 million received for disposal of AISS operations, net of $1.1 million cash paid for disposal of MENA operations.  The cash inflow from the disposition of operations in fiscal 2012 was offset by other investing activity of $69.2 million.  Investing activities in fiscal 2011 included $1.1 million in payments made for the disposal of the Portugal and Netherlands operations.  Other investing activities included capitalized software development costs of $5.3 million and $4.6 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively; capital expenditures of $51.6 million and $59.0 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively; and data acquisition costs of $12.3 million and $13.4 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Investing activities also reflected net cash paid for acquisitions of $0.3 million and $12.9 million fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.  In fiscal 2011 the Company paid $10.9 million for the purchase of a 70% interest in GoDigital, a Brazilian marketing services business, and paid $1.8 million to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of XYZ, a digital marketing business operating in Australia and New Zealand.  The remainder of the cash paid for acquisitions each year relates to fees and earnout payments paid on acquisitions made in previous years.

 
F-8
 
With respect to certain of its investments in joint ventures and other companies, the Company may provide cash advances to fund losses and cash flow deficits.  The Company may, at its discretion, decide not to provide financing to these investments during future periods.  In the event that it does not provide funding and these investments have not achieved profitable operations, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge up to the amount of the carrying value of these investments ($1.2 million at March 31, 2013). In fiscal 2011, the Company determined that one of its investments was impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $1.6 million in other, net in the consolidated statement of operations.  In the event that declines in the value of its investments occur and continue, the Company may be required to record further impairment charges related to its investments.

Under the Company’s common stock repurchase program, the Company may purchase up to $200.0 million of its common stock through the period ending February 5, 2014.  During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 4.6 million shares of its common stock for $71.7 million.  During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the Company repurchased 5.8 million shares of its common stock for $68.2 million.  Through March 31, 2013, the Company has repurchased 10.4 million shares of its stock for $139.9 million, leaving remaining capacity of $60.1 million under the stock repurchase program.  Cash paid for acquisition of treasury stock in the consolidated statement of cash flows differs from the aggregate purchase price due to trades made during one fiscal period that settle in a different fiscal period.

Financing activities used $89.2 million of cash in fiscal 2013, compared to $209.8 million and $92.6 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Fiscal 2013 financing activities include payments of debt of $26.9 million and acquisition of treasury stock as previously described of $74.4 million, offset by $12.0 million in proceeds from the sale of common stock.  Fiscal 2012 financing activities included payments of debt of $154.9 million and acquisition of treasury stock of $65.5 million, offset by $12.2 million in proceeds from the sale of common stock.  Financing activities in fiscal 2011 included $102.1 million in payments of debt offset by $9.3 million in proceeds from the sale of common stock.  Debt payments include prepayments on the Company’s term loan of $125.0 million in fiscal 2012 and $66.0 million in fiscal 2011.

In each of the fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company has incurred debt to finance the acquisition of property and equipment.  The incurrence of this debt appears on the consolidated statements of cash flows under “supplemental cash flow information.”  Acquisitions under capital leases and installment payment arrangements were $2.2 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $11.2 million in 2012 and $23.8 million in 2011.  Payment of this debt in future periods will be reflected as a financing activity.  The Company has also included details of its debt payments within the “supplemental cash flow” information.

Credit and Debt Facilities
The Company’s amended and restated credit agreement provides for (1) term loans up to an aggregate principal amount of $600 million and (2) revolving credit facility borrowings consisting of revolving loans, letter of credit participations and swing-line loans up to an aggregate amount of $120 million.

The term loan is payable in quarterly installments of approximately $1.5 million, through December 31, 2014, with a final payment of approximately $207.5 million due March 15, 2015.  The revolving loan commitment expires March 15, 2014.

Revolving credit facility borrowings currently bear interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread, or at an alternative base rate or at the Federal Funds rate plus a credit spread, depending on the type of borrowing.  The LIBOR credit spread is 2.75%.  There were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2013 or March 31, 2012.  Term loan borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread of 3.00%.  The weighted-average interest rate on term loan borrowings at March 31, 2013 was 3.7%.  Outstanding letters of credit at March 31, 2013 were $2.2 million.

The term loan allows prepayments before maturity.  The credit agreement is secured by the accounts receivable of Acxiom and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as by the outstanding stock of certain Acxiom subsidiaries.

Under the terms of the term loan, the Company is required to maintain certain debt-to-cash flow and debt service coverage ratios, among other restrictions.  At March 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and restrictions.  In addition, if certain financial ratios and other conditions are not satisfied, the revolving credit facility limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends in excess of $30 million in any fiscal year (plus additional amounts in certain circumstances).  The principal factor that could cause the Company to not be able to maintain compliance with its debt covenants would be if the level of operating income (as adjusted for certain non-cash charges, rent expense, and gains, losses, and other items) were to decline, without a corresponding decrease in the Company’s debt levels.  The most likely scenario that could cause such a decrease in operating income would be a significant decrease in revenue, without a decrease in operating expenses.  Management, however, maintains a focus on operating income to mitigate any such risk.  Failure to maintain compliance with debt covenants could lead to the lender declaring the debt to be due and payable immediately, or the Company could be required to renegotiate the debt at terms less favorable than the current terms, and the Company could be required to incur fees and expenses to renegotiate or refinance the debt.  There can be no assurance that if such a failure were to occur, the Company would be able to renegotiate or refinance the debt.
 
 
F-9
 

On July 25, 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement.  The agreement provides for the Company to pay interest through January 27, 2014 at a fixed rate of 0.94% plus the applicable credit spread on $150.0 million notional amount, while receiving interest for the same period at the LIBOR rate on the same notional amount.  The LIBOR rate as of March 31, 2013 was 0.30%.  The swap was entered into as a cash flow hedge against LIBOR interest rate movements on the term loan.  As of March 31, 2013, the hedge relationship qualified as an effective hedge under applicable accounting standards.  Consequently, all changes in fair value of the derivative are deferred and recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the related forecasted transaction is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.  The fair market value of the derivative was zero at inception and an unrealized loss of $0.8 million since inception is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) with the offset recorded to other noncurrent liabilities.  The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) may be recognized in the statement of operations if certain terms of the floating-rate debt change, if the floating-rate debt is extinguished or if the interest rate swap agreement is terminated prior to maturity.  The Company has assessed the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the swap and concludes that no substantial risk of default exists as of March 31, 2013.
 
Based on our current expectations, we believe our liquidity and capital resources will be sufficient to operate our business. However, we may take advantage of opportunities to generate additional liquidity or refinance existing debt through capital market transactions. The amount, nature and timing of any capital market transactions will depend on: our operating performance and other circumstances; our then-current commitments and obligations; the amount, nature and timing of our capital requirements; any limitations imposed by our current credit arrangements; and overall market conditions.

Off-Balance Sheet Items and Commitments
In connection with a certain building, the Company has entered into a 50/50 joint venture with a local real estate developer.  The Company is guaranteeing a portion of the loan for the building.  In addition, in connection with the disposal of certain assets, the Company has guaranteed a lease for the buyer of the assets.  These guarantees were made by the Company primarily to facilitate favorable financing terms for those third parties.  Should the third parties default, the Company would be required to perform under these guarantees.  A portion of the guaranteed amount is collateralized by real property.  At March 31, 2013 the Company’s maximum potential future payments under these guarantees were $3.1 million.

Outstanding letters of credit, which reduce the borrowing capacity under the Company’s revolving credit facility, were $2.2 million at March 31, 2013 and $2.5 million at March 31, 2012.

Contractual Commitments
The following table presents Acxiom’s contractual cash obligations, exclusive of interest, and purchase commitments at March 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).  The table does not include the future payment of gross unrealized tax benefit liabilities of $3.6 million or the future payment against the Company’s non-current interest rate swap liability of $0.8 million, as future payment of these liabilities is uncertain and the Company is not able to predict the periods in which these payments, if any, will be made (dollars in thousands):

   
For the years ending March 31
 
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Term loan
  $ 6,000     $ 212,000     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 218,000  
Capital lease and installment payment obligations
    8,405       3,944       926       1,001       1,157       5,935       21,368  
Other long-term debt
    1,700       5,677       6,760       -       -       -       14,137  
Total long-term debt
    16,105       221,621       7,686       1,001       1,157       5,935       253,505  
Operating lease payments
    21,972       17,144       13,885       13,388       11,535       32,145       110,069  
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 38,077     $ 238,765     $ 21,571     $ 14,389     $ 12,692     $ 38,080     $ 363,574  


   
For the years ending March 31
 
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Total purchase commitments
  $ 74,502     $ 50,738     $ 33,242     $ 18,844     $ 1,232     $ 1,257     $ 179,815  

Purchase commitments include contractual commitments for the purchase of data and open purchase orders for equipment, paper, office supplies, construction and other items.  Purchase commitments in some cases will be satisfied by entering into future operating leases, capital leases, or other financing arrangements, rather than payment of cash.  The above commitments relating to long-term obligations do not include future payments of interest.  The Company estimates interest payments on debt and capital leases for fiscal 2014 of $12.4 million.

 
F-10
 
The following table shows contingencies or guarantees under which the Company could be required, in certain circumstances, to make cash payments as of March 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Loan guarantee
  $ 1,050  
Lease guarantee
    2,014  
Outstanding letters of credit
    2,238  
Surety bonds
    388  

While the Company does not have any other material contractual commitments for capital expenditures, certain levels of investments in facilities and computer equipment continue to be necessary to support the growth of the business.  In some cases, the Company also sells software and hardware to clients.  In addition, new IT Infrastructure management contracts frequently require substantial up-front capital expenditures to acquire or replace existing assets.  Management believes that the Company’s existing available debt and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future.  The Company also evaluates acquisitions from time to time, which may require up-front payments of cash.

To help accelerate the pace of product development, the Company has significantly increased the level of product investment.  Total engineering investment (research and development expense plus capitalization of software) was $31.6 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $10.8 million in 2012 and $16.2 million in 2011.  Management expects to maintain an increased emphasis on product development during fiscal 2014.

For a description of certain risks that could have an impact on results of operations or financial condition, including liquidity and capital resources, see “Risk Factors” contained in Part I, Item 1A, of this Annual Report.

Acquisitions
On July 1, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of a 70% interest in GoDigital Tecnologia E Participacoes, Ltda. (“GoDigital”), a Brazilian marketing services business.  The Company paid $10.9 million, net of cash acquired, and not including amounts, if any, to be paid under an earnout agreement in which the Company could have paid up to an additional $9.3 million based on the results of the acquired business over approximately the next two years.  The acquired business had annual revenue of approximately $8 million.  The Company has omitted pro forma disclosures related to this acquisition as the pro forma effect of the acquisition is not material.  The results of operations for GoDigital are included in the Company’s consolidated results beginning July 1, 2010.

The value of the earnout was originally estimated at $3.6 million.  During fiscal 2011, the Company estimated the value of the earnout to have decreased by $1.1 million and recorded the adjustment in gains, losses and other items, net on the consolidated statement of operations.  During fiscal 2012, the Company adjusted the value of the earnout to zero through gains, losses and other items, since there was no expectation of an earnout payment.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, a final determination was made that no liability for earnout payment existed under the acquisition agreement.

Also during fiscal 2012, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill and other intangible assets of GoDigital for impairment.  A total impairment charge of $17.8 million was recorded of which $13.8 million was related to goodwill and $4.0 million was related to other intangible assets.  Approximately 30% of this charge is attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

On April 1, 2010, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of a digital marketing business (“XYZ”) operating in Australia and New Zealand.  The acquisition provided the Company additional market opportunities in this region.  The Company paid $1.8 million in cash, net of cash acquired, and not including amounts to be paid under an earnout agreement.  As of March 31, 2013, the Company has paid approximately $0.6 million and has no remaining liability under that agreement.  The acquired business had annual revenue of less than $2 million.  The Company has omitted pro forma disclosures related to this acquisition as the pro forma effect of this acquisition is not material.  The results of operation for the acquisition are included in the Company’s consolidated results beginning April 1, 2010.

Divestitures
On July 12, 2011, the Company entered into a transaction with minority partners to fully dispose of its interest in its MENA subsidiary.  The terms of the disposal included a $1.0 million cash payment to MENA and the release of any claims that the acquirer may have against the Company and an agreement to hold the Company harmless from any future liabilities.  Following the transaction, the Company will have continued involvement primarily related to providing transaction support for a period not longer than two years.

 
F-11
 
The Company recorded a loss on the MENA disposal of $3.4 million in the statement of operations.  Of the $3.4 million loss, $2.5 million is recorded in gains, losses and other items, net and $0.9 million is recorded in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.  The deconsolidation of MENA in July 2011 resulted in the elimination of the accumulated deficit attributed to MENA from the Company’s consolidated statement of equity and comprehensive income of $0.9 million.  All goodwill associated with the MENA operations was impaired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, therefore there was no goodwill allocated to the disposed operations.  The revenue associated with the MENA operations for fiscal 2011 was approximately $5.7 million.

On February 1, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to dispose of the Company’s operations in Portugal.  The Company made a cash payment of $0.9 million to the acquirer as part of the disposal and recorded a loss in the statement of operations of $0.8 million.  There was no goodwill allocated to the disposed operations. The revenue associated with the Portugal operations was approximately $0.7 million in fiscal 2011.

On March 31, 2011 the Company entered into an agreement to dispose of the Company’s operations in The Netherlands.  The Company transferred $0.2 million in cash as part of the sale and recorded a loss in the statement of operations of $2.5 million.  There was no goodwill allocated to the disposed operations.  Included in the loss calculation was a $1.1 million accrual for exit activities.  The revenue associated with The Netherlands operations was approximately $3.5 million in fiscal 2011.

Discontinued Operation
On February 1, 2012 the Company completed the sale of its background screening unit, Acxiom Information Security Services (AISS), to Sterling Infosystems, a New York-based technology firm for $74 million.  The sale qualified for treatment as discontinued operations during fiscal 2012.  The results of operations pertaining to the AISS business have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements.

Key Trends and Uncertainties

The following is a summary of selected trends, events or uncertainties that the Company believes may have a significant impact on its future performance.

·  
The macroeconomic environment has a direct impact on overall marketing and advertising expenditures in the U.S. and abroad.  As marketing budgets are often more discretionary in nature, they are easier to reduce in the short term as compared to other corporate expenses.  Future widespread economic slowdowns in any of the industries or markets our clients serve, particularly in the United States, could reduce the marketing expenditures of our clients and prospective customers.
·  
As online advertising and e-commerce continue to grow and mature, businesses and marketers are increasingly challenged to manage large amounts of structured and unstructured data and transform such data into insights for operational decision making.  This challenge continues to drive t echnological and cost efficiencies, strategies and competition in the “big data” marketplace.
·  
With the growth of online advertising and e-commerce, there is increasing awareness and concern among the general public, governmental bodies and others regarding marketing and privacy matters, particularly as they relate to individual privacy interests and global reach of the online marketplace.   The U.S. Congress continues to debate privacy legislation, and there are many different types of privacy legislation pending at the state level. In all of the non-U.S. locations in which we do business, laws and regulations governing the collection and use of personal data either exist or are being contemplated.  We expect the trend of enacting and revising data protection laws to continue and that new and expanded privacy legislation in various forms will be implemented in the U.S. and in other countries around the globe.  Increased restrictions on the collection, management, aggregation and use of information could result in decreased availability of certain kinds of data and/or a material increase in the cost of collecting certain kinds of data.
·  
In recent years, we have witnessed an ongoing shift from direct marketing to alternative marketing channels. We believe this trend will continue and that, in the long term, a substantial portion of overall marketing and advertising expenditures will be moved to alternative marketing channels.
·  
Many businesses are moving towards an outsourced model as an alternative to a traditional information technology infrastructure.  As they do, we see demand increasing for cloud computing services.


F-12

 
 
 


Seasonality and Inflation

Although the Company cannot accurately determine the amounts attributable to inflation, the Company is affected by inflation through increased costs of compensation and other operating expenses.  If inflation were to increase over the low levels of recent years, the impact in the short run would be to cause increases in costs, which the Company would attempt to pass on to clients, although there is no assurance that it would be able to do so.  Generally, the effects of inflation in recent years have been offset by technological advances, economies of scale and other operational efficiencies.

The Company’s traditional direct marketing operations experience their lowest revenue in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with higher revenue in the second, third, and fourth quarters.  In order to minimize the impact of these fluctuations, the Company continues to seek long-term arrangements with more predictable revenues.

Non-U.S. Operations

The Company has a presence in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Australia, China and Brazil.   Most of the Company’s exposure to exchange rate fluctuation is due to translation gains and losses as there are no material transactions that cause exchange rate impact.  In general, each of the foreign locations is expected to fund its own operations and cash flows, although funds may be loaned or invested from the U.S. to the foreign subsidiaries subject to limitations in the Company’s revolving credit facility.  These advances are considered to be long-term investments, and any gain or loss resulting from changes in exchange rates as well as gains or losses resulting from translating the foreign financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Exchange rate movements of foreign currencies may have an impact on the Company’s future costs or on future cash flows from foreign investments.  The Company has not entered into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  These accounting principles require management to make certain judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements includes a summary of significant accounting policies used in the preparation of Acxiom’s consolidated financial statements.  Of those policies, we have identified the following as the most critical because they require management’s use of complex and/or significant judgments:

Revenue Recognition – The Company provides database management and IT management services under long-term arrangements.  These arrangements may require the Company to perform setup activities such as the design and build of a database for the customer under the database management contracts and migration of the customer’s IT environment under IT management contracts.  In some cases, the arrangements also contain provisions requiring customer acceptance of the setup activities prior to commencement of the ongoing services arrangement.  Up-front fees billed during the setup phase for these arrangements are deferred and setup costs that are direct and incremental to the contract are capitalized.  Revenue recognition does not begin until after customer acceptance in cases where contracts contain acceptance provisions.  Once the setup phase is complete and customer acceptance occurs, the Company recognizes revenue and the related costs for each element as delivered.  In situations where the arrangement does not require customer acceptance before the Company begins providing services, revenue is recognized for each element as delivered and no costs are deferred.

Sales of third-party software, hardware and certain other equipment are recognized when delivered.  If such sales are part of a multiple-element arrangement, they are recognized as a separate element unless collection of the sales price is dependent upon delivery of other products or services.  Additionally, the Company evaluates revenue from the sale of data, software, hardware and equipment in accordance with accounting standards to determine whether such revenue should be recognized on a gross or a net basis.  All of the factors in the accounting standards are considered with the primary factor being whether the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement.  “Out-of-pocket” expenses incurred by, and reimbursed to, the Company in connection with customer contracts are recorded as gross revenue.

The Company evaluates its database management and IT management arrangements to determine whether the arrangement contains a lease.  If the arrangement is determined to contain a lease, applicable accounting standards require the Company to account for the lease component separately from the remaining components of the arrangement.  In cases where database management or IT management arrangements are determined to include a lease, the lease is evaluated to determine whether it is a capital lease or operating lease and accounted for accordingly.  These lease revenues are not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 
F-13
 
Revenues from the licensing of data are recognized upon delivery of the data to the customer.  Revenue from the licensing of data to the customer in circumstances where the license agreement contains a volume cap is recognized in proportion to the total records to be delivered under the arrangement.  Revenue from the sale of data on a per-record basis is recognized as the records are delivered.

The relative selling price for each unit of accounting in a multiple-element arrangement is established using vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE), if available, third-party evidence (TPE), if available, or management’s best estimate of stand-alone selling price (BESP).  In most cases, the Company has neither VSOE nor TPE and therefore uses BESP.  The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis.  Management’s BESP is determined by considering multiple factors including actual contractual selling prices when the item is sold on a stand-alone basis, as well as market conditions, competition, internal costs, profit objectives and pricing practices.  The amount of revenue recognized for a delivered element is limited to an amount that is not contingent upon future delivery of additional products or services.  As pricing and marketing strategies evolve, we may modify our pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes to BESP, or to the development of VSOE or TPE for individual products or services.  As a result, future revenue recognition for multiple-element arrangements could differ from recognition in the current period.  Our relative selling prices are analyzed on an annual basis, or more frequently if we experience significant changes in selling prices.

All taxes assessed on revenue-producing transactions described above are presented on a net basis, or excluded from revenues.

The Company also performs services on a project basis outside of, or in addition to, the scope of long-term arrangements.  The Company recognizes revenue from these services as the services are performed.

Some contracts contain benchmarking provisions or provisions allowing the customer to request a future reduction in pricing under certain circumstances.  Any resulting reduction in pricing is only implemented on a prospective basis.   The Company’s contracts provide a warranty that the services or products will meet the agreed-upon criteria or any necessary modifications will be made.  The Company ensures that services or products delivered meet the agreed-upon criteria prior to recognition of revenue.

Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are deferred revenues resulting from billings and/or client payments in advance of revenue recognition.  Deferred revenue at March 31, 2013 was $41.4 million compared to $59.9 million at March 31, 2012.

Accounts receivable include amounts billed to clients as well as unbilled amounts recognized in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies.  Unbilled amounts included in accounts receivable were $20.0 million and $19.8 million, respectively, at March 31, 2013 and 2012.

Software, Purchased Software Licenses, and Research and Development Costs – Costs of internally developed software are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining estimated economic life of the software product, generally two to five years, or the amortization that would be recorded by using the ratio of gross revenues for a product to total current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product, whichever is greater.  The Company capitalizes software development costs following accounting standards regarding the costs of computer software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed or the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.  Although there are differences in the two accounting standards, depending on whether a product is intended for internal use or to be provided to customers, both accounting standards generally require that research and development costs incurred prior to establishing technological feasibility or the beginning of the application development stage of software products are charged to operations as such costs are incurred.  Once technological feasibility is established or the application development stage has begun, costs are capitalized until the software is available for general release.  The Company recorded amortization expense related to internally developed computer software of $8.6 million, $15.2 million, and $20.5 million for fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.  Additionally, research and development costs of $11.7 million, $5.5 million and $11.6 million were charged to cost of revenue in the consolidated statement of operations during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Costs of purchased software licenses are amortized using a units-of-production basis over the estimated economic life of the license, generally not to exceed ten years.  The Company recorded amortization of purchased software licenses of $9.7 million, $13.5 million, and $15.6 million in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.  Some of these licenses are, in effect, volume purchase agreements for software licenses needed for internal use and to provide services to customers over the terms of the agreements.  Therefore, amortization lives are periodically reevaluated and, if justified, adjusted to reflect current and future expected usage based on units-of-production
 
 
F-14
 
amortization.  Factors considered in estimating remaining useful life include, but are not limited to, contract provisions of the underlying licenses, introduction of new mainframe hardware which is compatible with previous generation software, predictions of continuing viability of mainframe architecture, and customers’ continuing commitments to utilize mainframe architecture and the software under contract.

Capitalized software, including both purchased and internally developed, is reviewed each period and, if necessary, the Company reduces the carrying value of each product to its net realizable value.  In performing the net realizable value evaluation of capitalized software, the Company’s projection of potential future cash flows from future gross revenues by product, reduced by the costs of completing and disposing of that product are compared to the carrying value of each product.  A write-down of the carrying amount of a product is made to the extent that the carrying value of a product exceeds its net realizable value.  No software impairment charges were recorded during the past three fiscal years.  At March 31, 2013, the Company’s most recent impairment analysis of its purchased and internally developed software indicates that no impairment exists.  However, no assurance can be given that future analysis of the Company’s capitalized software will not result in an impairment charge.  Additionally, should future projected revenues not materialize and/or the cost of completing and disposing of software products significantly exceed the Company’s estimates, write-downs of purchased or internally developed software might be required up to and including the total carrying value of such software ($48.1 million at March 31, 2013).

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets – Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles as well as equity investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  The Company considers factors such as operating losses, declining outlooks, and business conditions when evaluating the necessity for an impairment analysis.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  Assets to be disposed of shall be classified as held for sale and are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

During the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, in conjunction with the goodwill impairment tests noted below, the Company also tested certain intangible assets in the affected units for impairment.  As a result of those reviews, the Company recorded impairment charges of $4.0 million in fiscal 2012 for intangible assets related to the Brazil operation and $2.4 million in fiscal 2011 for intangible assets related to the Middle East operations.

Valuation of Goodwill – Goodwill is measured and tested for impairment on an annual basis in the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year in accordance with applicable accounting standards, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.  Triggering events for interim impairment testing include indicators such as adverse industry or economic trends, restructuring actions, downward revisions to projections of financial performance, or a sustained decline in market capitalization.  The performance of the impairment test involves a two-step process.  The first step requires comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill.  A potential impairment exists if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value.  The second step of the impairment test involves assigning the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its identifiable assets, with any residual fair value being assigned to goodwill.  If the carrying value of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset (including goodwill) exceeds its estimated fair value, such asset is written down by an amount equal to the excess, and a corresponding amount is recorded as a charge to operations for the period in which the impairment test is completed.  Completion of the Company’s annual impairment test during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 indicated no potential impairment of its goodwill balances.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill in its European Marketing and data services unit for impairment.  The triggering events included the revision of the Company’s long-term projections in conjunction with the fiscal 2014 budget.  This test indicated a reduced fair value.  However, the fair value is still substantially in excess of carrying value.

In order to estimate a valuation for each of the components, management uses an income approach based on a discounted cash flow model (income approach) together with valuations based on an analysis of public company market multiples and a similar transactions analysis.

The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). The WACC considers market and industry data as well as company-specific risk factors for each reporting unit in determining the appropriate discount rate to be used. The discount rate utilized for each reporting unit is indicative of the return an investor would expect to receive
 
 
F-15
 
for investing in such a business. Management, considering industry and company-specific historical and projected data, develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant WACC and low long-term growth rates.

The public company market multiple method is used to estimate values for each of the components by looking at market value multiples to revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for selected public companies that are believed to be representative of companies that marketplace participants would use to arrive at comparable multiples for the individual component being tested.  These multiples are then used to develop an estimated value for each respective component.

The similar transactions method compares multiples based on acquisition prices of other companies believed to be those that marketplace participants would use to compare to the individual component being tested.  Those multiples are then used to develop an estimated value for that component.

In order to arrive at an estimated value for each component, management uses a weighted-average approach to combine the results of each analysis.  Management believes that using multiple valuation approaches and then weighting them appropriately is a technique that a marketplace participant would use.

As a final test of the valuation results, the total of the values of the components is reconciled to the actual market value of Acxiom common stock as of the valuation date.  This reconciliation indicated an implied control premium.  Management believes this control premium is reasonable compared to historical control premiums observed in actual transactions.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as either an operating segment or one step below an operating segment, known as a component.  Acxiom’s segments are the Marketing and data services segment, the IT Infrastructure management segment, and the Other services segment.  Because the Marketing and data services segment and the Other services segment contain both U.S. and International components, and there are differences in economic characteristics between the components in the different geographic regions, management tested a total of eight components at the beginning of the year.  The goodwill amounts as of April 1, 2012 included in each component tested were:  U.S. Marketing and data services, $264.6 million; Europe Marketing and data services, $19.5 million; Australia Marketing and data services, $14.9 million; China Marketing and data services, $6.0 million; Brazil Marketing and data services, $1.1 million; U.S. Infrastructure management, $71.5 million; U.S. Other services, $1.8 million; and Europe Other services, $2.9 million.

As of April 1, 2012, each of the components had an estimated fair value in excess of its carrying value, indicating no impairment.  All of the components had a substantial excess carrying value, except for the Brazil component, for which the excess was 11%.

Each quarter the Company considers whether indicators of impairment exist such that additional impairment testing may be necessary.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, management determined that results for the Brazil operation were likely to be significantly lower than had been projected in the previous goodwill test.  Management further determined that the failure of the Brazil operation to meet expectations, combined with the expectation that future budget projections would also be lowered, constituted a triggering event, requiring an interim goodwill impairment test.  In conjunction with the interim goodwill impairment test, management also tested for impairment all other intangible assets other than goodwill associated with the Brazil operation.  This test was performed during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, resulting in a total impairment charge of $17.8 million, of which $13.8 million was recorded as impairment of goodwill and $4.0 million was recorded as impairment of other intangible assets.  In addition, the $2.6 million earn-out liability relating to the Brazil acquisition was reduced to zero as there is no future expectation of an earn-out payment.  The reduction of the earn-out liability is reflected as a credit to gains, losses and other items, net.

The carrying value of the goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the Brazil operation prior to completion of the impairment test was $14.7 million for goodwill and $4.1 million for other intangible assets.  The Brazil component was previously part of the Information Services segment and is now part of the Marketing and data services segment.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill associated with its International operations for impairment.  The triggering events were changes to the Company’s projected long-term revenue growth and margins in both Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as well as the disposal of the Company’s Portugal and Netherlands operations.  Results of the two-step test indicated impairment associated with these operations, and the Company recorded an impairment charge of $79.7 million, of which $77.3 million was related to goodwill and $2.4 million was related to other intangible assets.

 
 
F-16
 
 
Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company historically had concluded that its International Information Products operations, which includes operations in Europe and Asia/Pacific (APAC), were properly aggregated into a single International Information Products component for purposes of impairment testing and its International Information Services operations, which includes operations in Europe, APAC, MENA and Brazil, were properly aggregated into a single International Information Services component for purposes of impairment testing.  These conclusions were based on management’s determinations that the operations included in each of these non-U.S. components shared economic characteristics, as well as similar products and services, types of customers, and services distribution methods.  The primary economic characteristic that management concluded was similar for each of these units was expected long-term gross margins.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, as a result of the triggering events described above, and as management was developing revised projections for the Company’s International operations, management concluded that it was no longer appropriate to conclude that the respective operations previously included in the International Information Products component and the International Information Services component, respectively,  all shared similar economic characteristics, due to management’s differing expectations for these operations over the long term.  Therefore management did not aggregate these operations for testing as it had in the past, but instead performed step-one testing on the operations in the geographic regions described above individually (except for the Brazil operation, which was recently acquired and as to which management concluded the long-term expectations had not changed since the acquisition).  The carrying value of the goodwill associated with these operations prior to performing the impairment tests performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 were:  Europe Information Services, $28.8 million; APAC Information Services, $10.8 million; MENA Information Services, $4.8 million; Brazil Information Services, $16.9 million; Europe Information Products, $66.2 million; and APAC Information Products, $10.0 million.  Based on the step-one testing, which utilized a weighted average of estimated values derived from a discounted cash flow model, similar transactions analysis, and public company market multiples analysis, the Company determined that there was indicated impairment for Europe Information Services, Europe Information Products, and MENA Information Services units.  The estimated fair value for each of APAC Information Services and APAC Information Products exceeded its carrying value by a significant margin.

Step two of the goodwill test, which was required only for Europe Information Services, Europe Information Products, and MENA Information Services consisted of performing a hypothetical purchase price allocation, under which the estimated fair value was allocated to its tangible and intangible assets based on their estimated fair values.  In the case of MENA Information Services, this process indicated that all of its existing goodwill and other intangibles were impaired, and management determined that it was not necessary to perform detailed step two calculations in order to conclude that all of the goodwill and other intangibles related to MENA Information Services should be written off.  The total impairment charge for MENA Information Services was therefore $7.2 million, of which $4.8 million related to goodwill and $2.4 million related to other intangible assets.

For the European operations, there was no impairment for other intangible assets, but the hypothetical purchase price allocation indicated goodwill impairment of $72.5 million, of which $15.4 million was for European Information Services and $57.1 million was for European Information Products.

Management believes that the estimated valuations it arrived at are reasonable and consistent with what other marketplace participants would use in valuing the Company’s components.  However, management cannot give any assurance that these market values will not change in the future.  For example, if discount rates demanded by the market increase, this could lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the Company’s projections are not achieved in the future, this could lead management to reassess their assumptions and lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the market price of the Company’s stock decreases, this could cause the Company to reassess the reasonableness of the implied control premium, which might cause management to assume a higher discount rate under the income approach which could lead to reduced valuations.  If future similar transactions exhibit lower multiples than those observed in the past, this could lead to reduced valuations under the similar transactions approach.  And finally, if there is a general decline in the stock market and particularly in those companies selected as comparable to the Company’s components, this could lead to reduced valuations under the public company market multiple approach.  The Company’s next annual impairment test will be performed during the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The fair value of the Company’s components could deteriorate which could result in the need to record impairment charges in future periods.  The Company continues to monitor potential triggering events including changes in the business climate in which it operates, attrition of key personnel, the volatility in the capital markets, the Company’s market capitalization compared to its book value, the Company’s recent operating performance, and the Company’s financial projections.  The occurrence of one or more triggering events could require additional impairment testing, which could result in impairment charges.

 
F-17
 
Deferred Costs and Data Acquisition Costs – The Company defers certain costs, primarily salaries and benefits and other direct and incremental third party costs, in connection with client contracts and various other contracts and arrangements.  Direct and incremental costs incurred during the setup phase under client contracts for database management or for IT management arrangements are deferred until such time as the database or the outsourcing services are operational and revenue recognition begins.  These costs are directly related to the individual client, are to be used specifically for the individual client and have no other use or future benefit.  In addition, revenue recognition of billings, if any, related to these setup activities are deferred during the setup phase.  All deferred costs and billings are then amortized as contract revenue recognition occurs over the remaining term of the arrangement.  During the period when costs are being deferred, the Company performs a net realizable value review on a quarterly basis to ensure that the deferred costs are recoverable through either 1) recognition of previously deferred revenue, 2) future minimum contractual billings or 3) billings in excess of contractual minimum billings that can be reasonably estimated and are deemed likely to occur.  Once revenue recognition begins, these deferred costs are assessed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Some contracts contain provisions allowing the customer to request reductions in pricing if they can demonstrate that the Company charges lower prices for similar services to other customers, or if the prices charged are higher than certain benchmarks.  If pricing is renegotiated, deferred costs are assessed for impairment.

The test of recoverability is performed by comparing the carrying value of the asset to its undiscounted expected future cash flows.  If such review indicates that the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the sum of its expected future cash flows, the asset’s carrying amount is written down to its estimated fair value.  Fair value is determined by an internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset.

The total deferred costs at March 31, 2013 are $43.0 million.  Of that amount, $36.7 million relates to two customers.  If the Company were to determine that amounts from either of these two customers are unrecoverable, the resulting write-down in carrying value could be material.

In addition to client contract costs, the Company defers direct and incremental costs incurred in connection with obtaining other contracts, including debt facilities, lease facilities, and various other arrangements.  Costs deferred in connection with obtaining scheduled debt facilities are amortized over the term of the arrangement using the interest method.  Costs deferred in connection with lease facilities or revolving credit facilities are amortized over the term of the arrangement on a straight-line basis.

The Company also defers costs related to the acquisition or licensing of data for the Company’s proprietary databases which are used in providing data products and services to customers.  These costs are amortized over the useful life of the data, which is from two to seven years.  In order to estimate the useful life of any acquired data, the Company considers several factors including 1) the type of data acquired, 2) whether the data becomes stale over time, 3) to what extent the data will be replaced by updated data over time, 4) whether the stale data continues to have value as historical data, 5) whether a license places restrictions on the use of the data, and 6) the term of the license.

Restructuring   – The Company records costs associated with employee terminations and other exit activity in accordance with applicable accounting standards, depending on whether the costs relate to exit or disposal activities under the accounting standards, or whether they are other post-employment termination benefits.  Under applicable accounting standards related to exit or disposal costs, the Company records employee termination benefits as an operating expense when the benefit arrangement is communicated to the employee and no significant future services are required.  Under the accounting standards related to post employment termination benefits the Company records employee termination benefits when the termination benefits are probable and can be estimated.  The Company recognizes the present value of facility lease termination obligations, net of estimated sublease income and other exit costs, when the Company has future payments with no future economic benefit or a commitment to pay the termination costs of a prior commitment. In future periods the Company will record accretion expense to increase the liability to an amount equal to the estimated future cash payments necessary to exit the leases. This requires a significant amount of judgment and management estimation in order to determine the expected time frame it will take to secure a subtenant, the amount of sublease income to be received and the appropriate discount rate to calculate the present value of the future cash flows. Should actual lease exit costs differ from estimates, the Company may be required to adjust the restructuring charge which will impact net income in the period any adjustment is recorded.

Income Taxes – The Company makes estimates and judgments in determining the provision for income taxes for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits, and deductions, and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities that arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties
 
 
F-18
 
related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes in these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to the tax provision in a subsequent period. The Company assesses the likelihood that it will be able to recover its deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the Company increases the provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that it estimates will not ultimately be recoverable.  The Company believes that the deferred tax assets recorded on the consolidated balance sheets will be ultimately recovered. However, should a change occur in the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, its tax provision would increase in the period in which the Company determined that the recovery was not likely.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining whether the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If the Company determines that a tax position will more likely than not be sustained on audit, the second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as the Company has to determine the probability of various possible outcomes.

The Company re-evaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new audit activity, and effectively settled issues. Determining whether an uncertain tax position is effectively settled requires judgment. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update, Testing Goodwill for Impairment . The update provides an entity with the option to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing the qualitative factors, if an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. Entities have the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step impairment test as well as resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The update is effective for the Company and has been adopted for fiscal 2013.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an update, Presentation of Comprehensive Income . The update gives companies the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in the update do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. This amendment also required an entity to present on the face of the financial statements adjustments for items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income, however, in December 2011 the FASB issued an update which defers the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income separately with their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2013, the deferral remains in place.  The Company adopted this guidance as of April 1, 2012 and now includes consolidated statements of comprehensive income as part of the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued an update, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP . The update revises the application of the valuation premise of highest and best use of an asset, the application of premiums and discounts for fair value determination, as well as the required disclosures for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measures and the highest and best use of nonfinancial assets. The update provides additional disclosures regarding Level 3 fair value measurements and clarifies certain other existing disclosure requirements. The update is effective for the Company and has been adopted for fiscal 2013.

F-19

 
 
 



Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


The management of Acxiom Corporation (the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
 
·  
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
 
·  
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
 
·  
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluations of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013.  In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework .

Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, the Company’s management determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2013.

KPMG LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this annual report, has issued an attestation report, appearing on the following page, regarding its assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013.

F-20

 
 
 

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Acxiom Corporation:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Acxiom Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of March 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Acxiom Corporation and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Acxiom Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated May 29, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 

 
KPMG LLP
 

 
Dallas, Texas
May 29, 2013
 

 

F-21

 
 
 
 

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Acxiom Corporation:
 
We have audited Acxiom Corporation’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Acxiom Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, Acxiom Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Acxiom Corporation and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2013, and our report dated May 29, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 

 
KPMG LLP
 

 

 
Dallas, Texas
May 29, 2013
 

F-22

 
 
 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 2013 AND 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
    2013    
2012
 
ASSETS
     
Current assets:
     
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 222,974     $ 229,648  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    159,882       169,446  
Deferred income taxes
    13,496       15,107  
Refundable income taxes
    5,809       -  
Other current assets
    58,935       57,804  
Total current assets
    461,096       472,005  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
    230,752       253,373  
Software, net of accumulated amortization of $235,491 in 2013 and $227,280 in 2012
    24,471       13,211  
Goodwill
    381,129       382,285  
Purchased software licenses, net of accumulated amortization of $262,169 in 2013 and $276,692 in 2012
    23,604       25,294  
Deferred costs, net
    42,971       61,977  
Data acquisition costs, net
    10,631       15,009  
Other assets, net
    13,052       9,623  
    $ 1,187,706     $ 1,232,777  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current installments of long-term debt
  $ 16,105     $ 26,336  
Trade accounts payable
    35,786       31,030  
Accrued expenses
               
Payroll
    62,390       54,839  
Other
    68,270       67,847  
Deferred revenue
    41,388       59,949  
Income taxes payable
    637       16,400  
Total current liabilities
    224,576       256,401  
Long-term debt
    237,400       251,886  
Deferred income taxes
    94,918       98,965  
Other liabilities
    11,444       13,670  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Equity:
               
Common stock, $0.10 par value (authorized 200 million shares; issued 121.3 million and 120.0 million shares at March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)
    12,134       12,003  
Additional paid-in capital
    885,184       860,165  
Retained earnings
    593,966       536,359  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    11,423       13,601  
Treasury stock, at cost (47.8 million and 43.2 million shares at March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)
    (882,959 )     (810,381 )
Total Acxiom stockholders' equity
    619,748       611,747  
Noncontrolling interest
    (380 )     108  
Total equity
    619,368       611,855  
    $ 1,187,706     $ 1,232,777  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
               

F-23

 
 
 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
                   
Revenues
  $ 1,099,359     $ 1,130,624     $ 1,113,755  
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of revenue
    841,826       863,489       848,411  
Selling, general and administrative
    152,804       151,131       155,893  
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles
    -       17,803       79,674  
Gains, losses and other items, net
    2,010       12,638       4,600  
Total operating costs and expenses
    996,640       1,045,061       1,088,578  
Income from operations
    102,719       85,563       25,177  
Other expense:
                       
Interest expense
    (12,694 )     (17,448 )     (23,823 )
Other, net
    152       (1,369 )     (1,466 )
Total other expense
    (12,542 )     (18,817 )     (25,289 )
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    90,177       66,746       (112 )
Income taxes
    33,058       29,129       31,726  
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
    57,119       37,617       (31,838 )
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       33,899       3,396  
Net earnings (loss)
    57,119       71,516       (28,442 )
Less:  Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (488 )     (5,747 )     (5,295 )
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom
  $ 57,607     $ 77,263     $ (23,147 )
                         
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.76     $ 0.47     $ (0.40 )
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       0.43       0.04  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 0.76     $ 0.90     $ (0.36 )
                         
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 0.77     $ 0.97     $ (0.29 )
                         
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.75     $ 0.47     $ (0.40 )
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       0.42       0.04  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 0.75     $ 0.89     $ (0.36 )
                         
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 0.75     $ 0.96     $ (0.29 )
                         
                         
                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                       



F-24

 
 
 


ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
(Dollars in thousands)

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
                   
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 57,119     $ 71,516     $ (28,442 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
    (2,489 )     (2,219 )     9,518  
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap
    311       (171 )     2,306  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (2,178 )     (2,390 )     11,824  
Comprehensive income (loss)
    54,941       69,126       (16,618 )
Less:  comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (488 )     (5,747 )     (5,295 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Acxiom stockholders
  $ 55,429     $ 74,873     $ (11,323 )
                         
                         
                         
                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                       


F-25

 
 
 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Common Stock
 
Treasury stock
 
   
Number of shares
 
Amount
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
Retained earnings
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Number
of shares
 
Amount
 
Noncontrolling interest
 
Total equity
Balances at March 31, 2010
 
116,619,682
 
$11,662
 
$    814,929
 
$ 482,243
 
$    4,167
 
(37,154,236)
 
$(738,601)
 
$    4,097
 
$578,497
Employee stock awards, benefit plans and other issuances
 
662,988
 
66
 
9,778
 
-
 
-
 
(29,538)
 
(524)
 
-
 
9,320
Tax impact of stock options, warrants and restricted stock
 
-
 
-
 
(316)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(316)
Non-cash share-based compensation
 
-
 
-
 
13,097
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
13,097
Restricted stock units vested
 
484,865
 
49
 
(49)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Purchase of GoDigital
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
6,573
 
6,573
Noncontrolling interest equity contribution
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
480
 
480
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                   
Foreign currency translation
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
9,518
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
9,518
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2,306
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2,306
Net loss
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(23,147)
     
-
 
-
 
(5,295)
 
(28,442)
Balances at March 31, 2011
 
117,767,535
 
$11,777
 
$    837,439
 
$ 459,096
 
$15,991
 
(37,183,774)
 
$(739,125)
 
$    5,855
 
$591,033
Employee stock awards, benefit plans and other issuances
 
1,281,649
 
128
 
15,295
 
-
 
-
 
(239,171)
 
(3,218)
 
-
 
12,205
Tax impact of stock options, warrants and restricted stock
 
-
 
-
 
(1,310)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(1,310)
Non-cash share-based compensation
 
-
 
-
 
8,839
 
-
 
-
 
8,262
 
131
 
-
 
8,970
Restricted stock units vested
 
977,829
 
98
 
(98)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Acquisition of treasury stock
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(5,798,344)
 
(68,169)
 
-
 
(68,169)
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                   
Foreign currency translation
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,219)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,219)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(171)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(171)
Net earnings (loss)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
77,263
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(5,747)
 
71,516
Balances at March 31, 2012
 
120,027,013
 
$12,003
 
$    860,165
 
$ 536,359
 
$13,601
 
(43,213,027)
 
$(810,381)
 
$      108
 
$611,855
Employee stock awards, benefit plans and other issuances
 
845,618
 
84
 
12,707
 
-
 
-
 
(58,966)
 
(834)
 
-
 
11,957
Tax impact of stock options, warrants and restricted stock
 
-
 
-
 
357
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
357
Non-cash share-based compensation
 
-
 
-
 
12,002
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
12,002
Restricted stock units vested
 
470,285
 
47
 
(47)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Acquisition of treasury stock
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(4,553,042)
 
(71,744)
 
-
 
(71,744)
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                   
Foreign currency translation
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,489)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,489)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
311
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
311
Net earnings (loss)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
57,607
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(488)
 
57,119
Balances at March 31, 2013
 
121,342,916
 
$12,134
 
$    885,184
 
$ 593,966
 
$11,423
 
(47,825,035)
 
$(882,959)
 
$    (380)
 
$619,368
                                     
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-26

 
 
 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
(Dollars in thousands)

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
                   
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 57,119     $ 71,516     $ (28,442 )
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    116,208       134,662       146,355  
Loss (gain) on disposal or impairment of assets
    25       (48,197 )     3,883  
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles
    -       17,803       79,674  
Deferred income taxes
    (3,578 )     2,228       18,579  
Non-cash share-based compensation expense
    12,002       8,970       13,097  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable, net
    6,678       (947 )     (13,024 )
Other assets
    (9,185 )     (4,907 )     (2,394 )
Deferred costs
    (1,564 )     (2,301 )     (29,385 )
Accounts payable and other liabilities
    (8,888 )     46,624       (22,899 )
Deferred revenue
    (18,685 )     4,000       775  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    150,132       229,451       166,219  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Payments from (for) the disposition of operations
    -       72,425       (1,079 )
Capitalized software development costs
    (19,879 )     (5,262 )     (4,555 )
Capital expenditures
    (38,491 )     (51,591 )     (59,021 )
Payments received for investments
    -       370       175  
Data acquisition costs
    (8,570 )     (12,312 )     (13,366 )
Net cash paid in acquisitions
    -       (255 )     (12,927 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (66,940 )     3,375       (90,773 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Payments of debt
    (26,871 )     (154,876 )     (102,101 )
Acquisition liability payment
    (288 )     (326 )     -  
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (74,378 )     (65,535 )     -  
Sale of common stock
    11,957       12,205       9,320  
Noncontrolling interests equity contributions
    -       -       480  
Income tax impact of stock options, warrants and restricted stock
    357       (1,310 )     (316 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (89,223 )     (209,842 )     (92,617 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (643 )     (309 )     90  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (6,674 )     22,675       (17,081 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    229,648       206,973       224,054  
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 222,974     $ 229,648     $ 206,973  
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
                       


F-27

 
 
 

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
(Dollars in thousands)

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
                 
Cash paid during the period for:
                 
Interest
  $ 12,709     $ 19,059     $ 23,886  
Income taxes
    57,464       20,765       25,339  
Payments on capital leases and installment payment arrangements
    16,514       18,331       22,357  
Payments on software and data license liabilities
    1,769       2,916       5,316  
Prepayment of debt
    -       125,000       66,000  
Other debt payments
    8,588       8,629       8,428  
Noncash investing and financing activities:
                       
Acquisition of property and equipment under capital leases and installment payment arrangements
    2,157       11,242       23,753  
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                       


F-28

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011


1.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Description of Business -

Acxiom is an enterprise data, analytics and software-as-a-service company.  For over 40 years, Acxiom has been an innovator in harnessing the powerful potential of data to strengthen connections between people, businesses and their partners.  We focus on creating better connections that enable better living for people and better results for the businesses who serve them.

Founded in 1969, Acxiom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA and serves clients around the world from locations in the United States, Europe, South America and the Asia-Pacific region.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation -

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Investments in 20% to 50% owned entities are accounted for using the equity method with equity in earnings recorded in “other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  Investments in less than 20% owned entities are accounted for at cost.  Investment income and charges related to investments accounted for at cost are recorded in “other, net.”

Discontinued Operations -

Discontinued operations comprise those activities that have been disposed of during the period or which have been classified as held for sale at the end of the period, and represent a separate major line of business or geographical area that can be clearly distinguished for operational and financial reporting purposes. Acxiom identified its background screening unit, Acxiom Information Security Services (AISS), as a component of the Company that is reported as discontinued operations as a result of its disposal (see note 4).
 
Use of Estimates -

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Areas in which significant judgments and estimates are used include projected cash flows associated with recoverability of assets, restructuring and impairment accruals, litigation loss accruals, and the recognition and measurement of current and deferred income taxes, including the measurement of uncertain tax positions.

Reclassifications -

Certain amounts reported in previous periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards -

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update, Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The update provides an entity with the option to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing the qualitative factors, if an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. Entities have the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step impairment test as well as resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The update is effective for the Company and has been adopted for fiscal 2013.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an update, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The update gives companies the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in the update do not change the items that must be reported in other
 
 
F-29
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. This amendment also required an entity to present on the face of the financial statements adjustments for items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income, however, in December 2011 the FASB issued an update which defers the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income separately with their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2013, the deferral remains in place.  The Company adopted this guidance as of April 1, 2012 and now includes consolidated statements of comprehensive income as part of the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued an update, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP. The update revises the application of the valuation premise of highest and best use of an asset, the application of premiums and discounts for fair value determination, as well as the required disclosures for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measures and the highest and best use of nonfinancial assets. The update provides additional disclosures regarding Level 3 fair value measurements and clarifies certain other existing disclosure requirements. The update is effective for the Company and has been adopted for fiscal 2013.

Cash and Cash Equivalents -

The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable -

Accounts receivable include amounts billed to customers as well as unbilled amounts recognized in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies, as stated below.  Unbilled amounts included in accounts receivable, which generally arise from the delivery of data and performance of services to customers in advance of billings, were $20.0 million and $19.8 million, respectively, at March 31, 2013 and 2012.

Accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts.  The Company evaluates its allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of factors at each reporting date.  Each account or group of accounts is evaluated based on specific information known to management regarding each customer’s ability or inability to pay, as well as historical experience for each customer or group of customers, the length of time the receivable has been outstanding, and current economic conditions in the customer’s industry.  Accounts receivable that are determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Property and Equipment -

Property and equipment are stated at cost.  Depreciation and amortization are calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: buildings and improvements, up to 30 years; data processing equipment, 2 - 5 years, and office furniture and other equipment, 3 - 7 years.

Property held under capitalized lease arrangements is included in property and equipment, and the associated liabilities are included in long-term debt.  Amortization of property under capitalized leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense.  Property and equipment taken out of service and held for sale is recorded at the lower of depreciated cost or net realizable value and depreciation is ceased.

Leases -

Rent expense on operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement.

Software and Research and Development Costs –

Costs of internally developed software are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining estimated economic life of the software product, generally two to five years, or the amortization that would be recorded by using the ratio of gross revenues for a product to total current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product, whichever is greater.  The Company capitalizes software development costs following accounting standards regarding the costs of computer software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed or the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.  Although there are differences in the two accounting standards, depending on whether a
 
 
F-30
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
product is intended for internal use or to be provided to customers, both accounting standards generally require that research and development costs incurred prior to establishing technological feasibility or the beginning of the application development stage of software products are charged to operations as such costs are incurred.  Once technological feasibility is established or the application development stage has begun, costs are capitalized until the software is available for general release.  Amortization expense related to internally developed software is included in cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Purchased Software Licenses -

Costs of purchased software licenses are amortized using a units-of-production basis over the estimated economic life of the license, generally not to exceed ten years.  Amortization of software is included in cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Some of these licenses are, in effect, volume purchase agreements for software licenses needed for internal use and to provide services to customers over the terms of the agreements.  Therefore, amortization lives are periodically reevaluated and, if justified, adjusted to reflect current and future expected usage based on units-of-production amortization.  Factors considered in estimating remaining useful life include, but are not limited to, contract provisions of the underlying licenses, introduction of new mainframe hardware which is compatible with previous generation software, predictions of continuing viability of mainframe architecture, and customers’ continuing commitments to utilize mainframe architecture and the software under contract.

Goodwill -

The excess of the purchase price over fair value of net identifiable assets and liabilities of an acquired business (“goodwill”) and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather tested for impairment, at least annually.  The Company tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment during the first quarter of its fiscal year.
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is measured at the reporting unit level based on the provisions of the authoritative literature.

The Company measures recoverability of goodwill for each reporting unit using a discounted cash flow model incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, which is classified as a Level 3 measurement under fair value measurement authoritative guidance.  If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying value, impairment of the reporting unit may exist. When the recoverability test indicates potential impairment, the Company, or in certain circumstances, a third-party valuation consultant, will calculate an implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded to write down the carrying value. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit but may indicate certain long-lived and amortizable intangible assets associated with the reporting unit may require additional impairment testing.

Completion of the Company’s annual impairment test during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 indicated no potential impairment of its goodwill balances.  The Company expects to complete its next annual impairment test during the quarter ending June 30, 2013.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill of its European Marketing and data services unit for impairment, however, the results of the interim test indicated no impairment (see note 6).  During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill in its Brazil operation for impairment.  Results of the two-step test indicated impairment and the Company recorded an impairment charge of $13.8 million during fiscal 2012 (see note 6).  During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill in its International operations for impairment.  Results of the two-step test indicated impairment in certain units, and the Company recorded an impairment charge of $77.3 million during fiscal 2011 (see note 6).


F-31

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Long-lived Assets to Be Disposed Of -

Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles as well as equity investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  The Company considers factors such as operating losses, declining outlooks, and business conditions when evaluating the necessity for an impairment analysis.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  Assets to be disposed of shall be classified as held for sale and are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

During the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, in conjunction with the goodwill impairment tests noted above, the Company also tested certain intangible assets in the affected units for impairment.  As a result of those reviews, the Company recorded impairment charges of $4.0 million in fiscal 2012 for intangible assets related to the Brazil operation and $2.4 million in fiscal 2011 for intangible assets related to the Middle East operations (see note 6).

Deferred Costs and Data Acquisition Costs -

The Company defers certain costs, primarily salaries and benefits and other direct and incremental third party costs, in connection with client contracts and various other contracts and arrangements.  Direct and incremental costs incurred during the setup phase under client contracts for database management or for IT management arrangements are deferred until such time as the database or the outsourcing services are operational and revenue recognition begins.  These costs are directly related to the individual client, are to be used specifically for the individual client and have no other use or future benefit.  In addition, revenue recognition of billings, if any, related to these setup activities are deferred during the setup phase.  All deferred costs and billings are then amortized as contract revenue recognition occurs over the remaining term of the arrangement.  During the period when costs are being deferred, the Company performs a net realizable value review on a quarterly basis to ensure that the deferred costs are recoverable through either 1) recognition of previously deferred revenue, 2) future minimum contractual billings or 3) billings in excess of contractual minimum billings that can be reasonably estimated and are deemed likely to occur.  Once revenue recognition begins, these deferred costs are assessed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Some contracts contain provisions allowing the customer to request reductions in pricing if they can demonstrate that the Company charges lower prices for similar services to other customers, or if the prices charged are higher than certain benchmarks.  If pricing is renegotiated, deferred costs are assessed for impairment.

The test of recoverability is performed by comparing the carrying value of the asset to its undiscounted expected future cash flows.  If such review indicates that the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the sum of its expected future cash flows, the asset’s carrying amount is written down to its estimated fair value.  Fair value is determined by an internally developed discounted projected cash flow analysis of the asset.

In addition to client contract costs, the Company defers direct and incremental costs incurred in connection with obtaining other contracts, including debt facilities, lease facilities, and various other arrangements.  Costs deferred in connection with obtaining scheduled debt facilities are amortized over the term of the arrangement using the interest method.  Costs deferred in connection with lease facilities or revolving credit facilities are amortized over the term of the arrangement on a straight-line basis.

The Company also defers costs related to the acquisition or licensing of data for the Company’s proprietary databases which are used in providing data products and services to customers.  These costs are amortized over the useful life of the data, which is from two to seven years.  In order to estimate the useful life of any acquired data, the Company considers several factors including 1) the type of data acquired, 2) whether the data becomes stale over time, 3) to what extent the data will be replaced by updated data over time, 4) whether the stale data continues to have value as historical data, 5) whether a license places restrictions on the use of the data, and 6) the term of the license.

Deferred Revenue -

Deferred revenue consists of amounts billed in excess of revenue recognized.  Deferred revenues are subsequently recorded as revenue in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies.

 
F-32
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
   
Revenue Recognition -

The Company provides database management and IT management services under long-term arrangements.  These arrangements may require the Company to perform setup activities such as the design and build of a database for the customer under the database management contracts and migration of the customer’s IT environment under IT management contracts.  In some cases, the arrangements also contain provisions requiring customer acceptance of the setup activities prior to commencement of the ongoing services arrangement.  Up-front fees billed during the setup phase for these arrangements are deferred and setup costs that are direct and incremental to the contract are capitalized.  Revenue recognition does not begin until after customer acceptance in cases where contracts contain acceptance provisions.  Once the setup phase is complete and customer acceptance occurs, the Company recognizes revenue and the related costs for each element as delivered.  In situations where the arrangement does not require customer acceptance before the Company begins providing services, revenue is recognized for each element as delivered and no costs are deferred.

Sales of third-party software, hardware and certain other equipment are recognized when delivered.  If such sales are part of a multiple-element arrangement, they are recognized as a separate element unless collection of the sales price is dependent upon delivery of other products or services.  Additionally, the Company evaluates revenue from the sale of data, software, hardware and equipment in accordance with accounting standards to determine whether such revenue should be recognized on a gross or a net basis.  All of the factors in the accounting standards are considered with the primary factor being whether the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement.  “Out-of-pocket” expenses incurred by, and reimbursed to, the Company in connection with customer contracts are recorded as gross revenue.

The Company evaluates its database management and IT management arrangements to determine whether the arrangement contains a lease.  If the arrangement is determined to contain a lease, applicable accounting standards require the Company to account for the lease component separately from the remaining components of the arrangement.  In cases where database management or IT management arrangements are determined to include a lease, the lease is evaluated to determine whether it is a capital lease or operating lease and accounted for accordingly.  These lease revenues are not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Revenues from the licensing of data are recognized upon delivery of the data to the customer.  Revenue from the licensing of data to the customer in circumstances where the license agreement contains a volume cap is recognized in proportion to the total records to be delivered under the arrangement.  Revenue from the sale of data on a per-record basis is recognized as the records are delivered.

The relative selling price for each unit of accounting in a multiple-element arrangement is established using vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE), if available, third-party evidence (TPE), if available, or management’s best estimate of stand-alone selling price (BESP).  In most cases, the Company has neither VSOE nor TPE and therefore uses BESP.  The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis.  Management’s BESP is determined by considering multiple factors including actual contractual selling prices when the item is sold on a stand-alone basis, as well as market conditions, competition, internal costs, profit objectives and pricing practices.  The amount of revenue recognized for a delivered element is limited to an amount that is not contingent upon future delivery of additional products or services.  As pricing and marketing strategies evolve, we may modify our pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes to BESP, or to the development of VSOE or TPE for individual products or services.  As a result, future revenue recognition for multiple-element arrangements could differ from recognition in the current period.  Our relative selling prices are analyzed on an annual basis, or more frequently if we experience significant changes in selling prices.

All taxes assessed on revenue-producing transactions described above are presented on a net basis, or excluded from revenues.

The Company also performs services on a project basis outside of, or in addition to, the scope of long-term arrangements.  The Company recognizes revenue from these services as the services are performed.

Some contracts contain benchmarking provisions or provisions allowing the customer to request a future reduction in pricing under certain circumstances.  Any resulting reduction in pricing is only implemented on a prospective basis.  The Company’s contracts provide a warranty that the services or products will meet the agreed-upon criteria or any necessary modifications will be made.  The Company ensures that services or products delivered meet the agreed-upon criteria prior to recognition of revenue.

 
F-33
 
  ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
Concentration of Credit Risk -

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts, unbilled and notes receivable.  The Company’s receivables are from a large number of customers.  Accordingly, the Company’s credit risk is affected by general economic conditions.  The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. Management, however, believes the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held.

Income Taxes -

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.  The Company’s foreign subsidiaries file separate income tax returns in the countries in which their operations are based.

The Company provides for deferred taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be reversed. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount whose realization is more likely than not. In determining the recognition of uncertain tax positions, the Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and determines the measurement of uncertain tax positions considering the amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement with taxing authorities. Income taxes payable are classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets based on their estimated payment date.

Foreign Currency Translation -

The balance sheets of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at period-end rates of exchange, and the statements of operations are translated at the weighted-average exchange rate for the period.  Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss).

Advertising Expense -

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.  Advertising expense was approximately $5.3 million, $4.5 million and $7.6 million for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Advertising expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Guarantees -

The Company accounts for the guarantees of indebtedness of others under applicable accounting standards which require a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of the guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee.  A guarantor is also required to make additional disclosures in its financial statements about obligations under certain guarantees issued.  The Company is required to recognize a liability in its consolidated financial statements equal to the fair value of its guarantees.  The Company’s liability for the fair value of guarantees is not material (see note 11).

Loss Contingencies and Legal Expenses -

The Company records a liability for loss contingencies when the liability is probable and reasonably estimable.  Legal fees associated with loss contingencies are recorded when the legal fees are incurred.


F-34

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



Earnings (Loss) per Share -

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

(dollars in thousands)
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Basic earnings per share:
                 
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 57,119     $ 37,617     $ (31,838 )
Net earnings from discontinued operations
    -       33,899       3,396  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 57,119     $ 71,516     $ (28,442 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (488 )     (5,747 )     (5,295 )
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom
  $ 57,607     $ 77,263     $ (23,147 )
                         
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    74,814       79,483       80,111  
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.76     $ 0.47     $ (0.40 )
Discontinued operations
    0.00       0.43       0.04  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 0.76     $ 0.90     $ (0.36 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (0.01 )     (0.07 )     (0.07 )
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom
  $ 0.77     $ 0.97     $ (0.29 )
                         
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    74,814       79,483       80,111  
Dilutive effect of common stock options, warrants, and restricted stock as computed under the treasury stock method
    1,683       911       -  
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    76,497       80,394       80,111  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.75     $ 0.47     $ (0.40 )
Discontinued operations
    0.00       0.42       0.04  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 0.75     $ 0.89     $ (0.36 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (0.01 )     (0.07 )     (0.07 )
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Acxiom
  $ 0.75     $ 0.96     $ (0.29 )

Some earnings per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

Due to the net loss incurred by the Company in fiscal 2011, the dilutive effect of options, warrants and restricted stock of 1.7 million shares was excluded from the earnings per share calculation since the impact on the calculation was anti-dilutive. In addition, options, warrants, and restricted stock units to purchase shares of common stock, including performance-based restricted stock units not meeting such performance criteria, that were outstanding during the periods presented but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was anti-dilutive are shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Number of shares outstanding under options, warrants and restricted stock units
 
6,709
 
9,344
 
5,938
Range of exercise prices for options and warrants
 
$13.10-$62.06
 
$13.14-$62.06
 
$16.71-$75.55


F-35

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



Share-based Compensation -

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under applicable accounting standards which require the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments (including stock options) based on the grant-date fair value of the award to be recognized in the statement of operations over the service period of the award.  Expense for awards with graded vesting is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the entire award.

Share-based Compensation Plans -

The Company has stock option plans and equity compensation plans (collectively referred to as the “share-based plans”) administered by the compensation committee of the board of directors under which options and restricted stock units were outstanding as of March 31, 2013.

The Company’s equity compensation plan provides that all associates (employees, officers, directors, affiliates, independent contractors or consultants) are eligible to receive awards (grant of any option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, performance award, performance share, performance unit, qualified performance-based award, or other stock unit award) pursuant to the plan with the terms and conditions applicable to an award set forth in applicable grant documents.  The Company currently has outstanding, and expects to grant in the future, restricted stock awards, stock options and performance-based awards.

Incentive stock option awards granted pursuant to the share-based plans cannot be granted with an exercise price less than 100% of the per-share market value of the Company’s shares at the date of grant and have a maximum duration of ten years from the date of grant.  Board policy currently requires that nonqualified options also must be priced at or above the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant with a maximum duration of ten years.

Restricted stock units may be issued pursuant to the equity compensation plan and represent the right to receive shares in the future by way of an award agreement which includes vesting provisions.  Award agreements can further provide for forfeitures triggered by certain prohibited activities, such as breach of confidentiality.  All restricted stock units will be expensed over the vesting period as adjusted for estimated forfeitures.  The vesting of some restricted stock units is subject to the Company’s achievement of certain performance criteria, as well as the individual remaining employed by the Company for a period of years.

The Company receives income tax deductions as a result of the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units.  The tax benefit of share-based compensation expense in excess of the book compensation expense is reflected as a financing cash inflow and operating cash outflow included in changes in operating assets and liabilities.  The Company has elected the short-cut method in accounting for the tax benefits of share-based payment awards.

Hedging -
 

The Company has entered into an interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge against LIBOR interest rate movements on the term loan.  All changes in fair value of the derivative are deferred and recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the related forecasted transaction is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.  The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) may be recognized in the statement of operations if certain terms of the floating-rate debt change, if the floating-rate debt is extinguished or if the interest rate swap agreement is terminated prior to maturity.

Derivatives -

Derivative financial instruments are valued in the market using regression analysis. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation for interest rate swaps are observable in active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.


F-36

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



Restructuring -
 

The Company records costs associated with employee terminations and other exit activity in accordance with applicable accounting standards, depending on whether the costs relate to exit or disposal activities under the accounting standards, or whether they are other post-employment termination benefits.  Under applicable accounting standards related to exit or disposal costs, the Company records employee termination benefits as an operating expense when the benefit arrangement is communicated to the employee and no significant future services are required.  Under the accounting standards related to post employment termination benefits the Company records employee termination benefits when the termination benefits are probable and can be estimated.  The Company recognizes the present value of facility lease termination obligations, net of estimated sublease income and other exit costs, when the Company has future payments with no future economic benefit or a commitment to pay the termination costs of a prior commitment. In future periods the Company will record accretion expense to increase the liability to an amount equal to the estimated future cash payments necessary to exit the leases. This requires a significant amount of judgment and management estimation in order to determine the expected time frame it will take to secure a subtenant, the amount of sublease income to be received and the appropriate discount rate to calculate the present value of the future cash flows. Should actual lease exit costs differ from estimates, the Company may be required to adjust the restructuring charge which will impact net income in the period any adjustment is recorded.

2.           RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES:

The following table summarizes the restructuring activity for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):

   
Associate-related reserves
   
Ongoing
contract costs
   
Total
 
March 31, 2010
  $ 2,870     $ 12,904     $ 15,774  
Restructuring charges and adjustments
    5,773       (1,338 )     4,435  
Payments
    (3,081 )     (2,024 )     (5,105 )
March 31, 2011
  $ 5,562     $ 9,542     $ 15,104  
Restructuring charges and adjustments
    10,126       2,652       12,778  
Payments
    (6,091 )     (1,145 )     (7,236 )
March 31, 2012
  $ 9,597     $ 11,049     $ 20,646  
Restructuring charges and adjustments
    2,836       58       2,894  
Payments
    (8,744 )     (2,086 )     (10,830 )
March 31, 2013
  $ 3,689     $ 9,021     $ 12,710  
                         
Restructuring Plans

In fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a total of $2.9 million in restructuring charges and adjustments included in gains, losses and other items in the consolidated statement of operations.  The expense includes severance and other associate-related payments of $2.8 million and lease accruals of $0.1 million.

The associate-related accruals of $2.8 million relate to the termination of associates in the United States, Australia, and Europe.  Of the amount recorded, $2.5 million remained accrued as of March 31, 2013.  These costs are expected to be paid out in fiscal 2014.  Of the amount accrued for lease costs, $0.1 million remained accrued as of March 31, 2013.  These costs are expected to be paid out in fiscal 2014.

In fiscal 2012, the Company recorded a total of $12.8 million in restructuring charges and adjustments included in gains, losses and other items in the consolidated statement of operations.  The expense included severance and other associate-related payments of $9.9 million, lease accruals of $2.6 million, and adjustments to the fiscal 2011 restructuring plan of $0.3 million.

The associate-related accruals of $9.9 million relate to the termination of associates in the United States, Australia, Europe, and Brazil.  Of the amount recorded, $1.2 million remained accrued as of March 31, 2013.  These costs are expected to be paid out in fiscal 2014.

 
F-37
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
The lease accruals of $2.6 million were evaluated under the accounting standards which govern exit costs.  These accounting standards require the Company to make an accrual for the liability for lease costs that will continue to be incurred without economic benefit to the Company upon the date that the Company ceases using the leased property.  On or before March 31, 2012, the Company ceased using certain leased office facilities.  The Company intends to attempt to sublease those facilities to the extent possible.  The Company established a liability for the fair value of the remaining lease payments, partially offset by the estimated sublease payments to be received over the course of those leases.  The fair value of these liabilities is based on a net present value model using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.  These liabilities will be paid out over the remainder of the leased properties’ terms, of which the longest continues through July 2019.  Actual sublease terms may differ from the estimates originally made by the Company.  Any future changes in the estimates or in the actual sublease income could require future adjustments to the liability for these leases, which would impact net income in the period the adjustment is recorded.  The remaining amount accrued at March 31, 2013 is $1.6 million.

In fiscal 2011, the Company recorded $4.4 million in restructuring charges and adjustments included in gains, losses and other items in the consolidated statement of operations.  The expense includes severance and other associate-related charges of $3.4 million, offset by adjustments to previous restructuring plans of $1.7 million, and executive leadership transition charges of $2.7 million.

The associate-related charges of $3.4 million result from the termination of associates in the United States, Australia, and Europe.  These charges have been paid in full.

The transition charges of $2.7 million result from the transition agreement between the Company and its Chief Executive Officer upon his resignation in March 2011.  According to the agreement, one lump sum payment equal to two times the officer’s annual salary and bonus opportunity was to be paid by the Company.  The entire amount of $2.7 million was accrued at March 31, 2011 and was paid in full in April 2011.

As part of its restructuring plans in fiscal 2008 and 2009, the Company recorded lease accruals included in gains, losses and other items in the consolidated statement of operations.  The lease accruals were evaluated under the accounting standards which govern exit costs.  These liabilities will be paid out over the remainder of the leased properties’ terms, of which the longest continues through November 2021.  Any future changes in the estimates or in the actual sublease income could require future adjustments to the liability for these leases, which would impact net income in the period the adjustment is recorded.  The remaining amount accrued at March 31, 2013 is $7.3 million.

Gains, Losses and Other Items

Gains, losses and other items for each of the years presented are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Restructuring plan charges and adjustments
  $ 2,894     $ 12,778     $ 4,435  
Earnout liability adjustment (see note 3)
    -       (2,598 )     (1,058 )
Other
    (884 )     2,458       1,223  
    $ 2,010     $ 12,638     $ 4,600  



F-38

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



3.           ACQUISITIONS:

On July 1, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of a 70% interest in GoDigital Tecnologia E Participacoes, Ltda. (“GoDigital”), a Brazilian marketing services business.  The Company paid $10.9 million, net of cash acquired, and not including amounts, if any, to be paid under an earnout agreement in which the Company could have paid up to an additional $9.3 million based on the results of the acquired business over approximately the next two years.  The acquired business had annual revenue of approximately $8 million.  The Company has omitted pro forma disclosures related to this acquisition as the pro forma effect of the acquisition is not material.  The results of operations for GoDigital are included in the Company’s consolidated results beginning July 1, 2010.

The value of the earnout was originally estimated at $3.6 million.  During fiscal 2011, the Company estimated the value of the earnout to have decreased by $1.1 million and recorded the adjustment in gains, losses and other items, net on the consolidated statement of operations.  During fiscal 2012, the Company adjusted the value of the earnout to zero through gains, losses and other items, since there was no expectation of an earnout payment.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, a final determination was made that no liability for earnout payment existed under the acquisition agreement.

Also during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill and other intangible assets of GoDigital for impairment (see note 6).  A total impairment charge of $17.8 million was recorded of which $13.8 million was related to goodwill and $4.0 million was related to other intangible assets.  Approximately 30% of this charge is attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

On April 1, 2010, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of a digital marketing business (“XYZ”) operating in Australia and New Zealand.  The acquisition provided the Company additional market opportunities in this region.  The Company paid $1.8 million in cash, net of cash acquired, and not including amounts to be paid under an earnout agreement.  As of March 31, 2013, the Company has paid approximately $0.6 million and has no remaining liability under that agreement.  The acquired business had annual revenue of less than $2 million.  The Company has omitted pro forma disclosures related to this acquisition as the pro forma effect of this acquisition is not material.  The results of operation for the acquisition are included in the Company’s consolidated results beginning April 1, 2010.

The following table shows the allocation of GoDigital and XYZ purchase prices to assets acquired and liabilities assumed (dollars in thousands):

   
GoDigital
   
XYZ
 
Assets acquired:
           
Cash
  $ 776     $ 547  
Goodwill
    15,546       1,446  
Other intangible assets
    6,500       779  
Other current and noncurrent assets
    1,178       184  
      24,000       2,956  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and capital leases assumed
    2,091       120  
Net assets acquired
    21,909       2,836  
Less:
               
Cash acquired
    776       547  
Earnout liability
    3,611       532  
Noncontrolling interest
    6,573       -  
Net cash paid
  $ 10,949     $ 1,757  


F-39

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



The fair value of the noncontrolling interest in GoDigital in the table above was derived based on the purchase price paid by Acxiom for its interest.  The amount allocated to goodwill is due primarily to assembled work force.  The amounts allocated to other intangible assets in the table above include software, customer relationship intangibles and trademarks.  Amortization lives for those intangibles range from three years to five years.  The following table shows the amortization activity of purchased intangible assets (dollars in thousands):

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Developed technology assets, gross
  $ 18,014     $ 18,417     $ 21,165  
Accumulated amortization
    (17,881 )     (17,557 )     (15,679 )
Net developed technology assets
  $ 133     $ 860     $ 5,486  
                         
Customer/trademark assets, gross
  $ 18,823     $ 24,946     $ 25,042  
Accumulated amortization
    (18,259 )     (23,421 )     (18,146 )
Net customer/trademark assets
  $ 564     $ 1,525     $ 6,896  
                         
Total intangible assets, gross
  $ 36,837     $ 43,363     $ 46,207  
Total accumulated amortization
    (36,140 )     (40,978 )     (33,825 )
Net intangible assets
  $ 697     $ 2,385     $ 12,382  
                         
Amortization expense
  $ 1,671     $ 5,512     $ 6,950  

In addition to the amortization expense noted above, the Company recorded impairment of intangible assets of $4.0 million in 2012 for intangible assets of GoDigital (see note 6) and $2.4 million in 2011 for intangible assets of MENA (see note 4). The remaining intangible assets in the table above will be substantially amortized over the next two years.

4.           DIVESTITURES:

Prior to July 12, 2011, the Company owned a controlling interest in Acxiom MENA (“MENA”), a limited liability company registered under the laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  MENA comprised the Company’s Middle East and North Africa operations.  The consolidated net earnings of the Company in the statement of operations included the noncontrolling interests of MENA.  On July 12, 2011, the Company entered into a transaction with MENA’s minority partners to fully dispose of its interest in its MENA subsidiary.  The terms of the disposal included a $1.0 million cash payment to MENA and the release of any claims that the acquirer may have against the Company and an agreement to hold the Company harmless from any future liabilities.  Following the transaction, the Company will have continued involvement primarily related to providing transaction support for a period not longer than two years.  The entity will no longer be a related party of the Company.

The Company recorded a loss on the MENA disposal of $3.4 million in the statement of operations.  Of the $3.4 million loss, $2.5 million is recorded in gains, losses and other items, net and $0.9 million is recorded in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.  The deconsolidation of MENA in July 2011 resulted in the elimination of the accumulated deficit attributed to MENA from the Company’s consolidated statement of equity and comprehensive income of $0.9 million.  All goodwill associated with the MENA operations was impaired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, therefore there was no goodwill allocated to the disposed operations.  The revenue associated with the MENA operations for fiscal 2011 was approximately $5.7 million.

On February 1, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to dispose of the Company’s operations in Portugal.  The Company made a cash payment of $0.9 million to the acquirer as part of the disposal and recorded a loss in the statement of operations of $0.8 million.  There was no goodwill allocated to the disposed operations. The revenue associated with the Portugal operations was approximately $0.7 million in fiscal 2011.

On March 31, 2011 the Company entered into an agreement to dispose of the Company’s operations in The Netherlands.  The Company transferred $0.2 million in cash as part of the sale and recorded a loss in the statement of operations of $2.5 million.  There was no goodwill allocated to the disposed operations.  Included in the loss calculation was a $1.1 million accrual for exit activities.  The revenue associated with The Netherlands operations was approximately $3.5 million in fiscal 2011.

 
F-40
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
Discontinued Operation
On February 1, 2012 the Company completed the sale of its background screening unit, Acxiom Information Security Services (AISS), to Sterling Infosystems, a New York-based technology firm for $74 million.  The results of operations and gain on disposal amounts pertaining to the AISS business have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements.

The AISS business unit was included in the Information Products segment in the Company’s segment results presented in prior periods.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, the Company realigned its segments and the AISS business unit was included in the Other services segment.  However, the AISS business unit is excluded from segment results and segregated as discontinued operations.

Summary results of operations of the AISS business unit for all periods presented are segregated and included in income from discontinued operations, net of tax in the consolidated statements of operations and are as follows (dollars in thousands):
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues
  $ 42,819     $ 46,215  
                 
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes
  $ 4,907     $ 5,747  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations before income taxes
    48,380       -  
Income taxes
    (19,388 )     (2,351 )
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ 33,899     $ 3,396  
                 

The net cash flows related to the AISS discontinued operation for each of the categories of operating, investing, and financing activities were not significant for the periods presented.

5.           OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT ASSETS:

Other current assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
March 31,
2013
   
March 31,
2012
 
Prepaid expenses
  $ 45,032     $ 43,768  
Assets of non-qualified retirement plan
    13,771       13,344  
Other miscellaneous assets
    132       692  
Other current assets
  $ 58,935     $ 57,804  


Other noncurrent assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
March 31,
2013
   
March 31,
2012
 
Acquired intangible assets, net
  $ 564     $ 1,525  
Deferred income tax asset
    7,099       5,926  
Other miscellaneous noncurrent assets
    5,389       2,172  
Noncurrent assets
  $ 13,052     $ 9,623  


F-41

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



6.           GOODWILL:

Goodwill is measured and tested for impairment on an annual basis in the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year in accordance with applicable accounting standards, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.  Triggering events for interim impairment testing include indicators such as adverse industry or economic trends, restructuring actions, downward revisions to projections of financial performance, or a sustained decline in market capitalization.  The performance of the impairment test involves a two-step process.  The first step requires comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill.  A potential impairment exists if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value.  The second step of the impairment test involves assigning the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its identifiable assets, with any residual fair value being assigned to goodwill.  If the carrying value of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset (including goodwill) exceeds its estimated fair value, such asset is written down by an amount equal to the excess, and a corresponding amount is recorded as a charge to operations for the period in which the impairment test is completed.  Completion of the Company’s annual impairment test during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 indicated no potential impairment of its goodwill balances.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill in its European Marketing and data services unit for impairment.  The triggering events included the revision of the Company’s long-term projections in conjunction with the fiscal 2014 budget.  However, the results of the interim test indicated no impairment.

The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment, at March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and the changes in those balances are presented in the following table.

(dollars in thousands)
 
 
Marketing and Data Services
   
IT Infrastructure Management
   
Other Services
   
Total
 
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 321,772     $ 71,508     $ 4,709     $ 397,989  
Goodwill impairment
    (13,599 )     -       -       (13,599 )
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
    (2,096 )     -       (9 )     (2,105 )
Balance at March 31, 2012
  $ 306,077     $ 71,508     $ 4,700     $ 382,285  
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
    (1,011 )     -       (145 )     (1,156 )
Balance at March 31, 2013
  $ 305,066     $ 71,508     $ 4,555     $ 381,129  

Year end balances in the table above are net of accumulated impairment losses of $86.1 million at March 31, 2013 and 2012, and $72.5 million at March 31, 2011.

Goodwill by component included in Marketing and data services as of March 31, 2013 is US, $264.6 million; Europe, $18.5 million; Australia, $15.0 million; China, $6.0 million; and Brazil, $1.0 million.

In order to estimate the fair value for each of the components, management uses an income approach based on a discounted cash flow model (income approach) together with valuations based on an analysis of public company market multiples and a similar transactions analysis.

The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). The WACC considers market and industry data as well as company-specific risk factors for each reporting unit in determining the appropriate discount rate to be used. The discount rate utilized for each reporting unit is indicative of the return an investor would expect to receive for investing in such a business. Management, considering industry and company-specific historical and projected data, develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant WACC and low long-term growth rates.

The public company market multiple method is used to estimate values for each of the components by looking at market value multiples  to revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for
 
 
F-42
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
selected public companies that are believed to be representative of companies that marketplace participants would use to arrive at comparable multiples for the individual component being tested.  These multiples are then used to develop an estimated value for each respective component.

The similar transactions method compares multiples based on acquisition prices of other companies believed to be those that marketplace participants would use to compare to the individual component being tested.  Those multiples are then used to develop an estimated value for that component.

In order to arrive at an estimated value for each component, management uses a weighted-average approach to combine the results of each analysis.  Management believes that using multiple valuation approaches and then weighting them appropriately is a technique that a marketplace participant would use.

As a final test of the valuation results, the total of the values of the components is reconciled to the actual market value of Acxiom common stock as of the valuation date.  This reconciliation indicated an implied control premium.   Management  believes this control premium is reasonable compared to historical control premiums observed in actual transactions.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as either an operating segment or one step below an operating segment, known as a component.  Acxiom’s segments are the Marketing and data services segment, the IT Infrastructure management segment , and the Other services segment.  Because the Marketing and data services segment and the Other services segment contain both U.S. and International  components, and there are differences in economic characteristics between the components in the different geographic regions, management tested a total of eight components at the beginning of the year.  The goodwill amounts as of April 1, 2012 included in each component tested were :  U.S. Marketing and data services, $264.6 million; Europe Marketing and data services, $19.5 million; Australia Marketing and data services, $14.9 million; China Marketing and data services, $6.0 million; Brazil Marketing and data services, $1.1 million; U.S. Infrastructure management, $71.5 million; U.S. Other services, $1.8 million; and Europe Other services, $2.9 million.

As of April 1, 2012, each  of the components had an estimated fair value in excess of its carrying value, indicating no impairment.  All of the components had a substantial excess fair value, except for the Brazil component, for which the excess was 11%.   The additional impairment test for the Europe Marketing and data services component, carried out as of March 31, 2013, indicated a reduced fair value.   However , the fair value is still substantially in excess of carrying value.

Each quarter the Company considers whether indicators of impairment exist such that additional impairment testing may be necessary.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, management determined that results for the Brazil operation were likely to be significantly lower than had been projected in the previous goodwill test.  Management further determined that the failure of the Brazil operation to meet expectations, combined with the expectation that future budget projections would also be lowered, constituted a triggering event, requiring an interim goodwill impairment test.  In conjunction with the interim goodwill impairment test, management also tested for impairment all other intangible assets other than goodwill associated with the Brazil operation.  This test was performed during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, resulting in a total impairment charge of $17.8 million, of which $13.8 million was recorded as impairment of goodwill and $4.0 million was recorded as impairment of other intangible assets.  In addition, the $2.6 million earn-out liability relating to the Brazil acquisition was reduced to zero as there is no future expectation of an earn-out payment.  The reduction of the earn-out liability is reflected as a credit to gains, losses and other items, net.

The carrying value of the goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the Brazil operation prior to completion of the impairment test was $14.7 million for goodwill and $4.1 million for other intangible assets.  The Brazil component was previously part of the Information services segment and is now part of the Marketing and data services segment.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, triggering events occurred which required the Company to test the goodwill associated with its International operations for impairment.  The triggering events were changes to the Company’s projected long-term revenue growth and margins in both Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as well as the disposal of the Company’s Portugal and Netherlands operations.  Results of the two-step test indicated impairment associated with these operations, and the Company recorded an impairment charge of $79.7 million, of which $77.3 million was related to goodwill and $2.4 million was related to other intangible assets.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company historically had concluded that its International Information Products operations, which includes operations in Europe and Asia/Pacific (APAC), were properly aggregated into a
 
 
F-43
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
single International Information Products component for purposes of impairment testing and its International Information Services operations, which includes operations in Europe, APAC, MENA and Brazil, were properly aggregated into a single International Information Services component for purposes of impairment testing.  These conclusions were based on management’s determinations that the operations included in each of these non-U.S. components shared economic characteristics, as well as similar products and services, types of customers, and services distribution methods.  The primary economic characteristic that management concluded was similar for each of these units was expected long-term gross margins.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, as a result of the triggering events described above, and as management was developing revised projections for the Company’s International operations, management concluded that it was no longer appropriate to conclude that the respective operations previously included in the International Information Products component and the International Information Services component, respectively,  all shared similar economic characteristics, due to management’s differing expectations for these operations over the long term.  Therefore management did not aggregate these operations for testing as it had in the past, but instead performed step-one testing on the operations in the geographic regions described above individually (except for the Brazil operation, which was recently acquired and as to which management concluded the long-term expectations had not changed since the acquisition).  The carrying value of the goodwill associated with these operations prior to performing the impairment tests performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 were:  Europe Information Services, $28.8 million; APAC Information Services, $10.8 million; MENA Information Services, $4.8 million; Brazil Information Services, $16.9 million; Europe Information Products, $66.2 million; and APAC Information Products, $10.0 million.  Based on the step-one testing, which utilized a weighted average of estimated values derived from a discounted cash flow model, similar transactions analysis, and public company market multiples analysis, the Company determined that there was indicated impairment for Europe Information Services, Europe Information Products, and MENA Information Services units.  The estimated fair value for each of APAC Information Services and APAC Information Products exceeded its carrying value by a significant margin.

Step two of the goodwill test, which was required only for Europe Information Services, Europe Information Products, and MENA Information Services consisted of performing a hypothetical purchase price allocation, under which the estimated fair value was allocated to its tangible and intangible assets based on their estimated fair values.  In the case of MENA Information Services, this process indicated that all of its existing goodwill and other intangibles were impaired, and management determined that it was not necessary to perform detailed step two calculations in order to conclude that all of the goodwill and other intangibles related to MENA Information Services should be written off.  The total impairment charge for MENA Information Services was therefore $7.2 million, of which $4.8 million related to goodwill and $2.4 million related to other intangible assets.

For the European operations, there was no impairment for other intangible assets, but the hypothetical purchase price allocation indicated goodwill impairment of $72.5 million, of which $15.4 million was for European Information Services and $57.1 million was for European Information Products.

Management believes that the estimated valuations it arrived at are reasonable and consistent with what other marketplace participants would use in valuing the Company’s components.  However, management cannot give any assurance that these market values will not change in the future.  For example, if discount rates demanded by the market increase, this could lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the Company’s projections are not achieved in the future, this could lead management  to reassess their assumptions and lead to reduced valuations under the income approach .  If the market price of the Company’s stock decreases, this could cause the Company to reassess the reasonableness of the implied control premium, which might cause management to assume a higher discount rate under the income approach which could lead to reduced valuations.  If future similar transactions exhibit lower multiples than those observed in the past, this could lead to reduced valuations under the similar transactions approach.  And finally, if there is a general decline in the stock market and particularly in those companies selected as comparable to the Company’s components, this could lead to reduced valuations under the public company market multiple approach.  The Company’s next annual impairment test will be performed during the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The fair value of the Company’s components could deteriorate which could result in the need to record impairment charges in future periods.  The Company continues to monitor potential triggering events including changes in the business climate in which it operates, attrition of key personnel, the volatility in the capital markets, the Company’s market capitalization compared to its book value, the Company’s recent operating performance, and the Company’s financial projections.  The occurrence of one or more triggering events could require additional impairment testing, which could result in impairment charges.


F-44

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



7.           SOFTWARE AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS:

The Company recorded amortization expense related to internally developed computer software of $8.6 million, $15.2 million, and $20.5 million for fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and amortization of purchased software licenses of $9.7 million, $13.5 million and $15.6 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Additionally, research and development costs of $11.7 million, $5.5 million and $11.6 million were charged to cost of revenue during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Amortization expense related to both internally developed and purchased software is included in cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

8.           PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

Property and equipment, some of which has been pledged as collateral for long-term debt, is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
March 31,
2013
   
March 31,
2012
 
Land
  $ 6,737     $ 6,737  
Buildings and improvements
    263,172       263,115  
Data processing equipment
    492,626       583,696  
Office furniture and other equipment
    59,904       59,525  
      822,439       913,073  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    591,687       659,700  
    $ 230,752     $ 253,373  

Depreciation expense on property and equipment (including amortization of property and equipment under capitalized leases) was $61.8 million, $62.4 million and $64.1 million for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

9.           LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
   
March 31,
2013
   
March 31,
2012
 
Term loan credit agreement
  $ 218,000     $ 224,000  
Capital leases and installment payment obligations on land, buildings and equipment payable in monthly payments of principal plus interest at rates ranging from approximately 3% to 8%; remaining terms up to nine years
    21,368       35,726  
Other debt and long-term liabilities
    14,137       18,496  
Total long-term debt and capital leases
    253,505       278,222  
Less current installments
    16,105       26,336  
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
  $ 237,400     $ 251,886  
                 

The Company’s amended and restated credit agreement provides for (1) term loans up to an aggregate principal amount of $600 million and (2) revolving credit facility borrowings consisting of revolving loans, letter of credit participations and swing-line loans up to an aggregate amount of $120 million.

The term loan is payable in quarterly installments of approximately $1.5 million each, through December 31, 2014, with a final payment of approximately $207.5 million due March 15, 2015.  The revolving loan commitment expires March 15, 2014.

 
F-45
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
Revolving credit facility borrowings currently bear interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread, or at an alternative base rate or at the Federal Funds rate plus a credit spread, depending on the type of borrowing.  The LIBOR credit spread is 2.75%.  There were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2013 or March 31, 2012.  Term loan borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread of 3.00%.  The weighted-average interest rate on term loan borrowings at March 31, 2013 was 3.7%.  Outstanding letters of credit at March 31, 2013 were $2.2 million.

The term loan allows prepayments before maturity.  The credit agreement is secured by the accounts receivable of Acxiom and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as by the outstanding stock of certain Acxiom subsidiaries.

Under the terms of the term loan, the Company is required to maintain certain debt-to-cash flow and debt service coverage ratios, among other restrictions.  At March 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and restrictions.  In addition, if certain financial ratios and other conditions are not satisfied, the revolving credit facility limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends in excess of $30 million in any fiscal year (plus additional amounts in certain circumstances).

On July 25, 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement.  The agreement provides for the Company to pay interest through January 27, 2014 at a fixed rate of 0.94% plus the applicable credit spread on $150.0 million notional amount, while receiving interest for the same period at the LIBOR rate on the same notional amount.  The LIBOR rate as of March 31, 2013 was 0.30%.  The swap was entered into as a cash flow hedge against LIBOR interest rate movements on the term loan.  As of March 31, 2013, the hedge relationship qualified as an effective hedge under applicable accounting standards.  Consequently, all changes in fair value of the derivative are deferred and recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the related forecasted transaction is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.  The fair market value of the derivative was zero at inception and an unrealized loss of $0.8 million since inception is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) with the offset recorded to other noncurrent liabilities.  The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) may be recognized in the statement of operations if certain terms of the floating-rate debt change, if the floating-rate debt is extinguished or if the interest rate swap agreement is terminated prior to maturity.  The Company has assessed the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the swap and concludes that no substantial risk of default exists as of March 31, 2013.

The Company’s future obligations, excluding interest, under its long-term debt at March 31, 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year ending March 31,
     
2014
  $ 16,105  
2015
    221,621  
2016
    7,686  
2017
    1,001  
2018
    1,157  
Thereafter
    5,935  
    $ 253,505  


F-46

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011


10.           ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS:

A summary of the activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts, returns and credits is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Balance at beginning of period
   
Additions charged to costs and expenses
   
Other changes
   
Bad debts written off, net of amounts recovered
   
Balance at end of period
 
2011:
                             
Allowance for doubtful accounts, returns and credits
  $ 6,341     $ 940     $ 198     $ (1,857 )   $ 5,622  
2012:
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts, returns and credits
  $ 5,622     $ 1,731     $ (164 )   $ (2,313 )   $ 4,876  
2013:
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts, returns and credits
  $ 4,876     $ 902     $ (112 )   $ (1,525 )   $ 4,141  

Included in other changes are allowance accounts acquired in connection with business combinations, disposals, and the effects of exchange rates.

11.           COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Legal Matters

The Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses, to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. The Company records accruals for these matters to the extent that management concludes a loss is probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. These accruals are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In management’s opinion, the Company has made appropriate and adequate accruals for these matters and management believes the probability of a material loss beyond the amounts accrued to be remote; however, the ultimate liability for these matters is uncertain, and if accruals are not adequate, an adverse outcome could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.  Listed below are certain matters pending against the Company and/or its subsidiaries for which the potential exposure is considered material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  Management believes the Company has substantial defenses to the claims made and intends to vigorously defend these matters.

A putative class action is pending against the Company, AISS (which was sold to another company in fiscal 2012), and Acxiom Risk Mitigation, Inc., a Colorado corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Acxiom, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia seeking to certify nationwide classes of persons who requested a consumer file from any Acxiom entity from 2007 forward; who were the subject of an Acxiom report sold to a third party that contained information not obtained directly from a governmental entity and who did not receive a timely copy of the report; who were subject of an Acxiom report and about whom Acxiom adjudicated the hire/no hire decision on behalf of the employer; who, from 2010 forward,  disputed an Acxiom report and Acxiom did not complete the investigation within 30 days; or who, from 2007 forward,  were subject to an Acxiom report for which no permissible purpose existed. The complaint alleges various violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Company has not recorded an accrual for this matter as it believes no loss is probable.  The Company cannot estimate the range of reasonably possible loss.

The founders of GoDigital, a subsidiary of the Company, have sued the Company in Brazil contending that the Company breached its obligations to maximize the founders’ earnout revenue and reduced the value of the founders’ remaining holdings. The Company acquired a 70% interest in GoDigital in fiscal 2011. The acquisition agreement provided for an up-front payment with the possibility of a future payment based upon the performance of the business over a two-year period of time. The Company has not recorded an accrual for this matter as it believes no loss is probable, and the range of reasonably possible loss is not material.

 
F-47
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of all of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Commitments

The Company leases data processing equipment, office furniture and equipment, land and office space under noncancellable operating leases.  The Company has a future commitment for lease payments over the next 27 years of $110.1 million.

Total rental expense on operating leases was $21.7 million, $23.9 million and $34.3 million for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Future minimum lease payments under all noncancellable operating leases for the five years ending March 31, 2018, are as follows: 2014, $22.0 million; 2015, $17.1 million; 2016, $13.9 million; 2017, $13.4 million; and 2018, $11.5 million.

In connection with a certain building, the Company has entered into a 50/50 joint venture with a local real estate developer.  The Company is guaranteeing a portion of the loan for the building.  In addition, in connection with the disposal of certain assets, the Company has guaranteed a lease for the buyer of the assets.  These guarantees were made by the Company primarily to facilitate favorable financing terms for those third parties.  Should the third parties default, the Company would be required to perform under these guarantees.  A portion of the guaranteed amount is collateralized by real property.  At March 31, 2013 the Company’s maximum potential future payments under these guarantees were $3.1 million.

12.           STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

The Company has authorized 200 million shares of $0.10 par value common stock and 1 million shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock.  The board of directors of the Company may designate the relative rights and preferences of the preferred stock when and if issued.  Such rights and preferences could include liquidation preferences, redemption rights, voting rights and dividends, and the shares could be issued in multiple series with different rights and preferences.  The Company currently has no plans for the issuance of any shares of preferred stock.

The Company has issued warrants to purchase shares of its common stock.  The following table shows outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2013:
   
Number of warrants outstanding
 
Issued
Vesting date
Expiration date
 
Weighted average exercise price
 
                   
AISS acquisition (fiscal 2003)
    1,272,024  
August 2002
August 2002
August 12, 2017
  $ 16.32  
Toplander acquisition (fiscal 2003)
    102,935  
March 2004
March 2004
March 17, 2019
  $ 13.24  
      1,374,959           $ 16.09  

On August 29, 2011, the board of directors adopted a common stock repurchase program.  That program was subsequently modified and expanded on December 5, 2011, on May 24, 2012, and again on February 5, 2013.  Under the modified common stock repurchase program, the Company may purchase up to $200.0 million of its common stock through the period ending February 5, 2014.  During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the Company repurchased 5.8 million shares of its common stock for $68.2 million.  During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 4.6 million shares of its common stock for $71.7 million.  Through March 31, 2013, the Company has repurchased 10.4 million shares of its stock for $139.9 million, leaving remaining capacity of $60.1 million under the stock repurchase program.  Cash paid for acquisition of treasury stock in the consolidated statement of cash flows may differ from the aggregate purchase price due to trades made during one fiscal period that settle in a different fiscal period.

The Company paid no dividends on its common stock for any of the years reported.

Stock Option Activity
The Company has stock option and equity compensation plans for which a total of 38.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance since inception of the plans.  These plans provide that the exercise prices of qualified options will be at or above the fair market value of the common stock at the time of the grant.  Board policy has also required that nonqualified options be priced at or above the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant.  At March 31, 2013, there were a total of 4.2 million shares available for future grants under the plans.

 
F-48
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
The per-share weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted during 2013 was $5.00.  This valuation was determined using a customized binomial lattice approach with the following weighted-average assumptions: dividend yield of 0.0%; risk-free interest rate of 1.7%; expected option life of 4.5 years; expected volatility of 43% and a suboptimal exercise multiple of 1.4.  The per-share weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted during 2012 was $5.82 on the date of grant using a customized binomial lattice approach with the following weighted-average assumptions: dividend yield of 0.0%; risk-free interest rate of 2.2%; expected option life of 5.3 years; expected volatility of 44% and a suboptimal exercise multiple of 1.7.  The per-share weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted during 2011 was $7.54 on the date of grant using a customized binomial lattice approach with the following weighted-average assumptions:  dividend yield of 0.0%; risk-free interest rate of 3.4%; expected option life of 5.6 years; expected volatility of 52% and a suboptimal exercise multiple of 1.9.

Total expense related to stock options was approximately $1.9 million for fiscal 2013, $1.1 million for fiscal 2012 and $2.4   million for 2011.  Future expense for these options is expected to be approximately $5.0 million in total over the next four years.

Activity in stock options was as follows:
   
Number of shares
   
Weighted-average exercise price per share
   
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic value (in thousands)
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
    8,322,077     $ 20.91              
Granted
    497,409                      
Exercised
    (402,830 )                 $ 2,651  
Forfeited or cancelled
    (223,408 )                      
Outstanding at March 31, 2013
    8,193,248     $ 20.85       3.64     $ 24,429  
Exercisable at March 31, 2013
    7,045,869     $ 22.05       2.81     $ 16,481  

The aggregate intrinsic value for options exercised in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $2.7 million, $2.4 million, and $0.6 million, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value at period end represents total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between Acxiom’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price for each in-the-money option) that would have been received by the option holders had option holders exercised their options on March 31, 2013.  This amount changes based upon changes in the fair market value of Acxiom’s stock.

Following is a summary of stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2013:

     
Options outstanding
   
Options exercisable
 
Range of
exercise price
per share
   
Options
outstanding
 
Weighted- average remaining contractual life
 
Weighted-average
exercise price
per share
   
Options
exercisable
   
Weighted-average
exercise price
per share
 
                             
$ 6.32 - $ 9.62       98,798  
5.27 years
  $ 8.69       71,798     $ 8.61  
$ 10.22 - $ 15.00       2,308,398  
6.45 years
  $ 13.04       1,211,163     $ 12.62  
$ 15.10 - $ 19.82       1,700,968  
3.05 years
  $ 16.71       1,677,824     $ 16.70  
$ 20.12 - $ 25.00       2,081,052  
3.10 years
  $ 22.92       2,081,052     $ 22.92  
$ 25.98 - $ 29.30       1,095,987  
1.45 years
  $ 26.69       1,095,987     $ 26.69  
$ 30.93 - $ 39.12       668,512  
1.22 years
  $ 35.81       668,512     $ 35.81  
$ 40.88 - $ 62.06       239,533  
1.57 years
  $ 44.07       239,533     $ 44.07  
          8,193,248  
3.64 years
  $ 20.85       7,045,869     $ 22.05  



F-49

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



Restricted Stock Unit Activity
Non-vested time-vesting restricted stock units and changes during the year ended March 31, 2013 were as follows:

   
Number
of shares
   
Weighted- average
fair value per share at
grant date
   
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
    1,175,161     $ 13.40       2.21  
Granted
    681,408     $ 14.07          
Vested
    (470,285 )   $ 12.64          
Forfeited or cancelled
    (173,998 )   $ 13.99          
Outstanding at March 31, 2013
    1,212,286     $ 13.97       2.24  

During fiscal 2013, the Company granted time-vesting restricted stock units covering 681,408 shares of common stock with a value at the date of grant of $9.6 million.  Of the restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2013, 604,229 vest in equal annual increments over four years and 77,179 vest in one year. During fiscal 2012, the Company granted time-vesting restricted stock units covering 787,451 shares of common stock with a value at the date of grant of $10.4 million.  Of the restricted stock units granted, 654,357 vest in equal annual increments over four years and 133,094 vest in one year.  During fiscal 2011, the Company granted time-vesting restricted stock units covering 539,729 shares of common stock with a value at the date of grant of $9.4 million.  Of the restricted stock units granted, 467,641 vest in equal annual increments over four years and 72,088 vest in one year.  Valuation of time-vesting restricted stock units for all periods presented is equal to the quoted market price for the shares on the date of grant.  The total fair value of time-vesting restricted stock units vested in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $6.9 million, $6.9 million, and $2.6 million, respectively.

Non-vested performance-based restricted stock units and changes during the year ended March 31, 2013 were as follows:

   
Number
of shares
   
Weighted- average
fair value
per share at grant date
   
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2012
    511,864     $ 10.91       2.31  
Granted
    384,563     $ 13.50          
Forfeited or Cancelled
    (32,706 )   $ 25.25          
Outstanding at March 31, 2013
    863,721     $ 11.52       1.63  

During fiscal 2013, the Company granted performance-based restricted stock units covering 384,563 shares of common stock with a value at the date of grant of $5.2 million.  All of the performance-based restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2013 vest subject to attainment of performance criteria established by the compensation committee of the board of directors.  Of the units granted in fiscal 2013, 333,463 may vest in a number of shares from zero to 200% of the award, based on the attainment of an earnings-per-share target for fiscal 2015, with a multiplier based on the total shareholder return of Acxiom stock compared to total shareholder return of a group of peer companies established by the committee for the period from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2015.  The remaining 51,100 units represent inducement awards granted to an executive officer.  The executive officer may vest in up to 100% of the inducement award based on price targets for the Company’s common stock during the determination period from January 26, 2013 to July 26, 2014.  The value of the performance units is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model.  There were no performance-based restricted stock units vested in fiscal 2013.

During fiscal 2012, the Company granted performance-based restricted stock units covering 530,137 shares of common stock with a value at the date of grant of $5.4 million.  All of the performance-based restricted stock units granted vest subject to attainment of performance criteria established by the compensation committee of the board of directors.  Of the units granted, 172,945 may vest in a number of shares from zero to 200% of the award, based on the total shareholder return of Acxiom stock compared to total shareholder return of a group of peer companies established by the committee for the period from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2014.  The remaining 357,192 units represent inducement awards granted to the Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and chief revenue officer.  The executive officers may vest in up to 100% of the award based on price targets for the Company’s common stock during the determination period from January 26, 2013 to July 26, 2014.  The value of the performance units is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model.   The total fair value of performance-based restricted stock units vested in fiscal 2012 was $6.4 million.

During fiscal 2011, the Company granted performance-based restricted stock units covering 191,790 shares of common stock with a value at the date of grant of $4.7 million.  The grants vest subject to attainment of performance criteria established by the compensation committee of the board of directors.  Each recipient of the performance units may vest in a number of shares from zero to 200% of their award, based on the total shareholder return of Acxiom
 
 
F-50
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
stock compared to total shareholder return of a group of peer companies established by the committee for the period from April 1, 2010 to March 29, 2013.  The value of the performance units was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. None of these shares vested, as the performance targets were not met.  Additionally, there were no performance-based restricted stock units vested in fiscal 2011.
 
 
The expense related to restricted stock was $10.1 million in fiscal 2013, $7.8 million in fiscal 2012, and $10.7 million in fiscal 2011.  Future expense for these restricted stock units is expected to be approximately $8.8 million in fiscal 2014, $5.7 million in fiscal 2015, $2.2 million in fiscal 2016 and $0.4 million in fiscal 2017.
 
 
Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In addition to the share-based plans, the Company maintains a qualified employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) that permits substantially all employees to purchase shares of common stock at a price equal to the market price.  The number of shares available for issuance at March 31, 2013 was approximately 1.0 million.   Approximately 122,427 shares were purchased under the ESPP during the combined fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011.  There was no expense to the Company for these share purchases.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
March 31,
2013
   
March 31,
2012
 
Foreign currency translation
  $ 12,175     $ 14,664  
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
    (752 )     (1,063 )
    $ 11,423     $ 13,601  

F-51

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



13.           INCOME TAXES:

Total income tax expense (benefit) was allocated as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 33,058     $ 29,129     $ 31,726  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       19,388       2,351  
Stockholders’ equity:
                       
Tax impact of stock options, warrants and restricted stock
    (357 )     1,310       316  
    $ 32,701     $ 49,827     $ 34,393  

Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to earnings from continuing operations consists of (dollars in thousands):

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Current:
                 
U.S. Federal
  $ 32,782     $ 22,919     $ 10,860  
Non-U.S.
    716       295       176  
State
    3,138       3,687       2,111  
      36,636       26,901       13,147  
Deferred:
                       
U.S. Federal
    (3,874 )     900       19,477  
Non-U.S.
    (574 )     2,359       (264 )
State
    870       (1,031 )     (634 )
      (3,578 )     2,228       18,579  
Total
  $ 33,058     $ 29,129     $ 31,726  

Earnings (loss) before income tax attributable to U.S. and non-U.S. continuing operations consist of (dollars in thousands):

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
U.S.
  $ 89,791     $ 100,051     $ 93,503  
Non-U.S.
    386       (33,305 )     (93,615 )
Total
  $ 90,177     $ 66,746     $ (112 )

Earnings before income taxes, as shown above, are based on the location of the entity to which such earnings are attributable.  However, since such earnings may be subject to taxation in more than one country, the income tax provision shown above as U.S. or non-U.S. may not correspond to the earnings shown above.

Below is a reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) computed using the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% of earnings before income taxes to the actual provision for income taxes (dollars in thousands) for continuing operations:

F-52

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Computed expected tax expense (benefit)
  $ 31,562     $ 23,361     $ (39 )
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
                       
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    1,631       1,672       1,892  
Research, experimentation and other tax credits
    (1,408 )     (518 )     (3,897 )
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles not deductible for tax
    -       5,031       28,006  
Permanent differences between book and tax expense
    (481 )     (9,507 )     (58 )
Non-U.S. subsidiaries taxed at other than 35%
    1,761       3,670       4,409  
Adjustment to valuation allowances
    726       4,598       1,312  
Other, net
    (733 )     822       101  
    $ 33,058     $ 29,129     $ 31,726  

In fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded $0.7 million in additional valuation allowances for deferred tax assets principally related to a state jurisdiction and in fiscal year 2012, the Company recorded $4.6 million in additional valuation allowances for deferred tax assets primarily consisting of $5.2 million related to a foreign jurisdiction, offset by other adjustments.  The increases in valuation allowances were due to the change in management’s assessment of future projections in certain state and foreign jurisdictions.

Below is a reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) computed using the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% of earnings before income taxes to the actual provision for income taxes for discontinued operations (dollars in thousands):

   
2012
   
2011
 
Computed expected tax expense (benefit)
  $ 18,650     $ 2,011  
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
               
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    737       187  
Other, net
    1       153  
    $ 19,388     $ 2,351  

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at March 31, 2013 and 2012 are presented below.  In accordance with income tax accounting standards, as of March 31, 2013 the Company has not recognized deferred income taxes on approximately $38.1 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested outside the respective parent’s country.  Calculation of the deferred income tax related to these earnings is not practicable (dollars in thousands).

   
2013
   
2012
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Accrued expenses not currently deductible for tax purposes
  $ 9,183     $ 11,228  
Revenue recognized for tax purposes in excess of revenue for financial reporting purposes
    4,314       3,878  
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
    45,746       51,153  
Other
    11,945       10,410  
Total deferred tax assets
    71,188       76,669  
Less valuation allowance
    35,981       39,083  
Net deferred tax assets
    35,207       37,586  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Intangible assets, principally due to differences in amortization
  $ (66,959 )   $ (64,798 )
Costs capitalized for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts capitalized for tax purposes
    (24,869 )     (26,072 )
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation
    (17,702 )     (24,648 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (109,530 )     (115,518 )
Net deferred tax liability
  $ (74,323 )   $ (77,932 )

 
F-53
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
At March 31, 2013, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $12.5 million and $62.6 million for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes, respectively.  These net operating loss carryforwards expire in various amounts from 2013 through 2031.  The Company has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $126.9 million. Of this amount, $123.8 million do not have expiration dates.  The remainder expires in various amounts through 2022.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.

Based upon the Company’s history of profitability and taxable income and the reversal of taxable temporary differences in the U.S., management believes that with the exception of carryforwards in certain states it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.  The Company has established valuation allowances against $56.1 million of loss carryforwards in the states where activity does not support the deferred tax asset.

Based upon the Company’s history of losses in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will not realize the benefits of certain foreign carryforwards and has established valuation allowances for substantial portions of its foreign deferred tax assets.

The following table sets forth changes in the total gross unrecognized tax benefit liabilities, including accrued interest, for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.  The entire liability, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective income tax rate in future periods.

(dollars in thousands)
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 3,109     $ 3,043     $ 6,379  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    342       189       360  
Reduction due to expiration of statute of limitations
    -       (94 )     (3,460 )
Adjustments to tax positions taken in prior years
    195       (29 )     (236 )
Balance at end of period included in other liabilities
  $ 3,646     $ 3,109     $ 3,043  

The Company reports accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, the Company recognized $0.1 million of tax-related interest expense and penalties and had $0.6 million of accrued interest and penalties at March 31, 2013.  The Company expects that up to $3.1 million of the above balance could potentially be reversed within the next twelve months.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and tax returns in various state and local jurisdictions.  The Company’s subsidiaries also file tax returns in various foreign jurisdictions in which it operates.  In the U.S., the statute of limitations for Internal Revenue Service examinations remains open for the Company’s federal income tax returns for fiscal years subsequent to 2009. The status of state and local and foreign tax examinations varies by jurisdiction.  The Company does not anticipate any material adjustments to its financial statements resulting from tax examinations currently in progress.


F-54

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



14.           RETIREMENT PLANS:

The Company has a qualified 401(k) retirement savings plan which covers substantially all U.S. employees.  The Company also offers a supplemental nonqualified deferred compensation plan (“SNQDC Plan”) for certain highly-compensated employees.  Effective April 1, 2010, the Company matched 25% of the first 6% of employees’ annual aggregate contributions to both plans.  Effective October 1, 2010, the Company increased the match to 50% of the first 6% of employee’s annual aggregate contributions.  The Company may also contribute additional amounts to the plans at the discretion of the board of directors.

Company contributions for the above plans amounted to approximately $6.1 million, $6.4 million and $3.9 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Included in both other current assets and other accrued liabilities are the assets and liabilities of the SNQDC Plan in the amount of $13.8 million and $13.3 million at March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company has one small defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees in Germany.  During fiscal 2011, the Company had two small defined benefit pension plans covering certain European employees; however one plan was transferred to the purchaser of the disposed Netherlands operations at the end of fiscal 2011.  Both the projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation were $0.6 million as of March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012.

There was no fair value in the plan assets as of either March 31, 2013 or March 31, 2012.  The excess of benefit obligations over plan assets was $0.6 million at March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012.

15.           FOREIGN OPERATIONS:

The Company attributes revenue to each geographic region based on the location of the Company’s operations.  The following table shows financial information by geographic area for the years 2013, 2012 and 2011 (dollars in thousands):

Revenue
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
United States
  $ 954,467     $ 969,961     $ 951,642  
Foreign
                       
Europe
  $ 105,278     $ 118,278     $ 118,072  
Asia/Pacific
    34,876       36,158       32,282  
Other
    4,738       6,227       11,759  
All Foreign
  $ 144,892     $ 160,663     $ 162,113  
    $ 1,099,359     $ 1,130,624     $ 1,113,755  

Long-lived assets excluding financial instruments (dollars in thousands)
   
2013
   
2012
 
United States
  $ 654,550     $ 678,044  
Foreign
               
Europe
  $ 42,690     $ 54,241  
Asia/Pacific
    28,139       26,900  
Other
    1,231       1,587  
All Foreign
  $ 72,060     $ 82,728  
    $ 726,610     $ 760,772  


F-55

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



16.           FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, unbilled and notes receivable, short-term borrowings and trade payables - The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Long-term debt - The interest rate on the term loan and revolving credit agreement is adjusted for changes in market rates and therefore the carrying value of these loans approximates fair value.  The estimated fair value of other long-term debt was determined based upon the present value of the expected cash flows considering expected maturities and using interest rates currently available to the Company for long-term borrowings with similar terms.  At March 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of long-term debt approximates its carrying value.

Derivative instruments included in other liabilities - The carrying value is adjusted to fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) at each balance sheet date.  The fair value is determined from an interest-rate futures model.

Under applicable accounting standards financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company assigned assets and liabilities to the hierarchy in the accounting standards, which is Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 - significant other observable inputs and Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs.

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of March 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Fiscal 2013
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Other current assets
  $ 13,771     $ -     $ -     $ 13,771  
Total assets
  $ 13,771     $ -     $ -     $ 13,771  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Other noncurrent liabilities
    -       752       -       752  
Total liabilities
  $ -     $ 752     $ -     $ 752  

Fiscal 2012
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Other current assets
  $ 13,344     $ -     $ -     $ 13,344  
Total assets
  $ 13,344     $ -     $ -     $ 13,344  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Other noncurrent liabilities
    -       1,063       -       1,063  
Total liabilities
  $ -     $ 1,063     $ -     $ 1,063  

F-56

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



17.           SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company reports segment information consistent with the way management internally disaggregates its operations to assess performance and to allocate resources.  We regularly review our segments and the approach used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources.  The Company’s business segments consist of Marketing and data services, IT Infrastructure management, and Other services.  The Marketing and data services segment includes the Company’s global lines of business for Customer Data Integration (CDI), Consumer Insight Solutions, Marketing Management Services, and Consulting and Agency Services.  The IT Infrastructure management segment develops and delivers IT outsourcing and transformational solutions.  The Other services segment includes the e-mail fulfillment business, the US risk business, and the UK fulfillment business.

Company management uses the revenues and earnings of the three operating segments, among other factors, for performance evaluation and resource allocation.  The Company evaluates performance of the segments based on segment operating income.  The Company’s calculation of segment operating income does not include inter-company transactions and allocates all corporate expenses, excluding those reported as impairments or gains, losses and other items.  Because segment operating income excludes certain impairments and gains, losses and other items this measure is considered a non-GAAP financial measure, which is not a financial measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Management believes segment operating income is a helpful measure in evaluating performance of the business segments.  While management considers segment operating income to be a helpful measure of comparative operating performance, this measure should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP presented elsewhere in the financial statements.  In addition, the Company’s calculation of segment operating income may be different from measures used by other companies and therefore comparability may be affected.

The following tables present information by business segment (dollars in thousands):

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenue:
                 
Marketing and data services
  $ 767,738     $ 771,714     $ 736,105  
IT Infrastructure management
    275,469       291,525       302,630  
Other services
    56,152       67,385       75,020  
Total revenue
  $ 1,099,359     $ 1,130,624     $ 1,113,755  
                         
Income (loss) from operations:
                       
Marketing and data services
  $ 80,513     $ 95,820     $ 87,254  
IT Infrastructure management
    29,330       24,988       24,467  
Other services
    (5,114 )     (4,804 )     (2,270 )
Corporate
    (2,010 )     (30,441 )     (84,274 )
Income from operations
  $ 102,719     $ 85,563     $ 25,177  
                         
Depreciation and amortization:
                       
Marketing and data services
  $ 52,782     $ 61,443     $ 69,428  
IT Infrastructure management
    60,042       66,497       67,876  
Other services
    3,384       6,722       9,051  
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 116,208     $ 134,662     $ 146,355  
                         
Total assets:
                       
Marketing and data services
  $ 641,897     $ 665,029          
IT Infrastructure management
    316,009       326,673          
Other services
    18,696       20,293          
Corporate
    211,104       220,782          
Total assets
  $ 1,187,706     $ 1,232,777          


F-57

 
 
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011



18.           UNAUDITED SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA:

(dollars in thousands except per-share amounts)
 
 
Quarter ended
June 30,
2012
   
Quarter ended September 30, 2012
   
Quarter ended December 31, 2012
   
Quarter ended
March 31,
2013
 
Revenue
  $ 271,659     $ 277,467     $ 273,102     $ 277,131  
Gross profit
    62,333       67,581       64,075       63,544  
Income from operations
    25,424       30,208       26,898       20,189  
Net earnings
    13,199       16,372       14,449       13,099  
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom
    13,333       16,511       14,525       13,238  
                                 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Net earnings
    0.17       0.22       0.19       0.18  
Attributable to Acxiom stockholders
    0.17       0.22       0.20       0.18  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Net earnings
    0.17       0.21       0.19       0.17  
Attributable to Acxiom stockholders
    0.17       0.21       0.19       0.18  

                         
(dollars in thousands except per-share amounts)
 
Quarter ended
June 30,
2011
   
Quarter ended September 30, 2011
   
Quarter ended December 31, 2011
   
Quarter ended
March 31,
2012
 
Revenue
  $ 276,044     $ 286,432     $ 280,893     $ 287,255  
Gross profit
    57,755       68,945       66,968       73,467  
Income from operations
    20,704       27,051       15,518       22,290  
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
    916       1,138       814       31,031  
Net earnings
    10,015       12,977       2,651       45,873  
Net earnings attributable to Acxiom
    10,975       12,292       7,930       46,066  
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                               
From continuing operations
    0.11       0.15       0.02       0.19  
From discontinued operations
    0.01       0.01       0.01       0.40  
Attributable to Acxiom stockholders
    0.14       0.15       0.10       0.59  
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                               
From continuing operations
    0.11       0.15       0.02       0.19  
From discontinued operations
    0.01       0.01       0.01       0.39  
Attributable to Acxiom stockholders
    0.13       0.15       0.10       0.58  
                                 

Some earnings per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded $2.9 million in restructuring charges, offset by $0.9 million in other credits within gains, losses and other items, net, in the consolidated statement of operations.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded $12.6 million in restructuring charges included in gains, losses and other items, net in the consolidated statement of operations.  In addition, the Company recorded $31.0 million, net of tax, as earnings from discontinued operations, including a gain on disposal of the discontinued operation.

 
F-58
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded $17.8 million in impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangibles related to the Brazil operations.  The related earn-out liability of $2.6 million was reduced to zero to reflect the expected outcome of the earn-out calculation.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded a net loss on disposal of $2.5 million in gains, losses, and other items, net and $0.9 million in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest as a result of the disposal of its interest in Acxiom MENA – its operation in the Middle East.



F-59

 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 10.7


ACXIOM CORPORATION
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
2014 CASH INCENTIVE PLAN

The Acxiom Corporation Executive Officer 2014 Cash Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) has been established by Acxiom Corporation (the “Company”) pursuant to the 2010 Executive Cash Incentive Plan of Acxiom Corporation (the “2010 Plan”) in order to encourage outstanding performance from its executive officers. Subject to applicable law, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any award shall be within the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”), may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons. Awards made pursuant to the Plan to Covered Officers are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and the Regulations promulgated thereunder and this Plan shall be interpreted accordingly. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the 2010 Plan.

Participation

All officers of the Company who have been designated by the Committee as “executive officers” of the Company during the Company’s 2014 fiscal year (the “Fiscal Year”) are eligible to receive an award pursuant to the Plan.

Incentive Calculation and Payment of Awards

Awards shall be calculated based on the financial results for the Fiscal Year and shall be paid within two and one-half months following the end of the Fiscal Year.  Each Covered Officer of the Company shall be eligible for an Award of 200% of such officer’s target incentive (the “Maximum Opportunity”) in the event the 2014 minimum threshold target set by the Committee (the “Minimum Threshold Target”) is attained; provided, that the Maximum Opportunity of a Covered Officer shall not exceed the maximum cash amount set forth in Section 5(c) of the 2010 Plan. The Committee shall determine the actual amount of an Award to each Covered Officer by reducing the Maximum Opportunity of such Covered Officer by applying the performance criteria determined by the Committee.  The Committee will make Awards to other Participants pursuant to this Plan based on the satisfaction of such performance criteria.

The targets for such performance criteria, as well as the target incentive of each Participant, shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion within the first ninety (90) days of the Fiscal Year. The Committee shall determine whether and to what extent each performance or other goal has been met. Awards pursuant to the Plan will be paid solely in cash. Except as the Committee may otherwise determine in its sole and absolute discretion, termination of a Participant’s employment prior to the end of the Fiscal Year will result in the forfeiture of the Award by the Participant, and no payments shall be made with respect thereto. Following the Fiscal Year, the Committee shall certify, in writing, whether the applicable performance targets have been achieved and the amounts, if any, payable to each Covered Officer for the Fiscal Year.

 
 
 
This Plan is not a “qualified” plan for federal income tax purposes, and any payments are subject to applicable tax withholding requirements.

2014 Cash Incentive Opportunities

The Committee shall assign to each Participant annual maximum, target and threshold award opportunities, expressed as percentages of base salary, based on the level of performance achieved under the targets set by the Committee by resolution.

The Committee, at its discretion, may increase or decrease a Participant’s Award up to 30% of the amount otherwise determined by actual performance described above based on an individual performance evaluation. The amount of any such adjustment shall be based upon the Participant’s performance against the Participant’s individual personal performance objectives.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Award to a Covered Officer shall exceed such Covered Officer’s Maximum Opportunity.

Adjustments for Unusual or Nonrecurring Events

In addition to any adjustments enumerated in the definition of the performance measure set forth in the Plan, the Committee is hereby authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting any Participant, the Company, or any subsidiary or affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or of any subsidiary or affiliate; in the event of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles; or in the event the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan. The Committee is also authorized to adjust performance targets or awards downward to avoid unwarranted windfalls. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall not make any adjustments to the Plan that would prevent any Awards made to Covered Officers from qualifying as “performance-based compensation” pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code.
 
 

 
 
 

Other Provisions

No Right to Employment

The grant of an award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate.

No Trust or Fund Created

Neither the Plan nor any award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate pursuant to an award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate.

No Rights to Awards

No person shall have any claim to be granted any award, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment among Participants. The terms and conditions of awards, if any, need not be the same with respect to each Participant. The Company reserves the right to terminate the Plan at any time in the Company’s sole discretion.

Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code

This Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and will be interpreted in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

Interpretation and Governing Law

This Plan shall be governed by and interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflicts or choices of laws. In the event the terms of this Plan are inconsistent with the terms of any written employment agreement between a Participant and the Company, the terms of such written employment agreement shall govern the Participant’s participation in the Plan.

Earnings Per Share

For purposes of the Plan, “Earnings Per Share,” or “EPS,” means the Company’s diluted earnings per share for the Fiscal Year as reflected on its financial accounting statements adjusted to exclude any expenses or losses related to the following: (i) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (ii) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iii) accruals for reorganizations or restructuring programs, (iv) Board-approved acquisitions of significant assets or businesses and (v) budgeted income of significant businesses discontinued or disposed of by the Company during the year, for such portions of the year following the disposition.

 
 
 


 
 
 

Exhibit 10.21

Retention Agreement

This Retention Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into and effective the 12th day of December, 2011 by and between Acxiom Corporation, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 601 East 3 rd , Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (“Acxiom”) and  Cindy Childers, an individual residing at XXXXXXXXX, Little Rock, AR, 72207 (the “Executive”) (collectively the “Parties”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Executive is an employee of Acxiom and has indicated a desire to retire from her full time position as Senior Vice-President of Human Resources (“SVP”); and

WHEREAS, Acxiom wishes to retain the services of Executive as SVP; and

WHEREAS, Acxiom has offered to pay Executive a retention bonus in exchange for her agreement to remain employed as the SVP and to achieve certain performance objectives while employed as SVP; and

WHEREAS, the Parties now wish to enter into this Agreement to define the terms of Executive’s continued employment and payment of the retention bonus.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree
      as follows:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.   Payment .  In exchange for Executive’s continued employment by Acxiom as its SVP until November 15, 2012 (“Retention Period”) and Executive’s achievement of the Performance Objectives, as specified herein, during the Retention Period, Acxiom shall pay to Executive Three Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars and 00/100s ($310,000) (“Retention Bonus”).

2.   Continued Employment .   Executive must be employed for the entire Retention Period in order to receive the Retention Bonus unless Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause by Acxiom or Executive resigns for Good Reason, both as defined herein.  The Retention Bonus will not be earned or payable in the event that Executive voluntarily resigns without Good Reason or is terminated for Cause prior to the end of the Retention Period.  “Cause” shall be defined as Executive’s: (i) willful failure to substantially perform reasonable and lawful instructions of Acxiom; (ii) intentional misconduct; (iii) gross negligence that is materially injurious to Acxiom; or (iv) Executive’s conviction of a felony crime.  “Good Reason” shall be defined as: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s title, authority or duties; or (ii) a material change in Executive’s base pay.

3.   Performance Objectives .  As a condition to Acxiom’s obligation to pay the Retention Bonus to Executive, Executive must successfully complete the following performance objectives (“Performance Objectives”) as determined in the sole discretion of Acxiom’s Chief Executive Officer:
a.  
Executive must onboard her replacement for the position of SVP and effectively transition her duties as SVP to her replacement by the end of the Retention Period;
 
b.  
Executive must execute upon any new company structure introduced by the CEO, provided that, if a new structure is introduced, it is complete and actionable during the Retention Period; and
 
c.  
Executive must create and carry out onboarding plans for any senior executives hired during the Retention Period, provided that, such positions are filled in a timely manner to permit on boarding during the Retention Period.

4.   Execution of Release of Claims .  As a condition to payment of the Retention Bonus, Executive must execute (and not revoke) an agreement with Acxiom that includes a general release of claims against Acxiom and other typical separation provisions, regardless of whether Executive continues or terminates her employment with Acxiom.  This agreement will be provided to Executive no later than November 15, 2012 and must be executed and returned to Acxiom within twenty-one (21) days of Executive’s receipt of the agreement.

 
 
 
5.   Payment Terms .  The Retention Bonus will be divided into twenty-four semi-monthly payments and paid on Acxiom’s regular pay dates beginning on the first regular pay date occurring ten (10) days after Acxiom’s receipt of Executive’s fully executed release agreement, provided Executive does not revoke the agreement.

6.   Death or Disability .  Should Executive die or incur a Disability, as defined herein, during the Retention Period, Executive shall be entitled to a prorated portion of the Retention Bonus regardless of achievement of Performance Objectives.  The Retention Bonus shall be prorated based on the proportion of the Retention Period the Executive performed services for Acxiom prior to the death or Disability.  A Disability shall be defined as Executive’s inability, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer, to perform the essential functions of her regular duties and responsibilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, due to a medically determinable physical or mental illness that has lasted (or can reasonably be expected to last) for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days, or for a total of ninety (90) days or more in any consecutive one hundred and eighty (180) day period.

7.   Employment at Will .  Nothing contained in this letter agreement changes or alters Executive’s at will employment status.  Both Executive and Acxiom remain free to terminate Executive’s employment with Acxiom for any legal reason at any time without advance notice.

8.   Other Agreements .  The terms of any other agreement Executive may have with Acxiom including the Associate Agreement and any equity grant agreements remain in full force in effect.  If there is any contradiction in the terms of this Agreement and any other agreement entered into between Executive and Acxiom, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.

9.   Entire Agreement . This Agreement contains the complete understanding between the Parties pertaining to the matters referred to herein, and supersedes any other undertakings and agreements, whether oral or in writing, previously entered into by them related to such matters. The Executive represents that, in executing this Agreement, she does not rely and has not relied upon any representation or statement not set forth herein made by Acxiom with regard to the subject matter or effect of this Agreement or otherwise and that the Executive has had the opportunity for this Agreement to be reviewed by an attorney.

10.   Waiver .   No waiver by any party of any breach of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at that time or in the future.

11.   Governing Law .  This letter agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Arkansas.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement effective as of date set forth above.
                                                                
 EXECUTIVE     ACXIOM CORPORATION  
     
  /s/ Cindy K. Childers       By: /s/ Scott E. Howe    
 Cindy Childers      Signed Name  
     
  12/12/2011                                                                          Scott E. Howe    
 Date    Print  
     
    President & CEO  
    Title  
     
    12/14/2011     
    Date  
 
   
                                                              
 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 10.22


ACXIOM CORPORATION
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
2013 CASH INCENTIVE PLAN

The Acxiom Corporation Chief Revenue Officer 2013 Cash Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) has been established by Acxiom Corporation (the “Company”) pursuant to the 2010 Executive Cash Incentive Plan of Acxiom Corporation (the “2010 Plan”) in order to encourage outstanding performance from its Chief Revenue Officer. Subject to applicable law, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any award shall be within the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”), may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons. Awards made pursuant to the Plan to Covered Officers are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and the Regulations promulgated thereunder and this Plan shall be interpreted accordingly. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the 2010 Plan.

Participation

Only the Chief Revenue Officer of the Company is eligible to receive an award pursuant to the Plan. The Committee intends that any awards payable pursuant to this Plan be in addition to any awards payable pursuant to the Acxiom Corporation Executive Officer 2012 Cash Incentive Plan(the “FY13 Inside Plan”).

Incentive Calculation and Payment of Awards

Awards shall be calculated based on the financial results for the Company’s 2013 fiscal year (the “Fiscal Year”) and shall be paid within two and one-half months following the end of the Fiscal Year. In the event the 2013 threshold target set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (the “Threshold Target”) is attained, the Chief Revenue Officer of the Company shall be eligible for an Award at a rate of $100,000 for each 1% of Qualifying Revenue (as defined in Schedule B attached hereto); provided, that the maximum opportunity hereunder, when taken together with any other cash amounts awarded to the Chief Revenue Officer under the 2010 Plan for the Fiscal Year, shall not exceed the maximum cash amount set forth in Section 5(c) of the 2010 Plan (the “Maximum Opportunity”). The Committee shall determine the actual amount of an Award by reducing the Maximum Opportunity by applying the performance criteria set forth on Schedule B .

The targets for the performance criteria set forth on Schedule B shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion within the first ninety (90) days of the Fiscal Year. The Committee shall determine whether and to what extent each performance or other goal has been met. Awards pursuant to the Plan will be paid solely in cash. Except as the Committee may otherwise determine in its sole and absolute discretion, termination of the Participant’s
 
 
 
 
employment prior to the end of the Fiscal Year will result in the forfeiture of the Award by the Participant, and no payments shall be made with respect thereto. Following the Fiscal Year, the Committee shall certify, in writing, whether the applicable performance criteria have been achieved and the amounts, if any, payable to the Participant for the Fiscal Year.

This Program is not a “qualified” plan for federal income tax purposes, and any payments are subject to applicable tax withholding requirements.

Adjustments for Unusual or Nonrecurring Events

In addition to any adjustments enumerated in the definition of the performance measure set forth on Schedule A hereto, the Committee is hereby authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Participant, the Company, or any subsidiary or affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or of any subsidiary or affiliate; in the event of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles; or in the event the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan. The Committee is also authorized to adjust performance targets or awards downward to avoid unwarranted windfalls. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall not make any adjustments to the Plan that would prevent any Awards made hereunder from qualifying as “performance-based compensation” pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code.
 
 

 
 
 

Other Provisions

No Right to Employment

The grant of an award shall not be construed as giving the Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate.

No Trust or Fund Created

Neither the Plan nor any award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate and the Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate pursuant to an award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate.

No Rights to Awards

No person shall have any claim to be granted any award and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment among Participants. The terms and conditions of awards, if any, need not be the same with respect to each Participant. The Company reserves the right to terminate the Plan at any time in the Company’s sole discretion.

Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code

This Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and will be interpreted in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

Interpretation and Governing Law

This Plan shall be governed by and interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflicts or choices of laws. In the event the terms of this Plan are inconsistent with the terms of any written employment agreement between a Participant and the Company, the terms of such written employment agreement shall govern the Participant’s participation in the Plan.


 
 
 

Schedule A

2013 Threshold Target

Performance Measure
Target
   
Operating Income 1
 $87,000,000
   

1 For purposes of this target, operating income means the Company’s Marketing and Data Services operating income for the Fiscal Year as reflected on its financial accounting statements less any expenses or losses attributable to any of the following: (i) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (ii) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iii) accruals for reorganizations or restructuring programs, (iv) Board-approved acquisitions of significant assets or businesses and (v) budgeted income of significant businesses discontinued or disposed of by the Company during the year, for such portions of the year following the disposition.


 
 
 

Schedule B

General Schedule – Revenue

Performance Goal
 
Target
     
Revenue 1
 
 $802,200,000
1 Qualifying Revenue is measured by the Company’s Marketing and Data Services Revenue as reflected on the Company’s financial statements.






 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 10.23



ACXIOM CORPORATION
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
2014 COMMISSION PLAN

The Acxiom Corporation Chief Revenue Officer 2014 Commission Plan (the “Plan”) has been established by Acxiom Corporation (the “Company”) pursuant to the 2010 Executive Cash Incentive Plan of Acxiom Corporation (the “2010 Plan”) in order to encourage outstanding performance from its Chief Revenue Officer. Subject to applicable law, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any award shall be within the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”), may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons. Awards made pursuant to the Plan to Covered Officers are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and the Regulations promulgated thereunder and this Plan shall be interpreted accordingly. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the 2010 Plan.

Participation

Only the Chief Revenue Officer of the Company is eligible to receive an award pursuant to the Plan. The Committee intends that any awards payable pursuant to this Plan be in addition to any awards payable pursuant to the Acxiom Corporation Executive Officer 2014 Cash Incentive Plan (the “FY14 Inside Plan”).

Incentive Calculation and Payment of Awards

Awards shall be calculated based on the financial results for the Company’s 2014 fiscal year (the “Fiscal Year”) and shall be paid within two and one-half months following the end of the Fiscal Year. In the event the 2014 threshold target set by the Committee (the “Threshold Target”) is attained, the Chief Revenue Officer of the Company shall be eligible for an Award at a rate of $100,000 for each 1% of Qualifying Revenue (as determined by the Committee); provided, that the maximum opportunity hereunder, when taken together with any other cash amounts awarded to the Chief Revenue Officer under the 2010 Plan for the Fiscal Year, shall not exceed the maximum cash amount set forth in Section 5(c) of the 2010 Plan (the “Maximum Opportunity”). The Committee shall determine the actual amount of an Award by reducing the Maximum Opportunity by applying the performance criteria determined by the Committee.

The targets for such performance criteria shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion within the first ninety (90) days of the Fiscal Year. The Committee shall determine whether and to what extent each performance or other goal has been met. Awards pursuant to the Plan will be paid solely in cash. Except as the Committee may otherwise determine in its sole and absolute discretion, termination of the Participant’s employment prior to the end of the Fiscal Year will result in the forfeiture of the Award by the Participant, and no payments shall be made with respect thereto. Following the Fiscal Year, the Committee shall certify, in writing, whether the applicable performance criteria have been achieved and the amounts, if any, payable to the Participant for the Fiscal Year.

 
 
 
This Plan is not a “qualified” plan for federal income tax purposes, and any payments are subject to applicable tax withholding requirements.

Adjustments for Unusual or Nonrecurring Events

In addition to any adjustments enumerated in the definition of the performance measure set forth in the Plan, the Committee is hereby authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Participant, the Company, or any subsidiary or affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or of any subsidiary or affiliate; in the event of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles; or in the event the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan. The Committee is also authorized to adjust performance targets or awards downward to avoid unwarranted windfalls. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall not make any adjustments to the Plan that would prevent any Awards made hereunder from qualifying as “performance-based compensation” pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code.

Other Provisions

No Right to Employment

The grant of an award shall not be construed as giving the Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate.

No Trust or Fund Created

Neither the Plan nor any award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate and the Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate pursuant to an award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate.

No Rights to Awards

No person shall have any claim to be granted any award and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment among Participants. The terms and conditions of awards, if any, need not be the same with respect to each Participant. The Company reserves the right to terminate the Plan at any time in the Company’s sole discretion.

Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code

This Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and will be interpreted in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

 
 
 
Interpretation and Governing Law

This Plan shall be governed by and interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflicts or choices of laws. In the event the terms of this Plan are inconsistent with the terms of any written employment agreement between a Participant and the Company, the terms of such written employment agreement shall govern the Participant’s participation in the Plan.

Operating Income

For purposes of the Plan, “Operating Income” means the Company’s Marketing and Data Services operating income for the Fiscal Year as reflected on its financial accounting statements less any expenses or losses attributable to any of the following: (i) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (ii) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iii) accruals for reorganizations or restructuring programs, (iv) Board-approved acquisitions of significant assets or businesses and (v) budgeted income of significant businesses discontinued or disposed of by the Company during the year, for such portions of the year following the disposition.
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
                                                                                                                              
 
    Exhibit 10.27
 

 
ACXIOM CORPORATION
 

 
NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRAL PLAN
 
(Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2009)
 


 
 
 

ACXIOM CORPORATION
NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRAL PLAN
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ARTICLE 1
PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION 
1
 
 
1.1
Purpose of the Plan 
1
 
 
1.2
Definitions 
1
 
 
1.3
Construction 
3
 
ARTICLE 2
ELIGIBILITY 
3
 
 
2.1
Eligibility Requirements 
3
 
 
2.2
Termination of Eligibility 
3
 
ARTICLE 3
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PLAN 
3
 
 
3.1
Participant Contributions 
3
 
 
3.2
Matching Contributions 
4
 
 
3.3
Establishing of Account 
4
 
ARTICLE 4
ALLOCATION AND INVESTMENT 
5
 
 
4.1
Allocation 
5
 
 
4.2
Establishment of Trust 
5
 
 
4.3
Allocation of Investment Earnings 
5
 
ARTICLE 5
DETERMINATION OF PAYMENT OF ACCOUNT 
5
 
 
5.1
Vesting of Account 
5
 
 
5.2
Determination of Account 
6
 
 
5.3
Timing of Payment 
6
 
 
5.4
Unforeseeable Emergency 
7
 
 
5.5
Payment Election 
7
 
 
5.6
Distribution Delay for Specified Employees 
8
 
 
5.7
Beneficiaries 
8
 
ARTICLE 6
MISCELLANEOUS 
8
 
 
6.1
Administration of the Plan 
8
 
 
6.2
Claims 
8
 
 
6.3
Amendment of the Plan 
10
 
 
6.4
Termination of the Plan 
11
 
 
6.5
Withholding 
11
 
 
6.6
Domestic Relations Orders 
11
 
 
6.7
Notices to Participants 
12
 
 
 
 
 
6.8
Non-Alienation 
12
 
 
6.9
Arbitration 
12
 
 
6.10
Law Governing 
12
 
 
6.11
Validity 
12
 
 
6.12
Status of Participants 
12
 
 
6.13
Effect on Successors in Interest 
12
 


 
ii 
 

ARTICLE 1                      
 

 
PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
 
1.1  
Purpose of the Plan
 
This Plan is established by the Employer to permit certain management or highly compensated employees to defer a percentage of their Compensation.  This Plan is not intended to, and does not, qualify under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is designed to be a “top hat” plan under Section 201(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
 
1.2  
Definitions
 
The following terms, when found in the Plan, shall have the meanings set forth below:
 
(a)  
Account :  All amounts credited under the terms of the Plan to a Participant, the rights to which are determined under the Plan.
 
(b)  
Account Balance :  At any time, the total of all amounts credited under the terms of the Plan to a Participant, the rights to which are determined under the Plan.
 
(c)  
Beneficiary :  The individual(s) and/or trust(s) entitled to receive benefits under the Plan upon the death of a Participant.
 
(d)  
Code :  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time, including any successor.
 
(e)  
Compensation :  The total cash remuneration paid by the Employer during each Plan Year, as reported on Form W-2 or its subsequent equivalent, including bonuses, fees, commissions, amounts deferred under Code Sections 401(k) and 125, and amounts deferred under any other non-qualified program of salary reduction.  Compensation hereunder shall not be subject to any limitations applicable to tax qualified plans, such as pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(17) or 415.
 
(f)  
Disability :  A physical or mental condition of a Participant resulting from bodily injury, disease or mental disorder which renders him incapable of continuing his usual and customary employment with the Employer.  The determination of Disability shall be made by a licensed physician chosen by the Employer.
 
(g)  
Effective Date :  The original effective date was January 1, 2006.  This amended and restated plan is effective January 1, 2009.
 
(h)  
Eligible Employee :  A person employed by the Employer or by any member of a “controlled group” (as defined in Code Section 414(b)) or any entity under “common control” (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) who is a participant in the Retirement Savings Plan and who is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Code Section 414(q) and the Department of Treasury regulations thereunder or any other person designated as a Participant in writing by the President of the Employer or the Employer’s Board of Directors whether by name, position or in any other matter; provided, however, such designated person is a member of the select group of management or a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Section 201 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the regulations and rulings promulgated thereunder by the Department of Labor.
 
 
 
 
(i)  
Employer :  Acxiom Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and any successor or successors.
 
(j)  
Fiscal Year Compensation :  Compensation relating to a period of service coextensive with one or more consecutive tax years of the Employer, of which no amount is paid or payable during the Employer’s taxable year or years constituting the period of service (including, for example, a bonus based on the fiscal year but excluding base salary).
 
(k)  
Participant :  An Eligible Employee who has met the requirements of Section 2.1 hereof, and whose participation has not been terminated.
 
(l)  
Performance-Based Compensation :  Compensation that is paid contingent upon an Employee satisfying pre-established organization or individual performance criteria over a period of at least 12 months consistent with Section 409A of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
(m)  
Plan :  The Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Deferral Plan, as set forth herein, and as it may be amended from time to time.
 
(n)  
Plan Year :  The twelve month period beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each year.
 
(o)  
Retirement Savings Plan :  The Acxiom Corporation Retirement Savings Plan.
 
(p)  
Specified Employee :  Any employee or former employee (including any deceased employee) who, as of the date of such person’s termination of employment from the Employer, was an officer having annual compensation greater than the adjusted limit specified in Code Section 416(i) ($160,000 for 2009), a five-percent owner of the Employer or a one-percent owner of the Employer having annual compensation of more than $150,000.  No more than 50 employees shall be treated as officers.  For this purpose, annual compensation means compensation within the meaning of Section 415(c)(3) of the Code.  The determination of who is a Specified Employee will be made in accordance with Code Sections 416(i) and 409A, including regulations and guidance issued thereunder.
 
(q)  
Trust :  The irrevocable trust agreement executed by the Employer in connection with this Plan which shall hold the amounts contributed to this Plan, and which shall provide that its assets shall be subject to the claims of the Employer’s creditors.
 

 
2
 
 
1.3  
Construction
 
The masculine gender, where appearing in the Plan, shall be deemed to include the feminine gender, and the singular may indicate the plural, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.  The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and other similar compounds of the word “here” shall, unless otherwise specifically stated, mean and refer to the entire Plan, not to any particular provision or Section.  Article and Section headings are included for convenience of reference and are not intended to add to, or subtract from, the terms of the Plan.
 
ARTICLE 2                      
 

 
ELIGIBILITY
 
2.1  
Eligibility Requirements
 
An Eligible Employee participates in the Plan upon the date of his timely execution of a written election under Section 3.1 after notification from the Employer of his eligibility.
 
2.2  
Termination of Eligibility
 
A Participant will become ineligible to continue to participate in the Plan when he is no longer an Eligible Employee or on his termination of employment from the Employer.
 
ARTICLE 3                      
 

 
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PLAN
 
3.1  
Participant Contributions
 
Each Participant desiring to defer Compensation hereunder shall make a written election to reduce his Compensation otherwise to be paid to him in cash, which election must be made prior to the first day of the Plan Year to which the election relates; provided, however, a Participant may make a written election to defer Fiscal Year Compensation at such times permitted by the Employer but in no event on or later than the first day of the Employer’s first fiscal year to which such election relates.  A Participant may also elect to defer any Performance-Based Compensation otherwise payable to him by making a written election to reduce his Performance-Based Compensation otherwise to be paid to him in cash, which election must be made at such time as designated by the Employer but in no event later than six months before the end of the performance period (e.g., June 30th for a calendar year performance period).
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of the first year an Employee becomes an Eligible Employee, the Eligible Employee must make a written election to defer his Compensation otherwise to be paid to him in cash within 30 days of eligibility and only with respect to services to be performed subsequent to the election.
 
A Participant may elect to reduce his Compensation in whole percentages up to 90% of Compensation for the Plan Year, minus any deferrals to the Retirement Savings Plan, and may make separate elections with respect to his fixed Compensation and his variable Compensation; provided, however, the Employer may reduce the maximum percentage of Compensation that can be deferred for future Plan Years by an announcement in writing to all applicable Participants prior to the first day of the Plan Year for which the reduced limit is effective.  Any election made under the terms of this Section 3.1 shall be irrevocable for the Plan Year for which it is made.  All
 
 
3
 
elections shall remain in effect for all future Plan Years in which the Participant remains an Eligible Employee; however, the election may be amended or revoked to defer Compensation as of the first day of any subsequent Plan Year if such amendment or revocation is executed prior to the first day of such Plan Year, or, for Performance-Based Compensation, no later than six months before the end of the performance period.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Participant deferrals hereunder shall stop if the Participant receives a distribution because of an unforeseeable emergency under Section 5.4.  A Participant may request that his deferral election under the Plan be cancelled if he receives a distribution because of an unforeseeable emergency under the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Plan, because of a hardship distribution, if available, under the Retirement Savings Plan or on account of the Participant’s Disability.  If elections are cancelled, a Participant will be allowed to execute a new deferral election under this Section 3.1 effective as of the next Plan Year.
 
The Employer shall contribute to the Trust the amounts reduced from the Participants’ Compensation (“Salary Reduction Contributions”), less an amount withheld for purposes of satisfying Code Section 3121, as soon as administratively feasible after the amounts would otherwise have been paid to the Participants; provided, however, Participants shall have no preferred claim in or any beneficial ownership in any assets of the Trust.
 
3.2  
Matching Contributions
 
For each Plan Year, until a Participant’s Deferred Compensation (as defined in the Retirement Savings Plan) is limited under the Retirement Savings Plan by reason of Code Section 401(a)(7), 402(g) or 415, the Employer will make matching contributions for each payroll period to a Participant’s Account under the Plan equal to:
 
 
(a)
50% of the Participant’s Salary Reduction Contributions withheld under Section 3.1 hereof plus the Participant’s Deferred Compensation withheld under the Retirement Savings Plan for such payroll period, which total shall not exceed six percent (6%) of the Participant’s total Compensation for the payroll period, minus
 
 
(b)
the matching contribution allocated to the Participant’s account under the Retirement Savings Plan on account of the amounts deferred under subsection (a).
 
Once a Participant’s Deferred Compensation under the Retirement Savings Plan is limited by reason of Code Section 401(a)(17), 402(g) or 415, the Participant shall be ineligible for the matching contribution hereunder but shall instead receive the contribution under the Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Plan as described therein.
 
3.3  
Establishing of Account
 
Each Participant herein shall have maintained in his name a bookkeeping Account, to which shall be credited his Salary Reduction Contributions and Matching Contributions made under the terms of this Article.  A Participant’s Account shall reflect his share of such contributions, including his allocable share of any gains and losses pursuant to Section 4.3 hereof.
 
 
4
 
ARTICLE 4                      
 

 
ALLOCATION AND INVESTMENT
 
4.1  
Allocation
 
Contributions made pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.2 hereof shall be allocated to the Account of the Participant from whose Compensation such amounts were reduced and for whom the Employer made Matching Contributions on account of the Participant’s Salary Reduction Contributions under Section 3.1.
 
4.2  
Establishment of Trust
 
The Employer shall establish the Trust with regard to the Accounts hereunder, designed to be an irrevocable grantor trust under Code Section 671.
 
4.3  
Allocation of Investment Earnings
 
Assets contributed to the Trust shall be invested in the sole discretion of the trustee of the Trust and Participants shall have no right to direct the investment of assets in the Trust or in the Account.
 
However, Accounts shall be credited with earnings (or losses) (the “Deemed Earnings”) equal to the amount that would have been earned (or lost) had the Accounts been invested in the investments as selected by the Participants from a menu of investment options reasonably equivalent to the investments available under the Retirement Savings Plan.  The Participants shall notify the Employer via such telephonic or other form of notification as shall be determined by the Employer as to how the Participants would invest the Accounts if Participants could direct the investments.  If no such deemed investments are selected by the Participants, the Deemed Earnings shall be determined as if the Accounts were invested in the default investment vehicle under the Retirement Savings Plan.
 
ARTICLE 5                      
 

 
DETERMINATION OF PAYMENT OF ACCOUNT
 
5.1  
Vesting of Account
 
A Participant’s right to receive payment from the Employer in an amount equal to his Account derived from contributions made under Section 3.1 hereof, plus the Deemed Earnings thereon, shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested and non-forfeitable at all times.
 
The amount of a Participant’s Account other than that derived from contributions made pursuant to Section 3.1 shall become vested in accordance with the following schedule:
 
Years of Service
With the Employer
 
Vested Percentage
Less than 2
0%
2
20%
3
40%
4
60%
5
80%
6
100%
 
 
5
 
 
A Participant’s Years of Service are determined in accordance with the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Account.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing schedule, a Participant’s Account other than that derived from contributions made pursuant to Section 3.1 shall become 100% vested and non-forfeitable upon the earliest occurrence of:
 
 
(a)
the Participant’s separation of service from the Employer at or after the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date on which the Participant attains age 65;
 
(b)           the Participant’s Disability while the Participant is employed by the Employer; or
 
(c)           the Participant’s death while the Participant is employed by the Employer.
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a Participant is accorded no more protection than that of a general, unsecured creditor of the Employer, and all amounts contributed to the Plan by Participants and the Employer remain a part of the general assets of the Employer and subject to the claims of the Employer’s creditors.
 
5.2  
Determination of Account
 
As of the date of a Participant’s separation of service from the Employer (including termination due to any of the events specified under Section 5.1), his vested Account Balance will be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.1.  Thereafter, as of the last day of the Plan Year coincident with or next following his termination of employment, the non-vested portion of his Account will be forfeited.  Such forfeited amount will be used to reduce the contribution of the Employer hereunder for the Plan Year in which such forfeitures occur.
 
5.3  
Timing of Payment
 
Unless a Participant receives an earlier distribution under Section 5.4, payment of a Participant’s Account Balance will first be made to a Participant or Beneficiary after any of the following events as elected by the Participant in accordance with Section 5.5:
 
 
(a)
Termination of Employment .  A Participant is entitled to payment of his vested Account Balance following the termination of his employment status with the Employer.  The amount payable will be paid in the form elected by the Participant under Section 5.5.  Payment will be made based on the Participant’s Account Balance as of the fifteenth day of the first full month following the month of the Participant’s termination.  Payment on account of termination of employment will be made or begin within 90 days of the termination of employment.

 
(b)
Fixed Time .  A Participant may receive payment of benefits under the Plan for a Plan Year in the form and during the year specified by the Participant in his election under Section 5.5.  Fixed time distributions will be made on January 31 of the year elected by the Participant based on the Participant’s Account Balance as of the 15 th day of such January.

 
6
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employer reserves the right to decide the date used to value a Participant’s Account for distribution, which date may precede or follow the event giving rise to a distribution.

The Employer may delay a distribution for any reason permitted by Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.

5.4  
Unforeseeable Emergency
 
If the Employer, in its discretion, determines that the Participant has a severe financial hardship caused by an unforeseeable emergency beyond the Participant’s control, the Participant may receive a distribution of the vested portion of his Account.  The payment is limited to the amount reasonably necessary to meet the unforeseeable emergency.  Unforeseeable emergency shall mean severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from a illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, the Participant’s dependent (as defined in Code Section 152(a)) or the Participant’s Beneficiary, loss of the Participant’s property due to casualty, or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant.  A distribution on account of unforeseeable emergency may not be made to the extent such emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation from insurance or otherwise, by liquidation of the Participant’s assets, to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not cause severe financial hardship, or by cessation of deferrals under the Plan.  A Participant will suspend his deferrals in accordance with Section 3.1.
 
5.5  
Payment Election
 
A  Participant must elect the time and form of distribution of his benefit in writing for a particular Plan Year prior to the first day of the Plan Year, or within 30 days of his initial entry into the Plan, if later.
 
 
(a)
Distribution Forms .  Distribution of the balance credited to a Participant’s Account (to the extent vested) shall be made based upon the Participant’s distribution election in accordance with Section 5.5(b) in one of the following forms as elected by the Participant :

(i)   a lump sum payment comprising a complete distribution of the vested balance credited to the Participant’s Account;
 
(ii)   annual installment payments over a 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, 10-year or 20-year period.
 
 
(b)
Elections.   A Participant must elect the time of distribution pursuant to Section 5.3 and the form of distribution pursuant to Section 5.5(a) of his benefits for a particular Plan Year prior to the first day of that Plan Year, or within thirty (30) days of his initial entry into the Plan, if later.  All such elections are irrevocable for the Plan Year for which made and shall remain in effect for all future Plan Years in which the Participant remains an Eligible Employee; however, the Participant may amend his election effective as of the first day of any subsequent Plan Year if the Participant executes such amendment prior to the first day of such Plan Year.

 
7
 
 
(c)
Change in Elections .   Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may alter the time or form of an election, but the change will not take effect until twelve (12) months after the date of the new election and the payment with respect to the changed election must be deferred for five years from the date such payment would otherwise have been first paid.  Further, in the case of distributions under Section 5.3(b), the change must be made at least 12 months prior to the first day of the first payment.
 
5.6  
Distribution Delay for Specified Employees
 
To the extent a Participant is a Specified Employee, any distribution from the Plan on account of termination will not be made until the date which is six months after the date of the Specified Employee’s separation from service with the Employer or, if earlier, the date of the Specified Employee’s death.  To the extent a Specified Employee has chosen to receive distributions in installments, the first installment shall be paid on the first business day after expiration of the six-month period, with all successive installments paid according to the times set forth in Section 5.3.
 
5.7  
Beneficiaries
 
Each Participant will designate a Beneficiary to receive any amounts distributable hereunder at the time of the Participant’s death on such forms as the Employer may require.  In the absence of an effective beneficiary designation as to all or a part of the Participant’s interest in the Plan, such amount will be distributed to the beneficiary (or beneficiaries) to whom the Participant’s benefits under the Retirement Savings Plan are payable (regardless of whether the Participant made an election thereunder) and in the same percentages, if applicable.
 
ARTICLE 6                      
 

 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
6.1  
Administration of the Plan
 
The Plan shall be administered by the Employer.  The books and records of the Plan shall be maintained by the Employer at its expense, and no member of the Board of Directors of the Employer, or any employee of the Employer acting on its behalf, shall be liable to any person for any action taken or omitted in connection with the administration of the Plan, unless attributable to his own fraud or willful misconduct.  The Employer in its capacity as administrator shall have full discretion to determine eligibility for an amount and method of payment of benefits and to construe any ambiguous or unclear provisions to the Plan and all such decisions of the Employer shall be enforced unless the decision is arbitrary or capricious.
 
6.2  
Claims
 
A claim for benefits under the Plan shall be made in writing by the Participant or, if applicable, the Participant’s Beneficiary, executor or administrator, or authorized representative (collectively, the “Claimant”) to the Employer within 60 days of the event by which the Claimant claims he is entitled to receive benefits under the Plan.
 
(a)            Claims Denials; Claims Appeals.
 
 
(i)
In general.   In any case in which a claim for Plan benefits of Claimant is denied or modified, the Employer will notify such person of its decision in writing.  Such notification will contain (a) specific reasons for the denial; (b) specific reference to pertinent plan provisions; (c) a description of any additional material or information necessary for such person to perfect such claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and (d) information as to the Plan’s claim review procedure.  Such notification will be given within 90 days after the claim is received by the Employer (or within 180 days if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim and if written notice of such extension and circumstances is given to such person within the initial 90-day period).  If such notification is not given within such period, the claim will be considered denied as of the last day of such period and such person may request a review of his claim.
 
 
8
 
 
(ii)
Appeals .  Within 60 days after the date on which Claimant receives a written notice of a denied claim (or, if applicable, within 60 days after the date on which denial is considered to have occurred) such person (or his duly authorized representative) may (a) file a written request with the Employer for a review of his denied claim and of pertinent documents and (b) submit written issues and comments to the Employer.  The Employer will notify Claimant of its decision in writing.  Such notification will be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant and will contain specific reasons for the decision as well as specific references to pertinent Plan provisions.  The decision on review will be made within 60 days after the request for review is received by the Employer (or within 120 days if special circumstances, such as an election by the Employer to hold a hearing, require an extension of time for processing the request, and if written notice of such extension and circumstances is given to such person within the initial 60-day period).  If the decision on review is not made within such period, the claim will be considered denied.
 
 
(b)
Disability Claims.   If a claim for benefit is based on the Participant’s Disability, the claim will be processed as specified in Section 6.2(a), except that the following additional rules shall apply:
 
 
(i)
Notice of Decision.   The Employer will notify the Claimant of his decision within 45 days of receipt of the claim.  The 45-day period may be extended for an additional 30 days if the extension is necessary due to matters beyond the Employer’s control, and the Employer notifies the Claimant prior to the expiration of the initial 45-day period of the circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the Employer expects to render a decision.  The 30-day extension period can be extended for a second period of 30 days due to matters beyond the Employer’s control, provided the Employer again notifies the Claimant prior to the expiration of the first extension period in the same manner as the first extension.  If the Claimant is asked to provide additional information so that the claim can be processed, the Claimant will have 45 days to provide the additional information.  In the case of an adverse determination with respect to a claim, if an internal rule, guideline, protocol or other similar criterion was relied upon in making the decision the Employer will notify the Claimant of such reliance and that a copy of such rule, guideline, protocol or other criterion will be provided free of charge to the Claimant upon written request.
 
 
9
 
 
(ii)
Review Procedures .  A Claimant will have 180 days following the receipt of an adverse determination involving a Disability benefit to request a review of the determination.  If a review of the adverse decision is requested, the following shall apply:
 
 
(A)
No deference will be given to the initial decision and the review will be conducted by an appropriate individual who is neither the individual who made the initial decision nor a subordinate of that individual.
 
 
(B)
If the initial decision was based in whole or in part on a medical judgment, the appropriate individual will consult with a health care professional who has the appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involved in the medical judgment.
 
 
(C)
The Employer will provide to the Claimant the identity of the medical or vocational experts whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Plan in connection with the adverse determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied on in making the determination.
 
 
(D)
Any health care professional engaged for purposes of reviewing the initial decision will be an individual who is neither an individual who was consulted in connection with the initial decision, nor a subordinate of that individual.
 
 
(E)
The Employer shall notify the Claimant of his decision on review within 45 days after the request for review is received, or within 90 days if special circumstances require an extension of time, the Claimant is given written notice of the extension with the first 45-day period, and the notice describes the special circumstances and indicates the date a decision is expected to be made.
 
Compliance with the claims review procedures set forth in this Section shall be a condition precedent to the filing of a lawsuit by a Participant or his Beneficiary or any person claiming through a Participant or Beneficiary in connection with a Plan benefit, and a failure to timely exhaust the administrative remedies set forth herein shall bar any such proceeding in federal or state court.
 
6.3  
Amendment of the Plan
 
The Plan may be amended, in whole or in part, from time-to-time, by formal action of the Employer’s Board of Directors, or a properly authorized committee of the Board, and executed by an officer authorized to act on behalf of the Employer with no further consent of any party.
 
 
10
 
6.4  
Termination of the Plan
 
The Plan may be terminated, at any time, by action of the Board of Directors of the Employer, without the consent of any other party.  The termination of this Plan shall not result in the granting of any additional rights to any Participant, such as, accelerated distributions and, to the extent not funded, full vesting of his Account.  The Plan shall only be terminated, and funds from all such Participants’ Accounts shall only become distributable, in accordance with the Participant’s distribution election.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employer may elect to terminate the Plan and make accelerated distributions in accordance with the following:
 
(a)  
Corporate Dissolution or Bankruptcy .  If termination of the Plan is due to corporate dissolution or bankruptcy, the Employer may make an accelerated payment as allowed under Section 409A of the Code upon the later of the calendar year the Plan terminates, or the first calendar year in which payment is administratively practicable;
 
(b)  
Change in Control .  If termination of the Plan is due to a change in control, as defined by Code Section 409A and the guidance thereunder, the Employer may make distributions during the period beginning 30 days prior to and ending 12 months following the change in control event; or
 
(c)  
Termination in the Ordinary Course.   If the Employer terminates the Plan along with all other programs that would be aggregated with the Plan as provided in Code Section 409A and the guidance thereunder, and this termination is not proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Employer, the Employer may make distributions no earlier than 12 months after and no later than 24 months after the termination of the Plan.  Under this scenario, the Employer shall not adopt a new plan that would be aggregated with the Plan within three years after the termination.
 
6.5  
Withholding
 
The Employer may withhold federal, state and local employment and income taxes on deferrals and/or distributions as required by law.
 
6.6  
Domestic Relations Orders
 
In the event the Employer receives a domestic relations order from a potential alternate payee, the Employer will notify the Participant whose benefit is the subject of such order.  The Employer will, within a reasonable period of time, determine whether the order is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order under Code Section 414(p) (a “QDRO”) and will notify the Participant of its determination.  No payment will be made to an alternate payee until the Employer (or a court of competent jurisdiction reversing an initial adverse determination by the Employer) determines that the order is a QDRO.  Payment will be made to an alternate payee in accordance with the QDRO, as soon as reasonably possible after the QDRO determination is made, without regard to whether the distribution, if made to a Participant at the time specified in the QDRO, would be permitted under the terms of the Plan.
 
 
11
 
6.7  
Notices to Participants
 
From time-to-time, the Employer shall provide a Participant with an accounting of the value of his Account no less than the frequency provided under the Retirement Savings Plan.  Further, a Participant will be provided written notice of any amendment of the Plan that affects his rights herein, and of the termination of the Plan.
 
6.8  
Non-Alienation
 
To the extent permitted by law, the right of any Participant or Beneficiary in any Account Balance hereunder shall not be subject to any manner to attachment or other legal process for the debts of such Participant or Beneficiary, and any such Account Balance shall not be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment or encumbrance.
 
6.9  
Arbitration
 
Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Plan shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Faulkner County, Arkansas, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.  Each party shall bear his or its own costs of arbitration, but if the Employee is the prevailing party in such arbitration, he shall be entitled to recover from Acxiom Corporation as party of any award entered his reasonable expenses for attorneys’ fees and disbursements.
 
6.10  
Law Governing
 
This Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas without giving effect to any principle of conflict-of-laws that would require the application of the law of any other jurisdiction.
 
6.11  
Validity
 
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Plan shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Plan, which shall remain in full force and effect.
 
6.12  
Status of Participants
 
Participants have the status of general unsecured creditors of the Employer with respect to their rights under this Plan.  This Plan constitutes a mere unsecured promise by the Employer to pay benefits in the future.  It is the intention of the parties that the Plan be unfunded for tax purposes and for Title I of ERISA.
 
6.13  
Effect on Successors in Interest
 
This Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the heirs, administrators, executors and successors of each of the parties thereto.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and as conclusive evidence of the adoption of the foregoing instrument comprising the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Deferral Plan, Acxiom Corporation, as the Employer, has caused its seal to
 
 
 
12
 
be affixed hereto and these presents to be duly executed in its name and behalf by its proper officers thereunto authorized this 10th day of December, 2008.
 
 
                                                              
 
 ATTEST:            ACXIOM CORPORATION  
 
  /s/ Catherine L. Hughes
   /s/ Cindy K. Childers, SVP - HR  
 Secretary      Catherine L. Hughes
 
   Name and Title  Cindy K. Childers, SVP - HR
 
       
 
 

                                                                
 
 
13 
 


 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.28
ACXIOM CORPORATION NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRAL PLAN
(Effective January 1, 2009)
 
FIRST AMENDMENT
 
Pursuant to Section 6.3 of the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Deferral Plan (the “Plan”), as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, Acxiom Corporation (the “Company”) hereby amends and restates Section 3.2 of the Plan effective July 1, 2009 as follows:
 
3.2  
Matching Contributions
 
No matching contributions will be required with respect to Participant’s Salary Reduction Contributions or Participant’s Deferred Compensation withheld on or after July 1, 2009.
 
For each Plan Year, until a Participant’s Deferred Compensation (as defined in the Retirement Savings Plan) is limited under the Retirement Savings Plan by reason of Code Section 401(a)(7), 402(g) or 415, the Employer may make matching contributions for each payroll period to a Participant’s Account under the Plan equal to:
 
 
(a)
A percentage of the Participant’s Salary Reduction Contributions withheld under Section 3.1 hereof plus the Participant’s Deferred Compensation withheld under the Retirement Savings Plan as determined by the Board of Directors of the Employer or a properly authorized committee of the Board for the Plan Year, minus
 
 
(b)
the matching contribution allocated to the Participant’s account under the Retirement Savings Plan on account of the amounts deferred under subsection (a).
 
Once a Participant’s Deferred Compensation under the Retirement Savings Plan is limited by reason of Code Section 401(a)(17), 402(g) or 415, the Participant shall be ineligible for the matching contribution hereunder but shall instead receive the contribution under the Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Plan as described therein.
 
The determination as to whether a matching  contribution will be made is in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Employer or a properly authorized committee of the Board, determined in its sole discretion.
 
The Employer will not make an employer matching contribution to the Plan under this Section 3.2 unless the Employer makes a contribution under a substantially similar formula to the Retirement Savings Plan.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment is executed as of the 25 th day of June, 2009.
 
 
    ACXIOM CORPORATION
 
   
 A ttest: /s/ Catherine L. Hughes  
By  /s/ Cindy K. Childers
   
     Name  Cindy K. Childers    
     Title  Senior Vice President - Human Resources    
 

 
 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 10.29

 
ACXIOM CORPORATION
 

 
NON-QUALIFIED MATCHING CONTRIBUTION PLAN
 
(Restated and Amended Effective January 1, 2009)
 


 
 
 
 

ACXIOM CORPORATION
NON-QUALIFIED MATCHING CONTRIBUTION PLAN
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ARTICLE 1
PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION 
1
 
 
1.1
Purpose of the Plan 
1
 
 
1.2
Definitions 
1
 
 
1.3
Construction 
3
 
ARTICLE 2
ELIGIBILITY 
3
 
 
2.1
Eligibility Requirements 
3
 
 
2.2
Termination of Eligibility 
3
 
ARTICLE 3
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PLAN 
3
 
 
3.1
Participant Contributions 
3
 
 
3.2
Employer Discretionary Contributions 
3
 
 
3.3
Employer Matching Contributions 
3
 
 
3.4
Establishing of Account 
4
 
ARTICLE 4
ALLOCATION AND INVESTMENT 
4
 
 
4.1
Allocation 
4
 
 
4.2
Establishment of Trust 
4
 
 
4.3
Allocation of Investment Earnings 
4
 
ARTICLE 5
DETERMINATION OF PAYMENT OF ACCOUNT 
5
 
 
5.1
Vesting of Account 
5
 
 
5.2
Determination of Account 
5
 
 
5.3
Timing of Payment 
5
 
 
5.4
Unforeseeable Emergency 
6
 
 
5.5
In-Service Distribution 
6
 
 
5.6
Payment Election 
6
 
 
5.7
Distribution Delay for Specified Employees 
8
 
 
5.8
Beneficiaries 
8
 
ARTICLE 6
MISCELLANEOUS 
8
 
 
6.1
Administration of the Plan 
8
 
 
6.2
Claims 
8
 
 
6.3
Amendment of the Plan 
10
 
 
6.4
Termination of the Plan 
11
 
 
6.5
Withholding 
11
 
 
 
 
 
6.6
Domestic Relations Order 
11
 
 
6.7
Notices to Participants 
11
 
 
6.8
Non-Alienation 
12
 
 
6.9
Arbitration 
12
 
 
6.10
Law Governing 
12
 
 
6.11
Validity 
12
 
 
6.12
Status of Participants 
12
 
 
6.13
Effect on Successors in Interest 
12
 


 
 
ii 
 

ARTICLE 1                      
 

 
PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
 
1.1   Purpose of the Plan
 
This Plan is established by the Employer to provide certain select management or highly compensated employees a matching contribution of a percentage of their Compensation deferred under the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Deferral Plan.  This Plan is not intended to, and does not, qualify under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is designed to be a “top hat” plan under Section 201(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
 
1.2   Definitions
 
The following terms, when found in the Plan, shall have the meanings set forth below:
 
(a)  
Account :  All amounts credited under the terms of the Plan to a Participant, the rights to which are determined under the Plan.
 
(b)  
Account Balance :  At any time, the total of all amounts credited under the terms of the Plan to a Participant, the rights to which are determined under the Plan.
 
(c)  
Beneficiary :  The individual(s) and/or trust(s) entitled to receive benefits under the Plan upon the death of a Participant.
 
(d)  
Code :  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time, including any successor.
 
(e)  
Compensation :  The total cash remuneration paid by the Employer during each Plan Year, as reported on Form W-2 or its subsequent equivalent, including bonuses, fees, commissions, amounts deferred under Code Sections 401(k) and 125, and amounts deferred under any other non-qualified program of salary reduction.  Compensation hereunder shall not be subject to any limitations applicable to tax qualified plans, such as pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(17) or 415.
 
(f)  
Disability :  A physical or mental condition of a Participant resulting from bodily injury, disease or mental disorder which renders him incapable of continuing his usual and customary employment with the Employer.  The determination of Disability shall be made by a licensed physician chosen by the Employer.
 
(g)  
Effective Date :  The original effective date was December 1, 1995.  This amended and restated plan is effective January 1, 2009.
 
(h)  
Eligible Employee :  A person employed by the Employer or by any member of a “controlled group” (as defined in Code Section 414(b)) or any entity under “common control” (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) who is a participant in the Non-Qualified Deferral Plan.
 
 
 
 
(i)  
Employer :  Acxiom Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and any successor or successors.
 
(j)  
Non-Qualified Deferral Plan :  The Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Deferral Plan.
 
(k)  
Participant :  An Eligible Employee who has met the requirements of Section 2.1 hereof, and whose participation has not been terminated.
 
(l)  
Plan :  The Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Plan, as set forth herein, and as it may be amended from time to time.
 
(m)  
Plan Year :  The twelve month period beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each year.
 
(n)  
Retirement Savings Plan :  The Acxiom Corporation Retirement Savings Plan.
 
(o)  
Salary Reduction Contributions :  The amount the Employer contributes to the Non-Qualified Deferral Plan which represents a Participant’s elective deferral of compensation under that plan.
 
(p)  
Service :  The period of a Participant’s employment considered in the calculation of the vested amount of his benefits.  A Participant’s Service shall be determined in twelve (12) month periods, commencing with the twelve (12) month period that begins on his date of hire with the Employer, and thereafter based on Plan Years, including the Plan Year within which falls his date of hire.  During such twelve (12) month periods, a Year of Service will be granted if the Participant completes at least one thousand (1,000) Hours of Service.  An Hour of Service is each hour for which the Participant is paid by virtue of his employment with the Employer, including hours paid but not worked (other than hours for which payment is made or due under any plan maintained solely for the purpose of complying with applicable worker’s compensation, unemployment compensation or disability insurance laws), and including hours completed prior to the date he actually becomes a Participant hereunder.
 
(q)  
Specified Employee :  Any employee or former employee (including any deceased employee) who, as of the date of such person’s termination of employment from the Employer, was an officer having annual compensation greater than the adjusted limit specified in Code Section 416(i) ($160,000 for 2009), a five-percent owner of the Employer or a one-percent owner of the Employer having annual compensation of more than $150,000.  No more than 50 employees shall be treated as officers.  For this purpose, annual compensation means compensation within the meaning of Section 415(c)(3) of the Code.  The determination of who is a Specified Employee will be made in accordance with Code Sections 416(i) and 409A, including regulations and guidance issued thereunder.
 
(r)  
Trust :  The irrevocable trust agreement executed by the Employer in connection with this Plan which shall hold the amounts contributed to this Plan, and which shall provide that its assets shall be subject to the claims of the Employer’s creditors.
 
 
2
 
1.3   Construction
 
The masculine gender, where appearing in the Plan, shall be deemed to include the feminine gender, and the singular may indicate the plural, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.  The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and other similar compounds of the word “here” shall, unless otherwise specifically stated, mean and refer to the entire Plan, not to any particular provision or Section.  Article and Section headings are included for convenience of reference and are not intended to add to, or subtract from, the terms of the Plan.
 
ARTICLE 2                      
 

 
ELIGIBILITY
 
2.1   Eligibility Requirements
 
An Employee will automatically become a Participant hereunder as of the date he becomes an Eligible Employee.
 
2.2   Termination of Eligibility
 
A Participant will become ineligible to continue to participate in the Plan when he is no longer an Eligible Employee or on his termination of employment from the Employer.
 
ARTICLE 3                      
 

 
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PLAN
 
3.1   Participant Contributions
 
Participant contributions are not permitted hereunder.
 
3.2   Employer Discretionary Contributions
 
The Employer may make an Employer Discretionary Contribution each Plan Year equal to a percentage of each Participant’s Compensation as determined by the Board of Directors of the Employer each Plan Year.  The determination as to whether an Employer Discretionary Contribution will be made is in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Employer, determined on an annual basis; provided, however, the Employer will not make an Employer Discretionary Contribution to the Plan under this Section 3.2 unless the Employer makes a substantially similar non-elective contribution to the Retirement Savings Plan.
 
3.3   Employer Matching Contributions
 
In each Plan Year, when a Participant’s Deferred Compensation (as defined in the Retirement Savings Plan) is limited under the Retirement Savings Plan by reason of Code Section 401(a)(17), 402(g) or 415, the Employer will make matching contributions for each payroll period to a Participant’s Account under this Plan equal to:
 
 
(a)
50% of the Participant’s Salary Reduction Contributions withheld under the Non-Qualified Deferral Plan plus the Participant’s Deferred Compensation withheld under the Retirement Savings Plan for such payroll period, which total shall not exceed six percent (6%) of the Participant’s total Compensation for the payroll period, minus
 
 
3
 
 
(b)
the matching contribution allocated to the Participant’s account under the Retirement Savings Plan on account of the amounts deferred under subsection (a).
 
The Employer may elect to make a contribution under this Section 3.3 in Employer stock; provided, however, a contribution in stock to a Participant may not exceed 25% of his cash Compensation.
 
3.4   Establishing of Account
 
Each Participant herein shall have maintained in his name a bookkeeping Account, to which shall be credited his contributions and certain Employer contributions made to the Plan made prior to January 1, 2006, as well as contributions made on his behalf under the terms of the current Plan.  A Participant’s Account shall reflect his share of such contributions, including his allocable share of any gains and losses pursuant to Section 4.3 hereof.
 
ARTICLE 4                      
 

 
ALLOCATION AND INVESTMENT
 
4.1   Allocation
 
Any contribution made pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 hereof shall be allocated to each Participant who is an Eligible Employee.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Participants who terminate employment for any reason during the Plan Year shall share in any contributions made by the Employer pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3 for the year of termination.
 
4.2   Establishment of Trust
 
The Employer shall establish the Trust with regard to the Accounts hereunder, designed to be an irrevocable grantor trust under Code Section 671.
 
4.3   Allocation of Investment Earnings
 
Assets contributed to the Trust shall be invested in the sole discretion of the trustee of the Trust and Participants shall have no right to direct the investment of assets in the Trust or in the Account.
 
However, Accounts shall be credited with earnings (or losses) (the “Deemed Earnings”) equal to the amount that would have been earned (or lost) had the Accounts been invested in the investments as selected by the Participants from a menu of investment options reasonably equivalent to the investments available under the Retirement Savings Plan.  The Participants shall notify the Employer via such telephonic or other form of notification as shall be determined by the Employer as to how the Participants would invest the Accounts if Participants could direct the investments.  If no such deemed investments are selected by the Participants, the Deemed Earnings shall be determined as if the Accounts were invested in the default investment vehicle under the Retirement Savings Plan.
 
 
4
 
ARTICLE 5                      
 

 
DETERMINATION OF PAYMENT OF ACCOUNT
 
5.1   Vesting of Account
 
A Participant is 100% vested in his salary reduction contributions to the Plan prior to January 1, 2006 and deemed earnings thereon.  For all other amounts, a Participant shall become vested in his Account in accordance with the following schedule:
 
Years of Service
With the Employer
Vested Percentage
1
0%
2
20%
3
40%
4
60%
5
80%
6
100%
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant’s Account shall become one hundred percent (100%) vested and non-forfeitable in accordance with the following:
 
 
(a)
Upon the termination of employment of the Participant on or after the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date on which the Participant attains age 65;
 
 
(b)
Upon a determination of Disability in accordance with Section 1.2(f) hereof while the Participant is employed by the Employer; or
 
 
(c)
Upon the Participant’s death while the Participant is employed by the Employer.
 
5.2   Determination of Account
 
As of the date of a Participant’s termination of employment with the Employer (including termination due to any of the events specified under Section 5.1 hereof), his vested Account Balance shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.1 above.  Thereafter, as of the last day of the Plan Year coincident with or next following his termination of employment, the non-vested portion of his Account shall be forfeited.  Such forfeited amount shall be used to reduce the contribution of the Employer hereunder for the Plan Year in which such forfeitures occur.
 
5.3   Timing of Payment
 
Unless a Participant receives an earlier distribution under Section 5.4 or Section 5.5, payment of a Participant’s Account Balance will first be made to a Participant or Beneficiary after any of the following events as elected by the Participant in accordance with Section 5.6:
 
 
(a)
Termination of Employment .  A Participant is entitled to payment of his vested Account Balance following the termination of his employment status with the Employer.  The amount payable will be paid in the form elected by the Participant under Section 5.6.   Payment shall be made based on the Participant’s Account Balance as of the fifteenth day of the first full month following the month of the Participant’s termination.  Payment on account of termination of employment will be made or begin within 90 days of the termination of employment.

 
5
 
 
(b)
Fixed Time .  Effective for amounts that accrue and become earned and vested on or after January 1, 2005, a Participant may receive payment of benefits under the Plan for a Plan Year during the year and in the form specified by the Participant in his election under Section 5.6.  Fixed time distributions will be made on January 31 of the year elected by the Participant based on the Participant’s Account Balance as of the 15 th day of such January.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employer reserves the right to decide the date used to value a Participant’s Account for distribution, which date may precede or follow the event giving rise to a distribution.
 
The Employer may delay a distribution for any reason permitted by Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.
 
5.4   Unforeseeable Emergency
 
If the Employer, in its discretion, determines that the Participant has a severe financial hardship caused by an unforeseeable emergency beyond the Participant’s control, the Participant may receive a distribution.  The payment is limited to the amount reasonably necessary to meet the unforeseeable emergency.  Unforeseeable emergency shall mean severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from a illness or accident of the Participant or the Participant’s spouse, beneficiary, or of a dependent (as defined in Code Section 152(a)), loss of the Participant’s property due to casualty, or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant.  A distribution on account of unforeseeable emergency may not be made to the extent such emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation from insurance or otherwise or by liquidation of the Participant’s assets, to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not cause severe financial hardship.

5.5   In-Service Distribution
 
Notwithstanding the restrictions of Section 5.3 or Section 5.6, a Participant may petition the Employer and request, through submission of an executed document approved by the Employer, to receive distribution of the Participant’s Account derived from Participant contributions, plus Deemed Earnings thereon, without regard to (i) whether payment of benefits under the Plan is due or (ii) whether a severe financial hardship has occurred.  Any distribution so requested will be made only if the Participant’s request is approved by the Employer and is subject to (i) forfeiture of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the Participant’s Account distributed and (ii) suspension of the Participant’s participation in the Plan for the balance of the Plan Year in which the distribution is requested as well as the subsequent Plan Year.  This in-service distribution option will apply only with respect to amounts credited under the Plan that accrued and became vested and earned on or before December 31, 2004.

5.6   Payment Election
 
 
( a )
Distribution Elections .  Except as provided in Section 5.6(b), distribution of the balance credited to a Participant’s Account (to the extent vested) shall be made based upon the Participant’s distribution election in accordance with Section 5.6(c) in one of the following forms as elected by the Participant:
 
 
6
 
 
(i )
a lump sum payment comprising a complete distribution of the vested balance credited to the Participant’s Account;
 
(ii )             annual installment payments over a 2-year , 3- year , 5- year , 10- year  or 20- year   period .
 
In the absence of a valid distribution election, payment of a Participant’s vested Account   will be made in a lump sum form upon termination of employment.
 
 
(b)
Grandfathered Elections.   With respect to amounts credited under the Plan that accrued and became vested and earned prior to January 1, 2005, a Participant or Beneficiary entitled to payment will receive, based on the Participant’s irrevocable election made prior to each Plan Year, a single lump sum payment in cash, equal annual installment payments over a period of years elected by the Participant and/or an equivalent annuity.  If an annuity is elected, it shall be purchased from a commercial insurer, based upon the single lump sum that would otherwise be paid, net of all costs of acquiring the annuity, in a form as available from such insurer, and based on the applicable market rates at that time.
 
 
Via written election not to become effective until the end of the Plan Year following the Plan Year in which the election is made, the Participant may change his election of the form of payment if the Participant has not terminated his employment and if the payments under the Plan are not due and ascertainable in amount as of the date of the election.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, an election executed by a Participant prior to his termination of employment may become effective after his termination of employment, in which case any distribution required to be made prior to the effective date of the new election will be made consistent with the original election and the changed election will apply to any portion of the Participant’s Account not distributed under the original election consistent with the changed election.
 
 
(c)
Non-Grandfathered Elections.   With respect to amounts credited under the Plan that accrue and become vested and earned after December 31, 2004, a Participant must elect the time of distribution pursuant to Section 5.3 and the form of distribution pursuant to Section 5.6(a), of his benefits for a particular Plan Year prior to the first day of that Plan Year, or within thirty (30) days of his initial entry into the Plan, if later.  All such elections shall remain in effect for all future Plan Years in which the Participant remains an Eligible Employee; however, the Participant may amend his election effective as of the first day of any subsequent Plan Year if the Participant executes such amendment prior to the first day of such Plan Year.
 
 
(d)
Change in Elections .   Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may alter the time or form of an election, but the change will not take effect until twelve (12) months after the date of the new election and the payment with respect to the changed election must be deferred for five years from the date such payment would otherwise have been first paid.  Further, in the case of distributions under Section 5.3(b), the change must be made at least 12 months prior to the first day of the payment.
 
 
7
 
(e)            Distribution in the Form of Stock .  A Participant may elect to receive distribution of the   Participant’s Account derived from the matching contribution account, plus Deemed   Earnings thereon, in the form of Acxiom stock rather than cash.
 
5.7  
Distribution Delay for Specified Employees
 
To the extent a Participant is a Specified Employee, with respect to amounts credited under the Plan that accrue and become vested and earned after December 31, 2004, any distribution from the Plan on account of termination will not be made until the date which is six months after the date of the Specified Employee’s separation from service with the Employer or, if earlier, the date of the Specified Employee’s death.  To the extent a Specified Employee has chosen to receive distributions in installments, the first installment shall be paid on the first business day after expiration of the six-month period, with all successive installments paid according to the times set forth in Section 5.3.
 
5.8   Beneficiaries
 
Each Participant will designate a Beneficiary to receive any amounts distributable hereunder at the time of the Participant’s death on such forms as the Employer may require.  In the absence of an effective beneficiary designation as to all or a part of the Participant’s interest in the Plan, such amount will be distributed to the beneficiary (or beneficiaries) to whom the Participant’s benefits under the Retirement Savings Plan are payable (regardless of whether the Participant made an election thereunder) and in the same percentages, if applicable.
 
ARTICLE 6                      
 

 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
6.1   Administration of the Plan
 
The Plan shall be administered by the Employer.  The books and records of the Plan shall be maintained by the Employer at its expense, and no member of the Board of Directors of the Employer, or any employee of the Employer acting on its behalf, shall be liable to any person for any action taken or omitted in connection with the administration of the Plan, unless attributable to his own fraud or willful misconduct.  The Employer in its capacity as administrator shall have full discretion to determine eligibility for an amount and method of payment of benefits and to construe any ambiguous or unclear provisions to the Plan and all such decisions of the Employer shall be enforced unless the decision is arbitrary or capricious.
 
6.2  
Claims
 
A claim for benefits under the Plan shall be made in writing by the Participant or, if applicable, the Participant’s Beneficiary, executor or administrator, or authorized representative (collectively, the “Claimant”) to the Employer within 60 days of the event by which the Claimant claims he is entitled to receive benefits under the Plan.
 
(a)            Claims Denials; Claims Appeals.
 
 
(i)
In general.   In any case in which a claim for Plan benefits of Claimant is denied or modified, the Employer will notify such person of its decision in writing.  Such notification will contain (a) specific reasons for the denial; (b) specific reference to pertinent plan provisions; (c) a description of any additional material or information necessary for such person to perfect such claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and (d) information as to the Plan’s claim review procedure.  Such notification will be given within 90 days after the claim is received by the Employer (or within 180 days if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim and if written notice of such extension and circumstances is given to such person within the initial 90-day period).  If such notification is not given within such period, the claim will be considered denied as of the last day of such period and such person may request a review of his claim.
 
 
8
 
 
(ii)
Appeals .  Within 60 days after the date on which Claimant receives a written notice of a denied claim (or, if applicable, within 60 days after the date on which denial is considered to have occurred) such person (or his duly authorized representative) may (a) file a written request with the Employer for a review of his denied claim and of pertinent documents and (b) submit written issues and comments to the Employer.  The Employer will notify Claimant of its decision in writing.  Such notification will be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant and will contain specific reasons for the decision as well as specific references to pertinent Plan provisions.  The decision on review will be made within 60 days after the request for review is received by the Employer (or within 120 days if special circumstances, such as an election by the Employer to hold a hearing, require an extension of time for processing the request, and if written notice of such extension and circumstances is given to such person within the initial 60-day period).  If the decision on review is not made within such period, the claim will be considered denied.
 
 
(b)
Disability Claims.   If a claim for benefit is based on the Participant’s Disability, the claim will be processed as specified in Section 6.2(a), except that the following additional rules shall apply:
 
 
(i)
Notice of Decision.   The Employer will notify the Claimant of his decision within 45 days of receipt of the claim.  The 45-day period may be extended for an additional 30 days if the extension is necessary due to matters beyond the Employer’s control, and the Employer notifies the Claimant prior to the expiration of the initial 45-day period of the circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the Employer expects to render a decision.  The 30-day extension period can be extended for a second period of 30 days due to matters beyond the Employer’s control, provided the Employer again notifies the Claimant prior to the expiration of the first extension period in the same manner as the first extension.  If the Claimant is asked to provide additional information so that the claim can be processed, the Claimant will have 45 days to provide the additional information.  In the case of an adverse determination with respect to a claim, if an internal rule, guideline, protocol or other similar criterion was relied upon in making the decision the Employer will notify the Claimant of such reliance and that a copy of such rule, guideline, protocol or other criterion will be provided free of charge to the Claimant upon written request.
 
 
9
 
 
(ii)
Review Procedures .  A Claimant will have 180 days following the receipt of an adverse determination involving a Disability benefit to request a review of the determination.  If a review of the adverse decision is requested, the following shall apply:
 
 
(A)
No deference will be given to the initial decision and the review will be conducted by an appropriate individual who is neither the individual who made the initial decision nor a subordinate of that individual.
 
 
(B)
If the initial decision was based in whole or in part on a medical judgment, the appropriate individual will consult with a health care professional who has the appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involved in the medical judgment.
 
 
(C)
The Employer will provide to the Claimant the identity of the medical or vocational experts whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Plan in connection with the adverse determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied on in making the determination.
 
 
(D)
Any health care professional engaged for purposes of reviewing the initial decision will be an individual who is neither an individual who was consulted in connection with the initial decision, nor a subordinate of that individual.
 
 
(E)
The Employer shall notify the Claimant of his decision on review within 45 days after the request for review is received, or within 90 days if special circumstances require an extension of time, the Claimant is given written notice of the extension with the first 45-day period, and the notice describes the special circumstances and indicates the date a decision is expected to be made.
 
Compliance with the claims review procedures set forth in this Section shall be a condition precedent to the filing of a lawsuit by a Participant or his Beneficiary or any person claiming through a Participant or Beneficiary in connection with a Plan benefit, and a failure to timely exhaust the administrative remedies set forth herein shall bar any such proceeding in federal or state court.
 
6.3   Amendment of the Plan
 
The Plan may be amended, in whole or in part, from time-to-time, by formal action of the Employer’s Board of Directors, or a properly authorized committee of the Board, and executed by an officer authorized to act on behalf of the Employer with no further consent of any party.
 
 
10
 
6.4   Termination of the Plan
 
The Plan may be terminated, at any time, by action of the Board of Directors of the Employer, without the consent of any other party.  The termination of this Plan shall not result in the granting of any additional rights to any Participant, such as, accelerated distributions and, to the extent not funded, full vesting of his Account, except as already provided under the terms of Section 5.1 hereof.   Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employer may elect to terminate the Plan and make accelerated distributions in accordance with the following:
 
(a)  
Corporate Dissolution or Bankruptcy .  If termination of the Plan is due to corporate dissolution or bankruptcy, the Employer may make an accelerated payment as allowed under Section 409A of the Code upon the later of the calendar year the Plan terminates, or the first calendar year in which payment is administratively practicable;
 
(b)  
Change in Control .  If termination of the Plan is due to a change in control, as defined by Code Section 409A and the guidance thereunder, the Employer may make distributions during the period beginning 30 days prior to and ending 12 months following the change in control event; or
 
(c)  
Termination in the Ordinary Course.   If the Employer terminates the Plan along with all other programs that would be aggregated with the Plan as provided in Code Section 409A and the guidance thereunder, and this termination is not proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Employer, the Employer may make distributions no earlier than 12 months after and no later than 24 months after the termination of the Plan.  Under this scenario, the Employer shall not adopt a new plan that would be aggregated with the Plan within three years after the termination.
 
6.5   Withholding
 
The Employer may withhold federal, state and local employment and income taxes on distributions as required by law.
 
6.6   Domestic Relations Order
 
In the event the Employer receives a domestic relations order from a potential alternate payee, the Employer will notify the Participant whose benefit is the subject of such order.  The Employer will, within a reasonable period of time, determine whether the order is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order under Code Section 414(p) (a “QDRO”) and will notify the Participant of its determination.  No payment will be made to an alternate payee until the Employer (or a court of competent jurisdiction reversing an initial adverse determination by the Employer) determines that the order is a QDRO.  Payment will be made to an alternate payee in accordance with the QDRO, as soon as reasonably possible after the QDRO determination is made, without regard to whether the distribution, if made to a Participant at the time specified in the QDRO, would be permitted under the terms of the Plan.
 
6.7   Notices to Participants
 
From time-to-time, the Employer shall provide a Participant with an accounting of the value of his Account no less than the frequency provided under the Retirement Savings Plan.  Further, a Participant will be provided written notice of any amendment of the Plan that affects his rights herein, and of the termination of the Plan.
 
 
11
 
 
6.8   Non-Alienation
 
To the extent permitted by law, the right of any Participant or Beneficiary in any Account Balance hereunder shall not be subject to any manner to attachment or other legal process for the debts of such Participant or Beneficiary, and any such Account Balance shall not be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment or encumbrance.
 
6.9   Arbitration
 
Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Plan shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Faulkner County, Arkansas, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.  Each party shall bear his or its own costs of arbitration, but if the Employee is the prevailing party in such arbitration, he shall be entitled to recover from Acxiom Corporation as party of any award entered his reasonable expenses for attorneys’ fees and disbursements.
 
6.10   Law Governing
 
This Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas without giving effect to any principle of conflict-of-laws that would require the application of the law of any other jurisdiction.
 
6.11   Validity
 
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Plan shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Plan, which shall remain in full force and effect.
 
6.12   Status of Participants
 
Participants have the status of general unsecured creditors of the Employer with respect to their rights under this Plan.  This Plan constitutes a mere unsecured promise by the Employer to pay benefits in the future.  It is the intention of the parties that the Plan be unfunded for tax purposes and for Title I of ERISA.
 
6.13   Effect on Successors in Interest
 
This Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the heirs, administrators, executors and successors of each of the parties thereto.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and as conclusive evidence of the adoption of the foregoing instrument comprising the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Plan, Acxiom Corporation, as the Employer, has caused its seal to be affixed hereto and these presents to be duly executed in its name and behalf by its proper officers thereunto authorized this 10th day of December, 2008.
 
 
 
 ATTEST:        ACXIOM CORPORATION  
 /s/ Catherine L. Hughes     /s/ Cindy K. Childers, SVP - HR  
 Secretary   Catherine L. Hughes
 
     Name and Title    Cindy K. Childers, SVP - HR
 
       
 
                                                                  

                                                                  
12
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
Exhibit 10.30
 
ACXIOM CORPORATION NON-QUALIFIED MATCHIING CONTRIBUTION PLAN
(Effective January 1, 2009)
 
FIRST AMENDMENT
 
Pursuant to Section 6.3 of the Acxiom Corporation Non-Qualified Matching Contribution Plan (the “Plan”), as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, Acxiom Corporation (the “Company”) hereby amends and restates Section 3.3 of the Plan effective July 1, 2009 as follows:
 
3.3              Employer Matching Contributions
 
No matching contributions will be required with respect to Participant’s Salary Reduction Contributions or Participant’s Deferred Compensation withheld on or after July 1, 2009.
 
For each Plan Year, when a Participant’s Deferred Compensation (as defined in the Retirement Savings Plan) is limited under the Retirement Savings Plan by reason of Code Section 401(a)(17), 402(g) or 415, the Employer may make matching contributions for each payroll period to a Participant’s Account under this Plan equal to:
 
 
(a)
A percentage of the Participant’s Salary Reduction Contributions withheld under the Non-Qualified Deferral Plan plus the Participant’s Deferred Compensation withheld under the Retirement Savings Plan as determined by the Board of Directors of the Employer or a properly authorized committee of the Board for the Plan Year, minus
 
 
(b)
the matching contribution allocated to the Participant’s account under the Retirement Savings Plan on account of the amounts deferred under subsection (a).
 
The Employer may elect to make a contribution under this Section 3.3 in Employer stock; provided, however, a contribution in stock to a Participant may not exceed 25% of his cash Compensation.
 
The determination as to whether a matching contribution will be made is in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Employer or a properly authorized committee of the Board, determined in its sole discretion.
 
The Employer will not make an employer matching contribution to the Plan under this Section unless the Employer makes a contribution under a substantially similar formula to the Retirement Savings Plan.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment is executed as of the 25 th day of June, 2009.
 
                     ACXIOM CORPORATION
Attest:
 
 /s/ Catherine L. Hughes      By   /s/ Cindy K. Childers  
      Name   Cindy K. Childers
      Title   Senior Vice President - Human Resources
                                                                     
 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 21


 
SUBSIDIARIES OF ACXIOM
 
     
 
U.S. SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
     
Name
Incorporated In
Doing Business As
 
     
1. Acxiom CDC, Inc.
Arkansas
Acxiom CDC, Inc.
     
2. Acxiom CH, Inc.
Delaware
Acxiom CH, Inc.
     
3. Acxiom Digital, Inc.
Delaware
Acxiom Digital, Inc.
     
4. Acxiom Direct, Inc.
Tennessee
Acxiom Direct, Inc.
     
5. Acxiom / Direct Media, Inc.
Arkansas
Acxiom / Direct Media, Inc.
     
6. Acxiom Dutch Holdings, LLC
Delaware
Acxiom Dutch Holdings, LLC
     
7. Acxiom Government Services, Inc.
Arkansas
 Acxiom Government Services, Inc.
     
8. Acxiom Identity Solutions, LLC
Colorado
Acxiom Identity Solutions, LLC
     
9. Acxiom / May & Speh, Inc.
Delaware
Acxiom / May & Speh, Inc.
     
     
 
INTERNATIONAL SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
     
Name
Incorporated In
Doing Business As
 
     
1. ACDUHO, C.V.
The Netherlands
ACDUHO, C.V.
     
2. Acxiom Australia Pty Ltd
Australia
Acxiom Australia Pty Ltd
     
3.  Acxiom Japan K.K.
Japan
Acxiom Japan K.K.


 
 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 23
 

 


 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors
 
Acxiom Corporation:
 
We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements previously filed on Form S-3 and Form S-8 (Nos. 33-17115, 33-37610, 33-37609, 33-42351, 33-72310, 333-158005, 333-63633, 333-91395, 333-40114, 333-57470, 333-68620, 333-98613, 333-108900, 333-124901, 333-127743, 333-148946, 333-148708, 333-136919, 333-151333 and 333-175854), of Acxiom Corporation of our reports dated May 29, 2013, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Acxiom Corporation and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended March 31, 2013, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013, which reports appear in the March 31, 2013 annual report on Form 10-K of Acxiom Corporation.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
May 29, 2013
 

 

 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 

Exhibit 24

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:  That the undersigned, a director or officer, or both, of Acxiom Corporation ("the Company"), acting pursuant to authorization of the Company’s Board of Directors, hereby appoints Catherine L. Hughes and Jerry C. Jones, or any one of them, attorneys-in-fact and agents for me and in my name and on my behalf, individually and as a director or officer, or both, of the Company, to sign the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013, together with any amendments thereto, and to file the same, together with any exhibits and all other documents related thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and any act necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, duly ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of the power herein granted.

Executed as of the 23rd day of May, 2013.


   Signed:       /s/ John L. Battelle   
 
 Name:         JOHN L. BATTELLE, Director
 
 
   Signed:       /s/ Timothy R. Cadogan  
 
 Name:         TIMOTHY R. CADOGAN, Director
 
 
   Signed:       /s/ William T. Dillard II  
 
  Name:         WILLIAM T. DILLARD II, Director
 
 
   Signed:       /s/ Richard P. Fox  
 
  Name:         RICHARD P. FOX, Director
 
 
    Signed:        /s/ Jerry D. Gramaglia       
   Name:      JERRY D. GRAMAGLIA, Director
                 (Non-Executive Chairman of the Board)
 
 
    Signed:        /s/ Ann Die Hasselmo      
 
  Name:         ANN DIE HASSELMO, Director
 
 
    Signed:       /s/ William J. Henderson      
 
  Name:         WILLIAM J. HENDERSON, Director
 
 
    Signed:       /s/ Scott E. Howe  
    Name:         SCOTT E. HOWE, Director and Chief Executive Officer
                     (principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 Signed:        /s/ Clark M. Kokich                             
 
 
 N ame:         CLARK M. KOKICH, Director
 
 
    Signed:        /s/ Kevin M. Twomey          
    Name:         KEVIN M. TWOMEY, Director
 


 
 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1


ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CERTIFICATION

I, Scott E. Howe, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K   of Acxiom Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Dated:  May 29, 2013
By:
/s/ Scott E. Howe        
   
Scott E. Howe
Chief Executive Officer & President


.
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2

ACXIOM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CERTIFICATION

I, Warren C. Jenson, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K   of Acxiom Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Dated:  May 29, 2013
By:
/s/ Warren C. Jenson        
   
Warren C. Jenson
Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President


 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1





CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the accompanying Annual Report of Acxiom Corporation (the Company) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Scott E. Howe, Chief Executive Officer & President of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:

(1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 


/s/ Scott E. Howe                                            
Scott E. Howe
Chief Executive Officer & President
May 29, 2013

 
 
 


 
 
 
Exhibit 32.2



CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the accompanying Annual Report of Acxiom Corporation (the Company) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Warren C. Jenson, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge, that:

(1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 


/s/ Warren C. Jenson                                                                 
Warren C. Jenson
Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President
May 29, 2013