UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 1, 2006

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 1-14637

BANTA CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin 39-0148550 
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer 
of incorporation or organization) I.D. Number) 


225 Main Street, Menasha, Wisconsin
54952 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (920) 751-7777

        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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer /X/ Accelerated filer /  / Non-accelerated filer /  /

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes /  /   No /X/

  Common stock outstanding as of July 18, 2006 - 24,110,392 shares.


1


BANTA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended July 1, 2006

INDEX

Page Number
   

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:  

 
Item 1 - Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
   July 1, 2006 and December 31, 2005

 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
   for the Three Months and Six Months ended July 1, 2006
   and July 2, 2005

 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
   for the Six Months Ended July 1, 2006
   and July 2, 2005

 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -
   July 1, 2006 6-13 

 
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
   and Results of Operations 14-22 

 
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 22 

 
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures 22 

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

 
Item 1A - Risk Factors 22 

 
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 23 

 
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 23 

 
Item 6 - Exhibits 24 

SIGNATURES
24 

EXHIBIT INDEX
25 


2


Part 1 Item 1. Financial Statements

BANTA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS July 1, 2006
December 31, 2005
(unaudited)
Current Assets:            
     Cash and cash equivalents   $ 111,674   $ 148,895  
     Short-term investments    51,208    --  
     Receivables    257,946    295,993  
     Inventories    81,507    80,756  
     Other current assets    19,148    20,696  


          Total Current Assets    521,483    546,340  


Plant and equipment    1,000,751    977,760  
Less accumulated depreciation    730,568    713,911  


Plant and equipment, net    270,183    263,849  
Other assets    48,044    40,644  
Goodwill    43,941    43,518  


          Total Assets   $ 883,651   $ 894,351  


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT          

Current Liabilities:
          
     Accounts payable   $ 107,865   $ 107,943  
     Accrued salaries and wages    29,024    44,223  
     Other accrued liabilities    40,789    41,393  
     Current maturities of long-term debt    11,467    11,460  


       Total Current Liabilities    189,145    205,019  


Non-current Liabilities:          
     Long-term debt    60,586    75,046  
     Deferred income taxes    14,086    15,250  
     Other non-current liabilities    54,250    56,447  


       Total Non-current Liabilities    128,922    146,743  


          Total Liabilities    318,067    351,762  


Shareholders' Investment          
     Preferred stock-$10 par value;          
       authorized 300,000 shares; none issued    --    --  
     Common stock-$.10 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares;          
       30,003,923 and 29,787,969 shares issued, respectively    3,000    2,979  
     Amount in excess of par value of stock    68,338    58,621  
     Retained earnings    677,419    656,298  
     Unearned compensation    --    (1,140 )
     Treasury stock, at cost - 5,900,808 and 5,670,118 shares, respectively    (191,800 )  (179,270 )
     Accumulated other comprehensive income    8,627    5,101  


          Total Shareholders' Investment    565,584    542,589  


          Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment   $ 883,651   $ 894,351  



See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

3


BANTA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Continuing operations:                    
Revenue from printing and supply-chain services   $ 361,393   $ 366,060   $ 745,003   $ 752,337  
Cost of printing and supply-chain services    284,754    286,748    586,831    589,106  




     Gross earnings    76,639    79,312    158,172    163,231  
Selling and administrative expenses    58,993    58,543    120,893    121,840  




     Operating earnings from continuing operations    17,646    20,769    37,279    41,391  

Interest expense
    (1,206 )  (1,541 )  (2,519 )  (3,097 )
Interest income    1,648    923    3,069    1,660  
Other income (expense), net    (296 )  383    (495 )  797  




     Earnings from continuing operations  
        before income taxes    17,792    20,534    37,334    40,751  
Provision for income taxes    1,690    6,570    7,550    13,040  




     Earnings from continuing operations    16,102    13,964    29,784    27,711  

Discontinued operations:
                  
     Earnings (loss) from operations of discontinued                  
        Healthcare segment, net of income taxes    --    (258 )  --    702  
     Gain from sale of Healthcare segment,  
        net of income taxes    --    20,075    --    21,375  




Net earnings   $ 16,102   $ 33,781   $ 29,784   $ 49,788  





Basic earnings per share of common stock:
                  
     Earnings from continuing operations   $ 0.67   $ 0.57   $ 1.24   $ 1.12  
     Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    --    (0.01 )  --    0.03  
     Earnings from sale of Healthcare segment    --    0.82    --    0.86  




        Total   $ 0.67   $ 1.38   $ 1.24   $ 2.01  




Diluted earnings per share of common stock:                  
     Earnings from continuing operations   $ 0.66   $ 0.56   $ 1.22   $ 1.10  
     Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations    --    (0.01 )  --    0.03  
     Earnings from sale of Healthcare segment    --    0.80    --    0.85  




        Total   $ 0.66   $ 1.35   $ 1.22   $ 1.98  




Cash dividends per share of common stock   $ 0.18   $ 0.18   $ 0.36   $ 0.35  




See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

4


BANTA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in thousands)
Six Months Ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Cash Flows from Operating Activities            
     Net earnings   $ 29,784   $ 49,788  
     Depreciation    27,136    28,497  
     Deferred income taxes    (1,523 )  --  
     Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options    --    1,865  
     Excess tax benefits from equity compensation    (979 )  --  
     Non-cash equity compensation    3,695    314  
     Gain on sale of plant and equipment    (418 )  (355 )
     Gain on sale of Healthcare segment    --    (20,075 )
     Gain on sale of warehouse related to Healthcare segment    --    (1,300 )
     Change in assets and liabilities  
          Decrease in receivables    38,047    14,033  
          Increase in inventories    (751 )  (2,302 )
          Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities    (14,197 )  (8,293 )
          Net change in other current assets and liabilities    1,885    (3,533 )
          Net change in other non-current assets and liabilities    (9,597 )  3,043  


Cash provided from operating activities    73,082    61,682  


Cash Flows From Investing Activities          
     Capital expenditures    (32,822 )  (23,984 )
     Proceeds from the sale of plant and equipment    537    1,072  
     Proceeds from the sale of Healthcare segment    --    62,392  
     Proceeds from the sale of warehouse related to Healthcare segment    --    6,753  
     Purchases of short-term investments, net    (51,208 )  --  


Cash (used for) provided by investing activities    (83,493 )  46,233  


Cash Flows From Financing Activities          
     Repayments of long-term debt    (14,453 )  (18,111 )
     Dividends paid    (8,663 )  (8,474 )
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net    6,458    4,122  
     Repurchase of common stock    (13,350 )  (47,837 )
     Excess tax benefits from equity compensation    979    --  
     Other    (117 )  (57 )


Cash used for financing activities    (29,146 )  (70,357 )


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents    2,336    (15,146 )


Net (decrease) increase in cash    (37,221 )  22,412  
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period    148,895    128,353  


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period   $ 111,674   $ 150,765  


Cash payments for:          
     Interest, net of capitalized interest   $ 2,472   $ 3,224  
     Income taxes    6,439    8,170  

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

5


BANTA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 1, 2006
(UNAUDITED)

1) Basis of Presentation

  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Banta Corporation (the “Corporation”) included herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Corporation believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Corporation’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

  In the opinion of management, the aforementioned financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. Results for the three and six months ended July 1, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 30, 2006. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation.

2) Divestiture

  The Corporation completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its single-use healthcare products subsidiary, Banta Healthcare Group, Ltd. (“Healthcare”), which previously comprised the entire healthcare segment, on April 12, 2005. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the results of operations of Healthcare up to the point of sale, the gain on the sale of a warehouse in Rialto, CA, related to Healthcare, and the sale of the remaining assets, have been reflected in discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings. The sale of the warehouse in the first quarter of 2005 resulted in net proceeds of $6.8 million and a gain of $2.1 million ($1.3 million net of related income taxes). The sale of the remaining assets of Healthcare in the second quarter of 2005 generated net proceeds of $62.4 million and a gain of $23.7 million ($20.1 million net of related income taxes). Proceeds resulting in additional gain of $0.1 million were recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 upon the finalization of working capital adjustments pending at the end of the second quarter of 2005.

3) Cash Equivalents and Investments

  The Corporation considers all highly liquid investments, with maturities of less than 90 days at the date of purchase, to be cash equivalents. As of July 1, 2006, the Corporation held $51.2 million of tax-exempt auction-rate municipal securities. These investments are AAA-rated by Moodys, Standard & Poors and/or Fitch, and are fully insured. The securities are municipal bonds with original stated maturities typically up to 30 years, however the interest rates are reset on a 7, 28, or 35-day basis using a Dutch auction process. Depending on the interest rate environment, these securities can offer a favorable tax-equivalent yield in comparison to taxable investments with similar credit quality and liquidity. The Corporation does not intend to hold these securities longer than one year and therefore has classified them as short-term investments considered “available for sale” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

  The Corporation held $4.3 million of non-rated, tax-exempt Wisconsin Industrial Revenue Bonds backed by a letter of credit from a Thompson rated “A” financial institution at July 1, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively. The bonds have a 7-day interest rate reset feature and put option. Based on the original maturity of the underlying investments, the Corporation has classified these instruments as long-term investments considered “available for sale.” It is the current intention of the Corporation to hold these instruments for more than one year.

6


4) Inventories

  Inventories consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

July 1, 2006      December 31, 2005     
Raw materials     $  48,311   $  44,541  
Work-in-process and finished goods    33,196    36,215  


    $  81,507   $  80,756  



5) Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

  Basic earnings per share of common stock is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share of common stock is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The common equivalent shares relate to the assumed exercise of stock options and the assumed vesting of non-vested stock.

  The weighted average shares used in the computation of earnings per share consist of the following (in thousands of shares):

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Basic      23,976        24,601        24,014        24,800      
Diluted    24,398        24,941        24,451        25,158      

6) Comprehensive Earnings

  Comprehensive earnings consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Net earnings     $ 16,102   $ 33,781   $ 29,784   $ 49,788  
Foreign currency translation  
  adjustments    2,312    (10,460 )  3,526    (16,925 )




Comprehensive earnings   $ 18,414   $ 23,321   $ 33,310   $ 32,863  




7) Goodwill

  Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment during the six months ended July 1, 2006 consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

Printing
services

Supply-chain
management
services

Total
Balance at December 31, 2005     $ 37,552   $ 5,966   $ 43,518  
Translation adjustments for goodwill  
  denominated in foreign currencies    --    423    423  



Balance at July 1, 2006   $ 37,552   $ 6,389   $ 43,941  



7


8) Stock-Based Compensation

  At July 1, 2006, the Corporation had shares outstanding or available for grant under three stock-based compensation plans – the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”), the Equity Incentive Plan (“1995 Plan”) and the 1991 Stock Option Plan (“1991 Plan”). The 2005 and 1995 Plans provide for the issuance of non-qualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, and non-vested stock to officers and key employees. The exercise prices for options or stock appreciation rights under such plans may not be less than the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. Options granted under the 1991 Plan (which provides for only the grant of stock options) may be exercised up to five years after the date of grant. Options granted under the 2005 and 1995 Plans may be exercised up to 10 years from the date of grant. The 2005 Plan includes automatic grants of stock options to non-employee Directors on an annual basis. The Corporation has historically issued new common stock in order to satisfy stock option exercises and intends to do so to satisfy future awards. Non-vested stock awards have been issued from previously acquired treasury shares and the Corporation intends to continue this practice. At July 1, 2006, 3,068,474 shares of the Corporation’s common stock were reserved for future equity incentive awards.

  The following table summarizes stock option activity under the equity incentive plans:

Options
Price Range
Weighted
Average Price

Outstanding at January 3, 2004      2,736,647    $18 - $38   $31  

Granted
    553,254    $38 - $46   $40  
Exercised    (360,832 )  $18 - $38   $26  
Canceled or expired    (71,831 )  $28 - $38   $35  

Outstanding at January 1, 2005    2,857,238    $18 - $46   $34  

Granted
    507,413    $40 - $50   $46  
Exercised    (686,671 )  $18 - $46   $29  
Canceled or expired    (142,410 )  $23 - $47   $39  

Outstanding at December 31, 2005    2,535,570    $18 - $50   $37  

Granted
    363,104    $49 - $51   $51  
Exercised    (237,688 )  $18 - $38   $32  
Canceled or expired    (46,815 )  $38 - $51   $44  

Outstanding at July 1, 2006    2,614,171    $18 - $51   $39  


  The following table summarizes weighted average information by range of exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable at July 1, 2006:

Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Range of
Exercise
Price

Number
Outstanding at
July 1, 2006

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

Number
Exercisable at
July 1, 2006

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$18-$27 219,200  3.7 years $24 219,200  $24
$28-$34 234,647  5.6 years $29 224,647  $29
$35-$38 1,176,981     6.8 years $37 820,039  $37
$39-$51 983,343  8.9 years $47 178,066  $44



$18-$51 2,614,171     7.2 years $39 1,441,952     $34




  The options outstanding but not exercisable at July 1, 2006, become exercisable at various times through 2009 in accordance with the vesting schedules of the options. The intrinsic value (defined as the difference between the market price of the underlying common stock and the grant price) of options outstanding at July 1, 2006, was $18,772,000, and the intrinsic value of options exercisable at July 1, 2006, was $17,072,000. During the first half of 2006, the aggregate market price of the underlying common stock of options exercised exceeded the aggregate grant price by $4,232,000.

8


  The following table summarizes non-vested stock activity under the equity incentive plans:


Shares


Price Range

Weighted
Average Fair
Value

Outstanding at January 3, 2004 --  $ -- $ --

Granted
23,988  $38 - $46 $45

Outstanding at January 1, 2005 23,988  $38 - $46 $45

Granted
25,537  $43 $43
Vested (8,000) $38 - $46 $45
Forfeited (3,378) $43 - $46 $44

Outstanding at December 31, 2005 38,147  $38 - $46 $43

Granted
45,209  $51 $51
Vested (14,242) $43 - $46 $43
Forfeited (913) $43 $43

Outstanding at July 1, 2006 68,201  $38 - $51 $ 48


  The intrinsic value of non-vested shares at July 1, 2006, was $3,160,000. The aggregate market price of non-vested shares that vested during the six-month period ended July 1, 2006, was $660,000.

  Effective January 1, 2006, the Corporation adopted SFAS No. 123 (R), “Share-Based Payment.” SFAS No. 123 (R) requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award at the grant date and recognition of the compensation expense over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period). The Corporation had previously accounted for its stock-based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Because the number of stock options granted was fixed and the exercise price equaled the market price of the Corporation’s underlying common stock on the date of grant, no compensation cost was previously recognized under APB No. 25 in the statements of earnings for stock options granted prior to January 1, 2006. The Corporation adopted SFAS No. 123 (R) using the modified prospective method, under which compensation expense related to stock options that were not vested as of January 1, 2006 and future grants of stock options and non-vested stock will be recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings. Prior period compensation expense related to stock options is presented on a pro-forma basis. The Corporation’s stock option and non-vested stock awards primarily vest ratably over a 3-year period from the date of grant (subject to acceleration in certain cases). The Corporation has elected to recognize compensation expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period of the award.

  The Corporation previously had and will continue to expense awards of non-vested stock based on the fair value of the Corporation’s common stock at the date of grant. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123 (R), unearned compensation previously recorded in equity was closed to the amount in excess of par value of stock on January 1, 2006. All stock-based compensation expense not recognized at January 1, 2006 and compensation expense related to future grants of stock options and non-vested stock will be recorded directly to the amount in excess of par value of stock.

9


  The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in the first six months of 2006, and the full fiscal years of 2005 and 2004, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 4.4%, 3.9% and 3.6%; expected dividend yields of 1.4%, 1.6% and 1.7%; expected option lives of 5.0, 5.0 and 5.3 years; and expected volatility of 20%, 22% and 26%. Based on these assumptions, the weighted average fair value of the options granted at the date of grant in the first six months of 2006 and the full fiscal years of 2005 and 2004, was $11.34, $10.17 and $9.40, respectively.

  Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying statements of earnings for the three months ended July 1, 2006 and July 2, 2005, was $1,992,000 ($1,196,000 net of related taxes) and $160,000 ($96,000 net of related taxes), respectively. Stock options and non-vested stock accounted for $1,653,000 ($992,000 net of related taxes) and $339,000 ($203,000 net of related taxes), respectively, of the expense recognized for the three months ended July 1, 2006. The expense recognized for the three months ended July 2, 2005 of $160,000 ($96,000 net of related taxes) was entirely related to non-vested stock.

  Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying statements of earnings for the six months ended July 1, 2006 and July 2, 2005, was $3,695,000 ($2,217,000 net of related taxes) and $314,000 ($188,000 net of related taxes), respectively. Stock options and non-vested stock accounted for $3,074,000 ($1,844,000 net of related taxes) and $621,000 ($373,000 net of related taxes), respectively, of the expense recognized for the six months ended July 1, 2006. The expense recognized for the six months ended July 2, 2005 of $314,000 ($188,000 net of related taxes) was entirely related to non-vested stock.

  As a result of adopting FAS 123 (R) on January 1, 2006, the Corporation’s earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, earnings from continuing operations and net earnings are $1,653,000, $992,000 and $992,000 lower, respectively, for the three months ended July 1, 2006, and $3,074,000, $1,844,000 and $1,844,000 lower, respectively, for the six months ended July 1, 2006, than if the Corporation had continued to account for stock-based compensation under APB No. 25. Basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock are $0.04 and $0.04 lower, respectively, for the three months ended July 1, 2006, and $0.08 and $0.08 lower, respectively, for the six months ended July 1, 2006, than if the Corporation had continued to account for stock-based compensation under APB No. 25. Had the Corporation not adopted FAS 123 (R) effective January 1, 2006, cash provided from operating activities and cash used for financing activities for the six months ended July 1, 2006, would have been $74,061,000 and $30,125,000, respectively.

  Had all stock-based compensation expense been recognized in the three and six months ended July 2, 2005 based under the fair-value-method at the grant date for awards under the plans, the Corporation’s pro forma net earnings and earnings per share would have been as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):



10


Three Months
Ended
Six Months
Ended
July 2, 2005
July 2, 2005
Net earnings, as reported     $ 33,781   $ 49,788  
Add: Stock based compensation expense included in          
     net earnings, net of related taxes    96    188  
Deduct: Stock based compensation expense          
     determined under fair-value-based method, net of          
     related taxes    (824 )  (1,803 )


Pro forma net earnings   $ 33,053   $ 48,173  


Earnings per share  

As reported:
  

  Basic
   $ 1.37   $ 2.01  


  Diluted   $ 1.35   $ 1.98  


Pro forma:  

  Basic
   $ 1.34   $ 1.94  


  Diluted   $ 1.33   $ 1.91  



  As of July 1, 2006, the Corporation had unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for stock-based awards granted prior to July 1, 2006, of $11.0 million, net of estimated forfeitures. This expense is expected to be recognized as follows (dollars in thousands):

Remainder of 2006     $ 3,583      
2007    4,698     
2008    2,529     
2009    151     

Total   $ 10,961     


9) Employee Benefit Plans

  The Corporation and certain of its unions have two pension plans covering substantially all employees. The plans are non-contributory and benefits are based on an employee’s years of service and earnings. The Corporation also maintains a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan, which is not funded. The disclosures for this plan for all periods presented are combined with the pension plans. The Corporation makes contributions to the pension plans each year in an amount that is at least equal to the minimum required contributions as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

  The Corporation and its subsidiaries also provide non-contractual limited healthcare benefits for certain retired employees. The program provides for defined initial contributions by the Corporation toward the cost of postretirement healthcare coverage. The balance of the cost is borne by the retirees. The program provides that increases in the Corporation’s contribution toward coverage will not exceed 4% per year. Due to the terms of the Corporation’s postretirement healthcare program, assumed healthcare cost rate trends do not materially affect the Corporation’s costs.

  Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs for the Corporation-sponsored plans were as follows (dollars in thousands):

11


Pension Benefits
Three months ended Six months ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Service cost-benefits earned            
during the year   $ 2,796   $ 2,564   $ 5,592   $ 5,128  
Interest cost on projected                  
benefit obligation    2,921    2,674    5,842    5,348  
Expected return on plan                  
assets    (3,950 )  (3,391 )  (7,900 )  (6,782 )
Amortization of prior service                  
cost    2    2    4    4  
Amortization of net loss    601    352    1,202    704  




Net pension expense   $ 2,370   $ 2,201   $ 4,740   $ 4,402  





Postretirement Benefits
Three months ended Six months ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Service cost-benefits earned            
during the year   $ 117   $ 111   $ 234   $ 222  
Interest cost on projected                  
benefit obligation    112    111    224    222  
Amortization of transition                  
obligation    52    52    104    104  
Amortization of net gain    (106 )  (107 )  (212 )  (214 )




Net postretirement benefits                  
expense   $ 175   $ 167   $ 350   $ 334  





  The Corporation made a contribution of $10 million to the qualified pension plan during the first quarter of 2006, and currently expects to make no further contributions to its qualified pension plans during the remainder of 2006. A contribution of $775,000 is expected to be made in 2006 as benefit payments to retired participants under the supplemental retirement plan. A contribution of $254,000 is expected to be made in 2006 as benefit payments to retirees under the postretirement healthcare plan.

10) Repurchase of Common Stock

  In February 2005, the Board of Directors approved a $150 million share repurchase program, which replaced the Corporation’s previous program. As of December 31, 2005, the Corporation had purchased 1,458,500 shares of its common stock under this authority at an aggregate cost of $65,571,000.

  During the quarter ended July 1, 2006, the Corporation purchased 4,000 shares of outstanding common stock under the repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $203,000. During the six months ended July 1, 2006, the Corporation purchased 272,600 shares under the repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $13,350,000.

  The shares of common stock held in treasury may be reissued pursuant to the Corporation’s equity incentive plans, or for other purposes. As of July 1, 2006, the Corporation had authority to repurchase up to an additional $71,079,000 in common stock under the current share repurchase program.

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11) Income Taxes

  The effective tax rate related to the Corporation’s continuing operations was 9.5% for the second quarter of 2006 and 32.0% for the second quarter of 2005. The reduction in the effective tax rate resulted primarily from reversal of certain tax contingency reserves related to the Corporation’s operations in Singapore which are no longer required. These tax contingency reserves related to tax incentives granted by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (“IRAS”) for tax years 2000 through 2005, based on the attainment of certain defined measures. Attainment of these measures was not assured until the end of the incentive period and required confirmation from IRAS. Accordingly, the Corporation provided tax contingency reserves for these incentives. In the second quarter of 2006, the Corporation received final approval of qualification for the tax incentives from the IRAS and appropriately reversed the tax contingency of $3.7 million associated with these incentives. Excluding the aforementioned reduction in the second quarter tax provision, the Corporation anticipates the effective tax rate for the full year of 2006 to be 30%.

12) Segment Information

  The Corporation operates in two business segments, printing services and supply-chain management services. Summarized segment data for the three and six months ended July 1, 2006 and July 2, 2005 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Revenue                    
  Printing services   $ 254,171   $ 256,747   $ 534,354   $ 531,684  
  Supply-chain management  
      services    107,222    109,313    210,649    220,653  




  Total   $ 361,393   $ 366,060   $ 745,003   $ 752,337  




Earnings from Operations  
  Printing services   $ 14,447   $ 16,959   $ 30,588   $ 33,436  
  Supply-chain management  
      services    10,367    11,114    21,813    23,521  




  Total   $ 24,814   $ 28,073   $ 52,401   $ 56,957  





  The following table presents a reconciliation of segment earnings from operations to the totals contained in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended July 1, 2006 and July 2, 2005 (dollars in thousands):

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Reportable segment earnings from                    
operations   $ 24,814   $ 28,073   $ 52,401   $ 56,957  
Corporate expenses (not allocated to  
segments)    (7,168 )  (7,304 )  (15,122 )  (15,566 )
Interest expense    (1,206 )  (1,541 )  (2,519 )  (3,097 )
Interest income    1,648    923    3,069    1,660  
Other income (expense), net    (296 )  383    (495 )  797  




    Earnings from continuing operations  
       before income taxes   $17,792 $20,534 $37,334   $40,751  




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Item 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SECOND QUARTER AND FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2006 COMPARED TO 2005

Introduction

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of the Corporation. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Corporation’s financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements. MD&A is organized in the following sections:

Overview
Results of Operations and Related Information
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Critical Accounting Policies
Forward Looking Statements

Overview

The Corporation operates in two business segments, printing services and supply-chain management services. The Corporation’s printing services segment provides a comprehensive combination of printing, binding and digital imaging solutions to leading publishers and direct marketers. Services in this segment include printing and value-added services related to books, catalogs, publications, direct marketing materials and educational materials. This segment also provides literature management services and e-business services. The Corporation’s global supply-chain management services segment provides a wide range of outsourcing capabilities, primarily to many of the world’s largest technology companies. Services in this segment range from materials sourcing, product configuration and customized kitting, to order fulfillment and global distribution.

As discussed in the Corporation’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Corporation completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its single-use healthcare products subsidiary, Banta Healthcare Group, Ltd. (“Healthcare”), to an affiliate of Fidelity Capital Investors, Inc. on April 12, 2005. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the results of operations of Healthcare, which previously comprised the entire healthcare segment, and the gain on the sale of the assets have been reflected in discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings. The following discussion and analysis relating to results of operations is based on a comparison of the Corporation’s results of operations from continuing operations.

The Corporation announced on July 25, 2006 the reorganization of the five operating units of the printing services segment into two divisions. The reorganization is expected to generate annualized savings of approximately $3 million, beginning in 2007. The action will result in a third quarter 2006 cash charge of approximately $2 million, primarily related to employee severance costs. Further reorganization will result in additional charges in the second half of this year, with additional cost savings expected in 2007 and beyond.

Results of Continuing Operations and Related Information

Summary

The Corporation’s revenue for the second quarter of 2006 decreased 1.3% to $361.4 from $366.1 million in the second quarter of the prior year. Revenue for the second quarter of 2006 decreased in both the printing and supply-chain management services segments when compared with the prior year’s second quarter. Second quarter earnings from continuing operations for 2006 of $16.1 million were 15.3% greater than in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the second quarter were 66 cents compared with 56 cents in the second quarter of 2005. Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2006 were positively impacted by 15 cents per share as a result of the reversal of certain tax reserves which are no longer required, described in more detail in the Provision for Income Taxes section. In addition, diluted earnings per share were also positively impacted by higher interest income and fewer average shares outstanding. The Corporation had 543,000 fewer average diluted shares outstanding in the second quarter of 2006 compared with the prior year second quarter, the result of share repurchases in 2005 and the first six months of 2006. Net earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2006 included $1,653,000 of expense ($992,000 net of related taxes) related to the recognition of stock-based incentive compensation expense under SFAS No. 123 (R), “Shared-Based Payment” (see Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Non-vested stock was expensed in both periods; totaling $339,000 ($203,000 net of related taxes) for the three months ended July 1, 2006 and $160,000 ($96,000 net of related taxes) for the three months ended July 2, 2005.

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Revenue from continuing operations

Revenue from continuing operations for the quarter by segment is shown below (dollars in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Segment July 1, 2006 July 2, 2005 Change %

Printing services     $254,171   $256,747    -1.0 %

Supply-chain management services    107,222    109,313    -1.9 %

Total   $361,393   $366,060    -1.3 %


Printing services revenue for the second quarter of 2006 decreased 1.0% from the comparable prior year period. Key issues related to revenue for the second quarter of 2006 in this segment were:

Rising paper prices increased revenue approximately $2.6 million in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the prior year period. Average paper prices were approximately 3% higher than the prior year, and these increases are generally passed on to the customer.
Revenue in the Book operating unit was down 4% compared with the prior year second quarter. This reduction was primarily the result of some customers sourcing certain educational materials from printers in lower-cost countries, as well as the decision by one large educational publisher to transition the packaging of certain materials to an internal facility. This decrease was partially offset by higher paper prices, which increased revenue approximately 1 percentage point.
Revenue for the Literature Management operating unit increased 39% for the second quarter of 2006 compared with the prior year period. The strong revenue growth was the result of increased promotional activity from several existing key customers and new customers in both print and fulfillment.
Revenue in the Catalog operating unit decreased by 10% compared with the second quarter of 2005. This reduction was primarily the result of decreased customer volumes (from both reductions in page count per catalog and reduced quantities per print run), and a shift to more print work using customer provided paper, which combined to decrease revenue approximately 9 percentage points from the second quarter of 2005. Market pricing pressures also negatively impacted revenue in the second quarter by 2 percentage points over the comparable period in the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by higher paper prices, which contributed a 1 percentage point increase to revenue over the prior year period.
Publications operating unit revenue decreased 3% for the second quarter of 2006 compared with the prior year second quarter. Revenue decreased by a gross 6 percentage points as the result of lower volumes of commercial printing, reduced quantities per print run and a reduction in page counts per magazine. This decrease was partially offset by freight and paper price increases, which contributed 2 percentage points to revenue over the second quarter of 2005.
Direct Marketing operating unit revenue decreased by 2% in the second quarter of 2006 compared with the prior year second quarter. Pricing pressure from customers and a shift in mix to lower priced commercial printing combined to reduce revenue 6 percentage points compared to the prior year period. Partially offsetting this decrease were higher volumes and increased paper pricing which increased revenue by 3 percentage points and 1 percentage point, respectively, over the prior year period.

15


Printing services revenue for the first six months of 2006 was comparable with the first six months of 2005. The growth experienced in the Literature Management operating unit and increased paper pricing were offset by volume declines and decreased market pricing for printing services in the first half of 2006 compared with the same period in 2005.

Revenue for the supply-chain management services segment declined 1.9% in the second quarter of 2006 compared with the second quarter of 2005. Approximately 40% of the decrease ($0.8 million) resulted from unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The remainder of the decrease in revenue is the result of negotiated price reductions to several major customers, continued reduction in the content requirements for certain products and general softness in demand for some technology products.

For the first six months of 2006, net revenue for the supply-chain management services segment was 4.5% lower than the first six months of 2005. Approximately $4.6 million, or 46%, of the decrease for the six-month period resulted from unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The remaining decrease was the result of factors described above for the second quarter of 2006.

The Corporation has a contract with Hewlett-Packard Company in the supply-chain management services segment that runs through 2006, subject to one-year extensions pursuant to an evergreen provision. Pursuant to this evergreen clause, the contract was most recently extended through 2006. Revenue from Hewlett-Packard Company under this agreement totaled approximately $135 million in 2005 and comparable revenue is expected under this contract in 2006. The loss or the modification of this contract could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial results.

Operating earnings from continuing operations (operating earnings)

Operating earnings from continuing operations (operating earnings) of $17.6 million in the second quarter of 2006 decreased 15.0% from $20.8 million in the prior year second quarter. Operating earnings as a percentage of revenue were 4.9% for the second quarter of 2006, down from 5.7% in the prior year period. Changes in operating earnings as a percentage of revenue are discussed below by segment.

Segment operating margins were as follows for the second quarter:

Segment July 1, 2006 July 2, 2005
Printing Services 5.7% 6.6%
Supply-Chain Management Services 9.7% 10.2%

Operating margins for the printing services segment in the second quarter of 2006 decreased to 5.7% from 6.6% in the second quarter of 2005. Approximately one-half of the decrease in operating margins in the segment was due to the recognition of equity-based incentive compensation expense, which totaled $997,000 ($598,000 net of related taxes). The remaining decrease was primarily the result of price pressures in several operating units and the approximate $1 million bad-debt expense in the Catalog operating unit.

Printing services segment operating margins for the first six months of 2006 declined to 5.7% from 6.3% in the first half of 2005. The decrease was primarily the result of the recognition of equity-based incentive compensation expense, the second quarter 2006 bad-debt expense and market pricing pressures as discussed above.

The principal raw material used by the Corporation in the printing services segment is paper. Average paper prices in the second quarter of 2006 were approximately 3% higher than prices in the second quarter of 2005. The cost of paper is generally passed on to customers and has no significant impact on operating earnings.

Operating margins for the supply-chain management services segment decreased to 9.7% in the second quarter of 2006 from 10.2% in the prior year quarter. Approximately one-third of the decrease in operating margins in the segment was due to the recognition of equity-based incentive compensation expense, which totaled $259,000 ($155,000 net of related taxes). The remaining decrease was primarily the result of negotiated price reductions to several major customers.

16


Operating margins for the first six months in the supply-chain management services segment decreased to 10.4% from 10.7% in the comparable period in the prior year due to the recognition of equity-based incentive compensation expense and the price reductions discussed above. Operating margins in this segment continue to be at a level which may be higher than can be sustained long-term, and may decrease in the future based on the expectation of a lesser proportion of value-added content in the product mix and anticipated continued pricing pressure from existing and new customers.

Geographic analysis of revenue and earnings from operations

Revenue and earnings from operations (excluding unallocated corporate expenses) by geographic area for the three and six months ended July 1, 2006 and July 2, 2005 are presented below (dollars in thousands). Virtually all revenue for the printing services segment was from customers in the United States. Revenue in the supply-chain management services segment was from customers in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Revenue                    
  United States   $ 286,190   $ 289,604   $ 598,825   $ 592,705  
  Non-United States    75,203    76,456    146,178    159,632  




  Total   $ 361,393   $ 366,060   $ 745,003   $ 752,337  




Earnings from operations  
  United States   $ 17,255   $ 22,068   $ 36,179   $ 42,178  
  Non-United States    7,559    6,005    16,222    14,779  




  Total   $ 24,814   $ 28,073   $ 52,401   $ 56,957  





Revenue in the United States decreased 1% in the second quarter of 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of the decreased volumes and competitive pricing factors experienced by the printing services segment as described above. For the six months ended July 1, 2006, revenue in the United States increased 1% over the comparable prior year period. The volume and pricing factors discussed above for the second quarter were more than offset by increased volume and higher paper pricing experienced in the first quarter when compared to the prior year. Revenue in the United States in the supply-chain management services segment decreased 3% in the second quarter of 2006 and increased 6% for the six-month period ended July 1, 2006. Increased demand from the segments technology customers in the first quarter of 2006 was partially offset by the annual negotiated price reductions. Non-United States revenue decreased 2% in the second quarter and 8% in the first six months of 2006 from the comparable periods in the prior year. This decrease was the result of currency impacts, content reduction and softness of demand described above for results of the supply-chain management services segment.

Operating earnings in the United States decreased by 22% in the second quarter and 14% in the first half of 2006 compared with the respective prior year periods. These decreases were primarily the result of the recognition of equity-based incentive compensation expense, bad-debt expense in the second quarter of 2006, a mix shift to lower value-added content in certain supply-chain management locations and the pricing factors described above for the printing services and supply-chain management segments. Non-United States operating earnings increased by approximately 26% in the second quarter and 10% in the first six months of 2006 when compared with the prior year periods. The increase in both the second quarter and first six months was primarily the result of new business opportunities with customers outside the United States, which more than offset the pricing reductions.

Interest Expense, Interest Income and Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense for the second quarter of 2006 was $1.2 million, 22% lower than interest expense of $1.5 million in the comparable period in the prior year. Interest expense for the six-month period ended July 1, 2006 was $2.5 million, a reduction of 19% from the prior year first half. The reduction in interest expense for both the second quarter and the first half of 2006 was the result of scheduled repayments of long-term debt and new borrowings in the supply-chain management services sector with more favorable interest rates. Total long-term debt at July 1, 2006 of $72.1 million was 3% more than the $69.8 million of total long-term debt outstanding at the end of the second quarter of 2005. This increase was related to the $24.2 million of long-term borrowings at locations outside the United States in 2005 related to the repatriation of foreign earnings, reduced by scheduled re-payments of long-term debt. Essentially all of the Corporation’s long-term debt is at fixed interest rates. As a result, changes in market interest rates have not significantly impacted the Corporation’s interest expense.

17


Interest income increased $0.7 million to $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2006 from $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2005. For the six months ended July 1, 2006, interest income of $3.1 million was $1.4 million higher than the prior year period. The increase in interest income in both the second quarter and first six months of 2006 was the result of the Corporation’s movement of some of its cash reserves to higher-yield investments as well as to rising short-term interest rates.

Other expense of $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2006 was a $0.7 million reduction from the $0.4 million of other income during the comparable period in the prior year. Other expense for the six month period ended July 1, 2006 was $0.5 million, a decrease of $1.3 million from the $0.8 million other income in the prior year period. Other expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2006 was due primarily to losses on foreign currency transactions. Other income in the prior year periods resulted primarily from gains on foreign currency transactions and the sale of fixed assets.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate related to the Corporation’s continuing operations was 9.5% for the second quarter of 2006 and 32.0% for the second quarter of 2005. The reduction in the effective tax rate resulted primarily from the reversal of certain tax contingency reserves related to the Corporation’s operations in Singapore which are no longer required. These tax contingency reserves related to tax incentives granted by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (“IRAS”) for tax years 2000 through 2005, based on the attainment of certain defined measures. Attainment of these measures was not assured until the end of the incentive period and required confirmation from IRAS. Accordingly, the Corporation provided tax contingency reserves for these incentives. In the second quarter of 2006, the Corporation received final approval of qualification for the tax incentives from the IRAS and appropriately reversed the tax contingency of $3.7 million associated with these incentives.

Excluding the aforementioned reduction of the tax provision, the Corporation anticipates the effective tax rate for the full year 2006 to be 30.0%, consistent with the full year 2005 rate exclusive of the provision recorded in the fourth quarter of 2005 for earnings repatriated under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, as discussed in the Corporation’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Corporation’s effective tax rate is less than the statutory United States federal rate of 35.0% due to the proportion of foreign earnings generated by the supply-chain management services segment, which has extensive operations in countries whose tax rates are more favorable than the rates in the United States.

Earnings from Continuing Operations

Earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2006 were $16.1 million, a 15.3% increase from the same period last year. Earnings from continuing operations were positively impacted by the reversal of a tax reserve, offset by the reductions in operating earnings in the operating units described above. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the second quarter were 66 cents compared with 56 cents in the second quarter of 2005. Diluted earnings per share were positively impacted by 543,000 fewer average diluted shares outstanding in the second quarter of 2006 compared with the prior year second quarter, the result of share repurchases in 2005 and the first six months of 2006.

Earnings from continuing operations for the six months ended July 1, 2006 were $29.8 million, an increase of 7.4% from the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the second quarter were $1.22 compared with $1.10 in the second quarter of 2005. These increases were the result of the issues discussed above for the second quarter and full year 2006 results.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On July 1, 2006, the Corporation had cash and cash equivalents of $112 million. The change in cash and cash equivalents for the periods ended July 1, 2006 and July 2, 2005 was as follows:

18


Dollars in thousands
July 1, 2006
July 2, 2005
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     $ 148,895   $ 128,353  
Cash provided by operating activities    73,082    61,682  
Cash (used for) provided by investing activities    (83,493 )  46,233  
Cash used for financing activities    (29,146 )  (70,357 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents    2,336    (15,146 )


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents    (37,221 )  22,412  


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 111,674   $ 150,765  


Operating Activities

Cash generated from operating activities for the six months ended July 1, 2006 was $73.1 million compared with $61.7 million in the prior year period, an increase of 18%. The increase in cash from operating activities was driven by the collection of accounts receivable from the end of 2005, partially offset by the payment of incentive compensation accruals from the fourth quarter of 2005 and a $10 million contribution to the qualified pension plan made in the first quarter of 2006. Included in the cash flows from operating activities in 2005 were the cash flows from the discontinued Healthcare segment. Cash flows from operating activities related to the discontinued Healthcare segment through April 12, 2005 were approximately $4.5 million. The Corporation anticipates that the absence of these cash flows from the discontinued Healthcare segment will not have a materially adverse impact on future liquidity and capital resources.

Investing Activities

Investing activities in the first six months of 2006 used $83.5 million compared with providing $46.2 million in the comparable period in the prior year. The primary use of cash for investing in the first six months was the net purchases of $51.2 million of tax-exempt auction-rate municipal securities. These investments are AAA-rated by Moodys, Standard & Poors and/or Fitch, and are fully insured. The securities are municipal bonds with original stated maturities typically up to 30 years, however the interest rates are reset on a 7, 28, or 35-day basis using a Dutch auction process. Depending on the interest rate environment, these securities can offer a favorable tax-equivalent yield in comparison to taxable investments with similar credit quality and liquidity. The Corporation does not intend to hold these securities longer than one year and therefore has classified them as short-term investments considered “available for sale” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Capital expenditures of $32.8 million were $8.8 million greater than the $24.0 million in the first half of 2005. The Corporation is committed to maintaining modern, safe and efficient plants and to providing customers with enhanced supply-chain management services as well as new printing and digital imaging technologies. Proceeds from the sale of the Healthcare segment and related assets in the first half of 2005 were $69.1 million.

Financing Activities

Cash used for financing activities in the first six months of 2006 reflected share repurchases, payment of dividends to shareholders and repayments of long-term debt, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises.

The Corporation has in effect a stock repurchase program pursuant to which it may repurchase shares of its common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time. During the first half of 2006, the Corporation purchased 272,600 shares of common stock under the repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $13.3 million. The 2006 share repurchases were financed by cash provided by operating activities. As of July 1, 2006, the Corporation had authority to repurchase up to an additional $71.1 million in common stock under the current share repurchase program. The Corporation may continue its repurchase of shares in the future pursuant to this authorization if market conditions warrant. Any future stock repurchases are expected to be funded by a combination of existing cash, cash provided from operations and short-term borrowings.

Management believes the Corporation’s financial condition is strong and that its ability to generate cash from operations and its ability to issue short-term and long-term debt are adequate to fund working capital, capital spending, payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock and other investments for the foreseeable future.

19


Critical Accounting Policies

The Corporation’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements include estimates as to the recovery of receivables and the realization of inventories, plant and equipment, and goodwill. Significant assumptions are also used in the determination of liabilities related to pension and postretirement benefits, obligations for lease terminations, income taxes and environmental matters. The process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, product mix and, in some cases, actuarial assumptions. The Corporation re-evaluates these significant factors as facts and circumstances dictate. Historically, actual results have not differed significantly from those determined using the estimates described above.

The Corporation believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements:

Revenue recognition. Revenue is recognized, net of estimated discounts, allowances and returns, when title and risk of loss transfers to the customer and the earnings process is complete. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition,” provides guidance on the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States to selected revenue recognition issues. In addition, revenue in the supply-chain management services segment is recognized in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 99-19, “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent.” Each major contract is evaluated based on various criteria, with management judgment required to assess the importance of each criterion in reaching the final decision. In general, revenue is recognized on a gross basis if the Corporation has the risks and rewards of ownership, latitude in establishing component vendors and pricing, and bears all credit risk. Revenue from contracts that do not meet these criteria are recognized on a net basis, recording only the portion that is related to services or products provided directly by the Corporation.

  The Corporation records shipping and handling fees billed to customers as revenue, and records the related costs as cost of printing and supply-chain services, when incurred.

Goodwill. In accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is no longer amortized, but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis. The Corporation completed the annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2005, 2004 and 2003. This analysis was based on the comparison of the fair value of its reporting units to the carrying value of the net assets of the respective reporting units. The Corporation concluded that no impairment of goodwill existed at the time of the annual impairment tests in 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Stock-based compensation. Effective January 1, 2006, the Corporation adopted SFAS No. 123 (R), “Share-Based Payment.” SFAS No. 123 (R) requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award at the grant date and recognition of the compensation expense over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period). The Corporation had previously accounted for its stock-based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Because the number of stock options granted was fixed and the exercise price equaled the market price of the Corporation’s underlying common stock on the date of grant, no compensation cost was previously recognized under APB No. 25 in the statements of earnings for stock options granted prior to January 1, 2006. The Corporation adopted SFAS No. 123 (R) using the modified prospective method, under which compensation expense related to stock options that were not vested as of January 1, 2006 and grants of stock after January 1, 2006 will be recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings. The Corporation’s stock option and non-vested stock awards primarily vest ratably over a 3-year period from the date of grant (subject to acceleration in certain cases). The Corporation has elected to recognize compensation expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period of the award. The Corporation continues to use the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model to determine the fair value of stock options at the date of grant.

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Retirement benefits. The Corporation has significant pension and postretirement benefit costs that are developed from actuarial valuations. The valuations reflect key assumptions regarding, among other things, discount rates, expected return on plan assets, retirement ages and years of service. The discount rate is based upon the 10-year Moody’s Aa bond rate at the end of each year. Consideration is given to current market conditions, including changes in interest rates and investment returns, in making these assumptions. Changes in these assumptions will affect the amount of pension and postretirement expense recognized in future periods.

Asset impairments. Impairments of long-lived assets are accounted for under SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.

Income taxes. The Corporation’s annual tax rate is determined based on income, statutory tax rates and the tax impacts of items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. Tax law requires some items to be included in the tax return at different times than the items reflected in the financial statements. As a result, the annual tax rate in the financial statements is different than the rate reported on the Corporation’s tax return. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in the tax return and some differences are temporary, reversing over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities.

  Inherent in determining the annual tax rate are judgments regarding business plans, planning opportunities and expectations about future outcomes. Significant management judgments are required for the following items:

  Management reviews the Corporation’s deferred tax assets for realizability. Valuation allowances are established when management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the tax provision.

  The Corporation establishes accruals for certain tax contingencies when, despite the belief that the Corporation’s tax return positions are fully supported, the Corporation believes that certain positions may be challenged. The tax contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation.

  The Corporation has not provided for possible U.S. taxes or foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes forward-looking statements. Statements that describe future expectations, including revenue and earnings projections, plans, results or strategies, are considered forward-looking. The statements that are not purely historical should be considered forward-looking statements. Often they can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “potential,” “plan,” “forecasts,” and the like. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could affect actual results include, among others, unanticipated and/or yet-to-be-determined restructuring costs to be incurred in future periods, unanticipated difficulties in achieving expected cost savings through reorganization actions, changes in customers’ order patterns or demand for the Corporation’s services, pricing pressures imposed by competitive factors and the Corporation’s customers, changes in raw material costs and availability, unanticipated changes in sourcing of raw materials (including paper) by customers, unanticipated changes in operating expenses, unanticipated production difficulties, unanticipated issues associated with the Corporation’s non-U.S. operations, changes in the pattern of outsourcing supply-chain management services by customers, unanticipated acquisition or loss of significant customer contracts or relationships, unanticipated difficulties and costs associated with the design and implementation of new administrative systems, the impact of any acquisition or divestiture effected by the Corporation, changes in the Corporation’s effective income tax rate, unanticipated swings in foreign currency exchange rates, unanticipated changes in the pattern of sourcing printed material in low cost countries by customers, any unanticipated weakening of the economy and other risks described under the Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in the Corporation’s exposure to market risk since December 31, 2005. See Item 7A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Corporation’s management, with the participation of the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Controls. There were no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal period to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the Corporation’s risk factors from those disclosed in the 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.




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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information about repurchases of common stock effected by the Corporation during the quarter ended July 1, 2006:


Period Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced
Program
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Program

April 2, 2006 - May 6, 2006      4,000   $ 50.72    4,000   $71,079,000  

May 7, 2006 - June 3, 2006    --    --    --   $71,079,000  

June 4, 2006 - July 1, 2006    --    --    --   $71,079,000  

Total    4,000   $ 50.72    4,000  


During the quarter ended July 1, 2006, the Corporation purchased 4,000 shares of outstanding common stock under its repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $203,000. The share repurchase program was approved in February 2005 and authorizes the repurchase of shares with an aggregate value of up to $150 million. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

In addition, during the three months ended July 1, 2006, 1,088 shares at a cost of $55,303 were tendered by and reacquired from employees to satisfy tax-withholding requirements in connection with the vesting of non-vested stock, and 913 shares valued at $44,799 were returned to treasury due to employee forfeitures of non-vested stock.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the annual meeting of shareholders held on April 25, 2006, shareholders elected each of the ten director nominees and ratified the selection of the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm.

1. All of the persons nominated as directors were elected for terms expiring at the 2007 annual meeting. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to such election:

Name
Shares
Voted For

Shares
Withholding
Authority

Jameson A. Baxter 21,598,864     379,815 
John F. Bergstrom 21,840,533     138,147 
Henry T. DeNero 20,285,633  1,693,046 
David T. Gibbons 21,867,608     111,072 
Janel S. Haugarth 21,705,195     273,485 
Pamela J. Moret 21,687,427     291,253 
Paul C. Reyelts 21,723,203     255,477 
Raymond C. Richelsen 21,884,341      94,339 
Stephanie A. Streeter 21,615,551     363,128 
Michael J. Winkler 20,779,216  1,199,464 

Number of Shares
Voted For
Voted
Against

Abstained
2. To ratify selection of independent registered      
public accounting firm 21,824,543  130,921          23,215          


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Item 6. Exhibits

(a)      Exhibits –

  10.1 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended
  31.1 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
  31.2 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
  32 Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BANTA CORPORATION

/s/ Geoffrey J. Hibner
Geoffrey J. Hibner
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: August 9, 2006





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BANTA CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
For The Quarter Ended July 1, 2006

Exhibit Number

  10.1     Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended

  31.1     Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

  31.2     Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

  32     Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
    pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.




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