DONNELLEY R R & SONS CO
10-Q, 1999-05-14
COMMERCIAL PRINTING
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<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
 
                                  -----------
 
                                   FORM 10-Q
 
                                  -----------
 
  (Mark One)
              [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999
                                       OR
             [_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                         Commission File Number 1-4694
                         R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
             Delaware                          36-1004130
  (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)
 
  77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago,
             Illinois                             60601
  (Address of principal executive              (Zip Code)
             offices)
                  Registrant's Telephone Number (312) 326-8000
 
  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 the
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
                      X
                Yes-------                   No -------
 
  Number of shares of common stock
  outstanding
   as of March 31, 1999                                 130,805,876
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I
 
                             FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Page
                                  Index                               Number(s)
                                  -----                               ---------
<S>                                                                   <C>
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the
      three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998.....................        3
     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999
      (Unaudited) and December 31, 1998..............................        4
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for
      the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998.................        5
     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
      (Unaudited)....................................................    6 - 8
 
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
       and Results of Operations
 
     Comparison of First Quarter 1999 to First Quarter 1998..........   9 - 11
     Changes in Financial Condition..................................       12
     Subsequent Events...............................................       12
     Year 2000.......................................................  12 - 13
     Other Information...............................................  13 - 15
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk...       15
 
                                    PART II
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings............................................       16
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..........       16
Item 5. Other Information............................................       16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.............................       16
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                 R.R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                               ----------------
 
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
                   (Thousands of dollars, except share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                            March 31
                                                    --------------------------
                                                        1999          1998
                                                    ------------  ------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>
Net sales.......................................... $  1,179,816  $  1,173,598
Cost of sales......................................      936,880       955,539
                                                    ------------  ------------
Gross profit.......................................      242,936       218,059
Selling and administrative expenses................      151,361       130,220
Income (loss) from operations of businesses held
 for sale..........................................       (2,959)          --
                                                    ------------  ------------
Earnings from operations...........................       88,616        87,839
Other income (expense):
 Interest expense..................................      (19,896)      (19,947)
 Other, net........................................        2,792           117
                                                    ------------  ------------
Earnings before income taxes.......................       71,512        68,009
Provision for income taxes.........................       27,532        23,803
                                                    ------------  ------------
Net income......................................... $     43,980  $     44,206
                                                    ============  ============
Net income per share of common stock
 Basic............................................. $       0.33  $       0.31
 Diluted........................................... $       0.33  $       0.30
Cash dividends per basic share..................... $       0.21  $       0.20
Average basic shares outstanding...................  132,777,000   143,928,000
Average diluted shares outstanding.................  134,359,000   146,220,000
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                 R.R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                 ------------
 
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
                      March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998
                   (Thousands of dollars, except share data)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>
                                   ASSETS
<CAPTION>
                                                            1999        1998
                                                         ----------  ----------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>
Cash and equivalents...................................  $   74,998  $   66,226
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
 $15,112 in 1999 and $14,279 in 1998...................     799,531     843,094
Inventories............................................     189,344     182,931
Prepaid expenses.......................................     112,350      63,040
                                                         ----------  ----------
  Total current assets.................................   1,176,223   1,155,291
                                                         ----------  ----------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost.................   4,414,260   4,368,754
Accumulated depreciation...............................   2,731,757   2,667,827
                                                         ----------  ----------
  Net property, plant and equipment....................   1,682,503   1,700,927
Goodwill and other intangibles, net of accumulated
 amortization of $187,819 in 1999 and $183,589 in 1998.     389,947     381,394
Other noncurrent assets................................     534,805     515,029
Net assets of businesses held for sale.................      42,517      45,476
                                                         ----------  ----------
  Total assets.........................................  $3,825,995  $3,798,117
                                                         ==========  ==========
                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable.......................................  $  303,083  $  331,257
Accrued compensation...................................     156,903     188,187
Short-term debt........................................      60,000      60,000
Current and deferred income taxes......................      18,937       2,263
Other accrued liabilities..............................     294,100     242,251
                                                         ----------  ----------
  Total current liabilities............................     833,023     823,958
                                                         ----------  ----------
Long-term debt.........................................   1,165,428     998,978
Deferred income taxes..................................     257,765     260,692
Other noncurrent liabilities...........................     415,944     413,611
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, at stated value ($1.25 par value)
   Authorized shares: 500,000,000; Issued 140,889,050
    in 1999 and 140,889,050 in 1998....................     308,462     308,462
  Retained earnings....................................   1,313,055   1,325,634
  Cumulative translation adjustments...................     (62,338)    (55,050)
  Unearned compensation................................      (5,399)     (6,118)
  Reacquired common stock, at cost.....................    (399,945)   (272,050)
                                                         ----------  ----------
      Total shareholders' equity.......................   1,153,835   1,300,878
                                                         ----------  ----------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.......  $3,825,995  $3,798,117
                                                         ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                 R.R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                 ------------
 
          CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
                      For the Three Months Ended March 31
                             (Thousands of dollars)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1999       1998
                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities:
  Net income............................................. $  43,980  $  44,206
  Loss from operations of businesses held for sale, net
   of tax................................................     1,820        --
  Depreciation...........................................    79,328     81,226
  Amortization...........................................    12,234     11,045
  (Gain) on sale of assets...............................    (2,985)    (1,176)
  Net change in operating working capital................   (43,771)   (32,063)
  Net change in other assets and liabilities.............    18,459        650
  Other..................................................     1,862     (4,733)
                                                          ---------  ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities................   110,927     99,155
                                                          ---------  ---------
Cash flows provided by (used for) investing activities:
  Capital expenditures...................................   (64,393)   (54,432)
  Other investments including acquisitions, net of cash
   acquired..............................................   (52,465)   (18,609)
  Dispositions of assets.................................       --       1,176
                                                          ---------  ---------
Net cash used for investing activities...................  (116,858)   (71,865)
                                                          ---------  ---------
Cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities:
  Net increase in borrowings.............................   166,450    121,648
  Issuances of common stock..............................     1,464     17,539
  Acquisition of common stock............................  (123,559)  (150,732)
  Cash dividends on common stock.........................   (28,017)   (28,975)
                                                          ---------  ---------
Net cash used for financing activities...................    16,338    (40,520)
                                                          ---------  ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents..    (1,635)      (259)
Net increase in cash from businesses held for sale.......       --      22,595
                                                          ---------  ---------
Net change in cash and equivalents.......................     8,772      9,106
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period..............    66,226     47,814
                                                          ---------  ---------
Cash and equivalents at end of period.................... $  74,998  $  56,920
                                                          =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
 
     See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                R.R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                 ------------
 
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
  Note 1. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are
unaudited (although the balance sheet at December 31, 1998 is condensed from
the audited balance sheet at that date) and have been prepared by the company
to conform with the requirements applicable to this quarterly report on Form
10-Q. Certain information and disclosures, normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, have been omitted as permitted by such requirements. However, the
company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the
information presented not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and the related notes included in the company's 1998 Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
 
  The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein reflect, in
the opinion of the company, all adjustments (which include only normal,
recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial information
for such periods. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to
maintain comparability with current year classifications.
 
 
  Note 2. Components of the company's inventories at March 31, 1999, and
December 31, 1998, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               (Thousands of
                                                                 Dollars)
                                                             ------------------
                                                               1999      1998
                                                             --------  --------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
Raw materials and manufacturing supplies.................... $119,328  $121,490
Work in process.............................................  165,078   150,775
Finished goods..............................................      913     1,220
Progress billings...........................................  (46,078)  (42,217)
LIFO reserve................................................  (49,897)  (48,337)
                                                             --------  --------
    Total inventories....................................... $189,344  $182,931
                                                             ========  ========
 
  Note 3. The following provides supplemental cash flow information:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                               (Thousands of
                                                                 Dollars)
                                                             ------------------
                                                               Three Months
                                                                   Ended
                                                                 March 31
                                                             ------------------
                                                               1999      1998
                                                             --------  --------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
 Interest paid.............................................. $  5,693  $  8,521
 Income taxes paid.......................................... $ 10,508  $ 19,908
</TABLE>
 
  Note 4. On November 25, 1996, a purported class action was brought against
the company in federal district court in Chicago, Illinois, on behalf of all
current and former African-American employees, alleging that the company
racially discriminated against them in violation of the Civil Rights Act of
1871, as amended, and the U.S. Constitution (Jones, et al. v. R.R. Donnelley &
Sons Co.). The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, and asks for
actual, compensatory, consequential and punitive damages in an amount not less
than $500 million. Although plaintiffs seek nationwide class certification,
most of the specific factual assertions of the complaint relate to the closing
by the company of its Chicago catalog operations in 1993. Other general claims
relate to other company locations. On February 11, 1999, the magistrate judge
ruled that all claims relating to the Chicago catalog operations were
untimely. Plaintiffs have appealed this ruling. If the ruling of the
magistrate judge is upheld, the claims relating to other locations will still
be pending as is plaintiffs' motion for class certification.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                R.R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
  On December 18, 1995, a class action was filed against the company in
federal district court in Chicago alleging that older workers were
discriminated against in selection for termination upon the closing of the
Chicago catalog operations (Gerlib, et al. v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.). The
suit also alleges that the company violated the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act (ERISA) in determining benefits payable to retiring or terminated
employees. On August 14, 1997, the court certified classes in both the age
discrimination and ERISA claims limited to former employees of the Chicago
catalog operations.
 
  On June 30, 1998, a purported class action was filed against the company in
federal district court in Chicago on behalf of current and former African-
American employees, alleging that the company racially discriminated against
them in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Adams, et al.
v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.). While making many of the same general
discrimination claims contained in the Jones complaint, the Adams plaintiffs
are also claiming retaliation by the company for the filing of discrimination
charges or otherwise complaining of race discrimination. The complaint seeks
the same relief and damages as sought in the Jones case.
 
  Both the Jones and Gerlib cases relate primarily to the circumstances
surrounding the closing of the Chicago catalog operations. The company
believes that it acted properly in the closing of the operations. Further,
with regard to all three cases, the company believes it has a number of valid
defenses to all of the claims made and will vigorously defend its actions.
However, management is unable to make a meaningful estimate of any loss that
could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending cases.
 
  In addition, the company is a party to certain litigation arising in the
ordinary course of business which, in the opinion of management, will not have
a material adverse effect on the operations or financial condition of the
company.
 
  Note 5. The company has adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 130, Comprehensive Income. This statement is intended to report
a measure of all changes in shareholders' equity that result from either
recognized transactions or other economic events, excluding capital stock
transactions, which impact shareholders' equity. For the company, the only
difference between net income and comprehensive income is the effect of the
increase in unrealized foreign currency translation losses of $7 million and
$5 million for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Comprehensive income equaled $37 million and $39 million for the quarters
ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
 
  Note 6. The company operates in the commercial printing industry.
Substantially all revenues result from the sale of printed products and
services to customers in the following markets: Book Publishing Services,
Financial Services, Magazine Publishing Services, Merchandise Media and
Telecommunications. The company's management has aggregated its commercial
print businesses as one reportable segment due to strong similarities in the
economic characteristics, nature of products and services, production
processes, class of customer and distribution methods used. The company's
investment in businesses held for sale has been disclosed as a separate
reportable segment, as the revenues generated from these businesses are
unrelated to the commercial printing industry--refer to "Businesses Held for
Sale" for additional information.
 
  The company has disclosed earnings (loss) from operations as the primary
measure of segment earnings (loss). This is the measure of profitability used
by the company's chief operating decision-maker that is most consistent with
the presentation of profitability reported within the consolidated financial
statements. The accounting policies of the business segments reported are the
same as those described in the "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies"
(F-6 in the 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K).
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                R.R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
 
Industry Segment Information
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Businesses
                         Commercial  Held for                                     Consolidated
In Thousands               Print       Sale    Corporate  Other(1) Adjustments(2)    Total
- ------------             ---------- ---------- ---------  -------- -------------- ------------
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>            <C>
First Quarter Ended March 31, 1999
Sales................... $1,121,189  $199,123  $    --    $58,627    $(199,123)    $1,179,816
Earnings (loss) from
 operations.............     79,281    (2,959)   10,382     1,912          --          88,616
Earnings (loss) before
 income taxes...........    174,248    (2,959) (101,339)    1,562          --          71,512
Assets..................  3,014,358   213,343   677,357    91,763     (170,826)     3,825,995
 
First Quarter Ended March 31, 1998
Sales................... $1,117,444  $175,773  $    --    $56,154    $(175,773)    $1,173,598
Earnings (loss) from
 operations.............     79,894       --      6,718     1,227          --          87,839
Earnings (loss) before
 income taxes...........    160,470       --    (93,583)    1,122          --          68,009
Assets..................  3,229,360   295,109   624,100    98,978     (162,997)     4,084,550
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Represents other operating segments of the company.
(2) Refer to discussion of "Businesses Held for Sale," which describes the
    separate presentation of the net assets and results of operations of
    businesses held for sale.
 
  Note 7. The company has used corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) to fund
employee benefits for several years. In 1996, the United States Health Care
Reform Act was passed, eliminating the deduction for interest from loans
borrowed against COLI programs. 1998 was the final year of the phase-out
period for deductions. Without the COLI deduction, the company anticipates a
higher effective tax rate in 1999 and future years.
 
  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in its routine audit of the company, has
disallowed the $34 million of tax benefit that resulted from the COLI interest
deductions claimed by the company in its 1990 to 1992 tax returns. The company
has challenged this position in a formal protest filed with the IRS Appeals
division. The company expects to resolve the issue eventually in a manner that
does not materially impact its financial position or results of operations.
 
  Note 8. On April 2, 1999, the company acquired certain net assets of the
Communicolor division of The Standard Register Company (Communicolor).
Communicolor, with locations in Newark, Ohio and Eudora, Kansas, is a provider
of personalization services and printer of innovative direct-mail campaigns.
The acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
 
  On April 16, 1999, the company issued $200 million of 6 5/8% debentures due
2029. Proceeds received from the sale were used to reduce outstanding
commercial paper borrowings incurred for working capital purposes and in
connection with the financing of the company's acquisitions of Communicolor
and the financial printing unit of Cadmus Communications, with the remainder
to be used for general corporate purposes.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Item 2
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
 
Comparison of First Quarter 1999 to First Quarter 1998
 
                               About the Company
 
  R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company is the largest commercial printer in North
America. Our company is a leading provider of printing and related services to
the merchandising, magazine, book, directory, financial and healthcare markets.
We use our superior skills, scale and technology to deliver solutions that
effectively meet our customers' needs. Our common stock (DNY: NYSE) has been
publicly traded since 1956. At the end of March, 1999, we had approximately
32,000 employees working in our core printing operations on four continents. We
also had 49 manufacturing plants with a broad range of capabilities to serve
our customers. While 91% of our revenue is generated in the United States, we
have extended our core competencies into selected international markets.
 
  Commercial printing in the United States is a large and fragmented industry,
and includes more than 50,000 firms that employ more than one million people
and generate approximately $150 billion in annual revenue.
 
  The segment of commercial printing that we serve generates approximately $80
billion in annual revenue. Within this segment, we have leadership positions in
all five of our end markets:
 
  . Merchandise Media, serving the consumer and business-to-business catalog,
    retail insert and direct mail markets;
 
  . Magazine Publishing Services, serving the consumer, trade and specialty
    magazine markets;
 
  . Telecommunications, serving the global directory needs of
    telecommunications providers;
 
  . Book Publishing Services, serving the trade, children's, religious and
    educational book markets; and
 
  . Financial Services, serving the communication needs of the financial
    markets and healthcare industry.
 
  In addition to our U.S. operations, we operate in Mexico, South America,
Europe and China. For reporting purposes, revenues from our international
facilities primarily serving the directory market are reported within
Telecommunications. Revenues from our two Mexico facilities that primarily
serve the magazine market are reported within Magazine Publishing Services. Our
third Mexico facility serves the book market and is reported within Book
Publishing Services. Revenues from other international facilities serving more
than one market are included in "Other." The "Other" classification also
includes net sales from R.R. Donnelley Logistics Services (DLS), our logistics
and distribution operation. DLS serves our print services customers and others
by consolidating and sorting mail so that it is delivered to the postal system
closer to the final destination, resulting in reduced postage costs and
improved on-time delivery. Additionally, DLS delivers magazine newsstand,
newspaper inserts and financial services products. Finally, revenue from Stream
International Inc., which provides technical and help-line computer support to
its customers, is included in "Other."
 
  While our printing plants are geographically diverse, the supporting
technologies and knowledge base are shared. Our plants have a range of
production capabilities to serve the five basic commercial print markets
outlined earlier. We manufacture products for these markets with the
operational goal of optimizing the efficiency of our common manufacturing
platform. As a result, most plants produce work for customers in two or more of
our end markets.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  Sales results by business unit for the first quarter of 1999 and 1998 are
presented below:
 
                          Net Sales by Business Unit
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   First Quarter Ended March 31,
   (Thousands of Dollars)              1999    % of Total    1998    % of Total
   -----------------------------    ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
   <S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
   Magazine Publishing Services.... $  281,424     24%    $  291,678     25%
   Merchandise Media...............    274,754     23%       290,877     25%
   Telecommunications..............    207,588     18%       190,013     16%
   Book Publishing Services........    168,505     14%       165,815     14%
   Financial Services..............    130,625     11%       123,551     10%
   Other...........................    116,920     10%       111,664     10%
                                    ----------    ----    ----------    ----
                                    $1,179,816    100%    $1,173,598    100%
                                    ==========    ====    ==========    ====
</TABLE>
 
                      Consolidated Results of Operations
 
  For the first quarter of 1999, we reported net income of $44 million, or
$0.33 per diluted share compared to net income of $44 million, or $0.30 per
diluted share for the prior year. Gross profit for the first quarter rose 11%
to $243 million, reflecting increased manufacturing productivity as discussed
below, despite relatively flat sales between years. First quarter net income
reflected a higher effective tax rate of 38.5% versus 35% for the prior year,
due to the phase-out of deductions for the company's corporate-owned life
insurance programs (COLI). Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of
1999 also reflect the effect of the company's continued share repurchase
program. Excluding the loss from operations of businesses held for sale, first
quarter 1999 net income was $46 million, or $0.34 per diluted share.
 
                            Consolidated Net Sales
 
  Net sales for the first quarter of 1999, including materials such as paper
and ink, were flat compared to the prior year because of lower paper prices
and fewer pass-through material sales. Lower paper prices and reduced paper
sales impacted primarily Magazine and Merchandise Media. Telecommunications
sales increased as a result of higher volumes, driven by page count increases
from increased advertising demand. Financial Services sales increased due to
the strength of our performance in the capital and healthcare markets despite
lower commercial volumes. Financial Services sales also include the revenues
from the acquisition of the financial printing unit of Cadmus Communications
since March 1, 1999 ($4 million). Book Publishing sales also increased,
reflecting higher volumes primarily for the one-color market. First quarter
sales net of materials (primarily paper and ink) grew by 5% in 1999,
reflecting the company's emphasis on higher value-added products and services.
 
                             Consolidated Expenses
 
  Gross profit for the first quarter of 1999 increased 11% to $243 million,
compared to $218 million a year ago. First quarter gross profit as a
percentage of sales increased to 20.6% from 18.6% the prior year, driven
primarily by continued improvements in manufacturing productivity. Selling and
administrative expenses increased 16% to $151 million, or 12.8% of sales
compared to 11.1% for the prior year. This increase reflected higher
marketing-related expenses, increased selling costs from higher volumes, and
additional expenditures related to Year 2000 remediation which did not occur
in the first quarter of 1998. Earnings from operations for the first quarter
increased slightly to $89 million, despite a loss from operations of
businesses held for sale of $3 million as described in "Businesses Held for
Sale."
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
                           Summary of Expense Trends
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   First Quarter Ended
   March 31,                                      % Increase
   (Thousands of Dollars)      1999       1998    (Decrease)
   ----------------------   ---------- ---------- ---------- --- --- ---
   <S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C> <C> <C>
   Cost of materials....... $  429,014 $  455,142   (5.7%)
   Cost of manufacturing...    416,304    408,126    2.0%
   Depreciation............     79,328     81,226   (2.3%)
   Amortization............     12,234     11,045   10.8%
   Selling and
    administrative.........    151,361    130,220   16.2%
   Net interest expense....     19,896     19,947   (0.3%)
</TABLE>
 
                              Nonoperating Items
 
  Interest expense for the first quarter was approximately $20 million in both
1999 and 1998. Lower commercial paper and medium-term note interest expense in
1999 was offset by higher interest expense on borrowings of foreign
subsidiaries. Other income, net in 1999 reflects a gain of $3 million on the
sale of real estate.
 
                           Businesses Held for Sale
 
  During 1996, Stream International Holdings, Inc. (SIH), an 80%-owned equity
investment of the company, reorganized into three independent businesses:
Stream International, which provides outsource technical support services;
Corporate Software & Technology (CS&T), a software distribution company; and
Modus Media International (MMI), a global manufacturing and fulfillment
business. CS&T and MMI comprised substantially all of the company's investment
and net income in SIH.
 
  On December 15, 1997, SIH's businesses became separate companies and our
ownership interest in SIH was restructured. We converted our equity and debt
positions in Stream International into 87% of the common stock of that
business. Additionally, we converted our equity and debt positions in CS&T
into 86% of the common stock of CS&T and sold our equity and debt positions in
MMI for non-voting preferred stock of MMI. The disposition of our interest in
CS&T will be effected through the sale of the business, which is planned to
occur during 1999.
 
  In connection with the planned disposition of CS&T, we have reported our
interest in CS&T as businesses held for sale. During December 1998, the net
assets and results of operations of businesses held for sale were reclassified
from discontinued operations because the planned sale of CS&T did not occur in
1998, as originally intended. The net assets of CS&T are included in net
assets of businesses held for sale as of March 31, 1999 and 1998. The non-
voting preferred stock in MMI is included in other non-current assets as of
March 31, 1999 and 1998.
 
  In the first quarter of 1999, we recorded a $3 million ($1.8 million after-
tax) loss from operations of businesses held for sale related to CS&T.
 
  During 1998, we recorded an $80 million impairment charge (with no
associated tax benefit) related to the write-down of goodwill on the books of
CS&T. In 1997, we recorded a $100 million ($60 million after-tax) impairment
charge to adjust the carrying costs of CS&T and MMI to their estimated net
realizable values.
 
  Summary financial information of businesses held for sale has been disclosed
within the "Industry Segment Information" (Note 6 of the Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Form 10-Q).
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
Changes in Financial Condition
 
                        Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 1999
totaled $111 million, up $12 million from the same period in 1998. This was
driven by an increase in income tax liabilities and increased accounts payable,
partially offset by increased accounts receivable and higher accrued
compensation payments. Capital expenditures totaled $64 million for the first
quarter of 1999 compared to $54 million a year ago. Spending was directed
principally to projects that further enhance productivity and to upgrade our
systems infrastructure and capabilities companywide. Full-year capital spending
is expected to exceed $300 million in 1999 in support of selected growth
opportunities, including our expansion in Poland and a directory plant in
Brazil. Management believes that the company's cash flow and borrowing capacity
are sufficient to fund current operations and growth.
 
  On March 1, 1999, we purchased the financial printing unit of Cadmus
Communications. The purchase includes the assets and operations of five service
centers in Baltimore, Charlotte, Raleigh, Richmond and New York, as well as a
print-on-demand and fulfillment facility in Charlotte and selected software
products.
 
  At March 31, 1999, we had an unused revolving credit facility of $400 million
with a number of banks. This credit facility provides support for the issuance
of commercial paper and other credit needs.
 
Subsequent Events
 
  On April 2, 1999, we acquired certain net assets of the Communicolor division
of The Standard Register Company. Communicolor, with locations in Newark, Ohio
and Eudora, Kansas, is a provider of personalization services and printer of
innovative direct-mail campaigns. The acquisition will be accounted for using
the purchase method of accounting.
 
  On April 16, 1999, we issued $200 million of 6 5/8% debentures due 2029.
Proceeds received from the sale were used to reduce outstanding commercial
paper borrowings incurred for working capital purposes and in connection with
the financing of the company's acquisitions of Communicolor and the financial
printing unit of Cadmus Communications, with the remainder to be used for
general corporate purposes.
 
Year 2000
 
  Process control and information systems are becoming increasingly important
to the effective management of the company. Increased spending on new systems
and updating of existing systems continues to be necessary. In the near term,
we are focusing these efforts on ensuring that processes and systems are Year
2000 compliant. In addition, the company is focused on an initiative to upgrade
and standardize the company's information technology infrastructure, which has
the incidental effect of addressing certain of the company's Year 2000
compliance issues. We have deferred a number of other infrastructure and
systems initiatives that would support continuous productivity improvements and
enhanced service capabilities until after the company completes its Year 2000
efforts.
 
  The Year 2000 compliance issue stems from the computer industry's practice of
conserving data storage by using two digits to represent a year. Systems and
hardware using this format may process data incorrectly or fail with the use of
dates in the next century. These types of failures can influence applications
that rely on dates to perform calculations (such as an accounts receivable
aging report), as well as facility systems (such as building security and
heating) and manufacturing equipment.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
  The company's efforts to address Year 2000 compliance issues in our core
business include:
 
  . evaluating internal computing infrastructure, business applications and
    shop-floor systems for Year 2000 compliance,
 
  . replacing or renovating systems and applications as necessary to assure
    such compliance, and
 
  . testing the replaced or renovated systems and applications.
 
  Our efforts in these respects are well under way, and we continue to expect
that substantially all phases of such efforts will be completed by mid-1999. In
addition to our internal remediation activities, we have completed an initial
evaluation of compliance by our key U.S. suppliers and vendors. We are
continuing to evaluate other external companies, including customers whose
systems interact with ours, and continue to expect to substantially complete
this evaluation by mid-1999. Separate Year 2000 compliance programs are in
progress at Stream International and CS&T.
 
  Although the company expects internal systems to be Year 2000 compliant as
described above, we are implementing a process for development of contingency
plans that will specify what we plan to do if critical systems, processes,
suppliers, vendors and external companies encounter Year 2000 issues. The
contingency planning effort focuses on those areas where our testing or
evaluation does not demonstrate Year 2000 compliance, or where the criticality
of the business process would make contingency planning prudent. Specific plans
will be developed throughout the course of the year as these areas are
identified.
 
  Company employees, assisted by the expertise of external consultants where
necessary, staff the Year 2000 compliance efforts. Actual spending on our Year
2000 initiative in 1998 was $45 million, which is reflected in administrative
expense. Management expects 1999 expenses to be similar. These estimated
expenses do not include costs being capitalized with respect to the company's
information and technology infrastructure upgrade and standardization
initiative or estimated costs associated with Year 2000 initiatives at Stream
International or CS&T.
 
Other Information
 
  Share repurchase--In September 1998, the board of directors authorized a
program to repurchase up to $300 million of the company's common stock in
privately negotiated or open-market transactions. The program includes shares
purchased for issuance under various stock option plans.
 
  During the quarter, the company purchased approximately 3.6 million shares,
at an average price of $36.14 per share. The program is expected to be
completed by mid-1999.
 
  Technology--We remain a technology leader, investing not only in print-
related technologies such as computer-to-plate, customer connectivity and
digital imaging capabilities, but also in Internet-based business models, such
as our SelectSource(R) and HouseNet(R) services. These businesses help our
customers effectively deliver their content on the Internet.
 
  SelectSource and HouseNet address the online needs of catalogers and
publishers, respectively. SelectSource offers content conversion and site
development services for catalog and retail customers. HouseNet, an online
community of interest focused on home improvement topics, aggregates content
around the themes of home, garden, crafts and money management to offer a one-
stop information resource for consumers. HouseNet was recently named Yahoo!'s
number-one site for home improvement information for 1998.
 
  Book Publishing Services also applies technology to create solutions that
enable our customers to manage and distribute content in multiple media
formats. Our digital archiving and customer publishing solution allows
education customers to build books online. In addition, Book Publishing
Services is the leading supplier of conversion services to the emerging
electronic book marketplace.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
  In the production process for print, increased digitization allows us to
implement world-class manufacturing techniques. Digital workflows, coupled
with on-press instrumentation and advanced statistical process control
techniques, allow us to more effectively manage both our manufacturing assets
and our raw material inputs. Additionally, new digital imaging capabilities
are allowing higher levels of customization, enabling highly personalized
printed products to be delivered to consumers.
 
  We are focused on investing in technologies that help us deliver products,
services and solutions that are valued by our customers and thereby contribute
to our financial performance.
 
  Litigation--On November 25, 1996, a purported class action was brought
against the company in federal district court in Chicago, Illinois, on behalf
of all current and former African-American employees, alleging that the
company racially discriminated against them in violation of the Civil Rights
Act of 1871, as amended, and the U.S. Constitution (Jones, et al. v. R.R.
Donnelley & Sons Co.). The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief,
and asks for actual, compensatory, consequential and punitive damages in an
amount not less than $500 million. Although plaintiffs seek nationwide class
certification, most of the specific factual assertions of the complaint relate
to the closing by the company of its Chicago catalog operations in 1993. Other
general claims relate to other company locations. On February 11, 1999, the
magistrate judge ruled that all claims relating to the Chicago catalog
operations were untimely. Plaintiffs have appealed this ruling. If the ruling
of the magistrate judge is upheld, the claims relating to other locations will
still be pending as is plaintiffs' motion for class certification.
 
  On December 18, 1995, a class action was filed against the company in
federal district court in Chicago alleging that older workers were
discriminated against in selection for termination upon the closing of the
Chicago catalog operations (Gerlib, et al. v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.). The
suit also alleges that the company violated the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act (ERISA) in determining benefits payable to retiring or terminated
employees. On August 14, 1997, the court certified classes in both the age
discrimination and ERISA claims limited to former employees of the Chicago
catalog operations.
 
  On June 30, 1998, a purported class action was filed against the company in
federal district court in Chicago on behalf of current and former African-
American employees, alleging that the company racially discriminated against
them in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Adams, et al.
v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.). While making many of the same general
discrimination claims contained in the Jones complaint, the Adams plaintiffs
are also claiming retaliation by the company for the filing of discrimination
charges or otherwise complaining of race discrimination. The complaint seeks
the same relief and damages as sought in the Jones case.
 
  Both the Jones and Gerlib cases relate primarily to the circumstances
surrounding the closing of the Chicago catalog operations. The company
believes that it acted properly in the closing of the operations. Further,
with regard to all three cases, the company believes it has a number of valid
defenses to all of the claims made and will vigorously defend its actions.
However, management is unable to make a meaningful estimate of any loss that
could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending cases.
 
  In addition, the company is a party to certain litigation arising in the
ordinary course of business which, in the opinion of management, will not have
a material adverse effect on the operations or financial condition of the
company.
 
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
  Environmental Regulations--Our business is subject to various laws and
regulations relating to employee health and safety and to environmental
protection. Our policy is to comply with all laws and regulations that govern
protection of the environment and employee health and safety. We do not
anticipate that compliance will have a material adverse effect on our
competitive or consolidated financial positions.
 
  Outlook--The commercial printing industry in the United States (our primary
geographic market) is highly competitive in most product categories and
geographic regions. Competition is largely based on price, quality and
servicing the special needs of customers. Industry analysts believe that there
is overcapacity in most commercial printing markets. Therefore, competition is
fierce.
 
  We are a large user of paper, bought by us or supplied to us by our
customers. The cost and supply of certain paper grades used in the
manufacturing process will continue to affect our financial results, primarily
at the revenue line. However, management currently does not see any disruptive
conditions affecting prices and supply of paper in 1999.
 
  Postal costs are a significant component of our customers' cost structure.
Changes in postal rates, which became effective in January 1999, are not
expected to negatively affect the company. In fact, postal rate increases
enhance the value of R.R. Donnelley Logistic Services to our customers, as we
are able to improve the cost and efficiency of mail processing and
distribution. This ability to deliver mail on a more precise schedule and at a
lower cost enhances our position in the marketplace.
 
  In addition to paper and postage costs, consumer confidence and economic
growth are key drivers of print demand. While current economic conditions
remain favorable, there is uncertainty around the future business environment.
A significant change in the economic outlook could affect demand for the
company's products, particularly in the financial printing market.
 
  In the longer term, technological changes, including the electronic
distribution of information, present both risks and opportunities for the
company. We believe that with our competitive strengths, including our
comprehensive service offerings, technology leadership, depth of management
experience, customer relationships and economies of scale, we can develop the
most valuable solutions for our customers, which should result in sustained
growth in shareholder value.
 
Item 3
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
  We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign
exchange rates. However, we generally maintain more than half of our debt at
fixed rates (approximately 62% at March 31, 1999), and therefore our exposure
to short-term interest rate fluctuations is immaterial to the consolidated
financial statements as a whole. Our exposure to adverse changes in foreign
exchange rates also is immaterial to our consolidated financial statements as
a whole, and we occasionally use financial instruments to hedge exposures to
foreign exchange rate changes. We do not use financial instruments for trading
purposes and are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. Further disclosure
relating to financial instruments is included in the Debt Financing and
Interest Expense note in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included in our 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
  On each of November 25, 1996, and June 30, 1998, purported class actions
were brought against the company alleging racial discrimination and seeking
actual, compensatory, consequential and punitive damages in an amount not less
than $500 million. On December 18, 1995, a class action was brought against
the company alleging age discrimination in connection with the 1993 closing of
the company's Chicago catalog operations, and violation of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act. These actions are described in part I of this
quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
 
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
  (a) The company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on March 25, 1999.
 
  (b) The following matters were voted upon at the Annual Meeting of
   Stockholders:
 
    1. The election of the nominees for Directors of Class 2, who will serve
  for a term to expire at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in
  2002, was voted on by the stockholders. The nominees, all of whom were
  elected, were Joseph B. Anderson, Jr., Judith H. Hamilton and Bide L.
  Thomas. The Inspectors of Election certified the following vote
  tabulations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               For     Withheld
                                                           ----------- ---------
      <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
      Joseph B. Anderson, Jr.............................. 116,969,991 1,523,554
      Judith H. Hamilton.................................. 117,614,177   879,368
      Bide L. Thomas...................................... 117,571,873   921,672
</TABLE>
 
    2. A stockholder proposal regarding pay equity was rejected by the
  stockholders. The Inspectors of Election certified the following vote
  tabulations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         For        %     Against      %     Abstain     %    Non-Vote     %
      ----------   ---   ----------   ---   ---------   ---   ---------   ---
      <S>          <C>   <C>          <C>   <C>         <C>   <C>         <C>
      18,339,202   15%   92,019,201   78%   2,603,423   2%    5,531,719   5%
</TABLE>
 
    3. A stockholder proposal regarding global corporate standards was
  rejected by the stockholders. The Inspectors of Election certified the
  following vote tabulations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         For       %      Against      %     Abstain     %    Non-Vote     %
      ---------   ---   -----------   ---   ---------   ---   ---------   ---
      <S>         <C>   <C>           <C>   <C>         <C>   <C>         <C>
      3,640,553   3%    103,809,782   87%   5,511,491   5%    5,531,719   5%
</TABLE>
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
  Certain statements in this filing, including the discussions of management
expectations for 1999, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-
looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the future
results expressed or implied by those statements. Refer to Part I, Item 1 of
the company's 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of such
factors.
 
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
 
  (a) Exhibits
<TABLE>
     <S>   <C>
     27    Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
 
  (b) No current report on Form 8-K was filed during the first quarter of
1999.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURE
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
 
                                                  /s/ Gregory A. Stoklosa
                                          By __________________________________
                                                   Corporate Controller
                                                  (Authorized Officer and
                                                 Chief Accounting Officer)
 
         May 14, 1999
Date __________________________
 
                                      17

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 
R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                            JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                              MAR-31-1999
<CASH>                                         74,998
<SECURITIES>                                        0         
<RECEIVABLES>                                 814,643
<ALLOWANCES>                                   15,112
<INVENTORY>                                   189,344
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            1,176,223 
<PP&E>                                      4,414,260
<DEPRECIATION>                              2,731,757
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              3,825,995
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                         833,023
<BONDS>                                     1,165,428
                               0
                                         0
<COMMON>                                      308,462
<OTHER-SE>                                    845,373
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                3,825,995
<SALES>                                     1,179,816 
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            1,179,816
<CGS>                                         936,880         
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               1,086,616 
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  167
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                1,625
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             19,896
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                71,512
<INCOME-TAX>                                   27,532
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 0
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0 
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0 
<NET-INCOME>                                   43,980
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     .33
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     .33
        


</TABLE>


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