10-Q 1 fy05q310q071205.htm FY05 Q3 10Q 07-12-05 FY05 Q3 10Q 07-12-05
 
 


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



(Mark One)
 
 
 x  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended May 28, 2005
 
 o  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file no. 1-11107
 
FC Logo - Orange
 
FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
 
Utah
(State of Incorporation)
87-0401551
(I.R.S. employer identification number 
   
2200 West Parkway Boulevard
Salt Lake City, Utah
(Address of principal executive offices)
 84119-2099
(Zip Code)
   
Registrant's telephone number,
Including area code
 
(801) 817-1776
 
 
 
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
 
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes
 
o
No
 
x


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock as of the latest practicable date:

20,141,213 shares of Common Stock as of July 5, 2005


 
                        Table of Contents 
 
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet  2
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operation  3
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  4
 Note 1: Basis of Presentation  5
 Note 2: Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation  6
 Note 3: Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments  6
 Note 4: Inventories  6
 Note 5: Intangible Assets  7
 Note 6: Restructuring and Store Closure Costs  7
 Note 7: Preferred Stock Recapitalization  8
 Note 8: Gain on Disposal of Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary  8
 Note 9: Income Taxes  9
 Note 10: Comprehensive Income  9
 Note 11: Earnings Per Share  9
 Note 12: Segment Information  10
 Note 13: Executive Separation Agreement  11
 Note 14: Legal Settlement  11
 Note 15: Subsequent Events  11
 Results of Operations  12
 Liquidity & Capital Resources  12
 Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies  12
 New Accounting Pronouncements  13
 Market Risk of Financial Instruments  13
 Safe Harbor Statement  13
 Other Information  14
 Exhibit Index  14
 Signatures  15
 Section 302 Certification  Exhibit 31
 Section 906 Certification  Exhibit 32
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
May 28,
2005
 
August 31,
2004
 
 
 
(unaudited)
ASSETS
             
Current assets:
             
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments
 
$
45,453
 
$
41,904
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful  accounts of $1,553 and $1,034
   
24,925
   
18,636
 
Inventories
   
21,508
   
23,693
 
Other current assets
   
5,249
   
5,794
 
Total current assets
   
97,135
   
90,027
 
               
Property and equipment, net
   
35,498
   
40,584
 
Intangible assets, net
   
84,388
   
87,507
 
Other long-term assets
   
8,941
   
7,593
 
   
$
225,962
 
$
225,711
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Current liabilities:
             
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
120
 
$
120
 
Accounts payable
   
9,345
   
14,018
 
Income taxes payable
   
4,314
   
5,903
 
Accrued liabilities
   
35,506
   
36,158
 
Total current liabilities
   
49,285
   
56,199
 
               
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
1,299
   
1,350
 
Other liabilities
   
2,033
   
1,550
 
Total liabilities
   
52,617
   
59,099
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
             
Preferred stock - Series A, no par value; 4,000 shares authorized, 3,494 issued;
liquidation preference totaling $89,529
   
87,345
       
Preferred stock - Series A, no par value; convertible into common stock at $14 per share;
4,000 shares authorized, 3,494 shares issued; liquidation preference totaling $89,530;
recapitalized in 2005 (Note 7)
         
87,203
 
Common stock - $0.05 par value; 40,000 shares authorized, 27,056 shares issued
   
1,353
   
1,353
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
192,148
   
205,585
 
Common stock warrants
   
7,611
       
Accumulated deficit
   
(4,871
)
 
(8,798
)
Deferred compensation on restricted stock grants
   
(723
)
 
(732
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
656
   
1,026
 
Treasury stock at cost, 6,517 and 7,028 shares
   
(110,174
)
 
(119,025
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
173,345
   
166,612
 
   
$
225,962
 
$
225,711
 
               

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
                   
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
Net sales:
                         
Products
 
$
35,217
 
$
35,031
 
$
134,443
 
$
143,815
 
Training and services
   
30,571
   
26,217
   
82,972
   
71,178
 
     
65,788
   
61,248
   
217,415
   
214,993
 
Cost of sales:
                         
Products
   
17,056
   
18,741
   
61,873
   
70,303
 
Training and services
   
10,612
   
9,846
   
26,198
   
24,879
 
     
27,668
   
28,587
   
88,071
   
95,182
 
Gross margin
   
38,120
   
32,661
   
129,344
   
119,811
 
                           
Selling, general, and administrative
   
35,947
   
35,128
   
110,388
   
114,553
 
Gain on disposal of investment in
unconsolidated subsidiary
   
(500
)
       
(500
)
     
Depreciation
   
1,848
   
2,509
   
6,346
   
9,322
 
Amortization
   
1,043
   
1,043
   
3,130
   
3,130
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(218
)
 
(6,019
)
 
9,980
   
(7,194
)
                           
Interest income
   
310
   
85
   
592
   
313
 
Interest expense
   
(29
)
 
(27
)
 
(95
)
 
(195
)
Income (loss) before provision for
income taxes
   
63
   
(5,961
)
 
10,477
   
(7,076
)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
   
3,006
   
812
   
1,203
   
(1,021
)
Net income (loss)
   
3,069
   
(5,149
)
 
11,680
   
(8,097
)
Preferred stock dividends
   
(2,184
)
 
(2,184
)
 
(6,551
)
 
(6,551
)
Loss on recapitalization of preferred stock
   
(7,753
)
       
(7,753
)
     
Net loss attributable to common
shareholders
 
$
(6,868
)
$
(7,333
)
$
(2,624
)
$
(14,648
)
                           
Net loss attributable to common
shareholders per share:
                         
Basic and diluted (Note 11)
 
$
(.34
)
$
(.37
)
$
(.18
)
$
(.73
)
                           
Weighted average number of
common shares:
                         
Basic and diluted
   
19,922
   
19,940
   
19,847
   
19,947
 


 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
             
Net income (loss)
 
$
11,680
 
$
(8,097
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
11,047
   
13,764
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets
   
35
   
(29
)
Restructuring cost reversal
   
(306
)
     
Amortization of deferred compensation
   
729
   
55
 
Gain on disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary
   
(500
)
     
Compensation related to CEO common stock grant
   
404
       
Changes in assets and liabilities:
             
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net
   
(6,095
)
 
1,295
 
Decrease in inventories
   
2,253
   
14,152
 
Decrease (increase) in other assets
   
(742
)
 
4,656
 
Decrease in accounts payable, outsourcing contract costs
payable, and accrued liabilities
   
(5,450
)
 
(23,436
)
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities
   
470
   
(161
)
Decrease in income taxes payable
   
(1,547
)
 
(105
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
11,978
   
2,094
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
Purchases of property and equipment
   
(2,671
)
 
(2,418
)
Purchases of short-term investments
   
(10,653
)
 
(13,430
)
Sales of short-term investments
   
21,383
   
6,000
 
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary
   
500
       
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
         
1,554
 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
   
8,559
   
(8,294
)
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
Principal payments on long-term debt
   
(87
)
 
(73
)
Proceeds from sales of common stock from treasury
   
35
   
120
 
Purchase of treasury shares
   
(22
)
 
(129
)
Proceeds from management stock loan payments
   
840
       
Payment of preferred stock dividends
   
(6,551
)
 
(6,551
)
Net cash used for financing activities
   
(5,785
)
 
(6,633
)
               
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
   
(473
)
 
45
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
14,279
   
(12,788
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
   
31,174
   
41,916
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
 
$
45,453
 
$
29,128
 
               
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid for interest
 
$
79
 
$
252
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
770
 
$
474
 
               
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
             
Accrued preferred stock dividends
 
$
2,184
 
$
2,184
 
Issuance of restricted common stock awards
 
$
720
 
$
829
 
Loss on recapitalization of preferred stock
 
$
(7,753
)
     

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)



NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Franklin Covey Co. (the Company) provides integrated consulting, training, and performance enhancement solutions to organizations and individuals in productivity, leadership, strategy execution, sales force effectiveness, effective communications, and other areas. Each integrated solution may include components of training and consulting, assessment, and other application tools that are generally available in paper-based or electronic formats. The Company’s products and services are available through professional consulting services, public workshops, retail stores, catalogs, and the Internet at www.franklincovey.com. The Company’s historically best-known offerings include the FranklinCovey PlannerTM, courses based on the best-selling book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and the productivity workshop entitled, “Focus: Achieving Your Highest Priorities.” The Company’s latest offerings include facilitated work sessions, a course entitled “The 4 Disciplines of Execution”, and its assessment tool, “xQ” (Execution Quotient).

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and regulations. The information included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company utilizes a modified 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on August 31 of each year. Corresponding quarterly periods generally consist of 13-week periods that ended on November 27, 2004, February 26, 2005, and May 28, 2005 during fiscal 2005. Under the modified 52/53-week fiscal year, the quarter ended May 28, 2005 had the same number of business days as the quarter ended May 29, 2004. However, the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 had two fewer business days than the three quarters ended May 29, 2004.

The results of operations for the quarter ended May 28, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the entire fiscal year ending August 31, 2005.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 2004 financial statements to conform with the current period presentation, including $10.7 million of cash equivalents at August 31, 2004 that were reclassified to short-term investments in order to conform to the fiscal 2005 financial statement presentation.



NOTE 2 - ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation and awards using the intrinsic-value method of accounting as outlined in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 25 and related interpretations. Under the intrinsic-value methodology, no compensation expense is recognized for stock option awards granted at, or above, the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for the Company’s stock option plans or employee stock purchase plan in its condensed consolidated statements of operations, except as disclosed below. Had compensation expense for the Company’s stock option plans and employee stock purchase plan been determined in accordance with the fair value approach as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company’s net loss attributable to common shareholders and corresponding basic and diluted earnings per share would have been the following (in thousands, except per share data):

   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders,
as reported
 
$
(6,868
)
$
(7,333
)
$
(2,624
)
$
(14,648
)
Fair value of stock-based compensation, net of tax
   
(112
)
 
(199
)
 
(2,215
)
 
(586
)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders,
pro forma
 
$
(6,980
)
$
(7,532
)
$
(4,839
)
$
(15,234
)
                           
Basic and diluted loss per share, as reported
 
$
(.34
)
$
(.37
)
$
(.18
)
$
(.73
)
                           
Basic and diluted loss per share, pro forma
 
$
(.35
)
$
(.38
)
$
(.29
)
$
(.76
)

During the quarter ended May 28, 2005 the Company awarded 100,090 shares of common stock as restricted stock awards (RSA) to non-employee members of the Board of Directors and to certain key employees as a long-term incentive consistent with the RSAs previously made to other key employees. The fair value of these RSAs were calculated on the measurement date and the corresponding compensation expense was deferred as a component of shareholders’ equity and is being expensed over the vesting period of the awards, which is three years for the Board of Director RSAs and five years for the key employee awards. The vesting period of the key employee RSAs may be accelerated if specified earnings thresholds are achieved. These RSAs were valued at the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the measurement date and resulted in a $0.3 million increase to deferred compensation in the Company’s balance sheet. The cost of the common stock issued from treasury stock was $1.7 million and the difference between the cost of the treasury stock and fair value of the award, which totaled $1.4 million, was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. In addition, the key employee RSA recipients received cash bonuses for a portion of the income tax consequences of the RSA. The cash bonuses totaled less than $0.1 million and were expensed as a component of selling, general, and administrative expense when the RSAs were granted.

For the three quarters ended May 28, 2005, the Company awarded a total of 325,090 shares of common stock as RSAs that resulted in a $0.7 million increase to deferred compensation in the Company’s balance sheet. The cost of the common stock issued from treasury stock was $5.4 million and the difference between the cost of treasury stock and the fair value of the award, which totaled $4.7 million, was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

The RSAs previously granted to key employees in January 2004 and to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in December 2004 contain accelerated vesting provisions if the Company achieves specified earnings thresholds. During the quarter ended May 28, 2005, the Company achieved the specified earnings thresholds required to accelerate the vesting for one-half of these awards. Accordingly, during the quarter and three quarters ended May 28, 2005, the Company expensed an additional $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of deferred compensation for the anticipated accelerated vesting of these restricted stock awards.


NOTE 3 - CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

The Company considers highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities to the Company of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of interest-bearing bank accounts, money market funds, and short-term certificates of deposit.

The Company considers highly liquid investments with an effective maturity to the Company of more than three months and less than one year to be short-term investments. The Company defines effective maturity as the shorter of the original maturity to the Company or the effective maturity as a result of the periodic auction of its investments classified as available for sale. Management determines the appropriate classification of investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. At August 31, 2004, the Company had short-term investments of $10.7 million, which were classified as available-for-sale securities and were recorded at fair value, which approximated cost. The Company had no short-term investments at May 28, 2005.

Realized gains and losses on the sale of available for sale short-term investments were insignificant for the periods presented. Unrealized gains and losses on short-term investments were also insignificant for the periods presented. The Company uses the specific identification method to compute the gains and losses on its short-term investments.


NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method, and were comprised of the following (in thousands):

   
May 28,
2005
 
August 31,
2004
 
           
Finished goods
 
$
18,007
 
$
19,756
 
Work in process
   
882
   
978
 
Raw materials
   
2,619
   
2,959
 
               
   
$
21,508
 
$
23,693
 
 

NOTE 5 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company’s intangible assets were comprised of the following (in thousands):

 
May 28, 2005
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
 
Definite-lived intangible assets:
             
License rights
 
$
27,000
 
$
(6,246
)
$
20,754
 
Curriculum
   
58,230
   
(24,626
)
 
33,604
 
Customer lists
   
18,774
   
(11,744
)
 
7,030
 
Trade names
   
1,277
   
(1,277
)
 
-
 
     
105,281
   
(43,893
)
 
61,388
 
                     
Indefinite-lived intangible asset:
                   
Covey trade name
   
23,000
   
-
   
23,000
 
Balance at May 28, 2005
 
$
128,281
 
$
(43,893
)
$
84,388
 
                     
August 31, 2004
                   
Definite-lived intangible assets:
                   
License rights
 
$
27,000
 
$
(5,543
)
$
21,457
 
Curriculum
   
58,221
   
(23,067
)
 
35,154
 
Customer lists
   
18,774
   
(10,878
)
 
7,896
 
Trade names
   
1,277
   
(1,277
)
 
-
 
     
105,272
   
(40,765
)
 
64,507
 
                     
Indefinite-lived intangible asset:
                   
Covey trade name
   
23,000
   
-
   
23,000
 
Balance at August 31, 2004
 
$
128,272
 
$
(40,765
)
$
87,507
 

The range of remaining estimated useful lives and weighted-average amortization period over which the Company is amortizing its major categories of definite-lived intangible assets at August 31, 2004 were as follows:

 
Category of Intangible Asset
 
Range of Remaining
Estimated Useful Lives
 
Weighted Average Amortization Period
         
License rights
 
22 years
 
30 years
Curriculum
 
2 to 22 years
 
26 years
Customer lists
 
1 to 12 years
 
17 years

The Company’s aggregate amortization expense totaled $1.0 million for each of the quarters ended May 28, 2005 and May 29, 2004. Total amortization expense was $3.1 million for each of the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 and May 29, 2004.


NOTE 6 - RESTRUCTURING AND STORE CLOSURE COSTS

Restructuring Costs

During fiscal 1999, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to restructure the Company’s operations, reduce its workforce, and formally exit the Company’s leased office space located in Provo, Utah. The Company, under a long-term agreement, leased the Provo office space in buildings that were owned by partnerships, the majority interest of which were owned by a Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and certain other employees and former employees of the Company. During the quarter ended November 27, 2004, the Company exercised an option, available under its master lease agreement, to purchase, and simultaneously sell, the office facility to the current tenant, an unrelated party. Based on the continuing negative cash flow associated with these buildings, and other factors, the Company determined that it was in its best interest to exercise the option and sell the property. The negotiated purchase price with the landlord was $14.0 million and the tenant agreed to purchase the property for $12.5 million. These prices were within the range of estimated fair values of the buildings as determined by an independent appraisal obtained by the Company. The Company paid the difference between the sale and purchase prices, plus other closing costs, which were included as a component of the restructuring plan accrual. After accounting for the sale transaction, the remaining fiscal 1999 accrued restructuring costs, which totaled $0.3 million, were reversed and recorded as a reduction to selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company has no further obligations under the fiscal 1999 restructuring plan.

Store Closure Costs

The Company regularly assesses the operating performance of its retail stores, including previous operating performance trends and projected future profitability. During this assessment process, judgments are made as to whether under-performing or unprofitable stores should be closed. As a result of this evaluation process, the Company closed 9 stores during the quarter ended May 28, 2005 and closed 1 additional store subsequent to May 28, 2005. For the three quarters ended May 28, 2005, the Company has closed 23 retail locations and may close additional retail locations during the remainder of fiscal 2005 if further analysis indicates that the Company’s operating results may be improved through additional closures. The Company has incurred severance and lease termination costs related to these store closure activities, which are included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The components of the restructuring and store closure accrual were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

   
Severance
Costs
 
Leased Space
Exit Costs
 
 
Total
 
Balance at August 31, 2004
 
$
16
 
$
2,766
 
$
2,782
 
Charges to the accrual
   
178
   
67
   
245
 
Amounts utilized
   
(16
)
 
(2,207
)
 
(2,223
)
Balance at November 27, 2004
   
178
   
626
   
804
 
Charges to the accrual
   
79
   
169
   
248
 
Amounts utilized
   
(23
)
 
(102
)
 
(125
)
Balance at February 26, 2005
   
234
   
693
   
927
 
Charges to the accrual
   
-
   
9
   
9
 
Amounts utilized
   
(179
)
 
(80
)
 
(259
)
Balance at May 28, 2005
 
$
55
 
$
622
 
$
677
 

At May 28, 2005, accrued store closure costs were recorded as accrued liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. During the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 the Company accrued and expensed additional leased space exit costs totaling $0.2 million related to changes in estimated sublease receipts on 3 retail store closures that occurred during prior fiscal years. Although the Company believes that its accruals for retail store closures are adequate at May 28, 2005, these amounts are partially based upon estimates and may change if actual amounts related to these activities differ.
 

NOTE 7 - PREFERRED STOCK RECAPITALIZATION

On March 4, 2005, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Company’s shareholders approved a plan to recapitalize the Company’s preferred stock. Under terms of the recapitalization plan, the Company completed a one-to-four forward split of the existing Series A preferred stock and then bifurcated each share of Series A preferred stock into a new share of Series A preferred stock that is no longer convertible into common stock, and a warrant to purchase shares of common stock. The new Series A preferred stock retains its common-equivalent voting rights and will automatically convert to shares of Series B preferred stock if the holder of the original Series A preferred stock sells, or transfers, the preferred stock to another party. Series B preferred stock does not have common-equivalent voting rights, but retains substantially all other characteristics of the new Series A preferred stock. The recapitalization transaction will enable the Company to:
 
 
 
§
Have the conditional right to redeem shares of preferred stock;
 
 
§
Place a limit on the period in which the Company may be required to issue common stock. The new warrants to purchase shares of common stock expire in eight years, compared to the perpetual right of previously existing Series A preferred stock to convert to shares of common stock; 
 
 
§
Increase the Company's ability to purchase shares of its common stock.  Previous purchases of common stock were limited and potentially subject to the approval of Series A preferred shareholders;
 
 
§
Create the possibility that the Company may receive cash upon issuing additional shares of common stock to Series A preferred shareholders.  The warrants have an exercise price of $8.00 per share compared to the existing right of Series A preferred shareholders to convert their preferred shares into common shares without paying cash; and
 
  § Eliminate the requirement to pay common stock dividends to preferred shareholders on an "as converted" basis. 

 
Each previously existing Series A preferred shareholder received a warrant to purchase a number of common shares equal to 71.43 shares for each $1,000 ($14 per share) in aggregate liquidation value of Series A preferred shares held immediately prior to the recapitalization transaction. The exercise price of each warrant is $8.00 per share (subject to customary anti-dilution and exercise features) and the warrants will be exercisable over an eight-year term.

Upon completion of the recapitalization transaction, Series A preferred rights were amended to prevent the conversion of Series A preferred stock to shares of common stock. Series B preferred stock rights were amended to be substantially equivalent to Series A rights, except for the eliminated voting rights. The rights of the new Series A and Series B preferred stock include the following:
 
 
 
§
 Liquidation Preference- Both Series A and Series B preferred stock have a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus accrued unpaid dividends, which will be paid in preference to the liquidation rights of all other equity classes.
 
 
§
 Conversion - Neither Series A nor Series B preferred stock is convertible to shares of common stock. Series A preferred stock converts into shares of Series B upon the sale or transfer of the Series A shares. Series B preferred stock does not have any conversion rights.
 
  § 
 Dividends - Both Series A and Series B preferred stock accrue dividends at 10.0 percent, payable quarterly, in preference to dividends on all other equity classes. If dividends are in arrears for six or more quarters, the number of the Company’s Board of Directors will be increased by two and the Series A and Series B preferred shareholders will have the ability to select these additional directors. Series A and Series B preferred stock may not participate in dividends paid to common stockholders.
 
 
§ 
 Redemption - The Company may redeem any of the Series A or Series B preferred shares during the first year following the recapitalization at a price per share equal to 100 percent of the liquidation preference. Subsequent to the first anniversary of the recapitalization and before the fifth anniversary of the transaction, the Company may only purchase preferred shares (up to $30.0 million in aggregate) from Knowledge Capital, which holds the majority of the Company’s preferred stock, at a premium that increases one percentage point annually. After the sixth anniversary of the recapitalization, the Company may redeem any shares of preferred stock at 101 percent of the liquidation preference on the date of redemption.
 
 
§ 
 Change in Control - In the event of any change in control of the Company, Knowledge Capital, to the extent that it still holds shares of Series A preferred stock, will have the option to receive a cash payment equal to 101 percent of the liquidation preference of its Series A preferred shares then held. The remaining Series A and Series B preferred shareholders have no such option.
 
 
§ 
 Voting Rights - Although the new Series A preferred shareholders will not have conversion rights, they will still be entitled to voting rights. The holder of each new share of Series A preferred stock will be entitled to the voting rights they would have if they held two shares of common stock. The cumulative number of votes will be based upon the number of votes attributable to shares of Series A held immediately prior to the recapitalization transaction less any transfers of Series A shares to Series B shares or redemptions. In the event that a Series A preferred shareholder exercises a warrant to purchase the Company’s common stock, their Series A voting rights will be reduced by the number of the common shares issued upon exercise of the warrant. This feature will prevent the holders of Series A preferred stock from increasing their voting influence through the acquisition of additional shares of common stock from the exercise of the warrants.
 
 
§ 
 Registration Rights - The Company is required to use its best efforts to register the resale of all shares of common stock and shares of Series B preferred stock issuable upon the transfer and conversion of the Series A preferred stock held by Knowledge Capital and certain permitted transferees of Knowledge Capital within 240 days following the initial filing of the registration statement covering such shares. The initial filing of the registration statement was required to occur within 120 days following the closing of the recapitalization transaction. However, the Company obtained an extension on this filing date from Knowledge Capital to August 31, 2005, and the Company is currently in the process of preparing the initial registration statement. Any failure by the Company to cause such registration statement to be declared effective within the specified time period would require the Company to pay to Knowledge Capital and such permitted transferees a penalty amount for each share equal to two percent per annum of the $25 face value of the preferred stock calculated based upon the number of days that such registration statement has not been declared effective. Additionally, the Company would have the obligation to use its best efforts to register the resale of the shares of common stock Knowledge Capital and certain permitted transferees could receive pursuant to the exercise of the common stock warrants issued to Knowledge Capital at the closing of the recapitalization transaction, provided the obligation to register the resale of such shares would be conditioned upon the weighted average sales price of the common stock over the previous ten trading days being at least 80 percent of the common stock warrant exercise price.
 
 
In order to account for the various aspects of the recapitalization transaction, the Company considered guidance found in SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liability and Equity, Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock, EITF Issue D-98 Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities, and EITF Issue D-42, The Effect on the Calculation of Earnings per Share for the Redemption or Induced Conversion of Preferred Stock. Based upon the relevant guidance found in these pronouncements, the Company accounted for the various aspects of the preferred stock recapitalization as follows:

New Series A and Series B Preferred Stock - The new shares of preferred stock will continue to be classified as a component of shareholders’ equity since its conversion into cash or common stock is solely within the control of the Company as there are no provisions in the recapitalization documents that would obligate the Company to redeem shares of the Series A or Series B preferred stock. In addition, by virtue of the Utah Control Shares Act, the Company’s Bylaws, and the special voting rights of the preferred shareholders, there are no circumstances under which a third party could acquire controlling voting power of the Company’s stock without consent of the Company’s Board of Directors and thus trigger the Company’s obligation to redeem the new preferred stock. Due to the significant modifications to existing shares of Series A and Series B preferred stock, the Company believes that previously outstanding preferred stock was replaced with new classes of preferred stock and common stock warrants. As a result, the new preferred stock was recorded at its fair value on the date of modification. Consistent with other equity instruments, the carrying value of the new preferred stock will not be subsequently adjusted to its fair market value at the end of any reporting period.

The Company engaged an independent valuation firm to determine the fair value of the newly issued shares of preferred stock prior to the March 8, 2005 recapitalization closing date. The fair value of the new preferred stock under this valuation was preliminarily determined to be $20.77 per share, or $4.23 per share less than the preferred stock’s liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. Based upon this valuation, the Company would have recorded a recapitalization gain of approximately $7.7 million during the quarter ended May 28, 2005 and also would have recorded losses in future periods for redemptions at the liquidation preference.

Subsequent to this valuation, the Company completed the sale of its corporate headquarters facility and redeemed $30.0 million, or 1.2 million shares, of preferred stock at its liquidation preference (Note 15) and is considering additional redemptions of preferred stock at the liquidation preference in the near future. Based upon these considerations and other factors, including the improvements in the Company’s operating results, the Company determined that the liquidation preference ($25.00 per share) is more indicative of the fair value of the preferred stock at the date of the recapitalization transaction. Accordingly, the Company recorded a loss of $7.8 million from the recapitalization transaction since the aggregate fair value of the new shares of preferred stock and warrants (see warrant discussion below) exceeded the carrying value of the old preferred stock.

Warrants - EITF Issue 00-19 states that warrants should be classified as a component of shareholders’ equity if 1) the warrant contract requires physical settlement or net-share settlement or 2) the warrant contract gives the Company a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in its own shares. The Company believes that the warrants should be accounted for as equity instruments because they meet these requirements.

Accordingly, the Company recorded the warrants at their fair value, as determined using a Black-Scholes valuation model, on the date of the transaction as a component of shareholders’ equity. Subsequent changes in fair value will not be recorded in the Company’s financial statements as long as the warrants remain classified as shareholders’ equity in accordance with EITF Issue 00-19. At the date of the recapitalization transaction, the warrants had a fair value of $1.22 per share, or approximately $7.6 million in total. The Company issued 6.2 million common stock warrants in connection with the recapitalization transaction.

Derivatives - The modified preferred stock agreement contains a feature that allows the Company to redeem preferred stock at its liquidation preference in the first year following the recapitalization transaction and at 101 percent of the liquidation preference after the sixth anniversary of the recapitalization transaction. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, the Company has determined that this embedded call feature is not a derivative because the contract is both 1) indexed in Company stock, and 2) is classified in stockholders’ equity on the Company’s balance sheet.

A separate agreement exists with Knowledge Capital, the entity that holds the majority of the Series A preferred stock, which contains a call option to redeem $30.0 million of preferred stock at 100 percent to 103 percent of the liquidation preference as well as a “change in control” put option at 101 percent of the liquidation preference. This agreement is a derivative and meets the criteria found in paragraph 11 of SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity, to be separately accounted for as a liability. Therefore, the incremental redemption features (the amounts in excess of the 101 percent call option) will be valued at fair value based upon the likelihood of exercise and the expected incremental amount to be paid upon exercise. This derivative-based liability will require adjustment to fair value at each reporting period and had an initial value of zero on the date of the recapitalization transaction. As of May 28, 2005, the fair value of this derivative-based liability was zero.


NOTE 8 - GAIN ON DISPOSAL OF INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY

During fiscal 2003, the Company purchased approximately 20 percent of the capital stock (subsequently diluted to approximately 12 percent ownership) of Agilix Labs, Inc. (Agilix), a Delaware corporation, for cash payments totaling $1.0 million. Agilix is a development stage enterprise that develops software applications, including the majority of the Company’s software applications that are available for sale to external customers. The Company used the equity method of accounting for its investment in Agilix, as the Company appointed a member to Agilix’s board of directors and had the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations of Agilix. Although the Company continues to sell software developed by Agilix, uncertainties in Agilix’s business plan developed during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended March 1, 2003 and their potential adverse effects on Agilix’s operations and future cash flows were significant. The Company determined that its ability to recover the carrying value of the investment in Agilix was remote. Accordingly, the Company impaired and expensed its remaining investment in Agilix of $0.9 million during the quarter ended March 1, 2003.

During the quarter ended May 28, 2005, certain affiliates of Agilix purchased the shares of capital stock held by the Company for $0.5 million in cash, which was reported as a gain on disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary. Following the sale of the Agilix capital stock, the Company has no remaining ownership interest in Agilix and no representative on their board of directors.
 

NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES

The Company recorded income tax benefits for the quarters ended May 28, 2005 and May 29, 2004 totaling $3.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively. For the three quarters ended May 28, 2005, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $1.2 million compared to an income tax provision of $1.0 million for the corresponding period ended May 29, 2004. Except for the income tax provision recognized for the three quarters ended May 29, 2004, the income tax benefits during these periods resulted primarily from the resolution of various tax matters, partially offset by income taxes incurred by the Company’s profitable foreign subsidiaries and foreign income taxes on payments received from foreign licensees. The income tax provision for the three quarters ended May 29, 2004 resulted from income taxes incurred by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and foreign income taxes on payments received from foreign licensees, partially offset by the income tax benefits of resolving various tax matters. The increase in the recorded benefit was primarily due to the magnitude of the tax matters that were resolved in fiscal 2005 compared to the issues resolved in the prior year. During the periods ended May 28, 2005 and May 29, 2004, the Company was unable to offset its tax liabilities in foreign jurisdictions with its domestic operating loss carryforwards. In addition, a history of significant operating losses has precluded the Company from demonstrating that it is more likely than not that the benefits of domestic operating loss carryforwards, together with the benefits of other deferred income tax assets will be realized. Accordingly, the Company has recorded valuation allowances on its domestic deferred income tax assets.


NOTE 10 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income includes charges and credits to equity accounts that are not the result of transactions with shareholders and is comprised of net income or loss and other comprehensive income and loss items. Comprehensive income for the Company was as follows (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
3,069
 
$
(5,149
)
$
11,680
 
$
(8,097
)
Other comprehensive income
(loss) items:
                         
Adjustment for fair value of
hedge derivatives
   
-
   
(62
)
 
(318
)
 
(62
)
Foreign currency translation
adjustments
   
(455
)
 
(285
)
 
(52
)
 
506
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
2,614
 
$
(5,496
)
$
11,310
 
$
(7,653
)


NOTE 11 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is calculated by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the assumed exercise of all dilutive securities using the treasury stock method or the “as converted” method, as appropriate. Following the preferred stock recapitalization (Note 7), the Company’s preferred stock is no longer convertible or entitled to participate in dividends payable to holders of common stock. Accordingly, the Company no longer uses the two class method as defined in SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share, and EITF Issue 03-6, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128 to calculate basic EPS for periods after February 26, 2005. The following table presents the computation of the Company’s EPS for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
 
   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
3,069
 
$
(5,149
)
$
11,680
 
$
(8,097
)
Non-convertible preferred stock dividends
   
(2,184
)
       
(2,184
)
     
Convertible preferred stock dividends
         
(2,184
)
 
(4,367
)
 
(6,551
)
Loss on recapitalization of preferred stock
   
(7,753
)
       
(7,753
)
     
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
 
$
(6,868
)
$
(7,333
)
$
(2,624
)
$
(14,648
)
                           
Undistributed income (loss) through February 26, 2005
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
4,244
 
$
-
 
Common stock ownership on an as-converted basis
   
-
   
-
   
76
%
 
-
 
Common shareholder interest in undistributed income through February 26, 2005
   
-
   
-
   
3,225
   
-
 
Undistributed loss for the quarters ended May 28, 2005 and May 29, 2004
   
(6,868
)
 
(7,333
)
 
(6,868
)
 
(14,648
)
Common shareholder interest in undistributed loss (1)
 
$
(6,868
)
$
(7,333
)
$
(3,643
)
$
(14,648
)
                           
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
   
19,922
   
19,940
   
19,847
   
19,947
 
Common share equivalents (2)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
   
19,922
   
19,940
   
19,847
   
19,947
 
                           
Basic EPS - Common
 
$
(.34
)
$
(.37
)
$
(.18
)
$
(.73
)
Diluted EPS - Common
 
$
(.34
)
$
(.37
)
$
(.18
)
$
(.73
)

 
(1) Preferred shareholders do not participate in any undistributed losses with common shareholders, therefore no adjustment to the fiscal 2004 loss per share information was made.

(2) For the quarter and three quarters ended May 28, 2005 and May 29, 2004, conversion of common share equivalents is not assumed because such conversion would be anti-dilutive.

Due to their anti-dilutive effect, the following incremental shares from Series A preferred stock calculated on an “as converted” basis and the potential common stock equivalents resulting from options to purchase common stock and non-vested shares of restricted stock deferred compensation that were calculated using the treasury stock method have been excluded from the diluted EPS calculation (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Number of Series A preferred stock shares on an “as converted” basis
   
-
   
6,239
   
-
   
6,239
 
Common stock equivalents from the assumed exercise of in-the-money stock options
   
24
   
29
   
17
   
21
 
Common stock equivalents from non-vested restricted stock deferred compensation
   
405
   
-
   
151
   
-
 
     
429
   
6,268
   
168
   
6,260
 

At May 28, 2005 the Company had approximately 2.3 million stock options outstanding which were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common shares. Also, a result of the preferred stock recapitalization, the Company issued 6.2 million common stock warrants during the quarter ended May 28, 2005 with an exercise price of $8.00 per share that were not included in the Company’s EPS calculation because their exercise price was higher than the average market price of the Company’s common stock. These warrants, which expire in eight years, may have a dilutive impact on the Company’s EPS in future periods.


NOTE 12 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has two reporting segments: the Consumer and Small Business Unit (CSBU) and the Organizational Solutions Business Unit (OSBU). The following is a description of the Company’s reporting segments, their primary operating components, and their significant business activities:

Consumer and Small Business Unit - This business unit is primarily focused on sales to individual customers and small business organizations and includes the results of the Company’s domestic retail stores, consumer direct operations (catalog and eCommerce), wholesale operations and other related distribution channels, including government product sales and domestic printing and publishing sales. The CSBU results of operations also include the financial results of the Company’s paper planner manufacturing operations. Although CSBU sales primarily consist of products such as planners, binders, software, and handheld electronic planning devices, virtually any component of the Company’s leadership, productivity, and strategy execution solutions may be purchased through CSBU channels. The Company has recently expanded its efforts to increase sales to small businesses through its CSBU channels.

Organizational Solutions Business Unit - The OSBU is primarily responsible for the development, marketing, sale, and delivery of productivity, leadership, strategy execution, sales force performance, and communication training and consulting solutions directly to organizational clients, including other companies, the government, and educational institutions. The OSBU includes the financial results of the Organizational Solutions Group (OSG) and international operations. The OSG is responsible for the domestic sale and delivery of the Company’s training and consulting services. The Company’s international sales group includes the financial results of its directly owned foreign offices and royalty revenues from licensees.

The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the CEO, and each of the reportable segments has a president who reports directly to the CEO. The primary measurement tool used in business unit performance analysis is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), which may not be calculated as similarly titled amounts are calculated by other companies. For segment reporting purposes, the Company’s consolidated EBITDA can be calculated as its income or loss from operations excluding depreciation and amortization charges.

In the normal course of business, the Company may make structural and cost allocation revisions to its segment information to reflect new reporting responsibilities within the organization. All prior period segment information has been revised to conform to the most recent classifications and organizational changes. The Company accounts for its segment information on the same basis as the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.


SEGMENT INFORMATION
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Consumer and Small Business Unit
 
Organizational Solutions Business Unit
         
 
Quarter Ended May 28, 2005
 
 
 
Retail
 
 
Consumer
Direct
 
 
 
Wholesale
 
 
Other
CSBU
 
 
 
OSG
 
 
 
International
 
 
Corporate and Eliminations
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
13,443
 
$
10,114
 
$
7,627
 
$
792
 
$
20,766
 
$
13,046
       
$
65,788
 
Gross margin
   
7,392
   
5,737
   
3,459
   
(187
)
 
13,045
   
8,674
         
38,120
 
EBITDA
   
(1,083
)
 
3,863
   
3,292
   
(5,014
)
 
2,354
   
2,744
   
(3,483
)
 
2,673
 
Depreciation
   
614
   
23
         
163
   
74
   
331
   
643
   
1,848
 
Amortization
                     
86
   
954
   
2
   
1
   
1,043
 
                                                   
Quarter Ended May 29, 2004
                                                 
Sales to external customers
 
$
16,005
 
$
9,685
 
$
6,820
 
$
629
 
$
15,862
 
$
12,247
       
$
61,248
 
Gross margin
   
8,184
   
5,296
   
3,069
   
(1,526
)
 
9,491
   
8,147
         
32,661
 
EBITDA
   
(2,968
)
 
3,039
   
2,861
   
(5,639
)
 
287
   
2,390
   
(2,437
)
 
(2,467
)
Depreciation
   
819
   
249
         
242
   
87
   
353
   
759
   
2,509
 
Amortization
                     
86
   
954
   
2
   
1
   
1,043
 
                                                   
Three Quarters Ended May 28, 2005
                                                 
Sales to external customers
 
$
59,886
 
$
44,016
 
$
16,107
 
$
2,542
 
$
53,677
 
$
41,187
       
$
217,415
 
Gross margin
   
34,369
   
25,590
   
7,536
   
(1,865
)
 
35,621
   
28,093
         
129,344
 
EBITDA
   
5,453
   
19,284
   
6,995
   
(17,607
)
 
5,398
   
9,903
   
(9,970
)
 
19,456
 
Depreciation
   
2,136
   
516
         
512
   
228
   
994
   
1,960
   
6,346
 
Amortization
                     
258
   
2,862
   
5
   
5
   
3,130
 
                                                   
Three Quarters Ended May 29, 2004
                                                 
Sales to external customers
 
$
71,341
 
$
44,162
 
$
16,946
 
$
1,850
 
$
42,920
 
$
37,774
       
$
214,993
 
Gross margin
   
38,480
   
25,131
   
7,537
   
(3,757
)
 
26,679
   
25,741
         
119,811
 
EBITDA
   
2,242
   
16,200
   
6,747
   
(18,407
)
 
(2,750
)
 
8,425
   
(7,199
)
 
5,258
 
Depreciation
   
2,607
   
807
   
1
   
944
   
518
   
985
   
3,460
   
9,322
 
Amortization
                     
258
   
2,862
   
6
   
4
   
3,130
 

A reconciliation of reportable segment EBITDA to consolidated loss before income taxes is provided below (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Reportable segment EBITDA
 
$
6,156
 
$
(30
)
$
29,426
 
$
12,457
 
Restructuring cost reversal
               
306
       
Recovery of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary
   
500
         
500
       
Corporate expenses
   
(3,983
)
 
(2,437
)
 
(10,776
)
 
(7,199
)
Consolidated EBITDA
   
2,673
   
(2,467
)
 
19,456
   
5,258
 
Depreciation
   
(1,848
)
 
(2,509
)
 
(6,346
)
 
(9,322
)
Amortization
   
(1,043
)
 
(1,043
)
 
(3,130
)
 
(3,130
)
Income (loss) from operations
   
(218
)
 
(6,019
)
 
9,980
   
(7,194
)
Interest income
   
310
   
85
   
592
   
313
 
Interest expense
   
(29
)
 
(27
)
 
(95
)
 
(195
)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
 
$
63
 
$
(5,961
)
$
10,477
 
$
(7,076
)


NOTE 13 - EXECUTIVE SEPARATION AGREEMENT

Effective March 29, 2005, Val J. Christensen, Executive Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, terminated his service as an executive officer and employee of the Company. Under the terms of the corresponding Separation Agreement, the Company paid Mr. Christensen a lump-sum severance amount totaling $0.9 million, less applicable withholdings. In addition, he will receive the cash performance bonus he would have been entitled to for the current fiscal year as if he had remained employed in his prior position and his performance objectives for the year were met, which is estimated to be $0.2 million. In addition to these payments, his shares of restricted stock were fully vested and he received a bonus of $0.1 million, which was equivalent to other bonuses awarded in the January 2004 RSA, to offset a portion of the income taxes resulting from the vesting of his restricted stock award. The Company also waived the requirement that his fully-vested stock options be exercised within 90 days of his termination and allowed the options to be exercised through the term of the option agreement. The Company accounted for the stock option modifications under APB Opinion 25 and related pronouncements and did not recognize additional compensation expense in the Company’s financial statements as the fair value of the Company’s stock was less than the exercise price of the modified stock options on the re-measurement date. However, the fair value of these stock option modifications using guidance in SFAS No. 123 was approximately $0.1 million and was included in the pro forma stock-based compensation expense reported in Note 2. Subsequent to his separation, the Board of Directors approved modifications to his management stock loan substantially similar to the modifications granted to other loan participants by the Board of Directors in May 2004 under which the Company will forego certain of its rights under the terms of the loans in order to potentially improve the participants’ ability to pay, and the Company’s ability to collect, the outstanding balances of the loans.

Subsequent to entering into the Separation Agreement, the Company and Mr. Christensen entered into a Legal Services Agreement that is effective March 29, 2005. Under terms of the Legal Services Agreement, the Company retained Mr. Christensen as independent legal counsel to provide services to the Company for a minimum of 1,000 hours per year. The Legal Services Agreement allows the Company to benefit from Mr. Christensen’s extensive institutional knowledge and experience gained from serving as the Company’s General Counsel as well as his experience representing the Company as external counsel for several years prior to joining the Company. The Company will pay Mr. Christensen an annual retainer in the amount of $0.2 million, the equivalent of $225 per hour for each hour of legal services, and $325 per hour for every hour of legal services, if any, provided in excess of 1,000 hours in any given year. Further, Mr. Christensen will be an independent contractor and not entitled to Company benefits for performing these services.


NOTE 14 - LEGAL SETTLEMENT

In fiscal 2002, the Company brought legal action against World Marketing Alliance, Inc., a Georgia corporation (WMA) and World Financial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the purchaser of substantially all assets of WMA, for breach of contract. The case proceeded to jury trial commencing October 25, 2004. The jury rendered a verdict in the Company’s favor and against WMA on November 1, 2004 for the entire unpaid contract amount of approximately $1.1 million. In addition to the verdict, the Company recovered legal fees totaling $0.3 million and pre- and post-judgment interest of $0.3 million from WMA. The Company received payment in cash for the legal settlement during the quarter ended May 28, 2005. However, shortly after paying the legal settlement, WMA appealed the jury decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. As a result of the appeal, the Company recorded the cash received and a corresponding increase to accrued liabilities, and will not recognize the gain from the legal settlement until the case is completely resolved.


NOTE 15 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Sale of Corporate Headquarters Facility

On June 21, 2005 the Company completed the sale and leaseback of its corporate headquarters facility, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The sale price was $33.8 million in cash and after deducting customary closing costs, including commissions and payment of the remaining mortgage on one of the buildings, the Company received net proceeds totaling $32.4 million. In connection with the transaction, the Company entered into a 20-year master lease agreement with the purchaser, an unrelated private investment group. The master lease on the corporate headquarters facility requires monthly payments totaling $3.0 million per year for the first five years of the contract and two percent annual increases thereafter through the remaining term of the master lease agreement. The master lease agreement also contains six five-year options to renew the master lease agreement, thus allowing the Company to maintain its operations at the current location for up to 50 years.

Redemption of Preferred Stock

Subsequent to May 28, 2005, the Company used $30.0 million of the proceeds from the sale of its corporate headquarters facility to redeem 1.2 million shares of Series A preferred stock (Note 7). The redemption was made under the provisions of the recently approved recapitalization plan and was at 100 percent of the liquidation preference for the shares of preferred stock. This redemption will reduce the Company’s preferred stock dividend obligation by $3.0 million per year.

 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Management’s discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon management’s current expectations and are subject to various uncertainties and changes in circumstances. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are set forth below under the heading Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The Company suggests that the following discussion and analysis be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2004.



Overview

Our third fiscal quarter, which includes the months of March, April, and May has historically reflected seasonally lower product sales, but generally stronger training and service sales compared to our first two fiscal quarters. As a result of seasonal product sales factors, our third fiscal quarter has not historically been as profitable as other quarters of our fiscal year. However, our financial results for the quarter and three quarters ended May 28, 2005 continue to demonstrate significant improvements over the comparable periods of the prior year, including increased sales, improved gross margins, and lower operating costs, and reflects the favorable momentum that began in prior periods. For the quarter ended May 28, 2005, our loss from operations improved to $0.2 million, compared to a loss of $6.0 million in the prior year. Our operating income for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 improved by $17.2 million as we recognized operating income of $10.0 million compared to an operating loss of $7.2 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2004. Including a $7.8 million loss from our preferred stock recapitalization, our net loss attributable to common shareholders for the quarter ended May 28, 2005 was $6.9 million, compared to a net loss in the prior year of $7.3 million. For the three quarters ended May 28, 2005, our net loss attributable to common shareholders improved by $12.0 million and was $2.6 million compared to a net loss of $14.6 million for the corresponding period of fiscal 2004. The net loss for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 includes the $7.8 million loss from our preferred stock recapitalization and reduced net income available to common shareholders on a comparable basis to the prior year from $5.1 million to the reported loss of $2.6 million. The primary factors that influenced our reported financial results for the quarter ended May 28, 2005 were as follows:
 
 
 
§
Sales Performance -  Training and consulting services sales increased $4.4 million compared to the third quarter of the prior year, which was attributable to increased training and consulting sales in both domestic and international delivery channels. We have recently completed significant enhancements to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People training courses and related products, which were released in March 2005. We believe that our refreshed course materials and related products, in combination with our other training offerings, will be a factor in continuing improvements in our training and consulting sales performance.
 
Product sales increased by $0.2 million, which was primarily due to improved “core” product (e.g. planners, binders, and totes) sales, the timing of wholesale product orders, and increased publishing revenue in Japan related to the release of The 8th Habit, From Effectiveness to Greatness, by Dr. Stephen R. Covey. These favorable product sales results were partially offset by the impact of closed retail stores and declining technology and specialty product sales compared to the prior year.
 
 
§
Gross Margin Improvement - Our gross margin improved compared to the prior year primarily due to increased training and consulting sales as a percent of total sales, favorable product and training program mix changes, reduced product costs, and lower overall costs in delivering our training and consulting service sales.
 
 
§
Decreased Operating Costs - Overall operating costs decreased by $0.3 million, primarily due to reduced depreciation and the recovery of a previously impaired investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary. However, our selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased compared to the prior year primarily due to higher commissions on increased training sales and severance costs related to an executive separation agreement. Consistent with prior periods, we continue to seek for and implement strategies that will enable us to reduce our operating costs in order to improve our profitability.
 
 
§
Income Taxes - We recognized a net income tax benefit totaling $3.0 million during the quarter ended May 28, 2005 compared to a $0.8 million benefit in the prior year. The tax benefit for the quarter ended May 28, 2005 resulted primarily from the resolution of various income tax matters, that were partially offset by income taxes incurred by the Company’s profitable foreign subsidiaries and foreign income taxes on payments received from foreign licensees.
 
 
§
Completion of the Preferred Stock Recapitalization - During the quarter, we completed a preferred stock recapitalization and recorded a $7.8 million loss resulting from the revaluation of our preferred stock and valuation of the newly issued common stock warrants.
 
 
Although we achieved improved financial results compared to the prior year, we have not yet attained our targeted business model and we are therefore continuing our efforts to increase sales, improve gross margins, and reduce operating costs in order to achieve consistently profitable operations. Further details regarding our operating results and liquidity are provided throughout the following management’s discussion and analysis.

Quarter Ended May 28, 2005 Compared to the Quarter Ended May 29, 2004

Sales

The following table sets forth sales data for our operating segments (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Percent Change
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Percent Change
 
Consumer and Small Business Unit:
                                     
Retail Stores
 
$
13,443
 
$
16,005
   
(16)
 
$
59,886
   
71,341
   
(16)
 
Consumer Direct
   
10,114
   
9,685
   
4
   
44,016
   
44,162
   
-
 
Wholesale
   
7,627
   
6,820
   
12
   
16,107
   
16,946
   
(5)
 
Other CSBU
   
792
   
629
   
26
   
2,542
   
1,850
   
37
 
     
31,976
   
33,139
   
(4)
 
 
122,551
   
134,299
   
(9)
 
Organizational Solutions Business Unit:
               
 
                   
Organizational Solutions Group
   
20,766
   
15,862
   
31
   
53,677
   
42,920
   
25
 
International
   
13,046
   
12,247
   
7
   
41,187
   
37,774
   
9
 
     
33,812
   
28,109
   
20
   
94,864
   
80,694
   
18
 
Total Sales
 
$
65,788
 
$
61,248
   
7
 
$
217,415
 
$
214,993
   
1
 

Product Sales - Product sales, which primarily consist of planners, binders, software, handheld electronic planning devices, and publishing services, which are primarily sold through our Consumer and Small Business Unit (CSBU) channels, increased $0.2 million, or one percent, compared to the quarter ended May 29, 2004. The slight increase in product sales was primarily due to improved core product sales, sales performance in our wholesale channel, and increased publishing revenues in Japan (which are recognized as international sales in the Organizational Solutions Business Unit) related to the release of The 8th Habit, From Effectiveness to Greatness, by Dr. Stephen R. Covey. These sales improvements were partially offset by decreased retail store sales. The following is a description of significant sales fluctuations in our CSBU channels:
 
 
 
§
Retail Sales -  The decline in retail sales was primarily due to fewer stores, the impact of which totaled $2.4 million, and reduced technology and specialty product sales, which totaled $1.2 million. Declining technology and specialty product sales were partially offset by increased “core” product (e.g. planners, binders, and totes) sales during the period. Comparable store (stores which were open during the comparable periods) sales declined by two percent compared to the prior year. During fiscal 2004, we closed 18 retail store locations and we have closed 23 additional stores during the first three quarters of fiscal 2005. At May 28, 2005, we were operating 112 retail stores compared to 141 stores at May 29, 2004.
 
 
§ 
Consumer Direct -  Sales through our consumer direct channels (catalog and eCommerce) improved primarily due to increased “core” product sales compared to the prior year and from sales that transitioned to these channels from closed stores.
 
 
§ 
Wholesale Sales -  Sales through our wholesale channel, which includes sales to office superstores and other retail chains, increased primarily due to the timing of product sales to these entities.
 
Training and Consulting Services Sales - We offer a variety of training solutions, training related products, and consulting services focused on productivity, leadership, strategy execution, sales force performance, and effective communications training programs that are provided both domestically and internationally through the Organizational Solutions Business Unit (OSBU). Our overall training and related consulting service sales increased by $4.4 million, or 17 percent, compared to the same period of the prior year. The improvement in training sales was reflected in increased domestic training program sales, which are delivered through our Organizational Sales Group (OSG), as well as through our international operations. OSG sales performance improved in nearly all of our domestic sales regions and was primarily attributable to increased client facilitated sales of the enhanced The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People training course, improved sales of our 4 Disciplines of Leadership and xQ offerings, and increased sales performance group sales. International sales improved primarily due to the translation of foreign sales amounts as foreign currencies strengthened against the United States dollar increased sales in Japan, and increased licensee royalty revenues. The favorable impact of currency translation on reported international revenues totaled $0.5 million for the quarter ended May 28, 2005.

Gross Margin

Gross margin consists of net sales less the cost of goods sold or services provided. Our overall gross margin for the quarter improved to 57.9 percent of sales, compared to 53.3 percent in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2004. This overall gross margin improvement is consistent with gross margin performance during our first two quarters of fiscal 2005 and was primarily due to increased training and consulting sales as a percent of total sales, favorable product mix changes, and improved margins on our training and consulting service sales. Training and consulting service sales, which typically have higher gross margins than our product sales, increased to 46 percent of total sales during the quarter ended May 28, 2005 compared to 43 percent in the prior year. Our gross margin on product sales improved to 51.6 percent compared to 46.5 percent in fiscal 2004 and was primarily due to a favorable shift in our product mix as sales of higher-margin paper products and binders increased as a percent of total sales, while sales of lower-margin technology and specialty products continue to decline. Additionally, the overall margin on paper and binder sales has improved through focused cost reduction efforts and improved inventory management.

Training and related consulting services gross margin, as a percent of sales of these services, improved to 65.3 percent compared to 62.4 percent in the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2004. The improvement in our training and consulting services gross margin was primarily due to a continued shift in training sales mix toward higher-margin courses and offerings, reduced costs for training materials, such as participant manuals and related items, and overall lower costs associated with training sales.

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative - Our selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $0.8 million, or two percent, compared to the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2004. However, total SG&A expense as a percent of sales decreased to 54.6 percent compared to 57.4 percent in the prior year. We continue to implement cost-cutting strategies that have been successful in reducing our operating costs, including retail store closures, headcount reductions, consolidation of corporate office space, and other measures designed to focus our resources on critical activities and projects. However, during the quarter ended May 28, 2005 our cost reduction efforts were offset by expenses related to increased commission expenses related to increased training sales, severance costs for a former executive officer, and additional costs associated with the preferred stock recapitalization. We also recognized $0.1 million of expense related to the closure of retail store locations during the quarter as described below.

We regularly assess the operating performance of our retail stores, including previous operating performance trends and projected future profitability. During this assessment process, judgments are made as to whether under-performing or unprofitable stores should be closed. As a result of this evaluation process, we closed 9 stores during the quarter ended May 28, 2005, closed 1 additional store subsequent to May 28, 2005, and may close additional retail locations during the remainder of fiscal 2005. The number of retail stores that we plan to close may increase if further analysis indicates that the Company’s operating results may be improved through additional closures, due to the higher costs associated with operating our retail store channel. Retail locations that are currently being evaluated for potential closure primarily consist of under performing stores, stores in markets where we have multiple retail locations, or in locations where the underlying lease expires. The costs associated with closing retail stores are typically comprised of charges related to vacating the premises, which may include a provision for the remaining term on the lease, and severance and other personnel costs. These store closure costs totaled $0.1 million during the quarter ended May 28, 2005 and were included as a component of our SG&A expenses. Based upon our continuing analyses of retail store performance, we may close additional retail stores and may continue to incur costs associated with closing these stores in future periods.

Gain on Disposal of Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary - During fiscal 2003, we purchased approximately 20 percent of the capital stock (subsequently diluted to approximately 12 percent ownership) of Agilix Labs, Inc. (Agilix), for cash payments totaling $1.0 million. Agilix is a development stage enterprise that develops software applications, including the majority of our software applications that are available for sale to external customers. Although we continue to sell software developed by Agilix, uncertainties in Agilix’s business plan developed during our fiscal quarter ended March 1, 2003 and their potential adverse effects on Agilix’s operations and future cash flows were significant. As a result of this assessment, we determined that our ability to recover the investment in Agilix was remote. Accordingly, we impaired and expensed our remaining investment in Agilix of $0.9 million during the quarter ended March 1, 2003. During the quarter ended May 28, 2005, certain affiliates of Agilix purchased the shares of capital stock held by us for $0.5 million in cash, which was reported as a gain on disposal of an investment in unconsolidated subsidiary.

Depreciation and Amortization - Depreciation expense decreased $0.7 million, or 26 percent, compared to the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2004 primarily due to the full depreciation or disposal of certain property and equipment balances, primarily computer software and hardware assets, and the effects of significantly reduced capital expenditures during preceding fiscal years. Based upon these events and current capital spending trends, we expect that depreciation expense will continue to decline compared to prior periods during the remainder of fiscal 2005.

Amortization expense on definite-lived intangible assets totaled $1.0 million for the quarters ended May 28, 2005 and May 29, 2004. We expect intangible asset amortization expense to total $4.2 million in fiscal 2005.

Income Taxes

The income tax benefits of $3.0 million in the current year and $0.8 million recorded in fiscal 2004 resulted primarily from the resolution of various income tax matters, which were partially offset by income taxes incurred by the Company’s profitable foreign subsidiaries and foreign income taxes on payments received from foreign licensees. The increase in the recorded benefit was primarily due to the magnitude of the tax matters that were resolved in fiscal 2005 compared to the issues resolved in the prior year.

Loss on Recapitalization of Preferred Stock

We completed our preferred stock recapitalization during the quarter ended May 28, 2005. Due to the significant modifications to our preferred stock, we believe that previously outstanding preferred stock was replaced with new classes of preferred stock and common stock warrants. As a result, the new preferred stock was recorded at its fair value on the date of modification, which was determined to be equal to the liquidation preference of $25 per share. The difference between the aggregate fair value of the consideration given (the new Series A preferred stock and the common stock warrants) and the carrying value of the previously existing Series A preferred stock, which totaled $7.8 million, was reported as a loss on recapitalization of preferred stock, which decreased net income attributable to common shareholders in the quarter ended May 28, 2005. Subsequent to May 28, 2005, we used $30.0 million of the proceeds from the June 2005 sale of our corporate headquarters facility to redeem shares of preferred stock under terms of the recapitalization plan.


Three Quarters Ended May 28, 2005 Compared to the Three Quarters Ended May 29, 2004

Sales

Product Sales - Product sales, which primarily consist of planners, binders, software, handheld electronic planning devices, and publishing sales, which are primarily sold through our CSBU channels, declined $9.4 million, or seven percent, compared to fiscal 2004. The decline in product sales was primarily due to decreased sales in our retail and wholesale delivery channels, with the majority of the decline in product sales occurring in our first quarter as overall product sales declined by only $1.8 million during our second quarter, and increased $0.2 million during our third quarter, when compared to the prior year. The following is a description of sales fluctuations in our CSBU channels for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005:
 
 
 
§
 Retail SalesThe decline in retail sales was primarily due to the impact of fewer stores, which totaled $7.7 million, and reduced technology and specialty product sales. Declining technology and specialty product sales were partially offset by increased “core” product sales. Overall product sales trends were reflected by a seven percent decline in year-to-date comparable store sales.
 
 
§
 Consumer Direct - Sales through our consumer direct channels (catalog and eCommerce) were generally consistent with the prior year and the slight decline was primarily due to decreased technology and specialty product sales compared to the prior year.
 
 
§
 Wholesale Sales - Sales through our wholesale channel, which includes sales to office superstores and other retail chains, decreased primarily due to demand for these products by these entities. In the previous fiscal year, we recognized significant wholesale sales as we opened new wholesale channels and sold product to fill these new venues.
 
 
§
 Other CSBU Sales - Other CSBU sales primarily consist of domestic external printing and publishing sales and building lease revenues. We have leased a substantial portion of our corporate campus in Salt Lake City, Utah and have recognized $0.6 million of lease revenue during fiscal 2005, which has been classified as other CSBU sales. During fiscal 2005, we have also made an effort to increase external printing sales in order to increase the utilization of our printing and publishing assets, which has improved printing and publishing sales compared to the prior year.
 
Product sales were also favorably affected by increased international catalog sales and increased retail and publishing sales in Japan, which increased $2.1 million compared to the prior year. Although sales from these channels are recorded in the international segment of OSBU, sales from these OSBU channels are classified as product sales in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Training and Consulting Services Sales - We offer a variety of training solutions, training related products, and consulting services focused on productivity, leadership, strategy execution, sales force performance, and effective communications training programs that are provided both domestically and internationally through the OSBU. Our overall training and related consulting services sales increased by $11.8 million, or 17 percent, compared to the same period of fiscal 2004. The improvement in training sales was reflected in increased domestic program sales, which are delivered through the OSG, as well as through our international operations. OSG sales performance has improved in nearly all of our domestic sales regions and in our sales performance group. We currently expect our domestic training and consulting services sales to continue to strengthen through the remainder of fiscal 2005. International sales improved primarily due to increased sales in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, increased licensee royalty revenues, and the translation of foreign sales amounts as foreign currencies strengthened against the United States dollar. The favorable impact of currency translation on reported international revenues totaled $1.4 million for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005. These increases were partially offset by decreased sales performance in Canada and Brazil.

Gross Margin

Our overall gross margin for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 improved to 59.5 percent of sales, compared to 55.7 percent in the comparable period of fiscal 2004. The improvement in our overall gross margin was primarily due to increased training and consulting sales as a percent of total sales, favorable product mix changes, and improved margins on our training and consulting service sales. Training and consulting service sales, which typically have higher gross margins than the majority of our product sales, increased to 38 percent of total sales for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 compared to 33 percent in the prior year. Our gross margin on product sales improved to 54.0 percent compared to 51.1 percent in fiscal 2004 and was primarily due to a favorable shift in our product mix as sales of higher-margin paper products and binders increased as a percent of total sales, while sales of lower-margin technology and specialty products continue to decline. Additionally, the overall margin on paper and binder sales has improved through focused cost reduction efforts, and improved inventory management.

Training and related consulting services gross margin, as a percent of sales of these services, improved to 68.4 percent compared to 65.0 percent in the corresponding period of fiscal 2004. The improvement in our training and services gross margin was primarily due to a shift in training sales mix toward higher-margin 7 Habits courses, reduced costs for training materials, such as participant manuals and related items, and overall lower costs associated with training sales.

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative - Our SG&A expenses decreased $4.2 million, or four percent, compared to the prior year. Total SG&A expenses as a percent of sales decreased to 50.8 percent compared to 53.3 percent in the first three quarters of fiscal 2004. Declining SG&A expenses were the direct result of initiatives specifically designed to reduce our overall operating costs and is consistent with operating expense trends during the previous two fiscal years. Our cost-reduction efforts have included retail store closures, headcount reductions, consolidation of corporate office space, and other measures designed to focus our resources on critical activities and projects. These efforts were partially offset by increased commission expenses related to increased training sales, severance costs associated with a former executive officer, expenses related to changes in the CEO’s compensation, and additional costs associated with the preferred stock recapitalization. The primary effects of our cost-cutting initiatives were reflected in reduced rent and utilities expenses of $2.3 million, associate expense reductions totaling $1.1 million, and reductions in other SG&A expenses, such as outsourcing and development costs, that totaled $0.9 million compared to the prior year.

We regularly assess the operating performance of our retail stores, including previous operating performance trends and projected future profitability. During this assessment process, judgments are made as to whether under-performing or unprofitable stores should be closed. As a result of this evaluation process, we closed 23 stores during the three quarters ended May 28, 2005, closed 1 additional store subsequent to May 28, 2005, and may close additional retail locations during the remainder fiscal 2005. The costs associated with closing retail stores are typically comprised of charges related to vacating the premises, which may include a provision for the remaining term on the lease, and severance and other personnel costs. These store closure costs totaled $0.8 million for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 and were included as a component of our SG&A expense. Based upon our continuing analyses of retail store performance, we may close additional retail stores and may continue to incur costs associated with closing these stores in future periods.

During fiscal 1999, our Board of Directors approved a plan to restructure our operations, which included an initiative to formally exit leased office space located in Provo, Utah. We recorded a $16.3 million restructuring charge during fiscal 1999 to record the expected costs of this restructuring plan, which was substantially completed during fiscal 2000. Subsequent to fiscal 2000, the remaining accrued restructuring costs were primarily comprised of the estimated remaining costs necessary to exit the leased office space. During the quarter ended November 27, 2004, we exercised an option, available under our master lease agreement, to purchase, and simultaneously sell, the office facility to the current tenant, an unrelated party. The negotiated purchase price with the landlord, a partnership in which the majority of the interests were owned by a Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and certain other employees and former employees of the Company, was $14.0 million and the tenant agreed to purchase the property for $12.5 million. These prices were within the range of estimated fair values of the buildings as determined by an independent appraisal obtained by the Company. We paid the difference between the sale and purchase prices, plus other closing costs, which were included as a component of the restructuring plan accrual. After accounting for the sale transaction, the remaining fiscal 1999 accrued restructuring costs, which totaled $0.3 million, were reversed and recorded as a reduction to operating expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Gain on Disposal of Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary - During fiscal 2003, we purchased an ownership interest in Agilix, for cash payments totaling $1.0 million. Agilix is a development stage enterprise that develops software applications, including the majority of our software applications that are available for sale to external customers. Although we continue to sell software developed by Agilix, uncertainties in Agilix’s business plan developed during our fiscal quarter ended March 1, 2003 and their potential adverse effects on Agilix’s operations and future cash flows were significant. As a result of this assessment, we determined that our ability to recover the investment in Agilix was remote. Accordingly, we impaired and expensed our remaining investment in Agilix of $0.9 million during the quarter ended March 1, 2003. During the quarter ended May 28, 2005, certain affiliates of Agilix purchased the shares of capital stock held by us for $0.5 million in cash, which was reported as a gain on disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary.

Depreciation and Amortization - Depreciation expense decreased $3.0 million, or 32 percent, compared to fiscal 2004 primarily due to the full depreciation or disposal of certain property and equipment balances, primarily computer software and hardware, and the effects of significantly reduced capital expenditures during preceding fiscal years. Based upon these events and current capital spending trends, we expect that depreciation expense will continue to decline compared to prior periods during the remainder of fiscal 2005.

Amortization expense on definite-lived intangible assets totaled $3.1 million for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 and May 29, 2004. We currently expect intangible asset amortization expense to total $4.2 million in fiscal 2005.

Income Taxes

For the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 we recorded an income tax benefit of $1.2 million, compared to an income tax provision of $1.0 million for the same period of the prior year. The tax benefit for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 resulted primarily from the resolution of various tax matters, which were partially offset by income taxes incurred by our profitable foreign subsidiaries and foreign income taxes on payments received from foreign licensees. The increase in our income tax benefit was primarily due to the magnitude of income tax issues resolved during fiscal 2005 compared to the matters resolved in fiscal 2004. During both fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004, we were unable to offset our tax liabilities in foreign jurisdictions with its domestic operating loss carryforwards. At May 28, 2005, given our significant history of operating losses, we have provided a valuation allowance against substantially all of our domestic deferred income tax assets.

Loss on Recapitalization of Preferred Stock

We completed our preferred stock recapitalization during the quarter ended May 28, 2005. Refer to the discussion contained in the comparison of operating results for the quarter ended May 28, 2005 compared to May 29, 2004 for further details on this loss from recapitalization of our preferred stock.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Historically, our primary sources of capital have been net cash provided by operating activities, line-of-credit financing, long-term borrowings, asset sales, and the issuance of preferred and common stock. We currently rely primarily upon cash flows from operating activities and cash on hand to maintain adequate liquidity and working capital levels. At May 28, 2005 we had $45.5 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments compared to $41.9 million at August 31, 2004. Our net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) increased to $47.9 million at May 28, 2005 compared to $33.8 million at August 31, 2004. The following discussion is a description of the primary factors affecting our cash flows and their effects upon our liquidity and capital resources during the three quarters ended May 28, 2005.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

During the three quarters ended May 28, 2005, our net cash provided by operating activities increased to $12.0 million compared to $2.1 million for the same period of the prior year. Our primary source of cash from operating activities was the sale of goods and services to our customers in the normal course of business. We also received $1.7 million in cash during the quarter ended May 28, 2005 from a legal settlement rendered in our favor. However, subsequent to receiving the payment for this legal settlement, the case was appealed. Consequently, we recorded an accrued liability for the cash received and will recognize the income from the settlement upon final resolution of the matter. Our primary uses of cash for operating activities are payments to suppliers for materials used in products sold, payments for direct costs necessary to conduct training programs, and payments for selling, general, and administrative expenses. During the three quarters ended May 28, 2005, one of our significant uses of cash for operating activities consisted of payments made to vendors and suppliers related to inventory purchases for our seasonally busy months of November, December, and January. We also used cash from operations to finance an increase in our accounts receivable, which increased due to the timing of wholesale sales, which occurred in the fourth quarter of the prior year, and from increased training sales, which are generally made on credit terms. Our overall cash flows from operating activities improved due to increased sales, improved margins on sales, and lower operating costs than in the previous year.

We believe that our efforts to increase sales, combined with existing and planned cost-cutting initiatives, and efforts to maintain optimal working capital balances, will improve our cash flows from operating activities in future periods. However, the success of these efforts is dependent upon numerous factors, many of which are not within our control.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities and Capital Expenditures

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $8.6 million for the three quarters ended May 28, 2005. Our primary sources of investing cash were the sale of auction-rate securities that were held as marketable securities and the proceeds received from the sale of our investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary. These proceeds were partially offset by the purchase of short-term marketable securities and the purchase of $2.7 million of property and equipment, which consisted primarily of tenant improvements on leased areas of our corporate campus, computer hardware, software, and leasehold improvements in certain of our retail stores.

Subsequent to May 28, 2005, we completed the sale and associated leaseback of our corporate headquarters facility, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. In connection with the sale, we entered into a 20-year master lease agreement with the purchaser. Under the terms of the agreement, we have six five-year options to renew the master lease agreement and we could therefore maintain our operations at our current location for the next 50 years. Our net proceeds from the sale, after transaction costs, were $32.4 million.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities during the three quarters ended May 28, 2005 totaled $5.8 million. Our primary use of cash for financing activities was the payment of accrued Series A preferred stock dividends, which totaled $6.6 million during fiscal 2005. The Company also received $0.8 million in cash, which represented payment in full, from an officer and members of the Board of Directors that were required to repay their management common stock loans on March 30, 2005.

Subsequent to May 28, 2005, we used $30.0 million from the proceeds of the sale of our corporate headquarters facility to redeem 1.2 million shares of Series A preferred stock under terms of our recently approved recapitalization plan. This preferred stock redemption will reduce our cash required to pay preferred stock dividends by $3.0 million per year in future periods. We may also redeem additional shares of preferred stock under the terms of the recapitalization plan in the near future.

Contractual Obligations

The Company has not structured any special purpose or variable interest entities, or participated in any commodity trading activities, which would expose us to potential undisclosed liabilities or create adverse consequences to our liquidity. Required contractual payments primarily consist of payments to EDS for outsourcing services related to information systems, warehousing and distribution, and call center operations; minimum rent payments for retail store and sales office space; cash payments for Series A preferred stock dividends; monitoring fees paid to a Series A preferred stock investor; and mortgage payments on certain buildings and property. There have been no significant changes to our expected required contractual obligations for these obligations from amounts disclosed at August 31, 2004. However, following completion of the sale of our corporate headquarters facility, we now have a long-term lease obligation that totals approximately $3.0 million per year for the first five years of the contract with two percent annual increases thereafter.

Other Items

Management Common Stock Loan Program - The Company is the creditor for a loan program that provided the capital to allow certain management personnel the opportunity to purchase shares of our common stock. In May 2004, our Board of Directors approved modifications to the terms of the management stock loans. While these changes had significant implications for most management stock loan program participants, the Company did not formally amend or modify the stock loan program notes. Rather, the Company is foregoing certain of its rights under the terms of the loans in order to potentially improve the participant’s ability to pay, and the Company’s ability to collect, the outstanding balances of the loans. Based upon guidance found in EITF Issue 00-23, Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 and FASB Interpretation No. 44, and EITF Issue 95-16, Accounting for Stock Compensation Agreements with Employer Loan Features under APB Opinion No. 25, we determined that the management common stock loans should be accounted for as non-recourse stock compensation instruments due to the modifications approved in May 2004 and their effects to the Company and the loan participants. While this accounting treatment does not alter the legal rights associated with the loans to the employees, the modifications to the terms of the loans were deemed significant enough to adopt the non-recourse accounting model as described in EITF 00-23. As a result of this accounting treatment, the remaining carrying value of the notes and interest receivable related to financing common stock purchases by related parties, which totaled $7.6 million prior to the loan term modifications, was reduced to zero with a corresponding reduction in additional paid-in capital.

We currently account for the management common stock loans as variable stock option arrangements. Compensation expense will be recognized when the fair value of the common stock held by the loan participants exceeds the contractual principal and accrued interest on the loans (approximately $47.8 million at May 28, 2005) or the Company takes action on the loans that in effect constitutes a repricing of an option. This accounting treatment also precludes us from reversing the amounts expensed as additions to the loan loss reserve, totaling $29.7 million, which were recognized in prior periods. As a result of these loan program modifications, the Company hopes to increase the total value received from loan participants; however, our inability to collect all, or a portion, of these receivables would have an adverse impact upon our financial position and future cash flows compared to full collection of the loans. During the quarter ended May 28, 2005, we collected $0.8 million, which represented payment in full, from an officer and members of the Board of Directors that were required to repay their loans on March 30, 2005. Also during the quarter, the Board of Directors approved loan modifications for a former executive officer and a former director substantially similar to loan modifications previously granted to other loan participants in the management stock loan program described above.

Availability of Future Capital Resources - Going forward, we will continue to incur costs necessary for the operation of the business. We anticipate using cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities, on the condition that we can continue to generate positive cash flows from operations, and other financing alternatives, if necessary, for these expenditures. We anticipate that our existing capital resources will be adequate to enable us to maintain our operations for at least the upcoming twelve months. Our ability to maintain adequate capital for future operations is dependent upon a number of factors, including sales trends, our ability to contain costs, levels of capital expenditures, collection of accounts receivable, and other factors. Some of the factors that influence our operations are not within our control, such as economic conditions and the introduction of new technology and products by our competitors. We will continue to monitor our liquidity position and may pursue additional financing alternatives, if required, to maintain sufficient resources for future operating and capital requirements. However, there can be no assurance such financing alternatives will be available to us on acceptable terms.


USE OF ESTIMATES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The significant accounting polices that we used to prepare our consolidated financial statements are outlined in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, which are presented in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004. Some of those accounting policies require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements. Management regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions and bases those estimates and assumptions on historical experience, factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, including changes in economic conditions and other circumstances that are not in our control, but which may have an impact on these estimates and our actual financial results.

The following items require the most significant judgment and often involve complex estimates:

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenues primarily from the following sources:
 
 
§
Products - We sell planners, binders, planner accessories, printed materials, handheld electronic devices, and other technology related products that are primarily sold through our CSBU channels.
 
 
§
Training and Services - We provide training and consulting services to both organizations and individuals in strategic execution, leadership, productivity, goal alignment, sales force performance, and communication effectiveness skills.  These training programs and services are primarily sold through our OSBU channels. 
 
The Company recognizes revenue when: 1) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, 2) delivery of product has occurred or services have been rendered, 3) the price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and 4) collectibility is reasonably assured. For product sales, these conditions are generally met upon shipment of the product to the customer or by completion of the sale transaction in a retail store. For training and service sales, these conditions are generally met upon presentation of the training seminar or delivery of the consulting services.

Some of our training and consulting contracts contain multiple deliverable elements that include training along with other products and services. In accordance with EITF Issue No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, sales arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the sales contract meet the following criteria: 1) the delivered training or product has value to the client on a standalone basis; 2) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of undelivered items; and 3) delivery of any undelivered item is probable. The overall contract consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based upon their fair values. If the fair value of all undelivered elements exists, but fair value does not exist for one or more delivered elements, the residual method is used. Under the residual method, the amount of consideration allocated to the delivered items equals the total contract consideration less the aggregate fair value of the undelivered items. Fair value of the undelivered items is based upon the normal pricing practices for the Company’s existing training programs, consulting services, and other products, which are generally the prices of the items when sold separately.

Revenue is recognized on software sales in accordance with Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition as amended by SOP 98-09. SOP 97-2, as amended, generally requires revenue earned on software arrangements involving multiple elements such as software products and support to be allocated to each element based the relative fair value of the elements based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE). The majority of the Company’s software sales have multiple elements, including a license and post contract customer support (PCS). Currently we do not have VSOE for either the license or support elements of its software sales. Accordingly, revenue is deferred until the only undelivered element is PCS and the total arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the support period.

Revenue is recognized as the net amount to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts and product returns.

Accounts Receivable Valuation

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable balance. We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon historical write-off experience and current economic conditions and we review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts on a regular basis. Receivable balances past due over 90 days, which exceed a specified dollar amount, are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the probability for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method. Our inventories are comprised primarily of dated calendar products and other non-dated products such as binders, handheld electronic devices, stationery, training products, and other accessories. Provision is made to reduce excess and obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable value. In assessing the realization of inventories, we make judgments regarding future demand requirements and compare these assessments with current and committed inventory levels. Inventory requirements may change based on projected customer demand, technological and product life cycle changes, longer or shorter than expected usage periods, and other factors that could affect the valuation of our inventories.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Intangible assets that are deemed to have an indefinite life are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that a potential impairment exists. The Covey trade name intangible asset has been deemed to have an indefinite life. This intangible asset is assigned to the Organizational Solutions Business Unit and is tested for impairment using the present value of estimated royalties on trade name related revenues, which consist primarily of training seminars, international licensee royalties, and related products. If forecasts and assumptions used to support the realizability of our indefinite-lived intangible asset change in the future, significant impairment charges could result that would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived tangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We use an estimate of undiscounted future net cash flows of the assets over the remaining useful lives in determining whether the carrying value of the assets is recoverable. If the carrying values of the assets exceed the anticipated future cash flows of the assets, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying values of the assets and their estimated fair values. Impairment of long-lived assets is assessed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent from other groups of assets. The evaluation of long-lived assets requires us to use estimates of future cash flows. If forecasts and assumptions used to support the realizability of our long-lived tangible and definite-lived intangible assets change in the future, significant impairment charges could result that would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Income Taxes

The calculation of our income tax provision or benefit, as applicable, requires estimates of future taxable income or losses. During the course of the fiscal year, these estimates are compared to actual financial results and adjustments may be made to our tax provision or benefit to reflect these revised estimates.

Our history of significant operating losses precludes us from demonstrating that it is more likely than not that the related benefits from deferred income tax deductions and foreign tax carryforwards will be realized. Accordingly, we recorded valuation allowances on our deferred income tax assets. These valuation allowances are based on estimates of future taxable income or losses that may or may not be realized.


NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) approved Statement No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. Statement 123R sets accounting requirements for “share-based” compensation to employees, including employee stock purchase plans, and requires companies to recognize in the income statement the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation. We currently account for our stock-based compensation using the intrinsic method as defined in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25 and accordingly, we have not recognized any expense for our stock option plans or employee stock purchase plan in our consolidated financial statements. Currently, we provide disclosures about the pro forma compensation expense from stock based awards, which is based upon a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Although Statement 123R does not express a preference for a type of valuation model, we intend to reexamine our valuation methodology and the corresponding support for the assumptions that underlie the valuation of stock-based awards prior to our adoption of Statement 123R. This statement is effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005, and will thus be effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2006. Upon adoption, we intend to use the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, awards that are granted, modified, or settled after the date of adoption will be measured and accounted for in accordance with Statement 123R. Unvested equity-classified awards that were granted prior to the effective date will continue to be accounted for in accordance with Statement 123, except that compensation expense amounts will be recognized in the income statement. We are currently in the process of further analyzing this new pronouncement and have not yet determined the impact on our financial statements.

In November 2004, the FASB approved Statement No. 151, Inventory Costs an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. Statement No. 151 clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) and requires that those items be recognized as a current period expense regardless of whether they meet the criteria of “so abnormal.” This statement is effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and will thus be effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2006. We are currently in the process of analyzing the accounting requirements under this new pronouncement and have not yet determined its impact on our financial statements.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

MARKET RISK OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The primary financial instrument risks to which the Company is exposed are fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage risks associated with foreign currency exchange and interest rates, we make limited use of derivative financial instruments. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value from one or more underlying financial instruments. As a matter of policy, our derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions that are independent of those exposures. In addition, we do not enter into derivative contracts for trading or speculative purposes, nor are we party to any leveraged derivative instrument. The notional amounts of derivatives do not represent actual amounts exchanged by the parties to the instrument, and, thus, are not a measure of exposure to us through our use of derivatives. Additionally, we enter into derivative agreements only with highly rated counterparties and we do not expect to incur any losses resulting from non-performance by other parties.

Foreign Currency Sensitivity

Due to the global nature of the Company’s operations, we are subject to risks associated with transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, which creates exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. The objective of our foreign currency risk management activities is to reduce foreign currency risk in the consolidated financial statements. In order to manage foreign currency risks, we make limited use of foreign currency forward contracts and other foreign currency related derivative instruments. Although we cannot eliminate all aspects of our foreign currency risk, we believe that our strategy, which includes the use of derivative instruments, can reduce the impacts of foreign currency related issues on our consolidated financial statements.

During the quarter and three quarters ended May 28, 2005, we utilized foreign currency forward contracts to manage the volatility of certain intercompany financing transactions and other transactions that are denominated in foreign currencies. Because these contracts do not meet specific hedge accounting requirements, gains and losses on these contracts, which expire on a quarterly basis, are recognized currently and are used to offset a portion of the gains or losses of the related accounts. The gains and losses on these contracts were recorded as a component of SG&A expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and resulted in the following net gains or losses for the periods indicated (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Losses on foreign exchange
contracts
 
$
(31
)
$
-
 
$
(384
)
$
(539
)
Gains on foreign exchange
contracts
   
53
   
203
   
56
   
227
 
Net gain (loss) on foreign
exchange contracts
 
$
22
 
$
203
 
$
(328
)
$
(312
)

At May 28, 2005, the fair value of these contracts, which was determined using the estimated amount at which contracts could be settled based upon forward market exchange rates, was insignificant. The notional amounts of our foreign currency sell contracts that did not qualify for hedge accounting were as follows at May 28, 2005 (in thousands):

 
 
 
Contract Description
 
Notional Amount in Foreign Currency
 
 
Notional Amount in U.S. Dollars
 
               
Japanese Yen
   
325,000
 
$
3,011
 
Australian Dollars
   
1,824
   
1,372
 
Mexican Pesos
   
9,400
   
844
 

During the three quarters ended May 28, 2005, we also entered into foreign currency forward contracts that were designed to manage foreign currency risks related to the value of our net investment in foreign operations located in Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These three offices comprise the majority of our net investment in foreign operations. These foreign currency forward instruments, which expire on a monthly basis, qualified for hedge accounting and corresponding gains and losses were recorded as a component of other comprehensive income in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The gains and losses on these contracts were as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
 
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
May 28,
2005
 
May 29,
2004
 
Losses on net investment
hedge contracts
 
$
-
 
$
(132
)
$
(384
)
$
(132
)
Gains on net investment
hedge contracts
   
-
   
70
   
66
   
70
 
Net loss on net investment
hedge contracts
 
$
-
 
$
(62
)
$
(318
)
$
(62
)

As of May 28, 2005, the Company had settled its net investment hedge contracts and did not utilize such contracts during the quarter then ended. However, the Company may utilize net investment hedge contracts in future periods as a component of its overall foreign currency risk strategy.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in U.S. interest rates primarily as a result of the cash and cash equivalents that we hold. Following payment and termination of our line of credit facility during fiscal 2002, our remaining debt balances consist primarily of long-term mortgages on certain of our buildings and property. As such, the Company does not have significant exposure or additional liability due to interest rate sensitivity and we were not party to any interest rate swap or other interest related derivative instrument during the quarter or three quarters ended May 28, 2005 or May 29, 2004.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness and the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, it was determined that our internal controls over revenue recognition for certain complex, multiple-element contracts in our OSBU were improving, but still deficient.

This deficiency in our internal controls related to improper recognition of revenue from certain complex multiple element contracts and included ineffective controls to monitor compliance with existing policies and procedures and insufficient training of accounting personnel on complex accounting standards related to multiple element contracts in the OSBU. The improper revenue recognition was detected in the review process and correcting adjustments were recorded to properly state our revenues and was disclosed to the Audit Committee and to our auditors. We are in the process of improving our internal controls over financial reporting regarding these complex multiple-element contracts in an effort to remediate this deficiency. Thus far we have made personnel changes, provided additional training on complex revenue recognition principles for our accounting staff, improved monitoring controls, and established additional policies and procedures related to revenue recognition. We believe that these control changes have improved our revenue recognition procedures and reduced the risk of material misstatement of our revenues.

During the quarter ended May 28, 2005 we have made improvements to our financial reporting controls, including the implementation of additional monitoring controls, which we believe will provide additional assurance to our reported financial statements and disclosures. Other than these changes, there have been no internal control changes that would have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, other than as described above, since the most recent evaluation date, there have been no significant changes in our internal control structure, policies, and procedures or in other areas that could significantly affect our internal control over financial reporting.

On March 2, 2005, the SEC extended the compliance dates for non-accelerated filers and foreign private issuers pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Under this extension, a company that is not required to file its annual and quarterly reports on an accelerated basis (non-accelerated filer), must begin to comply with the internal control over financial reporting requirements for its first fiscal year ending on or after July 15, 2006. This action constitutes a one-year extension from the previously established July 15, 2005 compliance date. We are currently in the process of documenting our internal control structure and we intend to use the additional time to improve the quality of our documentation and testing.


SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Certain written and oral statements made by the Company or our representatives in this report, other reports, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, conferences, Internet webcasts, or otherwise, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain words such as “believe,”“anticipate,”“expect,”“estimate,”“project,” or words or phrases of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are disclosed from time to time in reports filed by us with the SEC, including reports on Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the matters discussed under Business Environment and Risk in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004. In addition, such risks and uncertainties may include unanticipated developments in any one or more of the following areas: continuing demand for our products and services, which depends to some extent on general economic conditions, so that we can avoid future declines in revenues; the ability of our products and services to successfully compete with alternative solutions and the products and services offered by others; unanticipated costs or capital expenditures; cost savings from the outsourcing of our information systems and controls, including without limitation, the systems related to demand and supply planning, inventory control, and order fulfillment; delays or unanticipated outcomes relating to the Company’s strategic plans; dependence on existing products or services; the rate and consumer acceptance of new product introductions; the number and nature of customers and their product orders, including changes in the timing or mix of product or training orders; pricing of our products and services and those of competitors; adverse publicity; and other factors which may adversely affect our business.

The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report may include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors may emerge and it is not possible for our management to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any single factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not rely on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

The market price of our common stock has been and may remain volatile. Factors such as quarter-to-quarter variations in revenues and earnings or losses or our failure to meet expectations could have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock. In addition, the price of our common stock can change for reasons unrelated to our performance. Due to our low market capitalization and share price, the price of our common stock may also be affected by conditions such as a lack of analyst coverage and fewer potential investors.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations as of the date made, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update any of these statements in the future. Actual future performance and results will differ and may differ materially from that contained in or suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in our filings with the SEC.



Item 1.   Legal Proceedings:

During fiscal 2002, the Company received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeking documents and information relating to the Company’s management stock loan program and previously announced, and withdrawn, tender offer. The Company has provided the documents and information requested by the SEC, including the testimonies of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other key employees. The Company has cooperated, and will continue to fully cooperate, in providing requested information to the SEC. The SEC and the Company are currently engaged in discussions with respect to a potential resolution of this matter.

In fiscal 2002, the Company brought legal action against World Marketing Alliance, Inc., a Georgia corporation (WMA) and World Financial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the purchaser of substantially all assets of WMA, for breach of contract. The case proceeded to jury trial commencing October 25, 2004. The jury rendered a verdict in the Company’s favor and against WMA on November 1, 2004 for the entire unpaid contract amount of approximately $1.1 million. In addition to the verdict, the Company recovered legal fees totaling $0.3 million and pre- and post-judgment interest of $0.3 million from WMA. The Company received payment in cash for the legal settlement during the quarter ended May 28, 2005. However, shortly after paying the legal settlement, WMA appealed the jury decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

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

The Company did not purchase any shares of its common stock during the quarter ended May 28, 2005.

In previous fiscal years, the Company’s Board of Directors had approved various plans for the purchase of up to 8,000,000 shares of our common stock. As of November 25, 2000, the Company had purchased 7,705,000 shares of common stock under these board-authorized purchase plans. On December 1, 2000, the Board of Directors approved an additional plan to acquire up to $8.0 million of our common stock. To date, we have purchased $7.1 million of our common stock under the terms of the December 2000 Board approved purchase plan. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans, which totaled approximately 437,000, was calculated for the December 2000 plan by dividing the remaining approved dollars by $6.43, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on May 27, 2005 (last trading day of fiscal quarter). These shares were added to the remaining shares from the Company’s other Board-approved plans to arrive at an approximate maximum number of shares that may be purchased as of May 28, 2005. No shares of the Company’s common stock were purchased during the fiscal quarter ended May 28, 2005 under terms of any Board authorized purchase plan.


Item 6.  Exhibits
 
 
 (A)     
 Exhibits:
 
 
 
 31
Certification of the CEO and CFO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32
Certification of the CEO and CFO under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
  10.1
Separation Agreement between the Company and Val J. Christensen, dated March 29, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 99.1 in the Company's Current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 4, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  10.2
Legal Services Agreement between the Company and Val J. Christense, dated March 29, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 99.2 in the Company's current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 4, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  10.3
Master Lease Agreement between Franklin SaltLake LLC (Landlord) and Franklin Development Corporation (Tenant) (filed as Exhibit 99.1 in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
  10.4 Purchase and Sale Agreement and Escrow Instructions between Levy Affiliated Holdings, LLC (Buyer) and Franklin Development Corporation (Seller) and Amendments (filed as Exhibit 99.2 in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
 




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.
 
     
  FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: July 12, 2005 By:   /s/ ROBERT A. WHITMAN
 
Robert A. Whitman
  Chief Executive Officer
     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: July 12, 2005 By:   /s/ STEPHEN D. YOUNG
 
Stephen D. Young
  Chief Financial Officer