form10q_071207.htm
 
 
 

 


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

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 2, 2007

 
[   ]
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
 

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

Large accelerated filer
o
 
Accelerated filer
x
 
Non-accelerated filer
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (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:

19,430,423 shares of Common Stock as of July 9, 2007
 


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

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

   
June 2,
2007
   
August 31,
2006
 
   
(unaudited)
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $
5,170
    $
30,587
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $602 and $979
   
28,026
     
24,254
 
Inventories
   
24,245
     
21,790
 
Deferred income taxes
   
3,863
     
4,130
 
Other current assets
   
6,503
     
6,359
 
Assets held for sale
   
1,794
     
-
 
Total current assets
   
69,601
     
87,120
 
                 
Property and equipment, net
   
35,563
     
33,318
 
Intangible assets, net
   
76,821
     
79,532
 
Deferred income taxes
   
84
     
4,340
 
Other assets
   
14,129
     
12,249
 
    $
196,198
    $
216,559
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt and financing obligation
  $
619
    $
585
 
Accounts payable
   
12,301
     
13,769
 
Income taxes payable
   
2,318
     
1,924
 
Accrued liabilities
   
28,483
     
32,170
 
Line of credit
   
17,844
     
-
 
Liabilities held for sale
   
828
     
-
 
Total current liabilities
   
62,393
     
48,448
 
                 
Long-term debt and financing obligation, less current portion
   
33,235
     
33,559
 
Other liabilities
   
1,213
     
1,203
 
Total liabilities
   
96,841
     
83,210
 
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock – Series A, no par value; 4,000 shares authorized, zero and 1,494 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference totaling zero and $38,278
   
-
     
37,345
 
Common stock – $0.05 par value; 40,000 shares authorized, 27,056 shares issued and outstanding
   
1,353
     
1,353
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
186,091
     
185,691
 
Common stock warrants
   
7,602
     
7,611
 
Retained earnings
   
18,876
     
14,075
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
1,319
     
653
 
Treasury stock at cost, 7,344 and 7,083 shares
    (115,204 )     (113,379 )
Other comprehensive loss held for sale
    (680 )    
-
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
99,357
     
133,349
 
    $
196,198
    $
216,559
 
                 

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

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

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
                         
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Net sales:
                       
Products
  $
30,857
    $
32,184
    $
118,248
    $
126,428
 
Training and consulting services
   
33,652
     
31,098
     
98,666
     
87,538
 
     
64,509
     
63,282
     
216,914
     
213,966
 
Cost of sales:
                               
Products
   
14,619
     
15,584
     
52,528
     
56,536
 
Training and consulting services
   
10,254
     
11,406
     
31,163
     
28,558
 
     
24,873
     
26,990
     
83,691
     
85,094
 
Gross profit
   
39,636
     
36,292
     
133,223
     
128,872
 
                                 
Selling, general, and administrative
   
35,287
     
35,629
     
112,803
     
108,885
 
Gain on sale of manufacturing facility
   
-
     
-
      (1,227 )    
-
 
Depreciation
   
1,060
     
1,134
     
3,463
     
3,763
 
Amortization
   
906
     
908
     
2,708
     
2,911
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
2,383
      (1,379 )    
15,476
     
13,313
 
                                 
Interest income
   
124
     
307
     
682
     
953
 
Interest expense
    (867 )     (663 )     (2,203 )     (1,966 )
Legal settlement
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
873
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
1,640
      (1,735 )    
13,955
     
13,173
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (753 )    
2,754
      (6,939 )    
292
 
Net income
   
887
     
1,019
     
7,016
     
13,465
 
Preferred stock dividends
    (348 )     (934 )     (2,215 )     (3,452 )
Net income available to common shareholders
  $
539
    $
85
    $
4,801
    $
10,013
 
                                 
Net income available to common
shareholders per share:
                               
Basic
  $
.03
    $
.00
    $
.24
    $
.50
 
Diluted
  $
.03
    $
.00
    $
.24
    $
.48
 
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares:
                               
Basic
   
19,412
     
20,060
     
19,637
     
20,234
 
Diluted
   
19,969
     
20,734
     
20,062
     
20,670
 


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $
7,016
    $
13,465
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
7,503
     
8,046
 
Deferred income taxes
   
4,824
     
-
 
Gain on disposals of property and equipment
    (1,283 )    
-
 
Share-based compensation expense
   
894
     
567
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in accounts receivable, net
    (4,408 )     (4,264 )
Increase in inventories
    (2,951 )     (1,388 )
Decrease in other assets
   
1,236
     
856
 
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (4,357 )     (4,628 )
Decrease in other long-term liabilities
    (188 )     (192 )
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
   
411
      (2,535 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
8,697
     
9,927
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (7,855 )     (3,318 )
Curriculum development costs
    (4,234 )     (1,812 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
   
2,596
     
-
 
Net cash used for investing activities
    (9,493 )     (5,130 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from line of credit borrowing
   
30,429
     
-
 
Payments on line of credit borrowing
    (12,585 )    
-
 
Principal payments on long-term debt and financing obligation
    (402 )     (965 )
Change in restricted cash
   
-
     
699
 
Proceeds from sales of common stock from treasury
   
206
     
333
 
Proceeds from management stock loan payments
   
27
     
134
 
Redemptions of preferred stock
    (37,345 )     (20,000 )
Purchases of treasury shares
    (2,561 )     (3,982 )
Payment of preferred stock dividends
    (2,215 )     (3,952 )
Net cash used for financing activities
    (24,446 )     (27,733 )
                 
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (175 )    
50
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (25,417 )     (22,886 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
   
30,587
     
51,690
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
  $
5,170
    $
28,804
 
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $
2,048
    $
2,001
 
Cash paid for income taxes
  $
1,804
    $
2,284
 
                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Accrued preferred stock dividends
  $
-
    $
934
 
Capital lease financing of property and equipment purchases
   
-
     
109
 


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. (hereafter referred to as us, we, our, or the Company) provides integrated consulting, training, and performance enhancement solutions to organizations and individuals in strategy execution, productivity, leadership, 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 electronic or paper-based formats.  Our products and services are available through professional consulting services, public seminars, retail stores, catalogs, and the internet at www.franklincovey.com.  Historically, the Company’s best-known offerings include the FranklinCovey Planner™ and a suite of individual-effectiveness and leadership-development training products based on the best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  We also offer a range of training and assessment products to help organizations achieve superior results by focusing and executing on top priorities, building the capability of knowledge workers, and aligning business processes.  These offerings include the following popular workshops and curricula: FOCUS: Achieving Your Highest Priorities™; The 4 Disciplines of Execution™; The 4 Roles of Leadership™; Building Business Acumen: What the CEO Wants You to Know™; the Advantage Series communication workshops; and the Execution Quotient (xQ™) organizational assessment tool.  During fiscal 2007 we have also introduced a new leadership program based upon principles found in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

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 consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006.

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 December 2, 2006, March 3, 2007, and June 2, 2007 during fiscal 2007.  Under the modified 52/53-week fiscal year, the quarter ended June 2, 2007 had the same number of business days as the quarter ended May 27, 2006 and the three quarters ended June 2, 2007 included four more business days than the three quarters ended May 27, 2006.

The results of operations for the quarter and three quarters ended June 2, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the entire fiscal year ending August 31, 2007.

 
NOTE 2 – OPERATIONS HELD FOR SALE

During the quarter ended June 2, 2007, we initiated plans to sell our directly owned subsidiaries located in Mexico and Brazil and to convert them into licensed operations.  Based upon guidance found in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we determined that the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries should be classified as held for sale at June 2, 2007.  The sales of these direct offices, which are currently reported in the international segment of the Organizational Solutions Business Unit (OSBU), are expected to close during the quarter ended August 31, 2007.  The sale transactions for each of the subsidiaries are currently structured such that the net assets of the subsidiaries will be sold at their carrying values.  Estimated costs to complete the sales transactions were accrued (and expensed) during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  The Company does not anticipate any additional losses resulting from the sales of the Mexico and Brazil subsidiaries.  The carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of our Mexico and Brazil subsidiaries, which were classified as held for sale in our June 2, 2007 consolidated balance sheet were as follows (in thousands):

Description
 
Mexico
   
Brazil
   
Total
 
Accounts receivable, net
  $
156
    $
515
    $
671
 
Inventories
   
345
     
123
     
468
 
Other current assets
   
50
     
190
     
240
 
Property and equipment, net
   
115
     
212
     
327
 
Other assets
   
28
     
60
     
88
 
Total assets held for sale
  $
694
    $
1,100
    $
1,794
 
                         
Accounts payable
  $
61
    $
173
    $
234
 
Accrued liabilities
   
199
     
395
     
594
 
Total liabilities held for sale
  $
260
    $
568
    $
828
 

Since the Company will continue to participate in the cash flows of the Mexico and Brazil subsidiaries through royalty payments, which are based primarily upon the sales recorded by the licensees, and expects to have significant continuing involvement in the operations of the licensees, we determined that the financial results of the Mexico and Brazil subsidiaries should not be reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated income statements.


NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

Inventories of operations not held for sale 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):

   
June 2,
2007
   
August 31,
2006
 
             
Finished goods
  $
20,946
    $
18,464
 
Work in process
   
503
     
706
 
Raw materials
   
2,796
     
2,620
 
    $
24,245
    $
21,790
 


NOTE 4 – LINE OF CREDIT AGREEMENTS

On March 14, 2007, we entered into long-term secured revolving line-of-credit agreements with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. and Zions First National Bank (the Credit Agreements).  The Credit Agreements provide a total of $25.0 million of borrowing capacity to the Company at an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.10 percent.  The Credit Agreements expire on March 14, 2010 and we may draw on the credit facilities, repay, and draw again, on a revolving basis, up to the maximum loan amount of $25.0 million so long as no event of default has occurred and is continuing.  The Credit Agreements also contain customary representations and guarantees as well as provisions for repayment and liens.

In addition to customary non-financial terms and conditions, the Credit Agreements require us to be in compliance with specified financial covenants, including: (i) a funded debt to earnings ratio; (ii) a fixed charge coverage ratio; (iii) a limitation on annual capital expenditures; and (iv) a defined amount of minimum net worth.  In the event of noncompliance with these financial covenants and other defined events of default, the lenders are entitled to certain remedies, including acceleration of the repayment of amounts outstanding on the Credit Agreements.  As of June 2, 2007, there were no known events of default and we were in compliance with the terms, conditions, and financial covenants of the Credit Agreements.

In connection with the Credit Agreements, the Company entered into separate promissory notes, a security agreement, repayment guaranty agreements, and a pledge and security agreement.  These agreements pledge substantially all of the Company’s assets located in the United States and a certain foreign location to the lenders in the Credit Agreements.

The Company may use the Credit Agreements for general corporate purposes and during the quarter ended June 2, 2007 we used a portion of the credit available through the Credit Agreements to redeem the remaining shares of our outstanding Series A preferred stock as described in Note 5.

In addition to the lines of credit described above, we obtained a CDN $500,000 (approximately $425,300) revolving line of credit with a Canadian Bank through our wholly owned Canadian subsidiary (the Canadian Line of Credit) during fiscal 2007.  The Canadian Line of Credit bears interest at the Canadian prime rate and is a revolving line of credit that may be repeatedly borrowed against and repaid during the life of the agreement.  The Canadian Line of Credit may be used for general corporate purposes and requires our Canadian subsidiary to maintain a specified financial covenant for minimum debt service coverage or the payment of the loan may be accelerated.  As of June 2, 2007 we had not yet drawn upon the Canadian Line of Credit.

In connection with the Canadian Line of Credit, the interest rate on a previously existing mortgage agreement with the same Canadian Bank was reduced from the Canadian prime rate plus one percent to the Canadian prime rate.  All other terms on the existing Canadian mortgage remained the same and the Company does not believe that the one percent decrease in the interest rate represents a material modification to the terms of the loan agreement.


NOTE 5 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Redemption of Preferred Stock

During the quarter ended June 2, 2007, we used substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents on hand in combination with proceeds from a newly obtained line of credit agreement (Note 4) to redeem all of the remaining outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock, which totaled $37.3 million, or approximately 1.5 million shares.  The shares of preferred stock were redeemed at the liquidation preference of $25 per share, plus $0.3 million of dividends that were accrued through the redemption date.

Board of Director Unvested Share Award

In connection with the Company’s shareholder-approved 2004 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan, we issued 31,500 shares of common stock as unvested share awards to certain members of the Board of Directors during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  The compensation expense of the award, which was based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date, totaled $0.2 million and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the 36 month vesting period of the award.  The common shares issued from treasury for the unvested award had a cost basis of $0.5 million.

A summary of the changes to certain shareholders’ equity accounts during the three quarters ended June 2, 2007 is presented below (in thousands):

   
Preferred Stock
               
Treasury Stock
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Balance at August 31, 2006
   
1,494
    $
37,345
    $
185,691
    $
14,075
      (7,083 )   $ (113,379 )
Preferred stock dividends
                            (2,215 )                
Redemption of preferred stock
    (1,494 )     (37,345 )                                
Purchase of treasury shares
                                    (338 )     (2,539 )
Issuance of common stock from treasury
                    (6 )            
45
     
213
 
Unvested stock award
                    (501 )            
32
     
501
 
Share-based compensation
                   
894
                         
Net income
                           
7,016
                 
Other
                   
13
                         
Balance at June 2, 2007
   
-
    $
-
    $
186,091
    $
18,876
      (7,344 )   $ (115,204 )


NOTE 6 – SALE OF MANUFACTURING FACILITY

In August 2006, we initiated a project to reconfigure our printing operations to improve our printing services’ efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve our printing services’ flexibility in order to increase external printing service sales.  Our reconfiguration plan included moving our printing operations a short distance from its existing location to our corporate headquarters campus and the sale of the manufacturing facility and certain printing presses.  Other existing presses were moved to the new location as part of the reconfiguration plan.  Because the manufacturing facility and printing presses were not available for immediate sale as defined by SFAS No. 144, they were not classified as held for sale prior to the completion of the sale agreements. At June 2, 2007 our printing services reconfiguration plan was substantially complete and the new presses were operating in the new manufacturing location.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, we completed the sale of the manufacturing facility.  The sale price was $2.5 million and, after deducting customary closing costs, the net proceeds to the Company from the sale totaled $2.3 million in cash.  The carrying value of the manufacturing facility at the date of sale was approximately $1.1 million and accordingly, we recognized a $1.2 million gain on the sale of the manufacturing facility during the quarter.  The manufacturing facility assets sold were primarily reported as a component of corporate assets for segment reporting purposes.  Due to a lower-than-expected sale price on one of the printing presses to be sold, we previously recorded an impairment charge totaling $0.3 million to reduce the carrying value of the printing press to its anticipated sale price.  The impairment charge was included as a component of depreciation expense in our condensed consolidated income statements for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007.


NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES

In order to determine our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on expected annual income and statutory tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate.  Certain significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter during which they occur and can be a source of variability in the effective tax rate from quarter to quarter.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we determined that it was appropriate to reverse substantially all of the valuation allowances on our deferred income tax assets.  Prior to the reversal of these valuation allowances, our income tax provisions were affected by reductions in our deferred income tax valuation allowance as we utilized net operating loss carryforwards.  The fiscal 2006 income tax provision was further reduced by the reversal of tax contingency reserves during the third quarter.  No reversals of valuation allowance or tax contingency reserves occurred during fiscal 2007.  Accordingly, our income tax provision was $0.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and totaled $6.9 million for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007.  Our effective tax rate for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007 of approximately 50 percent was higher than statutory combined rates primarily due to the accrual of taxable interest income on the management stock loan program and withholding taxes on royalty income from foreign licensees.  Since the Company is currently utilizing net operating loss carryforwards, we are unable to reduce our domestic tax liability through the use of foreign tax credits, which normally result from the payment of foreign withholding taxes.


NOTE 8 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income is based on net income and includes charges and credits to equity accounts that were not the result of transactions with shareholders.  Comprehensive income for the Company was calculated as follows (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
 
Net income
  $
887
    $
1,019
    $
7,016
    $
13,465
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) items, net of tax:
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (30 )    
434
      (14 )    
214
 
Comprehensive income
  $
857
    $
1,453
    $
7,002
    $
13,679
 


NOTE 9 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income 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.  Due to the modifications to our management stock loan program made during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we determined that the shares of management stock loan participants which were placed in the escrow account are participating securities as defined by Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 03-6, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, because they continue to have equivalent common stock dividend rights.  Accordingly, these management stock loan shares are included in our basic EPS calculation during periods of net income and excluded from the basic EPS calculation in periods of net loss.

The following table presents the computation of our EPS for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share amounts):


   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
                       
Net income
  $
887
    $
1,019
    $
7,016
    $
13,465
 
Preferred stock dividends
    (348 )     (934 )     (2,215 )     (3,452 )
Net income available to common shareholders
  $
539
    $
85
    $
4,801
    $
10,013
 
                                 
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
                               
Basic weighted average shares outstanding(1)
   
19,412
     
20,060
     
19,637
     
20,234
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Stock options
   
34
     
75
     
31
     
55
 
Unvested stock awards
   
292
     
303
     
265
     
280
 
Performance awards
   
231
     
100
     
129
     
35
 
Common stock warrants(2)
   
-
     
196
     
-
     
66
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
   
19,969
     
20,734
     
20,062
     
20,670
 
                                 
Basic and diluted EPS:
                               
Basic EPS
  $
.03
    $
.00
    $
.24
    $
.50
 
Diluted EPS
  $
.03
    $
.00
    $
.24
    $
.48
 
 

 
(1)
Since the Company recognized net income for the quarter and three quarters ended June 2, 2007, basic weighted average shares for those periods include 3.5 million shares of common stock held by management stock loan participants that were placed in escrow.
   
(2)
For the quarter and three quarters ended June 2, 2007, the conversion of 6.2 million common stock warrants is not assumed because such conversion would be anti-dilutive.



We had approximately 1.9 million and 1.8 million stock options outstanding at June 2, 2007 and May 27, 2006 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 for the respective periods.  Although these shares were not included in our calculation of diluted EPS, these stock options, and other dilutive securities, may have a dilutive effect on the Company’s EPS calculation in future periods if the price of our common stock increases.


NOTE 10 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

Consumer Solutions Business Unit – This business unit is primarily focused on sales to individual customers and small business organizations and includes the results of our domestic retail stores, consumer direct operations (primarily catalog, eCommerce, and public programs), wholesale operations, international product channels in certain countries, 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 our paper planner manufacturing operations.  Although CSBU sales primarily consist of products such as planners, binders, software, totes, and related accessories, virtually any component of our leadership, productivity, and strategy execution solutions may be purchased through our CSBU channels.
 
Organizational Solutions Business Unit – The OSBU is primarily responsible for the development, marketing, sale, and delivery of strategic execution, productivity, leadership, 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 our domestic sales force and certain international operations.  The domestic sales force is responsible for the sale and delivery of our training and consulting services in the United States.  Our international sales group includes the financial results of our directly owned foreign offices and royalty revenues from licensees.


The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the CEO, and each of the 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 calculated by other companies.  For segment reporting purposes, the Company’s consolidated EBITDA can be calculated as its income from operations excluding depreciation expense, amortization expense, and the gain from the sale of our manufacturing facility.

In the normal course of business, we may make structural and cost allocation revisions to our segment information to reflect new reporting responsibilities within the organization.  During fiscal 2007 we transferred the international product channels in certain countries from OSBU to CSBU, and have made other less significant organizational changes throughout the current fiscal year.  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)
                             
 
Quarter Ended
June 2, 2007
 
Sales to External Customers
   
Gross Profit
   
EBITDA
   
Depreciation
   
Amortization
 
Consumer Solutions Business Unit:
                             
Retail
  $
10,010
    $
5,706
    $ (715 )   $
169
    $
-
 
Consumer direct
   
10,715
     
6,377
     
4,477
     
58
     
-
 
Wholesale
   
6,901
     
3,851
     
3,704
     
-
     
-
 
CSBU International
   
1,125
     
628
      (176 )    
-
     
-
 
Other CSBU
   
1,544
     
302
      (6,106 )    
202
     
-
 
Total CSBU
   
30,295
     
16,864
     
1,184
     
429
     
-
 
                                         
Organizational Solutions Business Unit:
                                       
Domestic
   
20,297
     
13,241
     
2,092
     
181
     
899
 
International
   
13,917
     
9,531
     
3,375
     
215
     
7
 
Total OSBU
   
34,214
     
22,772
     
5,467
     
396
     
906
 
Total operating segments
   
64,509
     
39,636
     
6,651
     
825
     
906
 
Corporate and eliminations
   
-
     
-
      (2,302 )    
235
     
-
 
Consolidated
  $
64,509
    $
39,636
    $
4,349
    $
1,060
    $
906
 
                                         
Quarter Ended
May 27, 2006
                                       
Consumer Solutions Business Unit:
                                       
Retail
  $
11,414
    $
6,307
    $ (733 )   $
269
    $
-
 
Consumer direct
   
12,912
     
7,669
     
5,676
     
16
     
-
 
Wholesale
   
6,523
     
3,336
     
3,177
     
-
     
-
 
CSBU International
   
1,148
     
621
      (395 )    
-
     
-
 
Other CSBU
   
1,168
     
118
      (6,870 )    
300
     
-
 
Total CSBU
   
33,165
     
18,051
     
855
     
585
     
-
 
                                         
Organizational Solutions Business Unit:
                                       
Domestic
   
17,875
     
11,026
     
457
     
90
     
902
 
International
   
12,242
     
7,215
     
810
     
288
     
6
 
Total OSBU
   
30,117
     
18,241
     
1,267
     
378
     
908
 
Total operating segments
   
63,282
     
36,292
     
2,122
     
963
     
908
 
Corporate and eliminations
   
-
     
-
      (1,459 )    
171
     
-
 
Consolidated
  $
63,282
    $
36,292
    $
663
    $
1,134
    $
908
 
                                         
Three Quarters Ended
June 2, 2007
                                       
Consumer Solutions Business Unit:
                                       
Retail
  $
43,402
    $
25,966
    $
5,195
    $
546
    $
-
 
Consumer direct
   
47,713
     
28,596
     
22,113
     
137
     
-
 
Wholesale
   
15,059
     
8,561
     
8,114
     
-
     
-
 
CSBU International
   
6,153
     
3,721
     
1,020
     
-
     
-
 
Other CSBU
   
4,422
     
456
      (22,014 )    
993
     
-
 
Total CSBU
   
116,749
     
67,300
     
14,428
     
1,676
     
-
 
                                         
Organizational Solutions Business Unit:
                                       
Domestic
   
57,331
     
36,982
     
4,105
     
440
     
2,701
 
International
   
42,834
     
28,941
     
9,592
     
625
     
7
 
Total OSBU
   
100,165
     
65,923
     
13,697
     
1,065
     
2,708
 
Total operating segments
   
216,914
     
133,223
     
28,125
     
2,741
     
2,708
 
Corporate and eliminations
   
-
     
-
      (7,705 )    
722
     
-
 
Consolidated
  $
216,914
    $
133,223
    $
20,420
    $
3,463
    $
2,708
 
                                         
Three Quarters Ended
May 27, 2006
                                       
Consumer Solutions Business Unit:
                                       
Retail
  $
49,837
    $
29,290
    $
5,360
    $
1,042
    $
-
 
Consumer direct
   
51,701
     
30,968
     
24,566
     
43
     
-
 
Wholesale
   
15,773
     
7,812
     
7,357
     
-
     
-
 
CSBU International
   
6,473
     
4,025
     
1,260
     
-
     
-
 
Other CSBU
   
3,623
     
630
      (22,524 )    
957
     
57
 
Total CSBU
   
127,407
     
72,725
     
16,019
     
2,042
     
57
 
                                         
Organizational Solutions Business Unit:
                                       
Domestic
   
49,552
     
31,957
     
2,240
     
263
     
2,845
 
International
   
37,007
     
24,190
     
7,059
     
940
     
9
 
Total OSBU
   
86,559
     
56,147
     
9,299
     
1,203
     
2,854
 
Total operating segments
   
213,966
     
128,872
     
25,318
     
3,245
     
2,911
 
Corporate and eliminations
   
-
     
-
      (5,331 )    
518
     
-
 
Consolidated
  $
213,966
    $
128,872
    $
19,987
    $
3,763
    $
2,911
 
                                         
 
 
A reconciliation of operating segment EBITDA to consolidated income before taxes is provided below (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
 
Reportable segment EBITDA
  $
6,651
    $
2,122
    $
28,125
    $
25,318
 
Corporate expenses
    (2,302 )     (1,459 )     (7,705 )     (5,331 )
Consolidated EBITDA
   
4,349
     
663
     
20,420
     
19,987
 
Gain on sale of manufacturing facility
   
-
     
-
     
1,227
     
-
 
Depreciation
    (1,060 )     (1,134 )     (3,463 )     (3,763 )
Amortization
    (906 )     (908 )     (2,708 )     (2,911 )
Income (loss) from operations
   
2,383
      (1,379 )    
15,476
     
13,313
 
Interest income
   
124
     
307
     
682
     
953
 
Interest expense
    (867 )     (663 )     (2,203 )     (1,966 )
Legal settlement
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
873
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $
1,640
    $ (1,735 )   $
13,955
    $
13,173
 

 
 
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, 2006.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Our third fiscal quarter, which includes the months of March, April, and May, has historically reflected stronger training and consulting sales, but seasonally weaker product sales when compared to our first two fiscal quarters.  For the quarter ended June 2, 2007, our income from operations increased by $3.8 million to $2.4 million compared to a $1.4 million loss in the prior year.  However, due to a significant increase in our effective income tax rate, our net income decreased to $0.9 million compared to $1.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.  As a result of decreased preferred stock dividends, our net income available to common shareholders increased to $0.5 million compared to $0.1 million in the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

Our financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 were adversely affected by the correction of misstatements at our Mexico subsidiary, which reduced sales by $0.5 million and increased selling, general, and administrative expenses by $0.5 million.  These prior year corrections contributed to favorable period-over-period comparisons during the current fiscal year.

The primary factors that influenced our operating results in the quarter ended June 2, 2007 were as follows:

·
Sales Consolidated training and consulting services sales increased $2.6 million, or 8 percent, primarily due to increased sales of our new leadership program based upon the principles found in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, improved sales effectiveness training sales, increased strategy execution sales, and increased international sales.  Product sales declined $1.3 million, or 4 percent, primarily due to reduced retail and consumer direct channel (primarily catalog, eCommerce, and public programs) sales.
   
·
Gross Profit – Our consolidated gross profit totaled $39.6 million for the quarter ended June 2, 2007 compared to $36.3 million in the same quarter of the prior year.  Our consolidated gross margin, which is gross profit in terms of a percentage of sales, increased to 61.4 percent of sales for the quarter ended June 2, 2007 compared to 57.3 percent of sales in fiscal 2006.  The increase was primarily attributable to the continuing shift toward increased training and consulting sales, which generally have higher margins than the majority of our product sales, and the fiscal 2006 correction of misstated sales at our Mexico subsidiary.  Training and consulting service sales increased to 52 percent of total sales in fiscal 2007 compared to 49 percent of total sales in the prior year.
   
·
Operating Costs – Our operating costs decreased by $0.4 million compared to the prior year, which was the result of decreased selling, general, and administrative expenses totaling $0.3 million and decreased depreciation expense of $0.1 million.  Amortization expense from our definite-lived intangible assets remained consistent with the prior year.
   
·
Income Taxes – Our income tax expense for the quarter ended June 2, 2007 was $0.8 million compared to a $2.8 million benefit in the prior year.  The increase in our current year tax expense was primarily the result of taxable income.  The fiscal 2006 benefit resulted primarily from the expiration of the statute of limitations on various tax exposures.  No reversals of valuation allowance or tax contingency reserves occurred during fiscal 2007.  Our effective tax rate for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007 of approximately 50 percent was higher than statutory combined rates primarily due to the accrual of taxable interest income on the management stock loan program and withholding taxes on royalty income from foreign licensees.
   
·
Redemption of Preferred Stock – During the quarter ended June 2, 2007, we redeemed all remaining outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock, which totaled $37.3 million plus $0.3 million of accrued dividends.  Although we obtained a line of credit to finance a portion of the preferred stock redemption and will incur interest charges on amounts borrowed, the redemption of the remaining preferred stock will reduce our required cash outflows for dividends by $3.7 million per year.

Further details regarding these factors and their impact on our operating results and liquidity are provided throughout the following management’s discussion and analysis.

Quarter Ended June 2, 2007 Compared to the Quarter Ended May 27, 2006

Sales

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

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
   
Percent Change
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
   
Percent Change
 
Sales by Category:
                                   
Products
  $
30,857
    $
32,184
     
(4)
    $
118,248
    $
126,428
     
(6)
 
Training and consulting services
   
33,652
     
31,098
     
8
     
98,666
     
87,538
     
13
 
    $
64,509
    $
63,282
     
2
    $
216,914
    $
213,966
     
1
 
                                                 
Consumer Solutions Business Unit:
                                               
Retail Stores
  $
10,010
    $
11,414
     
(12)
    $
43,402
    $
49,837
     
(13)
 
Consumer Direct
   
10,715
     
12,912
     
(17)
     
47,713
     
51,701
     
(8)
 
Wholesale
   
6,901
     
6,523
     
6
     
15,059
     
15,773
     
(5)
 
CSBU International
   
1,125
     
1,148
     
(2)
     
6,153
     
6,473
     
(5)
 
Other CSBU
   
1,544
     
1,168
     
32
     
4,422
     
3,623
     
22
 
     
30,295
     
33,165
     
(9)
     
116,749
     
127,407
     
(8)
 
Organizational Solutions Business Unit:
                                               
Domestic
   
20,297
     
17,875
     
14
     
57,331
     
49,552
     
16
 
International
   
13,917
     
12,242
     
14
     
42,834
     
37,007
     
16
 
     
34,214
     
30,117
     
14
     
100,165
     
86,559
     
16
 
Total Sales
  $
64,509
    $
63,282
     
2
    $
216,914
    $
213,966
     
1
 

Product SalesOverall product sales, which primarily consists of planners, binders, totes, software and related accessories that are primarily sold through our Consumer Solutions Business Unit (CSBU) channels, declined $1.3 million, or 4 percent, compared to the prior year.  The following is a description of sales performance in our CSBU channels for the quarter ended June 2, 2007:
 
·
Retail Stores – The decline in retail sales was primarily due to fewer stores, which had a $0.6 million impact on sales, reduced demand for technology and related products, which declined $0.5 million, and decreased traffic in our other retail locations.  Reduced traffic in our stores contributed to decreased sales of “core” products (e.g. planners, binders, forms, and totes) during the quarter.  However, declining traffic in our retail stores was partially offset by improved conversion rates among those shoppers.  These factors combined to produce a 7 percent decrease in comparable store (stores which were open during the comparable periods) sales compared to the prior year.  At June 2, 2007, we were operating 87 retail stores compared to 93 stores at May 27, 2006.  Based upon our continuing analyses of retail store performance, we may close additional retail store locations and continue to experience decreased sales resulting from closed stores in future periods.
   
·
Consumer Direct – Sales through our consumer direct channels (primarily catalog, eCommerce, and public programs) decreased $2.2 million, or 17 percent, due to decreased sales in each of the consumer direct channels.  Catalog sales decreased primarily due to decreased traffic and eCommerce sales declined due to both decreased traffic and lower conversion rates from web site visitors.  Public program sales decreased $0.8 million primarily due to a reduced number of seminars held during the quarter.  In addition, sales through government depots decreased due to a decision by the government to discontinue sales of dated paper products through these stores.
   
·
Wholesale – Sales through our wholesale channel, which includes sales to office superstores and other retail chains, increased $0.4 million primarily due to the timing of seasonal product sales to these entities.
   
 
CSBU International – This channel includes the product sales of our directly owned international offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Australia.  Sales performance for the quarter through these channels remained relatively consistent with the prior year.  We separated the product sales operations from the Organizational Solutions Business Unit in these international locations during fiscal 2007 to utilize existing product sales and marketing expertise in an effort to improve overall product sales performance at these offices.
   
·
Other CSBU – Other CSBU sales consist primarily of domestic printing and publishing sales and building sublease revenues.  The increase in other CSBU sales was primarily due to increased external domestic printing sales compared to the prior year.


Training and Consulting Services We offer a variety of training courses, 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 consolidated training and consulting service sales increased $2.6 million compared to the prior year.  Training and consulting service sales performance during the quarter was primarily influenced by the following factors in the OSBU divisions:

·
Domestic Our domestic training, consulting, and related sales reported through the OSBU continued to show improvement over the prior year and increased by $2.4 million, or 14 percent.  The improvement was primarily due to increased sales of our new leadership program based upon principles found in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, increased training effectiveness sales, and increased strategy execution sales.  Sales performance improved in nearly all of our domestic regions as our booked days delivered increased compared to the prior year.  Our current outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2007 continues to be strong and current training days booked has increased compared to the prior year.  We believe that the introduction of new programs and refreshed existing programs will continue to have a favorable impact on training and consulting service sales in future periods.
   
·
International International sales increased $1.7 million, or 14 percent, compared to the prior year.  Sales increased over the prior year at all of our directly owned foreign offices except Canada, as well as from licensee royalty revenues.  The translation of foreign sales to United States dollars resulted in a $0.1 million favorable impact to our consolidated sales as certain foreign currencies strengthened against the United States dollar during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.


Gross Profit

Gross profit consists of net sales less the cost of goods sold or the cost of services provided.  Our consolidated gross profit totaled $39.6 million for the quarter ended June 2, 2007 compared to $36.3 million in the prior year.  Our consolidated gross margin, which is gross profit stated in terms of a percentage of sales, was 61.4 percent of sales compared to 57.3 percent in fiscal 2006.  The increase was primarily attributable to the continuing shift toward increased training and consulting sales, which generally have higher margins than the majority of our product sales, and the fiscal 2006 correction of misstated sales at our Mexico subsidiary.  Training and consulting service sales increased to 52 percent of total sales in fiscal 2007 compared to 49 percent in the prior year.

Our gross margin on product sales improved to 52.6 percent compared to 51.6 percent in fiscal 2006.  The improvement was primarily due to the continuing shift in our product mix toward increased sales of higher margin planners and binders as a percent of total sales, while sales of lower margin technology and specialty products continue to decline.

For the quarter ended June 2, 2007, our training and consulting services gross margin was 69.5 percent compared to 63.3 percent in the same quarter of the prior year.  The improvement in training and consulting services gross margin was primarily due to changes in the mix of training programs sold and the correction of misstated sales at our Mexico subsidiary in the prior year.

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Our selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 1 percent, compared to the prior year.  The decrease in our SG&A expenses was primarily due to 1) the correction of misstatements at our Mexico subsidiary in the quarter ended May 27, 2006, which totaled $0.5 million, plus increased professional fees and travel that totaled approximately $0.2 million; 2) decreased advertising and promotional expenses totaling $0.4 million, primarily related to reduced tradeshow expenses; and 3) decreased accounting and consulting fees totaling $0.2 million, which were incurred to become compliant with the provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX).  These decreases were partially offset by increased associate costs totaling $1.1 million related to increased OSBU sales and additional sales personnel.  The Company believes that the addition of these new sales personnel has contributed to the increase in overall training and consulting service sales and we intend to increase the number of sales personnel in future periods.

We are currently pursuing numerous cost reduction strategies designed to control costs and bring spending in line with desired business models.  While we believe that these efforts will be successful in reducing our operating expenses, the success of these initiatives is dependent upon numerous factors, many of which are not within our control.  Due to the time necessary to implement these cost reduction strategies, we may not be able to implement these new initiatives quickly enough to have a significant impact upon our fiscal 2007 operating results.

Interest Income and Expense

Interest Income – Our interest income decreased by $0.2 million compared to fiscal 2006 due to reduced cash and cash equivalents held during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  During the quarter ended June 2, 2007, we used substantially all of our available cash and cash equivalents combined with proceeds from a newly acquired line of credit to redeem the remaining outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock.

Interest Expense – Interest expense increased $0.2 million primarily due to line of credit borrowings that were used in conjunction with available cash to redeem the remaining shares of preferred stock.


Three Quarters Ended June 2, 2007 Compared to the Three Quarters Ended May 27, 2006

Sales

Product Sales Our product sales, which are primarily sold through the Consumer Solutions Business Unit (CSBU) channels, declined $8.2 million, or 6 percent, compared to the prior year.  The following is a description of sales performance in our CSBU channels for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007:
 
·
Retail Stores – The decline in retail sales was primarily due to fewer stores, which had a $4.8 million impact on sales, reduced demand for technology and related products, which declined $1.7 million, and decreased traffic in our retail locations.  Partially offsetting these factors was a slight increase in sales of “core” products during the first three quarters of fiscal 2007.  These factors combined to produce a 4 percent decrease in comparable store (stores which were open during the comparable periods) sales, including the impact of four additional business days in fiscal 2007, when compared to fiscal 2006.
   
·
Consumer Direct – Sales through our consumer direct channels decreased $4.0 million, or 8 percent, primarily due to decreased traffic and conversion rates experienced in our internet and catalog channels.  Public seminar sales decreased $0.8 million primarily due to decreased programs and participation during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  In addition, sales through government depots continue to decrease due to a decision by the government to discontinue sales of dated paper products through these stores.
   
·
Wholesale – Sales through our wholesale channel, which includes sales to office superstores and other retail chains, decreased $0.7 million primarily due to reduced demand for our products from one of our wholesale customers.
   
·
CSBU International – This channel includes the product sales of our directly owned international offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Australia.  Sales performance through these channels decreased $0.3 million compared with the prior year due to reduced demand for products in these countries.
   
·
Other CSBU – The $0.8 million increase in other CSBU sales was primarily due to increased external printing sales compared to the prior year.

 
Training and Consulting Services Our consolidated training and consulting service sales increased $11.1 million, or 13 percent, compared to the prior year.  Training and consulting service sales performance improved during each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2007 and was influenced by the following trends in the OSBU divisions:

·
Domestic Our domestic training sales increased by $7.8 million, or 16 percent, primarily due to increased sales of our new leadership program based upon principles found in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, increased training effectiveness sales, and increased strategy execution sales.  Our current outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2007 continues to be strong and our training days booked have increased compared to the prior year.
   
·
International International sales increased $5.8 million, or 16 percent, compared to the prior year.  Sales increased over the prior year at all of our directly owned foreign offices, as well as from licensee royalty revenues.  The translation of foreign sales to United States dollars produced a $0.3 million favorable impact to our consolidated sales as certain foreign currencies strengthened against the United States dollar during the three quarters ended June 2, 2007.


Gross Profit

Due to increased training and consulting services sales in fiscal 2007, our consolidated gross profit totaled $133.2 million for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007 compared to $128.9 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2006.  Our consolidated gross margin, which is gross profit stated in terms of a percentage of sales, improved slightly to 61.4 percent of consolidated sales, compared to 60.2 percent in fiscal 2006.  The improvement in gross margin was primarily due to increased training and consulting services sales as a percent of total sales.  During the first three quarters of fiscal 2007, training and consulting services sales increased to 46 percent of total consolidated sales compared to 41 percent of total consolidated sales in the prior year.

Despite declining product sales as discussed above, our gross margin on product sales remained relatively consistent at 55.6 percent compared to 55.3 percent in fiscal 2006.

For the three quarters ended June 2, 2007, our training and consulting services gross margin was 68.4 percent compared to 67.4 percent in the prior year.

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Consolidated SG&A expenses increased $3.9 million, or 4 percent, compared to the prior year.  The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to 1) the impact of additional business days during fiscal 2007 on associate costs; 2) increased personnel costs resulting primarily from additional OSBU sales personnel, totaling approximately $0.9 million; 3) increased audit and consulting costs resulting from compliance with SOX 404; 4) increased legal fees resulting from a non-recurring benefit recorded in fiscal 2006 on the WMA legal settlement and increased legal costs for ongoing litigation that had a net impact on our operating expenses totaling $0.7 million; and 5) increased share-based compensation costs totaling $0.3 million that resulted primarily from the issuance of long-term incentive awards.  Due to the four additional business days included in fiscal 2007, we incurred an additional $1.5 million of associate costs, including payroll and related benefits.  Accordingly, our fourth fiscal quarter will have less business days and associated costs in fiscal 2007 than in fiscal 2006.  During fiscal 2006, we were required to begin complying with SOX 404, which resulted in $0.7 million of additional auditing and consulting fees.  These increased operating costs were partially offset by reduced expenses in various other areas of the Company.

Gain on Sale of Manufacturing Facility – In August 2006, we initiated a project to reconfigure our printing operations to improve our printing services’ efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve our printing services’ flexibility in order to increase external printing service sales.  Our reconfiguration plan included moving our printing operations a short distance from its existing location to our corporate headquarters campus and the sale of the manufacturing facility and certain printing presses.  During fiscal 2007, we completed the sale of the manufacturing facility.  The sale price was $2.5 million and, after deducting customary closing costs, the net proceeds to the Company from the sale totaled $2.3 million in cash.  The carrying value of the manufacturing facility at the date of sale was approximately $1.1 million and we recognized a $1.2 million gain on the sale of the manufacturing facility during the quarter ended March 3, 2007.

Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation expense decreased $0.3 million, or 8 percent, compared to the comparable period of fiscal 2006 primarily due to the full depreciation or disposal of certain property and equipment (including retail stores) and the effects of significantly reduced capital expenditures during the preceding fiscal years.  These decreases were partially offset by an impairment charge totaling $0.3 million that we recorded during fiscal 2007 to reduce the carrying value of one of our printing presses that was sold to its anticipated sale price.

Amortization expense from definite-lived intangible assets totaled $2.7 million compared to $2.9 million in the prior year and decreased due to certain intangible assets becoming fully depreciated during the first two quarters of fiscal 2006.  We anticipate that intangible asset amortization expense will total $3.6 million in fiscal 2007.

Legal Settlement

In fiscal 2002, we filed legal action against World Marketing Alliance, Inc., a Georgia corporation (WMA), and World Financial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and purchaser of substantially all assets of WMA, for breach of contract.  The case proceeded to trial and the jury rendered a verdict in our favor and against WMA for the entire unpaid contract amount of approximately $1.1 million.  In addition to the verdict, we recovered legal fees totaling $0.3 million and pre- and post-judgment interest of $0.3 million from WMA.  We received payment in cash from WMA for the total verdict amount, including legal fees and interest.  However, shortly after paying the verdict amount, WMA appealed the jury decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and we recorded receipt of the verdict amount plus legal fees and interest with a corresponding increase to accrued liabilities and deferred the gain until the case was finally resolved.  On December 30, 2005, we entered into a settlement agreement with WMA.  Under the terms of the settlement agreement, WMA agreed to dismiss its appeal.  As a result of this settlement agreement and dismissal of WMA’s appeal, we recorded a $0.9 million gain from the legal settlement during fiscal 2006, which is reflected in the condensed consolidated income statement for the three quarters ended May 27, 2006.

Interest Income and Expense

Interest Income – Our interest income decreased by $0.3 million primarily due to reduced cash and cash equivalents held during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  During the quarter ended June 2, 2007, we used substantially all of our available cash and cash equivalents combined with proceeds from a newly acquired line of credit to redeem the remaining outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock.

Interest Expense – Interest expense increased $0.2 million compared to the prior year primarily due to line of credit borrowings that were used in conjunction with available cash to redeem the remaining shares of preferred stock.

Income Taxes

Our income tax provision for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007 totaled $6.9 million compared to a tax benefit of $0.3 million in fiscal 2006.  The comparability of our current year income tax expense was primarily affected by the determination during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 to reverse substantially all of the valuation allowances on our deferred income tax assets.  Prior to the reversal of these valuation allowances, our income tax provisions were affected by reductions in our deferred income tax valuation allowance as we utilized net operating loss carryforwards.  The fiscal 2006 income tax provision was further reduced by the reversal of tax contingency reserves during the third quarter.  No reversals of valuation allowance or tax contingency reserves have occurred during fiscal 2007.  Our effective tax rate for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007 of approximately 50 percent was higher than statutory combined rates primarily due to the accrual of taxable interest income on the management stock loan program and withholding taxes on royalty income from foreign licensees.  Since the Company is currently utilizing net operating loss carryforwards, we are unable to reduce our domestic tax liability through the use of foreign tax credits, which normally result from the payment of foreign withholding taxes.

Preferred Stock Dividends

Our preferred stock dividends totaled $2.2 million for the three quarters ended June 2, 2007 compared to $3.5 million during the same period of the prior year.  The decrease was due to fiscal 2006 preferred stock redemptions totaling $20.0 million and the redemption of all remaining outstanding shares of preferred stock during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  We have no further preferred dividend obligations following the fiscal 2007 redemption of the remaining preferred stock.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

During the quarter ended June 2, 2007, we used substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents on hand in combination with proceeds from a newly acquired $25.0 million line of credit agreement to redeem all of the remaining outstanding shares of our Series A preferred stock, which totaled $37.3 million, or approximately 1.5 million shares.  The shares of preferred stock were redeemed at the liquidation preference of $25 per share, plus $0.3 million of dividends that were accrued through the redemption date.  Although we will incur interest charges from amounts borrowed to redeem the preferred stock, our annual dividend obligation was reduced by $3.7 million, which the Company believes will contribute to improved operating results and cash flows in future periods.

At June 2, 2007, our net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) decreased to $7.2 million compared to $38.7 million at August 31, 2006.  The decrease was primarily attributable to the redemption of the remaining preferred stock, which significantly decreased our cash and cash equivalents and increased current liabilities resulting from the new line of credit financing.  Despite the decrease in our working capital resulting from the redemption of preferred stock, we believe that our liquidity position remains good.

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 June 2, 2007.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Prior to the redemption of preferred stock, we relied nearly exclusively upon cash flows from operating activities and cash on hand to maintain adequate liquidity and working capital levels.  In future periods, we expect cash flows from operating activities to continue to provide a significant source of liquidity and working capital as well as proceeds from our $25.0 million line of credit.  During the three quarters ended June 2, 2007, our net cash provided by operating activities totaled $8.7 million compared to $9.9 million for the same period of fiscal 2006.  Our primary source of cash from operating activities was the sale of goods and services to our customers in the normal course of business and the primary uses of cash for operating activities were 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.  Cash used for changes in working capital during the first three quarters of fiscal 2007 was primarily related to 1) payments made to reduce accrued liabilities and accounts payable from seasonally high August 31 balances; 2) increased accounts receivable balances resulting from wholesale sales that occurred in May 2007 and improved OSBU sales; and 3) purchases and production of inventory items earlier than in prior years in order to maintain adequate quantities on hand.  We believe that continued efforts to optimize working capital balances, combined with existing and planned sales growth programs and cost-cutting initiatives, will improve our cash flows from operating activities in future periods.  However, the success of these efforts, and their eventual contribution to our cash flows, is dependent upon numerous factors, many of which are not within our control.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities and Capital Expenditures

Net cash used for investing activities totaled $9.5 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2007.  Our primary uses of cash for investing activities were comprised of purchases of property and equipment and further investment in curriculum development.  Purchases of property and equipment, which totaled $7.9 million, consisted primarily of payments for new printing presses and related printing equipment resulting from the reconfiguration of our printing services, additional computer software, leasehold improvements in relocated stores and at the corporate campus for sublease tenants, and new computer hardware.  During the first three quarters of fiscal 2007, we spent $4.2 million on further investment in curriculum development, primarily related to new online learning modules and the development of new leadership curriculum based upon principles found in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  Partially offsetting these uses of cash for investing activities was the receipt of $2.6 million from sales of property and equipment.  The proceeds from sales of property and equipment were generated primarily from the sale of our printing manufacturing facility and certain printing equipment in connection with the reconfiguration of our printing services.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Through the three quarters ended June 2, 2007, our net cash used for financing activities totaled $24.4 million.  Our primary uses of cash for financing activities were 1) the redemption of our remaining outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock for $37.3 million; 2) the purchase of 328,000 shares of our common stock for treasury, which totaled $2.5 million; 3) payment of preferred stock dividends totaling $2.2 million; and 4) principal payments totaling $0.4 million on our long-term debt and financing obligation.

These uses of cash for financing activities were partially offset by proceeds obtained through a $25.0 million line of credit facility obtained during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  Our net proceeds from the new line of credit totaled $17.8 million for the period ended June 2, 2007.

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.  At June 2, 2007, we did not have any undisclosed material commitments for capital expenditures that would further reduce our liquidity.

The following table has been revised to reflect the decrease in projected dividend payments and monitoring fees paid to a preferred stock investor as a result of the redemption of Series A preferred stock during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  The Company used cash on hand combined with proceeds from a newly acquired $25.0 million line of credit to redeem the preferred stock.  The Company expects to repay amounts outstanding on the line of credit agreement during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2007 and August 31, 2008 and the following table has been revised to reflect the expected repayment of the line of credit.  Contractual obligations in other captions presented have not changed materially from those disclosed in our report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006 and were not revised (in thousands).
 

   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
             
Contractual Obligations
 
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
                                           
Minimum required payments to EDS for outsourcing services
  $
17,217
    $
15,901
    $
15,927
    $
15,577
    $
15,298
    $
73,233
    $
153,153
 
Required payments on corporate campus financing obligation
   
3,045
     
3,045
     
3,045
     
3,055
     
3,115
     
49,957
     
65,262
 
Minimum operating lease payments
   
8,475
     
7,228
     
5,564
     
4,012
     
2,402
     
6,013
     
33,694
 
Line of credit payments(5)
   
391
     
18,417
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
18,808
 
Preferred stock dividend payments(1)
   
2,215
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,215
 
Other debt payments(2)
   
176
     
168
     
160
     
153
     
145
     
435
     
1,237
 
Contractual computer hardware purchases(3)
   
535
     
483
     
556
     
587
     
525
     
3,192
     
5,878
 
Payments for new printing services equipment(4)
   
3,137
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,137
 
Purchase obligations
   
10,523
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
10,523
 
Monitoring fees paid to a preferred stock investor(1)
   
97
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
97
 
Total expected contractual
obligation payments
  $
45,811
    $
45,242
    $
25,252
    $
23,384
    $
21,485
    $
132,830
    $
294,004
 
 
 
(1)
Amount reflects the redemption of all remaining Series A Preferred Stock during the quarter ended June 2, 2007.
   
(2)
The Company’s variable rate debt payments include interest payments at 7.0 percent, which was the applicable interest rate at September 29, 2006.
   
(3)
We are contractually obligated by our EDS outsourcing agreement to purchase the necessary computer hardware to keep such equipment up to current specifications.  Amounts shown are estimated capital purchases of computer hardware under terms of the EDS outsourcing agreement and its amendments.
   
(4)
In August 2006, we signed contracts to purchase new printing equipment for $3.1 million in cash as part of a plan to reconfigure our printing services operation.  The payments were due at specified times during fiscal 2007 that coincided with the installation and successful operation of the new equipment.
   
(5)
Interest expense on the line of credit payments was calculated at 6.4 percent, which was the interest rate on the date of the preferred stock redemption, and assumes that the June 2, 2007 line of credit balance and corresponding interest will be repaid evenly through the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008.


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.  For further information regarding our management common stock loan program, refer to Note 9 in our consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006.  The inability of the Company to collect all, or a portion, of these receivables could have an adverse impact upon our financial position and future cash flows compared to full collection of the loans.

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 generating positive cash flows from operations, and other financing alternatives, as necessary, for these expenditures.  We anticipate that our existing capital resources should be adequate to enable us to maintain our operations for at least the upcoming twelve months.  However, our ability to maintain adequate capital for our operations in the future 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 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, 2006.  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 significant judgment and often involve complex estimates:

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenues primarily from the following sources:

·
Products – We sell planners, binders, planner accessories, totes, handheld electronic devices, and other related products that are primarily sold through our CSBU channels.
   
·
Training and Consulting 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 arrangement 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 Emerging Issues Task Force (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, with the amount allocated to the delivered item being limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions.  If the fair value of all undelivered elements exits, 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 on the relative fair value of the elements based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE).  The majority of the Company’s software sales have elements, including a license and post contract customer support (PCS).  Currently, the Company does not have VSOE for either the license or support elements of its software sales and software revenue is deferred until the only undelivered element is PCS and the total arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the support period.

Our international strategy includes the use of licensees in countries where we do not have a directly-owned operation.  Licensee companies are unrelated entities that have been granted a license to translate the Company’s content and curriculum, adapt the content and curriculum to the local culture, and sell our training seminars and products in a specific country or region.  Licensees are required to pay the Company royalties based upon a percentage of the licensee’s sales.  We recognize royalty income each period based upon the sales information reported to us by the licensees.

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

Share-Based Compensation

During fiscal 2006, we granted performance based compensation awards to certain employees in a Board of Director approved long-term incentive plan (the LTIP).  These performance-based share awards allow each participant the right to receive a certain number of shares of common stock based upon the achievement of specified financial goals at the end of a predetermined performance period.  The LTIP awards vest on August 31 of the third fiscal year from the grant date, which corresponds to the completion of a three-year performance cycle.  For example, the LTIP awards granted in fiscal 2006 vest on August 31, 2008.  The number of shares that are finally awarded to LTIP participants is variable and is based entirely upon the achievement of a combination of performance objectives related to sales growth and cumulative operating income during the performance period.  Due to the variable number of shares that may be issued under the LTIP, we reevaluate the LTIP grants on a quarterly basis and adjust the number of shares expected to be awarded for each grant based upon financial results of the Company as compared to the performance goals set for the award.  Adjustments to the number of shares awarded, and to the corresponding compensation expense, are based upon estimated future performance and are made on a cumulative basis at the date of adjustment based upon the probable number of shares to be awarded.

The Compensation Committee initially granted awards for 378,665 shares (the Target Award) of common stock under the LTIP during fiscal 2006.  However, the actual number of shares finally awarded will range from zero shares, if a minimum level of performance is not achieved, to 200 percent of the target award, if specifically defined performance criteria is achieved during the three-year performance period.  The minimum sales growth necessary for participants to receive any shares under the fiscal 2006 LTIP is 7.5 percent and the minimum cumulative operating income is $36.2 million.  The number of shares finally awarded to LTIP participants under the fiscal 2006 LTIP grant is based upon the combination of factors as shown below:

Sales
Growth
 
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
30.0%
115%
135%
150%
175%
200%
22.5%
90%
110%
125%
150%
175%
15.0%
65%
85%
100%
125%
150%
11.8 %
50%
70%
85%
110%
135%
7.5%
30%
50%
65%
90%
115%
 
$36.20
$56.80
$72.30
$108.50
$144.60
 
Cumulative Operating Income (millions)

Based upon actual financial performance through June 2, 2007, the anticipated sale of the Company’s Mexico and Brazil subsidiaries, and estimated performance through the remaining service period of the fiscal 2006 LTIP grant (fiscal 2007 and 2008), the number of performance awards granted during fiscal 2006 was decreased to 182,779 shares, which resulted in a cumulative adjustment to decrease our operating expenses by $0.1 million in the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  At June 2, 2007, there was a total of $0.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to our fiscal 2006 LTIP grant.  The total compensation cost of the fiscal 2006 LTIP will be equal to the number of shares finally issued multiplied by $6.60 per share, which was the fair value of the common shares determined at the grant date.

During fiscal 2007, the Compensation Committee granted performance awards for 429,312 shares of common stock under terms of the LTIP.  Consistent with the fiscal 2006 LTIP grant, the Company must achieve minimum levels of sales growth and cumulative operating income in order for participants to receive any shares under the LTIP grant.  The minimum sales growth for the fiscal 2007 LTIP is 10.0 percent (fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2006) and the minimum cumulative operating income total is $41.3 million and we will record compensation expense using a 5 percent estimated forfeiture rate during the vesting period.  However, the total amount of compensation expense recorded for the fiscal 2007 LTIP will equal the number of shares awarded multiplied by $5.78 per share.

Based primarily upon the anticipated sale of the Company’s Mexico and Brazil subsidiaries, the number of performance awards granted in connection with the fiscal 2007 grant was decreased to 357,617 shares, which resulted in a cumulative adjustment to decrease our operating expenses by $0.1 million in the quarter ended June 2, 2007.  At June 2, 2007 there was $1.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the fiscal 2007 LTIP grant.  The number of shares finally awarded to LTIP participants under the fiscal 2007 LTIP grant is based upon the combination of factors as shown below:

Sales
Growth
 
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
40.0%
115%
135%
150%
175%
200%
30.0%
90%
110%
125%
150%
175%
20.0%
65%
85%
100%
125%
150%
15.7%
50%
70%
85%
110%
135%
10.0%
30%
50%
65%
90%
115%
 
$41.30
$64.90
$82.60
$123.90
$165.20
 
Cumulative Operating Income (millions)

The evaluation of LTIP performance awards and corresponding use of estimated amounts may produce additional volatility in our consolidated financial statements as we record cumulative adjustments to the estimated number of common shares to be awarded under the LTIP grants.  Actual results could differ from estimates made during the service, or vesting, period.

We estimate the value of our stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  However, the Company did not grant any stock options in the first three quarters of fiscal 2007 or in fiscal years 2006 and 2005 and the remaining cost associated with our unvested stock options at June 2, 2007 was insignificant.
 
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 OSBU 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.  Based upon our fiscal 2006 evaluation, our trade-name related revenues and licensee royalties would have to suffer significant reductions before we would be required to impair the Covey trade name.

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 Company regularly evaluates United States federal and various state and foreign jurisdiction income tax exposures.  The tax benefits of tax exposure items are not recognized in the provision for income taxes unless it is probable that the benefits will be sustained, without regard to the likelihood of tax examination.  A tax exposure reserve represents the difference between the recognition of benefits related to exposure items for income tax reporting purposes and financial reporting purposes.  The tax exposure reserve is classified as a component of the current income taxes payable account.  The Company adds interest and penalties, if applicable, each period to the reserve.

The Company recognizes the benefits of the tax exposure items in the financial statements, that is, the reserve is reversed, when it becomes probable that the tax position will be sustained.  To assess the probability of sustaining a tax position, the Company considers all available positive evidence.  In many instances, sufficient positive evidence will not be available until the expiration of the statute of limitations for audits by taxing authorities, at which time the entire benefit will be recognized as a discrete item in the applicable period.

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.

The Company continually assesses the need for valuation allowances against its deferred income tax assets, considering recent profitability, known trends and events, and expected future transactions. For several years prior to the year ended August 31, 2006, our history of significant operating losses precluded us from demonstrating that it was more likely than not that the related benefits from deferred income tax deductions and foreign tax carryforwards would be realized.  Accordingly, we recorded valuation allowances on the majority of our deferred income tax assets.

In fiscal 2006 we reversed the majority of these valuation allowances.  Due to improved operating performance, business models, and expectations regarding future taxable income, the Company has concluded 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.  Thus, we reversed the valuation allowances on certain of our domestic deferred income tax assets, except for $2.2 million related to foreign tax credits.


NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Uncertain Tax Positions – In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.  This interpretation prescribes a consistent recognition threshold and measurement standard, as well as criteria for subsequently recognizing, derecognizing, and measuring tax positions for financial statement purposes.  This interpretation also requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainties as they relate to income tax accounting and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  The cumulative effect from the adoption of FIN No. 48, if any, will be an adjustment to beginning retained earnings in the year of adoption.  The Company will adopt the provisions of FIN No. 48 on September 1, 2007 (fiscal 2008) and we are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of FIN No. 48 on our financial statements.

Evaluation of Misstatements – In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, which provides the Staff’s views regarding the process of quantifying financial statement misstatements, such as assessing both the carryover and reversing effects of prior year misstatements on the current year financial statements.  The guidance in SAB No. 108 is effective for our fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.  The Company has reviewed the provisions of SAB No. 108 and is not currently aware of any conditions or errors that would have a material impact on our financial statements as a result of adopting the evaluation methodology found in SAB No. 108.

Fair Value Measures – In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measures.  This statement establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements.  Statement No. 157 only applies to fair-value measurements that are already required or permitted by other accounting standards except for measurements of share-based payments and measurements that are similar to, but not intended to be, fair value.  This statement is effective for the specified fair value measures for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and will thus be effective for our fiscal year beginning September 1, 2008.  We have not yet completed our analysis of the impact of SFAS No. 157 on our financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – In February 2007, The FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.  Statement No. 159 provides the option to measure eligible financial instrument items, which are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value, at fair value.  The decision to measure items at fair value is made at specified election dates on an irrevocable instrument-by-instrument basis.  Changes in that instrument’s fair value in subsequent reporting periods must be recognized in current earnings.  If elected, the first measurement to fair value is reported as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption.  Statement No. 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and will thus be effective for our fiscal year beginning September 1, 2008.  We have not yet completed our analysis of the impact of SFAS No. 159 on our financial statements.


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 as amended (the Exchange Act).  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.  In our reports and filings we may make forward looking statements regarding future product and training sales activity, anticipated expenses, projected cost reduction and strategic initiatives, expected levels of depreciation expense, expectations regarding tangible and intangible asset valuation expenses, expected improvements in cash flows from operating activities, the adequacy of our existing capital resources, future compliance with the terms and conditions of our line of credit, expected fiscal 2008 repayment of the line of credit, estimated capital expenditures, and cash flow estimates used to determine the fair value of long-lived assets.  These, and other 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 in Item 1A of our report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006, entitled “Risk Factors” and in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q, also entitled “Risk Factors.”  In addition, such risks and uncertainties may include unanticipated developments in any one or more of the following areas:  unanticipated costs or capital expenditures; difficulties encountered by EDS in operating and maintaining 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 our strategic plans; dependence on existing products or services; the rate and consumer acceptance of new product introductions; competition; 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, including the risk factors noted in Item 1A of our August 31, 2006 report on Form 10-K and in this Form 10-Q.  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.  In addition, the stock markets in general have experienced increased volatility.  Factors such as quarter-to-quarter variations in revenues and earnings or losses and 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, 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 except as required by law.  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 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk of Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to financial instrument market risk primarily through 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 our operations, we are subject to risks associated with transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, as well as the effects of translating amounts denominated in foreign currencies to United States dollars as a normal part of the reporting process.  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.  The following is a description of our use of foreign currency derivative instruments.

During the quarter and three quarters ended June 2, 2007 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 our consolidated income statements and had the following impact on the periods indicated (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
   
June 2,
2007
   
May 27,
2006
 
Losses on foreign exchange contracts
  $ (137 )   $ (208 )   $ (210 )   $ (276 )
Gains on foreign exchange contracts
   
49
     
33
     
82
     
256
 
Net losses on foreign exchange contracts
  $ (88 )   $ (175 )   $ (128 )   $ (20 )

At June 2, 2007, the fair value of our foreign currency forward 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 June 2, 2007 (in thousands):

 
 
 
Contract Description
 
Notional Amount in Foreign Currency
   
Notional Amount in U.S. Dollars
 
             
Japanese Yen
   
100,000
    $
821
 
Mexican Pesos
   
7,600
     
717
 
Australian Dollars
   
480
     
398
 

During the quarter and three quarters ended June 2, 2007, we did not utilize any derivative contracts that qualified for hedge accounting.  However, the Company may utilize net investment hedge contracts or other foreign currency derivatives in future periods as a component of our overall foreign currency risk strategy.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in U.S. interest rates primarily as a result of our line of credit borrowings.  At June 2, 2007, our debt balances consisted primarily of a fixed-rate financing obligation associated with the sale of our corporate headquarters facility, a variable-rate line of credit arrangement, and a variable rate long-term mortgage on certain of our buildings and property.  The addition of the variable-rate line of credit increased our interest rate sensitivity and in the future our overall interest rate sensitivity will be influenced by the amounts borrowed on the line of credit and the prevailing interest rates, which may create additional expense if interest rates increase in future periods.  Accordingly, at June 2, 2007 borrowing levels, a 1 percent increase on our variable rate debt would increase our interest expense over the next year by approximately $0.2 million.

During the quarter and three quarters ended June 2, 2007 we were not party to any interest rate swap or other interest related derivative instruments that would increase our interest rate sensitivity.

 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

We evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f)) during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.    RISK FACTORS
 
Our cash balances have significantly decreased, which may reduce our ability to adequately respond to future adverse changes in our business and operations
 
During the quarter ended June 2, 2007, we utilized substantially all of our available cash on hand combined with proceeds from a newly acquired line of credit to redeem all of the remaining outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock.  As a consequence of this transaction, our cash balances have significantly decreased, which may reduce our ability to adequately respond to future adverse changes in our business and operations, whether anticipated or unanticipated.

Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of our credit facility may have an adverse effect upon our business and operations

Our newly acquired line of credit facility requires us to be in compliance with customary non-financial terms and conditions as well as specified financial ratios.  Failure to comply with these terms and conditions or maintain adequate financial performance to comply with specific financial ratios entitles the lenders to certain remedies, including the right to immediately call due any amounts outstanding on the line of credit.  Such events would have an adverse effect upon our business and operations as there can be no assurance that we may be able to obtain other forms of financing or raise additional capital on terms that would be acceptable to us.

For further information regarding our Risk Factors, refer to Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006.


Item 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
The Company acquired the following shares of its outstanding securities during the fiscal quarter ended June 2, 2007:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
   
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
(in thousands)
 
Common Shares:
                       
March 4, 2007 to April 7, 2007
   
-
    $
-
   
none
    $
2,413
 
                               
April 8, 2007 to May 5, 2007
    54 (2)    
7.01
   
none
     
2,413
 
                               
May 6, 2007 to June 2, 2007
   
-
     
-
   
none
      2,413 (1)
                               
Total Common Shares
   
54
    $
7.01
     
-
         
                                 
Total Preferred Shares
    1,493,776 (3)   $
25.00
                 
 

 
(1)
In January 2006, our Board of Directors approved the purchase of up to $10.0 million of our outstanding common stock.  All previous authorized common stock purchase plans were canceled.  Following the approval of this common stock purchase plan, we have purchased a total of 1,009,300 shares of our common stock for $7.6 million through June 2, 2007.
   
(2)
Amount represents shares withheld for statutory taxes from a distribution of common shares to a participant in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
   
(3)
On April 4, 2007, we redeemed the remaining outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock at its liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus accrued dividends through the redemption date.


Item 6.    EXHIBITS

10.1
Revolving Line of Credit Agreement ($18,000,000) by and between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Franklin Covey Co. dated March 14, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.2
Secured Promissory Note between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Franklin Covey Co. dated March 14, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.3
Security Agreement between Franklin Covey Co., Franklin Covey Printing, Inc., Franklin Development Corporation, Franklin Covey Travel, Inc., Franklin Covey Catalog Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Client Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Product Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Services LLC, Franklin Covey Marketing, LTD., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Zions First National Bank, dated March 14, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.4
Repayment Guaranty between Franklin Covey Co., Franklin Covey Printing, Inc., Franklin Development Corporation, Franklin Covey Travel, Inc., Franklin Covey Catalog Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Client Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Product Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Services LLC, Franklin Covey Marketing, LTD., and JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., dated March 14, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.5
Pledge and Security Agreement between Franklin Covey Co. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Zions First National Bank, dated March 14, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.5 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.6
Revolving Line of Credit Agreement ($7,000,000) by and between Zions First National Bank and Franklin Covey Co. dated March 14, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.6 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.7
Secured Promissory Note between Zions First National Bank and Franklin Covey Co. dated March 14, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.7 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.8
Repayment Guaranty between Franklin Covey Co., Franklin Covey Printing, Inc., Franklin Development Corporation, Franklin Covey Travel, Inc., Franklin Covey Catalog Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Client Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Product Sales, Inc., Franklin Covey Services LLC, Franklin Covey Marketing, LTD., and Zions First National Bank, dated March 14, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.8 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.9
Credit Agreement between Franklin Covey Canada, Ltd. and Toronto-Dominion Bank dated February 19, 2007 (attached as exhibit 10.9 to Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer
   
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications of the Chief Financial Officer
   
32
Section 1350 Certifications
 
 
SIGNATURES

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

         
     
FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
         
         
Date:
July 12, 2007
 
By:
/s/ ROBERT A. WHITMAN
       
Robert A. Whitman
       
Chief Executive Officer
         
         
Date:
July 12, 2007
 
By:
/s/ STEPHEN D. YOUNG
       
Stephen D. Young
       
Chief Financial Officer