EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORP - Quarter Report: 2017 November (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

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FORM 10-Q

 

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(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended November 30, 2017

OR

☐          TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________ to ____________.

 

Commission file number: 000-04957

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware	73-0750007
(State or other jurisdiction of  incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

               (Address of principal executive offices)          (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (918) 622-4522

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 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 ☒        No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes ☒        No ☐        

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐		Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐		Smaller reporting company ☒
		Emerging Growth Company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

As of January 12, 2018, there were 4,088,934 shares of Educational Development Corporation Common Stock, $0.20 par value outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	14
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	21
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	21
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	22
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	22
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	22
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	22
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	22
Item 5.	Other Information	22
Item 6.	Exhibits	22
Signatures		23

CAUTIONARY REMARKS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The information discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “may,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “achievable,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “potential,” “should,” “could,” and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and we can give no assurance that such expectations or assumptions will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are described under “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2017 and in this Quarterly Report. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

 

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
		Three Months Ended November 30,								Nine Months Ended November 30,
		2017				2016				2017				2016
GROSS SALES		$	41,894,600			$	34,397,300			$	100,989,500			$	91,657,200
Less discounts and allowances			(6,762,300	)			(6,948,000	)			(19,929,300	)			(20,581,900	)
Transportation revenue			3,775,700				3,248,300				8,959,900				8,299,500
NET REVENUES			38,908,000				30,697,600				90,020,100				79,374,800
COST OF GOODS SOLD			10,494,800				8,328,100				24,579,200				22,500,300
Gross margin			28,413,200				22,369,500				65,440,900				56,874,500
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating and selling			7,837,300				6,520,300				17,549,900				16,790,900
Sales commissions			12,510,400				9,521,000				28,759,300				24,802,200
General and administrative			4,735,200				4,525,900				12,359,600				12,237,600
Total operating expenses			25,082,900				20,567,200				58,668,800				53,830,700
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense			(287,600	)			(265,000	)			(863,800	)			(730,000	)
Other income			390,100				502,800				1,189,400				1,251,600
Total other income			102,500				237,800				325,600				521,600
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES			3,432,800				2,040,100				7,097,700				3,565,400
INCOME TAXES			1,304,400				765,900				2,707,100				1,352,500
NET EARNINGS		$	2,128,400			$	1,274,200			$	4,390,600			$	2,212,900
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic		$	0.52			$	0.31			$	1.07			$	0.54
Diluted		$	0.52			$	0.31			$	1.07			$	0.54
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE		$	0.00			$	0.09			$	0.00			$	0.27
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON    AND EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic			4,087,268				4,079,916				4,087,686				4,074,355
Diluted			4,090,011				4,084,863				4,090,053				4,079,833

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2017
		Common Stock (par value $0.20 per share)
		Number of								Capital in								Treasury Stock
		Shares								Excess of				Retained				Number of								Shareholders’
		Issued				Amount				Par Value				Earnings				Shares				Amount				Equity
BALANCE—March 1, 2017			6,041,040			$	1,208,200			$	8,548,000			$	16,317,800				1,950,966			$	(10,856,600	)		$	15,217,400
Exercise of stock options			5,000				1,000				25,300				-				-				-				26,300
Purchases of treasury stock			-				-				-				-				10,041				(98,000	)			(98,000	)
Sales of treasury stock			-				-				-				-				(3,901	)			32,000				32,000
Net earnings			-				-				-				4,390,600				-				-				4,390,600
BALANCE— November 30, 2017			6,046,040			$	1,209,200			$	8,573,300			$	20,708,400				1,957,106			$	(10,922,600	)		$	19,568,300

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
		2017				2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings		$	4,390,600			$	2,212,900
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation			911,700				780,400
Deferred income taxes			179,400				(35,400	)
Provision for doubtful accounts			438,000				558,900
Provision for inventory valuation allowance			33,000				(37,300	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			(1,355,700	)			(1,994,200	)
Inventories, net			9,760,000				(16,775,100	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(304,700	)			(1,661,300	)
Accounts payable			(7,301,700	)			6,889,100
Deferred revenue			28,600				6,632,500
Accrued salaries and commissions			2,765,200				375,600
Other  liabilities			1,320,000				2,307,700
Income taxes payable			469,600				576,800
Total adjustments			6,943,400				(2,382,300	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			11,334,000				(169,400	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			(1,330,500	)			(2,123,600	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(1,330,500	)			(2,123,600	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on long-term debt			(657,800	)			(530,200	)
Proceeds from long-term debt			1,019,000				4,000,000
Cash received from sales of treasury stock			32,000				170,700
Cash used to purchase treasury stock			(98,000	)			(200	)
Proceeds from the issuance of stock options			26,300				-
Net payments under the line of credit			(4,882,900	)			(451,800	)
Dividends paid			-				(1,099,500	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(4,561,400	)			2,089,000
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS			5,442,100				(204,000	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—BEGINNING OF PERIOD			699,200				1,183,700
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—END OF PERIOD		$	6,141,300			$	979,700
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH  FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest		$	868,900			$	730,000
Cash paid for income taxes		$	2,058,100			$	811,100

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1 –  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim condensed financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements include all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Such adjustments consist only of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed herein. Accordingly, the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. However, we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended February 28, 2017 included in our Form 10-K. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year due to the seasonality of our product sales.

 

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 2017 condensed balance sheet and condensed statement of earnings to conform to the classifications used in fiscal 2018.  These reclassifications had no effect on net earnings.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

 

The preparation of the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

Our significant accounting policies are consistent with those disclosed in Note 1 to our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended February 28, 2017, included in our Form 10-K.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) periodically issues new accounting standards in a continuing effort to improve standards of financial accounting and reporting. We have reviewed the recently issued accounting standards updates (“ASU”) and concluded that the following recently issued accounting standards apply to us.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, and amended with ASU No. 2015-14 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which provides a single revenue recognition model which is intended to improve comparability over a range of industries, companies and geographical boundaries and will also result in enhanced disclosures. The changes are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In July 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 "Inventory - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which is intended to allow measurement of inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This ASU became effective for the Company on March 1, 2017.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In November 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which is intended to improve how deferred taxes are classified on organizations’ balance sheets by eliminating the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet.  Instead, organizations will now be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent.  The changes are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2018.  We have retrospectively implemented this new presentation in our condensed financial statements.  As such, for the period ending of February 28, 2017, we reclassified $466,000 of current deferred tax assets to noncurrent assets and netted $338,000 of deferred tax liabilities against the balance on the condensed balance sheet.  The adoption of this ASU did not affect our statements of earnings.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases,” which is intended to establish a comprehensive new lease accounting model. The new standard clarifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to current lease classifications, and causes lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2020. The new standard requires a modified retrospective transition for capital or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We are currently reviewing the ASU and evaluating the potential impact on our financial statements.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU became effective for the Company on March 1, 2017.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses", which requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected.   The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2021.  We expect the implementation of this ASU will not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

In May 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” This update amends the scope of modification accounting surrounding share-based payment arrangements as issued in ASU 2016-09 by providing guidance on the various types of changes which would trigger modification accounting for share-based payment awards. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-09 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Note 2 – INVENTORIES

 Inventories consist of the following:

 

		2017
		November 30,				February 28,
Current:
Book inventory		$	24,480,900			$	34,278,100
Inventory valuation allowance			(25,000	)			(25,000	)
Inventories net–current		$	24,455,900			$	34,253,100
Noncurrent:
Book inventory		$	502,200			$	467,100
Inventory valuation allowance			(305,900	)			(275,000	)
Inventories net–noncurrent		$	196,300			$	192,100

Book inventory quantities in excess of what we expect will be sold within the normal operating cycle, based on 2.5 years of anticipated sales, are included in noncurrent inventory.

Significant portions of our inventory purchases are concentrated with an England-based publishing company.  Purchases from this company were approximately $6.9 million and $10.9 million for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Total inventory purchases from all suppliers were $10.9 million and $15.2 million for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Purchases from this company were approximately $18.2 million and $29.9 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Total inventory purchases from all suppliers were $27.5 million and $43.7 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Note 3 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 

		2017
		November 30,				February 28,
Land		$	4,107,200			$	4,107,200
Building			20,321,800				20,321,800
Building improvements			1,750,100				1,692,500
Machinery and equipment			6,493,200				5,230,700
Furniture and fixtures			109,000				101,600
			32,781,300				31,453,800
Less accumulated depreciation			(5,328,200	)			(4,419,500	)
Net property, plant and equipment		$	27,453,100			$	27,034,300

 

Note 4 – DEBT

Debt consists of the following:

 

		2017
		November 30,				February 28,
Line of credit		$	-			$	4,882,900
Long-term debt (net of debt issue costs)		$	21,925,500			$	21,564,300
Less current maturities			(1,239,500	)			(898,500	)
LONG-TERM DEBT-net of current maturities		$	20,686,000			$	20,665,800

 

We have a Loan Agreement dated as of March 10, 2016 (as amended the “Loan Agreement”) with MidFirst Bank (“the Bank”) which includes multiple loans.  Term Loan #1 is comprised of Tranche A totaling $13.4 million and Tranche B totaling $5.0 million, both with the maturity date of December 1, 2025.  Tranche A has a fixed interest rate of 4.23% and interest is payable monthly. Tranche B interest is payable monthly at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio (4.41% at November 30, 2017).  Term Loan #1 is secured by the primary office, warehouse and land.  The outstanding borrowings on Tranche A were $12,566,300 and $12,902,800 at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.  The outstanding borrowings on Tranche B were $4,717,900 and $4,813,800 at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.

We also have Term Loan #2 with the Bank in the amount of $4.0 million with the maturity date of June 28, 2021, and interest payable monthly at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio (4.41% at November 30, 2017).   Term Loan #2 is secured by our secondary warehouse and land. The Loan Agreement also provided a $15.0 million revolving loan (“line of credit”) through June 15, 2018 with interest payable monthly at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio (4.41% at November 30, 2017).  The outstanding borrowings on Term Loan #2 were $3,639,000 and $3,847,700 at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.  We had $0 and $4,882,900 in borrowings outstanding on line of credit at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.  Available credit under the revolving credit agreement was $9,105,500 at November 30, 2017 and $2,117,100 at February 28, 2017.

 

The Tranche B, the line of credit, the Term Loan #2 and the Advancing Term Loan all accrue interest at a tiered rate based on our Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA ratio which is payable monthly.  The current pricing tier is as follows:

 

Adjusted Funded Debt is defined as all long term and short-term bank debt less the outstanding balances of Tranche A and Trance B Term Loans.  EBITDA is defined in the Loan Agreement as earnings before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization expenses.   The $15.0 million line of credit is limited to advance rates on eligible receivables and eligible inventory levels.

 

Note 5 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based on the combined weighted average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares issuable which include, where appropriate, the assumed exercise of options.  In computing diluted EPS we have utilized the treasury stock method.  The computation of weighted average common and common equivalent shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS is shown below.

Note 6 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We account for stock-based compensation whereby share-based payment transactions with employees, such as stock options and restricted stock, are measured at estimated fair value at date of grant and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period.

 

During the quarter ended November 30, 2017, a former employee exercised 5,000 vested stock options.

 

Note 7 – SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS

Outbound freight and handling costs incurred are included in operating and selling expenses and were $5,328,900 and $4,569,900 for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.   These costs were $12,200,100 and $12,134,700 for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Note 8 – COMMITMENTS

We have a 15-year lease with a non-related tenant, who leases 181,300 square feet, or 45.3% of our main facility.  The lease is being accounted for as an operating lease.

The lessee pays $107,900 per month, with a 2.0% annual increase adjustment on the anniversary of the lease.  The lease terms allow for one five-year extension, which is not a bargain renewal option, at the expiration of the 15-year term.  Revenue associated with the lease is being recorded on a straight-line basis over the 15-year lease and is reported in other income on the condensed statement of earnings.

The Company executed purchase orders with several vendors during the first two quarters of fiscal 2018 to buy and install equipment that will increase the daily shipping capabilities of its distribution center located in Tulsa, OK.  The original purchase orders totaled approximately $1,500,000.  The Company received and installed approximately half of the equipment in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and has approximately $400,000 of remaining commitments on the original purchase orders.  The remaining equipment is scheduled to be received and installed in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.

Note 9 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company has two reportable segments:  Usborne Books & More (“UBAM”) and Publishing.  These reportable segments are business units that offer different methods of distribution to different types of customers.  They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations.  The Publishing segment markets its products to retail accounts, which include book, school supply, toy and gift stores and museums, through commissioned sales representatives, trade and specialty wholesalers and an internal tele-sales group.  The UBAM segment markets its products through a network of independent sales consultants using a combination of home shows, internet shows and book fairs.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies disclosed in the Company’s most recent 10-K annual report for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017.  We evaluate segment performance based on earnings before income taxes of the segments, which is defined as segment net sales reduced by cost of sales and direct expenses.  Corporate expenses, depreciation, interest expense and income taxes are not allocated to the segments, but are listed in the “Other” row below.  Corporate expenses include the executive department, accounting department, information services department, general office management and building facilities management.  Our assets and liabilities are not allocated on a segment basis.

Information by reporting segment for the three and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2017 and 2016, follows:

 

NET REVENUES
		Three Months Ended November 30,								Nine Months Ended November 30,
		2017				2016				2017				2016
Publishing		$	2,439,600			$	3,075,000			$	6,538,700			$	7,244,600
UBAM			36,468,400				27,622,600				83,481,400				72,130,200
Total		$	38,908,000			$	30,697,600			$	90,020,100			$	79,374,800

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
		Three Months Ended November 30,								Nine Months Ended November 30,
		2017				2016				2017				2016
Publishing		$	556,800			$	979,500			$	1,514,200			$	2,138,700
UBAM			6,915,400				4,719,800				15,865,200				11,286,200
Other			(4,039,400	)			(3,659,200	)			(10,281,700	)			(9,859,500	)
Total		$	3,432,800			$	2,040,100			$	7,097,700			$	3,565,400

Note 10 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The valuation hierarchy included in U.S. GAAP considers the transparency of inputs used to value assets and liabilities as of the measurement date.  A financial instrument's classification within the valuation hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to its fair value measurement. The three levels of the valuation hierarchy and the classification of our financial assets and liabilities within the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. If an asset or liability has a specified term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

 

We do not report any assets or liabilities at fair value in the financial statements. However, the estimated fair value of our line of credit is estimated by management to approximate the carrying value of $0 and $4,882,900 at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.  The estimated fair value of our term notes payable is estimated by management to approximate $20,812,600 and $20,130,100 at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively. Management's estimates are based on the obligations' characteristics, including floating interest rate, maturity, and collateral. Such valuation inputs are considered a Level 2 measurement in the fair value valuation hierarchy.

Note 11 – DEFERRED REVENUE

As of the end of the third quarter, we had received approximately $661,700 in payments for sales orders which were shipped out subsequent to the quarter end.  As of November 30, 2017, these prepaid sales orders are included in deferred revenue on the condensed balance sheet.

Note 12 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”). Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) requires that the effects of changes in tax laws or tax rates be recognized in the financial statements in the period in which such changes were enacted.  Among other things, changes in tax laws or tax rates can affect the amount of taxes payable for the current period, as well as the amount and timing of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets. The Company is a fiscal year reporting company and as such would be required to account for the impact related to the Act in the financial statements included in the annual report on Form 10-K for February 28, 2018.

Factors Affecting Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected performance. The forward-looking statements are dependent upon events, risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control, including among other things, the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2017.  Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, our success in recruiting and retaining new consultants, our ability to locate and procure desired books, our ability to ship the volume of orders that are received without creating backlog, our ability to obtain adequate financing for working capital and  capital expenditures, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory changes and other uncertainties, as well as those factors discussed below and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2017 and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, all of which are difficult to predict. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed may or may not occur. See “Cautionary Remarks Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the front of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

We operate two separate segments: UBAM and Publishing, to sell our Usborne and Kane Miller lines of children’s books.  These two segments each have their own customer base.  The Publishing segment markets its products on a wholesale basis to various retail accounts.  The UBAM segment markets its products through a network of independent sales consultants using a combination of home shows, internet shows and book fairs.  All other supporting administrative activities are recognized as other expenses outside of our two segments.  Other expenses are primarily compensation of our office, warehouse and sales support staff as well as the cost of operating and maintaining our corporate office and distribution facility.

The following table shows our condensed statements of earnings data:

 

		Three Months Ended November 30,								Nine Months Ended November 30,
		2017				2016				2017				2016
Net revenues		$	38,908,000			$	30,697,600			$	90,020,100			$	79,374,800
Cost of goods sold			10,494,800				8,328,100				24,579,200				22,500,300
Gross margin			28,413,200				22,369,500				65,440,900				56,874,500
Operating expenses:
Operating and selling			7,837,300				6,520,300				17,549,900				16,790,900
Sales commissions			12,510,400				9,521,000				28,759,300				24,802,200
General and administrative			4,735,200				4,525,900				12,359,600				12,237,600
Total operating expenses			25,082,900				20,567,200				58,668,800				53,830,700
Other income (expense)
Interest expense			(287,600	)			(265,000	)			(863,800	)			(730,000	)
Other income			390,100				502,800				1,189,400				1,251,600
Earnings before income taxes			3,432,800				2,040,100				7,097,700				3,565,400
Income taxes			1,304,400				765,900				2,707,100				1,352,500
Net earnings		$	2,128,400			$	1,274,200			$	4,390,600			$	2,212,900

 

See the detailed discussion of revenues, costs of services, gross margin, general and administrative expenses by reportable segment below. The following is a discussion of significant changes in the non-segment related general and administrative expenses, other income and expenses and income taxes during the respective periods.

Non-Segment Operating Results for the Three Months Ended November 30, 2017

 

Non-Segment Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2017

 

UBAM Operating Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended November 30, 2017

The following table summarizes the operating results of the UBAM segment for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016:

 

		For the Three Months Ended November 30,								For the Nine Months Ended November 30,
		2017				2016				2017				2016
Gross sales		$	36,761,700			$	27,907,200			$	87,143,200			$	76,263,200
Less discounts and allowances			(4,059,000	)			(3,528,100	)			(12,595,300	)			(12,414,500	)
Transportation revenue			3,765,700				3,243,500				8,933,500				8,281,500
Net revenues			36,468,400				27,622,600				83,481,400				72,130,200
Cost of goods sold			9,114,200				6,577,500				20,939,500				18,549,700
Gross margin			27,354,200				21,045,100				62,541,900				53,580,500
Operating Expenses
Operating and selling			6,860,200				5,613,300				14,752,100				14,311,500
Sales commissions			12,420,000				9,425,300				28,507,800				24,561,100
General and administrative			1,158,600				1,286,700				3,416,800				3,421,700
Total operating expenses			20,438,800				16,325,300				46,676,700				42,294,300
Operating income		$	6,915,400			$	4,719,800			$	15,865,200			$	11,286,200
Average number of active consultants			31,100				28,100				29,500				24,800

UBAM Operating Results for the Three Months Ended November 30, 2017

The UBAM segment’s sales consist of home shows, internet shows and book fairs.  Net revenues increased $8.9 million, or 32.2%, to $36.5 million during the three-month period ending November 30, 2017, when compared with net revenues of $27.6 million reported the same quarter a year ago.  The increase in net revenues resulted primarily from an increase in the orders received during the period and an increase in our daily shipping volumes over the same period last year.

 

Our orders increased during the quarter from the same period a year ago primarily due to the increase in the number of our active consultants.  The average number of active consultants increased 3,000, or 10.7% from 28,100 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 to 31,100 in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.  Our consultant growth is driven primarily by existing active consultants recruiting and retaining new consultants.

 

Gross margin increased $6.3 million to $27.4 million for the three-month period ending November 30, 2017 from $21.0 million reported during the same quarter a year ago.  The increase in gross margin primarily resulted from the increase in sales.  Gross margins as a percentage of net revenues, remained consistent between the periods.

Operating and selling expenses primarily consists of freight expenses and hostess awards associated with sales orders.  Sales commissions include amounts paid to consultants for new sales and promotions.  These operating expenses are directly tied to the sales volumes of the UBAM segment.  General and administrative expenses include payroll, travel and entertainment expenses, outside services, inventory reserves and other expenses directly associated with the UBAM segment.  Total operating expenses increased $4.1 million, or 25.1%, to $20.4 million during the three-month period ending November 30, 2017, when compared with the same quarter last year.  Operating expenses increased primarily from increased operating and selling costs and increased sales commissions, both tied to the growth in revenues during the period.

Operating income of the UBAM segment increased $2.2 million, or 46.8%, to $6.9 million during the three-month period ending November 30, 2017, when compared to the same quarter a year ago, due to primarily to increased sales and gross margins, partially offset by increased operating and selling expenses and sales commissions.

UBAM Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2017

Net revenues increased $11.4 million, or 15.8%, to $83.5 million during the nine-month period ending November 30, 2017, when compared with net revenues of $72.1 million reported during the same period a year ago.  The increase in net revenues primarily resulted from the increase in the number of active sales consultants during the period along with increase in the year over year shipments made during the third quarter.

The average number of active consultants increased 4,700, or 19.0%, from 24,800 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2017 to 29,500 in the first nine months of fiscal 2018.  Our consultant growth is driven by existing active consultants recruiting and retaining new consultants.

Gross margins increased $8.9 million to $62.5 million for the nine-month period ending November 30, 2017 from $53.6 million reported during the same period a year ago.  The increase in gross margins primarily resulted from the increase in sales.  Gross margins as a percentage of net revenues, remained consistent at 74.9% for the nine-month period ending November 30, 2017 compared to 74.3% reported the same period a year ago.

 Total UBAM operating expenses increased $4.4 million, or 10.4%, to $46.7 million during the nine-month period ending November 30, 2017, when compared with $42.3 million with the same period a year ago, due primarily to the increase in operating and selling expenses and increased sales commissions associated with UBAM’s revenue growth.

Operating income of the UBAM segment increased $4.6 million, or 40.7%, to $15.9 million during the nine-month period ending November 30, 2017 when compared to $11.3 million reported during the same period a year ago.  The increase in operating income was primarily due to increased gross margins on increased sales.

Publishing Operating Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended November 30, 2017

The following table summarizes the operating results of the Publishing segment for the three and nine months ended November 30, 2017 and 2016:

 

		For the Three Months Ended November 30,								For the Nine Months Ended November 30,
		2017				2016				2017				2016
Gross sales		$	5,132,900			$	6,490,100			$	13,846,300			$	15,394,000
Less discounts and allowances			(2,703,300	)			(3,419,900	)			(7,334,000	)			(8,167,400	)
Transportation revenue			10,000				4,800				26,400				18,000
Net revenues			2,439,600				3,075,000				6,538,700				7,244,600
Cost of goods sold			1,380,600				1,750,600				3,639,700				3,950,600
Gross margin			1,059,000				1,324,400				2,899,000				3,294,000
Total operating expenses			502,200				344,900				1,384,800				1,155,300
Operating income		$	556,800			$	979,500			$	1,514,200			$	2,138,700

 

Publishing Operating Results for the Three Months Ended November 30, 2017

Our Publishing segment’s net revenues decreased $0.6 million, or 19.4%, to $2.4 million for the three months ended November 30, 2017 from $3.1 million reported for the quarter ended November 30, 2016.  Revenues declined from the same period last year due to smaller customer orders in the third period of fiscal 2018 when compared to last year, as well as fewer customers placing orders.  During the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, we had significant delays in shipments which resulted in lost customers and customers reducing order sizes during the fall selling season of fiscal 2018, based on slower delivery expectations.

Gross margins declined $0.2 million to $1.1 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2017, from $1.3 million reported during the same period a year ago, due primarily to the decline in sales.  Gross margins as a percentage of sales remained consistent between the periods.

Operating income declined $0.4 million to $0.6 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2017 from $1.0 million reported during the quarter ended November 30, 2016.  The decline in operating income resulted primarily from the decline in sales and gross margins.

Publishing Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2017

The Publishing segment’s net revenues for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 were $6.5 million, a decrease of $0.7 million 9.7%, from $7.2 million reported for the same period last year.  The year to date revenue decline primarily occurred in the third quarter of this year when the Company experience reduced orders sizes from existing customers and fewer customer orders placed during the third quarter, primarily resulting from the shipping delays that occurred during fiscal 2017.

Gross margins for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 were $2.9 million, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 12.1%, from $3.3 million reported for the same period a year ago.  Gross margins decreased primarily due to the decrease in sales.  Gross Margins as a percentage of revenue remained consistent between the periods.

Operating income for the segment declined $0.6 million, to $1.5 million, for the nine months ended November 30, 2017 from $2.1 million reported during the same period last year.  The decline in operating income resulted primarily from the decline in sales and gross margins.

Sales in our Publishing segment are seasonal and our fiscal fourth and first quarters are traditionally lower than the second and third fiscal quarters sales.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of cash is typically operating cash flow.  The majority of our cash outflow over the past several years has been associated with increasing our inventory to keep up with our increased demand for our products.  We have utilized a bank credit facility and other term loan borrowings to meet our short-term cash needs when necessary.

During the nine-month period ended November 30, 2017, we experienced cash inflow from our operations of $11.3 million.  Net earnings of $4.4 million were increased by the following items:

•	a decrease in inventories of $9.8 million,

•	depreciation expense of $0.9 million,

•	a decrease in deferred income taxes of $0.2 million,

•	an increase in the provision for doubtful accounts of $0.4 million,

•	an increase in accrued salaries and commissions of $2.8 million,

•	an increase in other liabilities of $1.3 million, and

•	an increase in income tax payable of $0.5 million.

Offset by:

•	a decrease in accounts payable of $7.3 million,

•	an increase in accounts receivable of $1.3 million, and

•	an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $0.3 million.

 

The significant decrease in inventory was primarily the result of management efforts to reduce inventory volumes that were purchased in recent quarters.  These inventory purchases were made based on sales forecast assumptions that were greater than our actual sales results.

The significant decrease in accounts payable from the end of the fiscal year 2017 was primarily a result of payments owed to our suppliers for increased inventory purchases made over the last six months of fiscal year 2017.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $1.3 million for capital expenditures, which was primarily comprised of improvements made to two of our pick lines which were upgraded with new automated routing functionality to bypass zones that had no picks of approximately $1.0 million and inventory management systems of $0.1 million and various other improvements to the warehouse, facility and equipment totaling $0.2 million.

During fiscal year 2018, we expect our cash from operations and our expanded line of credit with our Bank will provide us the ability to meet our liquidity requirements.  We have a history of profitability and positive cash flow.  Consequently, cash generated from operations will be used to increase inventory in anticipation of continued sales growth and to liquidate existing debt.

We have a Loan Agreement with the Bank including Term Loan #1 comprised of Tranche A of $13.4 million and Tranche B of $5.0 million both with the maturity date of December 1, 2025.   Tranche A has a fixed interest rate of 4.23% and interest is payable monthly. 

The Loan Agreement also includes Term Loan #2 in the amount of $4.0 million, which is secured by a warehouse and land with the maturity date of June 28, 2021, a $15.0 million revolving loan (“line of credit”) through June 15, 2018 and an $3.0 million advancing term loan which matures November 30, 2020.

Effective March 10, 2016, we signed a First Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which provided an increase to $6.0 million from our original $4.0 million line of credit through June 15, 2017.    Effective June 15, 2016, we signed a Second Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which provided a further increase to $7.0 million from our previous $6.0 million line of credit and extended it through June 15, 2017.   Effective June 28, 2016, we signed a Third Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which included Term Loan #2 in the amount of $4.0 million.   Effective February 7, 2017, we signed a Fourth Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which modified certain debt covenant calculations and waived an existing default that occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017.

 

Effective, June 15, 2017, the Company executed the Fifth Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which modified the Loan Agreement to increase the maximum revolving principal amount from $7.0 million to $10.0 million and extended the termination date of the Loan Agreement to June 15, 2018.  The Fifth Amendment also modified the Loan Agreement to include an Advancing Term Loan of $3.0 million which the Company is using to cover the cost of the fiscal 2017 capital improvements to increase its daily shipping capacity.  The Company expects the amount of the planned capital improvements will be less than the Advancing Term Loan availability.  The Advancing Term loan accrued interest between June 15 and December 1, 2017, at which time the balance was converted to a term loan and set to amortize over a thirty-six-month period

 

Effective September 1, 2017, we signed a Sixth Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which further increased the maximum revolving principal amount from $10.0 million to $15.0 million, subject to certain collateral restrictions.

We had no borrowings outstanding on our revolving credit agreement at November 30, 2017 and $4.9 million in borrowings at February 28, 2017.  Available credit under the revolving credit agreement was $9,105,500 at November 30, 2017.

 Trance B of Term Loan #1, Term Loan #2, the line of credit and the Advancing Term Loan accrue interest monthly, at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio (4.41% at November 30, 2017).

The Loan Agreement also contains a provision for our use of the Bank’s letters of credit. The Bank agrees to issue, or obtain issuance of commercial or stand-by letters of credit provided that the sum of the line of credit plus the letters of credit issued would not exceed the borrowing base in effect at the time. Additionally, the Loan Agreement suspends dividends.  For the quarter ended November 30, 2017, we had no letters of credit outstanding.  The agreement contains provisions that require us to maintain specified financial ratios, restrict transactions with related parties, prohibit mergers or consolidation, disallow additional debt, and limit the amount of compensation, salaries, investments, capital expenditures and leasing transactions.

The following table reflects aggregate future maturities of long-term debt during the next five fiscal years and thereafter as follows:

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to our valuation of inventory, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, allowance for sales returns, long-lived assets and deferred income taxes.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

Actual results may materially differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  Historically, however, actual results have not differed materially from those determined using required estimates. Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes accompanying the financial statements included elsewhere in this report.  However, we consider the following accounting policies to be more significantly dependent on the use of estimates and assumptions.

Revenue Recognition

Sales are generally recognized and recorded when products are shipped.  Products are shipped FOB shipping point. The UBAM segment’s sales are paid at the time the product is ordered.  These sales accounted for 93.7% of net revenues for the three-month period ended November 30, 2017, and 90.0% for the three-month period ended November 30, 2016.  Sales that have been paid for but not shipped are classified as deferred revenue on the balance sheet.  Sales associated with consignment inventory are recognized when reported and payment associated with the sale has been remitted.  Transportation revenue represents the amount billed to the customer for shipping the product and is recorded when the product is shipped.

Estimated allowances for sales returns are recorded as sales are recognized and recorded.  Management uses a moving average calculation to estimate the allowance for sales returns.  We are not responsible for product damaged in transit.  Damaged returns are primarily from retail stores.  These returns primarily result from damage that occurs in the stores, not in shipping to the stores.  It is industry practice to accept returns from retail customers.  Management has estimated and included a reserve for sales returns of $100,000 as of November 30, 2017, and $190,000 as of February 28, 2017.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. An estimate of uncollectable amounts is made by management based upon historical bad debts, current customer receivable balances, age of customer receivable balances, the customer's financial condition and current economic trends. Consignment inventory related to inactive consultants is reclassified to accounts receivable and the associated reserve is included within our allowance. If the actual uncollected amounts significantly exceed the estimated allowance, then our operating results would be significantly adversely affected.  Management has estimated and included an allowance for doubtful accounts of $537,000 at November 30, 2017, and $485,000 at February 28, 2017. Included within this allowance is $264,000 and $217,000 as of November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively, of reserve related to consignment inventory held by inactive consultants.

Inventory

Our inventory contains approximately 2,200 titles, each with different rates of sale, depending upon the nature and popularity of the title.  Almost all of our product line is saleable as the books are not topical in nature and remain current in content today as well as in the future.  Most of our products are printed in Europe, China, Singapore, India, Malaysia and Dubai resulting in a five to eight-month lead-time to have a title printed and delivered to us.

Certain inventory is maintained in a noncurrent classification.  Management continually estimates and calculates the amount of noncurrent inventory.  Noncurrent inventory arises due to occasional purchases of titles in quantities in excess of what will be sold within the normal operating cycle, due to minimum order requirements of our suppliers.  Noncurrent inventory was estimated by management using the current year turnover ratio by title.  All inventory in excess of 2 ½ years of anticipated sales is classified as noncurrent inventory.  Noncurrent inventory balances prior to valuation allowances were $502,200 and $467,100 at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.

Consultants that meet certain eligibility requirements are allowed to receive inventory on consignment.  We believe allowing our consultants to have consignment inventory greatly increases their ability to be successful in making effective presentations at home shows, book fairs and other events; and having consignment inventory leads to additional sales opportunities.  Approximately 12% and 11% of our active consultants maintained consignment inventory at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.  Consignment inventory is stated at cost, less an estimated reserve for consignment inventory that is not expected to be sold or returned to the Company. The total value of inventory on consignment with active consultants was $1,533,100 and $1,140,700 at November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.   There is a seasonal increase in consignment inventory during the fall when UBAM consultants acquire inventory for sales events at annual state fair and other regional fall festival events.  Inventory related to inactive consultants is reclassified to accounts receivables and amounted to $264,000 and $309,000 as of November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.

 

Inventories are presented net of a valuation allowance, which includes reserves for inventory obsolescence and active consultant consignment inventory that is not expected to be sold or returned.  Management estimates the allowance for current inventory, noncurrent inventory and active consultant consignment inventory balances.  The allowance is based on management’s identification of slow moving inventory and estimated consignment inventory that will not be sold or returned.  Management has estimated a valuation allowance for these combined inventories of $330,900 and $300,000 as of November 30, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.

Our principal supplier, based in England, generally requires a minimum reorder of 6,500 or more of a title in order to get a solo print run.  Smaller orders would require a shared print run with the supplier’s other customers, which can result in lengthy delays to receive the ordered title.  Anticipating customer preferences and purchasing habits requires historical analysis of similar titles in the same series. We then place the initial order or re-order based upon this analysis.

These factors and historical analysis have led our management to determine that 2 ½ years represents a reasonable estimate of the normal operating cycle for our products.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation whereby share-based payment transactions with employees, such as stock options and restricted stock, are measured at estimated fair value at date of grant and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures.

Not applicable.

An evaluation was performed of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) as of November 30, 2017. This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and our Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer).

Based on that evaluation, these officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended November 30, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Not Applicable.

Not required by smaller reporting company.

 

Period		Total # of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid per Share				Total # of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan (1)				Maximum # of Shares that May be Repurchased under the Plan (2)(3)
September 1 - 30, 2017			736			$	10.19				0				297,368
October 1 - 31, 2017			0			$	N/A				0				297,368
November 1 - 30, 2017			0				N/A				0				297,368
Total			736			$	10.19				0

 

(1)	All of the shares of common stock set forth in this column were part of a publicly announced plan as described in Footnote 2 below.

(2)	In April 2008, the Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to 500,000 shares of our common stock under a repurchase plan.  Pursuant to the plan, we may purchase a total of 296,632 additional shares of our common stock until 500,000 shares have been repurchased.

(3)	There is no expiration date for the repurchase plan.

 

Not Applicable.

None.

None.

31.1	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Educational Development Corporation pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.

31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Educational Development Corporation pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.

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

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.

	EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (Registrant)
Date:  January 16, 2018	By	/s/ Randall W. White
		Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date:  January 16, 2018	By	/s/ Dan E. O’Keefe
		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.          Description

31.1	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Educational Development Corporation pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.

31.2	Certification of Controller and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Educational Development Corporation pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.

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