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 November 29, 2003

    [   ]        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)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes      X  

No           

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

Yes           

No      X  

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

        19,938,744 shares of Common Stock as of January 5, 2004

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

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

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

        See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        Franklin Covey Co. (the “Company”) provides integrated training and performance enhancement solutions to organizations and individuals in productivity, leadership, sales, communication, 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. The Company’s products and services are available through professional consulting services, public workshops, retail stores, catalogs, and the Internet at www.franklincovey.com. The Company’s best-known offerings include the Franklin Covey Planner^TM, the productivity workshop entitled “Focus: Achieving Your Highest Priorities,” and courses based on the best-selling book, 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 financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003.

        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 end on November 29, 2003, February 28, 2004, and May 29, 2004 during fiscal 2004. Under the modified 52/53-week fiscal year, the quarter ended November 29, 2003 had the same number of business days as the quarter ended November 30, 2002.

        The results of operations for the quarter ended November 29, 2003 are not indicative of results expected for the entire fiscal year ending August 31, 2004.

NOTE 2 – ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

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

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

Inventories were comprised of the following (in thousands):

NOTE 4 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

        The Company’s aggregate amortization expense totaled $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the quarters ended November 29, 2003 and November 30, 2002. Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is expected to be as follows (in thousands):

NOTE 5 – 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 the Company’s common stock. The loan program closed during fiscal 2001 with 3,825,000 shares of common stock purchased by the loan participants for a total cost of $33.6 million. The loans in the management stock loan program accrue interest at 9.4 percent (compounded quarterly), are full-recourse to the participants, and are recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Although interest accrues against the participants over the life of the loans, the Company ceased recording interest receivable (and related interest income) related to these loans during the third quarter of fiscal 2002. However, loan participants remain obligated to pay all accrued interest upon maturity of the loans, which occurs in March 2005. As of November 29, 2003, the total outstanding loans and recorded accrued interest receivable was $37.3 million.

        The Company utilizes a systematic methodology for determining the level of loan loss reserves that are appropriate for the management common stock loan program. A key factor considered by the methodology is the current market value of the common stock acquired and held by the participants. Other factors considered by the methodology include: the liquid net worth of the participants; the risks of pursuing collection actions against key employees; the probability of sufficient participant repayment capability based upon proximity to the due date of the loans; and other business, economic, and participant factors which may have an impact on the Company’s ability to collect the loans. Additionally, the methodology takes into account the fact that the Company does not hold the participants’ shares of stock as collateral due to certain laws and regulations. Based upon the reserve methodology, which includes management’s judgments regarding the adequacy of the management loan loss reserve, the Company did not record an increase or decrease to the loan loss reserve during the quarter ended November 29, 2003. The Company had aggregate loan loss reserves totaling $29.7 million at November 29, 2003 and August 31, 2003, which reduced notes and interest receivable from financing common stock purchases by related parties in the respective condensed consolidated balance sheets. At November 29, 2003, the principal amount of the participants’ loans plus recorded accrued interest exceeded the market value of the common stock acquired by the participants by $31.0 million, of which $29.7 million has been reserved. Should the value of the common stock acquired by the participants continue to be insufficient to cover the loans outstanding during the loan term, the loan loss reserve methodology provides a basis to be fully reserved for the difference between the value of the loans outstanding and the market value of the acquired stock, plus estimated collection and other related costs, prior to the March 2005 maturity date of the loans. The inability of the Company to collect all, or a portion, of these receivables could have an adverse impact upon its financial position and future cash flows compared to full collection of the loans.

        The establishment of reserves for potential management stock loan losses requires significant estimates and judgment by the Company’s management. These estimates and projections are subject to change as a result of various economic and market factors, most of which are not within the Company’s control. As a result, the reserve for management stock loan losses could fluctuate significantly in future periods.

NOTE 6 – RESTRUCTURING AND STORE CLOSURE COSTS

        During fiscal 2003 and the quarter ended November 29, 2003, the Company closed certain retail stores and incurred severance and lease termination costs related to the closure of these stores. These store closure costs are included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

        During fiscal 1999, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to restructure the Company’s operations, reduce its workforce, and formally exit the majority of the Company’s leased office space located in Provo, Utah. The Company recorded a $16.3 million restructuring charge during fiscal 1999 to record the expected costs of these activities. Included in the restructuring charge were costs to provide severance and related benefits, as well as expected costs to formally exit the leased office space. This restructuring plan was substantially completed during fiscal 2000 and remaining restructuring costs at November 29, 2003 consist of leased space exit costs.

        The components of the remaining restructuring and store closure accruals at November 29, 2003 were as follows (in thousands):

        The remaining accrued leased space exit costs represent the difference between base rental charges and offsetting expected sublease receipts on these properties. Although the Company expects that the accrual will be sufficient to exit the leased space, changes in the commercial real estate market, which are impacted by numerous elements that are not within the control of the Company, may require further adjustments to the accrual.

NOTE 7 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        As part of a severance agreement with a former CEO, the Company offered the former CEO the right to purchase 121,250 shares of the Company’s common stock for $0.9 million. In order to facilitate the purchase of these shares, the Company received a non-recourse promissory note, which was due September 2003, and bore interest at 10.0 percent. During September 2003, the former CEO declined the opportunity to purchase these shares and the note receivable, which was recorded as a reduction of shareholders’ equity at August 31, 2003, was canceled. The shares, which were held by the Company pending the purchase of the shares, were returned to treasury stock. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded an increase to treasury stock for $2.4 million and an increase to paid-in capital of $1.5 million during the quarter ended November 29, 2003, which represents the value of the various components of the transaction on the date of the original transaction.

During the quarter ended November 29, 2003, the Company consumed its remaining retained earnings and reported an accumulated deficit on its condensed consolidated balance sheet. Based upon applicable accounting guidelines, the Company ceased recording preferred dividends against retained earnings when it was exhausted and recorded a portion of the preferred dividends for the quarter as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES

        Although the Company recognized consolidated pre-tax losses during the quarters ended November 29, 2003 and November 30, 2002, the Company recorded income tax expense during those periods that totaled $1.0 million and $0.7 million. The Company’s income tax expense during these periods was primarily due to taxable income in certain foreign tax jurisdictions. The Company was unable to offset the tax liabilities in these jurisdictions with its domestic operating loss carryforwards. In addition, a recent history of significant operating losses has precluded the Company from demonstrating that it is more likely than not that the benefits of domestic operating loss carryforwards, together with the benefits of deferred income tax assets, and deferred income tax deductions, will be realized. Accordingly, the Company has recorded valuation allowances on its domestic deferred income tax assets at November 29, 2003 and August 31, 2003.

NOTE 9 – COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

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

NOTE 10 – NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

        Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net loss attributable 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. During periods of net loss from continuing operations, all common stock equivalents, including the effect of common shares from the issuance of preferred stock on an “as converted” basis, are excluded from the diluted EPS calculation.

        Due to their anti-dilutive effect, the following incremental shares from the effect of Series A preferred stock on an “as converted” basis and options to purchase common stock have been excluded from the diluted EPS calculation (in thousands):

NOTE 11 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

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

        In the normal course of business, the Company may make structural and cost allocation revisions to its segment information to reflect new reporting responsibilities within the organization. All prior period segment information has been revised to conform to the most recent classifications and organizational changes, including changes made subsequent to the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The Company accounts for its segment information on the same basis as the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

SEGMENT INFORMATION
(in thousands)

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

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, 2003.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Quarter Ended November 29, 2003 Compared to the Quarter Ended November 30, 2002

Sales

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

        Product sales, which primarily consist of planners, binders, software, and handheld electronic planning devices that are primarily sold through our Consumer Business Unit (“CBU”) channels, declined $5.8 million, or 10 percent compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The decline in product sales was primarily attributable to declines in retail and catalog sales. These declines were partially offset by increased sales from our eCommerce and wholesale channels. Retail store sales decreased by $5.5 million, or 20 percent, compared to the prior year. Reduced retail sales were primarily attributable to closed stores, a significant decline in technology product sales, and reduced traffic. These factors were reflected by an 11 percent decline in comparable store sales compared to the prior year. We closed 22 domestic stores and 10 international stores during fiscal 2003 and have closed 2 more stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. These closed stores had $3.1 million of sales during the quarter ended November 30, 2002. We currently expect to close additional stores through the end of fiscal 2004 and we may close additional retail stores in future periods if analysis demonstrates that our operating performance may be improved through further retail store closures. We anticipate that a portion of the sales from these closed stores will transition to other retail store locations or to one of our other product channels. At November 29, 2003, we were operating 151 domestic retail stores compared to 171 domestic stores at November 30, 2002. Catalog sales declined $1.8 million, compared to fiscal 2003, reflecting previous trends of lower call volume through our catalog call center. However, decreased catalog sales were partially offset by $0.9 million of increased sales through our Internet web site located at www.franklincovey.com. Sales of products through the Target retail store channel and office superstores increased compared to the prior year, but were partially offset by the outsourcing of governmental product sales.

        Training solution and related services sales decreased by $4.2 million, or 15 percent, compared to the same period of the prior year. The decline in training sales was primarily due to decreased domestic training program sales, which are delivered through our Organizational Sales Group (“OSG”). The Company offers a variety of training solutions, training related products, and consulting services focused on productivity, leadership, sales performance, and communication training programs that are provided both domestically and internationally through the OSBU. The decrease in OSG sales was primarily attributable to decreased leadership and productivity training programs. These declines were experienced across our primary delivery methods, including client-facilitated programs, public programs, and on-site programs. The Company’s efforts to scale back organizational consulting and the number of public seminars offered, while focusing more of our efforts on organizational training solutions contributed to the overall decline in sales. Partially offsetting these declines was increased sales of our Aligning Goals for Results and xQ programs. International sales improved primarily due to the translation of foreign sales amounts as foreign currencies strengthened against the United States dollar, and increased royalties from licensees.

Gross Margin

        Gross margin consists of net sales less the cost of goods sold or services provided. Our overall gross margin improved to 56.7 percent of sales for the quarter, compared to 55.2 percent in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2003. The improvement in our overall gross margin was primarily due to favorable factors affecting our gross margin on product sales, which improved to 52.4 percent compared to 50.0 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. This improvement was primarily due to a shift in our product mix toward paper and binder products, which have higher gross margins than technology and specialty items. During the quarter ended November 29, 2003, paper and binder product sales, as a percentage of total product sales, increased by 3 percent compared to fiscal 2003. In addition, the overall margin on paper and binder sales has increased, primarily due to reduced material costs, compared to the prior year.

        Training solution and related services gross margin, as a percent of sales, improved to 66.3 percent compared to 66.0 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The slight improvement was primarily due to ongoing initiatives designed to reduce training program delivery costs.

Operating Expenses

        Selling, General and Administrative – Our selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased $7.9 million, or 16 percent, compared to the prior year. Declining SG&A expenses were the direct result of initiatives specifically designed to reduce our overall operating costs and was consistent with operating expense trends during the previous two fiscal years. The primary effects of these cost-cutting initiatives were reflected in associate expense reductions totaling $4.7 million, advertising and promotional expense reductions totaling $2.8 million, and reductions in other SG&A expenses, such as outsourcing and development costs, that totaled $1.9 million compared to the prior year. Partially offsetting these cost reduction efforts were $0.6 million of additional expenses related to retail store closures, as discussed below. With the annualization of past cost reduction efforts and on-going initiatives to further reduce our operating expenses, the Company expects that SG&A expenses will continue to decrease, compared to the prior year, through the remainder of fiscal 2004.

        We regularly assess the operating performance of our retail stores, including previous operating performance trends and projected future profitability. During this assessment process, judgments are made as to whether under-performing or unprofitable stores should be closed. As a result of this evaluation process, we decided to close certain stores during fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004. These store closures are comprised of stores that were unprofitable or were located in markets where the Company has multiple retail locations. The costs associated with closing retail stores are typically comprised of charges related to vacating the premises, which may include a provision for the remaining term on the lease, and severance and other personnel costs. In the quarter ended November 29, 2003 we closed 2 domestic stores and incurred additional expenses related to certain store closures that occurred during fiscal 2003. These store closure costs totaled $0.6 million for the quarter ended November 29, 2003 and were included as a component of SG&A expenses. Based upon our analysis of retail store performance, we also intend to close additional retail stores through the end of fiscal 2004, and will continue to incur costs associated with closing these stores.

        Provision for Losses on Management Common Stock Program – We utilize a systematic methodology for determining the level of loan loss reserves that are appropriate for the management common stock loan program (See Note 5 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements). Based upon this methodology, which includes management’s judgments regarding the adequacy of the loan loss reserve, we did not record an adjustment to the loan loss reserve during the quarter ended November 29, 2003. We recorded a $0.2 million increase in the loan loss reserve during the comparable quarter of the prior year.

        Should the value of the common stock acquired by the participants continue to be insufficient to cover the loans outstanding during the loan term, the loan loss reserve methodology provides a basis to be fully reserved for the difference between the value of the loans outstanding and the market value of the acquired stock, plus estimated collection and other related costs, prior to the March 2005 maturity date of the loans. The inability of the Company to collect all, or a portion, of these receivables could have an adverse impact upon its financial position and future cash flows compared to full collection of the loans. The establishment of reserves for potential management stock loan losses requires significant estimates and judgment by our management. These estimates and projections are subject to change as a result of various economic and market factors, most of which are not within our control. As a result, the reserve for management stock loan losses could fluctuate significantly in future periods.

        Recovery of Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary – During fiscal 2001, we entered into a joint venture agreement with American Marketing Systems (“AMS”) to form Franklin Covey Coaching, LLC (“FCC”). Based upon our coaching program results during fiscal 2002, and the probability that the joint venture would be terminated, we recorded impairment charges totaling $16.3 million to our investment in FCC during fiscal 2002. AMS later exercised its option to terminate the previous joint venture agreement effective August 31, 2002. According to the terms of a new partnership agreement that terminated our interest in FCC in October 2003, we received payments totaling $2.6 million, of which $0.3 million was received during the quarter ended November 29, 2003. Upon recognition of the new partnership agreement payments, we first reduced our remaining investment in FCC at August 31, 2002 to zero and then recorded the additional amounts as reversals of the previously recorded impairment charges. The impairment reversals during the quarter ended November 30, 2002 resulting from the new partnership agreement totaled $0.9 million and were recorded as a recovery of investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary.

        Depreciation and Amortization – Depreciation expense decreased $2.3 million, or 39 percent, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2003 primarily due to the full depreciation or disposal of certain computer hardware and software, prior year impairment of retail store assets, and the effects of significantly reduced capital expenditures during preceding fiscal years. Based upon these events and current capital spending trends, we expect that depreciation expense will continue to decline compared to prior periods during the remainder of fiscal 2004. Amortization expense on definite-lived intangible assets totaled $1.0 million for the quarter ended November 29, 2003, compared to $1.2 million in the prior year. The reduction in our amortization expense is due to the full amortization of certain definite-lived intangible assets. We expect intangible asset amortization expense to total $4.2 million during fiscal 2004.

Interest Income and Expense

        Interest income declined by $0.2 million compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily the result of reduced cash balances in our main interest-bearing cash account compared to the prior year. Interest expense was $0.1 million for the quarters ended November 29, 2003 and November 30, 2002. Based upon current debt levels, we expect interest expense to remain negligible in the foreseeable future.

Income Taxes

        The provision for income taxes increased to $1.0 million compared to $0.7 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to increased taxable income in certain foreign tax jurisdictions. As of November 29, 2003, given our recent history of significant operating losses, we had provided a valuation allowance against substantially all of our domestic deferred income tax assets.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        Historically, our primary sources of capital have been net cash provided by operating activities, long-term borrowings, line-of-credit financing, asset sales, and the issuance of preferred and common stock. Working capital requirements have also been financed through short-term borrowings, line-of-credit financing, and asset sales. With significantly reduced debt balances, current levels of cash on hand, and expected improvements in cash flows from operating activities, we believe that our liquidity is adequate for the next twelve months. However, the maintenance of adequate liquidity in future periods is dependent upon our ability to generate positive cash flows from operating activities and our ability to control capital expenditures. Our ability to generate positive cash flows from operating activities is primarily dependent upon the stabilization of revenues and the reduction of operating costs associated with generating those revenues. Our liquidity position could also be affected by future investing and financing activities, including additional debt and other related alternatives.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

        During the quarter ended November 29, 2003, net cash used for operating activities totaled $6.2 million. Our non-cash adjustments to reported net loss included $5.1 million of depreciation and amortization charges. The primary uses of cash for operating activities was the payment of outsourcing contract costs payable and other accrued liabilities, and the purchase of inventory items for our seasonally strong sales months that occur in our first and second fiscal quarters. Additionally, our accounts receivable balance grew by $2.9 million during the first quarter, which reflects these seasonal sales trends. Our primary sources of cash from operating activities included a $0.8 million decline in other assets and a $0.6 million increase in income taxes payable. During fiscal 2003, we negotiated a revised payment schedule related to our outsourcing contracts with Electronic Data Systems (“EDS”) for outstanding invoices from December 2002 through May 2003. These payments were postponed until certain software system implementation issues were resolved. As part of the revised payment schedule, we will make additional payments to EDS, which began in June 2003 and continue through February 2004 that will bring us current (reduced to approximately $5.5 million) on our liability with EDS. These payments will be in addition to required minimum contract costs, as discussed in the Contractual Obligations section of this liquidity and capital resources discussion. These payments will not increase our costs of operations since the obligation was expensed as it was incurred, but the payments will increase our cash flows used for operating activities during the periods these additional payments are made as we reduce our payable to EDS. We believe that our current and planned cost-cutting initiatives combined sales growth efforts, including new products, services, and related marketing programs, will improve our cash flows from operating activities in future periods. However, the success of these efforts is dependent upon numerous factors, some of which are not within our control.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities and Capital Expenditures

        Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $0.7 million for the quarter ended November 29, 2003. Our primary source of cash from investing activities was the sale of a vacant manufacturing facility, which resulted in net cash proceeds to the Company of $1.5 million. We used $0.8 million of cash during the quarter ended November 29, 2003 for purchases of property and equipment, which consisted primarily of manufacturing equipment and computer hardware and software.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

        Net cash used for financing activities during the quarter ended November 29, 2003 totaled $2.2 million. Our primary use of cash for financing activities was the payment of accrued Series A preferred stock dividends, which totaled $2.2 million during the quarter.

Contractual Obligations

        The Company has not structured any special purpose or variable interest entities, or participated in any commodity trading activities, which would expose us to potential undisclosed liabilities or create adverse consequences to our liquidity. Required contractual payments primarily consist of required payments to EDS for outsourcing services related to information systems, warehousing and distribution, and call center operations; rent expense for retail store and sales office space; cash payments for Series A preferred stock dividends; monitoring fees paid to a Series A preferred stock investor; and mortgage payments on certain buildings and property. Our expected payments on these obligations over the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

Other Items

        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. These loans, which are full recourse to the participants, are recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. For further information regarding our management common stock loan program, refer to Note 5 in our condensed consolidated financial statements. 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.

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

USE OF ESTIMATES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Our condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods presented. 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.

Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes revenue when: 1) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, 2) delivery of product has occurred or services have been rendered, 3) the price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and 4) collectibility is reasonably assured. For product sales, these conditions are generally met upon shipment of the product to the customer or by completion of the sale transaction in a retail store. For training and service sales, these conditions are generally met upon presentation of the training seminar, delivery of the consulting services, or shipment of the training manuals and related products. Revenue is recognized on software sales in accordance with Statement of Position 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition.” For sales contracts that have been entered into after June 15, 2003 that contain multiple deliverables, each element of the contract is analyzed and treated as a separate earnings process if it meets the specified requirements of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” If those requirements are not met, revenue is determined for those combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting. Revenue from multiple deliverable contracts is recognized upon completion of the contracted terms for each element. Revenue is recognized as the net amount to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts and product returns.

Inventory Valuation

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

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

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

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

        Long-lived tangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We use an estimate of undiscounted future net cash flows of the assets, over the remaining useful lives in determining whether the assets are 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.

Loan Loss Reserve for 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. These loans are full-recourse to the participants and are recorded as a reduction of shareholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheets. In order to assess the net realizable value of these loans, we utilize a systematic methodology for determining the level of loan loss reserves that are appropriate for the management common stock loan program. A key factor considered by the methodology is the current market value of the common stock acquired by the participants. Other factors considered by the methodology include: the liquid net worth of the participants; the risks of pursuing collection actions against key employees; the probability of sufficient participant repayment capability based upon proximity to the due date of the loans; and other business, economic, and participant factors which may have an impact on our ability to collect the loans.

        We assess the adequacy of our allowance on a quarterly basis and adjust the allowance based upon the results of the assessment. During the quarter ended November 29, 2003, we did not record an adjustment to our loan loss reserve. Our reserve analysis was based in-part upon the average market closing price of our common stock over the last four weeks of the fiscal quarter, which was $1.65 per share, as the market value of the common stock acquired by the participants and other economic and business factors. The following table presents an analysis of the variation in the loan loss reserve that may have resulted from different common stock market valuations for the quarter ended November 29, 2003. The other common stock prices presented are intended to provide a reasonable range of possible outcomes considering the trading activity of our common stock during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 (in thousands, except per-share amounts):

        Additionally, our loan loss methodology takes into account the fact that the Company does not hold the participants’ shares of stock as collateral due to certain laws and regulations. Should the value of the common stock acquired by the participants continue to be insufficient to cover the loans outstanding during the loan term, our loan loss reserve methodology provides a basis to be fully reserved for the difference between the value of the loans outstanding and the market value of the acquired stock, plus estimated collection and other related costs, prior to the March 2005 maturity date of the loans.

Income Taxes

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

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

MARKET RISK OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

Foreign Currency Sensitivity

        Due to the global nature of the Company’s operations, we are involved in transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, which creates exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. During the quarter ended November 29, 2003, we utilized foreign currency forward contracts to manage the volatility of certain intercompany financing transactions and other transactions that are denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts did not meet specific hedge accounting requirements and corresponding gains and losses on these contracts were recorded as a component of current operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of November 29, 2003, all of our foreign currency forward contracts were settled. The settlement of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts resulted in net losses totaling $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the quarters ended November 29, 2003 and November 30, 2002.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

        The Company is exposed to fluctuations in U.S. interest rates primarily as a result of the cash and cash equivalents that we hold. Following payment and termination of our line of credit facility during fiscal 2002, our remaining debt balances consist primarily of fixed-rate long-term mortgages on certain of our buildings and property. As such, the Company does not have significant exposure or additional liability due to interest rate sensitivity. Additionally, the Company was not party to any interest rate swap or other interest related derivative instrument during the quarters ended November 29, 2003 or November 30, 2002.

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

        Certain written and oral statements made by the Company or our representatives in this report, other reports, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, conferences, Internet webcasts, or otherwise, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” or words or phrases of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are disclosed from time to time in reports filed by us with the SEC, including reports on Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, unanticipated developments in any one or more of the following areas: the risk that our revenues will continue to decline; our ability to reduce costs sufficiently to permit profitable operations at reduced revenue levels; the ability to maintain revenues at a sufficient level to recognize anticipated benefits from the EDS outsourcing agreements; unanticipated costs or capital expenditures; changes in consumer preferences and difficulties in anticipating or forecasting changes in customer preferences or consumer demand for our products and services; difficulties encountered by EDS in implementing, 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 the Company’s strategic plans; availability of financing sources; 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; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and other factors which may adversely affect our business.

        In recent periods, the Company has faced declining revenues. Our sales for the quarter ended November 29, 2003 were $75.1 million compared to $85.0 million in the same period of the prior year. While we have substantially reduced our operating expenses, we have not returned to profitability. If our revenues continue to decline, we may be unable to reduce our operating expenses sufficiently to achieve profitable operations due to contractual obligations and other fixed costs of our business.

        While the Company has a broad customer base, we are also subject to variables over which we have no direct control, such as innovations in competing products, changing corporate policies on the part of our customers, and competition from others in the industry. In addition, we are subject to changes in costs of supplies necessary to produce and distribute our products. The Company’s business is also subject to seasonal variations and international sales. Sales outside the United States potentially present additional risks such as political, social, and economic instability, as well as currency exchange rate fluctuations.

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

        The market price of our common stock has been and may remain volatile. In addition, the stock markets in general have recently 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. 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.

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.