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FRANKLIN COVEY CO - Quarter Report: 2012 May (Form 10-Q)

form10q_052612.htm
 
 
 


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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended May 26, 2012

 
[   ]
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 Logo
FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   T 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 (§ 232.405 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   T 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” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer
£
Accelerated filer
T

Non-accelerated filer
£
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
£

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock as of the latest practicable date:
 
17,814,172 shares of Common Stock as of June 29, 2012


 
 



 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

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

   
May 26,
2012
   
August 31,
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,465     $ 3,016  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $697 and $798
    31,593       32,412  
Receivable from related party
    6,259       5,717  
Inventories
    3,775       4,301  
Deferred income taxes
    2,977       3,005  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    4,052       3,605  
Total current assets
    55,121       52,056  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    18,112       19,143  
Intangible assets, net
    59,825       61,703  
Goodwill
    9,172       9,172  
Other assets
    9,432       9,353  
    $ 151,662     $ 151,427  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of financing obligation
  $ 957     $ 857  
Current portion of bank note payable
    2,500       2,292  
Accounts payable
    6,263       9,154  
Income taxes payable
    251       285  
Accrued liabilities
    18,899       22,813  
Total current liabilities
    28,870       35,401  
                 
Financing obligation, less current portion
    28,778       29,507  
Bank note payable, less current portion
    833       2,708  
Other liabilities
    444       411  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    5,712       4,084  
Total liabilities
    64,637       72,111  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock – $0.05 par value; 40,000 shares authorized, 27,056 shares issued and outstanding
    1,353       1,353  
Additional paid-in capital
    182,023       179,515  
Common stock warrants
    5,260       5,260  
Retained earnings
    22,710       18,269  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    3,260       3,592  
Treasury stock at cost, 9,307 and 9,386 shares
    (127,581 )     (128,673 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    87,025       79,316  
    $ 151,662     $ 151,427  









See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

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

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Net sales:
                       
Training and consulting services
  $ 38,213     $ 37,368     $ 110,201     $ 108,261  
Products
    2,291       2,958       7,057       5,777  
Leasing
    770       571       2,183       1,753  
      41,274       40,897       119,441       115,791  
Cost of sales:
                               
Training and consulting services
    13,585       13,472       37,417       37,982  
Products
    1,142       1,199       3,124       2,585  
Leasing
    403       445       1,233       1,256  
      15,130       15,116       41,774       41,823  
Gross profit
    26,144       25,781       77,667       73,968  
                                 
Selling, general, and administrative
    21,448       21,009       63,535       60,713  
Depreciation
    680       997       2,374       2,695  
Amortization
    622       916       1,879       2,766  
Income from operations
    3,394       2,859       9,879       7,794  
                                 
Interest income
    2       5       10       16  
Interest expense
    (613 )     (669 )     (1,873 )     (2,021 )
Income before income taxes
    2,783       2,195       8,016       5,789  
Provision for income taxes
    (1,166 )     (1,471 )     (3,575 )     (3,966 )
Net income
  $ 1,617     $ 724     $ 4,441     $ 1,823  
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
  $ .09     $ .04     $ .25     $ .11  
Diluted
    .09       .04       .24       .11  
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares:
                               
Basic
    17,797       17,067       17,765       17,030  
Diluted
    18,316       17,354       18,200       17,282  
                                 
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
                               
Net income
  $ 1,617     $ 724     $ 4,441     $ 1,823  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (25 )     89       (332 )     328  
    $ 1,592     $ 813     $ 4,109     $ 2,151  


















See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 4,441     $ 1,823  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    4,303       5,406  
Amortization of capitalized curriculum costs
    1,353       1,214  
Deferred income taxes
    1,702       2,731  
Loss on disposals of property and equipment
    21       133  
Share-based compensation expense
    3,301       1,264  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net
    598       (3,712 )
Decrease (increase) in inventories
    458       (90 )
Decrease (increase) in receivable from related party, prepaid expenses, and other assets
    (751 )     1,747  
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (6,723 )     (4,535 )
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities
    (5 )     39  
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
    (20 )     193  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    8,678       6,213  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (1,428 )     (1,940 )
Curriculum development costs
    (1,758 )     (2,044 )
Payment of contingent business acquisition costs
    -       (5,411 )
Net cash used for investing activities
    (3,186 )     (9,395 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from line-of-credit borrowing
    8,523       50,631  
Payments on line-of-credit borrowing
    (8,523 )     (53,070 )
Proceeds from bank note payable
    -       3,650  
Payments on bank note payable
    (1,667 )     -  
Principal payments on financing obligation
    (661 )     (475 )
Proceeds from sales of common stock from treasury
    320       244  
Purchase of common shares for treasury
    (21 )     (47 )
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    (2,029 )     933  
                 
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (14 )     (106 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    3,449       (2,355 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
    3,016       3,484  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
  $ 6,465     $ 1,129  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 1,869     $ 2,025  
Cash paid for income taxes
    1,715       1,260  
                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Acquisition of property and equipment through accounts payable
  $ 182     $ 35  











See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
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FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)



NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Franklin Covey Co. (hereafter referred to as us, we, our, or the Company) is a global content and intellectual property company focused on individual and organizational performance.  Our mission is to “enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere,” and we believe that we are experts at solving seven pervasive, intractable problems, each of which requires a change in human behavior.  We are organized to address these seven problems, which include the following: Leadership, Execution, Productivity, Trust, Loyalty, Sales Performance, and Education.  As we deliver our solutions to these problems, we believe there are four important characteristics that distinguish us from our competitors.

1.  
World Class Content – Our content is principle centered and based on natural laws of human behavior and effectiveness.  Our content is designed to build new skillsets, establish new mindsets, and provide enabling toolsets.

2.  
Breadth and Scalability of Delivery Options – We have a wide range of content delivery options, including: on-site training, training led through certified facilitators, on-line learning, blended learning, intellectual property licenses, and organization-wide transformational processes, including consulting and coaching.

3.  
Global Capability – We operate four regional sales offices in the United States; wholly owned subsidiaries in Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom; and contract with licensee partners who deliver our curriculum and provide services in over 140 other countries and territories around the world.

4.  
Transformational Impact and Reach – We hold ourselves responsible for and measure ourselves by our clients’ achievement of transformational results.

Our offerings are described in further detail at www.franklincovey.com.  We have some of the best-known offerings in the training industry, including a suite of individual-effectiveness and leadership-development training products based on the best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and its execution process, The 4 Disciplines of Execution.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and regulations.  The information included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.

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

 
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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 26, 2011, February 25, 2012, and May 26, 2012 during fiscal 2012.  Unless otherwise noted, references to fiscal years apply to the 12 months ended on August 31 of the specified year.

The results of operations for the quarter and three quarters ended May 26, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the entire fiscal year ending August 31, 2012, or for any future periods.

At May 26, 2012, the carrying value of our financial instruments approximated their fair values.


NOTE 2 – INVENTORIES

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

   
May 26,
2012
   
August 31,
2011
 
             
Finished goods
  $ 3,629     $ 4,158  
Raw materials
    146       143  
    $ 3,775     $ 4,301  


NOTE 3 – LINE OF CREDIT

On March 13, 2012, we entered into the First Modification Agreement to our previously existing amended and restated secured credit agreement (the Restated Credit Agreement) with our existing lender.  The primary purpose of the First Modification Agreement was to extend the maturity date of the Restated Credit Agreement, which originally expired on March 14, 2012.  The First Modification Agreement extended the maturity date of the Restated Credit Agreement to March 31, 2013.

Subsequent to May 26, 2012, we entered into the Second Modification Agreement to the Restated Credit Agreement.  The primary purpose of the Second Modification Agreement was to extend the maturity date of the Restated Credit Agreement from March 31, 2013 to March 31, 2015.  We wanted to ensure the availability of our line of credit facility over the next three years so that we can use excess cash to pursue special initiatives, such as the potential repurchase of shares of our common stock, and for other growth opportunities.  The credit facility will continue to provide a maximum borrowing amount of $10.0 million and the interest rate continues to be LIBOR plus 2.50% per year.  The unused credit fee on the facility increased slightly from .25% to .33%.

The Second Modification Agreement continues to have debt covenants that include 1) a Funded Debt to EBITDAR ratio, 2) a Fixed Charge Coverage ratio, and 3) an annual limit on purchases of property and equipment.  The previously existing minimum net worth covenant was eliminated.  At May 26, 2012, we believe that we were in compliance with the applicable terms and covenants of the Restated Credit Agreement.

The other terms, conditions, and financial covenants in the Second Modification Agreement are substantially the same as those defined in the Restated Credit Agreement.  In the event of noncompliance with the financial covenants and other defined events of default, the lender is entitled to certain remedies, including acceleration of the repayment of amounts outstanding on the line of credit facility.


 
6

 


NOTE 4 – COMMON SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAM

During the quarter ended May 26, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a plan to purchase up to $10.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  We intend to use available cash exceeding $10.0 million to make the purchases.  All previously existing common stock repurchase plans were canceled and the new common share repurchase plan does not have an expiration date.


NOTE 5 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We utilize various share-based compensation plans as integral components of our overall compensation and associate retention strategy.  The compensation cost of our share-based compensation plans is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated income statements.  The total cost of our share-based compensation plans was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
 
Performance awards
  $ 949     $ 103     $ 2,822     $ 256  
Stock options
    -       251       168       568  
Unvested share awards
    87       87       252       292  
Employee stock purchase plan
    20       15       59       44  
Fully vested share awards
    -       -       -       104  
    $ 1,056     $ 456     $ 3,301     $ 1,264  

The following is a description of recent developments in our share-based compensation plans.

Performance Awards

There were no performance awards granted, modified, or vested during the quarter ended May 26, 2012.  Compensation expense recognized during the quarter and three quarters ended May 26, 2012 for performance awards includes expense related to awards granted in previous periods.

Stock Options

We have an incentive stock option plan whereby options to purchase shares of our common stock are issued to key employees at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.  During the quarter and three quarters ended May 26, 2012 we did not grant any new stock options or modify existing awards and there were no significant changes to the stock option information disclosed as of August 31, 2011.  At May 26, 2012 we had no remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to our stock option awards.

Unvested Share Awards

Our annual unvested share awards granted to non-employee members of our Board of Directors is administered under the terms of the Franklin Covey Co. Second Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, and is designed to provide our non-employee directors, who are not eligible to participate in our employee stock incentive plan, an opportunity to obtain an interest in the Company through the acquisition of shares of our common stock.  The annual unvested award is generally granted in January (following the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting) of each year.  In fiscal 2012, each eligible director was entitled to receive a whole-share grant equal to $50,000 with a one-year vesting period, which resulted in a total of 37,275 shares issued to members of the Board of Directors under this program.  At May 26, 2012, there was approximately $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense associated with the fiscal 2012 Board of Director unvested share award.  The fiscal 2011 Board of Director unvested share award vested in January 2012.

 
7

 


Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We have an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) that offers qualified employees the opportunity to purchase shares of our common stock at a price equal to 85 percent of the average fair market value of our common stock on the last trading day of the calendar month in each fiscal quarter.  During the quarter and three quarters ended May 26, 2012, a total of 14,827 shares and 40,832 shares were issued to participants in the ESPP.


NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES

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

Our effective tax rate for the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 of approximately 45 percent was somewhat higher than statutory combined rates primarily due to taxable interest income on outstanding management common stock loans and the tax differential on income subject to both foreign and U.S. taxation.  The effective tax rate for the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 includes the benefit of foreign tax credits to be claimed on our U.S. federal income tax returns.  The effective tax rate for the three quarters ended May 28, 2011 of approximately 69 percent did not include the benefit of such foreign tax credits because we did not initially believe the Company would be able to utilize the benefits during fiscal 2011.

However, due to the utilization of net loss carryforwards and other deferred income tax assets, our cash paid for income taxes will remain significantly less than our income tax provision during the foreseeable future.  During the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 we paid $1.7 million in cash for income taxes.


NOTE 7 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is calculated by dividing net income or loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the assumed exercise of all dilutive securities using the treasury stock method or the “if converted” method, as appropriate.  Due to modifications to our management stock loan program, we determined that the shares of management stock loan participants that were placed in the escrow account are participating securities because they continue to have equivalent common stock dividend rights.  Accordingly, these management stock loan shares are included in our basic EPS calculation during periods of net income and excluded from the basic EPS calculation in periods of net loss.  Our unvested share-based compensation awards are not entitled to participate in dividends until they vest and are excluded from our EPS calculation.


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

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
                       
Income before income taxes
  $ 2,783     $ 2,195     $ 8,016     $ 5,789  
Income tax provision
    (1,166 )     (1,471 )     (3,575 )     (3,966 )
Net income
  $ 1,617     $ 724     $ 4,441     $ 1,823  
                                 
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
                               
Basic weighted average shares outstanding(1)
    17,797       17,067       17,765       17,030  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Stock options and other share-based awards
    10       11       22       48  
Common stock warrants
    509       276       413       204  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    18,316       17,354       18,200       17,282  
                                 
EPS Calculations:
                               
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
  $ .09     $ .04     $ .25     $ .11  
Diluted
    .09       .04       .24       .11  

 
(1)
Since we recognized net income for the periods presented, our basic weighted average shares for those periods include 3.3 million shares of common stock
held by management stock loan participants that were placed in escrow.

At May 26, 2012 and May 28, 2011, we had approximately 0.7 million stock options outstanding which were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options are considered to be contingently issuable shares that have market vesting conditions which were not met for the periods presented.  Although these shares were not included in our calculation of diluted EPS, these stock options, and other dilutive securities, including performance share-based compensation instruments, may have a dilutive effect on our EPS calculation in future periods if the price of our common stock increases or when our share-based compensation instruments vest.


NOTE 8 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our sales are primarily comprised of training and consulting sales and related products.  Based on the consistent nature of our services and products and the types of customers for these services, we function as a single operating segment.  However, to improve comparability with previous periods, operating information for our U.S./Canada, international, and corporate services operations is presented below.  Our U.S./Canada operations are responsible for the sale and delivery of our training and consulting services in the United States and Canada.  Our international sales group includes the financial results of our directly owned foreign offices and royalty revenues from licensees.  Our corporate services information includes leasing income and certain corporate operating expenses.

The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer, and the primary measurement tool used in business unit performance analysis is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), which is a non-GAAP measure and may not be calculated as similarly titled amounts calculated by other companies.  For segment reporting purposes, our consolidated EBITDA can be calculated as our income from operations excluding depreciation and amortization charges.

 
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In the normal course of business, we may make structural and cost allocation revisions to our segment information to reflect new reporting responsibilities within the organization.  There were no significant organizational or structural changes during the quarter and three quarters ended May 26, 2012.  We account for our segment information on the same basis as the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

     ENTERPRISE INFORMATION
(in thousands)
                             
 
Quarter Ended
May 26, 2012
 
Sales to External Customers
   
 
Gross Profit
   
 
EBITDA
   
 
Depreciation
   
 
Amortization
 
                               
U.S./Canada
  $ 31,678     $ 18,904     $ 3,840     $ 288     $ 618  
International
    8,826       6,873       3,153       83       4  
Total
    40,504       25,777       6,993       371       622  
Corporate and eliminations
    770       367       (2,297 )     309       -  
Consolidated
  $ 41,274     $ 26,144     $ 4,696     $ 680     $ 622  
                                         
Quarter Ended
May 28, 2011
                                       
                                         
U.S./Canada
  $ 31,627     $ 18,774     $ 3,495     $ 434     $ 912  
International
    8,699       6,881       3,496       211       4  
Total
    40,326       25,655       6,991       645       916  
Corporate and eliminations
    571       126       (2,219 )     352       -  
Consolidated
  $ 40,897     $ 25,781     $ 4,772     $ 997     $ 916  
                                         
Three Quarters Ended
May 26, 2012
                                       
                                         
U.S./Canada
  $ 86,445     $ 52,712     $ 8,756     $ 1,157     $ 1,867  
International
    30,813       24,004       12,214       274       12  
Total
    117,258       76,716       20,970       1,431       1,879  
Corporate and eliminations
    2,183       951       (6,838 )     943       -  
Consolidated
  $ 119,441     $ 77,667     $ 14,132     $ 2,374     $ 1,879  
                                         
Three Quarters Ended
May 28, 2011
                                       
                                         
U.S./Canada
  $ 85,176     $ 50,677     $ 8,271     $ 1,308     $ 2,754  
International
    28,862       22,794       11,193       355       12  
Total
    114,038       73,471       19,464       1,663       2,766  
Corporate and eliminations
    1,753       497       (6,209 )     1,032       -  
Consolidated
  $ 115,791     $ 73,968     $ 13,255     $ 2,695     $ 2,766  
                                         

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

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
 
Reportable segment EBITDA
  $ 6,993     $ 6,991     $ 20,970     $ 19,464  
Corporate expenses
    (2,297 )     (2,219 )     (6,838 )     (6,209 )
Consolidated EBITDA
    4,696       4,772       14,132       13,255  
Depreciation
    (680 )     (997 )     (2,374 )     (2,695 )
Amortization
    (622 )     (916 )     (1,879 )     (2,766 )
Income from operations
    3,394       2,859       9,879       7,794  
Interest income
    2       5       10       16  
Interest expense
    (613 )     (669 )     (1,873 )     (2,021 )
Income before income taxes
  $ 2,783     $ 2,195     $ 8,016     $ 5,789  


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


Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations 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.”

We suggest 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, 2011.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Our third quarter of each fiscal year includes the months of March, April, and May.  The quarter ended May 26, 2012 was the strongest third quarter ever for our current business.  Following the substantial increase in our business during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 (34% increase in sales over fiscal 2010), our fiscal 2012 financial improvements were less dramatic but were consistent with our expectations.  For the quarter ended May 26, 2012, our consolidated sales increased $0.4 million, or 1 percent, to $41.3 million compared to $40.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  Improved sales, a slight improvement in our gross margin, and reduced depreciation and amortization expenses combined to produce an overall improvement in our operating results as we recognized income from operations of $3.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared with $2.9 million in the prior year.  For the quarter ended May 26, 2012, we recognized pre-tax earnings of $2.8 million compared with $2.2 million in the prior year.  Including the impact of income taxes as discussed below, our net income more than doubled to $1.6 million ($.09 per diluted share) in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared with $0.7 million ($.04 per diluted share) for the quarter ended May 28, 2011.

The primary factors that influenced our operating results for the quarter ended May 26, 2012 were as follows:

·  
SalesOur consolidated sales increased $0.4 million to $41.3 million, compared with $40.9 million for the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2011.  Sales increased through nearly all of our primary sales channels but sales performance during the quarter was mixed in our practice lines and from some geographical locations.

·  
Gross Profit – Our gross profit totaled $26.1 million compared with $25.8 million for the quarter ended May 28, 2011.  The increase was primarily attributable to the slight increase in sales during fiscal 2012.  Our consolidated gross margin, which is gross profit as a percentage of sales, increased slightly to 63.3 percent of sales compared to 63.0 percent in the same quarter of the prior year.

·  
Operating Costs – Our operating expenses decreased by $0.2 million compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2011, which was primarily the result of a $0.4 million increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses that was offset by a $0.3 million decrease in depreciation expense and a $0.3 million decrease in amortization expense.

 
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·  
Income Taxes – Our effective tax rate for the quarter ended May 26, 2012 of approximately 42 percent was higher than statutory combined rates primarily due to taxable interest income on outstanding management common stock loans and the tax differential on income subject to both foreign and U.S. taxation.  The effective tax rate for the quarter ended May 26, 2012 includes the benefit of foreign tax credits to be claimed on our U.S. federal income tax returns.  The effective tax rate for the quarter ended May 28, 2011 of approximately 67 percent did not include the benefit of such foreign tax credits because we did not initially believe the Company would be able to utilize the benefits during fiscal 2011.

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

The following table sets forth sales data by category and by our primary sales channels (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
   
Three Quarters Ended
 
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
   
Percent Change
   
May 26,
2012
   
May 28,
2011
   
Percent Change
 
Sales by Category:
                                   
Training and consulting services
  $ 38,213     $ 37,368       2     $ 110,201     $ 108,261       2  
Products
    2,291       2,958       (23 )     7,057       5,777       22  
Leasing
    770       571       35       2,183       1,753       25  
    $ 41,274     $ 40,897       1     $ 119,441     $ 115,791       3  
                                                 
Sales by Channel:
                                               
U.S./Canada direct
  $ 22,736     $ 22,535       1     $ 60,241     $ 62,643       (4 )
International direct
    5,612       5,319       6       20,693       19,423       7  
International licensees
    3,581       3,389       6       10,793       9,480       14  
National account practices
    5,917       5,249       13       17,197       14,011       23  
Self-funded marketing
    2,132       3,476       (39 )     6,871       7,403       (7 )
Other
    1,296       929       40       3,646       2,831       29  
    $ 41,274     $ 40,897       1     $ 119,441     $ 115,791       3  

Quarter Ended May 26, 2012 Compared to the Quarter Ended May 28, 2011

Sales

We offer a variety of training courses, consulting services, and training related products that are focused on leadership, productivity, strategy execution, sales force performance, trust, and effective communications that are provided both domestically and internationally through our sales force, certified client facilitators, international licensee partners, or through the Internet in on-line presentations.  For the quarter ended May 26, 2012, our consolidated sales increased by $0.4 million compared to the same quarter of the prior year.  The following sales analysis for the quarter ended May 26, 2012 is based on activity through our primary sales channels:

U.S./Canada Direct – This channel includes our four regional field offices that serve clients in the United States and Canada and our government services group.  For the quarter ended May 26, 2012, sales through our four regional offices increased by $0.8 million, or five percent, compared to the prior year.  Partially offsetting this increase were expected sales reductions from contracts with a governmental agency.  Sales through our government services group decreased $0.6 million compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  However, during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 we won a renewal of these contracts with the governmental agency and we expect to continue to deliver training and consulting services under these contracts for the upcoming 12 months at similar levels to those delivered in fiscal 2012.

International Direct – Our three directly owned international offices are located in Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.  The increase in international direct sales was primarily due to improved sales in Japan, which increased $0.6 million compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2011.  The increase in sales was attributable to improved training sales, which were adversely

 
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affected in fiscal 2011 by the severe earthquake in that country.  Increased sales in Japan were partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in Australia and essentially flat sales at our office in the United Kingdom.

International Licensees – In countries or foreign locations where we do not have a directly owned office, our training and consulting services are delivered through independent licensees, which may translate and adapt our curriculum to local preferences and customs, if necessary.  During the quarter ended May 26, 2012, our licensee royalty revenues increased primarily due to increased sales at some of our foreign licensees compared with the prior year.

National Account Practices – Our national account practices are comprised of programs that are not typically offered in our regional field offices and include Helping Clients Succeed from the sales performance group, The Leader In Me curriculum designed for students from our education practice, and Winning Customer Loyalty from our customer loyalty practice.  For the quarter ended May 26, 2012, our national account practice sales increased due to a $0.9 million increase in education practice sales resulting from a general increase in demand for these school-based services.  Increased education practice sales were partially offset by decreased sales performance and customer loyalty practice sales during the quarter.

Self-Funded Marketing – This group includes our public programs, book and audio sales, and speeches.  The decrease in sales was primarily due to decreased publication revenues resulting from royalties received from new books and publications delivered in fiscal 2011 that did not repeat in fiscal 2012 and by decreased speaking revenues resulting primarily from the retirement of Dr. Stephen R. Covey from public speaking events in late fiscal 2011.

Other – Our other sales are comprised primarily of leasing and shipping and handling revenues.  The increase in other sales was primarily due to improved leasing revenues resulting from new lease contracts at our corporate headquarters.  We continue to have vacant space available for lease at our corporate headquarters campus and we are actively seeking new tenants for this available property.

Gross Profit

Gross profit consists of net sales less the cost of services provided or the cost of products sold.  Our consolidated gross profit increased to $26.1 million compared with $25.8 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2011.  The increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to increased sales over the same quarter of the prior year.  Our consolidated gross margin, which is gross profit stated in terms of a percentage of sales, was 63.3 percent compared to 63.0 percent in the same quarter of fiscal 2011.

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and AdministrativeOur selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $0.4 million compared to the prior year.  The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to 1) a $0.7 million increase in advertising and promotion expense primarily for new strategic marketing initiatives; 2) a $0.6 million increase in non-cash share-based compensation expense primarily resulting from performance awards granted in fiscal 2011; and 3) a $0.5 million increase in non-capitalized development costs primarily related to our curriculums.  These increases were partially offset by 1) a $0.6 million decrease in associate costs primarily due to reduced bonuses and commissions compared with prior year bonuses and commissions generated by the significant increase in sales during fiscal 2011; 2) a $0.1 million decrease in legal services resulting from the successful resolution of certain litigation during the second quarter of fiscal 2012; 3) a $0.1 million reduction in rent and utilities charges, resulting primarily from reduced telephone and communications expenses; 4) a $0.1 million decrease in outsourced service charges; and 5) ongoing cost reduction efforts in various other areas of our operations.

DepreciationDepreciation expense decreased by $0.3 million compared to the prior year primarily due to the full depreciation of certain capital assets during the quarter ended May 26, 2012.  Based on current depreciation levels and expected capital asset acquisitions during the

 
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remainder of fiscal 2012, we expect depreciation expense to total approximately $2.9 million during fiscal 2012.

Amortization – Amortization expense decreased by $0.3 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011 due to the full amortization of certain intangible assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.  We expect that intangible asset amortization expense in fiscal 2012 will continue to decrease compared to corresponding periods in fiscal 2011 and will total approximately $2.5 million in fiscal 2012.

Income Taxes

We expect that our cash paid for income taxes will remain significantly less than our income tax provision during the foreseeable future as we utilize domestic net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred income tax assets.  After our domestic net operating loss carryforwards are utilized, we will be able to utilize our foreign tax credits, which will reduce our income tax liability in future periods.  After utilization of these deferred tax assets, we expect our cash paid for income taxes to increase and match more closely a normalized provision for income taxes.


Three Quarters Ended May 26, 2012 Compared to the Three Quarters Ended May 28, 2011

Sales

Our consolidated sales increased $3.7 million, or three percent, compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2011.  The following sales analysis for the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 is based on activity through our primary sales channels as defined in the discussion for the quarter ended May 26, 2012 compared to the quarter ended May 28, 2011, which precedes this section.

U.S./Canada Direct – During the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, our sales performance through these offices was primarily impacted by expected sales reductions from contracts with a governmental agency.  Excluding the impact of these expected government services decreases, our regional office sales increased six percent compared to fiscal 2011.  The decrease in sales for the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 through our government services group totaled $5.0 million compared with the first three quarters of fiscal 2011.  However, during the quarter ended May 26, 2012, we won the renewal of our contracts with the governmental agency and expect to continue to delivering training and consulting services in the upcoming 12 months at similar levels to those delivered in fiscal 2012.

International Direct – The increase in international direct sales was primarily due to improved sales in Japan, which increased $1.7 million compared to fiscal 2011.  The increase in Japan sales was primarily attributable to improved publishing sales, due to the release of new publications, and increased training sales.  The increases over the prior year were also partially attributable to the adverse impact of the natural disasters that occurred in fiscal 2011 on Japan’s prior year financial statements.  Increased sales in Japan were partially offset by decreased sales in Australia, while sales remained flat in the United Kingdom.

International Licensees – During the three quarters ended May 26, 2012, the majority of our foreign licensees had increased sales compared to the prior year, which resulted in higher royalty revenues during the first three quarters of fiscal 2012.

National Account Practices – For the three quarters ended May 26, 2012, our education practice had increased sales of $2.1 million and our sales performance practice increased its sales by $1.1 million.  These increases were primarily due to new contracts and increased demand for these services during fiscal 2012 compared with the prior year.

 
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Self-Funded Marketing – The decrease in sales was due to reduced public speaking revenues resulting primarily from the retirement of Dr. Stephen R. Covey from public speaking events in late fiscal 2011.

Other – The increase in other sales was primarily due to improved leasing revenues resulting from new lease contracts at our corporate headquarters.  We continue to have vacant space available for lease at our corporate headquarters campus and we are actively seeking new tenants for this available property to increase leasing revenues in future periods.

Gross Profit

Our consolidated gross profit for the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 increased to $77.7 million compared to $74.0 million for the same period of fiscal 2011.  For the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, our consolidated gross margin was 65.0 percent of sales compared to 63.9 percent for the corresponding period of fiscal 2011.  The slight increase in gross margin was primarily due to increased book royalties in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and increased licensee royalty revenues in the three quarters ended May 26, 2012.

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and AdministrativeOur SG&A expenses increased $2.8 million compared to the prior year.  As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses increased to 53.2 percent compared to 52.4 percent of sales in the first three quarters of fiscal 2011.  The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to 1) a $2.0 million increase in non-cash share-based compensation costs, primarily resulting from performance awards granted in fiscal 2011; 2) a $1.6 million increase in advertising and promotional costs that were primarily related to the launch of our new productivity offering The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity and the launch of new strategic marketing initiatives; and 3) a $0.9 million increase in associate costs resulting from increased commissions and bonuses on improved sales, and the addition of new personnel.  These increases were partially offset by 1) a $0.8 million decrease in rent and utilities expenses primarily as a result of reduced rent expense at our Japan office and reduced telephone and communication expenses; 2) a $0.6 million decrease in legal expenses resulting primarily from the settlement of certain litigation and the reimbursement of previously expensed legal costs; and 3) $0.3 million of decreased professional services costs compared to the prior year.

Depreciation – Our consolidated depreciation expense decreased by $0.3 million compared to the prior year primarily due to the full depreciation of certain capital assets during the quarter ended May 26, 2012.  We anticipate that depreciation expense will decrease compared to fiscal 2011 through the remainder of fiscal 2012.

AmortizationAmortization expense decreased by $0.9 million compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2011 due to the full amortization of certain intangible assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 of approximately 45 percent was higher than statutory combined rates primarily due to taxable interest income on outstanding management common stock loans and the tax differential on income subject to both foreign and U.S. taxation.  The effective tax rate for the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 includes the benefit of foreign tax credits to be claimed on our U.S. federal income tax returns.  The effective tax rate for the three quarters ended May 28, 2011 of approximately 69 percent did not include the benefit of such foreign tax credits because we did not initially believe the Company would be able to utilize the benefits during fiscal 2011.

However, due to the utilization of net loss carryforwards and other deferred income tax assets, we expect our cash paid for income taxes will remain significantly less than our income tax provision during the

 
15

 
 
 
foreseeable future.  During the three quarters ended May 26, 2012, we paid $1.7 million in cash for income taxes.  After utilization of these deferred tax assets, we expect our cash paid for income taxes to increase and match more closely a normalized provision for income taxes.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our liquidity at May 26, 2012 continued to be strong as we had $6.5 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to $3.0 million at August 31, 2011 and our net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) increased to $26.3 million at May 26, 2012 compared to $16.7 million at August 31, 2011.  Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from the sale of services and products in the normal course of business and proceeds from our revolving line of credit facility.

On March 13, 2012, we entered into the First Modification Agreement to our previously existing amended and restated secured credit agreement (the Restated Credit Agreement) with our existing lender.  The primary purpose of the Modified Agreement was to extend the maturity date of the Restated Credit Agreement, which originally expired on March 14, 2012.

Subsequent to May 26, 2012 we entered into the Second Modification Agreement to the Restated Credit Agreement.  The primary purpose of the Second Modification Agreement was to extend the maturity date of the credit facility from March 31, 2013 to March 31, 2015.  We wanted to ensure the availability of our line of credit facility over the next three years so that we can use excess cash to pursue special initiatives, such as the potential repurchase of shares of our common stock, and for other growth opportunities.

The Second Modification Agreement continues to provide a revolving line of credit facility with a maximum borrowing amount of $10.0 million with interest continuing at LIBOR plus 2.50 percent.  The other terms and conditions in the Second Modification Agreement are substantially the same as those defined in the Restated Credit Agreement.

The Second Modification Agreement requires us to be in compliance with specified financial covenants, including (a) a funded debt to EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and rental expense) ratio of less than 3.00 to 1.00; (b) a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than 1.5 to 1.0; and (c) an annual limit on capital expenditures (not including capitalized curriculum development) of $8.0 million.  The minimum net worth covenant was eliminated.  In the event of noncompliance with the financial covenants and other defined events of default, the lender is entitled to certain remedies, including acceleration of the repayment of amounts outstanding on the revolving line of credit facility and term loan.  At May 26, 2012, we believe that we were in compliance with the terms and covenants applicable to the Restated Credit Agreement and its applicable modifications.

At May 26, 2012, we had $3.3 million outstanding on our term loan and a zero balance outstanding on the revolving line of credit facility.  During a substantial portion of the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 we did not have a balance outstanding on the revolving line of credit facility.

In addition to our $10.0 million revolving line of credit facility and remaining term loan payable, we have a long-term lease on our corporate campus that is accounted for as a long-term financing obligation.

The following discussion is a description of the primary factors affecting our cash flows and their effects upon our liquidity and capital resources during the three quarters ended May 26, 2012.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Our cash provided by operating activities totaled $8.7 million for the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 compared to $6.2 million during the first three quarters of fiscal 2011.  The improvement was primarily due to improved operating income in the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 compared to

 
16

 


the first three quarters of the prior year.  Our primary source of cash from operating activities was the sale of services and goods to our customers in the normal course of business.  The primary uses of cash for operating activities were payments for selling, general, and administrative expenses, payments for direct costs necessary to conduct training programs, payments to suppliers for materials used in products sold, and to fund working capital needs.  Our primary sources and uses of cash from/for working capital included $0.6 million of cash from improved collections of accounts receivable and $6.7 million of cash used primarily to pay accrued bonuses and commissions from seasonally high amounts at August 31.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities and Capital Expenditures

During the three quarters ended May 26, 2012, we used $3.2 million of cash for investing activities.  Our uses of cash for investing activities were additional spending on curriculum development and the purchase of property and equipment in the normal course of business. We spent $1.8 million during the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 to develop various new offerings.  Our purchases of property and equipment, which totaled $1.4 million, consisted primarily of computer hardware, software, and office equipment.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities during the three quarters ended May 26, 2012 totaled $2.0 million.  Our primary uses of cash for financing activities were principal payments on our term loan and financing obligation that totaled $2.3 million.  These uses were partially offset by $0.3 million of cash received from participants in the employee stock purchase plan to purchase shares of our common stock.

During the quarter ended May 26, 2012 we announced the approval of a plan to repurchase up to $10.0 million of our common stock.  We intend to use available cash in excess of $10.0 million, provided we have no balance outstanding on our line of credit facility, for the purchases.  We anticipate that the purchases of our common stock under this approved plan will increase the use of cash for financing activities in future periods.

Sources of Liquidity

Going forward, we will continue to incur costs necessary for the operation and potential growth of our business and for other initiatives, such as the potential repurchase of shares of our common stock.  We anticipate using cash on hand, cash provided by the sale of services and products to our clients on the condition that we can continue to generate positive cash flows from operating activities, and other financing alternatives, if necessary, for these items.  We anticipate that our existing capital resources should be adequate to enable us to maintain our operations for at least the upcoming twelve months.  However, our ability to maintain adequate capital for our operations in the future is dependent upon a number of factors, including sales trends, our ability to contain costs, levels of capital expenditures, collection of accounts receivable, and other factors.  Some of the factors that influence our operations are not within our control, such as economic conditions and the introduction of new programs or 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 growth and capital requirements.  However, there can be no assurance such financing alternatives will be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.

Contractual Obligations

We have not structured any special purpose 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 1) lease payments resulting from the sale of our corporate campus (our financing obligation); 2) payments to HP Enterprise Services for outsourcing services related to information systems, warehousing, and distribution services; 3) minimum rent payments for office and warehouse space; 4) the repayment of our term note payable; and 5) short-term purchase obligations for inventory items and other products and

 
17

 


services used in the ordinary course of business.   There have been no significant changes to our expected required contractual obligations from those disclosed at August 31, 2011.

According to the terms of the agreements associated with the sale of the Consumer Solutions Business Unit assets that closed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we assigned the benefits and obligations relating to the leases of our retail stores to FC Organization Products, LLC (FCOP and formerly Franklin Covey Products), an entity of which we own approximately 19 percent.  However, we remain secondarily liable for these leases and may have to fulfill the obligations contained in the lease agreements, including making lease payments, if FCOP is unable to fulfill its obligations pursuant to the terms of the lease agreements.  Any default by FCOP in its lease payment obligations could provide us with certain remedies against FCOP, including potentially allowing us to terminate the Master License Agreement with FCOP.  If FCOP is unable to satisfy the obligations contained in the lease agreements and we are unable to obtain adequate remedies, our results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.

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.  For further information regarding our management common stock loan program, refer to Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.  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.


USE OF ESTIMATES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The significant accounting polices used to prepare our consolidated financial statements are outlined primarily in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements presented in Part II, Item 8 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.  Some of those accounting policies require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements.  We regularly evaluate our estimates and assumptions and base 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 within our control, but which may have an impact on these estimates and our actual financial results.

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

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenues primarily from the following sources:

·  
Training and Consulting Services – We provide training and consulting services to both organizations and individuals in leadership, productivity, strategic execution, goal alignment, sales force performance, and communication effectiveness skills.

·  
Products – We sell books, audio media, training accessories, and other related products.

We recognize 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 or determinable, and 4) collectability is reasonably assured.  For training and service sales, these conditions are

 
18

 


generally met upon presentation of the training seminar or delivery of the consulting services.  For product sales, these conditions are generally met upon shipment of the product to the customer.

Some of our training and consulting contracts contain multiple element deliverables that include training along with other products and services.  For transactions that contain more than one element, we recognize revenue in accordance with the guidance for multiple element arrangements using the relative selling price method.

Our international strategy includes the use of licensees in countries where we do not have a wholly-owned operation.  Licensee companies are unrelated entities that have been granted a license to translate our content and curriculum, adapt the content and curriculum to the local culture, and sell our training seminars and products in a specific country or region.  Licensees are required to pay us royalties based upon a percentage of their sales to clients.  We recognize royalty income each period based upon the sales information reported to us from our licensees.  Royalty revenue is reported as a component of training and consulting service sales in our consolidated income statements.

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

Share-Based Compensation

Our shareholders have approved a performance based long-term incentive plan (LTIP) that provides for grants of share-based performance awards to certain managerial personnel and executive management as directed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.  The number of common shares that are vested and issued to LTIP participants is variable and is based entirely upon the achievement of specified financial performance objectives during a defined performance period.  Due to the variable number of common shares that may be issued under the LTIP, we reevaluate our LTIP grants on a quarterly basis and adjust the number of shares expected to be awarded based upon actual and estimated financial results of the Company compared to the performance goals set for the award.  Adjustments to the number of shares awarded, and to the corresponding compensation expense, are made on a cumulative basis at the adjustment date based upon the estimated probable number of common shares to be awarded.

The analysis of our LTIP awards contain uncertainties because we are required to make assumptions and judgments about the eventual number of shares that will vest in each LTIP grant.  The assumptions and judgments that are essential to the analysis include forecasted sales and operating income levels during the LTIP service periods.  The evaluation of LTIP performance awards and the corresponding use of estimated amounts may produce additional volatility in our consolidated financial statements as we record cumulative adjustments to the estimated number of common shares to be awarded under the LTIP grants as described above.

During fiscal 2011 and in fiscal 2010, we have also granted share-based compensation awards that have a share price, or market based, vesting conditions.  As a result, we used a Monte Carlo simulation to determine the fair value and expected term of these awards.  The Monte Carlo pricing model required the input of subjective assumptions, including items such as the expected term of the options.  If factors change, and we use different assumptions for estimating share-based compensation expense related to these awards, our share-based compensation expense may differ materially from that recorded in the current period.

Accounts Receivable Valuation

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest.  The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable balance.  We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon historical write-off experience and current economic conditions and we

 
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review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts on a regular basis.  Receivable balances over 90 days past due, which exceed a specified dollar amount, are reviewed individually for collectability.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the probability for recovery is considered remote.  We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

Our allowance for doubtful accounts calculations contain uncertainties because the calculations require us to make assumptions and judgments regarding the collectability of customer accounts, which may be influenced by a number of factors that are not within our control, such as the financial health of each customer.  We regularly review the collectability assumptions of our allowance for doubtful accounts calculation and compare them against historical collections.  Adjustments to the assumptions may either increase or decrease our total allowance for doubtful accounts.  For example, a 10 percent increase to our allowance for doubtful accounts at May 26, 2012 would decrease our reported income from operations by approximately $0.1 million.

Inventory Valuation

Our inventories are primarily comprised of training materials and related accessories.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method.  Inventories are reduced to their fair market value through the use of inventory valuation reserves, which are recorded during the normal course of business.

Our inventory valuation calculations contain uncertainties because the calculations require us to make assumptions and judgments regarding a number of factors, including future inventory demand requirements and pricing strategies.  During the evaluation process we consider historical sales patterns and current sales trends, but these may not be indicative of future inventory losses.  While we have not made material changes to our inventory valuation methodology during the past three years, our 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.  If our estimates regarding consumer demand and other factors are inaccurate, we may be exposed to losses that may have an adverse impact upon our financial position and results of operations.  For example, a 10 percent increase to our inventory valuation reserves at May 26, 2012 would decrease our reported income from operations by $0.1 million.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible assets that are deemed to have an indefinite life and goodwill balances 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 was generated by the merger with the Covey Leadership Center and has been deemed to have an indefinite life.  This intangible asset is tested for impairment using the present value of estimated royalties on trade name related revenues, which consist primarily of training seminars and international licensee royalties.  Our goodwill was generated by the acquisition of CoveyLink Worldwide, LLC during fiscal 2009 and the subsequent payment of the first two of five contingent annual earnout payments contained in the acquisition agreement.

Our impairment evaluation calculations for goodwill and the Covey trade name contain uncertainties because they require us to make assumptions and apply judgment in order to estimate future cash flows, to estimate an appropriate royalty rate, and to select a discount rate that reflects the inherent risk of future cash flows.  Our valuation methodology for the Covey trade name has remained unchanged during the past three years.  However, if forecasts and assumptions used to support the carrying value of our indefinite-lived intangible asset change in future periods, significant impairment charges could result that would have an adverse effect upon our results of operations and financial condition.  The valuation methodologies for both indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill are also dependent upon the share price of our common stock and our corresponding market capitalization, which may differ from estimated royalties used in our annual impairment testing.  Based upon the fiscal 2011 evaluation of the Covey trade name and

 
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goodwill, our trade-name related revenues, licensee royalties, and overall sales levels would have to suffer significant reductions before we would be required to impair them.  However, future declines in our share price may trigger additional impairment testing and may result in impairment charges.

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 their remaining useful lives in determining whether the carrying value of the assets is recoverable.  If the carrying values of the assets exceed the anticipated future cash flows of the assets, we calculate an impairment loss.  The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to the asset’s estimated fair value, which may be based upon discounted cash flows over the estimated remaining useful life of the asset.  If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis, which is then depreciated or amortized over the remaining useful life of the asset.  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.

Our impairment evaluation calculations contain uncertainties because they require us to make assumptions and apply judgment in order to estimate future cash flows, forecast the useful lives of the assets, and select a discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows.  Although we have not made any material recent changes to our long-lived assets impairment assessment methodology, if forecasts and assumptions used to support the carrying value of our long-lived tangible and definite-lived intangible assets change in the future, significant impairment charges could result that would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Income Taxes

We regularly evaluate our United States federal and various state and foreign jurisdiction income tax exposures.  We account for certain aspects of our income tax provision using the provisions of FASC 740-10-05 (formerly FIN 48), which addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements.  We may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position.  The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon final settlement.  The provisions of FASC 740-10-05 also provide guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest, and penalties on income taxes, accounting for income taxes in interim periods, and require increased disclosure of various income tax items.  Taxes and penalties are components of our overall income tax provision.

We record previously unrecognized tax benefits in the financial statements when it becomes more likely than not (greater than a 50 percent likelihood) that the tax position will be sustained.  To assess the probability of sustaining a tax position, we consider all available evidence.  In many instances, sufficient positive evidence may not be available until the expiration of the statute of limitations for audits by taxing jurisdictions, at which time the entire benefit will be recognized as a discrete item in the applicable period.

Our unrecognized tax benefits result from uncertain tax positions about which we are required to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions.  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

 
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benefit to reflect these revised estimates.  Our effective income tax rate is also affected by changes in tax law and the results of tax audits by various jurisdictions.  Although we believe that our judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we could be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.

We establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when we estimate it is more likely than not that the tax assets will not be realized.  The determination of whether valuation allowances are needed on our deferred income tax assets contains uncertainties because we must project future income, including the use of tax-planning strategies, by individual tax jurisdictions.  Changes in industry and economic conditions and the competitive environment may impact the accuracy of our projections.  We regularly assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized and determine if adjustments to our valuation allowance are necessary.


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

Certain written and oral statements made by the Company in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the Exchange Act).  Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” or words or phrases of similar meaning.  In our reports and filings we may make forward looking statements regarding our expectations about future sales levels, future training and consulting sales activity, anticipated expenses, the adequacy of existing capital resources, our ability to maintain adequate capital for our operations, expected levels of depreciation and amortization expense, expectations regarding tangible and intangible asset valuations, expectations regarding future tax liabilities and offsetting credits, the seasonal fluctuations in cash used for and provided by operating activities, expected improvements in cash flows from operating activities, future compliance with the terms and conditions of our line of credit, anticipated purchases of shares of our common stock, expected repayment of amounts receivable from FC Organizational Products LLC, estimated capital expenditures, and cash flow estimates used to determine the fair value of long-lived assets.  These, and other forward-looking statements, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties are disclosed from time to time in reports filed by us with the SEC, including reports on Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the matters discussed in Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011, entitled “Risk Factors.”  In addition, such risks and uncertainties may include unanticipated developments in any one or more of the following areas:  unanticipated costs or capital expenditures; difficulties encountered by HP Enterprise Services in operating and maintaining our information systems and controls, including without limitation, the systems related to demand and supply planning, inventory control, and order fulfillment; delays or unanticipated outcomes relating to our strategic plans; dependence on existing products or services; the rate and consumer acceptance of new product introductions; competition; the number and nature of customers and their product orders, including changes in the timing or mix of product or training orders; pricing of our products and services and those of competitors; adverse publicity; and other factors which may adversely affect our business.

The risks included here are not exhaustive.  Other sections of this report may include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance.  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

 
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statements.  Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not rely on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

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

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


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes from the information previously reported under Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.  During the quarter or three quarters ended May 26, 2012, we did not utilize any foreign currency or interest rate derivative instruments.


ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

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

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


 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.         RISK FACTORS

For further information regarding our Risk Factors, please refer to Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.


Item 2.            UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On March 26, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a plan to purchase up to $10.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  We intend to use available cash exceeding $10.0 million to make the purchases.  All previously existing common stock repurchase plans were canceled and the new common share repurchase plan does not have an expiration date.

The actual timing, number, and value of common shares repurchased under the plan will be determined at our discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including, among others, general market and business conditions, the trading price of common shares, and applicable legal requirements.  The Company has no obligation to repurchase any common shares under the authorization, and the repurchase plan may be suspended, discontinued, or modified at any time for any reason.

There were no purchases of our common stock during the quarter ended May 26, 2012.


Item 6.            EXHIBITS

(A)  
Exhibits:

 
10.1
First Modification Agreement by and between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Franklin Covey Co., dated March 13, 2012 (filed as exhibit 10.1 to a current report on Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 
10.2
Consent and Agreement of Guarantor by and among Franklin Covey Co., Franklin Development Corporation, Franklin Covey Travel, Inc., Franklin Covey Client Sales, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 13, 2012 (filed as exhibit 10.2 to a current report on Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 
10.3
Second Modification Agreement by and between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Franklin Covey Co., dated June 15, 2012 (filed as exhibit 10.1 to a current report on Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

 
10.4
Consent and Agreement of Guarantor by and among Franklin Covey Co., Franklin Development Corporation, Franklin Covey Travel, Inc., Franklin Covey Client Sales, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated June 15, 2012 (filed as exhibit 10.2 to a current report on Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

                                    31.1  
Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer.**
                                    31.2  
Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications of the Chief Financial Officer.**

 
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                                     32  
Section 1350 Certifications.**

 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 
** Filed herewith.

 
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SIGNATURES

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

         
     
FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
         
         
Date:
July 3, 2012
 
By:
/s/ Robert A. Whitman
       
Robert A. Whitman
       
Chief Executive Officer
         
         
Date:
July 3, 2012
 
By:
/s/ Stephen D. Young
       
Stephen D. Young
       
Chief Financial Officer