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

 
Form 10-K 




  
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 20172020
 
 
OR 
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___ TO  ___ 
 
 

Franklin Covey Co.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
  

 
Utah
 1-11107
 87-0401551
 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 (Commission File No.)
 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
2200 West Parkway Boulevard
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119-2331 
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) 
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (801) 817-1776  
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of Each Class
Trading
Symbol
 Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.05 Par ValueFCNew York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 
None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o ☐     No ☑

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes ☐     No ☑



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    No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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    No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 

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

Large accelerated filerAccelerated Filer
 
Accelerated Filer
 ☑

Non-accelerated Filer
 £
Smaller Reporting Company
 ☑

Emerging growth company
 Accelerated filer  

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

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

As of February 28, 2017,2020, the aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $171.7$378.2 million, which was based upon the closing price of $17.95$31.45 per share as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.

As of October 31, 2017,2020, the Registrant had 13,702,75914,025,413 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Parts of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is scheduled to be held on January 26, 2018,22, 2021, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.






FranklinCovey
Franklin Covey Co.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
  
2
 
Business
2
 
Risk Factors
10
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
 20
19
 
Properties
 21
20
 
Legal Proceedings
 21
20
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
 22
20
   22
20
 
Market for the Registrant'sRegistrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 22
20
 
Selected Financial Data
 25
23
 Management's
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 26
24
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 51
43
 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 53
45
 
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 100
91
 
Controls and Procedures
 100
91
 
Other Information
 101
92
   101
92
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 101
92
 
Executive Compensation
 102
93
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 102
93
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 103
94
 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 103
94
   104
95
 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
95
Form 10-K Summary
98
 104
   108
99





1


PART I

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains "forward-looking statements"“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.  Statements about future sales, costs, margins, cost savings, foreign currency exchange rates, earnings, earnings per share, cash flows, plans, objectives, expectations, growth, profitability, or profitabilityrecovery from the COVID-19 pandemic are forward-looking statements based on management'smanagement’s estimates, assumptions, and projections.  Words such as "could," "may," "will," "should," "likely," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates,"“could,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” and variations on such words, including similar expressions, are used to identify these forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are only predictions, subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this, and other reports, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and elsewhere.  Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict.  Risks, uncertainties, and other factors that might cause such differences, some of which could be material, include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under the section of this report entitled "Risk“Risk Factors."

Forward-looking statements in this report are based on management'smanagement’s current views and assumptions regarding future events and speak only as of the date when made.  Franklin Covey Co. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the federal securities laws.

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "the“the Company," "Franklin” “Franklin Covey," "us,"” “us,” we," and "our"“our” refer to Franklin Covey Co. and its subsidiaries.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General Information

Franklin Covey is a global company focused on organizational performance improvement.  Our mission is to "enable“enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere," and our global structure is designed to help individuals and organizations achieve sustained superior performance through changes in human behavior.  From the foundational work of Dr. Stephen R. Covey in leadership and personal effectiveness, and Hyrum W. Smith in productivity and time management, we have developed deep expertise that extends to helping organizations and individuals achieve lasting behavioral change in seven crucial areas: Leadership, Execution, Productivity, Trust, Sales Performance, Customer Loyalty, and Educational Improvement.change.  We believe that our clients are able to utilize our content and offerings to create cultures whose hallmarks are high-performing, collaborative individuals, led by effective, trust building leaders who execute with excellence and deliver measurably improved results for all of their key stakeholders.

The Company was incorporated in 1983 under the laws of the state of Utah, and we merged with the Covey Leadership Center in 1997 to form Franklin Covey Co.  Our consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20172020 totaled $185.3$198.5 million and our shares of common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "FC."“FC.”

Our fiscal year ends on August 31 of each year.  Unless otherwise noted, references to fiscal years apply to the 12 months ended August 31 of the specified year.

The Company'sCompany’s principal executive offices are located at 2200 West Parkway Boulevard, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119-2331, and our telephone number is (801) 817‑1776.  Our website is www.franklincovey.com.


Recent
Business DevelopmentsDevelopment

Our business is currently structured around two divisions, the Enterprise Division and the Education Division.  The Enterprise Division consists of our Direct Office and International Licensee segments and is focused on selling our offerings to corporations, governments, not-for-profits, and other related organizations.  Franklin Covey offerings delivered through the Enterprise Division are designed to help organizations and individuals achieve their own great results.  Our Education Division is centered around the principles found in the Leader in Me and is dedicated to helping educational institutions build cultures that will produce great results, including increased student performance, improved school culture, and increased parental and teacher involvement.

During fiscal 2016, we introduced the All Access Pass (AAP), which we believe is a ground-breaking subscription service that allows our clients unlimited access to our content through an electronic portal.  We believe the All Access PassAAP is a revolutionary and innovative way to deliver our content to clients of various sizes, including large, multinational organizations.organizations, in a flexible and cost-effective manner.  Clients may utilize complete offerings such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity, or use individual concepts from any of our well-known offerings to create a custom solution to fit their organizational or individual training needs.  During fiscal 2017, we invested significant capital to further develop the AAP offering and increase its usefulness to our clients.  We are currently translating AAP materials into 15 additional languages and completing significant upgrades of the AAP portal.  These enhancements to the AAP are expected to be launched in fiscal 2018.

While we anticipated thatSince the introduction of the All Access Pass, we have invested in additional implementation specialists to provide our clients with the direction necessary to create meaningful impact journeys using our tools and content.  An impact journey is a customized plan to utilize the content and offerings on the AAP wouldto achieve a client’s specific goals and to provide them with the keys to obtain maximum value from the pass.  We have also translated All Access Pass materials into numerous additional languages, which allows the AAP to be disruptiveused effectively by multinational entities and provides for greater international sales opportunities.  The AAP is primarily sold through our Enterprise Division.

In our Education Division, we have launched the Leader in Me membership, which provides access to our current business, especially during the transitionLeader in Me online service, and authorizes use of Franklin Covey’s proprietary intellectual property.  The Leader in Me online service provides access to this new business model, westudent leadership guides, leadership lessons, illustrated leadership stories, and a variety of other resources to enable an educational institution to effectively implement and utilize the Leader in Me program.  We believe that the AAPtools and resources available through the Leader in Me membership will provide long-term benefitsmeasurable results that are designed to develop student leadership, improve school culture, and increase academic proficiency.

We believe that continued investments in personnel, content, and technological innovation are key to subscription service renewals and the future growth of our clients and to our financial results.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we decided to allow new AAP agreements to receive updated content throughout the contracted period.  As a result of this decision, we are required to defer substantially all AAP revenue at the inception of the agreement and recognize the revenue over the life of the corresponding contract.  This decision had a significant impact on our fiscal 2017 financial statements, especially reported revenue, as we deferred significant AAP contract revenues.  However, we anticipate that the recognition of deferred AAP sales will benefit future periods and reduce seasonal revenue fluctuations.offerings.

In addition to the continuedinternal development of our offerings as previously described, we have sought to grow our sales through acquisitions of businesses and content licenses, and opening new international offices.  Over previous years, these activities have included the following:

License of “Multipliers” Leadership Content – During late fiscal 2019, we obtained a license to develop and sell leadership offerings based on the bestselling book Multipliers by Liz Wiseman.  We launched the new programs based on Multipliers content in August 2020.  The initial term of this license will expire on August 31, 2029.

New Offices in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria – During fiscal 2019, we acquired the former independent licensee that provided services in these countries and transitioned the operations into directly owned offices.  We believe that we will be able to significantly grow our business in these countries through this acquisition.

Impact of COVID-19 on Franklin Covey

COVID-19 was first identified in China during December 2019, and subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.  Since its discovery, COVID-19 has surfaced in nearly all regions of the world and has produced travel restrictions and business slowdowns or shutdowns in affected areas.  As a result, COVID-19 has impacted our business globally, including our licensees, through office, government, and school closures.  In particular, these closures impacted our third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 as described throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020.


After strong financial performance during the first two quarters of fiscal 2020, our financial results in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  We closed our corporate offices and restricted travel to protect the health and safety of our associates and clients in an effort to slow the spread of the pandemic.  Our international direct offices also followed the same pattern of closures and restrictions on associate travel and delivery of our offerings.  These actions, and similar steps taken by most of our clients, resulted in decreased sales during the third and fourth quarters as previously scheduled onsite events, client-facilitated presentations, and coaching days were postponed or canceled.

However, during the widespread closure of offices, schools, and other gathering places, we accelerated our connection and engagement with clients through the use of our digital delivery systems, including the All Access Pass in the Enterprise Division and the Leader in Me subscription service in the Education Division.  Our subscription service clients are able to access content and programs from remote locations, which allows continued engagement of personnel and students during long periods of displacement from normal working or classroom conditions.  To be successful in our industry, it is important to create effective learning environments for our clients and students, and we madebelieve our previous investments in digital and remote delivery modalities are key to surviving and then thriving in the current environment.  According to the Training magazine 2020 Training Industry Report, most companies expect to retain at least some aspects of remote learning after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.  We believe our ability to deliver content and offerings over a numberbroad array of changesmodalities to suit a client’s needs will prove to be a valuable strategic advantage, and we believe these capabilities will accelerate our business in fiscal 2017, includingrecovery from the following:

·
New China Offices –On September 1, 2016 we opened three new sales offices in China.  These offices are located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.  Subsequent to August 31, 2017, we opened another sales office in Shenzhen, China.  Our sales operations in China were previously managed by an independent licensee partner.

·
Acquisition of Robert Gregory Partners – In May 2017, we acquired the assets of Robert Gregory Partners, LLC (RGP), a corporate coaching firm with expertise in executive coaching, transition acceleration coaching, leadership development coaching, implementation coaching, and consulting.  We anticipate that RGP services and methodologies will become key offerings in our training and consulting business.
·
Acquisition of Jhana Education – In July 2017, we acquired the stock of Jhana Education (Jhana), a company that specializes in the creation and dissemination of relevant, bite-sized content and learning tools for leaders and managers.  We anticipate that the Jhana content and delivery methodologies acquired will become key features of our AAP offering.
·
License Rights for Intellectual Property – During fiscal 2017, we acquired the license rights for certain intellectual property owned by Higher Moment, LLC.  The intellectual property is in part based on works authored and developed by Dr. Clayton Christensen, a well-known author and lecturer, who is a member of our Board of Directors.  As we seek to expand offerings available on the AAP, we anticipate additional purchases or licenses of intellectual propertyeffects of the pandemic and will generate increased opportunities in future periods.

For further information on the impacts of these activities on our operations, refer to Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as found in Item 7 of this report, and our consolidated financial statements and related footnotes located in Item 8.

Franklin Covey Services Overviewand Offerings

We operate globally with one common brand and a business model designed to enable us to provide clients around the world with the same high level of service.  To achieve this high level of service we have sales and support associates in various locations around the United States and Canada, and operate wholly owned subsidiaries in Australia, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.  In foreign
locations where we do not have a directly owned office, we may contract with independent licensee partners who deliver our content and provide services in over 150 other countries and territories around the world.

Our mission is to "enable“enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere," and we believe that we are experts at solving certain pervasive, intractable problems, each of which requires a change in human behavior.  We seek to consistently deliver world-class content with the broadest and deepest distribution capabilities through the most flexible content delivery modalities.  We believe these characteristics distinguish us from our competitors as follows:

1.
World Class Content – Rather than rely on "flavor“flavor of the month"month” training fads, 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.  When our content is applied consistently in an organization, we believe the culture of that organization will change to enable the organization to achieve its own great purposes.  Our content is well researched, subjected to numerous field beta tests, and improved through a proven development process.

2.
Breadth and Scalability of Delivery Options – We have a wide range of content delivery options, including:  theThe All Access Pass andLeader in Me membership, other intellectual property licensing arrangements, on-site training, training led through certified facilitators, on-line learning, blended learning, and organization-wide transformational processes, including consulting and coaching.
coaching services.

3.
Global Capability– We not only operate domestically with sales personnel in the United States and Canada, but we also deliver content through our directly owned international offices and independently owned international licensee partnerslicensees who deliver our content in over 150 other countries and territories around the world.not covered by a directly owned office.  This capability allows us to deliver content to a wide range of customers, from large multinational corporations to smaller local entities.



We hold ourselves responsible for and measure ourselves by our clients'clients’ achievement of transformational results.

Our content and offerings are designed to help our clients achieve their own great purposes through a variety of resources, including best-selling books and audio, innovative and widely recognized thought leadership, and multiple delivery and teaching methods.  These elements allow us to offer our clients training and consulting solutions that are designed to improve individual and organizational behaviors, deliver content that adapts to an organization's unique needs, and provide meaningful improvements in our clients' business performance.  Further information about our content and services can be found on our website at www.franklincovey.com.www.franklincovey.com.  However, the information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website does not constitute any part of this Annual Report.

Segment InformationSeasonality

Our fourth quarter of each fiscal year typically has higher sales and operating income than other fiscal quarters primarily due to increased revenues in our Education Division (when school administrators and faculty have professional development days) and to increased sales that typically occur during that quarter from year-end incentive programs.  Overall, training sales are primarily comprisedmoderately seasonal because of the timing of corporate training, which is not typically scheduled as heavily during holiday and content sales and related products.  During fiscal 2017, we managed our business in four segments, which are primarily focused on targeted client markets.  These segments were as follows in fiscal 2017:

·
Direct Offices – This segment consists of our sales force that serves the United States and Canada; our international sales offices located in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and Australia; and our public programs group.
certain vacation periods.

·
Strategic Markets – This segment includes our government services office, the Sales Performance practice, the Customer Loyalty practice, and the "Global 50" group, which is specifically focused on sales to large, multi-national organizations.

·
Education practice – This segment is comprised of our domestic and international Education practice operations, which are centered on sales to educational institutions such as elementary schools, high schools, and colleges and universities.

·
International Licensees – This segment is primarily comprised of our international licensees' royalty revenues.

For financialOur Industry and other information regarding our operating segments, refer to the notes to our consolidated financial statements (Note 17).  For risks inherent in our foreign operations, refer to the risk factors identified in Item 1A and elsewhere in this Annual Report.

As we continue to transition to an AAP-focused business model, subsequent to August 31, 2017, we merged the Strategic Markets segment into the Direct Offices segment since our primary sales focus will be All Access Pass clients, Education clients, and our international licensee partners.

Industry InformationClients

According to the Training magazine 20172020 Training Industry Survey, the total size of the U.S. training industry is estimated to be $93.7 billion, which$82.5 billion.  The training industry is highly fragmented and includes a significant increase (32%) compared with the prior year.  Onewide variety of training and service providers of varying sizes.  We believe our competitive advantages in this highly fragmented industry stemsstem from our fully integrated principle-centered training offerings, measurement methodologies,our wide variety of delivery options, and various implementation tools to help organizations and individuals measurably improve their effectiveness.  This advantage allows us to deliver not only training to both corporations and individuals, but also to implement the training through the use of powerful behavior-changing tools with the capability to then measure the impact of the delivered content and solutions.

Clients

We have a relatively broad base of clients, which includes thousands of organizational, governmental, educational, and individual clients in both the United States and in other countries that are served through our directly owned operations.  We have thousands of additional organizational clients throughout the world, which are served through our global licensee partner network, and we believe that our content, in all its forms, delivers results that encourage strong client loyalty.  We are not dependent on a single client or industry group, and during the periods presented in this report, none of our clients were responsible for more than ten percent of our consolidated revenues.

Over our history, we have provided content, services, and products to 97 of the Fortune 100 companies and more than 75 percent of the Fortune 500 companies.  We also provide content and services to a number of U.S. and foreign governmental agencies, as well as numerous educational institutions.  Due to the nature of our business, we do not have a significant backlog of orders.  Nearly all of our deferred revenue is attributable to subscription services for which we recognize revenue over the lives of the corresponding agreements.

Competition

We operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing global marketplace and compete with a variety of organizations of various sizes that offer services comparable with those that we offer.  The nature of the competition in the performance improvement industry, however, is highly fragmented with few large competitors.ours.  Based upon our fiscal 2017 consolidatedannual sales, of $185.3 million, we believe that we are a leadingsignificant competitor in the performance skills and education market.  Other significant comparative companies in the performance improvement market are Development Dimensionsthat compete with our Enterprise Division include: Design Dimension International, CRA International, Inc., Learning Tree International Inc., GP Strategies Corp., FTI Consulting, Inc., American Management Association, WilsonLinkedIn Learning, Forum Corporation, The Hackett Group, and the Center for Creative Leadership.Leadership, SkillSoft, and Vital Smarts.  Our Education Division competes with entities such as: Character Counts, Responsive Classroom, 7 Mindsets, Second Step, and K12.

We believe that the principal competitive factors in the industry in which we compete include the following:

·
Quality of offerings, services, and solutions

Skills and capabilities of people
·Skills and capabilities of people
Innovative training and consulting services combined with effective products
·Innovative training and consulting services combined with effective products
Ability to add value to client operations
·Ability to add value to client operations
Reputation and client references
·Reputation and client references
Pricing
·Price
Availability of appropriate resources
·Availability of appropriate resources
Global reach and scale
·Global reach and scale
Branding and name recognition in our marketplace
·Branding and name recognition in our marketplace

Given the relative ease of entry into the training market, the number of our competitors could increase, many of whom may imitate existing methods of distribution, or could offer similar content and programs at lower prices.  However, we believe that we have several areas of competitive differentiation in our industry.  We believe that our competitive advantages include: (1) the quality of our content, as indicated by our strong gross margins, branded content, and best-selling books; (2) the breadth of delivery options we are able to offer to customers for utilizing our content, including the All Access Pass,AAP and Leader in Me membership, digital presentations hosted by live presenters, live presentations by our own training consultants, live presentations though Company certified client-employed facilitators, intellectual property licensing, other web-based presentations, and film-based presentations; (3) our global reach, which allows truly multinational clients to scale our content uniformly across the globe, through our mix of direct offices and our global licensee network; and (4) the significant impact which our offerings can have on our clients'clients’ results.  Moreover,


We have a relatively broad base of clients, which includes thousands of organizational, governmental, educational, and individual clients in both the United States and in other countries that are served through our directly owned operations.  We have thousands of additional organizational clients throughout the world which are served through our global licensee partner network, and we believe that weour content, in all its forms, delivers results that encourage strong client loyalty.  Our clients are in a market leader in the U.S. in leadership, execution, productivity, and individual effectiveness content.

Seasonality

Our fourth quarterbroad array of each fiscal year typically has higher sales and operating income than other fiscal quarters primarily due to increased revenues in our Education practice (when school administrators and faculty have professional development days) and to increased sales that typically occur during that quarter resulting from year-end incentive programs.  Overall, training sales are moderately seasonal because of the timing of corporate training, which is not typically scheduled as heavily during holiday and certain vacation periods.

We believe that the recognition of deferred revenue from All Access Pass sales over the lives of the underlying arrangements will reduce some of the seasonality in our financial statements as described above.  However, the underlying sales activity as described above will continue to produce some measure of seasonality in our financial statements in future periods.

Manufacturing and Distribution

We do not manufacture any of our products.  We purchase our training materials and related products from various vendors and suppliers located both domestically and internationally,industries and we are not dependent upon any one vendor foron a single client or industry group.  During the productionperiods presented in this report, none of our training and related materials as the raw materialsclients were responsible for these products are readily available.  We currently believe that we have good relationships withmore than ten percent of our suppliers and contractors.  Our materials are primarily warehoused and distributed from an independent warehouse facility located in Des Moines, Iowa.consolidated revenues.

Trademarks, Copyrights, andOur Intellectual Property

Our success has resulted in part from our proprietary content, methodologies, and other intellectual property rights.  We seek to protect our intellectual property through a combination of trademarks, copyrights, and confidentiality agreements.  We claim rights for over 580640 trademarks in the United States and foreign countries, and we have obtained registration in the United States and numerous foreign countries for many of our trademarks including FranklinCovey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The 4 Disciplines of Execution, and The 7 Habits.  We consider our trademarks and other proprietary rights to be important and material to our business.

We claim over 200220 registered copyrights, and own sole or joint copyrights on our books, manuals, text and other printed information provided in our training programs, and other electronic media
products, including audio and video media.  We may license, rather than sell, facilitator workbooks and other seminar and training materials in order to protect our intellectual property rights therein.  We place trademark and copyright notices on our instructional, marketing, and advertising materials.  In order to maintain the proprietary nature of our product information, we enter into written confidentiality agreements with certain executives, product developers, sales professionals, training consultants, other employees, and licensees.

EmployeesOur Products and Sustainability

OneWe offer training materials and related accessories in either digital or paper formats.  Our printed training materials are primarily comprised of paper, which we believe is a renewable and sustainable resource.  We purchase our training materials and related products from various vendors and suppliers located both domestically and internationally, and we are not dependent upon any one vendor for the production of our training and related materials as the raw materials for these products are readily available.  Our training materials are primarily warehoused and distributed from an independent warehouse facility located in Des Moines, Iowa.

Human Capital

Our mission is to enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere.  To fulfill that mission and successfully implement our strategy, we must attract, develop, and retain highly qualified associates for each role in the organization.  Our goal is to have every employee feel they are a valued member of a winning team doing meaningful work in an environment of trust.  To accomplish this goal, we are focused on attracting, developing, and retaining talent while looking through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion in each area.  The following is a description of our efforts to manage human capital within our organization.

Attracting Talent

Our recruiting team and hiring managers begin with the creation of detailed job descriptions, containing clearly outlined skills and experience, necessary for success in each role.  We believe these steps are essential to effectively interview for identifiable skillsets and not just “personality fits.”  We have historically attracted “mission driven” people who care deeply about making a difference in the world.  Our recruiting and hiring efforts cast a wide net when looking for candidates by partnering with many groups and agencies including, alumni organizations, multiple diversity job boards, diversity career fairs, the Utah Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and Business Relations, and ElevatHER – an organization designed to promote women in leadership.  Through these efforts, from June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020, which are the annual dates of our Affirmative Action Plan year, over 71 percent of our new hires were women.  Currently, over 64 percent of our employee population are women and over 76 percent of our promotions during this same time period were women.


We also remain steadfast in our commitment to being an Affirmative Action Employer and have an objective to increase the population of our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) employees.  In an effort to increase the population of BIPOC employees, we have expanded our recruitment efforts.  We hope to increase the number of BIPOC applicants to ensure we are hiring the most important assets isqualified people while increasing our people.diversity.  We are also actively engaged in ensuring that out employee promotions are fair and equitable.

Developing Talent

We currently have approximately 940 associates, nearly all of whom are full-time employees, around the world who are dedicated to providing the best service possible for our clients.  The diverse and global makeup of our workforce allows us to serve a variety of clients with different needs on a worldwide basis.  We believe that creating an environment which encourages continual learning and development is essential for us to maintain a high level of service and to achieve our goal to have every employee feel they are committeda valued member of a winning team doing meaningful work in an environment of trust.  Franklin Covey is one of the premier training and consulting organizations in the world, and we develop and deliver various offerings, including leadership and individual effectiveness, to clients around the globe.  Our associates have unlimited access to our content and training through the All Access Pass, where they are able to experience the same high-quality solutions available to our clients.  During their first year, we encourage new associates to participate in our foundational offering, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which is used as the cultural operating system for our organization.  We are currently delivering our new Unconscious Bias training to our associates.  This program is designed to strengthen organizations by promoting the inclusion of various viewpoints from the natural talents and abilities of its people regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, or other differences.

In the event an employee is struggling with reaching their goals or producing the results required of their role, a thoughtful and thorough performance plan is created and implemented by their manager and our Chief People Officer.  The intent of the performance plan is to help the associate recalibrate and bring their performance up to expectations.  Through this transparent coaching process, struggling employees have been able to learn how to improve their performance and become engaged, successful contributors in their role.  We believe this process strengthens our associate base while reducing the cost of finding and training new associates.

Retaining Talent

The war for talent is real, and talented people are always in high demand.  During the period of June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020, our employee turnover rate in the United States and Canada was 10.7 percent, which we believe is reasonable for our industry and the make-up of our workforce.  To retain our associates, we believe it is critical to continually focus on making sure our employees are highly engaged and feel valued.  We address these retention efforts in a number of ways, including training our leaders in our solution entitled, The 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team.  Our employee retention practices include holding consistent, effective one-on-one interviews, where leaders regularly take time to connect with their employees, and to understand what is working well for them and what is not working so well.  Based on these interviews, leaders are encouraged to “clear the path” of those things which may be holding the employee back.  We are also focused on creating a culture of feedback, where feedback for both leaders and employees is a normal and helpful part of how work gets done.  We believe these efforts are key to creating an atmosphere of continuous improvement.

Our compensation plans are audited periodically to confirm ongoing pay equity.  We provide a generous personal time off benefit as well as a flexible and inclusive holiday schedule, reflecting the diversity of our workforce and the celebration of various cultural and religious affiliations.  We also offer 100% salary continuance for up to 12 weeks in a rolling 12-month period, for qualifying medical leaves, and provide many other “employee minded” benefits.


Our focus on human capital has been a hallmark of FranklinCovey for decades, understanding that people truly are a company’s most valuable asset, and that culture is an organization’s ultimate competitive advantage.  In 2017, our Organization and Compensation Committee determined to make Talent Stewardship a standing agenda item at committee meetings.  The committee is actively involved in helping to determine best practices and implement new and innovative ways to help us continually improve in attracting, developing, and retaining quality personnel and actively strive to reinforce our employees' commitment to our clients, and to our mission, vision, culture, and values through the creation of a motivational and rewarding work environment.top talent for Franklin Covey.

We currently have approximately 850 associates.  None of our associates are represented by a union or other collective bargaining group.  Management believes that its relations with its associates are good and we do not currently foresee a shortage in qualified personnel needed to operate and grow our business.

Information About Our Executive Officers

TheOn November 7, 2019, we appointed Paul S. Walker as President and Chief Operating Officer of Franklin Covey Co. and on November 1, 2020, Scott J. Miller transitioned from his role as Executive Vice-President of Thought Leadership to that of an independent contractor and senior advisor to the Company’s thought leadership and marketing operations.  Each of the executive officers of Franklin Covey Co. atlisted below served with the described responsibilities throughout the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, were as follows:2020:

M. Sean Covey, 53,56, currently serves as Executive Vice President of Global Solutionsthe Franklin Covey Education Division, and Partnershipshas led the growth of this Division from its infancy to its status today.  The Education Division works with thousands of education entities throughout the world in Higher Education and Education Practice Leader,the K-12 market.  Mr. Covey previously ran the Franklin Covey international licensee network and has been an Executive Officer since September 2008.  Sean was formerly Senioralso served as the Executive Vice President of Innovations and Product Development from April 20062003 to September 2009,2018, where he led the development of nearly allmany of the Company's current organizationalCompany’s offerings, including: The 7 Habits curriculum; xQ;including the The 4 Disciplines of Execution; and The Leader in Me; and Leadership Greatness. Prior to 2006, Sean ran the Franklin Covey retail chain of stores, growing itstores.  Previous to $152 million in sales.  Before joining Franklin Covey, Sean worked for the Walt Disney Company, Trammel Crow Ventures, and Deloitte & Touche Consulting.  SeanMr. Covey is also thea New York Times best-selling author ofand has authored or coauthored several books, including The 4 Disciplines of Execution, The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make, the New York Times Best Seller The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, and the international bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, which has been translated into 20 languages and has sold over 4 million copies..  Sean graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor'sBachelor’s degree in English and later earned hisan MBA from the Harvard Business School.  Sean is the son of the late Dr. Stephen R. Covey.

Colleen Dom, 55,58, was appointed to be the Executive Vice-President of Operations in September 2013.  Ms. Dom began her career with the Company in 1985 and served as the first "Client“Client Service Coordinator," providing service and seminar support for some of the Company'sCompany’s very first clients.  Prior to her appointment as an Executive Vice President, Ms. Dom served as Vice President of Domestic Operations since 1997 where she had responsibility for the Company'sCompany’s North American operations, including client support, supply chain, and feedback operations.  During her time at Franklin Covey Co., Ms. DomColleen has been instrumental in creating and implementing systems and processes that have supported the Company'sCompany’s strategic objectives and has more than 3035 years of experience in client services, sales support, operations, management, and supply chain.  Due to her valuable understanding of the Company'sCompany’s global operations, Ms. Dom has been responsible for numerous key assignments that have enhanced client support, optimized operations, and built capabilities for future growth.  Prior to joining the Company, Ms. DomColleen worked in retail management and in the financial investment industry.

C. Todd Davis, 60,63, is an Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, and has been an Executive Officer since September 2008.  Todd has over 30 years of experience in training, training development, sales and marketing, human resources, coaching, and executive recruiting.  He has been with Franklin Covey for more than the past 2024 years.  Previously, ToddMr. Davis was a Director of our Innovations Group where he led the development of core offerings including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Signature Program and The 4 Disciplines of ExecutionHeTodd also worked for several
years as our Director of Recruitment and was responsible for attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent for the organization.  Prior to joining Franklin Covey, Mr. Davis worked in the medical industry for 9 years where he recruited physicians and medical executives along with marketing physician services to hospitals and clinics throughout the country.  Todd is the author of the recently releasedThe Wall Street Journal’s best-selling book, Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work and co-author of The Wall Street Journal’s best-selling book, .Everyone Deserves A Great Manager – The 6 Critical Practices for Leading A Team.


Scott J. Miller, 49,52, is the Executive Vice-President of Thought Leadership at Franklin Covey.  Mr. Miller, who has been with the Company for 24 years, was appointed aspreviously the Executive Vice-President of Business Development and Marketing inand has served as an executive of the Company since March 2012.  Mr. Miller, who has been with Franklin Covey for nearly 19 years, previously served as Vice-President of Business Development and Marketing.  Mr. Miller'sScott’s role as an Executive Vice-President caps 12 years on our front line, working with thousands of client facilitators across many markets and countries.  Prior to his appointment as Vice-President of Business Development and Marketing, Mr. Miller served as the general manager of our central regional sales office for six years.  Scott originally joined the Covey Leadership Center in 1996 as a client partner with the Education division.Division.  Mr. Miller started his professional career with the Disney Development Company, the real estate development division of the Walt Disney Company, in 1992.  During his time with the Disney Development Company, Scott identified trends and industry best practices in community development, education, healthcare, architectural design, and technology.  Mr. Miller received a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Rollins College in 1996.

Shawn D. Moon, 50, was the Executive Vice-President of Strategic Markets, where he was responsible for the Company's Government Sales, Sales Performance Practice, Customer Loyalty Practice, and Global 50 team.  Mr. Moon has been an Executive Officer since July 2010 and served previously as our Executive Vice-President of Global Sales and Delivery.  Mr. Moon has more than twenty-nine years of experience in sales and marketing, program development, and consulting services.  From November 2002 to June 2005, Shawn was a Principal with Mellon Financial Corporation where he was responsible for business development for their human resources outsourcing services.  Shawn also coordinated activities within the consulting and advisory community for Mellon Human Resources and Investor Solutions.  Prior to November 2002, he served as the Vice President of Business Development for our Training Process Outsourcing Group, managed vertical market sales for nine of our business units, and managed our eastern regional sales office.  Shawn received a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University in English Literature and he is the author of the books, The Ultimate Competitive Advantage: Why Your People Make All the Difference and the 6 Practices You Need to Engage Them; and Talent Unleashed: Three Leadership Conversations for Tapping the Unlimited Potential of People.
In September 2017, Mr. Shawn D. Moon left his full-time role with the Company.  Mr. Moon will continue to be involved with the Company on a part-time consulting basis in connection with the implementation of certain key initiatives, including speaking at key thought leadership events, helping to launch new books, and other activities.

Paul S. Walker, 42,45, is a 17-year veteran ofbeginning his twenty-first year with Franklin Covey Co.  On September 1, 2015,Today, Mr. Walker was appointed Executive Vice-President of Global Salesserves as the Company’s President and Delivery.  Mr. WalkerChief Operating Officer.  Paul began his career with Franklin Coveythe Company in 2000 in the role of business developer, was promotedand quickly moved to become a Client Partner and then to an Area Director.  In 2007, Mr. Walker became General Manager of the Company's central sales region, an 11-state area that also included Ontario, Canada.  PriorNorth America Central Region.  In 2014, Paul assumed responsibility for the Company’s United Kingdom operations in addition to working for Franklin Covey,his role as General Manager of the Central Region.  In 2016, Mr. Walker was a senior sales partner for Alexander's Digital Printingrelocated to the Company’s Salt Lake City, Utah headquarters where, prior to his current role, he served as Executive Vice President Global Sales and a middle-market pilot coordinator with New York Life.Delivery and as President of the Company’s Enterprise Division.  Mr. Walker graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

Robert A. Whitman, 64,67, has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since June 1999 and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 2000.  Mr. Whitman previously served as a director of the Covey Leadership Center from 1994 to 1997.  Prior to joining us, Mr. Whitman served as President and Co‑Chief Executive Officer of The Hampstead Group from 1992 to 2000 and is a founding partner at Whitman Peterson.  Mr. Whitman received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from the University of Utah and his MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Stephen D. Young, 64,67, joined FranklinCovey as Executive Vice President of Finance, was appointed Chief Accounting Officer and Controller in January 2001, Chief Financial Officer in November 2002, and Corporate Secretary in March 2005.  Prior to joining us, he served as Senior Vice-President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and director of international operations for Weider Nutrition for seven years; as Vice-President of Finance at First Health for ten years; and as an auditor at Fox and Company, a public accounting firm, for four years.  Mr. Young has more than 3540 years of accounting and management experience and is a Certified Public Accountant.  Mr. Young was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Brigham Young University.
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Available Information

We regularly file reports with the SEC.  These reports include, but are not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and security transaction reports on Forms 3, 4, or 5.  The public may read and copy any materials that the Company files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC also maintains electronic versions of the Company'sCompany’s reports, proxy and information statements, and other information that the Company files with the SEC on its website at www.sec.gov.www.sec.gov.

The Company makes our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and other reports filed or furnished with the SEC available to the public, free of charge, through our website at www.franklincovey.com.www.franklincovey.com.  These reports are provided through our website as soon as is reasonably practicable after we file or furnish these reports with the SEC.



ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Our business environment, current domestic and international economic conditions, ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical circumstances, and other specific risks may affect our future business decisions and financial performance.  The matters discussed below may cause our future results to differ from past results or those described in forward-looking statements and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and stock price, and should be considered in evaluating our Company.

The risks included here are not exhaustive.  Other sections of this report may include additional risk factors which could adversely affect our business and financial performance.  Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing global environment.  New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for 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 factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

COVID-19 Pandemic Risks

Our results of operations have been adversely affected and could be materially impacted in the future by the COVID-19, or coronavirus, pandemic.

The global spread of COVID-19 has created significant volatility, uncertainty, and economic disruption during fiscal 2020.  The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, operations, and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict, including:  the duration, scope, and severity of the pandemic; the ability to create effective vaccines and effective therapeutic treatments; governmental, business, and individuals’ actions that have been taken, and continue to be taken, in response to the pandemic; the impact of the pandemic on worldwide economic activity and actions taken in response; the effect on our clients, including educational institutions, and client demand for our services; our ability to sell and provide our services and solutions, including the impact of travel restrictions and from people working from home; the ability of our clients to pay for our services on a timely basis or at all; the ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and to access credit and capital markets as needed; and any closure of our offices.  Any of these events, or related conditions, could cause or contribute to the risks and uncertainties described in this section of our Annual Report and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and stock price.

Training Industry and Related Risks

We operate in an intensely competitive industry and our competitors may develop programs, services, or courses that adversely affect our ability to sell our offerings.

The training and consulting services industry is intensely competitive with relatively easy entry.  Competitors continually introduce new programs, services, and servicesdelivery methods that may compete directly with our offerings, or that may make our offerings uncompetitive or obsolete.  Larger competitors may have superior abilities to compete for clients and skilled professionals, reducing our ability to deliver quality work to our clients.  Some of our competitors may have greater financial and other resources than we do.  In addition, one or more of our competitors may develop and implement training courses or methodologies that may adversely affect our ability to sell our offerings and products to new clients.  Any one of these circumstances could have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain new business and successfully deliver our services.

The introduction of the All Access Pass has been disruptive to our business and may continue to create both operational and financial challenges during the transition to an All Access Pass focused business model.

In fiscal 2016, we introduced the All Access Pass, which is an internet-based platform that allows our clients to purchase unlimited access to our intellectual property for a specified period.  Clients may utilize entire training offerings or use individual portions of numerous programs to customize a training or personnel program that fits their needs.  We expected that the change to an AAP focused business model would be disruptive in the short term as we transition to the new business model, but we believe the benefits of the AAP to our clients and to our business will prove beneficial in future periods.

The change to an AAP-focused business model has required a transition both operationally, as our sales force adapts its structure and strategy to sell the AAP, and from an accounting and reporting point of view.  Operationally, the AAP sales cycle is typically longer than previous transactional type sales, such as facilitator and onsite programs.  We believe this change reflects the strategic nature of the AAP sale and the need for additional approvals at our clients.  In addition, we have reorganized our domestic sales force to focus on and support AAP sales and renewals.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we decided to allow new AAP intellectual property agreements to receive updated content throughout the contract period.  Accordingly, we are required to defer substantially all AAP revenues at the inception of the contracts and recognize the revenue over the life of the corresponding arrangement.
If we are unable to effectively adapt our sales force and sales strategy to sell the AAP, or if technological development of the AAP portal is delayed or not accepted by the market, the transition period to the AAP-focused business model may be lengthened and our financial results may be adversely affected.

The All Access Pass is an internet-based platform, and as such we are subject to increased risks of cyber-attacks and other security breaches that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

As part of selling the AAP, we collect, process, and retain a limited amount of sensitive and confidential information regarding our customers.  Because the AAP is an internet-based platform, our facilities and systems associated with the AAP may be vulnerable to external or internal security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, stolen intellectual property, programming or human errors, or other similar events.

The access by unauthorized persons to, or the improper disclosure by us of, confidential information regarding our customers or our own proprietary information, software, methodologies, and business secrets could result in significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, or a loss of confidence in the security of our systems, products, and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.  To the extent we are involved in any future cyber-attacks or other breaches, our brand and reputation could be affected, and these conditions could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Our results of operations could be adversely affected by economic and political conditions and the effects of these conditions on our clients'clients’ businesses and their levels of business activity.

Global economic and political conditions affect our clients'clients’ businesses and the markets in which they operate.  Our financial results are somewhat dependent on the amount that current and prospective clients budget for training.  A serious and/or prolonged economic downturn combined with a negative or uncertain political climate could adversely affect our clients'clients’ financial condition and the amount budgeted for training by our clients.  These conditions may reduce the demand for our services or depress the pricing of those services and have an adverse impact on our results of operations.  Changes in global economic conditions may also shift demand to services for which we do not have competitive advantages, and this could negatively affect the amount of business that we are able to obtain.  Such economic, political, and client spending conditions are influenced by a wide range of factors that are beyond our control and that we have no comparative advantage in forecasting.  If we are unable to successfully anticipate these changing conditions, we may be unable to effectively plan for and respond to those changes, and our business could be adversely affected.

Our business success also depends in part upon continued growth in the use of training and consulting services and the renewal of existing contracts by our clients.  In challenging economic environments, our clients may reduce or defer their spending on new services and consulting solutions in order to focus on other priorities.  At the same time, many companies have already invested substantial resources in their current means of conducting their business and they may be reluctant or slow to adopt new approaches that could disrupt existing personnel and/or processes.  If growth in the general use of training and consulting services in business or our clients'clients’ spending on these items declines, or if we cannot convince our clients or potential clients to embrace new services and solutions, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
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In addition, our business tends to lag behind economic cycles and, consequently, the benefits of an economic recovery following a period of economic downturn may take longer for us to realize than other segments of the economy.

We have only a limited ability to protect our intellectual property rights, which are important to our success.

Our financial success is partially dependent on our ability to protect our proprietary offerings and other intellectual property.  The existing laws of some countries in which we provide services might offer only limited protection of our intellectual property rights.  To protect our intellectual property, we rely upon a combination of confidentiality policies, nondisclosure and other contractual arrangements, as well as copyright and trademark laws.  The steps we take in this regard may not be adequate to prevent or deter infringement or other misappropriation of our intellectual property, and we might not be able to detect unauthorized use of, or take appropriate and timely steps to enforce, our intellectual property rights, especially in foreign jurisdictions.

The loss of proprietary content or the unauthorized use of our intellectual property may create greater competition, loss of revenue, adverse publicity, and may limit our ability to reuse that intellectual property for other clients.  Any limitation on our ability to provide a service or solution could cause us to lose revenue-generating opportunities and require us to incur additional expenses to develop new or modified solutions for future engagements.

We could have liability or our reputation could be damaged if we do not protect client data or if our information systems are breached.

We are dependent on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information and to communicate between our locations around the world and with our clients.  Security breaches of this infrastructure could lead to shutdowns or disruptions of our systems and potential unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.  We are also required at times to manage, utilize, and store sensitive or confidential client or employee data.  As a result, we are subject to numerous U.S. and foreign jurisdiction laws and regulations designed to protect this information, such as the various U.S. federal and state laws governing the protection of individually identifiable information.  If any person, including any of our associates, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to such data or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to monetary damages, fines, and/or criminal prosecution.  Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or employee data, whether through systems failure, employee negligence, fraud, or misappropriation could damage our reputation and cause us to lose clients.

Legal requirements relating to the collection, storage, handling, and transfer of personal data continue to evolve.  For example, the European Union and the U.S. formally entered into a new framework in July 2016 that provides a mechanism for companies to transfer data from European Union member states to the U.S.  This new framework, called the Privacy Shield, is intended to address shortcomings identified by the European Court of Justice in a predecessor mechanism.  The Privacy Shield and other mechanisms are likely to be reviewed by the European courts, which may lead to uncertainty about the legal basis for data transfers across the Atlantic.  Ongoing legal reviews may result in burdensome or inconsistent requirements affecting the location and movement of our customer and internal employee data as well as the management of that data.  Compliance may require
changes in services, business practices, or internal systems that may result in increased costs, lower revenue, reduced efficiency, or greater difficulty in competing with foreign-based firms.  Failure to comply with existing or new rules may result in significant penalties or orders to stop the alleged noncompliant activity.

We depend on key personnel, the loss of whom could harm our business.

Our future success will depend, in part, on the continued service of key executive officers and personnel.  The loss of the services of any key individuals could harm our business.  Our future success also depends on our ability to identify, attract, and retain additional qualified senior personnel.  Competition for such individuals in our industry is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel.

If we are unable to attract, retain, and motivate high-quality employees, including sales personnel and training consultants, and other key training representatives, we may not be able to grow our business as projected or may not be able to compete effectively.

Our success and ability to grow are partially dependent on our ability to hire, retain, and motivate sufficient numbers of talented people with the increasingly diverse skills needed to serve our clients and grow our business.  Competition for skilled personnel is intense at all levels of experience and seniority.  There is a risk that we will find it difficult to hire and retain a sufficient number of employees with the skills or backgrounds we require, or that it will prove difficult to retain them in a competitive labor market.  If we are unable to hire and retain talented sales and delivery employees with the skills, and in the locations, we require, we might not be able to grow our business at projected levels or may not be able to effectively deliver our content and services.  If we need to hire additional personnel to maintain a specified number of sales personnel or are required to re-assign personnel from other geographic areas, it could increase our costs and adversely affect our profit margins.  In addition, the inability of newly hired sales personnel to achieve projected sales levels may inhibit our ability to attain anticipated growth.

Our work with governmental clients exposes us to additional risks that are inherent in the government contracting process.

Our clients include national, state, provincial, state, and local governmental entities, and our work with these governmental entities has various risks inherent in the governmental contracting process.  These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

·Governmental entities typically fund projects through appropriated monies.  While these projects are often planned and executed as multi-year projects, the governmental entities usually reserve the right to change the scope of, or terminate, these projects for lack of approved funding and other discretionary reasons.  Changes in governmental priorities or other political developments, including disruptions in governmental operations, could result in changes in the scope of, or in termination of, our existing contracts.
Governmental entities typically fund projects through appropriated monies.  While these projects are often planned and executed as multi-year projects, the governmental entities usually reserve the right to change the scope of, or terminate, these projects for lack of approved funding and other discretionary reasons.  Changes in governmental priorities or other political developments, including disruptions in governmental operations, could result in changes in the scope of, or in termination of, our existing contracts.

·Governmental entities often reserve the right to audit our contract costs, including allocated indirect costs, and conduct inquiries and investigations of our business practices with respect to our government contracts. If the governmental entity finds that the costs are not reimbursable, then we will not be allowed to bill for those costs or the cost must be refunded to the client if it has already been paid to us. Findings from an audit also may result in our being required to prospectively adjust previously agreed upon rates for our work, which may affect our future margins.
Governmental entities often reserve the right to audit our contract costs, including allocated indirect costs, and conduct inquiries and investigations of our business practices with respect to our government contracts.  Findings from an audit may result in our being required to prospectively adjust previously agreed upon rates for our work, which may affect our future margins.

If a governmental client discovers improper activities in the course of audits or investigations, we may become subject to various civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, which may include termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspensions, or debarment from doing business with other agencies of that government.

·If a governmental client discovers improper activities in the course of audits or investigations, we may become subject to various civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, which may include termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspensions or debarment from doing business with other agencies of that government.  The inherent limitations of internal controls may not prevent or detect all improper or illegal activities, regardless of their adequacy.

·Political and economic factors such as pending elections, the outcome of elections, revisions to governmental tax policies, sequestration, debt ceiling negotiations, and reduced tax revenues can affect the number and terms of new governmental contracts signed.
Political and economic factors such as pending elections, the outcome of elections, revisions to governmental tax policies, sequestration, debt ceiling negotiations, and reduced tax revenues can affect the number and terms of new governmental contracts signed.

The occurrences or conditions described above could affect not only our business with the particular governmental agency involved, but also our business with other agencies of the same or other governmental entities.  Additionally, because of their visibility and political nature, governmental contracts may present a heightened risk to our reputation.  Any of these factors could have an adverse effect on our business or our results of operations.

OurCybersecurity and Information Technology Risks

The All Access Pass and Leader in Me online service are internet-based platforms, and as such we are subject to increased risks of cyber-attacks and other security breaches that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

As part of selling subscription-based services, we collect, process, and retain a limited amount of sensitive and confidential information regarding our customers.  Because our subscription services are internet-based platforms, our facilities and systems may be vulnerable to external or internal security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, stolen intellectual property, programming or human errors, or other similar events.

The access by unauthorized persons to, or the improper disclosure by us of, confidential information regarding our customers or our own proprietary information, software, methodologies, and business secrets could result in significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, or a loss of confidence in the security of our systems, products, and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operationsoperations.  To the extent we are involved in any future cyber-attacks or other breaches, our brand and cash flowsreputation could be affected, and these conditions could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We could incur additional liabilities or our reputation could be damaged if we do not protect client data or if our information systems are breached.

We are dependent on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information and to communicate between our locations around the world and with our clients.  Security breaches of this infrastructure could lead to shutdowns or disruptions of our systems and potential unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.  We are also required at times to manage, utilize, and store sensitive or confidential client or employee data.  As a result, we are subject to numerous U.S. and foreign jurisdiction laws and regulations designed to protect this information, such as the various U.S. federal and state laws governing the protection of individually identifiable information.  If any person, including any of our associates, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to such data or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to monetary damages, fines, and/or criminal prosecution.  Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or employee data, whether through systems failure, employee negligence, fraud, or misappropriation could damage our reputation and cause us to lose clients.



Legal requirements relating to the collection, storage, handling, and transfer of personal data continue to evolve.  For example, the European Union and the U.S. formally entered into a new framework in July 2016 that provided a mechanism for companies to transfer data from European Union member states to the U.S.  On July 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (the Court of Justice) invalidated the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework on the grounds that the Privacy Shield failed to offer adequate protections to E.U. personal data transferred to the United States.  On August 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the European Commission announced new discussions to evaluate the potential for an enhanced E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield framework to comply with the July 16 judgment of the Court of Justice.  The Privacy Shield and other data protection mechanisms face a number of legal challenges by both private parties and regulators, which may be adversely affected if FC Organizational Products LLC is unablelead to payuncertainty about the working capital settlement, reimbursable acquisitionlegal basis for data transfers across the Atlantic.  Ongoing legal reviews may result in burdensome or inconsistent requirements affecting the location and movement of our customer and internal employee data as well as the management of that data.  Compliance may require changes in services, business practices, or internal systems that may result in increased costs, lower revenue, reduced efficiency, or reimbursable operating expenses.greater difficulty in competing with foreign-based firms.  Failure to comply with existing or new rules may result in significant penalties or orders to stop the alleged noncompliant activity.

In fiscal 2008,addition, during May 2018 the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became effective in the European Union.  The GDPR imposes strict requirements on the collection, use, security, and transfer of personal information in and from European Union member states.  The GDPR is designed to unify data protection within the European Union under a single law, which may result in significantly greater compliance burdens and costs related to our European Union operations and customers.  Under GDPR, fines of up to 20 million Euros or up to four percent of the annual global revenues of the infringer, whichever is greater, could be imposed.  Although GDPR applies across the European Union, local data protection authorities still have the ability to interpret GDPR, which may create inconsistencies in application on a country-by-country basis.  Furthermore, as the United Kingdom transitions out of the European Union, we sold our planning products operationmay encounter additional complexity with respect to FC Organizational Products, LLC (FCOP)data privacy and data transfers from the United Kingdom.  We have implemented new controls and procedures, including a team dedicated to data protection, to comply with the Privacy Shield and the requirements of GDPR, which were effective for us in May 2018.  However, these new procedures and controls may not be completely effective in preventing unauthorized breaches of personal data.

Other governmental authorities throughout the U.S. and around the world are considering similar types of legislative and regulatory proposals concerning data protection.  For example, in June 2018, the State of California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the CCPA), an entity in which we ownwas effective on January 1, 2020.  The CCPA requires companies that process information on California residents to make new disclosures to consumers about their data collection, use and sharing practices, and allows consumers to opt out of certain data sharing with third parties and provides a 19.5 percent interest.  Accordingnew cause of action for data breaches.  However, legislators have stated that they intend to propose amendments to the agreements associated withCCPA, and it remains unclear what, if any, modifications will be made to the sale, we were entitledCCPA or how it will be interpreted.  Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission and many state attorneys general are interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws to receive a $1.2 million payment for working capital delivered on the closing date of the sale and to receive $2.3 million as reimbursement for specified costs necessary to complete the transaction.  Payment for these costs was originally due in January 2009, but we extended the due date of the payment at FCOP's request and obtained a promissory note from FCOPimpose standards for the amount owed, plus accrued interest.  At the time we received the promissory note from FCOP, we believed that weonline collection, use, dissemination and security of data.  Each of these privacy, security, and data protection laws and regulations could obtain payment for the amounts owed, based on prior year performanceimpose significant limitations, require changes to our business, or restrict our use or storage of personal information, which may increase our compliance expenses and forecasted financial performance in 2009.  However, the financial position of FCOP deteriorated significantly late in fiscal 2009 and the deterioration accelerated subsequentmake our business more costly or less efficient to August 31, 2009.  As a result of its deteriorating financial position, we reassessed the collectability of the promissory note.  Based on revised expected cash flows and other operational issues, we recorded a $3.6 million impaired asset charge against these receivables.

We also receive reimbursement from FCOP for certain operating costs, such as rent, and, although not required by governing documents or our ownership interest, we have previously provided working capital and other advances to FCOP.  At August 31, 2017, we had $1.7 million receivable from FCOP, net of related discount, which is recorded as an asset on our consolidated balance sheets.  Although we believe that we will obtain payment from FCOP for these receivables, the valuation of amounts receivable from FCOP is dependent upon the estimated future earnings and cash flows of FCOP.  If FCOP's estimated future earnings and cash flows decline, or if FCOP fails to pay amounts receivable and we fail to obtain payment on the previously impaired promissory note, our future cash flows and results of operations may be adversely affected.conduct.


We employ global best practices in securing and monitoring code, applications, systems, processes and data, and our security practices are regularly reviewed and validated by an external auditing firm.  However, these efforts may be insufficient to protect sensitive information against illegal activities and we may be exposed to additional liabilities from the various data protection laws enacted within the jurisdictions where we operate.

Our business is becoming increasingly dependent on information technology and will require additional cash investments in order to grow and meet the demands of our clients.

Since the introduction of our subscription services, our dependence on the use of sophisticated technologies and information systems has increased.  Moreover, our technology platforms will require continuing cash investments by us to expand existing offerings, improve the client experience, and develop complementary offerings.  Our future success depends in part on our ability to adapt our services and infrastructure while continuing to improve the performance, features, and reliability of our services in response to the evolving demands of the marketplace.  Failure to adapt and improve these areas could have an adverse effect on our business, including our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Liquidity and Capital Resource Risks

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness, and we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our payment obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our indebtedness depends on our future performance, including the performance of our subsidiaries, which will be affected by financial, business and economic conditions, competition, and other factors.  We are unable to control many of these factors, such as the general economy, economic conditions in the industries in which we operate, and competitive pressures.  Our cash flow may not be sufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness and to meet our other obligations.  If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to sell assets, seek additional capital, or restructure or refinance our indebtedness.  These alternative measures may be unsuccessful and we may not meet our scheduled debt service obligations.  In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements, including our 2019 Credit Facility and subsequent modifications, may restrict us from pursuing any of these alternatives.

In the event that we need to refinance all or a portion of our outstanding indebtedness before maturity or as it matures, we may not be able to obtain terms as favorable as the terms of our existing indebtedness or refinance our existing indebtedness at all.  If interest rates or other factors existing at the time of refinancing result in higher interest rates upon refinancing, we will incur higher interest expense.  Furthermore, if any rating agency changes our credit rating or outlook, our debt and equity securities could be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our financial condition and financial results.

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

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


We may need additional capital in the future, and this capital may not be available to us on favorable terms or at all.

We may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt offerings or equity financings in order to:

Develop new services, programs, or offerings
Take advantage of opportunities, including business acquisitions
Respond to competitive pressures

Going forward, we will continue to incur costs necessary for the day-to-day operation and potential growth of the business and may use our available revolving line of credit facility and other financing alternatives, if necessary, for these expenditures.  We obtained a new credit agreement in August 2019 with our existing lender that expires in August 2024.  We expect to regularly renew or amend our lending agreement in the future to maintain the availability of this credit facility.  Additional potential sources of liquidity available to us include factoring receivables, issuance of additional equity, or issuance of debt from public or private sources.  If necessary, we will evaluate all of these options and select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the associated cost of capital.

Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity could dilute current shareholders’ ownership percentage in us.  Furthermore, we may be unable to obtain the necessary capital on terms or conditions that are favorable to us, or at all.

Public Company Risks

We may fail to meet analyst expectations, which could cause the price of our stock to decline.

Our common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE, and at any given time various securities analysts follow our financial results and issue reports on us.  These periodic reports include information about our historical financial results as well as the analysts’ estimates of our future performance.  The analysts’ estimates are based on their own opinions and are often different from our estimates or expectations.  If our operating results are below the estimates or expectations of public market analysts and investors, our stock price could decline.  If our stock price is volatile, we may become involved in securities litigation following a decline in price.  Any litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources that are needed to successfully run our business.

Our business performance may not be sufficient for us to meet the financial guidance that we provide publicly.

We may provide financial guidance to the public based upon expectations regarding our financial performance.  While we believe that our annual financial guidance provides investors and analysts with insight into our view of the Company’s future performance, such financial guidance is based on assumptions that may not always prove to be accurate and may vary from actual results.  If we fail to meet the full-year financial guidance that we provide, or if we find it necessary to revise such guidance during the year, the market value of our common stock could be adversely affected.


Our future quarterly operating results are subject to factors that can cause fluctuations in our stock price.

Historically, our stock price has experienced significant volatility.  We expect that our stock price may continue to experience volatility in the future due to a variety of potential factors that may include the following:

Fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and cash flows
Increased overall market volatility
Variations between our actual financial results and market expectations
Changes in our key balances, such as cash and cash equivalents
Currency exchange rate fluctuations
Unexpected asset impairment charges
Increased or decreased analyst coverage

These factors may have an adverse effect upon our stock price in the future.

General Business Risks

Recent developments in international trade may have a negative effect on global economic conditions and our business, financial results, and financial condition.

The United States recently proposed and enacted certain tariffs.  In addition, there have been ongoing discussions and activities regarding changes to other U.S. trade policies and treaties.  In response, some countries in which we operate, including China, are threatening to implement or have already implemented tariffs on U.S. imports or otherwise imposed non-tariff barriers.  These developments may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and they may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between China and the United States.  Any of these factors could depress economic activity, create anti-American consumer sentiment, restrict our access to suppliers or customers, and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  In addition, any actions by non-U.S. markets to implement further trade policy changes, including limiting foreign investment or trade, increasing regulatory scrutiny or taking other actions which impact U.S. companies’ ability to obtain necessary licenses or approvals could negatively impact our business.

Our global operations pose complex management, foreign currency, legal, tax, and economic risks, which we may not adequately address.

We have sales offices in Australia, China, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the United Kingdom.  We also have licensed operations in numerous other foreign countries.  As a result of these foreign operations and their impact upon our financial statements, we are subject to a number of risks, including:

·
Restrictions on the movement of cash
·Burdens of complying with a wide variety of national and local laws

·The absence in some jurisdictions of effective laws to protect our intellectual property rights
·Political instability
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·Currency exchange rate fluctuations

·Longer payment cycles
Table of Contents
·Price controls or restrictions on exchange of foreign currencies

Burdens of complying with a wide variety of national and local laws, including tax laws
The absence in some jurisdictions of effective laws to protect our intellectual property rights
Political instability
Currency exchange rate fluctuations
Longer payment cycles
Price controls or restrictions on exchange of foreign currencies

For instance, on June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which a majority of voters chose to exit the European Union, commonly referred to as "Brexit."“Brexit.”  The outcome of this referendum produced significant currency exchange rate fluctuations and volatility in global stock markets and it is expected that themarkets.  The British government will commencehas commenced negotiations to determine the terms of Brexit.Brexit, but the terms have not yet been determined and the process and effects of such separation remain uncertain.  Given the lack of comparable precedent, the implications of Brexit or how such implications might affect us are unclear.  Brexit could, among other things, disrupt trade and the free movement of data, goods, services, and people between the United Kingdom and the European Union or other countries as well as create legal and global economic uncertainty.  These and other potential implications of Brexit could adversely affect our business and financial results.

We may experience foreign currency gains and losses.

Our sales outside of the United States totaled $48.0 million, or approximately 26 percent of consolidated sales, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.  As our international operations grow and become a larger component of our overall financial results, our revenues and operating results may be adversely affected when the dollar strengthens relative to other currencies and may be favorably affected when the dollar weakens.  In order to manage a portion of our foreign currency risk, we may make limited use of foreign currency derivative contracts to hedge certain transactions and translation exposure.  However, there can be no guarantee that our foreign currency risk management strategy will be effective in reducing the risks associated with foreign currency transactions and translation.

Our global operations expose us to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory requirements, and violation of these regulations could harm our business.

Because we provide services to clients in many countries, we are subject to numerous, and sometimes conflicting, regulations on matters as diverse as import/export controls, content requirements, trade restrictions, tariffs, taxation, sanctions, government affairs, internal and disclosure control obligations, data privacy, and labor relations.  Violations of these regulations in the conduct of our business could result in fines, criminal sanctions against us or our officers, prohibitions on doing business, and damage to our reputation.  Violations of these regulations in connection with the performance of our obligations to our clients also could result in liability for monetary damages, fines, unfavorable publicity, and allegations by our clients that we have not performed our contractual obligations.  Due to the varying degrees of development of the legal systems of the countries in which we operate, local laws may be insufficient to protect our rights.
15


In many parts of the world, including countries in which we operate, practices in the local business community might not conform to international business standards and could violate anticorruption regulations, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits giving anything of value intended to influence the awarding of government contracts.  Although we have policies and procedures to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, our employees, licensee operators, and agents could take actions that violate these requirements.  Violations of these regulations could subject us to criminal or civil enforcement actions, including fines and suspension or disqualification from United States federal procurement contracting, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business.

We have significant intangible assets, goodwill, and long-term asset balances that may fail to meet analyst expectations, which could cause the price of our stock tobe impaired if cash flows from related activities decline.

Due to the nature of our business, we have significant amounts of intangible assets, including goodwill, resulting from events such as the acquisition of businesses and the licensing of content.  Our intangible assets are evaluated for impairment based on qualitative factors or upon cash flows and estimated royalties from revenue streams (indefinite-lived intangible assets) if necessary.  Our goodwill is evaluated through qualitative factors and by comparing the fair value of the reporting units to the carrying value of our net assets if necessary.  Although our current sales, cash flows, and market capitalization are sufficient to support the carrying basis of these long-lived assets, if our sales, cash flows, or common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE, and at any given time various securities analysts follow our financial results and issue reports on us.  These periodic reports include information about our historical financial results as well as the analysts' estimates of our future performance.  The analysts' estimates are based on their own opinions and are often different from our estimates or expectations.  If our operating results are below the estimates or expectations of public market analysts and investors, our stock price could decline.  If our stock price is volatile,decline, we may become involved in securities litigation following a decline in price.  Any litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and resourcesbe faced with significant asset impairment charges that are needed to successfully run our business.

Our future quarterly operating results are subject to factors that can cause fluctuations in our stock price.

Historically, our stock price has experienced significant volatility.  We expect that our stock price may continue to experience volatility in the future due to a variety of potential factors that may include the following:

·Fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and cash flows
·Increased overall market volatility
·Variations between our actual financial results and market expectations
·Changes in our key balances, such as cash and cash equivalents
·Currency exchange rate fluctuations
·Unexpected asset impairment charges
·Increased or decreased analyst coverage

These factors maywould have an adverse effectimpact upon our stock price in the future.results of operations.

The sale of a large number of common shares by Knowledge Capital could depress the market price of our common stock.

Knowledge Capital Investment Group (Knowledge Capital), a related party primarily controlled by a member of our Board of Directors, holds 2.8 million shares, or approximately 21 percent, of our outstanding common shares.  On January 26, 2015, the SEC declared effective a registration statement on Form S-3 to register shares held by Knowledge Capital.  On May 20, 2015, Knowledge Capital sold 400,000 shares of our common stock on the open market and we did not purchase any of these shares.  The sale or prospect of the sale of a substantial number of the shares held by Knowledge Capital may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Our profitability will suffer if we are not able to maintain our pricing and utilization rates.

The profit margin on our services is largely a function of the rates we are able to recover for our services and the utilization, or chargeability, of our trainers, client partners, and consultants.  Accordingly, if we are unable to maintain sufficient pricing for our services or an appropriate utilization rate for our training professionals without corresponding cost reductions, our profit margin and overall profitability will suffer.  The rates that we are able to recover for our services are affected by a number of factors that we may be unable to control, including:

·Our clients' perceptions of our ability to add value through our programs and content
·Competition
·General economic conditions
·Introduction of new programs or services by us or our competitors
·Our ability to accurately estimate, attain, and sustain engagement sales, margins, and cash flows over longer contract periods

Our utilization rates are also affected by a number of factors, including:

·Seasonal trends, primarily as a result of scheduled training
·Our ability to forecast demand for our products and services and thereby maintain an appropriate headcount in our employee base
·Our ability to manage attrition

There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain favorable utilization rates in future periods.  Additionally, we may not achieve a utilization rate that is optimal for us.  If our utilization rate is too high, it could have an adverse effect on employee engagement and attrition.  If our utilization rate is too low, our profit margin and profitability may suffer.

If we are unable to collect our accounts receivable on a timely basis, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Our business depends on our ability to successfully obtain timely payment from our clients of the amounts they owe us for services performed.  We evaluate the financial condition of our clients and usually bill and collect on relatively short cycles.  However, as our sales to governmental entities, including school districts, continue to grow, our collection cycle may take longer due to procurement and payment procedures at these clients.  We maintain allowances against our receivables that we believe are adequate to reserve for potentially uncollectible amounts.  Actual losses on client balances could differ from those that we currently anticipate and, as a result, we may need to adjust our allowances.  In addition, there is no guarantee that we will accurately assess the creditworthiness of our clients.  Macroeconomic conditions could also result in financial difficulties for our clients, and as a result could cause clients to delay payments to us, request modifications to their payment arrangements that could increase our receivables balance, or not pay their obligations to us.  Timely collection of client balances also depends on our ability to complete our contractual commitments and bill and collect our invoiced revenues.  If we are unable to meet our contractual requirements, we might experience delays in collection of and/or be unable to collect our client balances, and if this occurs, our results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.

The Company'sCompany’s use of accounting estimates involves judgment and could impact our financial results.

Our most critical accounting estimates are described in Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis found in Item 7 of this report under the section entitled "Use“Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies."  In addition, as discussed in various footnotes to our financial statements as found in Item 8, we make certain estimates for loss contingencies, including decisions related to legal proceedings and reserves.  Because, by definition, these estimates and assumptions involve the use of judgment, our actual financial results may differ from these estimates.

Failure to comply with the terms  If our estimates or assumptions underlying such contingencies and conditions of our credit facility may have an adverse effect upon our business and operations.

Our secured credit facility requires us to be in compliance with customary non-financial terms and conditions as well as specified financial ratios.  Failure to comply with these terms and conditions or maintain adequate financial performance to comply with specific financial ratios entitles the lender to certain remedies, including the right to immediately call due any amounts outstanding on the line of credit.  Such events would have an adverse effect upon our business and operations as there can be no assurance thatreserves prove incorrect, we may be ablerequired to obtain other forms of financingrecord additional adjustments or raise additional capital on terms thatlosses relating to such matters, which would be acceptable to us.

We may need additional capital in the future, and this capital may not be available to us on favorable terms or at all.

We may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt offerings or equity financings in order to:

·Develop new services, programs, or offerings
·Take advantage of opportunities, including business acquisitions
·Respond to competitive pressures

Going forward, we will continue to incur costs necessary for the day-to-day operation and potential growth of the business and may use our available revolving line of credit facility and other financing alternatives, if necessary, for these expenditures.  Our existing credit arrangement expires on March 31, 2020 and we expect to regularly renew our lending agreement to maintain the availability of this credit facility.  Additional potential sources of liquidity available to us include factoring receivables, issuance of additional equity, or issuance of debt from public or private sources.  If necessary, we will evaluate all of these options and select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the associated cost of capital.

Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity could dilute current shareholders' ownership percentage in us.  Furthermore, we may be unable to obtain the necessary capital on terms or conditions that are favorable to us, or at all.


We may have exposure to additional tax liabilities.

As a multinational company, we are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes in both the United States and various foreign tax jurisdictions.  Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities.  In the normal course of a global business, there are many intercompany transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain.  As a result, we are routinely subject to audits by various taxing authorities.  Although we believe that our tax estimates are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that the final determination of these tax audits will not be different from what is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals.

We are also subject to non-income taxes such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, and property taxes in both the United States and various foreign jurisdictions.  We are routinely audited by tax authorities with respect to these non-income taxes and may have exposure from additional non-income tax liabilities.

We have significant intangible assets, goodwill, and long-term asset balances that may be impaired if cash flows from related activities decline.

At August 31, 2017 we had $57.3 million of intangible assets, which were primarily generated from the fiscal 1997 merger with the Covey Leadership Center, and $24.2 million of goodwill.  Our intangible assets are evaluated for impairment based on qualitative factors or upon cash flows (definite-lived intangible assets) and estimated royalties from revenue streams (indefinite-lived intangible assets) if necessary.  Our goodwill is evaluated through qualitative factors and by comparing the fair value of the reporting units to the carrying value of our net assets if necessary.  Our intangible assets, goodwill, and other long-term assets may become impaired if the corresponding cash flows associated with these assets decline in future periods or if our market capitalization declines significantly in future periods.  Although our current sales, cash flows, and market capitalization are sufficient to support the carrying basis of these long-lived assets, if our sales, cash flows, or common stock price decline, we may be faced with significant asset impairment charges that would have an adverse impact upon our results of operations.

International hostilities, terrorist activities, and natural disasters may prevent us from effectively serving our clients and thus adverselynegatively affect our operatingfinancial results.

Acts of terrorist violence, armed regional and international hostilities, and international responses to these hostilities, natural disasters, global health risks or pandemics, or the threat of or perceived potential for these events, could have a negative impact on our directly owned or licensee operations.  These events could adversely affect our clients' levels of business activity and precipitate sudden significant changes in regional and global economic conditions and cycles.  These events also pose significant risks to our people and to physical facilities and operations around the world, whether the facilities are ours or those of our alliance partners or clients.  By disrupting communications and travel and increasing the difficulty of obtaining and retaining highly skilled and qualified personnel, these events could make it difficult or impossible for us or our licensee partners to deliver services to clients.  Extended disruptions of electricity, other public utilities, or network services at our facilities, as well as system failures at, or security breaches in, our facilities or systems, could also adversely affect our ability to serve our clients.  While we plan and prepare to defend against each of these occurrences, we might be unable to protect our people, facilities, and systems against all such occurrences.  In addition, our information systems' disaster recovery plan may be insufficient to maintain our business at acceptable levels.  We generally do not have insurance for losses and interruptions caused by terrorist attacks, conflicts, and wars.  If these disruptions prevent us from effectively serving our clients or maintaining our other operations, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Ineffective internal controls could impact our business and operating results.

Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud.  Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.  If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results may be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations.


ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.






ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

OurAs of August 31, 2020, our principal executive offices are located in Salt Lake City, Utah occupy approximately 84,000 square feet of leased office space that is accounted for as a financing arrangement, which expires in 2025.  This facility accommodates our executive team and corporate administration, as of August 31, 2017, all of the facilities used inwell as other professionals.  The master lease agreement on our operations are leased.  Ourprincipal executive offices contains six five-year renewal options that may be exercised at our discretion.  Additionally, we occupy leased facilities primarily consist of sales and administrative offices both in the United States and various countries around the world and weas shown below.  These leased facilities are accounted for as operating leases.

We consider our existing facilities to be in good condition and suitable for our current and expected level of operations in the upcoming fiscal year and in future periods.

Our corporate headquarters lease is accounted for as a financing arrangement and all other facility lease agreements are accounted for as operating leases that expire at various dates through the year 2025.

Corporate Facilities
Corporate Headquarters and Administrative Offices:
Salt Lake City, Utah (7 buildings)

U.S./Canada Sales OfficesOffice
Regional Sales Offices:
United States (2 locations)Columbus, Ohio

International FacilitiesSales Offices
International Administrative/Sales Offices:Banbury, England
England (1 location)Tokyo, Japan
Japan (1 location)
China (3 locations)
China (1 retail store)

In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we restructured the operations of our domestic sales regions to focus on salesChina:  Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and support of the All Access Pass.  As part of this restructuring, we closed our three remaining sales offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; and Irvine, California.  Our two remaining sales offices in the United States are used by Robert Gregory Partners and Jhana Education, two businesses that we acquired during fiscal 2017.  During fiscal 2016, we restructured the operations of our Australian direct office.  As part of the restructuring we closed our sales offices located in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.  Sales personnel in Australia work from their home offices, similar to many of our sales personnel located in the U.S. and Canada.  There were no other significant changes to the properties used for our operations for the periods presented in this report.

Subsequent to August 31, 2017, we opened a new office and retail store in Shenzhen China.

A significant portion of our corporate headquarters campus located in Salt Lake City, Utah is subleased to multiple unrelated entities.


ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

WeFrom time to time, we are the subject of certain legal actions, which we consider routine to our business activities.  At August 31, 2017,2020, we believewere not party to any litigation or legal proceeding that, after consultation with legal counsel, any potential liability toin the Company under these actions will not materially affectcurrent opinion of management, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.  However, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings, actual results could differ from current expectations.

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ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S
ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "FC."  The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices per share of our common stock for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017 and 2016.“FC.”

  High  Low 
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017:      
Fourth Quarter $21.10  $17.35 
Third Quarter  22.30   15.20 
Second Quarter  21.45   16.95 
First Quarter  22.45   15.44 
         
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2016:        
Fourth Quarter $17.53  $13.45 
Third Quarter  18.14   13.83 
Second Quarter  18.28   14.36 
First Quarter  17.81   13.77 

We did not pay or declare dividends on our common stock during the fiscal years ended August 31, 20172020 or 2016.2019.  Any determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our results of operations, financial condition, terms of our financing arrangements, and such other factors as the board deems relevant.  We currently anticipate that we will retain all available funds to repay our obligations,liabilities, finance future growth and business opportunities, and to repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock.


As of October 31, 2017,2020, we had 13,702,75914,025,413 shares of common stock outstanding, which were held by 557523 shareholders of record.  A number of our shareholders hold their shares in street name; therefore, we believe that there are substantially more beneficial owners of our common stock.

Purchases of Common Stock by the Issuer

The following table summarizes theWe did not have any purchases of our common stock by monthly fiscal periods during the fourth quarter endedof fiscal 2020.

On November 15, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a new plan to repurchase up to $40.0 million of our outstanding common stock.  The previously existing common stock repurchase plan was canceled and the new common share repurchase plan does not have an expiration date.  Through August 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
Period
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
  
 
 
 
 
Average Price Paid
Per Share
  
 
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
  
 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs(1)
(in thousands)
 
June 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017  
-
  $-  
-
  $16,394 
                
July 1, 2017 to  July 31, 2017  
24,000
   
18.46
   
24,000
   
15,951
 
                 
August 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017  
153,089
   
18.14
   
153,089
   
13,174
 
                 
Total Common Shares(2)
  
177,089
  $18.18   
177,089
     

(1)
On January 23, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a new plan to repurchase up to $10.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock.  All previously existing common stock repurchase plans were canceled and the new common share repurchase plan does not have an expiration date.  On March 27, 2015, our Board of Directors increased the aggregate value of shares of Company common stock that may be purchased under the January 2015 plan to $40.0 million so long as we have either $10.0 million in cash and cash equivalents or have access to debt financing of at least $10.0 million.  Under the terms of this expanded common stock repurchase plan, we have purchased 1,539,828 shares of our common stock for $26.8 million through August 31, 2017.
our common stock for $0.2 million under the terms of this Board approved plan.

The actual timing, number, and value of common shares repurchased under this 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 hasWe have 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.

(2)
Amounts shown above exclude 6,365 shares of our common stock that were withheld for minimum statutory taxes on stock-based compensation awards issued to employees during the quarter ended August 31, 2017.  The withheld shares were valued at the market price on the date that the shares were distributed to participants and were acquired at a weighted average price of $19.14 per share.

Performance Graph

The following graph demonstrates a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns for Franklin Covey Co. common stock, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, and the S&P 600 Commercial & Professional Services Index.  The graph assumes an investment of $100 on August 31, 20122015 in each of our common stock, the stocks comprising the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, and the stocks comprising the S&P 600 Commercial & Professional Services Index.  Each of the indices assumes that all dividends were reinvested.






The stock performance shown on the performance graph above is not necessarily indicative of future performance. The Company will not make noror endorse any predictions as to our future stock performance.

The performance graph above is being furnished solely to accompany this reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.



ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related footnotes as found in Item 8 of this reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K.

August 31, 
2017(1)
  2016  
2015(2)
  
2014(2)
  
2013(2)
  
2020(1)
  2019  2018  
2017(2)
  2016 
In thousands, except per-share data                              
                              
Income Statement Data:                              
Net sales $185,256  $200,055  $209,941  $205,165  $190,924  
$
198,456
  
$
225,356
  
$
209,758
  
$
185,256
  
$
200,055
 
Gross profit  122,667   133,154   138,089   138,266   128,989  
145,370
  
159,314
  
148,289
  
122,667
  
133,154
 
Income (loss) from operations  (8,880)  13,849   19,529   24,765   21,614  
3,058
  
2,655
  
(3,366
)
 
(8,880
)
 
13,849
 
Income (loss) before income taxes  (10,909)  
11,911
   
17,412
   
21,759
   
19,398
  
796
  
592
  
(5,520
)
 
(10,909
)
 
11,911
 
Income tax benefit (provision)  3,737   (4,895)  (6,296)  (3,692)  (5,079) 
(10,231
)
 
(1,615
)
 
(367
)
 
3,737
  
(4,895
)
Net income (loss)  (7,172)  7,016   11,116   18,067   14,319  
(9,435
)
 
(1,023
)
 
(5,887
)
 
(7,172
)
 
7,016
 
                                   
Earnings (loss) per share:                                   
Basic $(.52) $.47  $.66  $1.08  $.83 
Diluted  (.52)  .47   .66   1.07   .80 
Basic and diluted 
$
(.68
)
 
$
(.07
)
 
$
(.43
)
 
$
(.52
)
 
$
.47
 
                                   
Balance Sheet Data:                                   
Total current assets $91,835  $89,741  $95,425  $93,016  $81,108  
$
101,664
  
$
119,340
  
$
100,163
  
$
91,835
  
$
89,741
 
Other long-term assets  16,925   13,713   14,807   14,785   9,875  
15,611
  
10,039
  
12,935
  
16,005
  
13,713
 
Total assets  210,731   190,871   200,645   205,186   189,405  
205,437
  
224,913
  
213,875
  
210,731
  
190,871
 
                                   
Long-term obligations  53,158   48,511   36,978   36,885   41,100  
51,056
  
46,690
  
50,936
  
53,158
  
48,511
 
Total liabilities  125,666   97,156   75,139   78,472   82,899  
145,984
  
142,899
  
133,375
  
125,666
  
97,156
 
                                   
Shareholders' equity  85,065   93,715   125,506   126,714   106,506 
Shareholders’ equity
 
59,453
  
82,014
  
80,500
  
85,065
  
93,715
 
                                   
Cash flows from operating activities $17,357  $32,665  $26,190  $18,124  $15,528  
$
27,563
  
$
30,452
  
$
16,861
  
$
17,357
  
$
32,665
 
_______________________

(1)
Our fiscal 2020 financial results were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which adversely impacted sales during our third and fourth quarters as governments and individuals implemented measures to slow the spread of the virus, including widespread shut downs of economies, businesses, and schools.  We reevaluated our deferred tax assets during fiscal 2020.  Because of cumulative pre-tax losses over the past three fiscal years, combined with the expected continued disruptions and negative impact to our business resulting from uncertainties related to the recovery from the pandemic, we were unable to overcome accounting guidance that it is more-likely-than-not that insufficient taxable income will be available to realize all of our deferred tax assets before they expire, primarily foreign tax credit carryforwards and a portion of our net operating loss carryforwards.  Accordingly, we added $11.3 million to the valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets in fiscal 2020.  For more information on our income taxes, refer to the notes to our financial statements found in Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.

(2)
During fiscal 2017 we decided to allow new All Access Pass intellectual property agreements to receive updated content throughout the contracted period.  Accordingly, we defer substantially all AAP revenues at the inception of the agreements and recognize the revenue over the lives of the arrangements.  The transition to the AAP model resulted in significantly reduced revenues and operating income during fiscal 2017.

(2)We elected to amend previously filed U.S. federal income tax returns to claim foreign tax credits instead of foreign tax deductions and recognized significant income tax benefits which reduced our effective income tax rate during these years.


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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following management'smanagement’s discussion and analysis is intended to provide a summary of the principal factors affecting the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, contractual obligations, and the critical accounting policies of Franklin Covey Co. (also referred to as we, us, our, the Company, and FranklinCovey)Franklin Covey) and subsidiaries.  This discussion and analysis should be read together with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) and the Risk Factors discussed in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.  Forward-looking statements in this discussion are qualified by the cautionary statement under the heading "Safe“Safe Harbor Statement Under Thethe Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Of 1995"1995” contained later in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

Non-GAAP Measures

This management’s discussion and analysis includes the concepts of adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) and “constant currency,” which are non-GAAP measures.  We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss excluding the impact of interest expense, income taxes, intangible asset amortization, depreciation, stock-based compensation expense, and certain other items such as adjustments to the fair value of expected contingent consideration liabilities arising from business acquisitions.  Constant currency is a non-GAAP financial measure that removes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and is calculated by translating the current period’s financial results at the same average exchange rates in effect during the prior year and then comparing this amount to the prior year.

We reference these non-GAAP financial measures in our decision making because they provide supplemental information that facilitates consistent internal comparisons to the historical operating performance of prior periods and we believe they provide investors with greater transparency to evaluate operational activities and financial results.  For a reconciliation of our segment Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, a comparable GAAP measure, please refer to Note 16 Segment Information to our consolidated financial statements as presented in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

General Overview

Franklin Covey Co. is a global company focused on individual and organizational performance improvement.  Our mission is to "enable“enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere," and our worldwide resources are organized to help individuals and organizations achieve sustained superior performance through changes in human behavior.  We believe that our content and services create the connection between capabilities and results. Our expertise and offerings extend to seven crucial areas:  Leadership, Execution, Productivity, Trust, Sales Performance, Customer Loyalty, and Educational Improvement.  We believe that our clients are able to utilize our content to create cultures whose hallmarks are high-performing, collaborative individuals, led by effective, trust-building leaders who execute with excellence and deliver measurably improved results for all of their key stakeholders.

In the training and consulting marketplace, we believe there are fourthree 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.  When our content is applied consistently in an organization, we believe the culture of that organization will change to enable the organization to achieve their own great purposes.  Our content isofferings are designed to build new skillsets, establish new mindsets, and provide enabling toolsets.

2.
Transformational Impact and Reach – We hold ourselves responsible for and measure ourselves by our clients' achievement of transformational results.  Our commitment to achieving lasting impact extends to all of our clients—from CEOs to elementary school students, and from senior management to front-line workers in corporations, governmental, and educational environments.
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3.2.
Breadth and Scalability of Delivery Options – We have a wide range of content delivery options, including: the All Access Pass, the Leader in Me membership, and other intellectual property licenses, digital online learning, on-site training, training led through certified facilitators, on-line learning, blended learning, and organization-wide transformational processes, including consulting and coaching.  We believe our investments in digital delivery modalities over the past few years have enabled us to deliver our content to clients in a high-quality learning environment whether those clients are working remotely or in a centralized location.

4.3.
Global Capability– We have sales professionals in the United States and Canada who serve clients in the private sector, in government, and in governmental organizations;educational institutions; wholly owned subsidiaries in Australia, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom;Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria; and we contract with independent licensee partners who deliver our content and provide services in over 150 other countries and territories around the world.

We hold ourselves responsible for and measure ourselves by our clients’ achievement of transformational results.

We have some of the best-known offerings in the training industry, including a suite of individual-effectiveness and leadership-development training content based on the best-selling books, The 7 Habits
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Table of Contents
of Highly Effective People, The Speed of Trust, Multipliers, and The 4 Disciplines of Execution, and proprietary content in the areas of Execution, Sales Performance, Productivity, Customer Loyalty, Leadership, and Education.  We believe that our content helpsofferings help individuals, teams, and entire organizations transform their results through achieving systematic, sustainable, and measurable changes in human behavior.  Our offerings are described in further detail at www.franklincovey.com.www.franklincovey.com.  The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website does not constitute a part of this annual report, and the descriptions found therein should not be viewed as a warranty or guarantee of results.

Our fiscal year ends on August 31, and unless otherwise indicated, fiscal 2017,2020, fiscal 2016,2019, and fiscal 20152018 refer to the twelve-month periods ended August 31, 2017, 2016, 2015,2020, 2019, 2018, and so forth.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Fiscal 2017 Business Development2020

DevelopmentCOVID-19 was first identified in China during December 2019, and subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.  Since its discovery, COVID-19 has surfaced in nearly all regions around the world and has resulted in government-imposed travel restrictions and business slowdowns or shutdowns in affected areas.  As a result, COVID-19 has impacted our business globally, including our licensees, through office and school closures.  In particular, these closures impacted our third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 as described throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020.

After strong financial performance during the first two quarters of fiscal 2020, our financial results in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting closure of offices and educational institutions throughout the United States and in the countries where we operate direct offices and contract with licensee partners to deliver our offerings.  We closed our corporate offices and restricted travel to protect the health and safety of our associates and clients in an effort to slow the spread of the All Access Passpandemic.  Our international direct offices also followed the same pattern of closures and restrictions on associate travel and delivery of our offerings.  These actions, and similar steps taken by most of our clients, resulted in decreased sales during the third and fourth quarters as previously scheduled onsite events, client-facilitated presentations, and coaching days were postponed or canceled.

During mid-2016,
25


Despite the difficult economic environment in the second half of fiscal 2020, we introducedwere pleased with the All Access Pass (AAP),continued strength of our subscription sales and the quick pivot to delivering content live-online and through our other digital modalities.  Our subscription service clients are able to access content and programs from remote locations, which allows continued engagement of personnel and students during long periods of displacement from normal working or classroom conditions.  To be successful in our industry, it is important to create effective learning environments for our clients unlimited accessand students, and we believe our previous investments in digital and remote delivery modalities are key to our intellectual property through an electronic portal.surviving and then thriving in the current environment.  According to the Training magazine 2020 Training Industry Report, most companies expect to retain at least some aspects of remote learning after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.  We believe the All Access Pass is a revolutionary and innovative wayour ability to deliver content and offerings over a broad array of modalities to clientssuit a client’s needs will prove to be a valuable strategic advantage, and we believe these capabilities will accelerate our recovery from the effects of the pandemic and will generate increased opportunities in future periods.  However, our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is dependent upon a number of factors, many of which are not within our control, such as the timing of re-opening national, state, and local economies; continuing effects of the pandemic on client operations; and other governmental responses to address the impacts of the pandemic.  We will continue to monitor these developments and their actual and potential impacts on our financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.

On March 27, 2020, in response to COVID-19, the United States government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act).  The CARES Act is a relief package consisting of various sizes, from large, multinational entities to smaller organizations that are seeking to improve their culture and results.  The All Access Pass allows our clients to: purchase unlimited access to our collection of best-in-class content to address their most important performance needs; assemble, integrate, and deliver that content through any of a broad combination of delivery modalities; have the help of our implementation specialists to design customized impact journeys; and do so at a very attractive price per person trained.  Clients may utilize complete offeringsstimulus measures, such as The 7 Habitstax payment deferrals, various business incentives, and makes certain technical corrections to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of Highly Effective People2017.  While beneficial to the economy and The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity, or use individual concepts from any of our well-known offerings to create a custom solution to fit their organizational or individual training needs.  During fiscal 2017, we invested significant capital to further developbusiness overall, the AAP offering and increase its functionality and usefulness to our clients.  We are currently translating AAP materials into 15 languages and completing significant upgradesenactment of the AAP portal.  These enhancements to the All Access Pass are expected to be launchedCARES Act and similar legislation in mid-fiscal 2018.

While we anticipated that the introduction of the AAP would be disruptive to our current business, especially during the transition to this new business model, we believe that the AAP will provide long-term benefits to our clients and to our financial results.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we decided to allow new AAP agreements to receive updated contentother countries throughout the contracted period.  Asworld did not have a result of this decision, we are required to defer substantially all All Access Pass revenues at the inception of the arrangements and recognize the revenue over the lives of the corresponding contracts.  This decision had a significantmaterial impact on our fiscal 20172020 consolidated financial statements, especially reported revenue, as we deferred significant AAP contract revenues.  However, we anticipate that the recognition of deferred AAP sales will benefit future periods and reduce seasonal revenue fluctuations.

Business Acquisitions

In May 2017, we acquired the assets of Robert Gregory Partners, LLC (RGP), a corporate coaching firm with expertise in executive coaching, transition acceleration coaching, leadership development coaching, implementation coaching, and consulting.  We recognized $1.2 million of sales from RGP in fiscal 2017, and we anticipate that RGP services and methodologies will become key offerings in our training and consulting business in future periods.

In July 2017, we acquired the stock of Jhana Education (Jhana), a company that specializes in the creation and dissemination of relevant, bite-sized content and learning tools for leaders and managers.  While our fiscal 2017 sales were not significantly impacted by the Jhana acquisition, we anticipate that the acquired Jhana content and delivery methodologies will become key features of our AAP offering.
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New China Direct Offices

On September 1, 2016 we opened three new sales offices in China.  These offices are located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.  During fiscal 2017, we recognized $11.0 million in sales from these new offices and we expect to see growth in fiscal 2018 and beyond as we develop our business in the China marketplace.  Subsequent to August 31, 2017, we opened another sales office in Shenzhen, China.  Prior to fiscal 2017, our sales operations in China were managed by an independent licensee partner.

Acquisition of Intellectual Property License Rights

During fiscal 2017, we acquired the license rights for certain intellectual property owned by Higher Moment, LLC.  The intellectual property is in part based on works authored and developed by Dr. Clayton Christensen, a well-known author and lecturer, who is a member of our Board of Directors.  As we seek to expand the content and offerings available on the All Access Pass, we anticipate additional purchases of intellectual property licenses in future periods.

The following is a description of the impact that these developments had on our financial results for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.statements.

Financial Overview

As previously mentioned,Our fiscal 2020 financial results are a tale of two halves.  After strong financial performance during the decision to allow new AAP contracts to receive updated contentfirst two quarters of fiscal 2020, our financial results in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Financial results in the first two quarters of fiscal 2020 showed strong growth in revenues, operating results, and cash flows over the livesprior year.  Consolidated sales through February 29, 2020 grew 8 percent, with Enterprise Division sales increasing $5.0 million, or 6 percent, and Education Division revenues increasing $1.9 million, or 10 percent, compared with the prior year.  Cash flows from operating activities increased 30 percent over the first two quarters of fiscal 2019.  Then, as the COVID-19 outbreak expanded in March 2020 and developed into a global pandemic, most of the arrangementsworld’s governments enacted strict measures to prevent people from gathering or meeting in person.  While we were able to continue to deliver content through our digital modalities and recognize subscription revenues, the in-person meeting restrictions had a significant impact on all of our fiscal 2017 financial results as we were required to defer substantially all AAP revenues atsegment operations during the inception of the contractsthird and recognize the revenue over the lives of the arrangements.  This change resulted in less recognized sales during fiscal 2017 compared with fiscal 2016 and increased deferred revenue on our balance sheet.  Since its introduction in the first quarterfourth quarters of fiscal 2016, AAP and AAP add-on amounts invoiced have grown steadily on a year-over-year basis, from $23.2 million in fiscal 2016 to $63.1 million in fiscal 2017, including unbilled deferred revenue from multi-year contracts2020 as described below.  At times we may invoice our clients in advancetransitioned to remote learning environments and previously scheduled training and coaching events were postponed or canceled.

Although the second half of fiscal 2020 was a difficult economic environment, our revenues were favorably impacted by the renewal service period, and depending upon the timingcontinued strength of AAP expansions and upgrades, renewal invoices may occur in a different quarter than the original invoice.  We believe that the transition toour subscription business, including the All Access Pass (AAP) in the Enterprise Division and the Leader in Me membership in the Education Division.  Throughout the pandemic, our AAP sales have been strong and resilient as new pass sales and multi-year contract sales increased over the prior year.  During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020, All Access Pass sales grew 15 percent compared with the prior year.  All Access Pass revenue retention remained strong and was over 90 percent for fiscal 2020.  Following the initial impact of the pandemic, our U.S.\Canada and governmental clients quickly transitioned to our digital delivery options, and by July our booking pace for add-on coaching and services was equal to that achieved in the prior year and then exceeded last year’s pace through August.  We remain optimistic that sales and revenue retention for All Access Pass subscription sales, and the booking pace for AAP-related add-on services will provide significantcontinue to be strong in future benefits to us as the average client sales size is expected to increase, the retention rateperiods.  Our China and Japan direct offices and many of our clients improves,licensee partners had just started to sell the abilityAll Access Pass and had not developed a strong base of subscription revenue at the onset of the pandemic.  These operations were highly dependent on the delivery of in-person training and stay-at-home restrictions made it necessary to reach additional customers expands,reschedule nearly all of their training and clients realize greater valuecoaching events.  As a result, sales declined disproportionately at these operations compared with our U.S./Canada operations.  However, these foreign offices are beginning to recover and we are optimistic that international momentum will continue to rebuild in fiscal 2021.  We were also encouraged by the performance of the Education Division in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020.  Despite the significant uncertainties in educational funding as a result of the pandemic, nearly 2,200 schools renewed their organizations through access to expanded contentLeader in Me memberships (a higher number than in fiscal 2019) and purchase additional services and training materials.

However, the changeCompany added 320 new schools to the AAP-focused business model has required a significant transition both operationally, as our sales force adapts its sales strategy, and from an accounting and reporting point of view.  Operationally, the AAP sales cycle is typically longer than previous transactional type sales for revenues such as facilitator and onsite contracts.Leader in Me program.  We believe this change reflectsperformance from the strategic nature of the AAP sale and the need for additional approvals at our clients.  During fiscal 2017, we also restructured our sales forceEducation Division was remarkable in the United Statescurrent education and Canada into teams that are designed to focus on the sale and support of AAP arrangements.economic environment.

We believe that
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Our subscription revenue grew 16 percent in fiscal 2018 will provide an inflection point in our financial operations when2020 compared with fiscal 2017 results.  As we recognize previously deferred AAP sales, continue to realize a similar dollar value of AAP renewals, and attract new clients, we believe that our financial results will improve over fiscal 2017 results.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we also introduced the opportunity for clients to purchase multi-year AAP contracts.prior year.  At August 31, 20172020, we had $16.5$68.9 million of deferred revenue compared with $65.8 million at August 31, 2019.  Consolidated deferred revenue reported above at August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 includes $2.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively, of deferred revenue that was classified as long-term based on expected recognition.  At August 31, 2020, our unbilled deferred revenue whichgrew 32 percent to $39.6 million compared with $29.9 million at the end of fiscal 2019.  At August 31, 2020, our deferred subscription revenue plus unbilled deferred subscription revenue totaled $100.2 million.  Unbilled deferred revenue represents business that is contracted, but unbilled and therefore excluded from our balance sheet.  We believe that multi-year contractual arrangements will provide value to our clients and a more predictable revenue stream for the Company.
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Including the factors noted above, our net sales in fiscal 2017 were $185.3 million compared with $200.1 million in fiscal 2016, and $209.9 million in fiscal 2015.  Deferred revenues on our balance sheet increased $20.7 million from August 31, 2016, to a total of $41.5 million at August 31, 2017.  Our fiscal 2017 fourth-quarter sales remained strong and totaled $59.5 million, which excludes a significant deferral of invoiced AAP contracts and multi-year contracts as described above.  The following table sets forth consolidated sales data by category and by our primary delivery channels (in thousands):

YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
 
 
2017
  
 
Percent change
  
 
2016
  
 
Percent change
  
 
2015
 
Sales by Category:               
Training and consulting services $177,816   (6) $189,661   (5) $198,695 
Products  3,881   (35)  6,009   (13)  6,885 
Leasing  3,559   (19)  4,385   1   4,361 
  $185,256   (7) $200,055   (5) $209,941 
                     
Sales by Segment:                    
Direct offices $96,662   (7) $103,605   (8) $113,087 
Strategic markets  22,974   (23)  29,819   (19)  37,039 
Education practice  44,122   8   40,844   21   33,681 
International licensees  13,571   (21)  17,113   3   16,547 
Corporate and other  7,927   (9)  8,674   (10)  9,587 
  $185,256   (7) $200,055   (5) $209,941 

Our gross profit in fiscal 2017 totaled $122.7 million, compared with $135.2 million in the prior year.  The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to sales activity as described above, and our decision to exit the publishing business in Japan during the third quarter of fiscal 2017.  Our gross margin, which is gross profit as a percent of sales, was 66.2 percent compared with 67.6 percent in fiscal 2016.  Excluding the impact of the charge to exit the Japan publishing business, which totaled $2.1 million, our gross margin was 67.4 percent for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

Our operating expenses increased $10.2 million compared with fiscal 2016, primarily due to a $7.6 million increase in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses; $1.5 million of contract termination costs; $0.7 million of increased restructuring costs; and $0.5 million of increased depreciation and amortization expense.  The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily related to opening three new sales offices in China; the addition of new sales and sales support personnel and increased travel to promote the AAP and new China offices; increased computer software costs primarily related the installation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system; and increased non-cash stock-based compensation expense.  These increases were partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease in contingent consideration costs resulting from a prior period business acquisition.

As a result of the factors noted above, our loss from operations in fiscal 2017 was $(8.9) million, compared with income of $13.8 million in the prior year.  Pre-tax loss for fiscal 2017 was $(10.9) million compared with pre-tax income of $11.9 million in fiscal 2016.  Our effective income tax benefit rate was approximately 34 percent in fiscal 2017 compared with an income tax rate of approximately 41 percent in fiscal 2016.  Our income tax benefit was $3.7 million in fiscal 2017 compared with an income tax provision of $4.9 million in fiscal 2016.  Net loss for fiscal 2017 was $(7.2) million in fiscal 2017, or $(.52) per share, compared with $7.0 million of net income, or $.47 per diluted share, in fiscal 2016.

Further details regarding these items can be found in the comparative analysis of fiscal 2017 with fiscal 2016 as discussed within this management's discussion and analysis.

During fiscal 2017, we invested our available cash and proceeds from our secured credit facility to make substantial and significant investments in our business that we believe will drive results and provide benefits in future periods.  We invested $7.3 million of cash to acquire RGP and Jhana during the last half of fiscal 2017; we used $7.2 million of cash to purchase property and equipment, which was primarily comprised of software for our new ERP system and a significant upgrade to our AAP portal; and we invested $6.5 million in new curriculum development, including the translation of AAP content into 15 languages.  We currently anticipate that the new ERP system and upgraded AAP portal will be completed and placed into service in fiscal 2018.
29

Our liquidity position remained healthy during fiscal 2017 and we had $8.9 million of cash and cash equivalents at August 31, 2017, with $25.6 million of remaining credit available on our revolving credit facility, compared with $10.5 million of cash at August 31, 2016.  During fiscal 2017 we also converted $10.0 million of borrowings on our revolving credit facility into term loans.  At August 31, 2017, we had $19.1 million payable on term loans to the lender on our secured credit facility.

Our primary source of cash is our ongoing business operations.  Historically, we have funded our operations, business acquisitions, capital purchases, curriculum development, and share repurchases from our operating activities and from our long-term revolving line of credit facility.  Our positive cash flows over the past three years have enabled us to repurchase $63.4 million of our common stock since September 1, 2014, including a $35.0 million tender offer that was completed in January 2016.  We anticipate that cash flows from our operating activities, proceeds from our line of credit facility, and term-loan borrowing will be sufficient to support our operations for the foreseeable future.  For further information regarding our cash flows and liquidity refer to the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion found later in this management's discussion and analysis.

Key Growth Objectives

We believe that our best-in-class content, combined with flexible delivery modalities and worldwide sales and distribution capabilities are the foundation for future growth at Franklin Covey.  Building on this foundation, we have identified the following key drivers of growth in fiscal 2018 and beyond:

·
New All Access Pass Sales and the Renewal of Existing Client Contracts – We are focused on sales of AAP contracts and have restructured our domestic sales force and sales support functions to more effectively sell and support the AAP.  We believe we are well positioned to expand sales of the All Access Pass in the United States and Canada and reach new clients.  The fiscal 2017 acquisition of Jhana Education is expected to attract new clients through its delivery of content in bite-sized modules.  We are currently in the process of translating AAP content into 15 new languages and expect to release the content and a new improved AAP portal in fiscal 2018.  These additional languages will allow us to launch the AAP at our offices in Japan and China, as well as with many of our licensee partners.

·
Education Segment Sales – Our Education segment has consistently grown over the past several years.  We intend to continue to invest in new content and additional sales personnel to reach out to new schools and retain existing schools.  We believe there are significant growth opportunities, both domestically and internationally, for our Education segment and its well-known The Leader in Me offering.

·
Growth of our Direct Office and International Licensee Channels – We are actively focused on growing the size and productivity of our direct office channel through expansion of our sales force to reach potential clients.  We believe that the structural changes made in fiscal 2017 will help us improve sales and lower costs in future periods.  In addition, we believe the acquisition of Robert Gregory Partners, LLC in fiscal 2017 will open new opportunities as we seek to expand our coaching business.  We are also actively seeking to expand the size and productivity of our international licensee partners through the development of additional content, such as the translated AAP offerings, and additional licensee support activities.

Another of our underlying strategic objectives is to consistently deliver quality results to our clients.  This concept is focused on ensuring that our content and offerings are best-in-class, and that they have a measurable, lasting impact on our clients' results.  We believe that measurable improvement in our clients' organizations is key to retaining current clients and to obtaining new sales opportunities.
30

Other key factors that influence our operating results include: the size and productivity of our sales force; the number and productivity of our international licensee operations; the number of organizations that are active customers; the number of people trained within those organizations; the continuation or renewal of existing services contracts, especially All Access Pass renewals; the availability of budgeted training spending at our clients and prospective clients, which, in certain content categories, can be significantly influenced by general economic conditions; and our ability to manage operating costs necessary to develop and provide meaningful training and related services and products to our clients.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth our consolidated net sales by division and by reportable segment for the fiscal years indicated the percentage of total sales represented by the line items through income or loss before income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.  This table should be read in conjunction with the accompanying discussion and analysis, the consolidated financial statements, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.(in thousands):

YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
 
 
2017
  
 
2016
  
 
2015
 
Sales:         
Training and consulting services  96.0%  94.8%  94.6%
Products  2.1   3.0   3.3 
Leasing  1.9   2.2   2.1 
Total sales  100.0   100.0   100.0 
             
Cost of sales:            
Training and consulting services  30.5   29.6   31.6 
Products  2.2   1.6   1.6 
Leasing  1.1   1.2   1.0 
Total cost of sales  33.8   32.4   34.2 
Gross profit  66.2   67.6   65.8 
             
Selling, general, and administrative  65.4   56.8   51.8 
Contract termination costs  0.8   -   - 
Restructuring costs  0.8   0.4   0.3 
Impaired assets  -   -   0.6 
Depreciation  2.1   1.9   2.0 
Amortization  1.9   1.6   1.8 
Total operating expenses  71.0   60.7   56.5 
Income (loss) from operations  (4.8)  6.9   9.3 
Interest income  0.2   0.2   0.2 
Interest expense  (1.3)  (1.1)  (1.0)
Discount on related party receivable  -   -   (0.2)
Income (loss) before income taxes  (5.9)%  6.0%  8.3%


FISCAL 2017 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 2016

Sales

We offer a variety of training courses, consulting services, and training-related products that are focused on solving organizational problems which require a change in human behavior.  Our training and consulting solutions are provided both domestically and internationally through the All Access Pass, our sales and delivery personnel, client facilitators, international licensees, and the internet on various web-based delivery platforms.  The following sales analysis for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 is based on activity through our operating segments as shown in the preceding comparative sales table.
31


Direct Offices – This channel includes our sales personnel that serve clients in the United States and Canada; our directly owned international offices in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and Australia; and our public program operations.  During fiscal 2017, our China sales offices recognized $11.0 million of sales, which was in line with our expectations for these new offices.  However, the increase in sales from the new China offices was offset by decreased domestic direct office revenues and decreased revenues from our office in the United Kingdom.  Our domestic direct office revenues decreased $14.2 million compared with the prior year primarily due to the transition to the AAP business model and decreased onsite revenues.  The majority of new AAP contract revenue was deferred and will be recognized over the lives of the underlying contracts.  Onsite presentation revenues during fiscal 2017 decreased $5.6 million compared to the prior year due to fewer days booked and discounted pricing available to AAP clients.

International direct office sales increased $7.6 million compared with the prior year due to the new China sales offices.  Partially offsetting the sales from the China was a $2.0 million decrease in sales at our office in the United Kingdom, a $0.8 million decrease in Japan, and a $0.7 million decrease in Australia.  The decrease in sales at the United Kingdom office was primarily due to the growth and deferral of AAP contract sales, a large contract that did not renew during fiscal 2017, and $0.6 million of adverse currency exchange impact during the year.  Our sales in Japan decreased due to reduced book publishing sales, which was primarily attributable to our decision to exit the publishing business in Japan during fiscal 2017.  Partially offsetting decreased publishing sales in Japan was a $1.0 million increase in training sales.  The decrease in sales in Australia was primarily due to the growth and deferral of AAP revenues during the year.  During fiscal 2017, combined foreign exchange rates had a $0.4 million adverse impact on international direct office sales, which was primarily attributable to the U.S. dollar strengthening against the British Pound.

Strategic Markets – This division includes our government services office, Sales Performance practice, Customer Loyalty practice, and the "Global 50" group, which is specifically focused on sales to large, multi-national organizations.  The decrease in Strategic Market segment sales was primarily due to a $5.3 million decrease in Sales Performance practice revenues; a $1.4 million decrease in Customer Loyalty practice revenues; and a $0.3 million decrease in Global 50 sales.  Sales Performance practice sales declined due to fewer new contracts obtained during the fiscal year.  Our Customer Loyalty practice sales decreased primarily due to the completion of certain contracts with certain large, multi-unit retailers and fewer new contracts to replace the lost revenue.  Partially offsetting these decreases was $1.2 million of coaching revenue from the recently completed acquisition of Robert Gregory Partners, LLC and a $0.2 million increase in government services sales.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we restructured the Sales Performance practice to incorporate client partners in the regional sales teams rather than as a stand-alone sales group and made leadership changes in this practice.  These changes are designed to improve sales in the Sales Performance practice during forthcoming periods.

Education Practice – Our Education practice division is comprised of our domestic and international Education practice operations (focused on sales to educational institutions) and includes our widely acclaimed The Leader In Me program designed for students primarily in K-6 elementary schools.  During fiscal 2017, we continued to see increased demand for The Leader in Me program in many school districts in the United States as well as in some international locations, which contributed to a $3.3 million, or 8 percent, increase in Education practice revenues compared with the prior year.  At August 31, 2017 over 3,500 schools around the world were using The Leader in Me curriculum.  We continue to make substantial investments in new sales personnel and content for our Education practice and expect that our sales will continue to grow compared with prior periods.

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 offerings to local preferences and customs, if necessary.  Our international licensee revenues decreased $3.5 million compared with the prior year.  The decrease was primarily
due to the conversion of our China licensee into a direct office ($2.5 million of royalty revenues during fiscal 2016) and by decreased sales at certain of our licensee partners during the fiscal year.  Foreign exchange rates did not have a material impact on licensee sales in fiscal 2017.

Corporate and other – Our "corporate and other" sales are mainly comprised of leasing, books and audio product sales, and shipping and handling revenues.  These sales declined primarily due to a $0.8 million decrease in leasing revenues.  Under the terms of a previously existing outsourcing services agreement, we were responsible for leasing space in our former warehouse.  However, the services contract expired in June 2016, and we are no longer responsible for leasing the former warehouse space.  The corresponding sublease agreement also expired, resulting in reduced lease revenue compared with the prior year.
Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
 
2020
  
%
change
  
2019
  
%
change
  
2018
 
Enterprise Division:
               
Direct offices 
$
139,780
   (11)

 
$
157,754
   8  
$
145,890
 
International licensees  
8,451
   (34)

  
12,896
   (3)

  
13,226
 
   
148,231
   (13)

  
170,650
   7   
159,116
 
Education Division
  
43,405
   (11)

  
48,880
   8   
45,272
 
Corporate and other
  
6,820
   17   
5,826
   8   
5,370
 
Consolidated sales
 
$
198,456
   (12)

 
$
225,356
   7  
$
209,758
 

Gross profit consists of net sales less the cost of services provided or the cost of goods sold.  Our cost of sales includes the direct costs of delivering content onsite at client locations, including presenter costs, materials used in the production of training products and related assessments, assembly, manufacturing labor costs, and freight.  Gross profit may be affected by, among other things, the mix of practice solutionsservices sold to clients, prices of materials, labor rates, changes in product discount levels, and freight costs.

Our  Consolidated cost of sales in fiscal 2020 totaled $62.6$53.1 million compared with $66.0 million in fiscal 2017 compared with $64.9 million in fiscal 2016.  Our gross profit for fiscal 2017 was $122.7 million compared with $135.2 million in fiscal 2016.2019.  The decrease in gross profit during fiscal 2017 was primarily due to decreased sales activity,in fiscal 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as described above, and our decision to exit the publishing business in Japan and write off the majority of our book inventory.above.  Our gross margin for fiscal 2017 was 66.2 percent of sales compared with 67.6 percent in fiscal 2016.  Excluding the impact of the $2.1 million charge to exit the Japan publishing business, our gross margin was 67.4 percentprofit for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

Operating Expenses2020 was $145.4 million, compared with $159.3 million in fiscal 2019.  Our gross margin, which is gross profit as a percent of sales, increased to 73.3 percent compared with 70.7 percent primarily due to increased subscription and digital delivery revenues when compared with the prior year.

Our operating expenses consistedin fiscal 2020 decreased $14.3 million compared with fiscal 2019.  The decrease was primarily due to a $10.6 million decrease in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses, and a $5.4 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense.  These decreases were partially offset by $1.6 million of restructuring costs.  Decreased SG&A expense was primarily related to decreased variable compensation such as commissions, bonuses, and incentives; decreased travel and entertainment; decreased contingent consideration liability expense; and cost savings from various areas of the Company’s operations in response to the pandemic-related reduction in sales.  We reevaluate our stock-based compensation instruments at each reporting date.  Due to the adverse impact of COVID-19 and uncertainties related to the expected recovery, we determined that certain tranches of previously granted performance awards would not vest prior to their expiration.  Based on our analyses, we reversed previously recognized stock-based compensation expense for these tranches during the third quarter of fiscal 2020, which resulted in a $0.6 million net credit to stock-based compensation for the year.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 we restructured certain areas of our operations to reflect changes in our strategy and client needs.  The restructuring costs totaled $1.6 million, which were comprised of severance costs for impacted personnel.

27


Our fiscal 2020 income from operations improved to $3.1 million compared with $2.7 million in fiscal 2019.  Fiscal 2020 pre-tax income was $0.8 million compared with $0.6 million in fiscal 2019, reflecting the items noted above.

Our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2020 was approximately 1,284 percent compared with an effective tax rate of approximately 273 percent in fiscal 2019.  The increased effective tax rate in fiscal 2020 was primarily due to $11.3 million of additional income tax expense from an increase in the valuation allowance against our deferred income tax assets, which was partially offset by a tax benefit resulting from the exercise of stock options by our CEO and CFO.  Our near break-even pre-tax income during fiscal years 2020 and 2019 greatly amplified the effect of non-temporary items on our effective tax rate in those years.

Net loss for the year ended August 31, 2020 was $(9.4) million, or $(.68) per share, compared with a loss of $(1.0) million, or $(.07) per share, in fiscal 2019.  Our Adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2020 totaled $14.3 million compared with $20.6 million in fiscal 2019, reflecting the above-noted factors.  In constant currency, our fiscal 2020 Adjusted EBITDA was $14.7 million.

Further details regarding these items can be found in the comparative analysis of fiscal 2020 with fiscal 2019 as discussed within this management’s discussion and analysis.

Our liquidity, financial position, and capital resources remained strong during fiscal 2020.  At August 31, 2020, we had $27.1 million of cash, with no borrowings on our $15.0 million revolving credit facility, compared with $27.7 million of cash at August 31, 2019.  Cash flows from operating activities remained strong and totaled $27.6 million for fiscal 2020.  For further information regarding our liquidity and cash flows, refer to the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion found in this management’s discussion and analysis.

For a discussion of the results of operations and changes in financial condition for fiscal 2019 compared with fiscal 2018, refer to Part II, Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our fiscal 2019 Form 10-K, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2019.

Key Growth Objectives

As economies and businesses reopen and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are optimistic that opportunities for growth and expansion will return both domestically and internationally.  In addition to recovery from the pandemic, we believe the following key factors will drive our growth in fiscal 2021 and beyond:

Best in Class Content and Solutions – We believe that our offerings are based on best-in-class content driven by best-selling books and world-class thought leadership.  Our content is focused on performance improvement through behavior-changing outcome oriented training.  These offerings are designed to build great and enduring organizations, build winning cultures, promote execution on major strategic initiatives, build leaders at all levels of an organization, and increase the individual and interpersonal effectiveness of people.  Our vision is to profoundly impact the way billions of people throughout the world live, work, and achieve their own great purposes.  We believe ongoing investment in our existing and new content will allow us to achieve this vision.

New Subscription Service Sales and the Renewal of Existing Client Contracts – Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we invested heavily in digital delivery of our content through our All Access Pass and Leader in Me subscription services.  These digital delivery platforms allow our content and offerings to be accessible at scale in a wide variety of organizations and schools, and provide compelling value propositions to our clients.  As organizations implement and utilize the content on the AAP and schools realize the benefits of the Leader in Me program, we believe that we create durable strategic relationships with our clients that encourage the renewal of subscription contracts.  We are focused on building strategic relationships with both new and existing clients to provide new subscription sales opportunities and renewal or expansion of existing subscription services with current clients.

28


Expand our Global Reach and Distribution – We are focused on consistently increasing the number of new client partners, consultants, coaches, and implementation specialists to increase our global reach and sales opportunities.  We have recently opened direct offices in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and we continue to seek out strong international licensees who can adapt and deliver our offerings in diverse geographic and cultural regions.  We believe our existing client partner model is a key driver of future growth as new client partners on average break even during their first year and make significant contributions to sales growth thereafter.  At August 31, 2020, we had 254 client partners compared with 245 at the end of fiscal 2019.

Most Impactful Thought Leadership – We believe that our offerings address some of the most significant challenges that organizations and individuals face.  However, we are not comfortable resting on past successes and we seek to engage individuals who can provide timely and impactful thought leadership on a variety of topics.  Over the past couple of years we have released six new bestselling books, including Get Better, Everyone Deserves a Great Manager, and Leading Loyalty.  During fiscal 2020 we developed and released new offerings based on the bestselling book Multipliers, by Liz Wiseman.  We also released a new offering entitled Unconscious Bias and will be releasing a new book to support this offering in early fiscal 2021.  To increase the visibility of our thought leadership, we have increased the number of books that we publish each year and we have significantly expanded our presence in podcasts, relevant white papers, and digital media.  We believe our ongoing efforts to strengthen our thought leadership will provide added opportunities in the training marketplace.

Other key factors that influence our operating results include:  the number of organizations that are active customers; the number of people trained within those organizations; the continuation or renewal of existing services contracts, especially subscription renewals; the availability of budgeted training spending at our clients and prospective clients, which, in certain content categories, can be significantly influenced by general economic conditions; client satisfaction with our offerings and services; the number and productivity of our international licensee operations; and our ability to manage operating costs necessary to develop and provide meaningful offerings and related products to our clients.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, the percentage of total sales represented by the line items through income or loss before income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations.  This table should be read in conjunction with the accompanying discussion and analysis, the consolidated financial statements, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (amounts in percentages).


29


YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
 
2020
  
2019
  
2018
 
Sales
  
100.0
   
100.0
   
100.0
 
Cost of sales  
26.7
   
29.3
   
29.3
 
Gross profit  
73.3
   
70.7
   
70.7
 
             
Selling, general, and administrative  
65.5
   
62.4
   
65.9
 
Stock-based compensation  
(0.3
)
  
2.1
   
1.4
 
Restructuring costs  
0.8
   
-
   
-
 
Depreciation  
3.4
   
2.8
   
2.4
 
Amortization  
2.3
   
2.2
   
2.6
 
Total operating expenses  
71.7
   
69.5
   
72.3
 
Income (loss) from operations  
1.6
   
1.2
   
(1.6
)
Interest income  
0.0
   
0.0
   
0.0
 
Interest expense  
(1.2
)
  
(1.0
)
  
(1.2
)
Discount accretion on related party receivables  
-
   
0.1
   
0.2
 
Income (loss) before income taxes  
0.4
   
0.3
   
(2.6
)


FISCAL 2020 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 2019 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Enterprise Division

Direct Offices Segment
The Direct Office segment includes our sales personnel that serve clients in the United States and Canada; our directly owned international offices in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria; our government services office; and other groups such as our coaching operations and books and audio media sales.  The following comparative information is for our Direct Offices segment for the periods indicated (in thousands):

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  $ Change  % Change 
SG&A expenses $114,207  $108,930  $5,277   5 
China SG&A expenses  5,219   -   5,219   n/a 
Increase (decrease) to contingent payment liabilities  (1,936)  
1,538
   
(3,474
)  (226)
Stock-based compensation expense  
3,658
   
3,121
   
537
   
17
 
Consolidated SG&A expense  121,148   113,589   7,559   7 
Contract termination costs  1,500   -   1,500   n/a 
Restructuring costs  1,482   776   706   91 
Depreciation  3,879   3,677   202   5 
Amortization  3,538   3,263   275   8 
  $131,547  $121,305  $10,242   8 
  
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
  
% of
Sales
  
Year Ended
August 31, 2019
  
% of
Sales
  
Change
 
Sales
 
$
139,780
   100.0  
$
157,754
   100.0  
$
(17,974
)
Cost of sales
  
31,636
   22.6   
40,999
   26.0   
(9,363
)
Gross profit
  
108,144
   77.4   
116,755
   74.0   
(8,611
)
SG&A expenses
  
90,450
   64.7   
97,300
   61.7   
(6,850
)
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
17,694
   12.7  
$
19,455
   12.3  
$
(1,761
)

Selling, GeneralSales.  Our Direct Office segment had a strong start to fiscal 2020 in the first and Administrative ExpenseThe increase insecond quarters of the fiscal year.  For the first two quarters of fiscal 2020, our SG&A expenses during fiscal 2017 was primarily due to 1) opening three newU.S./Canada sales grew by $4.0 million, or 9 percent; government sales increased by $1.2 million, or 18 percent; and international direct office revenue grew by $0.3 million, or two percent, despite the early closure of our offices in China duringat the fiscal year, including $0.5 milliononset of non-repeating start-up costs; 2) a $5.5 million increase in spending related to new sales and sales-related personnel, additional bonuses for sales associates related to multi-year deferred sales contracts, and increased travel to promote our new offices in China and the AAP; 3) a $1.9 million increase in computer costs primarily resulting from the installation of our new ERP system; and 4) a $0.5 million increase in non-cash stock-based compensation.  We continue to invest in new sales and sales-related personnel and had 221 client partners at August 31, 2017 compared with 204 client partners at August 31, 2016.  These increases were partially offset by a $3.5 million decrease from the change in estimated earn out payments to the former owners of NinetyFive 5, reduced warehousing and distribution expense, and cost savings in various other areas of our operations.
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Table of Contents

Contract Termination Costs – We entered into a new 10-year license agreement for Education practice content in a foreign country, with minimum required royalties payable to us that total $16.1 million (at current exchange rates) over the life of the arrangement.  Under a previously existing profit-sharing agreement, we would have been obligated to pay one-third of the royalty, or $5.4 million, to an international licensee partner that owns the rights in that country.  For a $1.5 million cash payment, we terminated the previously existing profit sharing arrangement and we will owe no further royalty payments to the licensee.  Based on the guidance for contract termination costs, we expensed the $1.5 million payment made during the second quarter.

Restructuring Costs –COVID-19.  During the third quarterand fourth quarters of fiscal 2017, we decided to exit2020, our Direct Office segment sales were adversely impacted by the publishing businessCOVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on in-person training and gatherings.  However, sales of the Company’s AAP subscription service remained strong and increased 15 percent in Japanthe third and we restructured our U.S./Canada direct office operations to transition to an AAP-focused business model.fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 compared with the prior year, and revenue retention remained above 90 percent for fiscal 2020.  We expensed $3.6 million related to these changes during fiscal 2017.  Due to a change in strategy designed to focus resources and efforts onwere very encouraged by sales of the All Access Pass in Japan, and declining sales and profitabilitythe second half of fiscal 2020 as clients were able to successfully utilize the digital delivery options available through the AAP.  Our foreign direct offices were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as each of our foreign offices were closed for portions of the publishing business, we decidedthird and fourth quarters as mandated by their national governments.  As previously mentioned, our China and Japan offices had just started to exit the publishing business in Japan.sell AAP and had not built a significant base of deferred subscription revenue.  As a result, these offices were highly impacted by the closure of this determination,offices and restrictions on in-person gatherings and were a disproportionate share of the Direct Office decreased sales.  For fiscal 2020, our foreign direct office sales decreased $10.8 million or 28 percent, compared with the prior year and foreign exchange rates had a $0.3 million unfavorable impact on our direct office sales during the fiscal year.  We anticipate the events of fiscal 2020 will accelerate our Direct Offices’ transition to the All Access Pass in future periods, especially in China and Japan.  While we wrote offare optimistic about the majorityfuture of our book inventory locateddirect office channel and AAP revenues, our future financial performance is highly dependent upon economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the opening of national and regional economies.

30

Table of Contents

Gross Profit.  Gross profit decreased due to sales activity during fiscal 2020 as described above.  Direct Office gross margin increased primarily due to the mix of services and products sold during fiscal 2020, which featured increased subscription sales as a percent of total sales and decreased onsite and facilitator sales.

SG&A Expenses.  Direct Office operating expenses decreased primarily due to reduced variable associate costs, including commissions, incentives, and bonuses on lower sales and reduced travel costs during the second half of the year.  These reductions were partially offset by associate costs from new sales and support personnel during the year.  Foreign exchange rates had a $0.1 million adverse impact on our direct office segment operating results during fiscal 2020.

International Licensees Segment
In countries or foreign locations where we do not have a directly owned office, our training and consulting services are delivered through independent licensees.  The following comparative information is for our international licensee operations for the periods indicated (in thousands):
                
  
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
  
% of
Sales
  
Year Ended
August 31, 2019
  
% of
Sales
  
Change
 
Sales
 
$
8,451
   100.0  
$
12,896
   100.0  
$
(4,445
)
Cost of sales
  
1,772
   21.0   
2,665
   20.7   
(893
)
Gross profit
  
6,679
   79.0   
10,231
   79.3   
(3,552
)
SG&A expenses
  
4,273
   50.6   
4,159
   32.3   
114
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
2,406
   28.4  
$
6,072
   47.0  
$
(3,666
)

Sales.  International licensee revenues are primarily comprised of royalty revenues received from our licensee partners.  For fiscal 2020, our licensee revenues were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly reduced sales in Japanthe second half of the year as many licensee countries enacted economic and expensed $2.1social restrictions that prohibited in-person presentations.  Prior to the full onset of the pandemic, our international licensee royalty revenue during the first two quarters of fiscal 2020 increased by $0.2 million compared with the prior year.  Many of our international licensees had just started to sell the All Access Pass at the onset of the pandemic and did not have a substantial base of deferred subscription revenue as these operations were primarily dependent upon live onsite training and coaching.  Due to the benefits of the All Access Pass, including its digital delivery platform and high revenue retention rates, we believe that our licensees will accelerate their transition to the All Access Pass in future periods, which we believe will provide significant benefits for our licensee partners and their clients.

Gross Profit.  Gross profit decreased due to an overall decrease in licensee revenues during fiscal 2020 as described above.  Licensee gross margin remained strong in fiscal 2020 and was recordedconsistent with the prior year.

SG&A Expenses.  International licensee SG&A expenses increased primarily due to additional bad debt expense related to expected collection issues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Foreign exchange rates had an insignificant impact on our licensee sales and results of operations during fiscal 2020.

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Table of Contents

Education Division

Our Education Division is comprised of our domestic and international Education practice operations (focused on sales to educational institutions) and includes our widely acclaimed Leader in Me program.  The following comparative information is for our Education Division in the periods indicated (in thousands):
                
  
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
  
% of
Sales
  
Year Ended
August 31, 2019
  
% of
Sales
  
Change
 
Sales
 
$
43,405
   100.0  
$
48,880
   100.0  
$
(5,475
)
Cost of sales
  
16,306
   37.6   
18,507
   37.9   
(2,201
)
Gross profit
  
27,099
   62.4   
30,373
   62.1   
(3,274
)
SG&A expenses
  
27,189
   62.6   
26,820
   54.9   
369
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
(90
)
  (0.2)

 
$
3,553
   7.3  
$
(3,643
)

Sales.  Growth in our Education Division during the first half of fiscal 2020 was offset by decreased sales during the third and fourth quarters, which are generally the busiest months for our Education Division, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Despite the significant headwinds faced by educational institutions during the third and fourth quarters as schools closed, teaching moved online, and budgets were constrained, nearly 2,200 existing Leader in Me schools renewed their Leader in Me subscriptions (a number higher than in fiscal 2019) and 320 new schools became Leader in Me schools.  We believe these were remarkable achievements in the current education and economic environment.  During fiscal 2020, Leader in Me subscription revenues increased 11 percent compared with the prior year and our coaches delivered two percent more coaching days as clients pivoted to live on-line delivery of these days.  Although pandemic-related issues slowed the growth of new schools entering into Leader in Me agreements in fiscal 2020, we are optimistic that continued demand for the Leader in Me program will drive sales growth in future periods.  As of August 31, 2020, the Leader in Me program is used in over 4,200 schools and in over 50 countries.

Gross Profit.  Education segment cost of sales and gross profit decreased primarily due to sales activity as previously described.  We also restructuredEducation Division gross margin remained strong at 62.4 percent and was consistent with the prior year’s 62.1 percent.

SG&A Expenses.  Education division SG&A expense increased primarily due to investments in additional sales and sales-related personnel in late fiscal 2019 and early fiscal 2020 to fuel growth that was eventually dampened by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, and increased bad debt expense.  These increased costs were partially offset by reduced travel and commission expense resulting from travel restrictions and reduced revenues.  Education Division results of operations were adversely impacted by $0.2 million of our U.S/Canada direct offices to create new smaller regional market teams that are focused on sellingunfavorable exchange rates compared with the All Access Pass.  Accordingly, we determined that our three remaining regional sales offices were unnecessary since most client partners work from home-based offices,prior year.

Other Expenses

Restructuring Costs – During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 we restructured the operationscertain information technology, corporate operational, and marketing functions.  We incurred $1.6 million of the Sales Performance and Winning Customer Loyalty Practices, and we eliminated certain functionsseverance costs related to reduce costs in future periods.  We expensed $1.5 million for these restructuring activities.  At August 31, 2020, we had $1.2 million of remaining accrued restructuring costs, inwhich are expected to be paid during fiscal 2017.2021.

DepreciationDepreciation expense increased $0.3 million compared with fiscal 2019 primarily due to the acquisitionaddition of new assets and investments in technology during fiscal 2017.2020 and in prior years.  Based on previous property and equipment acquisitions, during fiscal 2017 and expected capital additions during fiscal 2018, including the completion of the installation of a new ERP system and new All Access Pass portal,2021, we expect depreciation expense will total approximately $5.5$6.5 million in fiscal 2018.2021.

Amortization – Our consolidated amortization expense increaseddecreased $0.4 million compared with the prior year primarily due to the fiscal 2017 acquisitionsfull amortization of Robert Gregory Partners, LLC and Jhana Education, andcertain intangible assets.  We expect the amortization of acquired intangible assets.  Based on current carrying amounts of intangible assets and remaining estimated useful lives, we anticipate amortization expense from intangible assets will total $5.4approximately $4.5 million induring fiscal 2018.2021.

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Income Taxes

Our effective income tax benefit rate for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20172020 was approximately 341,284 percent compared with an effective tax rate of approximately 273 percent in fiscal 2019.  The increased effective tax rate in fiscal 2020 was primarily due to $11.3 million of additional income tax expense rate of approximately 41 percentfrom an increase in fiscal 2016.  Our effective benefit rate in fiscal 2017 was increased by $0.5 million in previously unrecognized tax benefits, but was reduced by recording additionalthe valuation allowance against theour deferred income tax assets, which was partially offset by the tax benefit resulting from the exercise of a foreign subsidiary, disallowed travelstock options by our CEO and entertainment expenses,CFO.  Our near break-even pre-tax income during fiscal years 2020 and disallowed executive compensation.  In fiscal 2016,2019 greatly amplified the effect of non-temporary items on our effective income tax rate was increased primarily due to a $0.3 million valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary with recent and substantial taxable losses combined with disallowed travel and entertainment expenses.in those years.

During fiscal 2017,Although we paid $2.6$2.1 million in cash for income taxes primarily to foreign jurisdictions.  We expect to recover a significant portion of our 2017 tax payments asduring fiscal 2020, we utilize foreign tax credit carryforwards in the future.  Over the next four to six years, we expectanticipate that our total cash paid for income taxes over the coming three to five years will be less than our total income tax provision as we utilize carryforwards ofavailable net operating losses and foreign tax credits.


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FISCAL 2016 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 2015

Sales

The following sales analysis for fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015 is based on activity through our operating segments as described in the fiscal 2017 sales analysis, and as shown in the preceding comparative sales table.

Direct Offices – As previously mentioned, we introduced the AAP in our domestic direct offices in late January 2016.  The AAP was well received by existing and new clients and we invoiced $19.4 million of new AAP contracts during fiscal 2016 through our direct offices, including $10.7 million in the fourth quarter.  However, in accordance with applicable revenue recognition guidance, we deferred $6.2 million (net of amounts previously deferred and subsequently recognized during fiscal 2016) of revenue that was primarily recognized in fiscal 2017 over the lives of the respective contracts.  While sales of new AAP contracts grew significantly in the fourth quarter compared with previous quarters of fiscal 2016, our onsite presentation sales declined compared with the prior year.  Our international direct office sales declined by $1.7 million during the fiscal year, primarily due to decreased demand for certain programs in these offices and $0.2 million of unfavorable foreign exchange rates, primarily during the first half of fiscal 2016.

Strategic Markets – The $7.2 million decrease in sales was primarily due to the renewal of a $6.6 million government contract in fiscal 2015, which did not repeat in fiscal 2016 due to administrative changes at the federal agency that resulted in the contract not being opened for renewal bids, and a $2.7 million decrease in Customer Loyalty practice sales.  Partially offsetting these decreases were $1.0 million of sales from our Global 50 group, $0.7 million of increased government services sales (excluding the impact of the government contract that was not renewed), and $0.3 million of increased revenue from the Sales Performance practice.  Our Customer Loyalty practice sales decreased primarily due to the termination of a contract with a large, multi-unit retailer.  Sales Performance practice sales increased due to new contracts obtained primarily during the first half of fiscal 2016.

Education Practice – We continue to see increased demand for The Leader in Me program in many school districts in the United States as well as in some international locations, which contributed to a $7.2 million, or 22 percent, increase in Education practice revenues compared with the prior year.  At August 31, 2016 over 3,000 schools around the world were using The Leader in Me curriculum.  Sales of subscription services during the previous fiscal year also improved sales during fiscal 2016 as we recognized a portion of the revenue that was deferred in previous periods.

International Licensees – Our international licensee royalties increased $0.5 million as certain of our licensee partners' sales increased compared with the prior year.  Licensee sales during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 were reduced by $0.6 million due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as the U.S. dollar strengthened during the year.

Corporateloss carryforwards and other During fiscal 2016, corporate and other sales decreased primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in shipping and handling revenues and a $0.2 million decrease in book and audio revenues from royalties on publications.

Gross Profit

Our gross profit for fiscal 2016 was $135.2 million compared with $138.1 million in fiscal 2015.  The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to sales activity during fiscal 2016 as previously described.  Our gross margin for fiscal 2016 increased to 67.6 percent of sales compared with 65.8 percent in fiscal 2015.  The improvement in gross margin was primarily due to a change in the mix of sales, which produced increased intellectual property sales, including All Access Pass sales, decreased onsite presentations, increased international licensee royalty revenues, and decreased costs associated with our online offerings as we restructured our online program operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2016.
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Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses consisted of the following for the periods indicated (in thousands):

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016  2015  $ Change  % Change 
SG&A expense $108,930  $106,231  $2,699   3 
Increase to NinetyFive 5 contingent payment liability  
1,538
   
35
   
1,503
   
4,294
 
Stock-based compensation expense  
3,121
   
2,536
   
585
   
23
 
Consolidated SG&A expense  113,589   108,802   4,787   4 
Impaired assets  -   1,302   (1,302)  (100)
Restructuring costs  776   587   189   32 
Depreciation  3,677   4,142   (465)  (11)
Amortization  3,263   3,727   (464)  (12)
  $121,305  $118,560  $2,745   2 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense The increase in our SG&A expenses during fiscal 2016 was primarily due to 1) a $2.0 million increase in associate costs, primarily due to new sales and sales-related personnel; 2) a $1.5 million increase in the contingent consideration liability associated with the acquisition of NinetyFive 5; 3) a $1.4 million increase in software costs primarily related to our new ERP system; 4) a $1.1 million increase in bad debt expense resulting primarily from the write off of an Education practice contract and receivables from a large retailer that declared bankruptcy, plus other increases to the allowance for doubtful accounts throughout the fiscal year; and 5) a $0.6 million increase in non-cash stock-based compensation.  We had 204 client partners at August 31, 2016 compared with 180 client partners at the end of fiscal 2015.  A significant improvement in Sales Performance practice EBITDA during the first half of fiscal 2016 increased the probability of a second $2.2 million contingent consideration payment to the former owners of NinetyFive 5, which led to the significant increase in expense during fiscal 2016.  Partially offsetting these increases were $0.8 million of decreased foreign exchange losses, $0.8 million of reduced advertising and promotional expenses, and cost savings in various other areas of our operations.

Impaired Assets – During fiscal 2015, we impaired $1.3 million of long-term assets, which consisted of $0.6 million of capitalized curriculum that was discontinued (and related prepaid royalties), $0.5 million of long-term receivables from FC Organizational Products (FCOP), and an investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary totaling $0.2 million.  We determined that we will receive payment from FCOP for certain rent expenses earlier than previously estimated.  While this determination improves cash flows from FCOP in the short term, the present value of our share of cash distributions to cover remaining long-term receivables was reduced and was less than the present value of the receivables previously recorded and accordingly, we recalculated the discount on the long-term receivables and impaired the difference.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we became aware of financial difficulties at an unconsolidated subsidiary in which we previously invested $0.2 million.  Based on this information, we determined that the carrying value of this investment would not be recoverable and we wrote off the investment.  We previously accounted for this investment using the cost method based on our insignificant ownership and influence in the entity.

Restructuring Costs – In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we restructured the operations of certain of our domestic sales offices to reduce ongoing operational costs.  The cost of this restructuring was $0.4 million and was primarily comprised of employee severance costs, which were paid in August and September 2016.

During fiscal 2016 we also restructured the operations of our Australian direct office.  The restructuring was designed to reduce ongoing operating costs by closing the sales offices in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, and by reducing headcount for administrative functions.  Our remaining sales and support personnel in Australia now work from home offices, as do most of our sales personnel located in the U.S.
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and Canada.  The $0.4 million charge recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 was primarily for office closure costs, including remaining lease expense on the offices that were closed, and for employee severance costs.

DepreciationDepreciation expense decreased due to certain assets becoming fully depreciated during fiscal 2016.

Amortization – Our consolidated amortization expense decreased compared with the prior year due to the amortization of previously acquired intangibles, some of which are amortized more heavily early in their estimated useful lives.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 was approximately 41 percent compared with approximately 36 percent in fiscal 2015.

Our effective tax rate increased primarily due to the fiscal 2015 recognition of benefits from claiming foreign tax credits instead of foreign tax deductions for fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2010.  In fiscal 2015 we finalized the calculations of the impact of amending previously filed federaldeferred income tax returns to realize foreign tax credits previously treated as expired under the tax positions taken in the original returns.  The income tax benefit recognized from these foreign tax credits totaled $0.6 million in fiscal 2015.  As of August 31, 2015, we have amended all available prior year returns to claim foreign tax credits instead of tax deductions.  In fiscal 2016, we also recorded a valuation allowance of $0.3 million against the deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary with recent and substantial taxable losses.

Discount on Related Party Receivable

We record receivables from FCOP for reimbursement of certain operating costs, office space rent, and for working capital and other advances that we make, even though we are not contractually required to make advances or absorb the losses of FCOP.  Based on expected payment, some of these receivables are recorded as long-term receivables and are required to be recorded at net present value.  We have discounted the long-term portion of the FCOP receivables based on forecasted repayments at a discount rate of 15 percent, which was the estimated risk-adjusted borrowing rate of FCOP.

During fiscal 2015, we adjusted the discount and carrying value of our receivables from FCOP as described above in the section entitled "Impaired Assets."  The corresponding adjustment to the discount on our long-term receivables from FCOP totaled $0.4 million.assets.


QUARTERLY RESULTS

The following tables set forth selected unaudited quarterly consolidated financial data for the fiscal years ended August 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019.  The quarterly consolidated financial data reflects, in the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results of operations for such periods.  Results of any one or more quarters are not necessarily indicative of continuing trends (in thousands, except for per-share amounts).

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YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017 (unaudited)            
 November 26  February 28  May 31  August 31 
Net sales $39,787  $42,196  $43,751  $59,523 
Gross profit  25,308   28,031   27,341   41,988 
Selling, general, and administrative  29,095   29,370   30,713   31,970 
Contract termination costs  -   1,500   -   - 
Restructuring costs  -   -   1,335   147 
Depreciation  866   928   949   1,136 
Amortization  722   721   835   1,261 
Income (loss) from operations  (5,375)  (4,488)  (6,491)  7,474 
Income (loss) before income taxes  (5,879)  (5,002)  (7,023)  6,995 
Net income (loss)  (3,958)  (3,333)  (4,541)  4,659 
                
Net income (loss) per share:                
Basic $(.29) $(.24) $(.33) $.34 
Diluted  (.29)  (.24)  (.33)  .33 
                
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016 (unaudited)                
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)
            
 November 28  February 27  May 28  August 31  November 30  February 29  May 31  August 31 
Net sales $45,218  $45,269  $44,738  $64,831  
$
58,613
  
$
53,745
  
$
37,105
  
$
48,994
 
Gross profit  30,071   29,854   29,562   45,667  
42,029
  
38,666
  
26,821
  
37,854
 
Selling, general, and administrative  26,489   27,936   29,095   30,069  
39,399
  
36,221
  
24,150
  
29,636
 
Restructuring costs  -   376   -   400  
-
  
-
  
-
  
1,636
 
Depreciation  912   894   1,003   868  
1,619
  
1,653
  
1,652
  
1,739
 
Amortization  910   909   722   721  
1,170
  
1,170
  
1,164
  
1,102
 
Income (loss) from operations  1,760   (261)  (1,258)  13,609  
(159
)
 
(378
)
 
(145
)
 
3,741
 
Income (loss) before income taxes  1,296   (730)  (1,741)  13,086  
(760
)
 
(922
)
 
(748
)
 
3,226
 
Net income (loss)  790   (448)  (1,052)  7,726  
(544
)
 
1,097
  
(10,968
)
 
980
 
                            
Net income (loss) per share:                            
Basic and diluted $.05  $(.03) $(.07) $.55  
$
(.04
)
 
$
.08
  
$
(.79
)
 
$
.07
 
            
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2019 (unaudited)
                
 November 30  February 28  May 31  August 31 
Net sales
 
$
53,829
  
$
50,356
  
$
56,006
  
$
65,165
 
Gross profit
 
36,783
  
35,366
  
39,664
  
47,502
 
Selling, general, and administrative
 
34,644
  
35,925
  
38,713
  
36,037
 
Depreciation
 
1,554
  
1,697
  
1,556
  
1,558
 
Amortization
 
1,238
  
1,300
  
1,259
  
1,179
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
(653
)
 
(3,556
)
 
(1,864
)
 
8,728
 
Income (loss) before income taxes 
(1,257
)
 
(3,927
)
 
(2,418
)
 
8,194
 
Net income (loss)
 
(1,357
)
 
(3,517
)
 
(2,024
)
 
5,875
 
            
Net income (loss) per share:
            
Basic 
$
(.10
)
 
$
(.25
)
 
$
(.14
)
 
$
.42
 
Diluted 
(.10
)
 
(.25
)
 
(.14
)
 
.41
 

OurIn normal operating years, our fourth quarter of each fiscal yeartypically has higher sales and operating income than other fiscal quarters primarily due to increased revenues in our Education practiceDivision (when school administrators and faculty have professional development days) and tofrom increased AAP and facilitator sales that typically occur during that quarter resulting from year-end incentive programs.  Overall, training sales are moderately seasonal because of the timing of corporate training, which is not typically scheduled as heavily during holiday and certain vacation periods.  Quarterly fluctuations may also be affected by other factors including the introduction of new offerings, pandemics and other natural disasters, business acquisitions, the addition of new organizational customers, and the elimination of underperforming offerings.

For more information on our quarterly results of operations, refer to our quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC.  Our quarterly reports for the periods indicated are available free of charge at www.sec.gov.www.sec.gov.


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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Introduction

During fiscal 2017, we used our cash provided by operating activities and a portion of the available capital from our secured credit facility to make substantial and significant investments in our business that we believe will provide benefits in future periods.  We spent $7.3 million of cash to acquire the businesses of Robert Gregory Partners, LLC, and Jhana Education during the last half of fiscal 2017.  We used $7.2 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment in fiscal 2017, primarily for software and hardware related to our new ERP system and significantly upgraded All Access Pass portal.  The new ERP system and AAP portal are expected to be completed and launched during fiscal 2018.  We also spent $6.5 million of cash to develop additional offerings primarily related to the AAP, including the translation of AAP materials into additional languages, and The Leader in Me courses offered through our Education
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segment.   In addition to these uses of cash for investing activities, we also spent $5.4 million to purchase shares of our common stock on both the open market and from shares withheld on vested stock-based incentive awards.  For further information on these investments in our business during fiscal 2017, refer to the discussions under "Cash Flows from Investing Activities" and "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" found later in this analysis of liquidity and capital resources.

Our cash balance at August 31, 2017 was $8.92020 totaled $27.1 million, with $25.6 million of available credit on our secured credit agreement, compared with $10.5 million of cash at August 31, 2016.  During fiscal 2017 we also converted $10.0 million ofno borrowings on our secured$15.0 million revolving credit facility into term loans.  At August 31, 2017, we had $19.1 million payable on term loans to the lender on our secured credit facility.

Our net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) was $11.2 million at August 31, 2017 compared with $35.7 million at August 31, 2016.  The reduction in our net working capital was primarily due to a $20.7 million increase in deferred revenues resulting primarily from increased AAP sales, and borrowings used in fiscal 2017 to invest in our business as described above.  Of our $8.9$27.1 million in cash at August 31, 2017, $7.32020, $12.2 million was held outside the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries.  We routinely repatriate cash from our foreign subsidiaries and consider cash generated from foreign activities a key component of our overall liquidity position.  Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from the sale of services in the normal course of business and available proceeds from our secured credit facility.  Our primary uses of liquidity include payments for operating activities, capital expenditures (including curriculum development), debt payments, contingent consideration payments from the prior acquisition of businesses, working capital expansion, and intellectual property licenses, purchases of our common stock, working capital expansion, and debt payments.stock.

The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the past three years (in thousands):

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015  2020  2019  2018 
Total cash provided by (used for):                  
Operating activities $17,357  $32,665  $26,190  
$
27,563
  
$
30,452
  
$
16,861
 
Investing activities  (21,675)  (6,229)  (4,874) 
(11,865
)
 
(6,873
)
 
(10,634
)
Financing activities  3,134   (32,535)  (14,903) 
(16,557
)
 
(5,932
)
 
(4,679
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash  (348)  321   (662)  
297
   
(101
)
  
(319
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $(1,532) $(5,778) $5,751  
$
(562
)
 
$
17,546
  
$
1,229
 

Modifications to the Amended and RestatedOur Current Credit Agreement

On May 24, 2016,August 7, 2019, we entered into the Fifth Modification Agreement to our existing amended and restated secureda new credit agreement (the Restated2019 Credit Agreement) with our existing lender.lender, which replaced the amended and restated credit agreement, dated March 2011.  The primary purposes of the Fifth Modification2019 Credit Agreement wereprovides up to (i) obtain$25.0 million in term loans and a term loan from the lender for $15.0 million (the Term Loan); (ii) increase the maximum principal amount of the revolving line of credit, from $30.0which expires in August 2024.  Upon entering into the 2019 Credit Agreement, we borrowed $20.0 million through a term loan and used the proceeds to $40.0 million; (iii) extendrepay all indebtedness under the maturity dateOriginal Credit Agreement.  During November 2019, we borrowed the remaining $5.0 million term loan available on the 2019 Credit Agreement.

In anticipation of potential covenant compliance issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of the Restated Credit Agreement from March 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019; (iv) permit us to convert balances outstanding from time to time under the revolving line of credit to term loans; and (v) adjust the fixed charge coverage ratio from 1.40 to 1.15.  During fiscal 2017,economic recovery, on July 8, 2020, we entered into the Sixth, Seventh, and EighthFirst Modification AgreementsAgreement to the Restated2019 Credit Agreement.  The Sixth Modification and Eighth Modification agreements adjustedprimary purpose of the definition of EBITDAR in the funded debt to EBITDAR and fixed charge coverage ratios applicable to our debt covenants to include the change in deferred revenue.  The SeventhFirst Modification Agreement extendedis to provide temporary alternative borrowing covenants for the maturity datefiscal quarters ending August 31, 2020 through May 31, 2021.  These new covenants consist of the Restated Credit Agreement to March 31, 2020.following:

The amount of available credit on our revolving credit line is reduced by amounts converted to term loans.  Term loans are due three years from the inception of each new loan.  Principal payments on our term loans are due quarterly and are equal to the original amount of each term loan divided by 16.  Any remaining principal at the maturity date is immediately payable or may be rolled into a new term loan.  Interest is charged at the same rate as the revolving line of credit and is payable monthly.  As a result of the $10.0 million of term loans obtained during fiscal 2017, our maximum available credit on the revolving line of credit is $30.0 million (less amounts borrowed) at August 31, 2017.
1.
Minimum Liquidity – We must maintain consolidated minimum liquidity of not less than $13.0 million from August 31, 2020 through February 28, 2021 and $8.0 million at May 31, 2021.

2.
Minimum Adjusted EBITDA – We must maintain rolling four-quarter Adjusted EBITDA not less than the amount set forth below at the end of the specified quarter (in thousands).

QUARTER ENDING AMOUNT 
August 31, 2020 
$
11,000
 
November 30, 2020  
8,500
 
February 28, 2021  
5,000
 
May 31, 2021  
15,000
 

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Adjusted EBITDA for purposes of this calculation is not the same as generally reported by the Company in its quarterly earnings.  The amounts in the table above exclude amortization of capitalized development costs which is classified in cost of sales.

3.
Capital Expenditures – We may not make capital expenditures, including capitalized development costs, in an amount exceeding $8.5 million in aggregate for any fiscal year.

In addition to the new financial covenants described above, we are prohibited from making certain restricted payments, including dividend payments on our common stock and open-market purchases of our common stock until we have been in compliance with the previously existing financial covenants for two consecutive quarters.

In the event of noncompliance with these financial covenants and other defined events of default, the lender is entitled to certain remedies, including acceleration of the repayment of any amounts outstanding on the 2019 Credit Agreement.  At August 31, 2020, we believe that we were in compliance with the terms and covenants applicable to the 2019 Credit Agreement and the First Modification Agreement.

The various modification agreements preservepreviously existing debtfinancial covenants thaton the 2019 Credit Agreement, which include (i) a funded debtFunded Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDAR ratioRatio of less than 3.03.00 to 1.0;1.00; (ii) a fixed charge coverageFixed Charge Coverage ratio greaternot less than 1.15 to 1.0;1.00; (iii) an annual limit on capital expenditures (excluding capitalized curriculum development)development costs) of $8.0 million; and (iv) consolidated accounts receivable of not less than 150% of the aggregate amount of the outstanding borrowings on the revolving line of credit, may not exceed 150 percentthe undrawn amount of consolidated accounts receivable.  The other key termsoutstanding letters of credit, and conditionsthe amount of unreimbursed letter of credit disbursements remain in effect except for the various modification agreements are substantiallyquarterly periods covered by the same as those defined in the Restated Credit Agreement, except as described above.  We believe that we were in compliance with the financial covenants and other terms applicable to the Restated Credit Agreement at August 31, 2017.First Modification Agreement.

In addition to our revolving line of credit facility and term loan obligations, we have a long-term lease on our corporate campus that is accounted for as a financing obligation.  For further information on our operating leaseleasing obligations, which are not currently recorded on our consolidated balance sheet, refer to the notes to our consolidated financial statements as presented in Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.

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 fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.2020.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Our primary source of cash from operating activities was the sale of services and products 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 training manuals sold, and to fund working capital needs.  OurFor the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, our cash provided by operating activities was $17.4$27.6 million for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 compared with $32.7$30.5 million in fiscal 2016.2019.  The declinedecrease was primarily attributabledue to decreased operating income when compared with the prior year.  Our operating incomechanges in working capital balances during fiscal 2017 was significantly reduced by2020.  Our collection of accounts receivable remained strong during fiscal 2020, despite the deferralCOVID-19 pandemic, and provided a significant amount of All Access Pass salescash to support operations, pay our obligations, and costsmake critical investments.  Although we defer the recognition of AAP and other subscription revenues over the lives of the underlying contracts, we invoice the annual contract amount and collect the associated withreceivable at the transition to an AAP-focused business model.  Followinginception of the transition period to the AAP focused business model, we anticipate that cash flows from operating activities will improve and return to levels consistent with prior years.agreement.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities and Capital Expenditures

Our cash used for investing activities during the fiscal 2017year ended August 31, 2020 totaled $21.7$11.9 million.  OurThe primary uses of cash for investing activities included additional investments in the development of our offerings, purchases of property and equipment in the acquisitionnormal course of businesses,business, and the purchase of a note receivable from a bank used as consideration for an amended license agreement with FC Organizational Products (FCOP).

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We spent $5.1 million during fiscal 2020 on the development of various content and offerings.  During fiscal 2020 we developed additional offerings for our Education Division and leadership content based on the best-selling book Multipliers, by Liz Wiseman.  The new Multipliers content was launched in August 2020.  We believe continued investment in our content and offerings is critical to our future success and we anticipate that our capital spending onfor curriculum development including the acquisition of intellectual property rights.will total $4.5 million during fiscal 2021.

Our purchases of property and equipment totaled $7.2$4.2 million in fiscal 2020, and consisted primarily of computer hardware, new furnishings to replace assets destroyed by a flood at our corporate headquarters, software, and hardware.leasehold improvements on leased office space.  Our previous and ongoing investments in our digital delivery modalities, including the AAP and Leader in Me subscription services proved valuable as many of our clients have moved to remote workplaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are currentlywill continue to invest in the process of implementing new ERPhardware and software and developing a significantly improved AAP portal.  Both of these projects are expected to be completed in fiscal 2018.  Weimprove our digital delivery modalities, and currently anticipate that our purchases of property and equipment will total approximately $5.0$2.8 million in fiscal 2018.2021.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2017,November 2019, we acquired Robert Gregory Partners, LLC, a corporate coaching firm, for $3.5 million in cash plus up to $4.5purchased $2.6 million of contingent consideration.notes payable from a bank that were the obligations of FCOP.  We paidexchanged $3.2 million of receivables from FCOP, including the first contingent consideration payment, which totaled $0.5 million, duringnote payable purchased from the fourth quarterbank, to modify the term and royalty provisions of fiscal 2017.  This payment was classified as a component oflong-term licensing agreement that is expected to increase our cash flows from investing activities due to short-term timingover the duration of the payment.  Duringlicense agreement.  The licensing arrangement was assumed by Franklin Planner Corp., a new unrelated entity that purchased substantially all of the fourth quarterassets of fiscal 2017, we acquired Jhana Education for $3.3 millionFCOP in cash (net of cash acquired) plus upNovember 2019 (Refer to $7.2 million of contingent consideration.  Jhana Education specializes in the creation and dissemination of relevant, bite-sized content and learning tools for leaders and managers.  For further information regarding our business acquisitions during fiscal 2017, refer to the notesNote 17 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
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Throughout fiscal 2017 we spent $6.5 million on various offerings, which was primarily for All Access Pass content, including the translation of AAP items into 15 additional languages; new development and offerings related to The Leader in Me; and for various other offerings and content.  Our anticipated spending for capitalized curriculum in fiscal 2018 is expected to be approximately $6.4 million.  During fiscal 2018, we expect to continue to make investments in our All Access Pass offerings, The Leader in Me, and in various other courses.

During fiscal 2017, we acquired the license rights to certain intellectual property owned by Higher Moment, LLC for $0.8 million.  The intellectual property is in part based on works authored and developed by Dr. Clayton Christensen, a well-known author and lecturer, who is a member of our Board of Directors.  Acquisitions of other businesses and intellectual property licenses in future periods will increase our use of cash for investing activities.more information).

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

During the fiscal 2017, ouryear ended August 31, 2020, we used $16.6 million of net cash provided byfor financing activities totaled $3.1 million.activities.  Our primary sourcesuses of financing cash during fiscal 2020 included $14.0 million for purchases of our common stock for treasury, $7.3 million for principal payments on our term loans and financing obligation, and $1.3 million of cash used to pay contingent consideration liabilities from financing activities during fiscal 2017previous business acquisitions.  These uses of cash were $10.0 million borrowed on term notes payable, includingpartially offset by proceeds from a $5.0 million term loan obtained in August 2017, $4.4 million of borrowings fromwhich was available on our revolving line of credit,2019 Credit Agreement, and $0.7$1.0 million of proceeds from participants in our employee stock purchase plan.  Our primary uses of cash for financing activities were $5.4 million spent on purchases

In December 2019, we purchased 284,608 shares of our common stock includingfrom Knowledge Capital for $10.1 million prior to the distribution of Knowledge Capital assets to its investors.  This purchase of shares from Knowledge Capital was completed under a separate Board of Directors authorization and is not included in the November 15, 2019 authorized purchase plan described below.  We also purchased 109,896 shares of our common stock that were withheld for minimum statutory income taxes on stock-based compensation awards, $5.0 million usedinstruments, primarily stock options, which were exercised during fiscal 2020.  These withheld shares were valued at the market price on the date that the shares were distributed to repay term loans payable, and $1.7 million used to payparticipants.  The total fair value of the financing obligation on our corporate campus.withheld shares was $3.7 million.

On January 23, 2015,November 15, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a new plan to repurchase up to $10.0$40.0 million of the Company'sCompany’s outstanding common stock.  AllThe previously existing common stock repurchase plans wereplan was canceled and the new common share repurchase plan does not have an expiration date.   On March 27, 2015,Our uses of financing cash during fiscal 2021 are expected to include required payments on our Board of Directors increased the aggregate value of shares of Company common stock thatterm loans and financing obligation, contingent consideration payments from previous business acquisitions, and may be purchased under the January 2015 plan to $40.0 million so long as we have either $10.0 million in cash and cash equivalents or have access to debt financing of at least $10.0 million.  Under the terms of this expanded common stock repurchase plan, we have purchased 1,539,828 sharesinclude purchases of our common stock for $26.8 million through August 31, 2017.  Since September 1, 2014,treasury.  However, the timing and amount of common stock purchases is dependent on a number of factors, including available resources, and we have returned $63.4 million of cashare not obligated to our shareholders through the purchase of our shares by means of a $35.0 million tender offer, open market purchases, and from shares withheld for minimum statutory taxes on stock-based compensation awards.  Futuremake purchases of our common stock will increase the amount of cash used for financing activities in those periods.during any future period.

During fiscal 2017, we completed the acquisitions
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Table of Robert Gregory Partners and Jhana Education as previously described.  Each of these acquisitions have contingent consideration that may be earned by their former owners based on specified performance criteria.  As the operations of these acquisitions reach the specified milestones for required contingent payments, our uses of cash for financing activities will increase.Contents

Sources of Liquidity

We expect to meet our projected capital expenditures, repay amounts borrowed on our 2019 Credit Agreement, service our existing financing obligation, and meet other working capital requirements during fiscal 20182021 from current cash balances, future cash flows from operating activities, and available borrowings onfrom our secured credit facility.revolving line of credit.  Going forward, we will continue to incur costs necessary for the day-to-day operation and potential growth of the business and may use our available revolving line of credit and other financing alternatives, if necessary, for these expenditures.  At August 31, 2020, we had $15.0 million of available borrowing capacity on our revolving line of credit.  Our Restated2019 Credit Agreement expires in March 2020August 2024 and we expect to renew and amend the Restated2019 Credit Agreement on a regular basis to maintain the long-term borrowing capacity of this credit facility.  At August 31, 2017, we had $25.6 million of borrowing capacity on our Restated Credit Agreement.  Additional potential sources of liquidity available to us include factoring receivables, issuance of additional equity, or issuance of debt from public or private sources.  If necessary, we will evaluate all of these options and select one or more of them depending on overall capital needs and the associated cost of capital.
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  The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty in capital markets, which may limit our ability to access liquidity on terms favorable to us, or at all.

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, cash generated by operating activities, and availability of external funds as described above, will be sufficient for us to maintain our operations inover the foreseeable future.next 12 months.  However, our ability to maintain adequate capital for our operations in the future is dependent upon a number of factors, including sales trends, macroeconomic activity, 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 general economic conditions and the introduction of new offerings or technology by our competitors.  We will continue to monitor our liquidity position and may pursue additional financing alternatives, as described above, 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 lease payments resulting from the sale of our corporate campus (financing obligation); repayment of term loans payable; expected contingent considerationloan obligations; lease payments from business acquisitions;on our corporate headquarters campus (reported as a financing obligation); short-term purchase obligations for inventory items and other products and services used in the ordinary course of business; minimum operating leaseexpected contingent consideration payments primarily for leased office space;from business acquisitions; and minimum payments for outsourced warehousing and distribution service charges.lease payments.  At August 31, 2017,2020, our expected payments on these obligations over the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

 Fiscal  Fiscal  Fiscal  Fiscal  Fiscal        Fiscal  Fiscal  Fiscal  Fiscal  Fiscal       
Contractual Obligations 2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  Thereafter  Total  2021  2022  2023  2024  2025  Thereafter  Total 
Term loans payable to bank(1)
 
$
5,605
  
$
5,430
  
$
5,255
  
$
5,080
  
$
-
  
$
-
  
$
21,370
 
Required lease payments on corporate campus $3,579  $3,651  $3,724  $3,798  $3,874  $11,283  $29,909  
3,798
  
3,874
  
3,952
  
4,031
  
3,301
  
-
  
18,956
 
Term loans payable to bank(1)
  6,736   10,581   2,557   -   -   -   19,874 
Jhana Education contingent consideration payments(2)
  
2,371
   
599
   
831
   
1,020
   
1,160
   
1,219
   
7,200
 
Purchase obligations  6,608   -   -   -   -   -   6,608  
4,761
  
-
  
-
  
-
  
-
  
-
  
4,761
 
Jhana contingent consideration payments(2)
 
845
  
998
  
1,128
  
381
  
-
  
-
  
3,352
 
Minimum operating lease payments  
866
   
321
   
84
   
84
   
84
   
268
   
1,707
  
751
  
208
  
121
  
97
  
87
  
14
  
1,278
 
Robert Gregory Partners, LLC contingent consideration payments(2)
  
-
   
1,000
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,000
 
Minimum required payments for warehousing services(3)
  
216
   
180
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
396
 
RGP contingent consideration payments(2)
  
816
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
816
 
Total expected contractual
obligation payments
 $20,376  $16,332  $7,196  $4,902  $5,118  $12,770  $66,694  
$
16,576
  
$
10,510
  
$
10,456
  
$
9,589
  
$
3,388
  
$
14
  
$
50,533
 

(1)
Payment amounts shown include interest at 3.13.5 percent, which is the current rate on our Term Loanterm loan obligations under the 2019 Credit Agreement and revolving credit obligations.the First Modification Agreement.

(2)
The payment of contingent consideration resulting from prior business acquisitions is based on current estimates and projections.  We reassess the fair value of estimated contingent consideration payments each quarter based on information available.available information.  The actual payment of contingent consideration amounts may differ in amount and timing from those shown in the table.


(3)37

Our required minimum payments for warehousing services contains an annual escalation based upon changes in the Employment Cost Index, the impact of which is not estimated in the above table.  The warehousing services contract expires in June 2019.

Our contractual obligations presented above exclude unrecognizeduncertain tax benefits of $2.4positions totaling $1.6 million for which we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount and period of payment.  For further information regarding our unrecognizeduncertain tax benefits,positions, refer to the notes to our consolidated financial statements as presented in Part II, Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
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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 policies that we used to prepare our consolidated financial statements are outlined primarily in Note 1 and in Note 2 (revenue recognition policies) to the consolidated financial statements, which are presented in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Some of those accounting policies require us to make assumptions and use judgments that may affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements.  Management regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions and bases those estimates and assumptions on historical experience, factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, including changes in economic and political conditions and other circumstances that are not inwithin our control, but which may have an impact on these estimates and our actual financial results.

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

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenues primarilyaccount for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  For the following sources:

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

·
Products – We sell books, audio media, and other related products.
All Access Pass, judgment is required to determine whether the intellectual property and web-based functionality and content are considered distinct and accounted for separately, or not distinct and accounted for together.

We have determined to account for the AAP as a single performance obligation and recognize revenue when: 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 2) delivery of product has occurred or services have been rendered, 3) the associated transaction price toratably over the customer is fixed or determinable, and 4) collectability is reasonably assured.  For training and service sales, these conditions are generally met upon presentationterm of the training seminar or deliveryunderlying contract beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the consulting services based upon daily rates.  For most of our product sales, these conditionsdate the Company’s platforms and resources are met upon shipment of the productmade available to the customer.  At times,This determination was reached after considering that our customers may request access toweb-based functionality and content, in combination with our intellectual property, foreach represent inputs that transform into a combined output that represents the flexibility to print certain training materials or to have access to certain training videos and other training aids at their convenience.  For intellectual property license sales, the revenue recognition conditions are generally met at the later of deliveryintended outcome of the contentAAP, which is to provide a continuously accessible, customized, and dynamic learning and development solution only accessible through the client or the effective date of the arrangement.All Access Pass platform.

Revenue recognition for multiple-element arrangements requires judgment to determine if multiple elements exist, whether elements can be accounted for as separate units of accounting, and if so, the fair value for each of the elements.  A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value to our clients.  We routinely enter into arrangements that can include various combinations of multiple training offerings, consulting services, and intellectual property licenses.  The timing of delivery and performance of the elements typically varies from contract to contract.  Generally, these items qualify as separate units of accounting because they have value to the customer on a standalone basis.

When the Company's training and consulting arrangements contain multiple deliverables, considerationJudgment is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices at the beginning of the agreement, and revenue is recognized as each curriculum, consulting service, or intellectual property license is delivered.  We use the following selling price hierarchyrequired to determine the fair valuestand-alone selling price (SSP) for each distinct performance obligation in a revenue contract.  Where we have more than one distinct performance obligation, we must allocate the transaction price to be used for allocating revenueeach performance obligation based on its relative SSP.  The SSP is the price which we would sell a promised product or service separately to a customer. In determining the SSP, we consider the size and volume of transactions, price lists, historical sales, and contract prices.  We may modify our pricing from time-to-time in the future, which could result in changes to the elements: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair
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value (VSOE), (ii) third-party evidence (TPE), and (iii) best estimate ofstand-alone selling price (BESP).  Generally, VSOE is based on established pricing and discounting practices for the deliverables when sold separately.  In determining VSOE, we require that a substantial majority of the selling prices fall within a narrow range.  When VSOE cannot be established, judgment is applied with respect to whether a selling price can be established based on TPE, which is determined based on competitor prices for similar offerings when sold separately.  Our products and services normally contain a significant level of differentiation such that the comparable pricing of services with similar functionality cannot be obtained.  When we are unable to establish a selling price using VSOE or TPE, BESP is used in our allocation of arrangement consideration.  BESPs are established as best estimates of what the selling price would be if the deliverables were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis.  Our process for determining BESPs requires judgment and considers multiple factors, such as market conditions, type of customer, geographies, stage of product lifecycle, internal costs, and gross margin objectives.  These factors may vary over time depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable.  However, we do not expect the effect of changes in the selling price or method or assumptions used to determine selling price to have a significant effect on the allocation of arrangement consideration.

Our multiple-element arrangements generally do not include performance, cancellation, termination, or refund-type provisions.

Our international strategy includes the use of independent 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, adapt the content to the local culture, and sell our offerings 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.  International royalty revenue is reported as a component of training and consulting service sales in our consolidated statements of operations.

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

Stock-Based Compensation

Our shareholders have approved performance-based long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) that provide for grants of stock-based performance awards to certain managerial personnel and executive management as directed by the Organization and 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 upon the achievement of specified performance objectives during defined performanceservice periods.  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 expected vesting dates and number of shares expected to be awarded based upon actual and estimated financial results of the Company compared with 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 new estimated probable number of common shares to be awarded.

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The analysis of our LTIP awards contains uncertainties because we are required to make assumptions and judgments about the timing and 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.  These forecasted amounts may be difficult to predict over the life of the LTIP awards due to changes in our business, such as from the introduction of subscription-based services, or other external factors, such as the All Access PassCOVID-19 pandemic, and itstheir impact on reportedour financial results.  These business changesEvents such as these may also leave some previously approved performance measures obsolete or unattainable.  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 service periods and number of common shares to be awarded under the LTIP grants as described above.
  For example, the impact of and expected recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reversal of previously recognized performance award stock-based compensation expense during the third quarter of fiscal 2020.
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Accounts Receivable Valuation

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest.  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.accounts and may adversely impact our financial results.  For example, a 10 percent increase to our allowance for doubtful accounts at August 31, 20172020 would increasedecrease our reported lossincome from operations by approximately $0.2$0.4 million.

For further information regarding the calculation of our allowance for doubtful accounts, refer to the notes to our financial statements as presented in Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.

Related Party Receivable

At August 31, 2017, we had receivables from FCOP, an entity in which we own 19.5 percent, for reimbursement of certain operating costs and for working capital and other advances, even though we are not obligated to provide advances to, or fund the losses of FCOP.  We make use of estimates to account for these receivables, including estimates of the collectability of amounts receivable from FCOP in future periods and, based upon the timing of estimated collections, we were required to classify a portion of the receivable to long-term.  In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we are required to discount the long-term portion of the receivable to its net present value using an estimated effective borrowing rate for FCOP.

We estimated the effective risk-adjusted borrowing rate to discount the long-term portion of the receivable at 15 percent, which was recorded as a discount on a related party receivable in our consolidated statements of operations in certain periods.  Our estimate of the effective borrowing rate required us to estimate a variety of factors, including the availability of debt financing for FCOP, projected borrowing rates for comparable debt, and the timing and realizability of projected cash flows from FCOP.  These estimates were based on information known at the time of the preparation of these financial statements.  A change in the assumptions and factors used, including estimated interest rates, may change the amount of discount taken.

Our assessments regarding the collectability of the FCOP receivable require us to make assumptions and judgments regarding the financial health of FCOP and are dependent on projected financial information for FCOP in future periods.  Such financial information contains inherent uncertainties, and is subject to factors that are not within our control.  Failure to receive projected cash flows from FCOP in future periods may result in adverse consequences to our liquidity, financial position, and results of operations.  For instance, changes in expected cash flows during fiscal 2015 resulted in impaired asset charges and increased discount expense during that fiscal year.

For further information regarding our investment in FCOP, refer to the notes to our financial statements as presented in Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.

Inventory Valuation

Our inventories are primarily comprised of training materials and related accessories.  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
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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 August 31, 2017 would increase our reported loss from operations by $0.1 million.

Due to a change in strategy designed to focus resources and efforts on sales of the All Access Pass in Japan, and declining sales and profitability of the publishing business, in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 we decided to exit the publishing business in Japan.  As a result of this determination, we wrote off the majority of our book inventory located in Japan for $2.1 million, which was recorded as a component of product cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2017.

Valuation of 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 originated from the merger with the Covey Leadership Center in 1997 and has been deemed to have an indefinite life.  This intangible asset is quantitatively tested for impairment using the present value of estimated royalties on trade name related revenues, which consist primarily of training seminars and related products, and international licensee royalties.

Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired.  During August 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other:  Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.  This guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates the two-step goodwill impairment test.  Under the newcurrent accounting guidance, an annual or interim goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit'sunit’s fair value.  The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and two-step goodwill impairment test.

WeDue to the impact of COVID-19, we tested goodwill for impairment during the third quarter of fiscal 2020 and at August 31, 20172020 at the reporting unit level using a quantitative approach.  The goodwill impairment testing process involves determining whether the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its respective book value.  If the fair value exceeds the book value, goodwill of that reporting unit is not impaired.  If the book value exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value.  The estimated fair value of each reporting unit was calculated using a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flows) and the market approach (using market multiples derived from a set of companies with comparable market characteristics).  The estimated fair values of the reporting units from these approaches were weighted in the determination of the total fair value.

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On an interim basis, we consider whether events or circumstances are present that may lead to the determination that goodwill may be impaired.  These circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following:

·
significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results;
·significant change in the manner of our use of acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business;
·significant change in prevailing interest rates;
·significant negative industry or economic trend;
·significant change in market capitalization relative to book value; and/or
·significant negative change in market multiples of the comparable company set.
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significant change in the manner of our use of acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business;
significant change in prevailing interest rates;
significant negative industry or economic trend;
significant change in market capitalization relative to book value; and/or
significant negative change in market multiples of the comparable company set.

If, based on events or changing circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit does not exceed its carrying value, we would be required to test goodwill for impairment.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables.  We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain.  Actual future results may differ from those estimates.  In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units.  The timing and frequency of our goodwill impairment tests are based on an ongoing assessment of events and circumstances that would indicate a possible impairment.  Based on the results of our goodwill impairment testing during fiscal 2017,2020, we determined that no impairment existed at August 31, 2017,2020, as each reportable operating segment'ssegment’s estimated fair value exceeded its carrying value.  We will continue to monitor our goodwill and intangible assets for impairment and conduct formal tests when impairment indicators are present.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived tangible assets and finite-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 finite-lived intangible assets change in the future, significant impairment charges could result that would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

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Acquisitions and Contingent Consideration Liabilities

We record acquisitions resulting in the consolidation of an enterprise using the purchase method of accounting.  Under this method, the acquiring company records the assets acquired, including intangible assets that can be identified and named, and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.  The purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.  If the assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed, are greater than the purchase price paid, then a bargain purchase has occurred and the companyCompany will recognize the gain immediately in earnings.  Among other sources of relevant information, we use independent appraisals or other valuations to assist in determining the estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities.  Various assumptions are used in the determination of these estimated fair values including discount rates, market and volume growth rates, product or service selling prices, cost structures, royalty rates, and other prospective financial information.

Additionally, we are required us to reassess the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities resulting from business acquisitions at each reporting period.  Although subsequent changes to the contingent consideration liabilities do not affect the goodwill generated from the acquisition transaction, the valuation of expected contingent consideration often requires us to estimate future sales andand/or profitability.  These estimates require the use of numerous assumptions, many of which may change frequently and lead to increased or decreased operating income in future periods.  For instance, during fiscal 20172020 we recorded $1.9 millionapproximately $49,000 of net decreases to the fair value of theour contingent consideration liability relatedliabilities compared with $1.3 million of increases during fiscal 2019.  Changes to the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities are recorded as a business acquisition from a previous period, which resulted in a corresponding decrease incomponent of selling, general, and administrative expenses.

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.
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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 FASCASC 740-10-05, 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 FASCASC 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 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.


RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other:  Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.  This guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates the two-step goodwill impairment test.  Under the new guidance, an annual or interim goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value.  The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and two-step goodwill impairment test.  The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted
4841

for interimFor example, in consideration of the relevant accounting guidance, we reevaluated our deferred tax assets during fiscal 2020 and considered both positive and negative evidence in determining whether it is more likely than not that some portion or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.  We have elected, as permitted byall of our deferred tax assets will be realized.  Because of the cumulative pre-tax losses over the past three fiscal years, combined with the expected continued disruptions and negative impact to our business resulting from uncertainties related to the recovery from the pandemic, we were unable to overcome accounting guidance indicating that it is more-likely-than-not that insufficient taxable income will be available to early adopt ASU No. 2017-04realize all of August 31, 2017 to be effective for our annual goodwill impairment testing.  The adoptiondeferred tax assets before they expire, which are primarily foreign tax credit carryforwards and a portion of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated goodwill balance at August 31, 2017.net operating loss carryforwards.  Accordingly, we increased the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets in fiscal 2020.


RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ISSUED NOT YET ADOPTED

On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  This new standard was issued in conjunction with the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and is designedRefer to create a single, principles-based process by which all businesses calculate revenue.  The core principle of this standard is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equalNote 1 to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services.  The standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract.  The new standard replaces numerous individual, industry-specific revenue rules found in generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.  We are required to adopt this standard on September 1, 2018, and apply the new guidance during interim periods within fiscal 2019.  The new standard may be adopted using the "full retrospective" or "modified retrospective" approach.  We are continuing to assess the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on our financial position, results of operations, and related disclosures, and we have not yet determined the method of adoption nor the full impact that the standard will have on our reported revenue or results of operations.  We currently believe that the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will not significantly change the recognition of revenues associated with the delivery of onsite presentations and facilitator material sales.  However, the recognition of revenues associated with intellectual property licenses, such as our All Access Pass, and other revenue streams may be more significantly impacted by the new standard.  The Company will continue to assess the new standard along with industry trends and additional interpretive guidance, and it may adjust its implementation plan accordingly.  We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have any impact on our operating cash flows.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.  The guidance in ASU 2016-10 clarifies aspects of Topic 606 related to identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related core principles for those areas.  The effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2016-10 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for Topic 606 (ASU 2014-09) discussed above.  As of August 31, 2017, we have not yet determined the full impact that ASU No. 2016-10 will have on our reported revenue or results of operations.

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases.  The new lease accounting standard is the result of a collaborative effort with the IASB (similar to the new revenue standard described above), although some differences remain between the two standards.  This new standard will affect all entities that lease assets and will require lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases (except for short-term leases that have a duration of less than one year) as of the date on which the lessor makes the underlying asset available to the lessee.  For lessors, accounting for leases is substantially the same as in prior periods.  For public companies, the new lease standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted for all entities.  For leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach.  While we expect the adoption of this new standard will increase reported assets and liabilities, as of August 31, 2017, we have not yet determined the full impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  The guidance in ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for stock-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of items on the statement of cash flows.  ASU 2016-09 is effective for public companies' annual periods, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is permitted subject to certain requirements, and the method of application (i.e., retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective) depends on the transaction area that is being amended.  Following adoption, the primary impact on our consolidated financial statements will be the recognition of excess tax benefits in the provision for income taxes rather than additional paid-in capital, which will likely result in increased volatility in the reported amounts of income tax expense and net income.  For example, during fiscal
49

2017 we recorded $0.2 million of excess income tax benefits to additional paid-in capital.  If we would have early adopted ASU 2016-09, this amount would have been recorded as a component of our consolidated income tax benefit for fiscal 2017.  As of August 31, 2017, we have not completed the full evaluation of the impact of ASU 2016-09information on our results of operations or cash flows.

recent accounting pronouncements.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

We are registered in states in which we do business that have a sales tax and we collect and remit sales or use tax on sales made in these jurisdictions.  Compliance with environmental laws and regulations has not had a material effect on our operations.


INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

Inflation has not had a material effect on our operations.  However, future inflation may have an impact on the price of materials used in the production of training products and related accessories, including paper and related raw materials.  We may not be able to pass on such increased costs to our customers.


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

Certain written and oral statements made by usthe Company in this report are "forward-looking statements"“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,"“believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” or words or phrases of similar meaning.  In our reports and filings we may make forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, our expectations about future reported revenuessales levels and operatingfinancial results, future sales growth,expected effects from the expected completionCOVID-19 pandemic, including effects on how we conduct our business and our results of our new ERP systemoperations, the timing and new AAP portal,duration of the expected introduction of new or refreshed offerings, including additions torecovery from the All Access Pass and improvements to our Education segment,COVID-19 pandemic, future training and consulting sales activity, the impact of multi-year contracts forexpected benefits from the All Access Pass renewaland the electronic delivery of existing contracts,our content, anticipated renewals of subscription offerings, the impact of new accounting standards on our financial condition and results of operations, the amount and timing of capital expenditures, anticipated expenses, including SG&A expenses, depreciation, and amortization, future gross margins, the release and success of new publications, the expected growth of our business in China, anticipated expenses,services or products, the adequacy of existing capital resources, projected cost reduction and strategic initiatives, expected levels of depreciation and amortization expense, expectations regarding tangible and intangible asset valuations, the seasonality of future sales, the seasonal fluctuations in cash used for and provided by operating activities, future compliance with the terms and conditions of our Restated Credit Agreement, the ability to borrow on, and renew or extend our Restated Credit Agreement, expectations regarding income tax expenses as well as tax assets and credits andline of credit facility, the amount of cash expected to be paid for income taxes, our ability to maintain adequate capital for our operations for at least the upcoming 12 months, the seasonality of future sales, future compliance with the terms and conditions of our line of credit, the ability to borrow on our line of credit, expected collection of accounts receivable, 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 this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017,2020, entitled "Risk“Risk Factors."  In addition, such risks and uncertainties may include unanticipated developments in any one or more of the following areas:  cybersecurity risks; unanticipated costs or capital expenditures; delays or unanticipated outcomes relating to our strategic plans; dependence on existing products or services; the rate and consumer acceptance of new product introductions, including the new AAP portal;All Access Pass; competition; the impact of foreign currency exchange rates; 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; adverse effects on certain licensee's performance due to civil unrest in some of the countries where our licensees operate; and other factors which may adversely affect our business.

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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 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 relatively 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'smanagement’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'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in our filings with the SEC.


ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk of Financial Instruments

We are exposed to financial instrument market risk primarily through fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  To manage risks associated with foreign currency exchange and interest rates, we may 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 doHowever, during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, we were not represent actual amounts exchanged by the partiesparty to the instrument; and thus are not a measure of exposure to us through our use of derivatives.  Additionally, we enter intoany foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swap agreements, or similar derivative agreements only with highly rated counterparties and we do not expect to incur any losses resulting from non-performance by other parties.instruments.

Foreign Exchange Sensitivity

Due to the global nature of our operations, we are subject to risks associated with transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, as well as the effects of translating amounts denominated in foreign currencies to United States dollars as a normal part of the reporting process.  The objective of our foreign currency risk management activities is to reduce foreign currency risk in the consolidated financial statements.  In order to manage foreign currency risks, we may make limited use of foreign currency forward contracts and other foreign currency related derivative instruments.  However, we did not utilize any foreign currency forward or related derivative contracts during fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016, or fiscal 2015.

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Interest Rate Sensitivity

Our long-term liabilities primarily consist of term loans payable obtained from the lender on our Restated2019 Credit Agreement, a long-term lease agreement (financing obligation) associated with the previous sale of our corporate headquarters, facility, amounts borrowed on our revolving credit facility, deferred income taxes,
51

and contingent consideration payments resulting from our business acquisitions.  Our overall interest rate sensitivity is primarily influenced by any amounts borrowed on term loans or on our revolving line of credit facility, and the prevailing interest rate on these instruments.  The effective interest rate on the term loans and our revolving line of credit facility was 3.13.5 percent at August 31, 2017,2020, and we may incur additional expense if interest rates increase in future periods.  For example, a one percent increase in the interest rate on our term loans and the amount outstanding on our revolving credit facilitypayable at August 31, 20172020 would result in approximately $0.2 million of additional interest expense in fiscal 2018.2021.  We did not have borrowings on our revolving credit facility at August 31, 2020.  Our financing obligation has a payment structure equivalent to a long-term leasing arrangement with a fixed interest rate of 7.7 percent.  Our other long-term liabilities do not include an interest component.

During the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we were not party to any interest rate swap agreements or similar derivative instruments.


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ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Franklin Covey Co.
Salt Lake City, UtahOpinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Franklin Covey Co. and subsidiaries (the "Company"“Company”) as of August 31, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Commission (COSO).  In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended August 31, 2020, of the Company and our report dated November 16, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph related to the Company's change in method of accounting for revenue from contracts with customers in fiscal year 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Basis for Opinion
The Company'sCompany’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company'scompany’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of theits inherent limitations, of internal control over financial reporting including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be preventedprevent or detected on a timely basis.detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended August 31, 2017 of the Company and our report dated November 14, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Salt Lake City, Utah
November 14, 201716, 2020  



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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Franklin Covey Co.
Salt Lake City, UtahOpinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Franklin Covey Co. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016, and2019, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss),loss, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the twothree years in the period ended August 31, 2017.  These financial statements are2020, and the responsibility ofrelated notes (collectively referred to as the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)"financial statements")Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidatedthe financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Franklin Covey Co. and subsidiariesthe Company as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the twothree years in the period ended August 31, 2017,2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2017,2020, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated November 14, 201716, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLPChange in Accounting Principle
Salt Lake City, UtahAs discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for revenue from contracts with customers in fiscal year 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective approach.
November 14, 2017Basis for Opinion

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Franklin Covey Co.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows of Franklin Covey Co. for the year ended August 31, 2015.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesethe Company's financial statements based on our audits.

  We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includesmisstatement, whether due to error or fraud.  Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An auditOur audits also includes assessingincluded evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement presentation.statements.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of the operations and cash flows of Franklin Covey Co. for the year ended August 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ErnstDeloitte & YoungTouche LLP

Salt Lake City, Utah
November 12, 2015
16, 2020  

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.


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FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

      
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2020  2019 
In thousands, except per-share data            
            
ASSETS            
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents $8,924  $10,456  
$
27,137
  
$
27,699
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,310 and $1,579  66,343   65,960 
Receivable from related party  1,020   1,933 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,159 and $4,242 
56,407
  
73,227
 
Inventories  3,353   5,042  
2,974
  
3,481
 
Income taxes receivable  259   - 
Prepaid expenses  3,569   2,949  
3,646
  
3,906
 
Other current assets  8,367   3,401   
11,500
   
11,027
 
Total current assets  91,835   89,741  
101,664
  
119,340
 
              
Property and equipment, net  19,730   16,083  
15,723
  
18,579
 
Intangible assets, net  57,294   50,196  
47,125
  
47,690
 
Goodwill  24,220   19,903  
24,220
  
24,220
 
Long-term receivable from related party  727   1,235 
Deferred income tax assets 
1,094
  
5,045
 
Other long-term assets  16,925   13,713   
15,611
   
10,039
 
 $210,731  $190,871  $205,437  $224,913 
              
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
      
Current liabilities:              
Current portion of term notes payable 
$
5,000
  
$
5,000
 
Current portion of financing obligation $1,868  $1,662  
2,600
  
2,335
 
Current portion of term notes payable  6,250   3,750 
Accounts payable  9,119   10,376  
5,622
  
9,668
 
Deferred revenue  40,772   20,847 
Income taxes payable 
-
  
764
 
Deferred subscription revenue 
59,289
  
56,250
 
Other deferred revenue 
7,389
  
5,972
 
Accrued liabilities  22,617   17,422   
22,628
   
23,555
 
Total current liabilities  80,626   54,057  
102,528
  
103,544
 
              
Line of credit  4,377   - 
Term notes payable, less current portion 
15,000
  
15,000
 
Financing obligation, less current portion  21,075   22,943  
14,048
  
16,648
 
Term notes payable, less current portion  12,813   10,313 
Other liabilities  5,742   3,173  
9,110
  
7,527
 
Deferred income tax liabilities  1,033   6,670   
5,298
   
180
 
Total liabilities  125,666   97,156   
145,984
   
142,899
 
              
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7 and 8)        
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)      
              
Shareholders' equity:        
Shareholders’ equity:      
Common stock, $.05 par value; 40,000 shares authorized, 27,056 shares issued  1,353   1,353  
1,353
  
1,353
 
Additional paid-in capital  212,484   211,203  
211,920
  
215,964
 
Retained earnings  69,456   76,628  
49,968
  
59,403
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  667   1,222  
641
  
269
 
Treasury stock at cost, 13,414 shares and 13,332 shares  (198,895)  (196,691)
Total shareholders' equity  85,065   93,715 
Treasury stock at cost, 13,175 shares and 13,087 shares  
(204,429
)
  
(194,975
)
Total shareholders’ equity  
59,453
   
82,014
 
 $210,731  $190,871  $205,437  $224,913 



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015 
In thousands, except per-share amounts         
Net sales:         
Training and consulting services $177,816  $189,661  $198,695 
Products  3,881   6,009   6,885 
Leasing  3,559   4,385   4,361 
   185,256   200,055   209,941 
Cost of sales:            
Training and consulting services  56,557   59,158   66,370 
Products  3,990   3,206   3,306 
Leasing  2,042   2,537   2,176 
   62,589   64,901   71,852 
Gross profit  122,667   135,154   138,089 
             
Selling, general, and administrative  121,148   113,589   108,802 
Impaired assets  -   -   1,302 
Contract termination costs  1,500   -   - 
Restructuring costs  1,482   776   587 
Depreciation  3,879   3,677   4,142 
Amortization  3,538   3,263   3,727 
Income (loss) from operations  (8,880)  13,849   19,529 
             
Interest income  379   325   383 
Interest expense  (2,408)  (2,263)  (2,137)
Discount on related-party receivables  -   -   (363)
Income (loss) before income taxes  (10,909)  11,911   17,412 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes  3,737   (4,895)  (6,296)
Net income (loss) $(7,172) $7,016  $11,116 
             
Net income (loss) per share:            
Basic and diluted $(0.52) $0.47  $0.66 
             
Weighted average number of common shares:            
Basic  13,819   14,944   16,742 
Diluted  13,819   15,076   16,923 
             
             
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):            
Net income (loss) $(7,172) $7,016  $11,116 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income            
   tax benefit of $37, $115, and $52  (555)  1,030   (1,259)
Comprehensive income (loss) $(7,727) $8,046  $9,857 







See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
          
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015 
In thousands         
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES         
Net income (loss) $(7,172) $7,016  $11,116 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided            
by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization  7,443   6,943   7,875 
Amortization of capitalized curriculum development costs  3,745   3,865   4,093 
Deferred income taxes  (5,594)  1,854   3,665 
Stock-based compensation expense  3,658   3,121   2,536 
Impairment of assets  -   -   1,302 
Excess tax expense (benefit) from stock-based compensation  (168)  52   (137)
Increase (decrease) in contingent consideration liabilities  (1,936)  1,538   35 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquired businesses:            
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net  164   (576)  (4,355)
Decrease (increase) in inventories  1,583   (908)  2,239 
Decrease in receivable from related party  1,421   820   620 
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets  (4,861)  (1,119)  (2,010)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities  676   2,264   (5,654)
Increase in deferred revenue  19,142   8,112   2,481 
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable/receivable  (249)  (316)  2,548 
Decrease in other liabilities  (495)  (1)  (164)
Net cash provided by operating activities  17,357   32,665   26,190 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
Purchases of property and equipment  (7,187)  (3,993)  (2,446)
Capitalized curriculum development costs  (6,466)  (2,236)  (2,166)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired  (7,272)  -   (262)
Acquisition of license rights  (750)  -   - 
Net cash used for investing activities  (21,675)  (6,229)  (4,874)
             
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
Proceeds from line of credit borrowings  34,320   46,454   - 
Payments on line of credit borrowings  (29,943)  (46,454)  - 
Proceeds from term notes payable financing  10,000   15,000   - 
Principal payments on term notes payable  (5,000)  (937)  - 
Principal payments on financing obligation  (1,662)  (1,472)  (1,302)
Purchases of common stock for treasury  (5,431)  (43,586)  (14,427)
Payment of contingent consideration liability  -   (2,167)  - 
Income tax benefit (expense) recorded in paid-in capital  168   (52)  137 
Proceeds from sales of common stock held in treasury  682   679   689 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities  3,134   (32,535)  (14,903)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents  (348)  321   (662)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (1,532)  (5,778)  5,751 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year  10,456   16,234   10,483 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year $8,924  $10,456  $16,234 
             
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:            
Cash paid for income taxes $2,562  $3,410  $2,383 
Cash paid for interest  2,314   2,231   2,130 
             
Non-cash investing and financing activities:            
Purchases of property and equipment financed by accounts payable $697  $334  $134 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
FRANKLIN COVEY CO. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 

              Accumulated       
              Other       
  Common  Common  Additional  Retained  Comprehensive  Treasury  Treasury 
  Stock Shares  Stock Amount  Paid-In Capital  Earnings  Income  Stock Shares  Stock Amount 
In thousands                     
Balance at August 31, 2014  27,056  $1,353  $207,148  $58,496  $1,451   (10,266) $(141,734)
Issuance of common stock from                            
treasury          (847)          111   1,536 
Purchase of treasury shares                      (778)  (14,427)
Unvested share award          (336)          24   336 
Stock-based compensation          2,536                 
Cumulative translation                            
adjustments                  (1,259)        
Tax benefits recorded in                            
paid-in capital          137                 
Other          (3)              3 
Net income              11,116             
                             
Balance at August 31, 2015  27,056   1,353   208,635   69,612   192   (10,909)  (154,286)
Issuance of common stock from                            
treasury          (143)          57   823 
Purchase of treasury shares                      (2,505)  (43,586)
Unvested share award          (356)          25   356 
Stock-based compensation          3,121                 
Cumulative translation                            
adjustments                  1,030         
Tax expense recorded in                            
paid-in capital          (52)                
Other          (2)              2 
Net income              7,016             
                             
Balance at August 31, 2016  27,056   1,353   211,203   76,628   1,222   (13,332)  (196,691)
Issuance of common stock from                            
treasury          (2,103)          188   2,785 
Purchase of treasury shares                      (300)  (5,431)
Unvested share award          (442)          30   442 
Stock-based compensation          3,658                 
Cumulative translation                            
adjustments                  (555)        
Tax benefit recorded in                            
paid-in capital          168                 
Other                            
Net loss              (7,172)            
                             
Balance at August 31, 2017  27,056  $1,353  $212,484  $69,456  $667   (13,414) $(198,895)






See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

          
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
 2020  2019  2018 
In thousands, except per-share amounts         
          
Net sales
 
$
198,456
  
$
225,356
  
$
209,758
 
Cost of sales
  
53,086
   
66,042
   
61,469
 
Gross profit
  
145,370
   
159,314
   
148,289
 
             
Selling, general, and administrative
  
129,979
   
140,530
   
138,280
 
Stock-based compensation
  
(573
)
  
4,789
   
2,846
 
Restructuring costs
  
1,636
   
-
   
-
 
Depreciation
  
6,664
   
6,364
   
5,161
 
Amortization
  
4,606
   
4,976
   
5,368
 
Income (loss) from operations  
3,058
   
2,655
   
(3,366
)
             
Interest income
  
56
   
37
   
104
 
Interest expense
  
(2,318
)
  
(2,358
)
  
(2,676
)
Discount accretion on related-party receivables
  
-
   
258
   
418
 
Income (loss) before income taxes  
796
   
592
   
(5,520
)
Provision for income taxes
  
(10,231
)
  
(1,615
)
  
(367
)
Net loss $(9,435) $(1,023) $(5,887)
             
Net loss per share:
            
Basic and diluted 
$
(0.68
)
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.43
)
             
Weighted average number of common shares:
            
Basic and diluted  
13,892
   
13,948
   
13,849
 
             
             
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
            
Net loss
 
$
(9,435
)
 
$
(1,023
)
 
$
(5,887
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income
            
   tax benefit (provision) of $16, $(5), and $(75)
  
372
   
(72
)
  
(326
)
Comprehensive loss
 $(9,063) $(1,095) $(6,213)















See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

          
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
 2020  2019  2018 
In thousands         
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
         
Net loss 
$
(9,435
)
 
$
(1,023
)
 
$
(5,887
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided            
by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization  
11,270
   
11,359
   
10,525
 
Amortization of capitalized curriculum development costs  
3,949
   
4,954
   
5,280
 
Deferred income taxes  
9,094
   
(1,051
)
  
(2,535
)
Stock-based compensation expense  
(573
)
  
4,789
   
2,846
 
Change in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities  
(49
)
  
1,334
   
1,014
 
       Amortization of right-of-use operating lease assets
               331
   -
   -
 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquired businesses:            
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net  
17,142
   
(1,770
)
  
(5,679
)
Decrease (increase) in inventories  
552
   
(260
)
  
157
 
Decrease in receivable from related party  
26
   
535
   
213
 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets  
(767
)
  
32
   
(1,335
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
(5,464
)
  
2,932
   
1,746
 
Increase in deferred revenue  
2,806
   
8,828
   
11,613
 
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable/receivable  
(794
)
  
889
   
109
 
Decrease in other liabilities  
(525
)
  
(1,096
)
  
(1,206
)
Net cash provided by operating activities  27,563   30,452   16,861 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
            
Purchases of property and equipment  
(4,183
)
  
(4,153
)
  
(6,528
)
Capitalized curriculum development costs  
(5,082
)
  
(2,688
)
  
(2,998
)
Purchase of note receivable from bank (Note 17)  
(2,600
)
  
-
   
-
 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired  
-
   
(32
)
  
(1,108
)
Net cash used for investing activities  (11,865)  (6,873)  (10,634)
             
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
            
Proceeds from line of credit borrowings  
14,870
   
82,282
   
93,391
 
Payments on line of credit borrowings  
(14,870
)
  
(93,619
)
  
(86,431
)
Proceeds from term notes payable financing  
5,000
   
20,000
   
-
 
Principal payments on term notes payable  
(5,000
)
  
(12,813
)
  
(6,250
)
Principal payments on financing obligation  
(2,335
)
  
(2,092
)
  
(1,868
)
Purchases of common stock for treasury  
(13,971
)
  
(12
)
  
(2,006
)
Payment of contingent consideration liabilities  
(1,297
)
  
(653
)
  
(2,323
)
Proceeds from sales of common stock held in treasury  
1,046
   
975
   
808
 
Net cash used for financing activities  (16,557)  (5,932)  (4,679)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
  
297
   
(101
)
  
(319
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  
(562
)
  
17,546
   
1,229
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
  
27,699
   
10,153
   
8,924
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year $27,137  $27,699  $10,153 
             
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
            
Cash paid for income taxes 
$
2,057
  
$
1,778
  
$
2,512
 
Cash paid for interest  
2,280
   
2,386
   
2,655
 
             
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
            
Purchases of property and equipment financed by accounts payable
 
$
35
  
$
410
  
$
1,018
 
License rights acquired through royalties payable financing
  
4,009
   
-
   
-
 
Use of notes receivable to modify revenue contract (Note 17)
  
3,246
   
-
   
-
 
Consideration for business acquisition from liabilities of acquiree
  
-
   
798
   
-
 



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


FRANKLIN COVEY CO. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

              
       
              Accumulated       
  Common  Common  Additional  
  Other  Treasury  Treasury 
  
Stock
Shares
  
Stock
Amount
  
Paid-In
Capital
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Comprehensive
Income
  
Stock
Shares
  
Stock
Amount
 
In thousands                     
Balance at August 31, 2017  27,056  $1,353  $212,484  $69,456  $667   (13,414) $(198,895)
Issuance of common stock from                            
treasury          (3,702)          337   4,510 
Purchase of treasury shares                      (105)  (2,006)
Restricted share award          (348)          23   348 
Stock-based compensation          2,846                 
Cumulative translation                            
adjustments                  (326)        
Net loss              (5,887)            
Balance at August 31, 2018  27,056   1,353   211,280   63,569   341   (13,159)  (196,043)
Issuance of common stock from                            
treasury          321           43   654 
Purchase of treasury shares                      1   (12)
Restricted share award          (426)          28   426 
Stock-based compensation          4,789                 
Cumulative translation                            
adjustments                  (72)        
Cumulative effect of new                            
accounting principle              (3,143)            
Net loss              (1,023)            
Balance at August 31, 2019  27,056   1,353   215,964   59,403   269   (13,087)  (194,975)
Issuance of common stock from                            
treasury          (3,138)          291   4,184 
Purchase of treasury shares                      (400)  (13,971)
Restricted share award          (333)          21   333 
Stock-based compensation          (573)                
Cumulative translation                            
adjustments                  372         
Net loss              (9,435)            
                             
Balance at August 31, 2020  27,056  $1,353  $211,920  $49,968  $641   (13,175) $(204,429)












See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Franklin Covey Co. (hereafter referred to as we, us, our, or the Company) is a global company specializing in organizational performance improvement.  We help individuals and organizations achieve results that require a change in human behavior and our mission is to "enable“enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere."  Our expertise is in the following seven areas: Leadership, Execution, Productivity, Trust, Sales Performance, Customer Loyalty, and Educational improvement.  Our offerings are described in further detail at www.franklincovey.com and elsewhere in this report.  We have some of the best-known offerings in the training industry, including a suite of individual-effectiveness and leadership-development training and products based on the best-selling books, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Speed of Trust, The Leader In Me, and The Four Disciplines of Execution, and Multipliers, and proprietary content in the areas of Execution, Sales Performance, Productivity, Customer Loyalty, and Educational improvement.  Our offerings are described in further detail at www.franklincovey.com and elsewhere in this report.  Through our organizational research and curriculum development efforts, we seek to consistently create, develop, and introduce new services and products that help individuals and organizations achieve their own great purposes.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year ends on August 31 of each year.  During fiscal 2017, our Board of Directors approved a change toyear and our fiscal quarter ending dates from a modified 52/53-week calendar in which quarterly periods ended on different dates from year to year, to the last day of the calendar month in each quarter.  Beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2017, our fiscal quarters now end on the last day of November, February, and May.  Unless otherwise noted, references to fiscal years apply to the 12 months ended August 31 of the specified year.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, which consist of Franklin Development Corp., and our offices in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.Austria.  Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Pervasiveness of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of Americaaccounting principles requires us 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 ofshareholders’ equity, revenues, and expenses during the reporting periods.expenses.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in our prior period financial statements to conform with the current period presentation.  On our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, we have separately presented stock-based compensation, which was previously included within selling, general, and administrative expense (Note 12).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Some of our cash is deposited with financial institutions located throughout the United States of America and at banks in foreign countries where we operate subsidiary offices, and at times may exceed insured limits.  We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  We did not hold a significant amount of investments that would be considered cash equivalent instruments at either August 31, 20172020 or 2016.2019.  Of our $8.9$27.1 million in cash at August 31, 2017, $7.32020, $12.2 million was held outside the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries.  We routinely repatriate cash from our foreign subsidiaries and consider cash generated from foreign activities a key component of our overall liquidity position.


Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market,net realizable value, cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method.  Elements of cost in inventories generally include raw materials and direct labor.  Cash flows from the sale of inventory are included in cash flows provided by operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.  Our inventories are comprised primarily of training materials, books, and relatedtraining-related accessories, and consisted of the following (in thousands):
            
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2020  2019 
Finished goods $3,306  $5,002  
$
2,947
  
$
3,434
 
Raw materials  47   40   
27
   
47
 
 $3,353  $5,042  
$
2,974
  
$
3,481
 

Provision is made to reduce excess and obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable value.  In assessing the valuation of our inventories, we make judgments regarding future demand requirements and compare these estimates with current and committed inventory levels.  Inventory requirements may change based on projected customer demand, training curriculum life-cycle changes, and other factors that could affect the valuation of our inventories.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we decided to exit the publishing business in Japan (Note 13) and wrote off the majority of our book inventory located in Japan, which totaled $2.1 million.

Other Current Assets

Significant components of our other current assets were as follows (in thousands):

            
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2020  2019 
Deferred commissions $6,150  $1,664  
$
8,897
  
$
8,337
 
Other current assets  2,217   1,737   
2,603
   
2,690
 
 $8,367  $3,401  
$
11,500
  
$
11,027
 

We defer commission expense on All Access Pass and other subscriptionsubscription-based sales and recognize the commission expense with the recognition of the corresponding revenue.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation expense, which includes depreciation on our corporate campus that is accounted for as a financing obligation (Note 6)7), and the amortization of assets recorded under capital lease obligations, is calculated using the straight-line method over the lesser of the expected useful life of the asset or the contracted lease period.  We generally use the following depreciable lives for our major classifications of property and equipment:

Description
Useful Lives
Buildings
20 years
Machinery and equipment
5–7 years
Computer hardware and software
3–5 years
Furniture, fixtures, and leasehold improvements
5–7 years



Our property and equipment were comprised of the following (in thousands):

            
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2020  2019 
Land and improvements $1,312  $1,312  
$
1,312
  
$
1,312
 
Buildings  30,044   32,201  
30,038
  
30,038
 
Machinery and equipment  2,119   2,279  
900
  
1,162
 
Computer hardware and software  22,647   18,552  
29,691
  
28,665
 
Furniture, fixtures, and leasehold              
improvements  8,319   9,292   
9,129
   
8,409
 
  64,441   63,636  
71,070
  
69,586
 
Less accumulated depreciation  (44,711)  (47,553)  
(55,347
)
  
(51,007
)
 $19,730  $16,083  
$
15,723
  
$
18,579
 

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful economic life of the asset or the contracted lease period.  We expense costs for repairs and maintenance as incurred.  Gains and losses resulting from the sale of property and equipment are recorded in operating income or (loss). from operations.  Depreciation of capitalized subscription portal costs is included in depreciation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.  During fiscal 2017,2018, we capitalized $0.1 million of interest expense in connection with the installation of our new enterprise resource planning software system and the development of our newimproved All Access Pass (AAP) portal.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived tangible assets and definite-livedfinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  We use an estimate of undiscounted future net cash flows of the assets over the remaining useful lives in determining whether the carrying value of the assets is recoverable.  If the carrying values of the assets exceed the anticipated future cash flows of the assets, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying values of the assets and their estimated fair values.  Impairment of long-lived assets is assessed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent from other groups of assets.  The evaluation of long-lived assets requires us to use estimates of future cash flows.  If forecasts and assumptions used to support the realizability of our long-lived tangible and definite-livedfinite-lived intangible assets change in the future, significant impairment charges could result that would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  For more information regarding our impaired asset charges in fiscal 2015, refer to Note 12.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill Impairment Testing

Intangible assets that are deemed to have an indefinite life and acquired goodwill 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 tested for impairment using qualitative factors or the present value of estimated royalties on trade name related revenues, which consist primarily of training seminars and work sessions, international licensee sales, and related products.  Based on the fiscal 20172020 evaluation of the Covey trade name, we believe the fair value of the Covey trade name substantially exceeds its carrying value.  No impairment charges were recorded against the Covey trade name during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016, or 2015.periods presented in this report.

Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired.  During August 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-04, Intangibles—GoodwillAn annual (or interim test if events and Other:  Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.  This guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates the two-step goodwill impairment test.  Under the new guidance, an annual or interimcircumstances indicate a test should be performed) goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit'sunit’s fair value.  The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and two-step goodwill impairment test.
We tested goodwill for impairment at August 31, 20172020 at the reporting unit level using a quantitative approach.  The goodwill impairment testing process involves determining whether the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its respective book value.  If the fair value exceeds the book value, goodwill of that reporting unit is not impaired.  If the book value exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value.  The estimated fair value of each reporting unit was calculated using a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flows) and the market approach (using market multiples derived from a set of companies with comparable market characteristics).


On an interim basis, we consider whether events or circumstances are present that may lead to the determination that goodwill may be impaired.  If, based on events or changing circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit does not exceed its carrying value, we would beare required to test goodwill for impairment.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables.  We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain.  Actual future results may differ from those estimates.  In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units.  The timing and frequency of our goodwill impairment tests are based on an ongoing assessment of events and circumstances that would indicate a possible impairment.  Based on the results of our goodwill impairment testing, during fiscal 2017, we determined that no impairment existed at either of August 31, 20172020 or 2016,2019 as each reporting unit'sunit’s estimated fair value exceeded its carrying value.  We will continue to monitor our goodwill and intangible assets for impairment and conduct formal tests when impairment indicators are present.  For more information regarding our intangible assets and goodwill, refer to Note 4.5.

Capitalized Curriculum Development Costs

During the normal course of business, we develop training courses and related materials that we sell to our clients.  Capitalized curriculum development costs include certain expenditures to develop course materials such as video segments, course manuals, and other related materials.  Our capitalized curriculum development spending in fiscal 2017,2020, which totaled $6.5$5.1 million, was primarily for various Education practice offerings related toand courses for the All Access Pass, including new The Leader In MeMultipliers, our Leadership content, and for various other offerings.  Generally, curriculum content.  Curriculum costs are capitalized when there is a major revision to an existing course that requires a significant re-write of the course materials or curriculum.materials.  Costs incurred to maintain existing offerings are expensed when incurred.  In addition, development costs incurred in the research and development of new curriculumofferings and software products to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed are expensed as incurred until economic and technological feasibility has been established.

Capitalized development costs are amortized over three- to five-year useful lives, which are based on numerous factors, including expected cycles of major changes to our content.  Capitalized curriculum development costs are reported as a component of other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets and totaled $11.6$8.1 million and $8.9$7.0 million at August 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019.  Amortization of capitalized curriculum development costs is reported as a component of cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.operations and comprehensive loss.

Accrued Liabilities

Significant components of our accrued liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

       
AUGUST 31,
 2020  2019 
Accrued compensation
 
$
9,597
  
$
14,003
 
Other accrued liabilities
  
13,031
   
9,552
 
  
$
22,628
  
$
23,555
 


AUGUST 31, 2017  2016 
Accrued compensation $10,611  $8,810 
Other accrued liabilities  12,006   8,612 
  $22,617  $17,422 

We reclassified approximately $4,000 of income taxes payable at August 31, 2016 to accrued liabilities.

Contingent Consideration Payments from Business Acquisitions

AcquisitionsBusiness acquisitions may include contingent consideration payments based on various future financial measures related to anthe acquired company.entity.  Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date.  We estimate the fair value of these liabilities based on financial projections of the acquired company and estimated probabilities of achievement.  At each reporting date,Based on updated estimates and projections, the contingent consideration liabilities are revaluedadjusted at each reporting date to their estimated fair value and changesvalue.  Changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisition date are reflectedreported in selling, general, and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations and couldcomprehensive loss, and may have a material impact on our operating results.  ChangesVariations in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities may result from changes in discount periods or rates, changes in the timing and amount of earnings estimates, and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving various payment criteria.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The functional currencies of our foreign operations are the reported local currencies.  Translation adjustments result from translating our foreign subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ financial statements into United States dollars.  The balance sheet accounts of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.dates.  Revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates for each month during the fiscal year.  The resulting translation differences are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders'shareholders’ equity.  Foreign currency transaction losses totaled $0.1 million, $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $1.1$0.5 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively, and are included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

Sales Taxes

We collect sales tax on qualifying transactions with customers based upon applicable sales tax rates in various jurisdictions.  We account for sales taxes collected using the net method; accordingly, we do not include sales taxes in net sales reported in our consolidated statements of operations.operations and comprehensive loss.

Revenue Recognition

We recognizeaccount for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which we adopted on September 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method (see also Note 2).

Prior to the adoption of Topic 606, we recognized revenue when: 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists,existed, 2) delivery of the product has occurred or the services have beenwere rendered, 3) the price to the customer iswas fixed or determinable, and 4) collectability iswas reasonably assured.  These principles governed our revenue recognition policies and procedures for fiscal 2018 as presented in this report.  For training and service sales, these conditions arewere generally met upon presentation of the training seminar or delivery of the consulting services based upon daily rates.  For most of our product sales, these conditions arewere met upon shipment of the product to the customer.  At times, our customers may request access to our intellectual property for the flexibility to print certain training materials or to have access to certain training videos and other training aids at their convenience.  For intellectual property license sales, the revenue recognition conditions arewere generally met at the later of delivery of the content to the client or the effective date of the arrangement.  Our subscription revenues from the All Access Pass and the Leader in Me membership were recognized over the duration of the underlying contracts since our clients had the right to content updates during the contracted period.

Revenue recognition for multiple-element arrangements requiresrequired judgment to determine if multiple elements exist,existed, whether elements cancould be accounted for as separate units of accounting, and if so, the fair value for each of the elements.  A deliverable constitutesconstituted a separate unit of accounting when it hashad standalone value to our clients.  We routinely enterentered into arrangements that can includeincluded various combinations of multiple training offerings, consulting services, and intellectual property licenses.  The
timing of delivery and performance of the elements typically variesvaried from contract to contract.  Generally, these items qualifyqualified as separate units of accounting because they havehad value to the customer on a standalone basis.

When the Company's training and consulting arrangements contain multiple deliverables, consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices at the beginning of the agreement, and revenue is recognized as each offering, consulting service, or intellectual property license is delivered.  We use the following selling price hierarchy to determinedetermined the fair value to be used for allocating revenue to the elements:elements based on (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (VSOE), (ii) third-party evidence (TPE), and (iii) best estimate of selling price (BESP).  Generally, VSOE is based on established pricing and discounting practices for the deliverables when sold separately.  In determining VSOE, we require that a substantial majority of the selling prices fall within a narrow range.  When VSOE cannot be established, judgment is applied with respect to whether a selling price can be established based on TPE, which is determined based on competitor prices for similar offerings when sold separately.  Our products and services normally contain a significant level of differentiation such that the comparable pricing of services with similar functionality cannot be obtained.  When we are unable to establish a selling price using VSOE or TPE, BESP is used in our allocation of arrangement consideration.  BESPs are established as best estimates of what the selling price would be if the deliverables were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis.  Our process for determining BESPs requires judgment and considers multiple factors, such as market conditions, type of customer, geographies, stage of product lifecycle, internal costs, and gross margin objectives.  These factors may vary over time depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable.  However, we do not expect the effect of changes in the selling price or method or assumptions used to determine selling price to have a significant effect on the allocation of arrangement consideration.

Our multiple-element arrangements generally do not include performance, cancellation, termination, or refund-type provisions.

Our international strategy includes the use of licensees in countries where we do not have a wholly-owned direct office.  Licensee companies are unrelated entities that have been granted a license to translate our content and offerings, adapt the content to the local culture, and sell our content 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.  LicenseeRefer to the disaggregated revenue information presented in Note 16 for our royalty revenues are included as a component of training sales and totaled $10.6 million, $14.4 million, and $13.7 million forin the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.  The decreasepresented in international licensee royalties in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to the conversionthis report.


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


Stock-Based Compensation

We record the compensation expense for all stock-based payments, to employees and non-employees, including grants of stock options and the compensatory elements of our employee stock purchase plan, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss based upon their fair values over the requisite service period.  For more information on our stock-based compensation plans, refer to Note 11.12.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

All shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as a component of net sales.  All costs incurred related to the shipping and handling of products are recorded in cost of sales.

Advertising Costs

Costs for advertising are expensed as incurred.  Advertising costs included in selling, general, and administrative expenses totaled $6.4$3.3 million, $6.6$4.6 million, and $7.4$6.9 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015.2018.

Restructuring Costs

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we restructured certain information technology, central operations, and marketing functions.  We incurred $1.6 million of severance costs related to these restructuring activities.  At August 31, 2020, we had $1.2 million of remaining accrued restructuring costs, which are expected to be paid during fiscal 2021.

Income Taxes

Our income tax provision has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes.  Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid.  The income tax provision represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year.  Deferred income taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of our assets and liabilities and are adjusted for tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted.  A valuation allowance is provided against deferred income tax assets when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.  Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as components of income tax benefit or expense in our consolidated statements of operations.operations and comprehensive loss.

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 on 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 ultimate settlement.

We provide for income taxes, net of applicable foreign tax credits, on temporary differences in our investment in foreign subsidiaries, which consist primarily of unrepatriated earnings.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive incomeLoss

Comprehensive loss includes changes to equity accounts that were not the result of transactions with shareholders.  Comprehensive incomeloss is comprised of net income or loss and other comprehensive income and loss items.  Our other comprehensive income and losses generally consist of changes in the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax.

Accounting Pronouncements Issued and Adopted

Leases

In January 2017,February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2017-04,No. 2016-02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other:  Simplifying the Test for Goodwill ImpairmentLeases (Topic 842), which supersedes FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, LeasesThisThe new guidance simplifiesrequires lessees to recognize a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset for all leases greater than 12 months.  Recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses depends upon whether the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates the two-step goodwill impairment test.  Underlease is classified as a finance or operating lease.  We adopted the new lease guidance an annual or interim goodwill impairment test is performed by comparingprospectively on September 1, 2019.  As part of the fair valueadoption of a reporting unit with its carrying amount,ASU 2016-02, we elected to apply the package of practical expedients, which allows us to not reassess prior conclusions related to lease classification, not to recognize short-term leases on our balance sheet, and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value.  The amendments also eliminate the
requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amountnot to perform a qualitative assessmentseparate lease and two-step goodwill impairment test.  The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.  We have elected, as permitted by the guidance, to early adopt ASU No. 2017-04 to be effectivenon-lease components for our annual goodwill impairment testing at August 31, 2017.  Theleases.  On September 1, 2019, the adoption of this standard did not have a material effectASU 2016-02 resulted in the recognition of $1.5 million of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets on our consolidated goodwill balance at August 31, 2017.sheets for operating leases.  For lessors, accounting for leases is substantially the same as in prior periods and there was no impact from the adoption of ASU 2016-02 for those leases where we are the lessor.  Refer to Note 8, Leases for further information on our leasing activity.

Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet AdoptedThe lease on our corporate campus has historically been accounted for as a financing obligation and related building asset on our consolidated balance sheets, as the contract did not meet the criteria for application of sale-leaseback accounting under previous leasing guidance.  In transition to Topic 842, we reassessed whether the contract met the sale criteria under the new leasing standard.  Based on this assessment, we determined that the sale criteria under the new leasing standard was not met and we will continue to account for the corporate campus lease as a finance obligation on our consolidated balance sheet in future periods.

OnRevenue Recognition

In May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  This new standard was issued in conjunction with the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and is designed to create a single, principles-based process by which all businesses calculate revenue.  The core principle of this standard is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services.  The standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract.  The new standard replaces numerous individual, industry-specific revenue rules found in generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.  We are required to adopt this standardadopted ASU No. 2014-09 on September 1, 2018 and applyusing the “modified retrospective” approach.  Under this transition method, we applied the new guidancestandard to contracts that were not completed as of the adoption date and recognized a cumulative effect adjustment which reduced our retained earnings by $4.1 million ($3.1 million, net of tax) on September 1, 2018, which primarily consisted of initial licensing fees on international locations.  The comparative period information for fiscal 2018 has not been restated and continues to be presented according to accounting standards for revenue recognition in effect during that fiscal year.

The primary impact of ASU No. 2014-09 on our revenue recognition policies is a change in the way we account for our initial license fee associated with licensing an international location.  The Company previously recorded the non-refundable initial license fee from licensing an international location as revenue at the time the license period begins if all other revenue requirements had been met.  However, under Topic 606, the Company recognizes revenue on the upfront license fees over the duration of the contract.


Under Topic 606, we account for the All Access Pass as a single performance obligation and recognize the associated transaction price on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying contract.  This determination was reached after considering that our web-based functionality and content, in combination with our intellectual property, each represent inputs that transform into a combined output that represents the intended outcome of the AAP, which is to provide a continuously accessible, customized, and dynamic learning and development solution only accessible through the AAP platform.

We do not expect the accounting for fulfillment costs or costs incurred to obtain a contract to be materially affected in any period due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09.  Refer to Note 2 for further details regarding our revenue recognition accounting policies under Topic 606.

The cumulative after-tax effects of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet from the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands):

          
  August 31,  ASC 606  September 1, 
  2018  Adjustments  2018 
Assets:         
Other current assets
 
$
10,893
  
$
109
  
$
11,002
 
Deferred income tax assets
  
3,222
   
1,005
   
4,227
 
             
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:            
Deferred subscription revenue
  
47,417
   
1,453
   
48,870
 
Other deferred revenue
  
4,471
   
555
   
5,026
 
Other liabilities
  
5,501
   
2,249
   
7,750
 
Retained earnings
  
63,569
   
(3,143
)
  
60,426
 

The following line items in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss were impacted by the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard for the year ended August 31, 2019 (in thousands, except per-share data):

          
  August 31,  August 31,    
  2019  2019  Impact of 
  As Reported  Without ASC 606  ASC 606 
Net sales
 
$
225,356
  
$
225,222
  
$
134
 
Cost of sales
  
66,042
   
66,042
   
-
 
Selling, general, and administrative
  
140,530
   
140,540
   
(10
)
Income tax provision
  
(1,615
)
  
(1,580
)
  
(35
)
Net loss
  
(1,023
)
  
(1,132
)
  
109
 
             
Net loss per share:
            
   Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.08
)
    


Selected consolidated balance sheet line items as of August 31, 2019, which were impacted by the adoption of the new standard, were as follows (in thousands):

          
  August 31,  August 31,    
  2019  2019  Impact of 
  As Reported  Without ASC 606  ASC 606 
Assets:         
Other current assets
 
$
11,027
  
$
10,908
  
$
119
 
Deferred income tax assets
  
5,045
   
4,075
   
970
 
Total assets
  
224,913
   
223,824
   
1,089
 
             
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:            
Deferred subscription revenue
 
$
56,250
  
$
55,247
  
$
1,003
 
Other deferred revenue
  
5,972
   
5,417
   
555
 
Other liabilities
  
7,527
   
4,961
   
2,566
 
Retained earnings
  
59,403
   
62,438
   
(3,035
)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  
224,913
   
223,824
   
1,089
 

The adoption of ASC Topic 606 did not have a material impact on our cash flows from operating, investing, or financing activities.

Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.  This accounting standard changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments, including trade accounts receivable, and the timing of when such losses are recorded.  ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted for fiscal 2019.  The new standard may be adopted usingyears, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018.  We expect to adopt the "full retrospective" or "modified retrospective" approach.  We are continuingprovisions of ASU No. 2016-13 on September 1, 2020 and do not expect this guidance to assess thehave a material impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on our financial position, results of operations, and related disclosures,disclosures.

Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and we have not yet determinedOther—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15).  This guidance clarifies the method ofaccounting for implementation costs in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract and aligns the requirements for capitalizing those costs with the capitalization requirements for costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software.  The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption noris permitted.  We are currently evaluating the full impact that the standard will have on our reported revenue or results of operations.  We currently believe thateffects, if any, the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will not significantly change2018-15 may have on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.


2.REVENUE RECOGNTION

We account for revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, which was adopted on September 1, 2018 using the recognition of revenues associatedmodified retrospective method (Note 1).  We earn revenue from contracts with customers primarily through the delivery of onsite presentations and facilitator material sales.  However, the recognition of revenues associated with intellectual property licenses, such as our All Access Pass and other revenue streams may be more significantly impacted by the new standard.  TheLeader in Me membership subscription offerings, through the delivery of training days and training course materials (whether digitally or in person), and through the licensing of rights to sell our content into geographic locations where the Company will continue to assess the new standard along with industry trendsdoes not maintain a direct office.  We also earn revenues from leasing arrangements that are not accounted for under Topic 606.  Returns and additional interpretive guidance,refunds are generally immaterial, and it may adjust its implementation plan accordingly.  Wewe do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have any impact on our operating cash flows.significant warranty obligations.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.  The guidance in ASU 2016-10 clarifies aspects of Topic 606 related to identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related core principles for those areas.  The effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2016-10 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for Topic 606 (ASU 2014-09) discussed above.  As of August 31, 2017, we have not yet determined the full impact that ASU No. 2016-10 will have on our reported revenue or results of operations.

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases.  The new lease accounting standard is the result of a collaborative effort with the IASB (similar to the new revenue standard described above), although some differences remain between the two standards.  This new standard will affect all entities that lease assets and will require lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases (except for short-term leases that have a duration of less than one year) as of the date on which the lessor makes the underlying asset available to the lessee.  For lessors, accounting for leases is substantially the same as in prior periods.  For public companies, the new lease standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted for all entities.  For leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach.  While we expect the adoption of this new standard will increase reported assets and liabilities, as of August 31, 2017, we have not yet determined the full impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  The guidance in ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for stock-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of items on the statement of cash flows.  ASU 2016-09 is effective for public companies' annual periods, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is permitted subject to certain requirements, and the method of application (i.e., retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective) depends on the transaction area that is being amended.  Following adoption, the primary impact on our consolidated financial statements will be the recognition of excess tax benefits in the provision for income taxes rather than additional paid-in capital, which will likely result in increased
6759


Under Topic 606, we recognize revenue upon the transfer of control of promised products and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services.  Although rare, if the consideration promised in a contract includes variable amounts, we evaluate the estimate of variable consideration to determine whether the estimate needs to be constrained.  We include the variable consideration in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable a significant reversal of the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur.

We determine the amount of revenue to be recognized through application of the following steps:

Identification of the contract with a customer
volatility
Identification of the performance obligations in the reported amountscontract
Determination of income tax benefitthe transaction price
Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
Recognition of revenue when the Company satisfies the performance obligations

Taxes assessed by a government authority that are collected from a customer are excluded from net revenue.

Services and Products

We deliver Company-led training days from our offerings, such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, at a customer’s location or expenselive-online based upon a daily consultant rate and net income (loss).  For example, during fiscal 2017, wea set price for training materials.  These revenues are recognized as the training days occur and the services are performed.  Customers also have the option to purchase training materials and present our offerings through internal facilitators and not through the use of a Franklin Covey consultant.  Revenue is recognized from these product sales when the materials are shipped.  Shipping revenues associated with product sales are recorded $0.2 million of excess income tax benefits to additional paid-in capital.  If we would have early adopted ASU 2016-09, this amount would have beenin revenue with the corresponding shipping cost being recorded as a component of our consolidated income tax benefitcost of sales.

Subscription Revenues

Subscription revenues primarily relate to the Company’s All Access Pass and the Leader in Me membership offerings.  We have determined that it is most appropriate to account for fiscal 2017.  As of August 31, 2017, we have not completed the full evaluationAAP as a single performance obligation and recognize the associated transaction price ratably over the term of the underlying contract beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date the Company’s platforms and resources are made available to the customer.  This determination was reached after considering that our web-based functionality and content, in combination with our intellectual property, each represent inputs that transform into a combined output that represents the intended outcome of the AAP, which is to provide a continuously accessible, customized, and dynamic learning and development solution only accessible through the AAP platform.

We typically invoice our customers annually upon execution of the contract or subsequent renewals.  Amounts that have been invoiced are recorded in accounts receivable and in unearned revenue or revenue, depending on whether transfer of control has occurred.

Our Leader in Me offering is bifurcated into a portal membership obligation and a coaching delivery obligation.  We have determined that it is appropriate to recognize revenue related to the portal membership over the term of the underlying contract and to recognize revenue from coaching as those services are performed.  The combined contract amount is recorded in deferred subscription revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied.  Any additional coaching or training days which are contracted independent of the Leader in Me membership are recorded as revenue in accordance with our general policy for services and products as previously described.


Royalties

Our international strategy includes the use of licensees in countries where we do not have a wholly-owned direct office.  Licensee companies are unrelated entities that have been granted a license to translate our content and offerings, adapt the content to the local culture, and sell our content 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 reporting period based upon the sales information reported to us from our licensees.  When sales information is not received from a particular licensee at the end of a reporting period, the Company estimates the amount of royalties to be received for the period that is being reported based upon prior forecasts and historical performance.  These estimated royalties are recorded as revenue and are adjusted in the subsequent period.

The primary impact of ASU 2016-09No. 2014-09 on our resultsfinancial statements is a change in the way we account for the initial license fee associated with licensing an international location.  The Company previously recorded the non-refundable initial license fee from licensing an international location as revenue at the time the license period began if all other revenue requirements had been met.  However, under Topic 606, we recognize revenue on the upfront fees over the term of operationsthe initial contract.

Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations

We periodically enter into contracts that include multiple performance obligations.  A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer products or services that are distinct, or that are distinct within the context of the contract.  A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied.  Determining whether products and services meet the distinct criteria that should be accounted for separately or combined as one unit of accounting requires significant judgment.

When determining whether goods and services meet the distinct criteria, we consider various factors for each agreement including the availability of the services and the nature of the offerings and services.  We allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price (SSP) basis.  Judgment is required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation.  The SSP is the price which the Company would sell a promised product or service separately to a customer.  In determining the SSP, we consider the size and volume of transactions, price lists, historical sales, and contract prices.  We may modify our pricing from time-to-time in the future, which could result in changes to the SSP.

Contract Balances

As described above, subscription revenue is generally recognized ratably over the term of the underlying contract beginning on the commencement date of each agreement.  The timing of when these contracts are invoiced, cash flows.is collected, and revenue is recognized impacts our accounts receivable and deferred revenue accounts.  We generally bill our clients in advance for subscription offerings or within the month that the training and products are delivered.  As such, consideration due to the Company for work performed is included in accounts receivable and we do not have a significant amount of contract assets.  Our receivables are generally collected within 30 to 120 days but typically no longer than 12 months.  Deferred revenue primarily consists of billings or payments received in advance of revenue being recognized from our subscription offerings.  Furthermore, our clients, to expend funds in a particular budget cycle, may prepay for services or products which are also a component of our consolidated deferred revenue.  Our deferred revenue totaled $68.9 million at August 31, 2020 and $65.8 million at August 31, 2019, of which $2.2 million and $3.6 million were classified as components of other long-term liabilities at August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively.  The amount of deferred revenue that was generated from subscription offerings totaled $60.6 million at August 31, 2020 and $58.2 million at August 31, 2019.  During the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized $86.5 million and $74.7 million of previously deferred subscription revenue.


Remaining Performance Obligations

When possible, we enter into multi-year non-cancellable contracts which are invoiced either upon execution of the contract or at the beginning of each annual contract period.  Topic 606 introduced the concept of remaining transaction price which represents contracted revenue that has not yet been recognized, including unearned revenue and unbilled amounts that will be recognized as revenue in future periods.  Transaction price is influenced by factors such as seasonality, the average length of the contract term, and the ability of the Company to continue to enter multi-year non-cancellable contracts.  At August 31, 2020 we had $100.2 million of remaining performance obligations, including $60.6 million of deferred revenue related to our subscription offerings.  The remaining performance obligation does not include other deferred revenue as amounts included in other deferred revenue include items such as deposits that are generally refundable at the client’s request prior to the satisfaction of the obligation.

Costs Capitalized to Obtain Contracts

We capitalize the incremental costs of obtaining non-cancellable subscription revenue, primarily from the All Access Pass and the Leader in Me membership offerings.  These incremental costs consist of sales commissions paid to our sales force and include the associated payroll taxes and fringe benefits.  As the same commission rates are paid annually when the customer renews their contract, the capitalized commission costs are generally amortized ratably on an annual basis consistent with the recognition of the corresponding subscription revenue.  At August 31, 2020, we have capitalized $9.7 million of direct commissions, of which $8.9 million is included in other current assets and $0.8 million is in other long-term assets based on the expected recognition of the commission expense.  At August 31, 2019, we had $9.0 million of capitalized direct sales commissions with $8.3 million included in other current assets and $0.7 million included in other long-term liabilities.  During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, we capitalized $13.7 million of commission costs to obtain revenue contracts and amortized $13.0 million of deferred commissions to selling, general, and administrative expense.

During fiscal 2020, we recorded $3.2 million of consideration paid for an amendment to the license agreement with FC Organizational Products (Note 17) as a capitalized cost of the license and will reduce our royalty revenue from this license agreement by amortizing this amount over the remainder of the initial term of the license agreement, which ends in approximately 30 years.

Refer to Note 16 (Segment Information) to these consolidated financial statements for our disaggregated revenue information.


2.3.BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

Robert Gregory Partners, LLC

On May 15, 2017,December 5, 2018, we acquiredpurchased all of the assetsequity of Robert Gregory Partners, LLC (RGP),Leadership Institut GmbH, a Dublin, OhioMunich, Germany based corporate coaching firm, for $3.5company with wholly owned subsidiary companies in Switzerland and Austria.  Leadership Institut GmbH previously operated as an independent licensee that provided our training and products to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (GSA).  We transitioned the GSA licensee operation into a directly owned office operation during fiscal 2019.  The purchase price was $0.2 million in cash, plus potential$0.8 million in forgiveness of liabilities owed to the Company from the pre-existing relationship at the purchase date.  There is no contingent or other additional consideration totaling $4.5 million.  Robert Gregory Partners is a corporate coaching firmassociated with expertise in executive coaching, transition acceleration coaching, leadership development coaching, implementation coaching, and consulting.  We anticipate that RGP services and methodologies will become key offerings in our training and consulting business.  The financial results of RGP have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the datepurchase of the acquisition.

former GSA licensee.  We accounted for the acquisition of Leadership Institut Gmbh as a business combination in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.  We incurred costs for severance, legal, and other related acquisition expenses which totaled $0.5 million and were expensed in selling, general, and administrative expense during fiscal 2019.  The acquisition of the GSA licensee provides us the opportunity to operate a directly owned office in one of the world’s largest economic markets and is expected to provide significant future growth opportunities.  The total purchase price consisted of the following (in thousands):

    
Cash paid to RGP at closing $3,500 
Fair value of contingent consideration  1,413 
  Total purchase price $4,913 

    
Cash paid at closing
 
$
159
 
Accounts receivable from GSA licensee
  
798
 
  Total purchase price
 
$
957
 

The major classes of assets and liabilities to which we have allocated the preliminary purchase price were as follows (in thousands):

      
Cash acquired
 
$
127
 
Accounts receivable $458  
564
 
Prepaid expenses  136 
Inventories
 
80
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
45
 
Intangible assets  3,811  
741
 
Goodwill  1,232 
Property and equipment
 
27
 
Other long-term assets
  
11
 
Assets acquired  5,637   
1,595
 
       
Accounts payable  (51) 
(208
)
Accrued expenses  (80)
Deferred revenues  (593)
Accrued liabilities
 
(383
)
Income taxes payable
  
(47
)
Liabilities assumed  (724)  
(638
)
 $4,913  
$
957
 

The goodwill generated from the RGP acquisition was allocated to each of our operating segments.  The goodwill was primarily attributed to increased synergies that are expected to be achieved from the integration of RGP's coaching methodologies into our services and offerings.  All of the goodwill from the RGP acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

The payment of contingent consideration is based on the achievement of specified financial results and the delivery of "add-on coaching services" content that will be included in our All Access Pass offering.  During the quarter ended August 31, 2017, we paid the former owners of RGP $0.5 million of the contingent consideration for delivery of the content that has been integrated into our AAP offering.  Due to the timing of the $0.5 million payment for add-on coaching services, this amount was included in the investing activities section of the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for fiscal 2017.  Refer to Note 10 for further information regarding the fair value of the contingent consideration liability resulting from the RGP acquisition.
Following are the detailsallocation of the purchase price allocated to the intangible assets acquired (in thousands):

        
    Weighted Average
Description Amount Life
Customer list $2,249 10 years
Content  461 5 years
Trade name  341 5 years
Non-compete agreements  328 2 years
Deferred contract revenue  237 2 years
Coach relationships  150 10 years
Acquired technology  45 3 years
  $3,811 8 years

Our consolidated financial statements include $1.2 million of revenue and $0.4 million of income from operations, excluding amortization of intangible assets, attributable to RGP since the date of the acquisition.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, RGP had revenues of $3.3 million (unaudited) and operating income of $1.1 million (unaudited).  The costs to acquire RGP totaled approximately $0.1 million and were expensed as components of selling, general, and administrative expense in our consolidated financial statements.

Jhana Education

On July 11, 2017, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Jhana Education (Jhana), a San Francisco based company that specializes in the creation and dissemination of relevant, bite-sized content and learning tools for leaders and managers.  We anticipate that the Jhana content and delivery methodologies acquired will become key features of our AAP offering.  The purchase price was $3.5 million in cash plus up to $7.2 million of contingent consideration.  The financial results of Jhana have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition.

The total purchase price consisted of the following (in thousands):

    
Cash paid to Jhana at closing $3,525 
Fair value of contingent consideration  6,052 
  Total purchase price $9,577 

The major classes of assets and liabilities to which we have allocated the preliminary purchase price were as follows (in thousands):

    
Cash $253 
Accounts receivable  195 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  86 
Deferred tax asset  3,138 
Intangible assets  6,076 
Goodwill  3,085 
  Assets acquired  12,833 
     
Accounts payable  (185)
Accrued expenses  (19)
Deferred tax liability  (2,257)
Deferred revenues  (795)
  Liabilities assumed  (3,256)
  $9,577 
    
Description
 Amount Weighted Average Life
Reacquisition of license rights
 
$
360
 3 years
Localized content
  
202
 3 years
Customer relationships
  
179
 3 years
  
$
741
  

69


Following areWe have included the detailsfinancial results of the purchase price allocated toformer GSA licensee in our financial results since the intangible assets acquired (in thousands):

        
    Weighted Average
Description Amount Life
Content $3,097 5 years
Acquired technology  1,474 3 years
Customer list  1,016 5 years
Trade name  445 5 years
Non-compete agreements  44 3 years
  $6,076 5 years

date of acquisition.  The goodwill from the Jhana acquisition was assigned to the Direct Offices, Strategic Markets, and International Licensee segments.  The goodwill was primarily attributed to increased synergies that are expected to be achieved from the integration of Jhana's content and delivery methodologies into our services and offerings, especially in the All Access Pass.  None of the goodwill from the Jhana acquisition is expectedformer GSA licensee was immaterial to be deductibleour financial statements and pro forma financial information was not deemed necessary for income tax purposes.

The first two contingent payments of $1.0 million each are expected to be paid during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2018 based on the specified measures in the acquisition agreement.  The payment of the remaining $5.2 million of contingent consideration is based on Company revenues and AAP revenues over the measurement period, which ends in July 2026.  Refer to Note 10 for further information regarding the fair value of contingent consideration resulting from the Jhanathis acquisition.

The acquisition of Jhana had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.  For the year ending December 31, 2016, Jhana had revenues of $1.6 million (unaudited) and a loss before income taxes of $3.1 million (unaudited).  The costs to acquire Jhana totaled approximately $0.1 million and were expensed as incurred.  The acquisition costs were included in our selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

The following are supplemental consolidated financial results of Franklin Covey Co. on an unaudited pro forma basis as if the acquisitions of RGP and Jhana had been completed on September 1, 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

       
YEAR ENDED      
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016 
Revenue $187,745  $204,505 
Net income (loss)  (7,976)  4,863 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share  (0.58)  0.32 

These pro forma results were based on estimates and assumptions, which we believe are reasonable.  They are not the results that would have been realized had we been a combined company during the periods presented, and are not necessarily indicative of our consolidated results of operations in future periods.  The pro forma results include adjustments related to purchase accounting, primarily the amortization of intangible assets, interest expense, and inclusion of acquisition costs.


3.4.ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

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, and we review the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts on a
regular basis.  We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts using historical write-off experience based on the age of the receivable balances, and current general economic conditions, in general.and other specific factors which may delay collection, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.  Receivable balances past due over 90 days, which exceed a specified dollar amount, are reviewed individually for collectability.  As we increase sales to governmental organizations, including school districts, and offer longer payment terms on certain contracts (which are still within our normal payment terms), our collection cycle may increase in future periods.  If the risk of non-collection increases for suchour receivable balances, there may be additional charges to expense to increase the allowance for doubtful accounts.

We classify receivable amounts as current or long-term based on expected payment and record long-term accounts receivable at their net present value.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we became aware of financial difficulties at a contracting partner from whom we receive payment for services rendered on a large federal government contract.  Subsequent to August 31, 2015 we received a $1.8 million payment from this entity and entered into discussions to convert the remaining receivable, which totaled $2.9 million, into a note receivable.  Based on expected payment terms as of August 31, 2015, we reclassified this amount to other current assets and other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets based on expected principal payments.  During fiscal 2017, the note receivable terms were extended an additional two years.  This note receivable continues to bear interest at 5.0 percent per year.

Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.  We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers nor do we generally require collateral or other security agreements from our customers.

Activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts was comprised of the following for the periods indicated (in thousands):
          
YEAR ENDED         
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015 
Beginning balance $1,579  $1,333  $918 
Charged to costs and expenses  1,747   2,022   699 
Deductions  (1,016)  (1,776)  (284)
Ending balance $2,310  $1,579  $1,333 


          
YEAR ENDED
         
AUGUST 31,
 2020  2019  2018 
Beginning balance
 
$
4,242
  
$
3,555
  
$
2,310
 
Charged to costs and expenses
  
2,023
   
1,212
   
2,029
 
Deductions
  
(2,106
)
  
(525
)
  
(784
)
Ending balance
 
$
4,159
  
$
4,242
  
$
3,555
 

Deductions on the foregoing table represent the write-off of amounts deemed uncollectible during the fiscal year presented.  Recoveries of amounts previously written off were insignificant for the periods presented.



4.5.INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets were comprised of the following (in thousands):
                  
 Gross Carrying  Accumulated  Net Carrying  Gross Carrying  Accumulated  Net Carrying 
AUGUST 31, 2017 Amount  Amortization  Amount 
Definite-lived intangible assets:         
AUGUST 31, 2020
 Amount  Amortization  Amount 
Finite-lived intangible assets:         
Acquired content 
$
62,327
  
$
(50,749
)
 
$
11,578
 
License rights $27,750  $(17,802) $9,948  
32,137
  
(21,321
)
 
10,816
 
Acquired content  62,094   (43,864)  18,230 
Customer lists  20,092   (16,935)  3,157  
20,280
  
(18,926
)
 
1,354
 
Acquired technology  3,568   (2,136)  1,432  
3,568
  
(3,568
)
 
-
 
Trade names  2,036   (1,163)  873  
2,036
  
(1,759
)
 
277
 
Non-compete agreements and other  758   (104)  654   
759
   
(659
)
  
100
 
  116,298   (82,004)  34,294  
121,107
  
(96,982
)
 
24,125
 
Indefinite-lived intangible asset:                     
Covey trade name  23,000   -   23,000   
23,000
   
-
   
23,000
 
 $139,298  $(82,004) $57,294  
$
144,107
  
$
(96,982
)
 
$
47,125
 
                     
AUGUST 31, 2016            
Definite-lived intangible assets:            
AUGUST 31, 2019
         
Finite-lived intangible assets:         
Acquired content 
$
62,307
  
$
(48,449
)
 
$
13,858
 
License rights $27,000  $(16,790) $10,210  
28,099
  
(20,063
)
 
8,036
 
Acquired content  58,564   (42,175)  16,389 
Customer lists  16,827   (16,529)  298  
20,266
  
(18,450
)
 
1,816
 
Acquired technology  2,049   (2,049)  -  
3,568
  
(3,149
)
 
419
 
Trade names  1,250 �� (951)  299  
2,036
  
(1,602
)
 
434
 
Non-compete agreements and other  
758
   
(631
)
  
127
 
  105,690   (78,494)  27,196  
117,034
  
(92,344
)
 
24,690
 
Indefinite-lived intangible asset:                     
Covey trade name  23,000   -   23,000   
23,000
   
-
   
23,000
 
 $128,690  $(78,494) $50,196  
$
140,034
  
$
(92,344
)
 
$
47,690
 

Our intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset.  The range of remaining estimated useful lives and weighted-average amortization period over which we are amortizing the major categories of definite-livedfinite-lived intangible assets at August 31, 20172020 were as follows:



Category of Intangible Asset
Range of Remaining
Estimated Useful Lives
Weighted Average
Original Amortization Period
   
License rights
Acquired content
51 to 97 years3025 years
Acquired content
License rights
2 to 9 years2526 years
Customer lists
1 to 106 years12 years
Acquired technology
3 yearsNone3 years
Trade names
1 to 53 years5 years
Non-compete agreements and other
1 to 107 years4 years

Our aggregate amortization expense from definite-livedfinite-lived intangible assets totaled $3.5$4.6 million, $3.3$5.0 million, and $3.7$5.4 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015.2018.  Amortization expense from our intangible assets over the next five years is expected to be as follows (in thousands):

      
YEAR ENDING      
AUGUST 31,      
2018 $5,368 
2019  4,790 
2020  4,324 
2021  3,809  
$
4,492
 
2022  3,498  
4,025
 
2023
 
3,054
 
2024
 
3,054
 
2025
 
3,053
 

Multipliers License Rights
72

$0.6 million per year through the expiration of the initial term of the license on August 31, 2029.  The initial term of the Multipliers license may be extended over an additional five years, subject to the provisions of the license agreement.  In August 2020, we recorded an increase to our intangible assets of $4.0 million, which is the present value of the minimum required royalty payments discounted at 5.0 percent.  We will amortize the Multipliers license rights on a straight-line basis over the initial license period, which ends on August 31, 2029.

Goodwill

Activity inThere were no changes to our consolidated goodwill was as followsbalance during fiscal 20172020 and 2016 (in thousands):
    
Balance at August 31, 2015 $19,903 
Accumulated impairments  - 
Balance at August 31, 2016  19,903 
Acquisition of RGP (Note 2)  1,232 
Acquisition of Jhanna (Note 2)  3,085 
Accumulated impairments  - 
Balance at August 31, 2017 $24,220 

Wewe do not have any accumulated impairment charges against the carrying value of our goodwill.  At August 31, 2020 and 2019, goodwill was allocated the goodwill generated from our fiscal 2017 business acquisitions to our operating segments based on their relative fair values as shown below (in thousands):

            
Direct offices
 
$
16,825
 
International licensees
 
5,065
 
Education practice
  
2,330
 
    Allocated     
$
24,220
 
AUGUST 31, 2016  Goodwill  2017 
Direct offices $10,790  $2,592  $13,382 
Strategic markets  2,930   513   3,443 
Education practice  2,176   154   2,330 
International licensees  4,007   1,058   5,065 
 $19,903  $4,317  $24,220 



5.6.TERM LOANS PAYABLE AND REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT

During fiscal 2011,On August 7, 2019, we entered into an amended and restated secureda new credit agreement (the Restated2019 Credit Agreement) with our existing lender.lender, which replaced the amended and restated credit agreement dated March 2011 (the Original Credit Agreement).  The Restated2019 Credit Agreement provides us withup to $25.0 million in term loans and a $15.0 million revolving line of credit facility andcredit.  Upon entering into the ability to borrow on other instruments, such as term loans.  We generally renew the Restated2019 Credit Agreement, on a regular basiswe borrowed $20.0 million of the available term loan and used the proceeds to maintainrepay all indebtedness under the long-term availability of this credit facility.Original Credit Agreement.

On May 24, 2016,
65


During November 2019, we borrowed the remaining $5.0 million of available term loan capacity on the 2019 Credit Agreement.

The 2019 Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and certain of our subsidiaries, and contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants.  We incurred approximately $0.1 million of legal fees to obtain the 2019 Credit Agreement.

First Modification Agreement

To address potential covenant compliance issues associated with the uncertainties surrounding the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 8, 2020, we entered into the FifthFirst Modification Agreement to the Restated2019 Credit Agreement.  The primary purposespurpose of the FifthFirst Modification Agreement wereis to (i) obtain a term loanprovide temporary alternative borrowing covenants for $15.0 million; (ii) increase the maximum principal amountfiscal quarters ending August 31, 2020 through May 31, 2021.  These new covenants consist of the revolving line of credit from $30.0 million to $40.0 million; (iii) extend the maturity date of the Restated Credit Agreement from March 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019; (iv) permit the Company to convert balances outstanding from time to time under the revolving line of credit to term loans; and (v) adjust the fixed charge coverage ratio from 1.40 to 1.15.following:

During fiscal 2017, we entered into
1.
Minimum Liquidity – We must maintain consolidated minimum liquidity of not less than $13.0 million from August 31, 2020 through February 28, 2021 and $8.0 million at May 31, 2021.

2.
Minimum Adjusted EBITDA – We must maintain rolling four-quarter adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) not less than the amount set forth below at the end of the specified quarter (in thousands).

    
Quarter Ending Amount 
August 31, 2020 
$
11,000
 
November 30, 2020  
8,500
 
February 28, 2021  
5,000
 
May 31, 2021  
15,000
 

Adjusted EBITDA for purposes of this calculation may not be the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Modification Agreements tosame as reported by the Restated Credit Agreement.Company in our earnings releases.  The Sixth Modification and Eighth Modification agreements adjusted the definition of EBITDARamounts in the funded debt to EBITDAR and fixed charge coverage ratios applicable to our debt covenants to include the changetable above exclude amortization of capitalized development costs which is classified in deferred revenue.  The Seventh Modification Agreement extended the maturity datecost of the Restated Credit Agreement to March 31, 2020.sales.

3.
Capital Expenditures – We may not make capital expenditures, including capitalized development costs, in an amount exceeding $8.5 million in aggregate for any fiscal year.

In connection with these Modification Agreements obtained during fiscal 2017addition to the new financial covenants described above, we are prohibited from making certain restricted payments, including dividend payments on our common stock and 2016,open-market purchases of our common stock until we have entered into a security agreement, repayment guaranty agreements, and a pledge and security agreement.  These agreements pledge substantially all of our assets locatedbeen in the United States to the lender as collateral for borrowings under the Restated Credit Agreement and subsequent amendments.
The effective interest rate on our term loans and revolving line of credit was 3.1 percent at August 31, 2017 and 2.3 percent at August 31, 2016.

Term Loans Payable

In connectioncompliance with the Fifth Modification Agreement, we obtained a $15.0 million term loan and have the ability to obtain additional term loans in increments of $5.0 million up to a maximum of $40.0 million.  Each additional term loan reduces the amountpreviously existing financial covenants for two consecutive quarters.  The available to borrowcredit on the revolving line of credit facility on a dollar-for-dollar basis.  We obtained a $5.0 million term loan during each of September 2016 and August 2017.  remains the same as under the 2019 Credit Agreement.

Interest on all borrowings under the term loans2019 Credit Agreement is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 1.85 percent per annum and each term loan matures in three years.  Interest is payable monthly and principal payments are due and payable on the first day of each January, April, July, and October.  Principal payments are equalmonth.  Our interest rate under the First Modification Agreement increased to LIBOR plus 3.0 percent from LIBOR plus 1.85 percent under the original amount of each2019 Credit Agreement.  Our unused credit commitment fee under the First Modification Agreement increased from 0.2 percent to 0.5 percent.  The effective interest rate on our term loan divided by 16 and any remaining principal at the maturity date is immediately payable or may be rolled into a new term loan.  The proceeds from each term loan may be used for general corporate purposes and each term loan may be repaid sooner than the maturity date at our discretion.  The following information applies to our term loans payableobligations was 3.5 percent at August 31, 2017 (in thousands):2020 and 4.1 percent at August 31, 2019.

          
  Original Principal  Quarterly Principal  Outstanding 
Maturity Date Amount  Payment Amount  Principal 
May 24, 2019 $15,000  $938  $10,313 
August 29, 2019  5,000   313   3,750 
August 29, 2020  5,000   313   5,000 
          $19,063 

Principal payments by fiscal year through the maturity dates of the term loans are as follows (in thousands):


YEAR ENDING   
AUGUST 31,   
2018 $6,250 
2019  10,313 
2020  2,500 
  $19,063 

Revolving Line of Credit

The key terms and conditions of our revolving line of credit are as follows:

·
Available CreditThe maximum available credit was $40.0 million.  The amount of available credit has been reduced to $30.0 million as of August 31, 2017 by the $5.0 million term loans (as discussed above) obtained during fiscal 2017.

·
Maturity DateThe maturity date of the Revolving Line of Credit is March 31, 2020.

·
Interest RateThe effective interest rate continues to be LIBOR plus 1.85 percent per annum and the unused credit fee on the line of credit remains 0.25 percent per annum.

·
Financial CovenantsThe Restated Credit 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 1.15 to 1.0; (c) an annual limit on capital expenditures (not including capitalized curriculum development) of $8.0 million; and (d) outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Line of Credit may not exceed 150 percent of consolidated accounts receivable.
In the event of noncompliance with these financial covenants and other defined events of default, the lender is entitled to certain remedies, including acceleration of the repayment of any amounts outstanding on the Restated2019 Credit Agreement.  At August 31, 2017,2020, we believe that we were in compliance with the terms and covenants applicable to the Eighth2019 Credit Agreement and the First Modification Agreement.  We had $4.4


The previously existing financial covenants, which include (i) a Funded Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDAR Ratio of less than 3.00 to 1.00; (ii) a Fixed Charge Coverage ratio not less than 1.15 to 1.00; (iii) an annual limit on capital expenditures (excluding capitalized curriculum development costs) of $8.0 million; and (iv) consolidated accounts receivable of not less than 150% of the aggregate amount of the outstanding borrowings on the revolving line of credit, the undrawn amount of outstanding letters of credit, and the amount of unreimbursed letter of credit disbursements remain in effect except for the quarterly periods covered by the First Modification Agreement.

Term Loans Payable

As previously described, we have borrowed the available $25.0 million outstandingof term loans on the 2019 Credit Agreement.  Principal payments of $1.25 million are due and payable on the first day of each January, April, July, and October until the term loans obligation is repaid in 2024.  At August 31, 2020, the principal payments due on our term loans are as follows (in thousands):

    
YEAR ENDING
   
AUGUST 31,
   
2021
 
$
5,000
 
2022
  
5,000
 
2023
  
5,000
 
2024
  
5,000
 
  
$
20,000
 

Revolving Line of Credit

The key terms and conditions of our revolving line of credit associated with the 2019 Credit Agreement are as follows:

Available Credit – $15.0 million less outstanding standby letters of credit, which totaled $10,000 at August 31, 2017,2020.

Maturity Date – August 7, 2024.

Interest Rate – The effective interest rate is LIBOR plus 3.0 percent per annum and had nothe unused commitment fee on the line of credit is 0.5 percent per annum.  The interest rate and commitment fee were modified by the First Modification Agreement as described above.

We did not have any borrowings outstanding on the revolving line of credit at either August 31, 2016.2020 or 2019.


6.7.FINANCING OBLIGATION

In connection with the sale and leaseback ofWe previously sold our corporate headquarters facilitycampus located in Salt Lake City, Utah, weand entered into a 20-year master lease agreement with the purchaser, an unrelated private investment group.  The 20-year master lease agreement also contains six additional five-year renewal options that will allow us to maintain our operations at the current location for up to 50 years.  Although the corporate headquarters facility was sold and the Company haswe have no legal ownership of the property, underthe applicable accounting guidance we were prohibited us from recording the transaction as a sale since we have subleased a significant portion of the property that was sold.  Accordingly,In transition to the new lease accounting guidance in ASC 842, we reassessed whether the contract met the sale criteria under the new leasing standard.  Based on this assessment, we determined that the sale criteria under the new leasing standard was not met and we will continue to account for the salecorporate campus lease as a financing transaction, which requires us to continue reporting the corporate headquarters facility as an asset and to record a financing obligation for the sale price.on our consolidated balance sheet in future periods.


The financing obligation on our corporate campus was comprised of the following (in thousands):
            
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2020  2019 
Financing obligation payable in            
monthly installments of $297 at      
August 31, 2017, including      
monthly installments of $315 at      
August 31, 2020, including      
principal and interest, with two            
percent annual increases            
(imputed interest at 7.7%),            
through June 2025 $22,943  $24,605  
$
16,648
  
$
18,983
 
Less current portion  (1,868)  (1,662)  
(2,600
)
  
(2,335
)
Total financing obligation,              
less current portion $21,075  $22,943  
$
14,048
  
$
16,648
 

Future principal maturities of our financing obligation were as follows at August 31, 20172020 (in thousands):
      
YEAR ENDING      
AUGUST 31,      
2018 $1,868 
2019  2,092 
2020  2,335 
2021  2,600  
$
2,600
 
2022  2,887  
2,887
 
2023
 
3,199
 
2024
 
3,538
 
2025
 
4,424
 
Thereafter  11,161   
-
 
 $22,943  
$
16,648
 

Our remaining future minimum payments under the financing obligation in the initial 20-year lease term are as follows (in thousands):

   
YEAR ENDING      
AUGUST 31,      
2018 $3,579 
2019  3,651 
2020  3,724 
2021  3,798  
$
3,798
 
2022  3,874  
3,874
 
2023
 
3,952
 
2024
 
4,031
 
2025
 
3,301
 
Thereafter  11,283   
-
 
Total future minimum financing       
obligation payments  29,909  
18,956
 
Less interest  (8,278)  
(3,620
)
Present value of future minimum       
financing obligation payments $21,631  
$
15,336
 

The $1.3 million difference between the carrying value of the financing obligation and the present value of the future minimum financing obligation payments represents the carrying value of the land sold in the financing transaction, which is not depreciated.  At the conclusion of the master lease agreement, the remaining financing obligation and carrying value of the land will be offset and written off of our consolidated financial statements.



7.8.OPERATING LEASES

Lease ExpenseLessee Obligations

In the normal course of business, we lease office space and warehouse and distribution facilities under non-cancelable operating lease agreements.  We rent office space, primarily for international and domestic regional sales administration offices, in commercial office complexes that are conducive to sales and administrative operations.  We also rent warehousing and distribution facilities that are designed to provide secure storage and efficient distribution of our training products, books, and accessories.  Theseaccessories, and certain office equipment such as copiers.  All of these leases are classified as operating leases.  Operating lease agreements oftenassets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term.  Since most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.  Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.  For operating leases, expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  We do not have significant amounts of variable lease payments.

Some of our operating leases contain renewal options that may be exercised at our discretion after the completion of the base rental term.  In addition, many of the rental agreements provide for regular increases to the base rental rate at specified intervals, which usually occur on an annual basis.  At August 31, 2017,2020, we had operating leases with remaining terms ranging from less than one year to approximately eightfive years.  The following table summarizesamounts of assets and liabilities (in thousands) and other information related to our futureoperating leases follows:


   

Balance Sheet Caption
 Amount 
Assets:    
Operating lease right of use assets
Other long-term assets
 
$
1,203
 
      
Liabilities:     
  Current:
     
    Operating lease liabilities
Accrued liabilities
  
695
 
  Long-Term:
     
    Operating lease liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
  
508
 
    
$
1,203
 
      
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:     
    Operating leases (years)
   
2.7
 
      
Weighted Average Discount Rate:     
    Operating leases
   
4.2
%

In fiscal 2020, we obtained $1.5 million of right-of-use operating lease assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities.  Future minimum lease payments under our operating lease agreementsleases at August 31, 20172020, are as follows (in thousands):
      
YEAR ENDING      
AUGUST 31,      
2018 $866 
2019  321 
2020  84 
2021  84  
$
751
 
2022  84  
208
 
2023
 
121
 
2024
 
97
 
2025
 
87
 
Thereafter  268   
14
 
 $1,707 
Total operating lease payments
 
1,278
 
Less imputed interest
  
(75
)
Present value of operating lease liabilities
 
$
1,203
 


We recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease agreement.  Contingent rent expense is recognized as it is incurred and was insignificant for the periods presented.  Total rent expense recorded in selling, general, and administrative expense from operatingour lease agreements was $1.8totaled $1.5 million, $2.2$1.5 million, and $2.3$1.6 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015.2018.

Lease IncomeAs previously disclosed in our fiscal 2019 Form 10-K under the prior guidance of ASC 840, minimum payments under operating lease agreements as of August 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

    
YEAR ENDING
   
AUGUST 31,
   
2020
 
$
752
 
2021
  
472
 
2022
  
112
 
2023
  
97
 
2024
  
79
 
Thereafter
  
92
 
  
$
1,604
 

Lessor Accounting

We have subleased the majority of our corporate headquarters campus located in Salt Lake City, Utah to multiple unrelated tenantstenants.  These sublease agreements are accounted for as well as to FC Organizational Products (FCOP, refer to Note 18).operating leases.  We recognize sublease income on a straight-line basis over the life of the sublease agreement.  The cost basis of our corporate campus was $34.1$36.0 million, which had a carrying value of $7.9$5.9 million at August 31, 2017.2020.  The following future minimum lease payments due to us from our sublease agreements at August 31, 2017 include lease income of approximately $0.7 million per year from FCOP.  The majority of contracted lease income after fiscal 2021 is from FCOP2020, are as follows (in thousands):

   
YEAR ENDING      
AUGUST 31,      
2018 $3,648 
2019  3,359 
2020  3,448 
2021  1,814  
$
3,965
 
2022  638  
3,720
 
2023
 
2,085
 
2024
 
1,551
 
2025
 
1,292
 
Thereafter  1,767   
-
 
 $14,674  
$
12,613
 

Sublease revenue totaled $3.6$3.9 million, $4.4$3.9 million, and $4.4$3.5 million during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015.2018.


8.9.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Information Systems and Warehouse Outsourcing Contract

Prior to July 2016, we had an outsourcing contract with HP Enterprise Services to provide information technology system support and product warehousing and distribution services.  Effective July 1, 2016, we entered into a new warehousing services agreement with an independent warehouse and distribution company to provide product kitting, warehousing, and order fulfillment services at a facility in Des Moines, Iowa.  Under the terms of the newthis contract, we paypaid a fixed charge of $18,000approximately $19,000 per month for account management services and variable charges for other warehousing services based on specified activities, including shipping charges.  The warehouse charges may be increased each year of the contract based upon changes in the Employment Cost Index.  The neworiginal warehousing and distribution contract expiresexpired on June 30, 2019.2019, and we extended the contract with essentially the same terms until June 30, 2020.  We are currently negotiating a new warehouse services agreement with the same facility in Des Moines and expect that contract to be completed in fiscal 2021.  Until a new agreement is reached, we are accounting for these services on a month-to-month basis.


During fiscal years 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, we expensed $2.6$2.1 million, $3.8$3.1 million, and $4.9$2.9 million for services provided under the terms of our warehouse and distribution outsourcing contract.  The total amount expensed each year under these contracts includeincludes freight charges, which are billed to the Companyus based upon activity.  Freight charges included in the warehouse and distribution outsourcing costs totaled $1.5$1.3 million, $1.8$2.1 million, and $1.9 million during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015.2018.  Because of the variable component of the agreement, our payments for warehouse and distribution services may fluctuate in the future periods based upondue to changes in sales and levels of specified activities.

Purchase Commitments

During the normal course of business, we issue purchase orders to various vendors for products and services.  At August 31, 2017,2020, we had open purchase commitments totaling $6.6$4.8 million for products and services to be delivered primarily in fiscal 2018.  The increase over prior years is primarily due to commitments for enterprise risk planning software and AAP portal development activities.  Other purchase commitments for materials, supplies, and other items incidental to the ordinary conduct of business were immaterial, both individually and in aggregate, to the Company's operations at August 31, 2017.2021.

Letters of Credit

At August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we had standby letters of credit totaling $10,000 and $0.1 million.  These letters of credit were primarily required to secure commitments for certain insurance policies and expire in January 2018.policies.  No amounts were drawn on the letters of credit at either August 31, 20172020 or August 31, 2016.


Legal Matters and Loss Contingencies

We are the subject of certain legal actions, which we consider routine to our business activities.  At August 31, 2017,2020, we believe that, after consultation with legal counsel, any potential liability to us under these other actions will not materially affect our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.


9.10.SHAREHOLDERS'SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

We have 14.0 million shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance.  At August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, no shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding.

Treasury Stock

Open Market Purchases

On January 23, 2015,November 15, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a new plan to repurchase up to $10.0$40.0 million of the Company'sour outstanding common stock.  AllThe previously existing common stock repurchase plans wereplan was canceled and the new common share repurchase plan does not have an expiration date.  On March 27, 2015, our Board of Directors increased the aggregate value of shares of Company common stock that may beDuring fiscal 2020, we purchased under the January 2015 plan to $40.0 million so long as we have either $10.0 million in cash and cash equivalents or have access to debt financing of at least $10.0 million.  Through August 31, 2017, we have purchased 1,539,8285,000 shares of our common stock for $26.8$0.2 million under the terms of this expanded common stock repurchaseBoard approved plan.  The actual timing, number, and value of common shares repurchased under this 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 our common shares, and applicable legal requirements.  The Company hasWe have 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.

The cost of common stock purchased for treasury as shown on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ending August 31, 2017 includes the cost2020 is comprised of 51,156284,608 shares that werepurchased from Knowledge Capital Investment Group (Note 17), 109,896 shares withheld for minimum statutory income taxes on various stock-based compensation awards issued to participants duringplans, and 5,000 shares purchased under the terms of our fiscal 2017.2020 Board-approved purchase plan described above.  The shares withheld sharesfor income taxes were valued at the market price on the date the stock-based plan shares were distributed to participants, which totaled $0.9$3.7 million.  For the fiscal years ended August 31, 20162019 and 2015,2018, we withheld 2,260561 shares and 17,935104,699 shares for minimum statutory taxes on stock-based compensation awards, which had a total market value of $38,000approximately $12,000 and $0.3$2.0 million, respectively.

Fiscal 2016 Tender Offer

On December 8, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a modified Dutch auction tender offer for up to $35.0 million in value of shares of our common stock at a price within (and including) the range of $15.50 to $17.75 per share.  The tender offer commenced on December 14, 2015, and expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, on January 12, 2016.  The tender offer was fully subscribed and we acquired 1,971,832 shares of our common stock at $17.75 per share.  Including fees to complete the tender offer, the total cost of the tendered shares was $35.3 million, which was financed by existing cash and proceeds from our revolving line of credit facility.  For further information regarding the terms and conditions of this completed tender offer, refer to information in the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2015 and subsequent amendments thereto.



10.11.FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The accounting standards related to fair value measurements include a hierarchy for information and valuations used in measuring fair value that is broken down into the following three levels based on reliability:

·Level 1 valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that the Company can access at the measurement date.
Level 1 valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that the Company can access at the measurement date.

·Level 2 valuations are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the instrument, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability including the following:
Level 2 valuations are based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the instrument, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability including the following:

a.
quoted prices for similar, but not identical, instruments in active markets;
b.
quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active;
c.
inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the instrument; or
d.
inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

·Level 3 valuations are based on information that is unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
Level 3 valuations are based on information that is unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

The book valuevalues of our financial instruments at August 31, 20172020 and 20162019 approximated their fair values.  The assessment of the fair values of our financial instruments is based on a variety of factors and assumptions.  Accordingly, the fair values may not represent the actual values of the financial instruments that could have been realized at August 31, 20172020 or 2016,2019, or that will be realized in the future, and do not include expenses that could be incurred in an actual sale or settlement.  The following methods and assumptions were used to determine the fair values of our financial instruments, none of which were held for trading or speculative purposes:purposes.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Accounts ReceivableThe carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable approximate their fair values due to the liquidity and short-term maturity of these instruments.

Other AssetsOur other assets, including notes receivable, were recorded at the net realizable value of estimated future cash flows from these instruments.

Debt ObligationsAt August 31, 2017,2020, our debt obligations consisted primarily of a variable-rate term notes payable and borrowings on our variable-rate revolving line of credit.  Thenote payable.  Our term notesnote payable and revolving line of credit (Note 5)6) are negotiated components of our Restated2019 Credit Agreement, which is renewed on a regular basis to maintain the long-term borrowing capability of the agreement.was completed in August 2019 and modified in July 2020.  Accordingly, the applicable interest rates on the term loansloan and revolving line of credit are reflective of current market conditions, and the carrying value of term loan and revolving line of credit (when applicable) obligations therefore approximate their fair value.


Contingent Consideration Liabilities from Business Acquisitions

We have contingent consideration liabilities resultingarising from ourprevious business acquisitions.  We measure the fair values of theour contingent consideration liabilities at each reporting date based on various valuation models as described below.  Changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities are recorded as components of our selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss in the period of adjustment.  The fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities from the acquisition of Robert Gregory Partners (RGP) and Jhana Education (Jhana) changed as follows during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 (in thousands):

             
    Change in       
AUGUST 31,
2019 Fair Value Payments 2020 
RGP contingent liability
 
$
1,761
  
$
(445
)
 
$
(500
)
 
$
816
 
Jhana contingent liability
  
3,468
   
396
   
(797
)
  
3,067
 
  
$
5,229
  
$
(49
)
 
$
(1,297
)
 
$
3,883
 

79At each quarterly reporting date, we estimate the fair value of the contingent liabilities from both the RGP and Jhana acquisitions through the use of Monte Carlo simulations.  Based on the timing of expected payments, all of the RGP and $0.8 million of the Jhana contingent consideration liabilities were recorded as components of accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet at August 31, 2020.  The remainder of our contingent consideration liabilities are classified as other long-term liabilities.  The following additional information is for our recurring contingent consideration liabilities shown above.


Table of Contents
Robert Gregory Partners On May 15, 2017, we acquired the assets of RGP (Note 2).  The purchase price of RGP included contingent consideration payments to theits former owners of RGP of up to $4.5 million, based on the achievement of specified levels of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization expense (EBITDA)EBITDA and the delivery of "add-on“add-on coaching services content"content” for our AAP as set forth in the purchase agreement.  During fiscal 2019, we amended the RGP acquisition agreement to reflect events and implementation issues that have occurred since the acquisition date.  The specified levels of EBITDA include measures for RGP coaching services plus earnings from add-on coaching services sold through the AAP.  The fair value ofamended contract increased the contingent consideration onliability from the RGP acquisition date was $1.4by $1.1 million of which $0.5 was paid during the fourththird quarter forof fiscal 2019, but did not increase the successful deliverytotal amount of contingent consideration potentially payable to the add-on coaching services content.former owners of RGP.  The fair value of the RGP contingent liability is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation method, which considers numerous potential financial outcomes using estimated variables such as expected revenues, growth rates, and a discount rate.  This fair value measurementconsideration is considered a Level 3 measurement because we estimate qualifying revenues and corresponding expected growth rates at each period.valuation date.  The measurement period of the RGP contingent consideration ends on May 31, 2021 and the following range of growth rates were used to calculate the initial fair value of the contingent consideration:

          
  Likely  Minimum  Maximum 
RGP growth rate - Year 1
  
14.8
%
  
(12.0
)%
  
35.0
%
RGP growth rate - Year 2
  
10.0
%
  
(12.0
)%
  
35.0
%
RGP growth rate - Year 3
  
10.0
%
  
(12.0
)%
  
35.0
%
             
Add-on services growth rate - Year 1
  
60.0
%
  
(20.0
)%
  
130.0
%
Add-on services growth rate - Year 2
  
50.0
%
  
(20.0
)%
  
130.0
%
Add-on services growth rate - Year 3
  
40.0
%
  
(20.0
)%
  
130.0
%

At August 31, 2017, the estimated fair value of the RGP contingent consideration was $0.9 million, which was recorded as a component of other long-term assets.

Jhana Education On July 11, 2017, we acquired the stock of Jhana Education (Note 2).Jhana.  The purchase price included potential contingent consideration of $7.2 million through the measurement period, which ends in July 2026.  The first two payments of $1.0 million each are payable during the first half of fiscal 2018, based on specified dates and objectives.  The payment of the remaining $5.2 million is based on a percentage of consolidated Company and total AAP sales.  The fair value of the Jhana contingent consideration was calculated using a probability weighted expected return methodology, which is a Level 3 measurement because we estimate projected consolidated Company and AAP sales over the measurement period.  Probabilities were applied to each potential sales outcomeChanges in expected qualifying revenues over the measurement period influence the timing and the resulting values were discounted using a rate that considered Jhana's weighted average costamount of capital and specific risk premiums associated with the potentialthese contingent consideration.  At August 31, 2017, the fair value of the contingent consideration was $6.1 million, with $2.7 million recorded in accrued liabilities and the remaining $3.4 million recorded in other long-term liabilities.

Ninety Five 5, LLC In fiscal 2013, we acquired Ninety Five 5, LLC (NinetyFive5).  The purchase price included contingent consideration payments to the former owners up to a maximum of $8.5 million, based on cumulative EBITDA as set forth in the purchase agreement.  The contingent consideration measurement period ended on August 31, 2017.  During the measurement period, we reassessed the fair value of the contingent consideration liability each period using the probability weighted expected return method.  This fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement because we estimated projected earnings during measurement period utilizing various potential pay-out scenarios.  Probabilities were applied to each potential scenario and the resulting values were discounted using a rate that considered Ninety Five 5's weighted average cost of capital as well as a specific risk premium associated with the riskiness of the contingent consideration itself, the related projections, and the overall business.Jhana.

Based on achieved EBITDA results through the first half of fiscal 2016, we paid the former owners of NinetyFive5 $2.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.  No further contingent consideration payments were made or are expected to be made to the former owners of NinetyFive5 since the measurement period ended on August 31, 2017.  During the fiscal
80

years ended August 31, 2017 and 2016, the NinetyFive5 contingent consideration liability was comprised of the following activity (in thousands):

    
Contingent consideration liability at August 31, 2015 $2,565 
Payment of first contingent consideration award  (2,167)
Increase in contingent consideration liability  1,538 
Contingent consideration liability at August 31, 2016  1,936 
Decrease in contingent consideration liability  (1,936)
Contingent consideration liability at August 31, 2017 $- 




11.73


12.     STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Overview

We utilize various stock-based compensation plans as integral components of our overall compensation and associate retention strategy.  Our shareholders have approved various stock incentive plans that permit us to grant performance awards, unvested sharerestricted stock awards, stock options, fully-vested stock awards, and employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) shares.  In addition, our Board of Directors and shareholders may, from time to time, approve fully vested stock awards.  The Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee) has responsibility for the approval and oversight of our stock-based compensation plans.

On January 23, 2015,25, 2019, our shareholders approved the 2015Franklin Covey Co. 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the 20152019 Plan), which authorized an additional 1.0 million700,000 shares of common stock for issuance to employees and members of the Board of Directors as stock-based payments.  We believe that the 2015 Plan will provide sufficient available shares to grant awards over the next several years, based on current expectations of grants in future periods.  A more detailed description of the 20152019 Plan is set forth in the Company'sour Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on December 22, 2014.20, 2018.  At August 31, 2017,2020, the 20152019 Plan had approximately 494,000511,000 shares available for future grants.

On May 31, 2017, our BoardOur employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) is administered under the terms of Directors approved the Franklin Covey Co. 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (thewhich was approved by our shareholders at the annual meeting of shareholders held on January 26, 2018.  For additional information regarding the Franklin Covey Co. 2017 ESPP Plan).  The 2017 ESPPEmployee Stock Purchase Plan, authorized a new tranche of 1,000,000 sharesplease refer to be issued to ESPP participants and modernized some aspects of the ESPP (e.g., allowing for electronic communication with participants), but all other key terms and conditions of the 2017 ESPP Plan remain consistentour definitive Proxy Statement as filed with the prior plan (e.g., discount percentage, purchase date, etc.).  We intend to submit the 2017 ESPP Plan to a vote of shareholders at our next annual shareholders' meeting, which is expected to be held in January 2018.SEC on December 22, 2017.  At August 31, 2017, the 2017 ESPP Plan2020, we had approximately 987,000862,000 shares remainingavailable for purchase by plan participants.participants under the terms of the current shareholder-approved ESPP.

The total compensation expense of our stock-based compensation plans was as follows (in thousands):
                  
YEAR ENDED                  
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015  2020  2019  2018 
Performance awards $2,902  $2,492  $1,890  
$
(1,518
)
 
$
3,853
  
$
2,034
 
Unvested stock awards  500   450   400 
Restricted stock awards
 
700
  
700
  
642
 
Compensation cost of the ESPP
 
185
  
176
  
155
 
Fully vested stock awards  135   60   125   
60
   
60
   
15
 
Compensation cost of the ESPP  121   119   121 
 $3,658  $3,121  $2,536  
$
(573
)
 
$
4,789
  
$
2,846
 

The compensation expenseAt each quarterly or annual reporting date, we evaluate number and probability of shares expected to vest in each of our performance-based long-term incentive plan (LTIP) awards and adjust our stock-based compensation plans was included in selling, general, and administrative expensesexpense to correspond with the number of shares expected to vest over the anticipated service period.  Due to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations in the accompanying consolidated statementsthird quarter of operations,fiscal 2020 and nothe uncertainties surrounding the recovery of the world’s economies and our business, we determined that the LTIP award tranches which are based on qualified Adjusted EBITDA for our fiscal 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020 LTIP awards would not vest before the end of the respective service periods.  We therefore reversed the previously recognized stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards during fiscal 2020, which resulted in a credit to stock-based compensation for the year.

No stock-based compensation was capitalized during the fiscal years 2017, 2016, or 2015.presented in this report.  We recognize forfeitures of stock-based compensation instruments as they occur.  During fiscal 2017,2020, we issued 217,581311,452 shares of our common stock from shares held in treasury for various stock-based compensation plans.  Certain of ourarrangements.  Our stock-based compensation plans allow recipientsshares to have sharesbe withheld from the award to pay minimum statutory income tax liabilities.  We withheld 51,156109,896 shares of our common stock (Note 10) for minimum statutory income taxes during fiscal 2017.2020.
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The following is a description of our stock-based compensation plans.

74


Performance Awards

Due to the significant change in our business resulting sales of the All Access Pass, on October 18, 2016, theThe Compensation Committee approved a modification to the fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2016 performancehas awarded various performance-based stock compensation awards to include the change in deferred revenue, less certain costs, in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) in the vesting calculations.  Our share price on October 18, 2016 was less than the share prices used to recognize stock-based compensation expense on the fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2015 performance awards and no incremental stock-based compensation expense was recognized from this modification for those awards.  The incremental compensation expense recorded in fiscal 2017 as a result of this modification for the fiscal 2016 LTIP award was approximately $0.6 million.

In fiscal 2015, the Compensation Committee approved a modification to exclude the effects of foreign exchange on the measurement of performance criteria on the outstanding tranchesmembers of our senior management as long-term incentive plan (LTIP) awards.  Accordingly, we calculated incremental compensation expensecompensation.  These awards vest to the participants based upon the fair valueachievement of (closing price) our common stock on the modification date, which totaled $0.7 million.  We recognized $0.5 million of the incremental compensation expense during fiscal 2015 for service provided in the current and previous fiscal years associated with the modification.

Each of the LTIPspecified performance awards described below have a maximum life of six years and compensationcriteria.  Compensation expense is recognized as we determine it is probable that the shares will vest.  Adjustments to compensation expense to reflect the timing of and the number of shares expected to be awarded are made on a cumulative basis at the date of the adjustment.  Award tranches that haveWe reevaluate the likelihood of shares vesting under performance awards at each reporting date.

No LTIP awards vested and shares distributed to participants are marked as "vested" in the tables below.  Tranches that have met the performance criteria, but are awaiting Compensation Committee approval are marked as "criteria met," and tranches that have been determined to not be probableduring fiscal 2020 or fiscal 2019.  The following is a description of vesting are marked as "not probable" in the tables below.  The status for the tranches presented in the tables below isour performance-based LTIP awards as of August 31, 2017.2020.

Fiscal 2020 LTIP Award – On October 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors granted a new LTIP award to our executive officers and members of senior management.  The fiscal 2020 LTIP award has three tranches, which consist of the following:  1) shares that vest after three years of service; 2) the achievement of specified levels of qualified Adjusted EBITDA; and 3) the achievement of specified levels of subscription service sales.  Twenty-five percent of a participant’s award vests after three years of service, and the number of shares awarded in this tranche does not fluctuate based on financial measures.  The number of shares granted in this tranche totals 25,101 shares.  The remaining two tranches of the award are based on the highest rolling four-quarter levels of qualified Adjusted EBITDA and subscription service sales achieved in the three-year period ended August 31, 2022.  The number of shares that will vest to participants for these two tranches is variable and may be 50 percent of the award (minimum award threshold) up to 200 percent of the participant’s award (maximum threshold).  The maximum number of shares that may be awarded in connection with these tranches totals 150,630 shares.  The fiscal 2020 LTIP has a three-year life and expires on August 31, 2022.

Fiscal 2019 LTIP Award – On October 1, 2018, the Compensation Committee granted a performance-based LTIP award to our executive officers and members of senior management, which is similar to the fiscal 2020 LTIP described above.  The fiscal 2019 LTIP award has three tranches, which consist of the following:  1) shares that vest after three years of service; 2) the achievement of certain levels of qualified Adjusted EBITDA; and 3) the achievement of certain levels of subscription service sales.  Twenty-five percent of a participant’s award vests after three years of service, and the number of shares awarded in this tranche will not fluctuate based on financial measures.  The number of shares granted in this tranche totals 36,470 shares.  The remaining two tranches of the fiscal 2019 award are based on the highest rolling four-quarter levels of qualified Adjusted EBITDA and subscription service sales achieved in the three-year period ended August 31, 2021.  The number of shares that will vest to participants for these two tranches is variable and may be 50 percent of the award (minimum threshold) up to 200 percent of the participant’s award (maximum threshold).  The maximum number of shares that may be awarded in connection with these tranches totals 218,818 shares.  The fiscal 2019 LTIP has a three-year life and expires on August 31, 2021.

Fiscal 2019 Time-Based Award – On January 25, 2019, the Compensation Committee approved an incentive plan award for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief People Officer that has a two-year time-based vesting (service) condition.  A total of 11,915 shares were issued to the participants in connection with this award.  The fair value of this award was calculated by multiplying the number of shares times the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date, which was $24.54 per share.  The fair value of this award totals $0.3 million, which is being expensed evenly over the two-year service period.

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Fiscal 2018 LTIP Award – On November 14, 2017, the Compensation Committee granted a performance-based LTIP award to our executive officers and members of senior management.  The fiscal 2018 LTIP award has three tranches, which consist of the following:  1) shares that vest after three years of service; 2) the achievement of specified levels of qualified Adjusted EBITDA; and 3) the achievement of specified levels of subscription service sales.  Twenty-five percent of a participant’s award vests after three years of service, and the number of shares awarded in this tranche will not fluctuate based on financial measures.  The number of shares granted in this tranche totals 42,883 shares.  The remaining two tranches of the fiscal 2018 award are based on the highest rolling four-quarter levels of qualified Adjusted EBITDA and subscription service sales achieved in the three-year period ended August 31, 2020.  The number of shares that will vest to participants for these two tranches is variable and may be 50 percent of the award up to 200 percent of the participant’s award.  The maximum number of shares that may be awarded in connection with these tranches totals 257,300 shares.  Based on financial results achieved in the three-year period ended August 31, 2020, a total of 221,067 shares were earned by participants in the fiscal 2018 LTIP.  The shares earned in the fiscal 2018 LTIP were distributed to participants in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

Fiscal 2017 LTIP Award– On October 18, 2016, the Compensation Committee granted performance-based awards for our executive officers and members of senior management.  A total of 183,381 shares may be earned by the participants based on six individual vesting conditions that are divided into two performance measures, trailing four-quarter Adjusted EBITDA and trailing four-quarter gross All Access Pass sales as shown below.sales.  As of August 31, 2020, four tranches of this award have vested, totaling 97,803 shares.  The 2017 LTIP has a six-year life and expires on August 31, 2022.

                    
Adjusted EBITDA All Access Pass Sales
Award      Award      
Goal  Number of Tranche Goal  Number of Tranche
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
 
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
$36.7   42,789 amortizing $30.1   18,338 vested
$41.8   42,789 amortizing $35.4   18,338 vested
$47.7   42,789 amortizing $40.8   18,338 vested
     128,367        55,014  

Fiscal 2016 LTIP Award OnThe fiscal 2016 LTIP was granted on November 12, 2015, the Compensation Committee granted performance-based awards forto our executive officers and members of senior management.  A total of 231,276 shares may be awarded to the participants based on six individual vesting conditions that are divided into two performance measures, trailing four-quarter Adjusted EBITDA and increased sales of Organizational Development Suite (OD Suite) offerings as shown below.offerings.  The OD Suite is defined as Leadership, Productivity, and Trust practice sales.
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August 31, 2020, four tranches of the fiscal 2016 LTIP have vested to participants, totaling 123,348 shares.  The 2016 LTIP has a six-year life and expires on August 31, 2021.


                    
Adjusted EBITDA OD Suite Sales
Award      Award      
Goal  Number of Tranche Goal  Number of Tranche
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
 
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
$36.0   53,964 amortizing $107.0   23,128 vested
$40.0   53,964 amortizing $116.0   23,128 criteria met
$44.0   53,964 amortizing $125.0   23,128 criteria met
     161,892        69,384  

Fiscal 2015 LTIP Award During fiscal 2015, the Compensation Committee granted a performance-based award for our executive officers and certain members of senior management.  A total of 112,464 shares maywere eligible to be awarded to the participants based on six individual vesting conditions that are divided into two performance measures, trailing four-quarter Adjusted EBITDA and increased sales of OD Suite sales as shown below.

                    
                    
Adjusted EBITDA OD Suite Sales
Award      Award      
Goal  Number of Tranche Goal  Number of Tranche
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
 
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
$39.6   26,241 amortizing $107.0   11,247 vested
$45.5   26,241 amortizing $118.0   11,247 criteria met
$52.3   26,241 not probable $130.0   11,247 amortizing
     78,723        33,741  

Fiscal 2014 LTIP Award – During the first quartersales.  As of fiscal 2014, the Compensation Committee granted performance-based equity awards for our executive officers.  AAugust 31, 2020, a total of 89,41859,980 shares, may be awarded to the participants based on six individual vesting conditions that are divided into two performance measures, trailing four-quarter Adjusted EBITDA and trailing four-quarter increased salesor four tranches, of courses related to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (the 7 Habits).

                    
Adjusted EBITDA 
7 Habits Increased Sales
Award      Award      
Goal  Number of Tranche Goal  Number of Tranche
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
 
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
$37.0   20,864 vested $5.0   8,942 vested
$43.0   20,864 amortizing $10.0   8,942 vested
$49.0   20,864 not probable $12.5   8,942 criteria met
     62,592        26,826  

Fiscal 2013 LTIP Award – During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Compensation Committee granted a performance-based equity award for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the Chief People Officer (CPO).  A total of 68,085 shares may be issued to the participants based on six individual vesting conditions that are divided into two performance measures, trailing four-quarter Adjusted EBITDA and Productivity Practice sales.

                    
Adjusted EBITDA Productivity Practice Sales
Award      Award      
Goal  Number of Tranche Goal  Number of Tranche
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
 
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
$33.0   15,887 vested $23.5   6,808 vested
$40.0   15,887 amortizing $26.5   6,808 not probable
$47.0   15,887 not probable $29.5   6,808 not probable
     47,661        20,424  

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Fiscal 2012 LTIP Award - During fiscal 2012, the Compensation Committee granted a performance-based equity award for the CEO, CFO, and CPO similar to the fiscal 2013 executive award described above.  A total of 106,101 shares may be issued2015 LTIP vested to the participants based on six individual vesting conditionsparticipants.  The 2015 LTIP had a six-year life that are divided into two performance measures, Adjusted EBITDA and Productivity Practice sales.  The fiscal 2012 LTIP award measurement period endedconcluded on August 31, 2017.2020 and the remaining award tranches, totaling 52,484 shares, expired unvested to the participants.

                    
Adjusted EBITDA Productivity Practice Sales
Award      Award      
Goal  Number of Tranche Goal  Number of Tranche
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
 
(millions)
  
Shares
 
Status
$26.0   24,757 vested $20.5   10,610 vested
$33.0   24,757 vested $23.5   10,610 vested
$40.0   24,757 not vested $26.5   10,610 not vested
     74,271        31,830  

UnvestedRestricted Stock Awards

The annual Board of Director unvestedrestricted stock award, which is administered under the terms of the Franklin Covey Co. 20152019 Omnibus Incentive Plan, is designed to provide our non-employee directors, who are not eligible to participate in our employee stock purchase plan, an opportunity to obtain an interest in the Company through the acquisition of shares of our common stock.  Each eligible director is entitled to receive a whole-share grant equal to $75,000$100,000 with a one-year vesting period, which is generally granted in January (following the Annual Shareholders'Shareholders’ Meeting) of each year.  Shares granted under the terms of this annual award are ineligible tomay not be voted or participate in any common stock dividends until they are vested.

Under the terms of this program, weWe issued 29,83421,420 shares, 25,03228,525 shares, and 24,21023,338 shares of our common stock to eligible members of the Board of Directors during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, fiscal 2019, and 2015.fiscal 2018 as restricted stock awards.  The fair value of shares awarded to the directors was $0.5$0.7 million in each of those yearsfiscal 2020, fiscal 2019, and fiscal 2018 as calculated on the grant date of the awards.  The corresponding compensation cost of each award is recognized over the vestingservice period of the awards,award, which is one year.  The cost of the common stock issued from treasury for these awards was $0.3 million in fiscal 2020, $0.4 million in fiscal 2017,2019, and $0.3 million in each of the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015.2018.  The following information applies to our unvestedrestricted stock awards for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017:2020:

       
     Weighted- 
     Average Grant- 
     Date Fair 
  Number of  Value Per 
  Shares  Share 
Unvested stock awards at      
August 31, 2016  25,032  $17.98 
Granted  29,834   17.60 
Forfeited  -   - 
Vested  (25,032)  17.98 
Unvested stock awards at        
August 31, 2017  29,834  $17.60 
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     Weighted- 
     Average Grant- 
     Date Fair 
  Number of  Value Per 
  Shares  Share 
Restricted stock awards at
      
August 31, 2019  
28,525
  
$
24.54
 
Granted
  
21,420
   
32.68
 
Forfeited
  
-
   
-
 
Vested
  
(28,525
)
  
24.54
 
Restricted stock awards at
        
August 31, 2020  
21,420
  
$
32.68
 

At August 31, 2017,2020, there was $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvestedon our restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vestingservice period of approximately four months.  The total recognized income tax benefit from unvestedrestricted stock awards totaled $0.2 million for fiscal 2017 and $0.1 million for each of the fiscal years ended August 31, 20162020, 2019, and 2015.2018.  The intrinsic value of our unvestedrestricted stock awards at August 31, 20172020 was $0.6$0.4 million.

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Stock Options

We have an incentive stock option plan whereby options to purchase shares of our common stock may be issued to key employees at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the Company'sCompany’s common stock on the date of grant.  At August 31, 2020, there was no remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to our stock options and the remaining stock options outstanding expire in January 2021.  Information related to our stock option activity during the fiscal year ended August 31, 20172020 is presented below:
                        
       Weighted           Weighted    
    Weighted  Average        Weighted  Average    
    Avg. Exercise  Remaining  Aggregate     Avg. Exercise  Remaining  Aggregate 
 Number of  Price Per  Contractual  Intrinsic Value  Number of  Price Per  Contractual  Intrinsic Value 
 Stock Options  Share  Life (Years)  (thousands)  Stock Options  Share  Life (Years)  (thousands) 
Outstanding at August 31, 2016  631,250  $11.41       
Outstanding at August 31, 2019
 
568,750
  
$
11.67
       
Granted  -   -        
-
  
-
       
Exercised  (62,500)  9.00        
(350,000
)
 
11.73
       
Forfeited  -   -         
-
  
-
       
Outstanding at August 31, 2017  568,750  $11.67   2.8  $4,055 
Outstanding at August 31, 2020
  
218,750
  
$
11.57
  
0.4
  
$
1,787
 
                            
Options vested and exercisable at                            
August 31, 2017  568,750  $11.67   2.8  $4,055 
August 31, 2020  
218,750
  
$
11.57
  
0.4
  
$
1,787
 

DuringThe stock options exercised during fiscal 2017, we had 62,500 stock options2020 were exercised on a net share basis (no cash was paid to exercise the options) and we withheld 102,656 shares of our common stock for statutory income taxes, which had an aggregatea fair value of $3.6 million.  The intrinsic value of $0.5 million.  At August 31, 2017, there was no remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to our stockthe exercised options totaled $8.0 million and nowe recognized an income tax benefit of $1.8 million from the exercise of these options.  No options were exercised during either fiscal 20162019 or 2015.2018.

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The following additional information applies to our stock options outstanding at August 31, 2017:2020:
                 
      Weighted          
   Number  Average     Options    
   Outstanding  Remaining  Weighted  Exercisable at  Weighted 
   at August 31,  Contractual  Average  August 31,  Average 
Exercise Prices  2017  Life (Years)  Exercise Price  2017  Exercise Price 
$9.00   62,500   3.4  $9.00   62,500  $9.00 
$10.00   168,750   2.8  $10.00   168,750  $10.00 
$12.00   168,750   2.8  $12.00   168,750  $12.00 
$14.00   168,750   2.8  $14.00   168,750  $14.00 
     568,750           568,750     

Fully Vested Stock Awards

Client Partner and Consultant Award – During fiscal 2011, we implemented a new fully vested stock-based award program that is designed to reward our client partners and training consultants for exceptional long-term performance.  The program grants shares of our common stock with a total value of $15,000 to each client partner who has sold over $20.0 million in cumulative sales or training consultant who has delivered over 1,500 days of training during their career.  During fiscal 2017, nine individuals qualified for this award; four individuals qualified for this award in fiscal 2016; and five individuals earned this award in fiscal 2015.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Compensation Committee approved a fully vested award equal to $10,000 for each general manager or area director that achieved a specified sales goal.  Five individuals achieved their sales goals and qualified for the award.  This award was only for fourth quarter fiscal 2015 sales performance and no additional awards may be granted under the terms of this award.

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      Weighted          
   Number  Average     Options    
   Outstanding  Remaining  Weighted  Exercisable at  Weighted 
   at August 31,  Contractual  Average  August 31,  Average 
Exercise Prices  2020  Life (Years)  Exercise Price  2020  Exercise Price 
$
9.00
   
31,250
   
0.4
  
$
9.00
   
31,250
  
$
9.00
 
$
10.00
   
62,500
   
0.4
  
$
10.00
   
62,500
  
$
10.00
 
$
12.00
   
62,500
   
0.4
  
$
12.00
   
62,500
  
$
12.00
 
$
14.00
   
62,500
   
0.4
  
$
14.00
   
62,500
  
$
14.00
 
     
218,750
           
218,750
     

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We have an employee stock purchase plan 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 each quarter.  We issuedESPP participants purchased a total of 43,19941,409 shares, 49,37543,073 shares, and 42,68740,941 shares to ESPP participantsour stock during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, which had a corresponding cost basis of $0.6 million $0.7 million, and $0.6 million, respectively.each year.  We received cash proceeds for these shares from ESPP participants totaling $0.7$1.0 million in eachfiscal 2020; $1.0 million during fiscal 2019; and $0.8 million in fiscal 2018.

Fully Vested Stock Awards

We have a stock-based incentive program that is designed to reward our client partners and training consultants for exceptional long-term performance.  The program grants shares of theour common stock to client partners who have achieved certain cumulative sales goals and to training consultants who have delivered a specified number of training days during their career.  During fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, four employees qualified for this award program; four individuals qualified in fiscal 2019; and 2015.one individual qualified for this award in fiscal 2018.


12.IMPAIRED ASSETS

Our impaired asset charges during fiscal 2015 consisted of the following (in thousands):


Long-term receivables from FCOP $541 
Capitalized curriculum  414 
Investment cost method subsidiary  220 
Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets  127 
  $1,302 

The following is a description of the circumstances regarding the impairment of these long-lived assets.

Long-Term Receivables From FCOP – We determined that the operating agreements between the Company and FCOP allow us to collect reimbursement for certain rental expenses prior to the annual required distribution of earnings to FCOP's creditors.  Such rents were previously treated as lower in priority and therefore, were considered long-term receivables.  Although this determination improved our cash flows and collections of rents receivable from FCOP in the short term, it reduced the amount of cash we were expecting to receive from the required distribution of earnings to pay long-term receivable balances.  After this determination was made, the present value of our previously recorded long-term receivables was more than the present value of expected corresponding cash flows.  Accordingly, we recalculated our discount on the long-term receivables and impaired the remaining balance.

Capitalized Curriculum During fiscal 2015, we determined that it would be beneficial to discontinue a component of one of our existing offerings and we received legal notice that another offering contained names trademarked by another entity.  Since we currently offer a similar program, the decision was made to discontinue the offering rather than modify the curriculum as required by applicable trademark law.  Accordingly, we impaired the remaining unamortized carrying value of these offerings.  These items were classified as components of other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets.

Investment in Cost Method Subsidiary In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we became aware of financial difficulties at an entity in which we had an investment accounted for under the cost method.  Based on discussions with management of the entity, we determined that the investment in this subsidiary would not be recoverable in future periods due to going concern considerations.  Accordingly, we impaired the carrying value of the investment in this entity.  The investment in this entity was previously classified as a component of other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Long-Term Assets – In connection with a component of one of our offerings that was discontinued (as described above), we had prepaid royalties to an unrelated developer.  Based on the decision to impair the content, we determined that the probability of receiving cash flows sufficient to recover the prepaid royalties was remote and we expensed the carrying value of these prepaid assets.  Approximately $60,000 of this balance was previously included in other long-term assets.
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13.CONTRACT TERMINATION AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS

Contract Termination Costs

During fiscal 2017, we entered into a new 10-year license agreement for Education practice content in a foreign country, with minimum required royalties payable to us totaling $16.1 million (at current exchange rates) over the life of the arrangement.  Under a previously existing profit-sharing agreement, we would have been obligated to pay one-third of the new minimum royalty stream, or $5.4 million, plus one-third of any royalties in excess of the contractual minimums to the licensee that owns the rights for that country.  In exchange for a $1.5 million payment, we terminated the previously existing profit-sharing agreement and we will not owe any further profit sharing-payments to the international licensee.  For example, during fiscal 2017, we received $0.9 million of royalty revenues from this agreement.  Under the previous profit sharing arrangement, we would have been required to pay $0.3 million to the licensee.  Based on the guidance for contract termination costs, we expensed the $1.5 million payment during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Restructuring Costs

Fiscal 2017 Restructuring Costs

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we determined to exit the publishing business in Japan and restructured our U.S./Canada direct office operations in order to support new sales and renewals of the All Access Pass.  We expensed $3.6 million related to these changes during fiscal 2017 as described below.  The majority of these costs were attributable to our Direct Offices operating segment.

Exit Japan Publishing Business

Due to a change in strategy designed to focus resources and efforts on sales of the All Access Pass in Japan, and declining sales and profitability of the publishing business, we decided to exit the publishing business in Japan.  As a result of this determination, we wrote off the majority of our book inventory located in Japan for $2.1 million, which was recorded as a component of product cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2017.

U.S./Canada Direct Office Restructuring

We restructured the operations of our U.S/Canada direct offices to create new smaller regional teams which are focused on selling the All Access Pass, helping clients strategically implement the AAP, and providing services to further develop long-term client relationships.  Accordingly, we determined that our three remaining sales offices located in Atlanta, Georgia; Irvine, California; and Chicago, Illinois were unnecessary since most client partners work from home-based offices; restructured the operations of the Sales Performance and Winning Customer Loyalty Practices; and eliminated certain functions to reduce costs in future periods.  The $1.5 million restructuring charge associated with these operational changes was comprised of the following (in thousands):

    
Description Amount 
Severance costs $986 
Office closure costs  496 
  $1,482 

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As of August 31, 2017, all of the severance costs have been paid and the remaining office closure cost accrual totaled $0.5 million, which is included as a component of accrued liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Fiscal 2016 Restructuring Costs

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we restructured the operations of certain of our domestic sales offices.  The cost of this restructuring was $0.4 million and was primarily comprised of employee severance costs, which were paid in August and September 2016.

We also restructured the operations of our Australian direct office.  The restructuring was designed to reduce ongoing operating costs by closing the sales offices in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, and by reducing headcount for administrative and certain sales support functions.  Our remaining sales and support personnel in Australia now work from home offices, similar to many of our sales personnel located in the U.S. and Canada.  The Australia office restructure cost $0.4 million and was primarily comprised of office closure costs, including remaining lease expense on the offices that were closed, and for employee severance costs.  The severance costs included the restructuring charge totaled less than $40,000.  As of August 31, 2017 substantially all of the remaining accrued restructuring costs were paid.

Fiscal 2015 Restructuring Costs

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we realigned our regional sales offices that serve the United States and Canada.  As a result of this realignment, we closed our northeastern regional sales office located in Pennsylvania and created new geographic sales regions.  In connection with this restructuring, we incurred costs related to involuntary severance and office closure costs.  The restructuring charge taken during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 was comprised of the following (in thousands):

    
Description Amount 
Severance costs $570 
Office closure costs  17 
  $587 

The majority of these costs were paid prior to August 31, 2015 and there were no remaining costs from the fiscal 2015 restructuring accrued as of August 31, 2017.


14.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Profit Sharing Plans

We have defined contribution profit sharing plans for our employees that qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  These plans provide retirement benefits for employees meeting minimum age and service requirements.  Qualified participants may contribute up to 75 percent of their gross wages, subject to certain limitations.  These plans also provide for matching contributions to the participants that are paid by the Company.  The matching contributions, which were expensed as incurred, totaled $1.9$2.3 million, $1.9$2.2 million, and $1.7$2.1 million during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015.2018, respectively.  We do not sponsor or participate in any defined-benefit pension plans.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

We had a non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan that provided certain key officers and employees the ability to defer a portion of their compensation until a later date.  Deferred compensation amounts used to pay benefits were held in a "rabbi“rabbi trust," which invested in insurance contracts, various
88

mutual funds, and shares of our common stock as directed by the plan participants.  However, due to legal changes resulting from the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, we determined to cease compensation deferrals to the NQDC plan after December 31, 2004.  Following the cessation of deferrals to the NQDC plan, the number of participants remaining in the plan declined steadily, and our Board of Directors decided to partially terminate the NQDC plan.  Following this decision, all of the plan'splan’s assets were liquidated, the plan'splan’s liabilities were paid, and the only remaining items in the NQDC plan are shares of our common stock owned by the remaining plan participants.  At August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the cost basis of the shares of our common stock held by the rabbi trust was $0.4$0.1 million and $0.2 million.  Shares of our common stock held in the rabbi trust are included as components of treasury stock on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

78


15.14.     INCOME TAXES


Our benefit (provision)provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
                  
YEAR ENDED                  
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015  2020  2019  2018 
Current:                  
Federal $69  $(380) $(220) 
$
(15
)
 
$
93
  
$
29
 
State  (71)  (197)  (208) 
(87
)
 
(14
)
 
210
 
Foreign  (2,320)  (2,553)  (2,691)  
(1,145
)
  
(2,745
)
  
(2,947
)
  (2,322)  (3,130)  (3,119)  
(1,247
)
  
(2,666
)
  
(2,708
)
                     
Deferred:                     
Federal  (1,227)  (1,584)  (3,239) 
2,306
  
3,112
  
1,426
 
State  (17)  70   (138) 
98
  
102
  
(314
)
Foreign  468   50   200  
(77
)
 
(120
)
 
(281
)
Operating loss carryforward  6,964   -   -  
(50
)
 
(1,625
)
 
2,636
 
Adjustment for changes in U.S.         
income tax rates 
-
  
-
  
1,654
 
Valuation allowance  (129)  (301)  -   
(11,261
)
  
(418
)
  
(2,780
)
  6,059   (1,765)  (3,177)  
(8,984
)
  
1,051
   
2,341
 
 $3,737  $(4,895) $(6,296) 
$
(10,231
)
 
$
(1,615
)
 
$
(367
)

The allocation of our total income tax provision (benefit) is as follows (in thousands):
                  
YEAR ENDED                  
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015  2020  2019  2018 
Net income (loss) $3,737  $(4,895) $(6,296)
Other comprehensive income  37   115   52 
Net loss
 
$
(10,231
)
 
$
(1,615
)
 
$
(367
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  
16
   
(5
)
  
(75
)
 $3,774  $(4,780) $(6,244) 
$
(10,215
)
 
$
(1,620
)
 
$
(442
)

Income (loss) before income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
                  
YEAR ENDED                  
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015  2020  2019  2018 
United States $(10,126) $9,328  $15,073  
$
3,062
  
$
(1,910
)
 
$
(8,960
)
Foreign  (783)  2,583   2,339   
(2,266
)
  
2,502
   
3,440
 
 $(10,909) $11,911  $17,412  
$
796
  
$
592
  
$
(5,520
)

79


The differences between income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate and the consolidated income tax rate reported in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss were as follows:

89

          
YEAR ENDED 
AUGUST 31,
 
2020
  
2019
  
2018
 
Federal statutory income tax rate  
(21.0
)%
  
(21.0
)%
  
25.7
%
State income taxes, net of federal effect  
16.9
   
(5.4
)
  
2.6
 
Effect of change in U.S. federal tax rate  
-
   
-
   
30.0
 
Valuation allowance  
(1,412.9
)
  
(70.8
)
  
(50.4
)
Executive stock options  
199.9
   
-
   
-
 
Foreign jurisdictions tax differential  
1.4
   
(72.8
)
  
(6.8
)
Tax differential on income subject to both U.S. and foreign taxes  
11.9
   
(64.7
)
  
2.3
 
Uncertain tax positions  
13.8
   
34.0
   
(5.1
)
Non-deductible executive compensation  
(18.2
)
  
(8.8
)
  
(2.7
)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment  
(22.3
)
  
(52.9
)
  
(8.9
)
Payout of deferred compensation (NQDC)  
6.1
   
0.3
   
4.4
 
Other  
(59.3
)
  
(10.7
)
  
2.2
 
   
(1,283.7
)%
  
(272.8
)%
  
(6.7
)%


Due to the near break-even amount of pre-tax income during fiscal 2020 and 2019, the effect of non-temporary items on our effective income tax rate was greatly amplified.
YEAR ENDED 
AUGUST 31,
 
 
2017
  
 
2016
  
 
2015
 
Federal statutory income tax rate  35.0%  (35.0)%  (35.0)%
State income taxes, net of federal effect  
2.3
   
(1.9
)  
(2.3
)
Valuation allowance  (1.2)  (2.5)  - 
Foreign jurisdictions tax differential  (1.9)  0.6   
(1.2
)
Tax differential on income subject to both U.S. and foreign taxes  
0.4
   
(1.9
)  
(0.5
)
Effect of claiming foreign tax credits instead of deductions for prior years  
-
   
-
   3.2 
Uncertain tax positions  4.4   0.4   0.9 
Non-deductible executive compensation  (1.6)  
-
   
(0.2
)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment  (2.2)  
(1.6
)  
(1.1
)
Other  (0.9)  0.8   - 
   34.3%  (41.1)%  (36.2)%

In priorconsideration of the relevant accounting guidance, we reevaluated our deferred tax assets during fiscal years, we elected to take deductions on our U.S. federal income tax returns for foreign income taxes paid, rather than claiming foreign tax credits.  During those years we either generated or used net operating loss carryforwards2020 and were therefore unable to utilize foreign tax credits.  In fiscal 2011, we began claiming foreign tax credits on our U.S. federal income tax returns.  Although we could not utilize the credits we claimed for fiscal 2012considered both positive and fiscal 2011negative evidence in those respective years, we concludeddetermining whether it wasis more likely than not that thesesome portion or all of our deferred tax assets will be realized.  Because of the cumulative pre-tax losses over the past three fiscal years, combined with the expected continued disruptions and negative impact to our business resulting from uncertainties related to the recovery from the pandemic, we were unable to overcome accounting guidance indicating that it is more-likely-than-not that insufficient taxable income will be available to realize all of our deferred tax assets before they expire, primarily foreign tax credits will be utilized incredit carryforwards and a portion of our net operating loss carryforwards.  Based on this assessment, we increased the future.

Our overall U.S. taxable income and foreign source income for fiscal 2014 and 2013 were sufficient to utilize allvaluation allowance against our deferred tax assets, which generated $11.3 million of the foreign tax credits generated during those fiscal years, plus additional credits generated in prior years.  Accordingly, we amended our U.S. federal income tax returns from fiscal 2003 through fiscal 2010 to claim foreign tax credits instead of foreign tax deductions.  In fiscal 2015, we finalized the calculations of the impact of amending previously filed federal income tax returns to realize foreign tax credits previously treated as expired under the tax positions taken in the original returns.  The income tax benefit recognized from these foreign tax credits totaled $0.6 million in fiscal 2015.

We recognized tax benefits from deductions for stock-based compensation in excess of the corresponding expense recorded for financial statement purposes.  Instead of reducing our income tax expense in fiscal 2020.

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act) was signed into law on December 22, 2017.  The 2017 Tax Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax code by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; eliminating certain deductions; imposing a mandatory one-time transition tax, or deemed repatriation tax, on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of 2017 that were previously tax deferred; introducing new tax regimes; and changing how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax.

Since we have an August 31 fiscal year end, the lower corporate income tax rate was phased in, resulting in a U.S. statutory federal rate of 25.7 percent for these benefits,fiscal 2018 and a 21 percent rate for fiscal 2019 and subsequent years.  Other provisions of the 2017 Tax Act became effective for us in fiscal 2019, including limitations on the deductibility of interest and executive compensation as well as anti-deferral provisions on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI).  We have elected to treat taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current period expense when incurred (the “period cost method”).

In fiscal 2020, we recorded $0.2 million andof income tax expense resulting from limitations added by the 2017 Tax Act on the deductibility of executive compensation.  Because of losses in foreign jurisdictions, we recorded no income tax expense in fiscal 2020 under the GILTI provisions.  During fiscal 2019, we recorded income tax expense of $0.3 million under the GILTI provisions.  We recorded $0.1 million forof tax expense resulting from limitations added by the 2017 Tax Act on the deductibility of executive compensation.

80


In fiscal years ending August 31,2018, we recorded income tax benefits totaling $1.7 million, including a one-time income tax benefit of $0.9 million as of the date of enactment.  We recognized $0.8 million of the one-time benefit from re-measuring our net deferred tax liabilities at the reduced U.S. federal tax rate and $0.2 million of the benefit from other changes enacted by the 2017 and 2015.  Tax Act.  These benefits were partially offset by $0.1 million of expense related to stock-based compensation recorded in additional paid-in capital for fiscal 2016 was insignificant.  Followingfrom the adoptiondeemed repatriation of accumulated earnings from our foreign subsidiaries.

On September 1, 2017, we adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-09, in fiscal 2018,which requires that the benefits andof deductions resulting from stock-based compensation in excess of the corresponding book expense will be recorded as a component of our income tax provision or benefit for the period.

90

being recorded to additional paid-in capital.  In fiscal 2020, as a result of our CEO and CFO’s exercise of stock options, we recorded an income tax benefit of $1.8 million for stock-based compensation deductions that were greater than the corresponding book expense.  We recorded income tax expense of $0.1 million in fiscal 2019 and an immaterial amount of income tax expense in fiscal 2018 for stock-based compensation deductions that were less than the corresponding book expense.

The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the followingas follows (in thousands):
            
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2020  2019 
Deferred income tax assets:            
Foreign income tax credit
      
carryforward 
$
9,150
  
$
8,140
 
Net operating loss carryforward $10,310  $-  
7,694
  
7,516
 
Sale and financing of corporate              
headquarters  8,420   9,013  
3,939
  
4,431
 
Foreign income tax credit        
carryforward  4,382   2,784 
Bonus and other accruals
 
1,607
  
1,622
 
Stock-based compensation  2,954   2,674  
1,431
  
1,973
 
Inventory and bad debt reserves  1,643   1,147  
1,328
  
1,376
 
Bonus and other accruals  1,574   1,017 
Deferred revenue  510   405  
1,268
  
829
 
Other  337   617   
530
   
264
 
Total deferred income tax assets  30,130   17,657  
26,947
  
26,151
 
Less: valuation allowance  (612)  (301)  
(15,076
)
  
(3,815
)
Net deferred income tax assets  29,518   17,356   
11,871
   
22,336
 
              
Deferred income tax liabilities:              
Intangibles step-ups – indefinite lived  (8,539)  (8,528) 
(5,494
)
 
(5,424
)
Intangibles step-ups – definite lived  (7,607)  (6,003)
Intangibles step-ups – finite lived
 
(2,786
)
 
(3,406
)
Intangible asset impairment and              
amortization  (4,875)  (4,505) 
(3,306
)
 
(2,906
)
Deferred commissions
 
(2,231
)
 
(2,056
)
Property and equipment depreciation  (4,960)  (3,367) 
(1,904
)
 
(2,880
)
Deferred commissions  (2,195)  - 
Unremitted earnings of foreign              
subsidiaries  (492)  (574) 
(354
)
 
(456
)
Other  (236)  (399)  
-
   
(343
)
Total deferred income tax liabilities  (28,904)  (23,376)  
(16,075
)
  
(17,471
)
Net deferred income taxes $614  $(6,020) 
$
(4,204
)
 
$
4,865
 

81


Deferred income tax amounts are recorded as follows in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
            
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2020  2019 
Other long-term assets $1,647  $650 
Long-term assets
 
$
1,094
  
$
5,045
 
Long-term liabilities  (1,033)  (6,670)  
(5,298
)
  
(180
)
Net deferred income tax liability $614  $(6,020)
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)
 
$
(4,204
)
 
$
4,865
 

As of August 31, 2016, we had utilized all of our U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards.  However, we incurred a federal net operating loss of $17.5 million in fiscal 2017 and acquired a federal net operating loss carryforward of $7.7 million in connection with the purchase of the stock of Jhana Education (Note 2) in fiscal 2017.  Our U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards were comprised of the following at August 31, 20172020 (in thousands):
91




            
    Loss  Loss  Operating 
    Loss  Loss  Operating 
Loss CarryforwardLoss Carryforward    Deductions  Deductions  Loss Carried Loss Expires    Deductions  Deductions  Loss Carried 
for Year EndedExpires August 31, Amount  in Prior Years  in Current Year  Forward August 31, Amount  in Prior Years  in Current Year  Forward 
December 31, 20122031 $243  $-  $-  $243 
December 31, 20132032  553   -   -   553 
December 31, 20142033  1,285   -   -   1,285 2033 
$
1,285
  
$
(1,019
)
 
$
(266
)
 
$
-
 
December 31, 20152034  1,491   -   -   1,491 2034 
1,491
  
-
  
(580
)
 
911
 
December 31, 20162035  3,052   -   -   3,052 2035 
3,052
  
-
  
-
  
3,052
 
July 15, 20172036  1,117   -   -   1,117              
Acquired NOL   7,741   -   -   7,741 2036  
1,117
   
-
   
-
   
1,117
 
  
6,945
  
(1,019
)
 
(846
)
 
5,080
 
August 31, 20172037  17,500   -   -   17,500 2037 
16,361
  
(6,627
)
 
(1,366
)
 
8,368
 
August 31, 2018
2038  
10,506
   
-
   
-
   
10,506
 
   $25,241  $-  $-  $25,241    
$
33,812
  
$
(7,646
)
 
$
(2,212
)
 
$
23,954
 

We have U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards generated in fiscal 2009 and before in various jurisdictions that expire primarily between September 1, 20172020 and August 31, 2029.  The U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards generated in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 primarily expire on August 31, 2037.2037 and 2038, respectively.  The state net operating loss carryforwards acquired through the purchase of Jhana Education stock expire between August 31, 20312033 and August 31, 2036.

Our U.S. foreign income tax credit carryforwards were comprised of the following at August 31, 20172020 (in thousands):

                         
Credit Generated in     Credits Used  Credits Used  Credits     Credits Used  Credits Used  Credits 
Fiscal Year EndedCredit Expires Credits  in Prior  in Fiscal  Carried Credit Expires Credits  in Prior  in Current  Carried 
August 31,August 31, Generated  Years  2017  Forward August 31, Generated  Years  Year  Forward 
20112021 $3,445  $(859) $-  $2,586 2021 
$
3,445
  
$
(414
)
 
$
-
  
$
3,031
 
20122022  2,563   (2,563)  -   - 2022  
2,563
   
(2,563
)
  
-
   
-
 
20132023  2,815   (2,815)  -   - 2023  
2,815
   
(2,815
)
  
-
   
-
 
20142024  1,378   (1,378)  -   - 2024  
1,378
   
(1,378
)
  
-
   
-
 
20152025  1,422   (1,422)  -   - 2025  
1,422
   
(1,422
)
  
-
   
-
 
20162026  1,569   (1,569)  -   - 2026  
1,569
   
(1,569
)
  
-
   
-
 
20172027  1,796   -   -   1,796 2027  
1,804
   
-
   
-
   
1,804
 
20182028  
1,727
   
-
   
-
   
1,727
 
20192029  
1,578
   
-
   
-
   
1,578
 
20202030  
1,010
   
-
   
-
   
1,010
 
   $14,988  $(10,606) $-  $4,382     
$
19,311
  
$
(10,161
)
 
$
-
  
$
9,150
 

In fiscal 2020, we increased our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets as previously explained.  During the year ended August 31, 2016,fiscal 2019, we determined that it was more likely than not that deferred income tax assets of acertain foreign subsidiarysubsidiaries would not be realized.  Accordingly,realized and we recorded a $0.3 millionincreased the valuation allowance accordingly.  In fiscal 2018, we established a valuation allowance of $3.0 million against theseour foreign tax credit carryforward from fiscal 2011, after concluding it is more likely than not that the carryforward will expire unused at the end of fiscal 2021.  Our emphasis of the All Access Pass has generated, and will likely continue to generate, substantial amounts of deferred revenue for both book and tax purposes.  This situation has produced a cumulative U.S. domestic pre-tax loss for the past three fiscal years and a more-likely-than-not presumption that insufficient taxable income will be available to realize the fiscal 2011 foreign tax carryforward, which expires at the end of fiscal 2021.

82


Activity in our deferred income tax asset valuation allowance was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

          
YEAR ENDED
         
AUGUST 31,
 2020  2019  2018 
Beginning balance
 
$
3,815
  
$
3,397
  
$
612
 
Charged to costs and expenses
  
11,269
   
663
   
3,035
 
Deductions
  
(8
)
  
(245
)
  
(250
)
Ending balance
 
$
15,076
  
$
3,815
  
$
3,397
 

Except for the deferred tax assets in fiscal 2016.  During fiscal 2017, we increased this valuation allowance by $0.1 millionsubject to $0.4 million, which reduced our income tax benefit for the year by $0.1 million.

We acquired federal and state net operating loss carryforwards in connection with the purchase of Jhana Education stock during fiscal 2017.  Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code limits our ability to use these acquired losses.  Accordingly, we recorded valuation allowances, in the amount of $0.2 million against the related deferred tax assets.  Our income tax benefit for fiscal 2017 was unaffected by this valuation allowance.

Wewe have determined that projected future taxable income is adequate to allow for realization of all deferred tax assets, except for the assets subject to the valuation allowances.assets.  We considered sources of taxable income, including future reversals of taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, and reasonable, practical tax-planning strategies to generate additional taxable income.  Based on the factors described above, we concluded that realization of our deferred tax assets, except those subject to the valuation allowance asallowances described above, is more likely than not at August 31, 2017.2020.
92


A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
                  
YEAR ENDED                  
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015  2020  2019  2018 
Beginning balance $3,024  $3,115  $3,491  
$
1,895
  
$
2,111
  
$
2,359
 
Additions based on tax positions                     
related to the current year  10   199   244  
172
  
157
  
27
 
Additions for tax positions in                     
prior years  85   3   144  
10
  
7
  
367
 
Reductions for tax positions of prior                     
years resulting from the lapse of                     
applicable statute of limitations  (634)  (212)  (339) 
(289
)
 
(370
)
 
(253
)
Other reductions for tax positions of                     
prior years  (126)  (81)  (425)  
(148
)
  
(10
)
  
(389
)
Ending balance $2,359  $3,024  $3,115  
$
1,640
  
$
1,895
  
$
2,111
 

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $1.3 million at August 31, 2020, and $1.6 million at August 31, 2017, and $2.1 million at August 31, 2016.2019.  Included in the ending balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits at August 31, 20172020 is $2.4$1.6 million related to individual states'states’ net operating loss carryforwards.  Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as components of income tax expense.  The net accruals and reversals of interest and penalties increased or decreased our income tax expense by an insignificant amount in each of fiscal 2017,2020, fiscal 20162019, and fiscal 2015.2018.  The balance of interest and penalties included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets at each of August 31, 20172020 and 20162019 was $0.3 million at each date.$0.2 million.

During the next 12 months, we expect a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits totaling $0.2$0.1 million relating to non-deductible expenses and state net operating loss deductions upon the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.

83


We file United States federal income tax returns as well as income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions.  The tax years that remain subject to examinations for our major tax jurisdictions are shown below.

 2010-2017
 2013-2020
Canada and Australia
 2012-2017
 2014-2020
Japan and the United Kingdom
 2013-2017
 2015-2020
Germany, Switzerland, and Austria
 2016-2020
China
 2016-2020
United Kingdom, Singapore
 2016-2020
United States – state and local income tax
 2014-2017
 2017-2020
United States – federal income tax
 2016-2017China
 2017Singapore



93

16.EARNINGS (LOSS)15.     LOSS PER SHARE


The following is a reconciliation from basic earnings (loss)schedule shows the calculation of loss per share (EPS) to diluted EPSfor the periods presented (in thousands, except per-share amounts).
         
                  
YEAR ENDED                  
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015  2020  2019  2018 
Numerator for basic and                  
diluted earnings per share:                  
Net income (loss) $(7,172) $7,016  $11,116 
Net loss
 
$
(9,435
)
 
$
(1,023
)
 
$
(5,887
)
                     
Denominator for basic and                     
diluted earnings per share:                     
Basic weighted average shares                     
outstanding  13,819   14,944   16,742  
13,892
  
13,948
  
13,849
 
Effect of dilutive securities:                     
Stock options and other                     
stock-based awards  -   132   181   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Diluted weighted average shares                     
outstanding  13,819   15,076   16,923   
13,892
   
13,948
   
13,849
 
                     
EPS Calculations:                     
Net income (loss) per share:            
Basic $(0.52) $0.47  $0.66 
Diluted  (0.52)  0.47   0.66 
Net loss per share:
         
Basic and diluted 
$
(0.68
)
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.43
)

Since we incurred a net loss for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017,2020, no potentially dilutive securities were included in the calculation of our earningsloss per share because the inclusion of these securities would be antidilutive.  The number of dilutive securities that would have been included at August 31, 2017 would have been2020 was approximately 0.2 million65,000 shares.  Other securities, including performance stock-based compensation instruments, may have a dilutive effect on our future EPS calculation in future periodscalculations if our financial results reach specified targets (Note 11)12).


17.16.     SEGMENT INFORMATION


Reportable Segments

Our revenuessales are primarily obtained from the salecomprised of training and consulting services and related products.  During fiscal 2017, we managed our business based oninternal reporting structure is comprised of three reportable operating segments and a corporate services group.  Our internal reporting structure and reportable segments are organized primarily around the client channels which produce the Company’s revenues.  The following four operatingis a brief description of our reportable segments:

·
Direct Offices This division includes our geographic sales offices that serve the United States and Canada; our international sales offices located in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and Australia; and our public programs group.

·
Strategic Markets This division includes our government services office, the Sales Performance practice, the Customer Loyalty practice, and the "Global 50" group, which is specifically focused on sales to large, multi-national organizations.

·
Education practiceThis division includes our domestic and international Education practice operations, which are centered on sales to educational institutions.
9484


Direct Offices – This segment includes our sales personnel that serve the United States and Canada; our international sales offices located in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria; our governmental sales channel; our coaching operations; and our books and audio sales channel.

International Licensees – This segment is primarily comprised of our international licensees’ royalty revenues.

·
International LicenseesThis division is primarily comprised of our international licensees' royalty revenues.
Education Practice – This group includes our domestic and international Education practice operations, which are focused on sales to educational institutions.

Corporate and Other – Our corporate and other information includes royalty revenue from Franklin Planner Corporation (Note 17), leasing operations, shipping and handling revenues, and certain corporate administrative expenses.

We have determined that the Company'sCompany’s chief operating decision maker iscontinues to be the CEO, and the primary measurement tool used in business unit performance analysis is Adjusted EBITDA, which may not be calculated as similarly titled amounts calculated by other companies.  For reporting purposes, our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA can be calculated as our income or loss from operations excluding stock-based compensation, contract termination costs, restructuring charges, depreciation expense, amortization expense, and certain other items such as impaired asset charges and adjustments for changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities from business acquisitions.acquisitions, restructuring charges, depreciation expense, amortization expense, and certain other unusual or infrequent items.

Our operations are not capital intensive and we do not own any manufacturing facilities or equipment.  Accordingly, we do not allocate assets to the divisions for analysis purposes.  Interest expense and interest income are primarily generated at the corporate level and are not allocated.  Income taxes are likewise calculated and paid on a corporate level (except for entities that operate in foreign jurisdictions) and are not allocated for analysis purposes.

All prior period segment information has been revised to conform to our current organizational structure, assigned responsibilities, and primary internal reports.  We account for our segment information on the same basis as the accompanying consolidated financial statements.statements (in thousands).
          
  Sales to       
Fiscal Year Ended External     Adjusted 
August 31, 2017 Customers  Gross Profit  EBITDA 
          
Direct offices $96,662  $65,950  $6,134 
Strategic markets  22,974   13,601   (2,005)
Education practice  44,122   27,916   6,043 
International licensees  13,571   10,483   6,005 
Total  177,329   117,950   16,177 
Corporate and eliminations  7,927   4,717   (8,478)
Consolidated $185,256  $122,667  $7,699 
             
Fiscal Year Ended            
August 31, 2016            
             
Direct offices $103,605  $74,632  $17,791 
Strategic markets  29,819   18,791   3,559 
Education practice  40,844   24,513   4,787 
International licensees  17,113   13,152   8,646 
Total  191,381   131,088   34,783 
Corporate and eliminations  8,674   4,066   (7,889)
Consolidated $200,055  $135,154  $26,894 
             
Fiscal Year Ended            
August 31, 2015            
             
Direct offices $113,087  $81,057  $18,801 
Strategic markets  37,039   21,680   8,418 
Education practice  33,681   19,350   3,084 
International licensees  16,547   12,343   6,645 
Total  200,354   134,430   36,948 
Corporate and eliminations  9,587   3,659   (5,090)
Consolidated $209,941  $138,089  $31,858 

9585


          
  Sales to       
Fiscal Year Ended External     Adjusted 
August 31, 2020 Customers  Gross Profit  EBITDA 
Enterprise Division:         
Direct offices $139,780  $108,144  $17,694 
International licensees  8,451   6,679   2,406 
   148,231   114,823   20,100 
Education Division  43,405   27,099   (90)
Corporate and eliminations  6,820   3,448   (5,726)
Consolidated $198,456  $145,370  $14,284 
             
Fiscal Year Ended            
August 31, 2019            
Enterprise Division:            
Direct offices $157,754  $116,755  $19,455 
International licensees  12,896   10,231   6,072 
   170,650   126,986   25,527 
Education Division  48,880   30,373   3,553 
Corporate and eliminations  5,826   1,955   (8,474)
Consolidated $225,356  $159,314  $20,606 
             
Fiscal Year Ended            
August 31, 2018            
Enterprise Division:            
Direct offices $145,890  $108,140  $13,254 
International licensees  13,226   10,031   5,081 
   159,116   118,171   18,335 
Education Division  45,272   28,654   2,710 
Corporate and eliminations  5,370   1,464   (9,167)
Consolidated $209,758  $148,289  $11,878 

A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated net income (loss)loss is provided below (in thousands):

                  
YEAR ENDED                  
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015  2020  2019  2018 
Enterprise Adjusted EBITDA $16,177  $34,783  $36,948 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
20,010
  
$
29,080
  
$
21,045
 
Corporate expenses  (8,478)  (7,889)  (5,090)  
(5,726
)
  
(8,474
)
  
(9,167
)
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA  7,699   26,894   31,858  
14,284
  
20,606
  
11,878
 
Stock-based compensation  (3,658)  (3,121)  (2,536) 
573
  
(4,789
)
 
(2,846
)
Reduction (increase) in                     
contingent consideration liability  1,936   (1,538)  (35)
Costs to exit Japan publishing business  (2,107)  -   - 
Contract termination costs  (1,500)  -   - 
contingent consideration liabilities 
49
  
(1,334
)
 
(1,014
)
Restructuring costs  (1,482)  (776)  (587) 
(1,636
)
 
-
  
-
 
Gain from insurance settlement
 
933
  
-
  
-
 
Government COVID assistance
 
514
  
-
  
-
 
Knowledge Capital wind-down costs
 
(389
)
 
-
  
-
 
ERP system implementation costs  (1,404)  (448)  -  
-
  
-
  
(855
)
China office start-up costs  (505)  (222)  - 
Business acquisition costs  (442)  -   - 
Impaired assets  -   -   (1,302)
Licensee transition costs
 
-
  
(488
)
 
-
 
Depreciation  (3,879)  (3,677)  (4,142) 
(6,664
)
 
(6,364
)
 
(5,161
)
Amortization  (3,538)  (3,263)  (3,727)  
(4,606
)
  
(4,976
)
  
(5,368
)
Income (loss) from operations  (8,880)  13,849   19,529  
3,058
  
2,655
  
(3,366
)
Interest income  379   325   383  
56
  
37
  
104
 
Interest expense  (2,408)  (2,263)  (2,137) 
(2,318
)
 
(2,358
)
 
(2,676
)
Discount on related party receivable  -   -   (363)
Accretion of discount on related
         
party receivable
  
-
   
258
   
418
 
Income (loss) before income taxes  (10,909)  11,911   17,412  
796
  
592
  
(5,520
)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes  3,737   (4,895)  (6,296)
Net income (loss) $(7,172) $7,016  $11,116 
Provision for income taxes
  
(10,231
)
  
(1,615
)
  
(367
)
Net loss 
$
(9,435
)
 
$
(1,023
)
 
$
(5,887
)

Geographic Information
86


Disaggregated Revenue

Our revenues are derived primarily from the United States.  However, we also operate wholly owneddirectly-owned offices or contract with licensees to provide our services in various countries throughout the world.  Our consolidated revenues were derived from the following countries/regions (in thousands):
          
YEAR ENDED         
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016  2015 
United States $137,219  $155,153  $162,594 
Japan  14,482   14,997   14,446 
China  11,552   3,884   2,424 
United Kingdom  4,754   7,716   8,997 
Canada  4,372   4,357   6,460 
Australia  2,704   3,404   3,774 
Western Europe  1,679   1,503   1,364 
Thailand  1,147   1,226   1,055 
Denmark/Scandinavia  775   863   729 
Mexico/Central America  751   917   974 
Middle East  723   584   670 
Singapore  722   1,143   1,397 
India  701   677   708 
Central/Eastern Europe  638   644   492 
Indonesia  614   579   651 
Brazil  410   319   321 
Malaysia  364   384   511 
The Philippines  324   332   327 
Others  1,325   1,373   2,047 
  $185,256  $200,055  $209,941 

          
YEAR ENDED
         
AUGUST 31,
 2020  2019  2018 
Americas
 
$
160,989
  
$
173,784
  
$
159,595
 
Asia Pacific
  
11,845
   
14,457
   
12,715
 
Europe/Middle East/Africa
  
25,622
   
37,115
   
37,448
 
  
$
198,456
  
$
225,356
  
$
209,758
 

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by our significant revenue generating activities.  Sales of services and products include training and consulting services and related products such as training manuals.  Subscription sales include revenues from our subscription services such as the All Access Pass and Leader in Me membership.  We receive royalty revenue from our international licensees and from other sources such as book publishing arrangements.  Corporate royalties are amounts received from Franklin Planner Co. pursuant to a new licensing arrangement obtained in fiscal 2020 (Note 17).  Leases and other revenue is primarily comprised of lease revenues from sub-leases for space at our corporate headquarters campus and from shipping and handling revenues (in thousands).

                
Fiscal Year Ended Services and        Leases and    
August 31, 2020 Products  Subscriptions  Royalties  Other  Consolidated 
Enterprise Division:               
Direct offices $75,580  $60,954  $3,246  $-  $139,780 
International licensees  1,411   -   7,040   -   8,451 
   76,991   60,954   10,286   -   148,231 
Education Division  15,107   25,587   2,711   -   43,405 
Corporate and eliminations  -   -   1,985   4,835   6,820 
Consolidated $92,098  $86,541  $14,982  $4,835  $198,456 
                     
Fiscal Year Ended                    
August 31, 2019                    
Enterprise Division:                    
Direct offices $102,557  $52,536  $2,661  $-  $157,754 
International licensees  2,439   -   10,457   -   12,896 
   104,996   52,536   13,118   -   170,650 
Education Division  23,779   22,151   2,950   -   48,880 
Corporate and eliminations  -   -   -   5,826   5,826 
Consolidated $128,775  $74,687  $16,068  $5,826  $225,356 
                     
Fiscal Year Ended                    
August 31, 2018                    
Enterprise Division:                    
Direct offices $100,730  $42,465  $2,695  $-  $145,890 
International licensees  2,484   -   10,742   -   13,226 
   103,214   42,465   13,437   -   159,116 
Education Division  26,061   15,587   3,624   -   45,272 
Corporate and eliminations  -   -   -   5,370   5,370 
Consolidated $129,275  $58,052  $17,061  $5,370  $209,758 

Inter-segment sales were immaterial for the periods presented and were eliminated in consolidation.

9687


Other Geographic Information

At August 31, 2017,2020, we had wholly owned direct offices in Australia, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.  Our China direct offices opened on September 1, 2016.Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.  Our long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets goodwill, and the long-term portion of the related party receivablegoodwill, were held in the following locations for the periods indicated (in thousands):

       
AUGUST 31, 2017  2016 
United States/Canada $33,146  $27,288 
Japan  2,350   2,045 
Australia  466   349 
China  301   - 
United Kingdom  240   114 
Singapore  152   - 
  $36,655  $29,796 

Inter-segment sales were immaterial and were eliminated in consolidation.
       
AUGUST 31,
 2020  2019 
United States/Canada
 
$
28,327
  
$
31,129
 
Japan
  
1,537
   
1,456
 
China
  
1,307
   
441
 
United Kingdom
  
720
   
207
 
Germany, Switzerland, and Austria
  
240
   
10
 
Singapore
  
158
   
370
 
Australia
  
139
   
164
 
  
$
32,428
  
$
33,777
 


18.17.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS


Knowledge Capital Investment Group

In December 2019, Knowledge Capital Investment Group (Knowledge Capital), an investor which held a warrant to purchase 5.92.8 million shares of our common stock exercisedstemming from its warrant at various dates accordinginitial investment in Franklin Covey over 20 years ago, wound up its operations and distributed its assets to investors.  On December 9, 2019, prior to the termsdistribution of a fiscal 2011 exercise agreement, and received a total of 2.2 millionits assets to investors, we purchased 284,608 shares of our common stock from shares held in treasury.  Two membersKnowledge Capital at $35.1361 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $10.1 million, including legal costs.  Our CEO and a member of our Board of Directors including our CEO, have an equityeach owned a partnership interest in Knowledge Capital.

Pursuant to a fiscal 2011 warrant exercise agreement with  At August 31, 2020, Knowledge Capital we filed a registration statement with the SEC on Form S-3 to register shares held by Knowledge Capital.  This registration statement was declared effective on January 26, 2015.  On May 20, 2015, Knowledge Capital sold 400,000 shares of our common stock on the open market and we diddoes not purchaseown any of these shares.  At each of August 31, 2017 and 2016, Knowledge Capital held 2.8 million shares of our common stock.

FC Organizational Products

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we joined with Peterson Partners to createWe previously owned a new company,19.5 percent interest in FC Organizational Products LLC.  This new company(FCOP), an entity that purchased substantially all of the assets of our consumer solutions business unit withassets in fiscal 2008 for the objectivepurpose of expanding the worldwide sales of FCOP as governed byselling planners and related organizational products under a comprehensive license agreement between us and FCOP.  On the date of the sale closing, we invested approximately $1.8 million to purchase a 19.5 percent voting interest in FCOP, and made a $1.0 million priority capital contribution with a 10 percent return.  At the time of the transaction, we determined that FCOP was not a variable interest entity.

licensing agreement.  As a result of FCOP'sFCOP’s structure as a limited liability company with separate owner capital accounts, we determined that our investment in FCOP iswas more than minor and that we arewere required to account for our investment in FCOP using the equity method of accounting.  We have not recorded our share of FCOP'sFCOP’s losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss because we have impaired and written off investment balances, as defined within the applicable accounting guidance, in previous periods in excess of our share of FCOP'sFCOP’s losses.

Due to significant operating losses through August 31, 2017.
Based on changes to FCOP's debt agreements and certain other factors in fiscal 2012,FCOP, we reconsidered whether FCOP was a variable interest entity as defined under FASCASC 810, and determined that FCOP was a variable interest entity.  Although the changes to the debt agreements did not modify the governing documents of FCOP, the changes were substantial enough to raise doubts regarding the sufficiency of FCOP's equity investment at risk.  We further determined that we arewere not the primary beneficiary of FCOP because we dodid not have the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact FCOP'sFCOP’s economic performance, which primarily consistconsisted of the day-to-day sale of planning products and related accessories, and we dodid not have an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from FCOP that could potentially behave been significant.  Our voting rights and management board representation approximate our ownership interest and we are unable to exercise control through voting interests or through other means.


On November 4, 2019, FCOP sold substantially all of its assets to Franklin Planner Corporation (FPC), a new unrelated entity, and FCOP was dissolved.  FPC has continued FCOP’s business of selling planners and other related consumer products based on the license agreement which granted FCOP the exclusive rights described below.

In connection with this transaction, we exchanged approximately $3.2 million of receivables from FCOP to amend the term and royalty provisions of the existing license agreement.  The operations$3.2 million of consideration included a $2.6 million note receivable, which represented FCOP’s third-party bank debt that we purchased directly from the bank on the transaction date.  The amended license agreement grants the exclusive right to use certain of our trademarks and other intellectual property in connection with certain consumer products and provides us with minimum royalties of approximately $1.3 million per year.  We are also entitled to receive additional variable royalties if certain FPC financial metrics exceed specified levels.  FPC assumed the amended license agreement from FCOP upon the purchase of FCOP are primarily financed byassets.  We recorded the sale of planning products and accessories, and our primary exposure related to FCOP is from amounts owed to us by FCOP.  We receive reimbursement from FCOP for certain operating costs and rental payments$3.2 million consideration for the office space that FCOP occupies.amendment to the license agreement as a capitalized cost of the license agreement (Note 2) and will reduce our royalty revenue by amortizing this amount over the remainder of the initial term of the license agreement, which ends in approximately 30 years.  During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, we recognized $2.0 million of net royalty revenues from the amended license agreement with FPC.

We classify our receivables from FCOP based upon expected payment.  Long-term receivable balances are discounted at 15 percent, which wasdo not have an ownership interest in FPC, do not have any obligation to provide additional subordinated support to FPC, do not have control over the estimated risk-adjusted borrowing rateday-to-day operations of FCOP.  This rate was based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current market interest rates for various qualities of comparable debt, discussions with FCOP's lenders, and an evaluation of the realizability of FCOP's future cash flows.  In fiscal 2013, we began to accrete this long-term receivable and the majority of our interest income from fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2017 is attributable to the accretion of interest on long-term receivables.

During fiscal 2015, we determined that we will receive payment from FCOP for certain rent expenses earlier than previously estimated and we recognized additional leasing revenues from FCOP totaling $0.2 million due to the change in the priority of the payment of these items.  Although we were able to record additional leasing revenues and our cash flows on current related party receivables will improve in the short term, the present value of our share of cash distributions to cover remaining long-term receivables was reduced and was less than the present value of the receivables previously recordedFPC, and accordingly the Company recalculated its discount on the long-term receivablesdo not account for FPC as a variable interest entity.  We receive payments for royalties and impaired the remaining balance, which totaled $0.5 million.

rented space from FPC.  At August 31, 2017 and 2016,2020, we had $1.7 million (net of $0.7receivable from FPC and at August 31, 2019, we had $1.0 million discount) and $3.2 million (net of $0.8 million discount) receivable from FCOP, each of which have been classifiedare recorded in current assetsassets.  Since most of FPC’s sales and long-term assets incash flows are seasonal and occur between October and January, we expect to receive the majority of the required cash payments for royalties and outstanding receivables during our consolidated balance sheets based on expectedsecond and third quarters of each fiscal year.  During fiscal 2020, we received $1.4 million of cash from FPC as payment dates.  We also owed FCOP approximately $9,000for royalties and $0.1 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, for items purchased in the ordinary course of business.  These liabilities were classified in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.reimbursable operating costs.

CoveyLink Acquisition and Contractual Payments

During fiscal 2009, weWe previously acquired the assets of CoveyLink Worldwide, LLC (CoveyLink).  CoveyLink conducts training and provides consulting based upon the book The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey, who is the brother of one of our executive officers.

We accounted for the acquisition of CoveyLink using the guidance found in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations.  The previous owners of CoveyLink were entitled to earn annual contingent payments based upon earnings growth during the five years following the acquisition.  During fiscal 2015, we completed a review of the contingent consideration payments and determined that we owed the former owners of CoveyLink an additional $0.3 million for performance during the measurement period.  We do not anticipate any further payments related to the acquisition of CoveyLink.  The annual contingent payments were classified as goodwill in our consolidated balance sheets under the accounting guidance applicable at the time of the acquisition.

Prior to the acquisition date, CoveyLink had granted us a non-exclusive license for content related to The Speed of Trust book and related training courses for which we paid CoveyLink specified royalties.  As part
of the CoveyLink acquisition, we signed an amended and restated license for intellectual property was signed that granted us an exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, transferable, royalty-bearing license to use, reproduce, display, distribute, sell, prepare derivative works of, and perform the licensed material in any format or medium and through any market or distribution channel.  We are required to pay the brother of one of our executive officersStephen M.R. Covey royalties for the use of certain intellectual property developed by him.  The amount expensed for these royalties totaled $1.5$1.6 million, $1.4$1.7 million, and $1.4$1.8 million during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015.2018.  As part of the acquisition of CoveyLink, we signed an amended license agreement as well as a speaker services agreement.  Based on the provisions of the speakers'speakers’ services agreement, we pay the brother of one of our executive officersStephen M.R. Covey a portion of the speaking revenues received for his presentations.  We expensed $0.8 million, $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.0$0.9 million for payment on these presentations during the fiscal years 2017, 2016ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2015.2018.  We had $0.7$0.2 million and $0.6 million accrued for these royalties and speaking fees at each of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively, which were included as components of accrued liabilities inon our consolidated balance sheets.

Acquired License Rights for Intellectual Property

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we acquired the license rights for certain intellectual property owned by Higher Moment, LLC for $0.8 million.  The intellectual property is in part based on works authored and developed by Dr. Clayton Christensen, a well-known author and lecturer, who iswas a member of our Board of Directors.Directors prior to his passing in January 2020.  However, Dr. Christensen doesdid not have an ownership interest in Higher Moment, LLC.  The initial license period is five years and the agreement may be renewed for successive five-year periods for $0.8 million at each renewal date.  The agreement may be terminated by either party at any time, but if we choose to terminate the agreement prior to the third renewal date, we are required to pay $0.3 million to Higher Moment, LLC.

Other Related Party Transactions

We pay an executive officer of the Company a percentage of the royalty proceeds received from the sales of certain books authored by him in addition to his annual salary.  During the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 2015,2018, we expensed $0.2$0.1 million, $0.3$0.1 million, and $0.2 million for these royalties,royalties.  We had an insignificant amount accrued to this executive officer at August 31, 2020 and we had $0.1 million and $0.2 million accrued at August 31, 2017 and 20162019 as payable under the terms of these arrangements.  These amounts are included as a componentcomponents of accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

We pay a company owned by the estatebrother of a member of our executive management team for the late Dr. Stephen R. Covey a percentageproduction of video segments used in our offerings.  During the royalty proceeds received from the sale of certain books that were authored by him.  We expensed $0.1 million in each of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 for royalties under these agreements.  Atyears ended August 31, 2016,2020 and 2019, we had $0.2paid $1.0 million accruedand $0.8 million to this company for payment to the estate of the former Vice-Chairman under these royalty agreements.  Amounts payable to the estate of Dr. Stephen R. Covey are included as components of accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.services provided.




ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the Company'sCompany’s reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC'sSEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company'sCompany’s management, including the Company'sCompany’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of 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, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management'sManagement’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Franklin Covey Co. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) and all related information appearing in the Company's annual reportCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

1.
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

2.
provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of management and/or of our Board of Directors; and


3.
provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of any unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness in future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework as issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 COSO Framework).  Based upon this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K and, as part of their audit, has issued an audit report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.  Their report is included in Item 8 of this Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f)) during the fourth quarter ended August 31, 20172020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Certain information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Nominees“Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors," "Section” “Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," "CorporateReports,” “Corporate Governance," and "Board“Board of Director MeetingsCommittees and Committees"Meetings” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders, which is scheduled to be held on January 26, 2018.22, 2021.  The definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Executive officer biographies may be found in Item 1, under the section entitled "Executive“Information About Our Executive Officers," of this report on Form 10-K.

The Board of Directors has determined that one of the Audit Committee members, Mr. Michael Fung, is a "financial expert"“financial expert” as defined in Regulation S-K 407(d)(5) adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Our Board of Directors has also determined that Mr. Fung is an "independent director"“independent director” as defined by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).NYSE.


We have adopted a code of ethics for our senior financial officers that include the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and other members of our financial leadership team.  This code of ethics is available on our website at www.franklincovey.com.www.franklincovey.com.  We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information on our web site at the address and location specified above.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Compensation” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," and "Compensation“Compensation Committee Report"Report” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders, which is scheduled to be held on January 26, 2018.22, 2021.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

   [a]   [b]   [c] 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan Category
 Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights  Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights  Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column [a]) 
  (in thousands)     (in thousands) 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)(4)
  1,129
(2) 
 $11.41   1,481
(3) 
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

   [a]

  [b]

  [c]

 
 
 
 
Plan Category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
  
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
  
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column [a])
 
  (in thousands)      (in thousands) 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  
1,049
(1)(2) 
 
$
11.57
   
1,373
(3)(4) 

(1)
Excludes 29,83421,420 shares of unvested (restricted)restricted stock awards and stock units that are subject to forfeiture.

(2)
Amount includes 560,110829,840 performance share awards that may be awarded under the terms of various long-term incentive plans.  The number of shares eventually awarded to participants through our long-term incentive plans is variable and based upon the achievement of specified financial goals.  For performance-based compensation awards where the number of shares may fluctuate within a range based on the achievement of the specified goal, this amount includes the maximum number of shares that may be awarded to participants.  The actual number of shares issued to participants therefore, may be less than the amount disclosed.  The weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights does not include the impact of performance awards.awards or restricted stock units.  For further information on our share-basedstock-based compensation plans, refer to the notes to our financial statements as presented in Item 8 of this report.

(3)
Amount is based uponcomprised of the remaining shares authorized under our 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan and 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  The number of performance-based plan shares expected to be awarded at August 31, 2017 and2020 may change in future periods based upon the achievement of specified goals and revisions to estimates.


(4)
At August 31, 2017,2020, we had approximately 987,000862,000 shares authorized for purchase by participants in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Beneficial Ownership of Company Stock
102


The remaining information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Principal“Principal Holders of Voting Securities"Securities” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders, which is scheduled to be held on January 26, 2018.22, 2021.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Certain“Certain Relationships and Related Transactions"Transactions” and "Corporate Governance"“Corporate Governance” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders, which is scheduled to be held on January 26, 2018.22, 2021.


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Principal“Principal Accountant Fees"Fees” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders, which is scheduled to be held on January 26, 2018.22, 2021.





PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)List of documents filed as part of this report:

1.
Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon included in the Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017,2020, are as follows:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 31, 20172020 and 20162019

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)Loss for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 20152018

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 20152018

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'Shareholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019, and 20152018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


2.Financial Statement Schedules.

Other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto, or contained in this report.

3.Exhibit List.


4.2
 
(3)
 
 (3) 
4.3
 
(3)
 
 (3) 
4.4
 
(4)
 
 (4) 
4.5
 
(4)
 
 (4) 
4.6(20) 
10.1*
 
(8)
 
 
Forms of Nonstatutory Stock Options
(1) 
10.2*
Forms of Nonstatutory Stock Options
 
(1)
 
 
10.2(5) 
10.3
 
(5)
 
 (5) 
10.4
 
(5)
 
 (6) 
10.5
 
(6)
 
 (10) 
10.6
 
(11)
 
 (10) 
10.7
 
(11)
 
 (10) 
10.8
 
(11)
 
 (10) 
10.9
 
(11)
 
 (10) 
10.10
 
(11)
 
 (11) 
10.11
 
(11)
 
 (11) 
10.12
 
(12)
 
 
10.12*(12) 
10.13
 
(12)
 
 (13) 
10.14*
 
(13)
 
 (15) 
10.15
 
(14)
 
 
10.15*(16)
 




10.16
 
(14)
 
 
10.17
 
(14)
 
 
10.18
 
(15)
 
 
10.19
 
(17)
 
 
10.20
 
(18)
 
 
10.21*
 
(19)
 
 
10.22
 
(20)
 
 
10.23
 
(21)
 
 
10.24*
 
(22)
 
 
10.25
 
(23)
 
 
10.26
 
(24)
 
 
10.27
 
(24)
 
 
10.28
 
(25)
 
 
10.29
 
(26)
 
 
10.30
 
(27)
 
 
10.31
 
(27)
 
 
10.16*(17) 
10.17*(18) 
10.18(19) 
10.19(19) 
10.20(21) 
21 éé
23 éé
31.1 éé
31.2 éé
32 éé
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 éé
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 éé
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 éé
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 éé
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 éé
101.PRE
XBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase
 éé


106








Table of Contents



21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
éé
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
éé
23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
éé
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
éé
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
éé
32
Section 1350 Certifications
éé
101.INSXBRL Instance Documentéé
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
éé
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
éé
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
éé
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
éé
101.PRE
XBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase
éé


 

(1)
Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Commission on April 17, 1992, Registration No. 33-47283.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Commission on May 26, 1992, Registration No. 33-47283.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Schedule 13D (CUSIP No. 534691090 as filed with the Commission on June 14, 1999).  Registration No. 005-43123.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 10, 2005.**
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 27, 2005.**
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 24, 2005.**
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2005.**
(8)
  Incorporated by reference to Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A (Appendix A) filed with the Commission on February 1, 2005.**
(9)Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Commission on May 29, 2008.**
(10)
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 10-Q filed July 10, 2008, for the Quarter ended May 31, 2008.**
(11)
(10)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 11, 2008.**
(12)
(11)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on April 9, 2009.**
(13)
(12)
Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A (Appendix A) filed with the Commission on December 15, 2010.**

(14)Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 17, 2011.**
97

(15)

(13)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 28, 2011.**
(16)
(14)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 1, 2012.**
(17)
(15)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 15, 2012.**
(18)Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 19, 2012.**
(19)Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 14, 2012.**
(20)
(16)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 14, 2013.**
(21)Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 27, 2013.**
(22)Incorporated by reference to Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A (Appendix A) filed with the Commission on December 22, 2014.**
(23)
(17)
Incorporated by reference to Reportthe Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 8-KDEF 14A (Appendix A) filed with the Commission on April 2, 2015.**
(24)Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 24, 2016.**
(25)Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3,December 22, 2017.**
(26)
(18)
Incorporated by reference to Reportthe Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 8-KDEF 14A (Appendix A) filed with the Commission on June 1, 2017.December 20, 2018.**
(27)
(19)
Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 29, 2017.8, 2019.**
(20)
  Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2019.**
(21)
  Incorporated by reference to Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 10, 2020.**

éé  Filed herewith and attached to this report.
*       Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or agreement.
**     Registration No. 001-11107.


ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.




10798


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on November 14, 2017.16, 2020.

FRANKLIN COVEY CO.

 
By:
 /s/ Robert A. Whitman
Robert A. Whitman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
 
 
/s/ Robert A. Whitman
 
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
November 14, 201716, 2020
Robert A. Whitman
  
 
 
/s/ Anne Chow
 
 
Director
 
 
November 14, 201716, 2020
Anne Chow
/s/ Clayton M. Christensen
Director
November 14, 2017
Clayton M. Christensen  
 
 
/s/ Michael Fung
 
 
Director
 
 
November 14, 201716, 2020
Michael Fung
  
 
 
/s/ Dennis G. Heiner
 
 
Director
 
 
November 14, 201716, 2020
Dennis G. Heiner
  
 
 
/s/ Donald J. McNamara
 
 
Director
 
 
November 14, 201716, 2020
Donald J. McNamara
  
 
 
/s/ Joel C. Peterson
 
 
Director
 
 
November 14, 201716, 2020
Joel C. Peterson
/s/ Nancy Phillips
Director
November 16, 2020
Nancy Phillips
  
 
 
/s/ E. Kay Stepp
 
 
Director
 
 
November 14, 201716, 2020
E. Kay Stepp
/s/ Derek van Bever
Director
November 16, 2020
Derek van Bever
  
 
 
/s/ Stephen D. Young
 
Chief Financial Officer
and Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
November 14, 201716, 2020
Stephen D. Young
  





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