UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period endedNovember 23, 2007

May 30, 2008

OR

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

For the transition period from            to            

Commission file number1-13859

AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio 34-0065325
Ohio34-0065325

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One American Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(216) 252-7300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d)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  þx    No  o¨

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

Large accelerated filer þ    Accelerated filer o    Non-accelerated filero

Large accelerated filer  x

Accelerated filer  ¨

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

Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  o¨    Noþx

As of December 27, 2007,July 7, 2008, the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock was:

Class A Common                    48,743,833
45,346,060

Class B Common                       3,442,145

3,493,732

 


AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION

INDEX

   Page
Number

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  Number
 

Item 1.

 
  3
 

Item 2.

 
  1513
 

Item 3.

 
  2720
 

Item 4.

 
  2720

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

  
 

Item 1.

 
  2721
 

 27
Risk Factors  21
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  2721
 

 28
Exhibits  22

SIGNATURES

  2922

EXHIBITS

  
EXHIBITS
EX-10.1
EX-31(A)
EX-31(B)
EX-32


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(Thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

                 
      (Unaudited)     
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23,  November 24,  November 23,  November 24, 
  2007  2006  2007  2006 
Net sales $474,995  $510,102  $1,258,829  $1,271,755 
Other revenue  10,751   11,052   24,309   26,537 
             
Total revenue  485,746   521,154   1,283,138   1,298,292 
                 
Material, labor and other production costs  223,329   245,187   547,509   593,232 
Selling, distribution and marketing expenses  159,420   157,364   444,695   451,419 
Administrative and general expenses  60,481   65,287   178,291   183,516 
Other operating income — net  (127)  (20,541)  (807)  (20,963)
             
                 
Operating income  42,643   73,857   113,450   91,088 
                 
Interest expense  4,835   6,951   14,431   27,024 
Interest income  (2,115)  (1,258)  (5,834)  (6,716)
Other non-operating (income) expense — net  (4,582)  91   (7,478)  (2,811)
             
                 
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense  44,505   68,073   112,331   73,591 
Income tax expense  15,017   21,058   43,495   22,583 
             
                 
Income from continuing operations  29,488   47,015   68,836   51,008 
                 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax  (472)  2,692   (1,395)  3,593 
             
                 
Net income $29,016  $49,707  $67,441  $54,601 
             
                 
Earnings per share — basic:
                
Income from continuing operations $0.54  $0.79  $1.25  $0.87 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations  (0.01)  0.05   (0.03)  0.06 
             
Net income $0.53  $0.84  $1.22  $0.93 
             
                 
Earnings per share — assuming dilution:
                
Income from continuing operations $0.53  $0.79  $1.24  $0.82 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations  (0.01)  0.04   (0.03)  0.06 
             
Net income $0.52  $0.83  $1.21  $0.88 
             
                 
Average number of shares outstanding  55,022,689   59,502,276   55,350,736   58,590,857 
                 
Average number of shares outstanding — assuming dilution  55,466,351   59,902,127   55,726,990   64,361,644 
                 
Dividends declared per share $0.10  $0.08  $0.30  $0.24 

   (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
 
   May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007 

Net sales

  $425,463  $418,016 

Other revenue

   2,837   1,951 
         

Total revenue

   428,300   419,967 

Material, labor and other production costs

   193,342   161,128 

Selling, distribution and marketing expenses

   150,875   140,694 

Administrative and general expenses

   62,561   62,235 

Other operating income – net

   (727)  (360)
         

Operating income

   22,249   56,270 

Interest expense

   4,905   4,757 

Interest income

   (990)  (1,499)

Other non-operating income – net

   (901)  (1,543)
         

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

   19,235   54,555 

Income tax expense

   5,902   24,292 
         

Income from continuing operations

   13,333   30,263 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   —     (213)
         

Net income

  $13,333  $30,050 
         

Earnings per share – basic:

   

Income from continuing operations

  $0.27  $0.54 

Loss from discontinued operations

   —     —   
         

Net income

  $0.27  $0.54 
         

Earnings per share – assuming dilution:

   

Income from continuing operations

  $0.27  $0.54 

Loss from discontinued operations

   —     —   
         

Net income

  $0.27  $0.54 
         

Average number of shares outstanding

   48,800,941   55,262,716 

Average number of shares outstanding – assuming dilution

   48,833,108   55,650,033 

Dividends declared per share

  $0.12  $0.10 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3


AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(Thousands of dollars)

             
  (Unaudited)  (Note 1)  (Unaudited) 
  November 23,  February 28,  November 24, 
  2007  2007  2006 
ASSETS            
             
Current assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $71,117  $144,713  $86,216 
Trade accounts receivable, net  205,702   103,992   239,207 
Inventories  239,209   182,618   244,181 
Deferred and refundable income taxes  76,568   135,379   160,983 
Assets of businesses held for sale  2,216   5,199   13,310 
Prepaid expenses and other  213,529   227,380   295,866 
          
Total current assets  808,341   799,281   1,039,763 
             
Goodwill  267,308   224,105   219,093 
Other assets  389,324   416,887   459,269 
Deferred and refundable income taxes  111,959   52,869    
             
Property, plant and equipment — at cost  975,721   944,534   968,755 
Less accumulated depreciation  684,170   659,462   668,524 
          
Property, plant and equipment — net  291,551   285,072   300,231 
          
  $1,868,483  $1,778,214  $2,018,356 
          
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
             
Current liabilities            
Debt due within one year $46,490  $  $142,000 
Accounts payable  131,099   118,204   126,956 
Accrued liabilities  89,751   80,389   91,108 
Accrued compensation and benefits  58,969   61,192   58,720 
Income taxes  31,255   26,385   17,412 
Liabilities of businesses held for sale  1,383   1,932   1,629 
Other current liabilities  96,896   84,898   91,162 
          
Total current liabilities  455,843   373,000   528,987 
             
Long-term debt  200,975   223,915   223,985 
Other liabilities  149,869   162,410   101,003 
Deferred income taxes and noncurrent income taxes payable  31,877   6,315   25,306 
             
Shareholders’ equity            
Common shares — Class A  49,929   50,839   53,775 
Common shares — Class B  3,442   4,283   4,224 
Capital in excess of par value  443,326   414,859   417,444 
Treasury stock  (780,044)  (710,414)  (643,540)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  22,982   (1,013)  36,067 
Retained earnings  1,290,284   1,254,020   1,271,105 
          
Total shareholders’ equity  1,029,919   1,012,574   1,139,075 
          
  $1,868,483  $1,778,214  $2,018,356 
          

   (Unaudited)
May 30, 2008
  (Note 1)
February 29, 2008
  (Unaudited)
May 25, 2007
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $108,192  $123,500  $132,582 

Short-term investments

   —     —     28,325 

Trade accounts receivable, net

   59,897   61,902   119,147 

Inventories

   212,032   216,671   192,399 

Deferred and refundable income taxes

   67,604   72,280   76,892 

Prepaid expenses and other

   186,977   195,017   215,983 
             

Total current assets

   634,702   669,370   765,328 

Goodwill

   300,323   285,072   225,318 

Other assets

   405,116   420,219   399,880 

Deferred and refundable income taxes

   133,118   133,762   102,060 

Property, plant and equipment – at cost

   983,988   974,073   947,268 

Less accumulated depreciation

   685,336   678,068   666,687 
             

Property, plant and equipment – net

   298,652   296,005   280,581 
             
  $1,771,911  $1,804,428  $1,773,167 
             

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities

    

Debt due within one year

  $70,835  $42,790  $—   

Accounts payable

   110,394   123,713   100,955 

Accrued liabilities

   73,281   79,345   77,837 

Accrued compensation and benefits

   39,582   68,669   43,656 

Income taxes payable

   23,348   29,037   29,878 

Other current liabilities

   117,160   108,867   84,621 
             

Total current liabilities

   434,600   452,421   336,947 

Long-term debt

   200,541   200,518   223,800 

Other liabilities

   157,610   181,720   147,597 

Deferred income taxes and noncurrent income taxes payable

   26,986   26,358   27,184 

Shareholders’ equity

    

Common shares – Class A

   45,345   45,324   51,148 

Common shares – Class B

   3,495   3,434   4,340 

Capital in excess of par value

   446,075   445,696   424,201 

Treasury stock

   (871,379)  (872,949)  (712,147)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   20,746   21,244   6,030 

Retained earnings

   1,307,892   1,300,662   1,264,067 
             

Total shareholders’ equity

   952,174   943,411   1,037,639 
             
  $1,771,911  $1,804,428  $1,773,167 
             

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4


AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

         
  (Unaudited) 
  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23, 2007  November 24, 2006 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net income $67,441  $54,601 
Loss (income) from discontinued operations  1,395   (3,593)
       
Income from continuing operations  68,836   51,008 
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:        
Net (gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets  (481)  754 
Loss on extinguishment of debt     5,055 
Depreciation and amortization  36,002   37,229 
Deferred income taxes  (7,994)  5,827 
Other non-cash charges  5,719   9,180 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:        
Increase in trade accounts receivable  (99,268)  (92,821)
Increase in inventories  (49,911)  (27,202)
Decrease (increase) in other current assets  18,090   (96,250)
Decrease in deferred costs — net  29,338   110,076 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities  38,295   (5,894)
Other — net  4,718   (6,265)
       
Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities  43,344   (9,303)
         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments  692,985   1,026,280 
Purchases of short-term investments  (692,985)  (817,540)
Property, plant and equipment additions  (37,394)  (29,600)
Cash payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (51,256)  (11,154)
Cash receipts related to discontinued operations  4,283   12,559 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets  2,656   695 
       
Cash (Used) Provided by Investing Activities  (81,711)  181,240 
         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
Increase in long-term debt     200,000 
Reduction of long-term debt     (440,588)
Increase in short-term debt  23,800   142,000 
Sale of stock under benefit plans  26,198   5,630 
Purchase of treasury shares  (74,572)  (186,331)
Dividends to shareholders  (16,657)  (13,909)
Debt issuance costs     (8,344)
       
Cash Used by Financing Activities  (41,231)  (301,542)
         
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:        
Cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations  (839)  (2,377)
Cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations     1,656 
       
Cash Used by Discontinued Operations  (839)  (721)
         
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH  6,841   2,929 
       
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  (73,596)  (127,397)
         
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year  144,713   213,613 
       
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $71,117  $86,216 
       

   (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
 
   May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   

Net income

  $13,333  $30,050 

Loss from discontinued operations

   —     213 
         

Income from continuing operations

   13,333   30,263 

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:

   

Net loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets

   168   (116)

Depreciation and amortization

   12,785   11,995 

Deferred income taxes

   5,459   4,466 

Other non-cash charges

   1,718   1,979 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:

   

Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable

   5,310   (14,745)

Decrease (increase) in inventories

   6,463   (7,389)

Decrease in other current assets

   2,001   646 

Decrease in deferred costs – net

   1,253   11,691 

Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities

   (57,606)  (21,759)

Other – net

   (2,771)  4,107 
         

Cash (Used) Provided by Operating Activities

   (11,887)  21,138 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

   

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments

   —     134,900 

Purchases of short-term investments

   —     (163,225)

Property, plant and equipment additions

   (10,088)  (5,875)

Cash payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (15,625)  (6,056)

Cash receipts related to discontinued operations

   —     2,344 

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

   265   890 
         

Cash Used by Investing Activities

   (25,448)  (37,022)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

   

Net increase in short-term debt

   28,045   —   

Sale of stock under benefit plans

   363   9,358 

Purchase of treasury shares

   (38)  (3,568)

Dividends to shareholders

   (5,852)  (5,536)
         

Cash Provided by Financing Activities

   22,518   254 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

   

Cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations

   —     (59)
         

Cash Used by Discontinued Operations

   —     (59)

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

   (491)  3,558 
         

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   (15,308)  (12,131)

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

   123,500   144,713 
         

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

  $108,192  $132,582 
         

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

5


AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Three and Nine Months Ended November 23,May 30, 2008 and May 25, 2007 and November 24, 2006

Note 1 Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of American Greetings Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to fairly present financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods have been included.

The Corporation’s fiscal year ends on February 28 or 29. References to a particular year refer to the fiscal year ending in February of that year. For example, 20072008 refers to the year ended February 28, 2007.

29, 2008.

These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2007,29, 2008, from which the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at February 28, 2007,29, 2008, presented herein, has been derived. Certain amountsDuring the fourth quarter of 2008, it was determined that the Corporation’s entertainment development and production joint venture no longer met all of the criteria necessary to be classified as held for sale in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144 (“SFAS 144”), “Accounting for the prior year financial statements haveImpairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” As a result, this business unit has been reclassified to reflectinto continuing operations for all periods presented. In addition, certain business units as discontinued operations and adjusted to reflect the Corporation’s adoption of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB 108”). The opening balance of retained earnings in 2007 was adjusted $5.2 million ($3.3 million after-tax) to record the correction of the overstatement of the allowance for rebates (correspondingly, an understatement of net income of prior periods) pursuant to the special transition provision detailed in SAB 108.

Certainother amounts in the prior year financial statements have also been reclassified to conform to the 20082009 presentation. Previously included in “Other income — net,” royalty revenue is now reported as “Other revenue” and interest income is now included as a separate line itemThese reclassifications had no material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. The remaining items previously included in “Other income — net” have been segregated between operating and non-operating.
earnings or cash flows.

Note 2 Seasonal Nature of Business

A significant portion of the Corporation’s business is seasonal in nature. Therefore, the results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the fiscal year taken as a whole.

Note 3 Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In JulySeptember 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertain tax positions recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” including what criteria must be met prior to recognition of the financial statement benefit of a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires a company to include additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures within its financial statements. The disclosures include potential tax benefits from positions taken for tax return purposes that have not been recognized for financial reporting purposes and a tabular presentation of significant changes during each annual period. The disclosures also include a discussion of the nature of uncertainties, factors that could cause a change and an estimated range of reasonably possible changes in tax uncertainties. FIN 48 requires a company to recognize a financial statement benefit for a position taken for tax return purposes when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 is recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Corporation adopted FIN 48 on March 1, 2007. See Note 12.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurements,” which provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures about

6


fair value measurements. In November 2007, the FASB agreed to deferdeferred the effective date of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities until fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS 157 is still effective for the Corporation in fiscal 2009 for financial assets and liabilities. The provisions of SFAS 157 will be applied prospectively. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact thatadopted SFAS 157 will havefor financial assets and liabilities on its consolidatedMarch 1, 2008. See Note 12.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 allows companies to choose to measure financial statements upon adoption.

instruments and certain other financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Corporation adopted SFAS 159 on March 1, 2008 and elected not to measure any additional financial instruments or other items at fair value.

Note 4 Other Income and Expense

                 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23,  November 24,  November 23,  November 24, 
(In thousands) 2007  2006  2007  2006 
Gain on contract terminations $  $(20,004) $  $(20,004)
Other  (127)  (537)  (807)  (959)
             
Other operating income — net $(127) $(20,541) $(807) $(20,963)
             
                 
Foreign exchange gain $(4,054) $(610) $(6,323) $(2,348)
Rental income  (274)  (261)  (949)  (1,044)
Other  (254)  962   (206)  581 
             
Other non-operating (income) expense — net $(4,582) $91  $(7,478) $(2,811)
             

   Three Months Ended 
(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007 

Other operating income – net

  $(727) $(360)
         

Foreign exchange gain

  $(537) $(1,120)

Rental income

   (537)  (397)

Miscellaneous

   173   (26)
         

Other non-operating income – net

  $(901) $(1,543)
         

Other”Miscellaneous” includes, among other things, gains and losses on asset disposals and equity income. The $20.0 million gain on contract terminations was a result of retailer consolidations, wherein, multiple long-term supply agreements were terminated and a new agreement was negotiated with a new legal entity with substantially different terms and sales commitments.

disposals.

Note 5 Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share and earnings per share - assuming dilution:

                 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23,  November 24,  November 23,  November 24, 
  2007  2006  2007  2006 
Numerator (in thousands):
                
Income from continuing operations $29,488  $47,015  $68,836  $51,008 
Add-back — interest on convertible subordinated notes, net of tax           1,958 
             
Income from continuing operations — assuming dilution $29,488  $47,015  $68,836  $52,966 
             
                 
Denominator (in thousands):
                
Weighted average shares outstanding  55,023   59,502   55,351   58,591 
Effect of dilutive securities:                
Convertible debt           5,353 
Stock options and other  443   400   376   418 
             
Weighted average shares outstanding — assuming dilution  55,466   59,902   55,727   64,362 
             
                 
Income from continuing operations per share $0.54  $0.79  $1.25  $0.87 
             
                 
Income from continuing operations per share — assuming dilution $0.53  $0.79  $1.24  $0.82 
             

7


   Three Months Ended
   May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007
Numerator (in thousands):      

Income from continuing operations

  $13,333  $30,263
        
Denominator (in thousands):      

Weighted average shares outstanding

   48,801   55,263

Effect of dilutive securities:

    

Stock options and other

   32   387
        

Weighted average shares outstanding – assuming dilution

   48,833   55,650
        

Income from continuing operations per share

  $0.27  $0.54
        

Income from continuing operations per share – assuming dilution

  $0.27  $0.54
        

Approximately 1.35.6 million and 1.72.8 million stock options outstanding in the three and nine month periods ended November 23,May 30, 2008 and May 25, 2007, respectively, were excluded from the computation of earnings per share-assumingshare–assuming dilution because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares during the respective periods (2.5 million and 4.4 million stock options outstanding in the three and nine month periods ended November 24, 2006, respectively). The convertible debt was retired during the second quarter of 2007.
periods.

Note 6 Comprehensive Income

The Corporation’s total comprehensive income is as follows:

                 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23,  November 24,  November 23,  November 24, 
(In thousands) 2007  2006  2007  2006 
Net income $29,016  $49,707  $67,441  $54,601 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other  11,614   6,018   23,318   25,896 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities     323   (1)  348 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans  678      678    
             
Total comprehensive income $41,308  $56,048  $91,436  $80,845 
             

   Three Months Ended
(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007

Net income

  $13,333  $30,050

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

   

Foreign currency translation adjustment and other

   (273)  7,043

Pension and other postretirement benefit plans

   (225)  —  
        

Total comprehensive income

  $12,835  $37,093
        

Note 7 Trade Accounts Receivable, Net

Trade accounts receivable are reported net of certain allowances and discounts. The most significant of these are as follows:

             
(In thousands) November 23, 2007  February 28, 2007  November 24, 2006 
Allowance for seasonal sales returns $70,014  $57,584  $67,365 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  5,402   6,350   8,392 
Allowance for cooperative advertising and marketing funds  35,939   24,048   27,677 
Allowance for rebates  49,915   40,053   57,669 
          
  $161,270  $128,035  $161,103 
          

(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  February 29, 2008  May 25, 2007

Allowance for seasonal sales returns

  $59,451  $59,626  $67,039

Allowance for outdated products

   23,199   21,435   26,769

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   4,111   3,778   5,009

Allowance for cooperative advertising and marketing funds

   35,247   33,662   30,528

Allowance for rebates

   57,900   41,435   47,965
            
  $179,908  $159,936  $177,310
            

Note 8 Inventories

             
(In thousands) November 23, 2007  February 28, 2007  November 24, 2006 
Raw materials $16,211  $17,590  $22,334 
Work in process  12,646   11,315   10,871 
Finished products  265,013   207,676   264,940 
          
   293,870   236,581   298,145 
Less LIFO reserve  81,945   79,145   81,658 
          
   211,925   157,436   216,487 
Display materials and factory supplies  27,284   25,182   27,694 
          
  $239,209  $182,618  $244,181 
          

(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  February 29, 2008  May 25, 2007

Raw materials

  $20,437  $17,701  $19,568

Work in process

   12,414   10,516   14,957

Finished products

   234,910   244,379   209,688
            
   267,761   272,596   244,213

Less LIFO reserve

   83,194   82,085   80,567
            
   184,567   190,511   163,646

Display materials and factory supplies

   27,465   26,160   28,753
            
  $212,032  $216,671  $192,399
            

The valuation of inventory under the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) method is made at the end of each fiscal year based on inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations, by necessity, are based on estimates of expected fiscal year-end inventory levels and costs and are subject to final fiscal year-end LIFO inventory calculations.

8


Inventory held on location for retailers with scan-based trading arrangements totaled approximately $37 million, $32 million and $32 million as of May 30, 2008, February 29, 2008 and May 25, 2007, respectively.

Note 9 Deferred Costs

Deferred costs and future payment commitments are included in the following financial statement captions:

             
(In thousands) November 23, 2007  February 28, 2007  November 24, 2006 
Prepaid expenses and other $135,017  $131,972  $142,329 
Other assets  313,928   355,115   371,745 
          
Deferred cost assets  448,945   487,087   514,074 
             
Other current liabilities  (57,607)  (47,692)  (58,746)
Other liabilities  (28,652)  (49,648)  (47,272)
          
Deferred cost liabilities  (86,259)  (97,340)  (106,018)
          
Net deferred costs $362,686  $389,747  $408,056 
          

(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  February 29, 2008  May 25, 2007 

Prepaid expenses and other

  $110,633  $119,069  $119,741 

Other assets

   326,777   338,003   337,358 
             

Deferred cost assets

   437,410   457,072   457,099 

Other current liabilities

   (71,348)  (68,457)  (47,609)

Other liabilities

   (29,182)  (50,491)  (30,681)
             

Deferred cost liabilities

   (100,530)  (118,948)  (78,290)
             

Net deferred costs

  $336,880  $338,124  $378,809 
             

Note 10 Debt

The Corporation is party to an amended and restated $450 million secured credit agreement and to an amended and restated receivables purchase agreement that had available financing of up to $150 million. The credit agreement includes a $350 million revolving credit facility and a $100 million delay draw term loan. The agreements were each amended on March 28, 2008. The amendment to the credit agreement extends the period during which the Corporation may borrow on the term loan until April 3, 2009 and changes the start of the amortization period from April 4, 2008 until April 3, 2009. The amendment to the accounts receivable facility decreases the amount of available financing from $150 million to $90 million.

Debt due within one year is as follows:

             
(In thousands) November 23, 2007  February 28, 2007  November 24, 2006 
Revolving credit facility $12,800  $  $60,000 
Accounts receivable securitization facility  11,000      82,000 
6.10% senior notes, due 2028  22,690       
          
  $46,490  $  $142,000 
          

(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  February 29, 2008

Revolving credit facility

  $35,000  $20,100

Accounts receivable securitization facility

   13,145   —  

6.10% senior notes, due 2028

   22,690   22,690
        
  $70,835  $42,790
        

There was no debt due within one year as of May 25, 2007.

At November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, the balances outstanding on the revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility bear interest at a rate of approximately 5.7%3.2% and 5.4%3.4%, respectively. In addition to the balances outstanding under the aforementioned agreements, the Corporation has, in the aggregate, $25.7 million outstanding under letters of credit, which reduces the total credit availability thereunder. The balance of the 6.10% senior notes was reclassified to current during the second quarter of 2008 as these notes may be put back to the Corporation on August 1, 2008, at the option of the holders, at 100% of the principal amount provided the holders exercise this option between July 1, 2008 and August 1, 2008.

Long-term debt and their related calendar year due dates are as follows:

             
(In thousands) November 23, 2007  February 28, 2007  November 24, 2006 
6.10% senior notes, due 2028 $  $22,690  $22,633 
7.375% senior notes, due 2016  200,000   200,000   200,000 
Other  975   1,225   1,352 
          
  $200,975  $223,915  $223,985 
          

(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  February 29, 2008  May 25, 2007

7.375% senior notes, due 2016

  $200,000  $200,000  $200,000

6.10% senior notes, due 2028

   —     —     22,690

Other (due 2010)

   541   518   1,110
            
  $200,541  $200,518  $223,800
            

At November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, the Corporation was in compliance with the financial covenants under its borrowing agreements.

9


Note 11 Retirement Benefits

The components of periodic benefit cost for the Corporation’s defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans are as follows:

                 
  Defined Benefit Pension 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23,  November 24,  November 23,  November 24, 
(In thousands) 2007  2006  2007  2006 
Service cost $251  $207  $740  $621 
Interest cost  2,249   2,192   6,769   6,713 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,143)  (2,182)  (6,479)  (6,503)
Settlement        1,067    
Amortization of prior service cost  67   67   200   200 
Amortization of actuarial loss  411   258   1,227   1,609 
             
  $835  $542  $3,524  $2,640 
             
                 
  Postretirement Benefit 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23,  November 24,  November 23,  November 24, 
(In thousands) 2007  2006  2007  2006 
Service cost $1,050  $999  $3,150  $2,997 
Interest cost  2,150   1,925   6,450   5,775 
Expected return on plan assets  (1,250)  (1,275)  (3,750)  (3,825)
Amortization of prior service credit  (1,850)  (1,849)  (5,550)  (5,547)
Amortization of actuarial loss  1,650   1,700   4,950   5,100 
             
  $1,750  $1,500  $5,250  $4,500 
             
During the nine months ended November 23, 2007, the Corporation settled a portion of its obligation under one of the defined benefit pension plans at its Canadian subsidiary. For the affected participants, the plan was converted to a defined contribution plan. As a result, a settlement expense of $1.1 million was recorded in the second quarter.

   Defined Benefit Pension  Postretirement Benefit 
   Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007 

Service cost

  $241  $244  $950  $1,050 

Interest cost

   2,304   2,265   2,200   2,150 

Expected return on plan assets

   (2,043)  (2,154)  (1,250)  (1,250)

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

   77   64   (1,850)  (1,850)

Amortization of actuarial loss

   320   410   1,075   1,650 
                 
  $899  $829  $1,125  $1,750 
                 

The Corporation has a non-contributory profit-sharing plan with a contributory 401(k) provision covering most of its United States employees. The profit-sharing plan expense for the ninethree months ended November 23, 2007May 30, 2008 was $5.1$1.1 million, compared to $3.6$3.1 million in the prior year period. The profit-sharing plan expense for the ninethree month

periods are estimates as actual contributions to the profit-sharing plan are made after fiscal year-end and are contingent upon final year-end results.year-end. The Corporation also matches a portion of 401(k) employee contributions contingent upon meeting specified annual operating results goals.contributions. The expensesexpense recognized for the three and nine month periods ended November 23, 2007 were $1.0 million and $3.2 million ($0.8 million and $3.0 million401(k) match for the three months ended May 30, 2008 and nine month periods ended November 24, 2006),May 25, 2007 was $1.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

At November 23,May 30, 2008, February 29, 2008 and May 25, 2007, February 28, 2007 and November 24, 2006, the liability for postretirement benefits other than pensions was $72.7$64.9 million, $66.7$63.0 million and $15.6$68.5 million, respectively, and is included in “Other liabilities” on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Note 12 – Fair Value Measurements

SFAS 157 outlines a valuation framework, which requires use of the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach when measuring fair value and creates a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and the related disclosures. SFAS 157 also expands disclosure requirements to include the methods and assumptions used to measure fair value.

The change since November 24, 2006hierarchy is duebased upon the transparency of inputs to the adoptionvaluation of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accountingan asset or liability as of the measurement date. The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for Defined Benefit Pensionidentical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and Other Postretirement Plans —liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 – Valuation is based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

As of May 30, 2008, the Corporation had $6.3 million of mutual fund assets held in a rabbi trust and $6.3 million of a non-qualified deferred compensation plan liability. The fair value of the mutual fund assets was based on each fund’s quoted market value per share in an amendmentactive market and was considered a Level 1 valuation. Although the Corporation is under no obligation to fund employees’ nonqualified accounts, the fair value of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” effective February 28, 2007.

the related non-qualified deferred compensation liability is based on the fair value of the mutual fund assets. The fair value measurement of the deferred compensation liability was also considered a Level 1 valuation because the liability was measured by quoted prices in an active market.

Note 12 —13 – Income Taxes

Effective March 1, 2007, the Corporation adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48,48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” including the provisions of FASB Staff Position No. FIN-48-1, “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48.” In connection with the adoption of FIN 48, the Corporation recorded a decrease to retained earnings of $14.0 million to recognize an increase in its liability (or decrease to its refundable) for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties under the recognition and measurement criteria of FIN 48. As

Included in the balance of March 1, 2007, the Corporation had $33.5unrecognized tax benefits at February 29, 2008, was $21.0 million of total gross

10


in unrecognized tax benefits, the recognition of which would have a favorable effect of $29.3 million on the effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that the Corporation’s unrecognized tax positions as of March 1, 2007February 29, 2008 could decrease approximately $2 million during 2008. The anticipated decrease is primarily2009 due to anticipated settlements and resulting cash payments related to open years after 1999, which are currently under examination.
The Corporation recognizes interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of March 1, 2007,February 29, 2008, the Corporation had $8.8 milliontotal amount of gross accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position was $6.5 million.

The Corporation is subject to examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various U.S. state and local jurisdictions for tax years 19991996 to the present. The Corporation is also subject to tax examination in various foreign tax jurisdictions, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Italy, Mexico and New Zealand for tax years 2003 to the present.

During

There were no significant changes to any of these amounts during the first quarter of 2008, the Corporation’s net unrecognized tax benefits decreased $1.1 million as the Corporation reached an agreement with the IRS on a significant tax issue that was not anticipated at the beginning of the year. During the second quarter of 2008, the Corporation’s net unrecognized tax benefits increased $2.4 million primarily related to a prior year outstanding tax issue in one of the international jurisdictions in which the Corporation operates. During the third quarter of 2008, the Corporation’s net unrecognized tax benefits increased $1.9 million primarily related to interest accruing on the unrecognized tax benefits.

As of November 23, 2007, the Corporation had $38.9 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, the recognition of which would have a favorable effect of $32.5 million on the effective tax rate. Included in the total gross unrecognized tax benefits is $13.5 million of gross accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
2009.

Note 13 —14 – Business Segment Information

The Corporation is organized and managed according to a number of factors, including product categories, geographic locations and channels of distribution.
The North American Social Expression Products and International Social Expression Products segments primarily design, manufacture and sell greeting cards and other related products through various channels of distribution with mass retailers as the primary channel.
At November 23, 2007, the Corporation owned and operated 429 card and gift retail stores in the United States and Canada through its Retail Operations segment. The stores are primarily located in malls and strip shopping centers. The stores sell products purchased from the North American Social Expression Products segment as well as products purchased from other vendors.
AG Interactive is an electronic provider of social expression content through the Internet and wireless platforms. The acquisition of the online digital photography business discussed below is also included in the AG Interactive segment.
The Corporation’s non-reportable operating segments primarily include licensing activities and the design, manufacture and sale of display fixtures.
Segment results are internally reported and evaluated at consistent exchange rates between years to eliminate the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. An exchange rate adjustment is included in the reconciliation of the segment results to the consolidated results; this adjustment represents the impact on the segment results of the difference between the exchange rates used for segment reporting and evaluation and the actual exchange rates for the periods presented.
Centrally incurred and managed costs are not allocated back to the operating segments. The unallocated items include interest expense on centrally-incurred debt, domestic profit-sharing expense and stock-based compensation expense. In addition, the costs associated with corporate operations including the senior management, corporate finance, legal and human resource functions, among other costs, are included in the unallocated items.

11


   Total Revenue  Segment Earnings (Loss) 
   Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
(In thousands)  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007 

North American Social Expression Products

  $302,418  $299,944  $53,695  $88,862 

Intersegment items

   (14,644)  (8,503)  (11,243)  (6,522)

Exchange rate adjustment

   513   (2,509)  59   (1,650)
                 

Net

   288,287   288,932   42,511   80,690 

International Social Expression Products

   69,873   64,417   2,862   176 

Exchange rate adjustment

   1,087   (668)  (57)  11 
                 

Net

   70,960   63,749   2,805   187 

Retail Operations

   41,493   40,539   (3,407)  (2,769)

Exchange rate adjustment

   490   (1,611)  (6)  (12)
                 

Net

   41,983   38,928   (3,413)  (2,781)

AG Interactive

   20,527   19,899   (1,096)  3,279 

Exchange rate adjustment

   34   (3)  35   8 
                 

Net

   20,561   19,896   (1,061)  3,287 

Non-reportable segments

   6,509   8,385   (1,966)  563 

Unallocated

   —     77   (19,633)  (27,352)

Exchange rate adjustment

   —     —     (8)  (39)
                 

Net

   —     77   (19,641)  (27,391)
                 

Consolidated total

  $428,300  $419,967  $19,235  $54,555 
                 

Operating Segment Information
                 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23,  November 24,  November 23,  November 24, 
(In thousands) 2007  2006  2007  2006 
Total Revenue:
                
North American Social Expression Products $339,543  $371,726  $892,518  $908,909 
Intersegment items  (19,423)  (14,953)  (41,532)  (47,811)
Exchange rate adjustment  2,972   218   4,318   325 
             
Net  323,092   356,991   855,304   861,423 
                 
International Social Expression Products  80,604   82,526   199,648   209,019 
Exchange rate adjustment  8,606   794   17,958   (1,527)
             
Net  89,210   83,320   217,606   207,492 
                 
Retail Operations  39,550   42,252   115,856   125,206 
Exchange rate adjustment  2,467   178   3,540   299 
             
Net  42,017   42,430   119,396   125,505 
                 
AG Interactive  18,912   21,663   55,964   62,151 
Exchange rate adjustment  (2)  31   (1)  76 
             
Net  18,910   21,694   55,963   62,227 
                 
Non-reportable segments  12,486   16,679   34,754   41,510 
                 
Unallocated  31   40   115   135 
             
  $485,746  $521,154  $1,283,138  $1,298,292 
             
Segment Earnings (Loss):
                
North American Social Expression Products $64,549  $98,533  $192,288  $182,111 
Intersegment items  (14,481)  (10,296)  (31,203)  (34,125)
Exchange rate adjustment  1,557   80   2,360   129 
             
Net  51,625   88,317   163,445   148,115 
                 
International Social Expression Products  10,037   6,092   11,470   7,148 
Exchange rate adjustment  1,117   (30)  1,464   34 
             
Net  11,154   6,062   12,934   7,182 
                 
Retail Operations  (5,833)  (5,056)  (15,098)  (21,428)
Exchange rate adjustment  86   4   83   1 
             
Net  (5,747)  (5,052)  (15,015)  (21,427)
                 
AG Interactive  2,194   2,249   8,667   5,498 
Exchange rate adjustment  15   (18)  (2)  (17)
             
Net  2,209   2,231   8,665   5,481 
                 
Non-reportable segments  636   3,668   3,598   8,308 
                 
Unallocated  (15,312)  (27,157)  (61,161)  (73,919)
Exchange rate adjustment  (60)  4   (135)  (149)
             
Net  (15,372)  (27,153)  (61,296)  (74,068)
             
  $44,505  $68,073  $112,331  $73,591 
             

12


Termination Benefits and Plant Closings

Termination benefits are primarily considered part of an ongoing benefit arrangement, accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,” and are recorded when payment of the benefits is probable and can be reasonably estimated.

The balance of the severance accrual was $6.9$7.0 million, $8.4$9.6 million and $5.7$6.8 million at November 23,May 30, 2008, February 29, 2008 and May 25, 2007, February 28, 2007 and November 24, 2006, respectively, and is included in “Accrued liabilities” on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue, included in “Other current liabilities” on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, totaled $32.5$37.8 million, $35.5$37.9 million and $27.0$34.9 million at November 23,May 30, 2008, February 29, 2008 and May 25, 2007, February 28, 2007 and November 24, 2006, respectively. The amounts relate primarily to the Corporation’s AG Interactive segment and the licensing activitiesbusiness included in non-reportable segments.

AcquisitionAcquisitions

During the third quarter of

In March 2008, the AG Interactive segmentCorporation acquired Webshots, an online digital photography business,a card publisher and franchised distributor of greeting cards in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), for approximately $45$16 million. Cash paid, net of cash acquired was $45.2$15.6 million and is reflected in investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Although the allocation of the purchase price has not yet been finalized, preliminary estimatesgoodwill of approximately $12 million and $37has been recorded as of May 30, 2008. The purchase agreement provides for a contingent payment of up to 2 million were recorded for intangible assets and goodwill, respectively.U.K. Pounds Sterling to be paid based on the company’s operating results over a three-year period from the date of acquisition. The financial results of this acquisition are included in the Corporation’s consolidated results from the date of acquisition. The proPro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not deemed material.

During the first quarter of 2009, a preliminary valuation of the intangible assets of PhotoWorks, Inc., which was acquired in the second half of 2008, was completed. Although the allocation of the purchase price has not yet been finalized, the value of the intangible assets acquired was reduced approximately $4 million with a corresponding increase in goodwill recorded as a result of the preliminary valuation.

Note 14 —15 – Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations include Learning Horizons, the Corporation’s educational products business, its entertainment development and production joint venture, its South African business unit and its nonprescription reading glasses business. Learning Horizons, the Hatchery, Magnivision and the South African business units each meetThis subsidiary meets the definition of a “component of an entity” and havehas been accounted for as a discontinued operationsoperation under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”144. Accordingly, the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and related notes have been presented to reflect all fourLearning Horizons as a discontinued operationsoperation for all periods presented. Learning Horizons the Hatchery and Magnivision werewas previously included within the Corporation’s “non-reportable segments” and the South African business unit was included within the former “Social Expression Products” segment.

Discontinued operations for the nine months ended November 23, 2007 includes the operations of the Hatchery and the operations of Learning Horizons through the closing date of the sale of that business. The nine months ended November 24, 2006 included the operations of the Hatchery and Learning Horizons and the operations of the Corporation’s South African business unit through the closing date of the sale of that unit. The “(Loss) gain on sale” in the current year relates to the sale of Learning Horizons while the prior year amount related to the sales of the South African business unit and Magnivision. The following summarizes the results of discontinued operations:
                 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  November 23,  November 24,  November 23,  November 24, 
  2007  2006  2007  2006 
Total revenue $20  $2,122  $379  $11,275 
             
 
Pre-tax loss from operations $(368) $(388) $(1,122) $(2,371)
(Loss) gain on sale  (161)  5,100   34   5,784 
             
   (529)  4,712   (1,088)  3,413 
Income tax (benefit) expense  (57)  2,020   307   (180)
             
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax $(472) $2,692  $(1,395) $3,593 
             

13

segments.”


In February 2007, the Corporation entered into an agreement to sell its educational products subsidiary, Learning Horizons. The sale reflects the Corporation’s strategy to focus its resources on business units closely related to its core social expression business. The sale closed in March 2007 and the Corporation received cash proceeds of $2.2$2.3 million, which is included in “Cash receipts related to discontinued operations” onin the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Also, in February 2007,

The following summarizes the Corporation committed to a plan to exit its investment in the Hatchery, which seeks growth from opportunities that are inconsistent with the Corporation’s objectives and that would require significant capital commitments. The Corporation is taking this action as it has decided to focus its efforts on opportunities in children’s animation.

In February 2006, the Corporation committed to a plan to sell its South African business unit as it had been determined that the business unit was no longer a strategic fit for the Corporation. The sale closed in the second quarterresults of 2007.
The sale of Magnivision closed in the third quarter of 2005. In the third quarter of 2007, the Corporation recorded an additional pre-tax gain of $5.1 million based on final closing balance sheet adjustments. During the three and nine months ended November 23, 2007, proceeds of $1.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, related to the sale of Magnivision were received and are included in “Cash receipts related to discontinued operations” on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. These proceeds are associated with the gain recorded during the third quarter of 2007.
“Assets of businesses held for sale” and “Liabilities of businesses held for sale” in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position include the following:
             
(In thousands) November 23, 2007  February 28, 2007  November 24, 2006 
Assets of businesses held for sale:            
Current assets $13  $2,933  $8,035 
Other assets  2,135   2,185   5,085 
Fixed assets  68   81   190 
          
  $2,216  $5,199  $13,310 
          
             
Liabilities of businesses held for sale:            
Current liabilities $158  $610  $292 
Noncurrent liabilities  1,225   1,322   1,337 
          
  $1,383  $1,932  $1,629 
          
Note 15 — Subsequent Events
On November 28, 2007, the Corporation announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PhotoWorks for approximately $26.5 million. PhotoWorks is a leading online photo sharing and personal publishing company that allows consumers to use their digital images to create quality photo-personalized products like greeting cards, calendars, online photo albums and photo books. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, on December 13, 2007, the Corporation commenced a cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding common stock of PhotoWorks at a price of 59.5 cents per share. The acquisition is expected to close in late January 2008.

14

operations:


(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
May 25, 2007
 

Total revenue

  $299 
     

Pre-tax loss from operations

  $(47)

Gain on sale

   195 
     
   148 

Income tax expense

   361 
     

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

  $(213)
     

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements. This discussion and analysis, and other statements made in this Report, contain forward-looking statements, see “Factors That May Affect Future Results” at the end of this discussion and analysis for a description of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, the “Corporation,” “we,” “our,” “us” and “American Greetings” are used in this Report to refer to the businesses of American Greetings Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Overview

We experienced lower consolidated total revenues

During the first quarter, we continued to transition fresh new products to retail, which continues to drive sales growth in the card business. The level of activity, including production, distribution and earnings duringmerchandising, needed to drive these sales provided increased costs that put downward pressure on earnings. The growth in the thirdvalue card line continued in the quarter, driving down the average selling price of 2008,both everyday and seasonal cards, while overall card unit sales increased compared to the prior year period. The content costs of cards also continued to increase with growth in the sale of technology cards and changes in product design that add creative embellishments to the card line.

We experienced higher consolidated total revenues and lower earnings during the first quarter dueof 2009, compared to lower salesthe prior year quarter. The higher revenues were primarily the result of favorable foreign currency translation. Revenue improvement in all reporting segments butthe International Social Expression Products segment, primarily in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), was substantially offset by decreased revenue in the North American Social Expression Products segment. In the card businesses, growth in card unit sales was partially offset by lower average selling prices caused by a higher mix of value line cards.

Our lower earnings were driven by several factors within our North American Social Expression Products segment, which experienced a decrease in sales of seasonal gift packaging products and party goods. Also significantly impacting the year-over-year comparison of this segment was the impact of the candle products divestiture and the gain on contract terminationsincreased costs in the prior year quarter.

We spent less on the implementation of our strategy to invest in our core greeting card business (“investment in cards strategy”) and scan-based trading (“SBT”) implementations during the thirdcurrent quarter compared to the prior year period. The investmentThese items include the rollout of the new single priced card line in cards strategy is focusedCanada, increases in product content costs and increased supply chain, scrap and distribution costs.

As noted in our fiscal year 2008 Annual Report on improvingForm 10-K, the design, production, displayrecent parity of the currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and promotionthe Canadian dollar have created some challenges in the marketplace. To address these challenges, we have created a new Canadian line of our cards, creating relevant and on-trend products brought to market quickly and merchandisedresulting in a manner that enhances the shopping experience. The most significant costs associated with this strategy are incentive allowances for new fixturestemporary reduction in revenues and removal of product at retail (to improve productivity), as credits issued to customers exceed new product shipments. Due to the nature of these costs, generally sales incentives and credits for removed product, they are reported as reductions to net sales. In addition, there area temporary increase in costs to implementcreate, manufacture and distribute the strategy, including installation services, information system improvements, point of purchase materials, scrapnew product. These impacts continued during the first quarter and order filling costs, which are reported within the appropriate expense lines of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.

During the third quarter of 2008, actions related to our investment in cards strategy decreased total revenue by approximately $2 million and SBT implementations reduced total revenue approximately $4 million. In the prior year quarter, actions related to our investment in cards strategy decreased total revenuepre-tax earnings by approximately $10 million while SBT implementations had minimal impact on total revenue. Other related costs to implementmillion. We anticipate that the strategy were approximately $2 million inrollout of the currentnew Canadian line will be completed during the second quarter compared to approximately $3 millionof 2009.

As also noted in the prior year, period, nonewe have experienced increases in card product costs associated with more technology cards (paper cards that include light and/or sound) and other creative content costs. These costs continue to be higher compared to the prior year first quarter, particularly in seasonal cards, as we add technology and other creative embellishments that increase consumers’ perceived value of which were individually significant.the card product.

Increases in card shipments outpaced increases of card net sales, particularly seasonal cards, driving up supply chain, scrap and distribution costs during the first quarter compared to the prior year period. In total, actionsthese costs along with the increased card product content costs impacted pre-tax earnings by approximately $24 million compared to the prior year period.

The AG Interactive segment also contributed to the decrease in first quarter earnings, primarily related to the investment in cards strategy and SBT implementations reduced consolidated pre-tax income by approximately $8 million, compared with approximately $12 milliontwo acquisitions in the prior year period.

Foronline photo sharing space that we made during the ninesecond half of last year. We are still developing these product lines, which historically are seasonally stronger during the second half of the year. Our overall photo strategy is designed to bring together the strength of both operations, and then leverage the user across all of our existing websites.

In March 2008, we acquired a card publisher and franchised distributor of greeting cards in the U.K. This acquisition provides us with additional distribution in an increasingly fragmented U.K. market and we anticipate leveraging supply chain synergies as we integrate this new business.

Results of Operations

Three months ended November 23,May 30, 2008 and May 25, 2007 total revenue

Net income was reduced by approximately $10$13.3 million, for actions related to our investment in cards strategy and approximately $5 million for SBT implementations, compared to approximately $23 million and $14 million, respectively, in the prior year. Other related costs to implement the strategy were approximately $4 million in the current nine month period, compared to approximately $7 million in the prior year period, none of which were individually significant. In total, actions related to the investment in cards strategy and SBT implementations reduced consolidated pre-tax income by approximately $19 million, compared with approximately $44 million in the prior year period.

For fiscal 2008, we expect the expenditures for the investment in cards strategy and SBT implementations to be in the range of $46 million to $51 million, compared to actual expenditures of approximately $66 million in fiscal 2007. Although we expect a significant amount of SBT implementations to occur in the fourth fiscal quarter, depending on timing, some of the income statement impact associated with the SBT implementations may occuror $0.27 per share, in the first quarter of next year rather than this year’s fourth quarter.
Our recent trend of gross margin percentage improvement continued in the quarter, up one percentage point over the prior year quarter duecompared to a change in the mix of products sold to a richer mix (as defined by higher gross margins) of

15


card versus non-card products and the impact of continued cost savings programs, particularly in the areas of manufacturing and supply chain.
On October 25, 2007, we announced the acquisition of the assets of Webshots, an online photo and video sharing site. This acquisition, made through our AG Interactive unit, provides us the opportunity to expand our current product offerings of online social expressions into the adjacent area of online photo sharing. In addition, subsequent to November 23, 2007, we announced that we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PhotoWorks, an online personal publishing company and photography site.
During the prior year third quarter, we recorded a gain of $20.0 million as a result of retailer consolidations, wherein, multiple long-term supply agreements were terminated and a new agreement was negotiated with a new legal entity with substantially different terms and sales commitments.
Results of Operations
Three months ended November 23, 2007 and November 24, 2006
Net income was $29.0$30.1 million, or $0.52 per share, in the quarter compared to $49.7 million, or $0.83$0.54 per share, in the prior year thirdfirst quarter (all per-share amounts assume dilution).

Our results for the three months ended November 23,May 30, 2008 and May 25, 2007 and November 24, 2006 are summarized below:

                 
      % Total      % Total 
(Dollars in thousands) 2007  Revenue  2006  Revenue 
Net sales $474,995   97.8% $510,102   97.9%
Other revenue  10,751   2.2%  11,052   2.1%
               
Total revenue  485,746   100.0%  521,154   100.0%
 
Material, labor and other production costs  223,329   46.0%  245,187   47.0%
Selling, distribution and marketing expenses  159,420   32.8%  157,364   30.2%
Administrative and general expenses  60,481   12.5%  65,287   12.5%
Other operating income – net  (127)  (0.1%)  (20,541)  (3.9%)
               
                 
Operating income  42,643   8.8%  73,857   14.2%
 
Interest expense  4,835   1.0%  6,951   1.3%
Interest income  (2,115)  (0.4%)  (1,258)  (0.2%)
Other non-operating (income) expense – net  (4,582)  (1.0%)  91   0.0%
               
                 
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense  44,505   9.2%  68,073   13.1%
Income tax expense  15,017   3.1%  21,058   4.1%
               
                 
Income from continuing operations  29,488   6.1%  47,015   9.0%
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax  (472)  (0.1%)  2,692   0.5%
               
Net income $29,016   6.0% $49,707   9.5%
               

(Dollars in thousands)  2008  % Total
Revenue
  2007  % Total
Revenue
 

Net sales

  $425,463  99.3% $418,016  99.5%

Other revenue

   2,837  0.7%  1,951  0.5%
           

Total revenue

   428,300  100.0%  419,967  100.0%

Material, labor and other production costs

   193,342  45.1%  161,128  38.4%

Selling, distribution and marketing expenses

   150,875  35.2%  140,694  33.5%

Administrative and general expenses

   62,561  14.6%  62,235  14.8%

Other operating income – net

   (727) (0.1)%  (360) (0.1)%
           

Operating income

   22,249  5.2%  56,270  13.4%

Interest expense

   4,905  1.1%  4,757  1.1%

Interest income

   (990) (0.2)%  (1,499) (0.3)%

Other non-operating income – net

   (901) (0.2)%  (1,543) (0.4)%
           

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

   19,235  4.5%  54,555  13.0%

Income tax expense

   5,902  1.4%  24,292  5.8%
           

Income from continuing operations

   13,333  3.1%  30,263  7.2%

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   —    (0.0)%  (213) (0.0)%
           

Net income

  $13,333  3.1% $30,050  7.2%
           

For the three months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, consolidated net sales were $475.0$425.5 million, downup from $510.1$418.0 million in the prior year thirdfirst quarter. This 6.9%1.8%, or approximately $35$7.4 million, decreaseincrease was primarily the result of higher net sales in our International Social Expression Products segment of approximately $5 million and a favorable foreign currency translation impact of approximately $7 million. These increases were partially offset by lower net sales in our North American Social Expression Products segment of approximately $37 million and lower net sales of approximately $2 to $3 million$4 million.

The increase in each of our International Social Expression Products Retail Operationssegment’s net sales was driven by our U.K. operations where approximately half of the increase was due to the acquisition completed in the current quarter. The remaining increase was primarily the result of a comparison to a soft prior period and AG Interactive segments and our fixtures business. These decreases were partially offsetadditional distribution in the current year at existing customers in the U.K. The prior period was unfavorably impacted by a favorable foreign exchange impactcosts associated with incentive allowances for removal of approximately $13 million.

product at retail, as credits issued to customers exceeded new product shipments.

Net sales of our North American Social Expression Products segment decreased approximately $37$4 million. Our candle product lines, which were sold in January 2007, contributed approximately $14 million to net sales in the

16


prior year quarter. Approximately $4 million of the decrease resulted from more SBT implementations in the current quarter compared to the prior year third quarter. The majority of the remaining decrease is attributable to the new Canadian line of single-priced cards. The effect of implementing the new product line was the resulta reduction of lowerapproximately $5 million in net sales. Lower sales of our gift packaging products and party goods due to continued softness in demand for gift wrap as well as our attempt to improve the overall annual return within these product lines by not pursuing traditionally low margin business that we did pursue in prior years. Both seasonal and everyday cards were also down slightly comparedcontributed to the prior year period.decrease. These decreases were partially offset by our reduced spending on our investment in cards strategy. In the current quarter, we spent approximately $2 million on our investment in cards strategy, compared to approximately $10 million in the prior year quarter.
The reduction in our International Social Expression Products segment’s net sales was due primarily to the challenging retail environment in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), which continues to demand reduced inventory levels for most of our product lines. Our Retail Operations segment was down approximately $3 million, or 6%, as favorable same-storehigher sales of approximately 5% were more than offset byboth everyday and seasonal cards.

Other revenue, primarily royalty revenue, increased $0.8 million from $2.0 million during the decrease in store doors of approximately 13%.

three months ended May 25, 2007 to $2.8 million for the three months ended May 30, 2008.

Wholesale Unit and Pricing Analysis for Greeting Cards

Unit and pricing comparatives (on a sales less returns basis) for the three months ended November 23,May 30, 2008 and May 25, 2007 and November 24, 2006 are summarized below:

                         
  Increase (Decrease) From the Prior Year
  Everyday Cards Seasonal Cards Total Greeting Cards
  2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006
Unit volume  1.7%  (4.2%)  4.2%  (23.4%)  2.3%  (9.7%)
Selling prices  (2.5%)  2.1%  (3.3%)  15.0%  (2.7%)  5.3%
Overall increase / (decrease)  (0.9%)  (2.2%)  0.8%  (11.9%)  (0.4%)  (5.0%)

   Increase (Decrease) From the Prior Year 
   Everyday Cards  Seasonal Cards  Total Greeting Cards 
   2008  2007  2008  2007  2008  2007 

Unit volume

  11.2% 8.0% 7.1% (1.5)% 9.7% 4.3%

Selling prices

  (4.6)% (4.7)% (5.8)% 1.5% (5.2)% (2.5)%

Overall increase / (decrease)

  6.0% 2.9% 0.9% 0.0% 4.0% 1.7%

During the thirdfirst quarter, combined everyday and seasonal greeting card sales less returns were virtually flat, down 0.4%improved 4.0%, compared to the prior year quarter, with a slightmost of the increase in seasonal greeting cards and a slight decrease incoming from everyday greeting cards.

Everyday card sales less returns for the thirdfirst quarter were down slightly, 0.9%up 6.0%, compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to lower performance from ourwith improvement in both the North American Social Expression Products segment and International Social Expression Products segment. Overall, unit volume was up 1.7%11.2% and selling prices were down 2.5%4.6%. The higher unit volume was driven by the North American Social Expression Products segment, which also drove the lower selling prices withwere the result of a higher mix of value line cards compared to the prior year period.

year.

Seasonal card unit volume increased 4.2%7.1%, driven primarily inby the fall and Christmas programs.Mother’s Day program. Lower selling prices of 3.3% were5.8% related to these same programs, with a higher mix of value priced cards across most programs in the North American Social Expression Products segment compared to the prior year period.

Expense Overview

During the current quarter, we experienced increased costs. These higher costs were due to the rollout of the new single priced card line in Canada, added content to our cards, including music and lights, and increased shipments outpacing increased net sales. These activities were undertaken to drive profitable sales growth.

Material, labor and other production costs (“MLOPC”) for the three months ended November 23, 2007May 30, 2008 were $223.3$193.3 million, a decreasean increase from $245.2$161.1 million for the comparable period in the prior year. As a percentage of total revenue, these costs were 46.0%45.1% in the current period compared to 47.0%38.4% for the three months ended November 24, 2006.May 25, 2007. The decreaseincrease of $21.9$32.2 million is the result of favorable volume variances of approximately $17 million due to the lower sales volumeunfavorable spending and favorable product mix of approximately $12$20 million partially offset by increased spendingand $10 million, respectively, and foreign currency translation impacts of approximately $2 million and foreign exchange impacts of approximately $5 million. The favorable product mix is due to a change to a richer mix (as defined by higher gross margins) of card versus non-card products, partially due to the sale of our candle product lines in January 2007. The increased spending wasis primarily attributable to higher scrap costs.

17

and creative content costs as well as costs associated with the conversion to our new Canadian line of cards. The unfavorable product mix is attributable to a shift toward cards with more content, including music, lights and other embellishments.


Selling, distribution and marketing costsexpenses for the three months ended November 23, 2007May 30, 2008 were $159.4$150.9 million, increasing from $157.4$140.7 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The increase of $2.0$10.2 million is due to unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of approximately $5 million partially offset by spending decreasescurrency translation of approximately $3 million and higher spending of approximately $7 million. The reductions inadditional spending areis attributable to decreasesincreases in retail store expenses of approximately $2 million (due to fewer stores), savings from supply chain cost reduction programs ofcosts, specifically freight and distribution costs, due to an increase in products shipped. Merchandiser expense and freight and distribution costs each increased approximately $2 million and reduced marketing-related expenses at AG Interactive (primarily attributable to the reduced offerings for the mobile product group) of approximately $2$4 million. These amounts were partially offset by higher advertising and research expenses of approximately $2 million primarily attributable to our focus on our core greeting card business and approximately $1 million of distribution expenses associated with our animated children’s television programs.

Administrative and general expenses were $60.5$62.6 million for the three months ended November 23, 2007, a decreaseMay 30, 2008, an increase from $65.3$62.2 million for the three months ended November 24, 2006.May 25, 2007. The decreaseincrease of $4.8$0.4 million is primarily related to favorable spending variances of approximately $6 million partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of approximately $1 million. The decreased spending is attributable to lower profit-sharing expense of approximately $2 million as well as reductions in information technology-related expenses, stock-based compensation expense, severance charges, consulting expenses and payroll and benefits related expenses.

Other operating income – net was $0.1 million for the quarter ended November 23, 2007, a decrease from $20.5 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The decrease of $20.4 million is attributable to the gain of $20.0 million recorded in the prior year third quarter related to terminations of long-term supply agreements associated with retailer consolidations. Other non-operating (income) expense – net was income of $4.6 million in the current year third quarter compared to expense of $0.1 million for the three months ended November 24, 2006. The $4.7 million improvement is due primarily to increased foreign exchange gains in the current period and a swing from a loss on disposal of fixed assets in the prior year period to a gain in the current period.
currency translation.

Interest expense for the three months ended November 23, 2007May 30, 2008 was $4.8$4.9 million, downup from $7.0$4.8 million for the prior year quarter. The decreaseincrease of $2.2$0.1 million is attributable to savings of $1.5 million due to the reduced debt balances forincreased short-term borrowings on the revolving credit facility and the accounts receivable securitization facility. Commitment fees paid onfacility in the available balance of our credit facility decreased $0.4current period.

Other non-operating income – net was $0.9 million primarily as a result ofin the current year first quarter compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended May 25, 2007. The $0.6 million reduction in income is due primarily to decreased foreign exchange gains in the size of the term loan facility.

current period.

The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was 33.7%30.7% and 30.9%44.5% for the three months ended November 23,May 30, 2008 and May 25, 2007, and November 24, 2006, respectively. The lowerhigher effective tax rate in the prior quarter relatesrelated to several discrete events during that period, including interest expense on estimated tax payments, return to provision adjustments and the effect of amended tax returns on deferred tax assets.

18


Results of Operations
Nine months ended November 23, 2007 and November 24, 2006
Net income was $67.4 million, or $1.21 per share, for the nine months compared to $54.6 million, or $0.88 per share, in the prior year period.
Our results for the nine months ended November 23, 2007 and November 24, 2006 are summarized below:
                 
      % Total      % Total 
(Dollars in thousands) 2007  Revenue  2006  Revenue 
Net sales $1,258,829   98.1% $1,271,755   98.0%
Other revenue  24,309   1.9%  26,537   2.0%
               
Total revenue  1,283,138   100.0%  1,298,292   100.0%
                 
Material, labor and other production costs  547,509   42.7%  593,232   45.7%
Selling, distribution and marketing expenses  444,695   34.7%  451,419   34.8%
Administrative and general expenses  178,291   13.9%  183,516   14.1%
Other operating income – net  (807)  (0.1%)  (20,963)  (1.6%)
               
                 
Operating income  113,450   8.8%  91,088   7.0%
 
Interest expense  14,431   1.1%  27,024   2.0%
Interest income  (5,834)  (0.5%)  (6,716)  (0.5%)
Other non-operating income – net  (7,478)  (0.6%)  (2,811)  (0.2%)
               
                 
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense  112,331   8.8%  73,591   5.7%
Income tax expense  43,495   3.4%  22,583   1.8%
               
                 
Income from continuing operations  68,836   5.4%  51,008   3.9%
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax  (1,395)  (0.1%)  3,593   0.3%
               
Net income $67,441   5.3% $54,601   4.2%
               
For the nine months ended November 23, 2007, consolidated net sales were $1,258.8 million, down from $1,271.8 million in the prior year nine months. This 1.0%, or approximately $13 million, decrease was primarily the result of lower net sales in our North American Social Expression Products segment of approximately $10 million, our International Social Expression Products segment of approximately $10 million, our Retail Operations segment of approximately $9 million, our AG Interactive segment of approximately $6 million and our fixtures business of approximately $4 million. These decreases were partially offset by approximately $26 million of favorable foreign exchange impacts.
Net sales of our North American Social Expression Products segment decreased approximately $10 million. Our candle product lines, which were sold in January 2007, contributed approximately $28 million to net sales in the prior year nine months. As a result, sales of products other than candles increased approximately $18 million. Approximately $13 million of the increase was due to lower spending on our investment in cards strategy and approximately $9 million resulted from fewer SBT implementations. Improvements in everyday card sales added approximately $20 million to net sales in the current nine months. These increases were partially offset by reduced sales of our gift packaging products, stationery and party goods of approximately $25 million.
The reduction in our International Social Expression Products segment’s net sales was due primarily to the challenging retail environment in the U.K., which continues to demand reduced inventory levels for most of our product lines. Our Retail Operations segment was down approximately $9 million, or 8%, as favorable same-store sales of approximately 5% were more than offset by the decrease in store doors of approximately 13%. Growth in advertising and subscription sales in our AG Interactive segment were more than offset by the reduced offerings in our mobile product group.

19


Other revenue, primarily royalty revenue, decreased $2.2 million from $26.5 million during the nine months ended November 24, 2006 to $24.3 million during the nine months ended November 23, 2007. The decrease is primarily attributable to favorable audit recoveries recorded during the prior year period.
Wholesale Unit and Pricing Analysis for Greeting Cards
Unit and pricing comparatives (on a sales less returns basis) for the nine months ended November 23, 2007 and November 24, 2006 are summarized below:
                         
  Increase (Decrease) From the Prior Year
  Everyday Cards Seasonal Cards Total Greeting Cards
  2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006
Unit volume  9.3%  (12.2%)  4.8%  (9.4%)  8.1%  (11.5%)
Selling prices  (5.5%)  7.0%  (3.4%)  7.5%  (4.9%)  7.2%
Overall increase / (decrease)  3.3%  (6.1%)  1.3%  (2.6%)  2.8%  (5.1%)
During the nine month period, combined everyday and seasonal greeting card sales less returns improved 2.8% compared to the prior year period, with the majority of the increase in everyday greeting cards. Approximately 35% of the increase was due to SBT implementations that reduced unit volume in the prior year nine months.
Everyday card unit volume, up 9.3%, and selling prices, down 5.5%, were significantly impacted by the SBT implementations during the prior year nine months. As reported in the prior year Form 10-Q, there was a significant amount of SBT implementations during the period that decreased unit volume and increased selling prices. SBT implementations during the current year period have been substantially less. Approximately 60% of the increase in everyday card unit volume and 80% of the decrease in selling prices was a direct result of the prior year SBT implementations. The remaining increase in everyday card unit volume was due to improvements within the North American Social Expression Products segment.
Seasonal card unit volume increased 4.8% in the nine month period, primarily due to increases in Easter, graduation and summer programs compared to the prior year period. The lower selling prices were due to a change in mix of cards sold to a higher mix of value priced products.
Expense Overview
MLOPC for the nine months ended November 23, 2007 were $547.5 million, a decrease from $593.2 million for the comparable period in the prior year. As a percentage of total revenue, these costs were 42.7% in the current period compared to 45.7% for the nine months ended November 24, 2006. The decrease of $45.7 million is due to favorable mix of approximately $49 million and volume variances of approximately $12 million due to the lower sales volume in the current period partially offset by unfavorable spending variances of approximately $3 million and foreign exchange impacts of approximately $12 million. The favorable product mix is due to a change to a richer mix of card versus non-card products, primarily as a result of the growth in everyday cards and the sale of our candle product lines in January 2007. The increased spending is attributable to higher creative content costs.
Selling, distribution and marketing costs for the nine months ended November 23, 2007 were $444.7 million, decreasing from $451.4 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The decrease of $6.7 million is due to reduced spending of approximately $17 million partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of approximately $10 million. The lower spending is due to decreases in retail store expenses of approximately $9 million, savings from supply chain cost reduction programs of approximately $9 million, lower consulting expenses of approximately $2 million and reduced marketing-related expenses at AG Interactive (primarily attributable to the reduced offerings for the mobile product group) of approximately $5 million. These amounts were partially offset by higher advertising and research expenses of approximately $7 million, a portion of which is attributable to our focus on our core greeting card business.

20


Administrative and general expenses were $178.3 million for the nine months ended November 23, 2007, a decrease from $183.5 million for the nine months ended November 24, 2006. The decrease of $5.2 million is primarily related to reductions in spending of approximately $7 million partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of approximately $2 million. The decreased spending is attributable to lower information technology-related expenses of approximately $3 million, consulting expenses of approximately $2 million, stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1 million and lower non-income related business taxes of approximately $1 million.
Other operating income — net was $0.8 million for the nine months ended November 23, 2007, a decrease from $21.0 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The decrease of $20.2 million is attributable to the gain of $20.0 million recorded in the prior year period related to terminations of long-term supply agreements associated with retailer consolidations. Other non-operating income — net was $7.5 million in the current year nine months compared to $2.8 million for the nine months ended November 24, 2006. The $4.7 million improvement is due primarily to increased foreign exchange gains in the current period.
Interest expense for the nine months ended November 23, 2007 was $14.4 million, down from $27.0 million for the prior year period. The decrease of $12.6 million is attributable to the financing activities from the prior year period. Expenses of $5.5 million were incurred in the prior year related to the early retirement of substantially all of our 6.10% senior notes and the convertible notes exchange offer, including the associated consent payment, fees paid and the write-off of deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs of $1.0 million associated with the credit facility that was terminated in April 2006 were also written off in the prior period. Savings of $10.1 million were realized in the current period due to the reduced debt balances for the 6.10% senior notes, the 7.00% convertible notes and the facility borrowings. The amortization of deferred financing fees for the convertible notes was $1.2 million lower in the current period also as a result of the prior year activities. Commitment fees paid on the available balance of our credit facility decreased $0.8 million, primarily as a result of the reduction in the size of the term loan facility. Partially offsetting these amounts are $3.7 million for interest expense on the new 7.375% notes issued in May 2006 and $2.4 million for the net gain recognized on the interest rate derivative entered into and settled during the nine months ended November 24, 2006.
The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was 38.7% and 30.7% for the nine months ended November 23, 2007 and November 24, 2006, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate relates to several discrete events during the current year period, primarily agreements reached with the Internal Revenue Service as it closed its audit cycle.

Segment Information

Our operations are organized and managed according to a number of factors, including product categories, geographic locations and channels of distribution. Our North American Social Expression Products and our International Social Expression Products segments primarily design, manufacture and sell greeting cards and other related products through various channels of distribution, with mass retailers as the primary channel. As permitted under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” certain operating divisions have been aggregated into both the North American Social Expression Products and International Social Expression Products segments. The aggregated operating divisions have similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, types of customers and distribution methods. At November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, we owned and operated 429417 card and gift retail stores in the United States and Canada through our Retail Operations segment. The stores are primarily located in malls and strip shopping centers. The stores sell products purchased from the North American Social Expression Products segment as well as products purchased from other vendors. AG Interactive is an electronic provider ofdistributes social expression contentproducts, including electronic greetings, personalized printable greeting cards and a broad range of graphics and digital services and products, through a variety of electronic channels, including Web sites, Internet portals, instant messaging services and electronic mobile devices. AG Interactive also offers online photo sharing space and a platform to provide consumers the Internetability to use their own photos to create unique, high quality physical products, including greeting cards, calendars, photo albums and wireless platforms.

photo books.

We review segment results using consistent exchange rates between periods to eliminate the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.

21


North American Social Expression Products Segment
                         
(Dollars in Three Months Ended November % Nine Months Ended November %
thousands) 23, 2007 24, 2006 Change 23, 2007 24, 2006 Change
Total revenue $320,120  $356,773   (10.3%) $850,986  $861,098   (1.2%)
 
Segment earnings  50,068   88,237   (43.3%)  161,085   147,986   8.9%

   Three Months Ended    
(Dollars in thousands)  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007  % Change 

Total revenue

  $287,774  $291,441  (1.3)%

Segment earnings

   42,452   82,340  (48.4)%

Total revenue of our North American Social Expression Products segment for the quarter ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, excluding the impact of foreign exchange and intersegment items, decreased $36.7$3.7 million, or 10.3%1.3%, from the prior year period. Our candle product lines, which were sold in January 2007, contributed approximately $14 million to total revenue in the prior year quarter. Approximately $4 million of the decrease resulted from more SBT implementations in the current quarter compared to the prior year third quarter. The majority of the remaining decrease was due to lowerdriven by the rollout of the new Canadian card line. The effect of implementing the new product line was a reduction of approximately $5 million in revenue. Lower sales of our gift packaging products and party goods. Both seasonal and everyday cards weregoods also down slightly comparedcontributed to the prior year period.decrease. These decreases were partially offset by our reduced spending on our investment in cards strategy. In the current quarter, we spent approximately $2 million on our investment in cards strategy, compared to approximately $10 million in the prior year quarter. Total revenue of our North American Social Expression Products segment for the nine months ended November 23, 2007, excluding the impact of foreign exchange and intersegment items, decreased $10.1 million, or 1.2%, from the prior year period. Our candle product lines, which were sold in January 2007, contributed approximately $28 million to total revenue in the prior year nine months. As a result, revenue from products other than candles increased approximately $18 million. Approximately $13 million of the increase was due to lower spending on our investment in cards strategy and approximately $9 million resulted from fewer SBT implementations. Improvements in everyday card sales added approximately $20 million to net sales in the current nine months. These increases were partially offset by reducedhigher sales of our gift packaging products, stationeryboth everyday and party goods of approximately $25 million.

seasonal cards.

Segment earnings, excluding the impact of foreign exchange and intersegment items, decreased $38.1$39.9 million from $88.2 million for the three months ended November 24, 2006 to $50.1 million for the three months ended November 23, 2007. The prior year quarter included the $20.0 million gain related to terminations of long-term supply agreements associated with retailer consolidations. The remaining decrease is primarily attributable to the reduction in variable margin due to the reduced sales in the current quarter (primarily our candle product lines and party goods). Segment earnings in the current quarter were also favorably impacted approximately $4 million by reduced spending on our investment in cards strategy and SBT implementations in the current period compared to the prior year quarter. Segment earnings, excluding the impact of foreign exchange and intersegment items, increased $13.1 million during the ninethree months ended November 23, 2007May 25, 2007. The conversion to the new Canadian card line reduced earnings by approximately $10 million in the current three months. Also contributing to the decrease are lower margins and increased supply chain costs. The lower margins are a result of a shift in product mix toward cards with more content, including music, lights and other embellishments. The additional supply chain spending,

specifically freight and distribution costs, is due to an increase in products shipped. In total, these costs along with the increased card product content costs impacted segment earnings by approximately $24 million compared to the prior year period. The lower spending on our investment in cards strategy and SBT implementations accounted for approximately $25 million of the increase. Also contributing to the increase are higher everyday card sales as well as lower costs. The lower costs are due to product mix, including the favorable impact from the sale of our lower margin candle product lines, plant efficiencies and supply chain cost reduction programs. Partially offsetting these increases is the $20.0 million gain related to terminations of long-term supply agreements associated with retailer consolidations that was recorded in the prior year nine months.

International Social Expression Products Segment

                         
(Dollars in Three Months Ended November % Nine Months Ended November %
thousands) 23, 2007 24, 2006 Change 23, 2007 24, 2006 Change
Total revenue $80,604  $82,526   (2.3%) $199,648  $209,019   (4.5%)
 
Segment earnings  10,037   6,092   64.8%  11,470   7,148   60.5%

   Three Months Ended    
(Dollars in thousands)  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007  % Change 

Total revenue

  $69,873  $64,417  8.5%

Segment earnings

   2,862   176  1,526.1%

Total revenue of our International Social Expression Products segment, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, decreased $1.9increased $5.5 million, or 2.3%8.5%, compared to the prior year quarter and decreased $9.4 million, or 4.5%, compared to the prior year nine months. The majorityquarter. Approximately half of the decreaserevenue improvement in both the three and nine month periodsthree-month period is attributable to lower salesthe acquisition completed in the U.K., which continuescurrent period. The remaining increase was primarily the result of a comparison to experience a challengingsoft prior period and additional distribution in the current year at existing customers in the U.K. The prior period was unfavorably impacted by costs associated with incentive allowances for removal of product at retail, environment including reductions of inventory at retail.

22

as credits issued to customers exceeded new product shipments.


Segment earnings, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, increased $3.9$2.7 million compared to the prior year three months and increased $4.3 million compared to the prior year nine months. The increase in both periods is attributable to product mix and expense control, including merchandiser and distribution expenses, which more than offset the impact of the reducedhigher sales volume in the current period and lower distribution and marketing expenses. The distribution and marketing expenses were higher in the prior year periods.
quarter due to the activities related to the removal of product at retail during that period.

Retail Operations Segment

                         
(Dollars in Three Months Ended November % Nine Months Ended November %
thousands) 23, 2007 24, 2006 Change 23, 2007 24, 2006 Change
Total revenue $39,550  $42,252   (6.4%) $115,856  $125,206   (7.5%)
 
Segment loss  (5,833)  (5,056)  (15.4%)  (15,098)  (21,428)  29.5%

   Three Months Ended    
(Dollars in thousands)  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007  % Change 

Total revenue

  $41,493  $40,539  2.4%

Segment loss

   (3,407)  (2,769) (23.0)%

Total revenue, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, in our Retail Operations segment decreased $2.7increased $1.0 million, or 6.4%2.4%, for the three months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, compared to the prior year period asdue to favorable same-store sales of approximately $2 million, or 4.6%, were more than offset by the reduction in store doors. Total revenue for the quarter decreased approximately $5 million due to fewer stores as the average number of stores was approximately 13% less than in the prior year quarter. For the nine months ended November 23, 2007, total revenue decreased $9.4 million compared to the prior year period, as favorable same-store sales of approximately $5 million, or 4.6%, were more than offset by the reduction in store doors which decreased total revenue approximately $14 million. Bothsales. The current year periodsperiod benefited from the performance of children’s gifting products, which was the driver of the same-store sales increases.

increase.

Segment earnings, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, was a loss of $5.8$3.4 million in the three months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, compared to a loss of $5.1$2.8 million during the three months ended November 24, 2006.May 25, 2007. Segment earnings were favorablyunfavorably impacted by lower store expensesa weakening of approximately $2 million primarily due to fewer stores in the current period. The impact on earnings of these expense reductions was more than offset by the decrease in sales in the current period. For the nine months ended November 23, 2007, segment earnings was a loss of $15.1 million compared to a loss of $21.4 million in the prior year period. The impact on earnings of the lower revenue in the period was more than offset by lower store expenses of approximately $9 million due to fewer stores. Lower information technology expenses in the current period also contributed to the reduced segment loss in the period. Earnings were favorably impacted by improved gross margins as a result of lessmore promotional pricing. Gross margins increaseddecreased by approximately 1.61.9 percentage points.

AG Interactive Segment

                         
(Dollars in Three Months Ended November % Nine Months Ended November %
thousands) 23, 2007 24, 2006 Change 23, 2007 24, 2006 Change
Total revenue $18,912  $21,663   (12.7%) $55,964  $62,151   (10.0%)
 
Segment earnings  2,194   2,249   (2.5%)  8,667   5,498   57.6%

   Three Months Ended    
(Dollars in thousands)  May 30, 2008  May 25, 2007  % Change 

Total revenue

  $20,527  $19,899  3.2%

Segment (loss) earnings

   (1,096)  3,279  (133.4)%

Total revenue of AG Interactive for the three months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, was $18.9$20.5 million compared to $21.7$19.9 million in the prior year thirdfirst quarter. TotalThe current year period includes approximately $3 million of revenue from the digital photography acquisitions completed during the second half of AG Interactive for the nine months ended November 23, 2007, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, was $56.0 million compared to $62.2 million in the prior year nine months. Growth in2008. These revenues were partially offset by lower advertising and subscription revenuerevenues in our online product group, due to both ongoing operations and the second quarter 2007 acquisition of an online greeting card business, was more than offset by the decrease in revenue of our mobile product group due to reduced offerings for both the three and nine month periods.group. At the end of the thirdfirst quarter of 2008,2009, AG Interactive had approximately 3.73.9 million online paid subscriberssubscriptions versus 3.43.6 million at the prior year quarter end.

Segment earnings, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, were flatwas a loss of $1.1 million for the quarter ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, compared to earnings of $3.3 million in the prior year period. Segment earnings, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, increased from $5.5 million in the nine months ended November 24, 2006The decrease is primarily attributable to $8.7 millionexpenses incurred in the current year period. Growthperiod associated with the digital photo product line, including marketing and technology costs. Included in

23

these expenses is approximately $1 million of amortization expense of intangible assets.


advertising and subscription revenue as well as lower expenses in the mobile product group due to the reduced offerings in that group contributed to the improved segment earnings in the nine month period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The seasonal nature of our business precludes a useful comparison of the current period and the fiscal year-end financial statements; therefore, a Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of November 24, 2006,May 25, 2007, has been included.

Operating Activities

Operating activities provided $43.3used $11.9 million of cash during the ninethree months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, compared to a use of $9.3providing $21.1 million of cash in the prior year period.

Other non-cash charges were $5.7

Accounts receivable was a source of cash of $5.3 million forduring the ninethree months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, compared to $9.2a use of cash of $14.7 million in the prior year period.first quarter. The decrease is primarily related to the prior period write-off of deferred financing fees associated with our old credit facility and lower amortization of debt financing fees and reduced stock-based compensation expense in the current period.

Inventory was a use of $49.9 million from February 28, 2007, compared to a use of $27.2 million in the prior year period. The higher usage in the current nine monthschange is attributable to improved inventory management at February 28, 2007 versus February 28, 2006. The lower beginning inventory at March 1an increase in allowances and discounts as well as increased the inventory usagecollections in the current year as we build our seasonal inventory.
Other current assets provided $18.1 million of cash from February 28, 2007, compared to using $96.3 million in the prior year nine months. Both the current year cash provided and the prior year cash usage are attributable to a receivable of approximately $90 million recorded as part of the termination of several long-term supply agreements. The majority of the receivable was collected in the fourth quarter of 2007 and the balance was received in the current year.
U.K.

Deferred costs - net generally represents payments under agreements with retailers net of the related amortization of those payments. However, forDuring the ninethree months ended November 23, 2007, deferred costs — net also includes the impact of a $15 million reduction of deferred contract costs associated with the termination of a long-term supply agreement and related refund received. For the nine months ended November 24, 2006, deferred costs — net includes the impact of a $76 million reduction of deferred contract costs associated with the termination of several long-term supply agreements and related refunds received. In addition,May 30, 2008, amortization exceeded payments by approximately $14 million during$1.3 million; in the ninethree months ended November 23,May 25, 2007, andamortization exceeded payments by approximately $34 million during the nine months ended November 24, 2006.$11.7 million. See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further detail of deferred costs related to customer agreements.

Accounts payable and other liabilities provided $38.3used $57.6 million of cash during the ninethree months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, compared to using $5.9$21.8 million in the prior year period. The change from the prior year is due primarily to income taxes andas well as the change in profit-sharing paymentsaccrued compensation and accruals duringbenefits. The change in income taxes is primarily the respective periods.

result of the lower income level in the current year three months compared to the prior year three months.

Investing Activities

Investing activities used $81.7$25.4 million of cash during the ninethree months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, compared to providing $181.2$37.0 million in the prior year period. The use of cash in the current yearquarter is related to cash payments for business acquisitions as well as capital expenditures of $37.4 million$10.1 million. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we purchased a card publisher and franchised distributor of greeting cards in the U.K. for $15.6 million. The use of cash in the prior quarter is related to purchases exceeding sales of short-term investments as well as cash payments for business acquisitions. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we purchased the assets of Webshots, an online photo and video sharing site, for $45.2 million. Also, theThe final payment of $6.1 million for the online greeting card business purchased in the prior year’s second quarter of fiscal 2007 was made during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. These amounts were partially offset by cash receipts related to discontinued operations and proceeds from the sale of fixed assets. The source of cash in the prior year is primarily related to sales of short-term investments exceeding purchases. Short-term investments decreased $208.7 million during the nine months ended November 24, 2006.

24


Financing Activities

Financing activities used $41.2provided $22.5 million of cash during the ninethree months ended November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, compared to using $301.5$0.3 million during the ninethree months ended November 24, 2006.May 25, 2007. The usecurrent year source of cash in the current period is attributablerelates primarily to share repurchases and dividend payments as discussed below. These amounts were partially offset by short-term debt borrowings of $23.8$28.0 million and our receipt of the exercise price on stock options, which provided $26.2$0.4 million in the current period. TheOur receipt of the exercise price on stock options provided $9.4 million in the prior year amount relates primarily to our refinancing activities during the period. We issued $200.0 million of 7.375% senior unsecured notesquarter, but was almost completely offset by dividend payments and retired $277.3 million of our 6.10% senior notes, approximately 92% of the total outstanding, and had net borrowings under our revolving credit facility and accounts receivable facility of $142.0 million. We also repaid $159.1 million of our 7.00% convertible subordinated notes. We paid $8.3 million of debt issuance costs during the prior period for our new credit facility, the 7.375% senior unsecured notes and the 7.00% convertible subordinated notes exchange offer. These amounts were deferred and are being amortized over the respective periods of the instruments.

share repurchases. Our Class A common share repurchase programs also contributed to the cash used for financing activities in both periods. These repurchases were made through 10b5-1 programs. During the ninethree months ended November 23,May 25, 2007, $51.8$3.4 million was paid to repurchase approximately 2.10.1 million shares under the repurchase program, compared to $186.1 million used in the prior year period to repurchase approximately 8.2 million shares. We also paid $22.8 million in the current period to repurchase 0.9 million Class B common shares, in accordance with our Amended Articles of Incorporation. The majority of the Class B common shares repurchased were held by the American Greetings Profit Sharing and 401(k) Savings Plan on behalf of participants investing in the Plan’s company stock fund. In connection with the Plan’s determination that the company stock fund should consist solely of Class A common shares to facilitate participant transactions, during November 2007, the Plan sold the remaining Class B common shares back to American Greetings in accordance with our Amended Articles of Incorporation.
program.

During the ninethree months ended November 23,May 30, 2008 and May 25, 2007, and November 24, 2006, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.10$0.12 and $0.08$0.10 per common share, respectively, which totaled $16.7$5.9 million and $13.9$5.5 million, respectively.

Credit Sources

Substantial credit sources are available to us. In total, we had available sources of approximately $600$540 million at November 23, 2007.May 30, 2008. This included our $450 million senior secured credit facility and our $150$90 million accounts receivable securitization facility. The credit agreement includes a $350Borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization facility are limited based on our eligible receivables outstanding. We had $35.0 million revolving credit facility and a $100 million delay draw term loan. Approximately $13 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and approximately $11$13.1 million was outstanding under the accounts receivable securitization programagreement at November 23, 2007.May 30, 2008. In addition to these borrowings, we have, in the aggregate, $25.7 million outstanding under letters of credit, which reduces the total credit availability thereunder.

Please refer to the discussion of our borrowing arrangements as disclosed in the “Credit Sources” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 200729, 2008 for further information.

Our future operating cash flow and borrowing availability under our credit agreement and our accounts receivable securitization facility are expected to meet currently anticipated funding requirements. The seasonal nature of the business results in peak working capital requirements that may be financed through short-term borrowings.

We are going through the due diligence process necessary to prepare for a multi-year information systems refresh. We see this effort as a multi-year program, in the range of 7 to 10 years. As we are still negotiating key components of the program, we are unable to estimate the future impact on earnings and cash flows, but it is likely that the impact could be significant.

Critical Accounting Policies

Please refer to the discussion of our Critical Accounting Policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2007.

25

29, 2008.


Factors That May Affect Future Results

Certain statements in this report may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal securities laws. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use such words as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, but are subject to a variety of uncertainties, unknown risks and other factors concerning our operations and business environment, which are difficult to predict and may be beyond our control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements, and that could adversely affect our future financial performance, include, but are not limited to, the following:

a weak retail environment;

retail consolidations, acquisitions and bankruptcies, including the possibility of resulting adverse changes to retail contract terms;
our ability to successfully implement our strategy to invest in our core greeting card business;
the timing and impact of investments in new retail or product strategies as well as new product introductions and achieving the desired benefits from those investments;
the timing and impact of converting customers to a scan-based trading model;
our ability to successfully implement, or achieve the desired benefits associated with, any information systems refresh that we may implement;
the ability to execute share repurchase programs or the ability to achieve the desired accretive effect from such repurchases;
the ability to successfully complete the proposed acquisition of PhotoWorks and the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions;
our ability to successfully complete, or achieve the desired benefits associated with, dispositions;
a weak retail environment;
consumer acceptance of products as priced and marketed;
the impact of technology on core product sales;
competitive terms of sale offered to customers;
successful implementation of supply chain improvements and achievement of projected cost savings from those improvements;
increases in the cost of material, energy, freight and other production costs;
our ability to comply with our debt covenants;
fluctuations in the value of currencies in major areas where we operate, including the U.S. Dollar, Euro, U.K. Pound Sterling and Canadian Dollar;
escalation in the cost of providing employee health care; and
the outcome of any legal claims known or unknown.

retail consolidations, acquisitions and bankruptcies, including the possibility of resulting adverse changes to retail contract terms;

competitive terms of sale offered to customers;

the timing and impact of investments in new retail or product strategies as well as new product introductions and achieving the desired benefits from those investments;

consumer acceptance of products as priced and marketed;

the impact of technology on core product sales;

the timing and impact of converting customers to a scan-based trading model;

the escalation in the cost of providing employee health care;

the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions;

our ability to successfully implement, or achieve the desired benefits associated with, any information systems refresh that we may implement;

the ability to execute share repurchase programs or the ability to achieve the desired accretive effect from such repurchases;

the ability to comply with our debt covenants;

our ability to successfully complete, or achieve the desired benefits associated with, dispositions;

fluctuations in the value of currencies in major areas where we operate, including the U.S. Dollar, Euro, U.K. Pound Sterling and Canadian Dollar; and

the outcome of any legal claims known or unknown.

Risks pertaining specifically to AG Interactive include the viability of online advertising, subscriptions as revenue generators and the public’s acceptance of online greetings and other social expression products.

products, and the ability to gain a leadership position in the digital photo sharing space.

The risks and uncertainties identified above are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we believe to be immaterial also may adversely affect us. Should any known or unknown risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, these developments could have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For further information concerning the risks we face and issues that could materially affect our financial performance related to forward-looking statements, refer to our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2007.

2629, 2008.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2007.29, 2008. There were no material changes in market risk, specifically interest rate and foreign currency exposure, for us from February 28, 2007,29, 2008, the end of our preceding fiscal year, to November 23, 2007,May 30, 2008, the end of our most recent fiscal quarter.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

American Greetings maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Corporation’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

American Greetings carries out a variety of on-going procedures, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of American Greetings concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

There has been no change in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting during the Corporation’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We, however, do not believe that any of the litigation in which we are currently engaged, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors that were discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2007.

29, 2008.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) The following table provides information with respect to our purchases of our common shares during the three months ended May 30, 2008.

Period  

Total Number of
Shares Repurchased

  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
  Maximum
Number of
Shares (or
Approximate
Dollar Value)
that May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the Plans

March 2008

  Class A –  —     —    —  (2) $50,935,815
  Class B –  890 (1) $18.65  —    

April 2008

  Class A –  —     —    —  (2) $50,935,815
  Class B –  500 (1) $17.75  —    

May 2008

  Class A –  —     —    —  (2) $50,935,815
  Class B –  670 (1) $18.31  —    

Total

  Class A –  —      —  (2) 
  Class B –  2,060 (1)   —    
(a)Not applicable.
(b)Not applicable.

27


(c)The following table provides information with respect to our purchases of our common shares during the three months ended November 23, 2007.
                    
                 Maximum Number of
                 Shares (or
             Total Number of Approximate Dollar
             Shares Purchased as Value) that May Yet Be
  Total Number of Shares Average Price Part of Publicly Purchased Under the
Period Repurchased Paid per Share Announced Plans Plans
September 2007 Class A – 395,000  $24.41 (2)  395,000 (3) $79,969,524 
  Class B – 1,404 (1) $25.56        
October 2007 Class A – 425,000  $26.51 (2)  425,000 (3) $68,702,396 
  Class B – 688 (1) $26.64        
November 2007 Class A – 842,302  $24.27 (2)  842,302 (3) $48,258,793 
  Class B – 852,400 (1) $24.92        
Total Class A – 1,662,302       1,662,302 (3)    
  Class B – 854,492 (1)           
(1)There is no public market for the Class B common shares of the Corporation. Pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation, a holder of Class B common shares may not transfer such Class B common shares (except to permitted transferees, a group that generally includes members of the holder’s extended family, family trusts and charities) unless such holder first offers such shares to the Corporation for purchase at the most recent closing price for the Corporation’s Class A common shares. If the Corporation does not purchase such Class B common shares, the holder must convert such shares, on a share for share basis, into Class A common shares prior to any transfer. All of the shares were repurchased by American Greetings for cash pursuant to this right of first refusal. Of the amount repurchased, 850,000 Class B common shares were held by the American Greetings Profit Sharing and 401(k) Savings Plan on behalf of participants investing in the Plan’s company stock fund. In connection with the Plan’s determination that the company stock fund should consist solely of Class A common shares to facilitate participant transactions, during November 2007, the Plan sold 850,000 Class B common shares back to American Greetings in accordance with the Amended Articles of Incorporation.
(2)Excludes commissions paid, if any, related to the share repurchase transactions.
(3)On April 17, 2007,January 8, 2008, American Greetings announced that its Board of Directors authorized a new program to repurchase up to $100 million of its Class A common shares. There is no set expiration date for this repurchase program. No shares were repurchased under this program and these repurchases are made through a 10b5-1 program in open market or privately negotiated transactions which are intended to be in compliance withduring the SEC’s Rule 10b-18, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors.first quarter of fiscal 2009.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

Exhibit

10.1

 Key Management Annual Incentive Plan (fiscal year 2009 Description)
Number

10.2

 DescriptionEmployment Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2008, between John W. Beeder and the Corporation
10.1American Greetings Corporation Second Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Effective October 31, 2007)

(31) a

 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(31) b

 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(32)

 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

28

SIGNATURES


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

AMERICAN GREETINGS CORPORATION
 By:

/s/ Joseph B. Cipollone

 
 Joseph B. Cipollone
January 2, 2008   Vice President, Corporate Controller, and Chief
Accounting Officer *
*(Signing on behalf of Registrant as a duly authorized officer of the Registrant and signing as the chief accounting officer of the Registrant.)

29July 9, 2008

* (Signing on behalf of Registrant as a duly authorized officer of the Registrant and signing as the chief accounting officer of the Registrant.)

22