UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____ TO ______
COMMISSION FILE NO. 000-50916
PEOPLES EDUCATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 41-1368898
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
299 MARKET STREET, SADDLE BROOK, NJ 07663
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (201) 712-0090
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: COMMON STOCK, $0.02
PAR VALUE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as
defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
[ ] Yes [X] No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
[X] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
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 [ ] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Act). [ ] Yes [X] No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by
non-affiliates, computed by reference to the average of the bid and asked price
of such common equity, as of June 30, 2005 (the last business day of the
registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $6,098,416.
The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock on March 24 2006
was 4,438,573.
Documents incorporated by reference: NONE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
--------
PART I.............................................................................................................. 1
ITEM 1. BUSINESS............................................................................................... 1
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS........................................................................................... 6
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.............................................................................. 10
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES............................................................................................. 10
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS...................................................................................... 10
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.................................................... 10
PART II............................................................................................................. 11
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF
EQUITY SECURITIES...................................................................................... 11
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA................................................................................ 12
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.................. 13
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK............................................. 21
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA............................................................ 21
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE................... 37
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES................................................................................ 37
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION...................................................................................... 37
PART III............................................................................................................ 38
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT..................................................... 38
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION................................................................................. 41
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS......... 43
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS......................................................... 45
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES................................................................. 45
PART IV............................................................................................................. 47
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES................................................................ 47
SIGNATURES.......................................................................................................... 49
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW AND COMPANY HISTORY
Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. (PEH), through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
The Peoples Publishing Group, Inc. ("PPG"), develops, distributes, and markets
supplementary materials for the (K-12) elementary and secondary school market.
Supplemental materials come in many forms. As used here, the term supplemental
refers to all instructional materials other than school supplies and basal
textbooks. Teachers use supplemental materials to provide different approaches
to help students learn and to enhance, and often replace, textbooks.
Supplementary educational materials are predominantly print products that can be
sold efficiently through catalogs, direct mail, inside and field sales
representatives.
PPG was founded in 1989 by James J. Peoples, the current Chairman of the Board,
and by Diane M. Miller, the current Executive Vice President and Chief Creative
Officer. It began operations in 1990 with the acquisition of a small
supplementary product line. Effective November 1, 1998, PPG merged into a
subsidiary of PEH. As a result of the merger, PPG became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of PEH. All of the PEH's operations are currently conducted through
PPG. In November 2001, PEH reincorporated in Delaware. Effective June 1, 2005,
the common stock of PEH was approved for quotation and trading on the NASDAQ
Capital Market under the symbol PEDH. Throughout this document PPG and PEH will
be collectively referred to as "we", "our" and "the Company".
The Company develops and sells its own proprietary products and distributes
other publishers' products. Our products are organized in two product groups,
one designated as Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction, and the other
as College Preparation. The Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction
materials are almost exclusively proprietary products, while the College
Preparation materials are mainly distributed products accompanied by a limited
number of proprietary titles.
Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction Product Group
- -----------------------------------------------------------
- Test Preparation and Assessment: We create and sell
state-customized, print and electronic, test preparation and
assessment materials that help teachers prepare students for success
in school and for required state proficiency tests, grades 2-12.
- Instruction: Grades 3-8 state customized print worktexts and print
and web-based delivered assessments that provide students in-depth
instruction and practice in reading, language arts, and mathematics.
College Preparation Product Group
- ---------------------------------
- We distribute and publish instructional materials that meet the
academic standards high schools require for honors, college
preparation, and Advanced Placement courses. We are the exclusive
high school distributor for two major college publishers.
The Company is located at 299 Market Street, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663. The
telephone number is (201) 712-0090. The Web site is www.peoplespublishing.com.
The contents of our Web site are not part of, or incorporated into, this report.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
School Enrollment
- -----------------
The National Center for Education Statistics ("NCES") forecasts record public
school enrollment through 2014. The projected fall 2005 public school enrollment
of 48.4 million students set a high point, and new records are expected every
year through 2014, when elementary and secondary enrollments are expected to
increase to 50.8 million students. Rising immigration and the baby boom echo
that began in the mid-1970s, and peaked in 1990, are boosting school
enrollments. As school enrollments grow, the unit sales of instructional
materials will also increase. NCES has projected 2005 K-12 private school
enrollment at 6.1 million students. Private school enrollments are projected to
remain flat through 2008.
1
Educational Funding
- -------------------
The relationship between state and local school funding has been shifting over
the last 30 years, with local funding decreasing to 37.2% and state funding
rising to 45.5%. Federal funds for schools have grown to 8.2% and "other"
funding accounts for the balance. In fiscal year 2004, state finances began to
improve as revenues exceeded projections. After two years of unprecedented,
nearly zero growth, state expenditures in fiscal year 2004 increased 3.0%. In
fiscal 2005, state finances rebounded as revenues improved markedly. States
began restoring funding to programs they were forced to cut during the downturn.
State expenditure pressure is high to meet the demands of prior program cuts,
Medicare, pensions, and increasing educational requirements. The states' 2006
fiscal condition is positive but, on balance, the 2006 outlook is for modest
growth.
The President's proposed Department of Education budget for fiscal year 2007
reduces funding for elementary and secondary education by $1.6 billion, or 4.4%.
However, the budget proposed for No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has been increased
to $24.4 billion, up 4.6% from fiscal year 2005, and 40% since 2001. In
addition, the President has also recommended increased funding for high school
mathematics, foreign language, and science, plus an additional $90 million for
Advanced Placement expansion and teacher training.
No Child Left Behind
- --------------------
NCLB is a historic piece of legislation and an important revenue source for
supplemental material providers. January, 2006 marked the fourth anniversary of
President Bush's signing the NCLB legislation into law. NCLB has its share of
detractors, and some 49 states have taken action to amend the law, or have been
granted waivers to NCLB provisions. In August 2005, Connecticut was the first
state to file a suit challenging NCLB. The administration and NCLB supporters
point to the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
that shows America's 9-year-olds have made more progress in reading over the
past five years than in the previous two decades and that the achievement gap
between African-American and Hispanic 9-year-olds and their white peers is at an
all-time low.
The 2005 through 2006 school year marks the first year that all states must have
in place reading and mathematics tests in every grade 3 through 8, and once in
grades 10 through 12. In the 2007 through 2008 school year, all states must test
twice in science for grades 3 through 8, and once between grades 10 through 12.
NCLB legislation has enveloped every public school in the country.
State-specific, standards-based products and assessment tools created and sold
by the Company play an important role in providing the instruction students need
to succeed in school and on the state tests.
Supplementary Materials Market
- ------------------------------
We operate in the $3.0-$3.2 billion supplementary materials market, which is a
subset of the larger instructional materials markets. All our products are
considered supplementary materials. Market size and growth studies, conducted by
the Association of Educational Publishers and Education Market Research,
estimate supplemental materials sales increased 4.6% in 2002, 3.8% in 2003, and
7.0% in 2004. We develop and sell our own proprietary products and distribute
products for other companies. Our products have been organized into two product
groups. The first product group, Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction,
consists exclusively of proprietary products. The second product group, College
Preparation, consists primarily of distributed products.
Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction
- ---------------------------------------------
As required by law, all states have developed state content standards and high
stakes state tests. State standards are not static and the states frequently
adjust and up-grade their standards. None of the states have identical standards
and there are significant differences from state to state in both content
standards and the tests used to assess student proficiency.
We develop and sell test preparation materials in language arts, reading,
mathematics, science, and social studies. Our Test Preparation books are 100%
customized for each state. In practice, this means that no two of our Test
Preparation books are identical. State-specific customization, along with the
thoroughness and quality of our Test Preparation materials, provide us with a
unique sales and marketing position.
Like Test Preparation, our Assessment products are also customized for each
state. The Assessment materials are available in both print and electronic form.
Diagnostic Practice Tests assess student proficiency and help teachers provide
tailored instruction and practice for individuals and groups. Our online
benchmarking/diagnostic system creates formative assessments for student
diagnosis and practice, and provides NCLB compliant student subgroup reports for
classrooms, schools, and school districts.
2
Our Focused Instruction materials are also customized to meet specific state
standards. Test preparation has a valuable place in the school, but student
instruction is considerably more than test preparation. Our Focused Instruction
products are state-specific, standards-based materials that are used by teachers
to deliver explicit, in-depth instruction in the skills and strategies essential
to student proficiency in reading comprehension, critical reading, mathematics
problem solving, and vocabulary development. Online tests support Focused
Instruction materials, providing both formative assessment and targeted
assessment.
The accountability pressure NCLB places on schools to make Adequate Yearly
Progress (AYP) has created a public window into our schools that is
unprecedented. Aligning standards with classroom instruction and holding schools
accountable has been permanently imprinted in our schools. The accountability
pressure will continue to fuel the market demand for supplemental test
preparation, assessment, and instruction materials like those produced and sold
by the Company. A recent survey of the K-12 test preparation market by Education
Market Research reported that 90% of the respondents use test preparation
materials, and that virtually all respondents maintain that these products
improve student test scores. We believe that state-specific test preparation,
assessment, and instruction materials are among the fastest growing niches in
the supplementary market. As such, schools and school districts are expected to
aggressively purchase these materials.
College Preparation Market
- --------------------------
College Preparation materials, which are largely supplemental materials, are
used in high school Advanced Placement (AP), honors, and college preparation
courses. The President has proposed a $90 million increase in AP funds to train
additional AP teachers and increase AP enrollment in urban schools. Several
other factors support optimistic funding predictions for the growth of college
preparation instructional materials including competitive college entrance
requirements, and strong annual growth in the number of students taking the AP
examinations. According to the College Board, the annual volume change in the
number of AP examinations increased from 1,414,238 exams in 2000 to 2,105,203 in
2005, an 8.5% annual compound growth rate. High scores on the AP examination add
to a school's prestige and recognition as a quality school. Most colleges and
universities in the United States, as well as in 30 countries, recognize AP
examination results in the admission process as a sign of a student's ability to
succeed in rigorous curricula. As the College Preparation market has grown, it
has become increasingly competitive. We have met the competition by increasing
marketing, adding inside and outside sales representatives, and by utilizing
sales and market data to guide our business decisions.
We believe that the supplemental school market will continue to be strong.
Growing enrollments, improved state finances, state accountability, increased
international competition, and strong public and business support are all
expected to contribute to continued growth in this market.
PRODUCTS
We develop and sell proprietary products including worktexts, assessment
materials and web-based products. In addition, we also distribute other
publishers' products. We operate as one business segment, and prior to the
fourth quarter of 2005, with four major product groupings. During the fourth
quarter of 2005, we re-organized our product lines groupings from four to two.
Prior periods have been restated to conform to the current presentation.
Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction
- ---------------------------------------------
Test Preparation and Assessment
-------------------------------
We create and sell print and web-based materials targeted to grades 2-12,
to help students prepare for state proficiency tests. The Measuring Up(R)
Test Preparation and assessment print products are sold in eleven states.
Measuring Up(R) is positioned as standards-based, state customized
instruction and classroom assessment, designed to be an integral part of a
school's instructional program throughout the school year.
In 2004, we introduced Measuring Up e-Path(TM), a web-based assessment
product in one state. E-Path, developed in conjunction with Cisco Learning
Systems, provides schools and districts the ability to provide formative
classroom level assessments, which, in turn, allows for informed
instruction relative to state standards. E-Path delivers a detailed
prescriptive instructional path for individual students tied into our
rapidly expanding instructional materials or to other products in use
within a school or district. The strategy is to help educators assess a
child's strengths and weaknesses relative to the state standards and then
provide a Personal Prescriptive Path(TM) for remediation. The assessment
3
data can be aggregated, using NCLB compliant reporting at the class,
school and district level and can be used to drive not only student
learning, but teacher professional development as well.
In the fall of 2004, we introduced into three states a new test
preparation product in language arts, Step Up to Success. This new product
is positioned to fill a market niche for schools looking for pretest
refresher materials, as well as products for after school and summer
programs.
Instruction
-----------
Historically, we developed and distributed remedial and multicultural
texts and related materials. We are not investing in any new development
for these products and we are currently selling from the backlist for
these titles. Late in 2003, we installed a highly experienced editorial
team in Austin, Texas. This group develops state-specific, standards-based
reading, mathematics and language arts supplemental materials for this
market niche. The first products from this group were published late in
the fall of 2004.
Revenue from the Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction product lines
represented 66.3%, 65.9% and 63.6% of our 2005, 2004, and 2003 revenues,
respectively.
College Preparation
- -------------------
We have the exclusive high school distribution rights for college textbooks, and
related instruction materials, published by two major college publishers. The
texts are sold to senior high schools for honors, college preparation, and
Advanced Placement(R) courses. In 2004, we began publishing proprietary
supplemental product for the college preparation market, and we expanded our
distribution efforts by adding publishers. College Preparation revenue
represented 33.7%, 34.1% and 36.4% of our 2005, 2004and 2003 revenues
respectively.
Professional Development
- ------------------------
In late December 2004, we published our first professional development products.
The initial release was in one state, and two additional states and products
were added in 2005. In late 2005, we made the strategic decision to discontinue
product development and promotion of this product line and instead focus on our
core and fast growing Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction product
group. Professional Development revenue accounted for less than 1% of our 2005
total revenue. Professional Development revenue is included in the Test
Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction product grouping.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
We combine our internal product development resources with outside freelance
talent to develop and design our proprietary products in a cost-effective
manner. We utilize a variety of authors, writers, editors, and development
houses to develop products.
Our editorial department has the responsibility for maintaining editorial
quality, schedules, and budgets.
Our book production is carried out by a combination of in-house staff and
contracted personnel with tight in-house control. We maintain an in-house system
of computer-based technology that makes it possible to complete nearly the
entire production cycle in-house, resulting in digitized material.
Once conceived, a book proposal is circulated to the management group for input.
Depending on their input and additional market research, the proposal will go
forward or be terminated. A pro forma financial statement is prepared to aid in
determining if the new title is desirable for publication. If there is a
favorable decision, we will contract with an appropriate author or writer. We
believe we have excellent relationships with our authors, including many
well-known names in the education field.
All printing is contracted to outside vendors by competitive bidding. All
printers utilized by us are located in the United States. We do not rely on the
services of any one printer.
Our products require varying periods of development time depending on the
complexity of the graphics and design and the writing and editing process. Most
of our multi-book programs can be developed in a period that ranges from six to
twelve months. We believe that our use of outside authors, illustrators, and
freelancers for writing, editing, some artwork, some design, and copy editing
allows us to produce the budgeted number of books per year with a relatively
small staff, and allows the flexibility we need to continue to produce and
expand our product lines and retain flexibility to enter niches with new product
lines quickly.
4
See also "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations-Product Development."
CUSTOMER BASE
No customer during 2005, 2004 or 2003 represented more than 10% of total
revenue.
SALES, MARKETING, AND DISTRIBUTION
Overview
- --------
We conduct our sales activities through inside and outside sales groups (both
salaried and independent), direct mail, conventions, and workshops. We believe
this system is well suited to the supplementary educational materials market
where purchasing decisions are typically made at the local or school level. As
we continue to grow, our sales and marketing infrastructure will expand along
with increases in the numbers of inside and outside sales representatives. We
have also increased marketing spending for teacher workshops and staff
development, sample books, exhibits, direct mail, and marketing support that
includes Web initiatives.
Integrated Catalog/Inside and Outside Sales Model
- -------------------------------------------------
In the 2004-2005 school year, approximately 400,000 copies of seven catalogs and
other promotional pieces reached our various market niches that included both
proprietary and distributed products. Catalogs and other direct mail pieces are
mailed to house lists and other appropriate contact individuals at K-12 school
and district sites throughout the United States.
Web site
- --------
Our Web site (located at www.peoplespublishing.com) is primarily used as a sales
and marketing tool that offers product information. The site also includes
additional resources for teachers including state-specific links, sample lessons
and research information.
Sales Representatives
- ---------------------
We utilize the services of outside independent sales representatives, salaried
field representatives, and inside sales representatives to sell our products. We
plan to continue using this sales organization structure in the future.
Warehouse and Distribution
- --------------------------
We outsource warehousing and distribution/shipping services to a third party
warehouse and distribution company located in Brooklyn, NY. This company
warehouses and ships all products within the Test Preparation, Assessment and
Instruction product group and the proprietary products from the College
Preparation product group. Orders for College Preparation materials are billed
by us and drop shipped by the college publishers to our customers. We operate
and maintain our own internal data processing system; however, the services that
this warehouse and distribution company provides are material to us.
COMPETITION
The top six print-based supplementary publishers account for approximately 80%
of the reported supplemental sales. These publishers produce a wide variety of
print products, including workbooks, magazines, and library/trade books
(non-textbooks) used in schools. The leading supplemental publishers are
McGraw-Hill, School Specialty, Scholastic, Harcourt Achieve, WPC Media, and
Pearson Learning. There are also numerous other companies and divisions of the
large companies noted above that are competitors of ours. These publishers
include Triumph Learning, Options Publishing, Pearson Learning, Harcourt
Achieve, and Great Source. In addition, we compete with major college publishers
who sell their textbooks and other products in the high school Advanced
Placement market. Many of our competitors are well established, significantly
larger, and have substantially greater financial and marketing resources than
the Company.
PROTECTION OF PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
All of our books have been copyrighted in the United States with United States
rights, most in the name of Peoples Publishing Group. A few titles are
copyrighted by the author, and we have secured unlimited exclusive rights to
sell and update these titles. Therefore, we own the exclusive rights to exploit
5
the copyright in the marketplace. On books created in-house, we have registered
United States rights for all markets, including first and second serialization,
commercial rights, electronic rights, foreign and translation rights, reprint
rights, and rights to any means yet to be developed for transmitting information
in any form. There are a limited number of books for which foreign rights and
electronic rights will revert to the author if we do not exploit them in a given
period of time, usually within two years after publication. Foreign rights are
not usually lucrative for supplementary materials, but opportunities are
considered on a one-by-one basis. We believe we have adequately protected our
copyrights, but the loss of copyrights or failure of copyright protection could
have a material adverse effect on the Company.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2005, we had approximately 175 employees. We have never
experienced a work stoppage and our employees are not covered by a collective
bargaining agreement. We believe our relations with our employees are good.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should
carefully consider the risks described below with respect to an investment in
our shares. If any of the following risks are actually realized, our business,
financial condition, operating results or cash provided by operations could be
materially harmed. As a result, the trading price of our common stock could
decline, and you might lose all or part of your investment. When evaluating an
investment in our common stock, you should also refer to the other information
in this report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related
notes.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
IF THE FEDERAL NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT IS MATERIALLY CHANGED OR REPEALED, OR
FOUND UNCONSTITUTIONAL, OUR REVENUE AND PROFITABILITY WOULD BE MATERIALLY
ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
The market for supplemental educational materials has been significantly
impacted by the revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as
the "No Child Left Behind Act" which was enacted in 2002. A substantial portion
of our revenue growth since 2002 is attributable to the sale of proprietary
materials that we developed based on standards adopted by states in response to
this legislation. The NCLB and its implementation have been criticized by
representatives of states and schools; including complaints that federal funding
is not sufficient to carry out all aspects of the NCLB. One state has filed a
lawsuit in federal court challenging the statute. If the legislation is
repealed, found to be unconstitutional or is amended in a manner that results in
reduced state participation, our revenue and profitability would be materially
adversely affected.
LEGISLATION REDUCING GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO OUR CUSTOMERS, A DELAY IN GOVERNMENT
APPROPRIATIONS, OR A CHANGE IN FEDERALLY MANDATED OR STATE STANDARDS-BASED
TESTING LEGISLATION WOULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR REVENUE.
A significant portion of our total net revenue is derived from customers that
are primarily dependent on various sources of government funding, including
funding from federal, state, and local governments. The No Child Left Behind Act
established requirements for states, schools, and school districts to test
students and ensure that all teachers are highly qualified, but representatives
of states and schools have complained that federal funding is not sufficient to
carry out all aspects of the NCLB. If adequate funding is not provided by
federal, state or local governments, the demand for our products would be
materially adversely affected.
The government appropriations process is often slow, unpredictable, and subject
to factors outside our control. Many of our customers may use the same sources
of funding. Accordingly, any substantial reduction or delay in governmental
funding earmarked for educational materials would have a material adverse effect
on our revenue.
FLUCTUATIONS IN OUR QUARTERLY RESULTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR STOCK PRICE.
Our revenue and profitability fluctuate significantly during the fiscal year as
a result of many factors, including the capital and operating spending patterns
of our customers, the size, timing, and product mix of orders, and the
6
amount and timing of our investment in developing and introducing additional
proprietary products. We sell our products directly to public and private
schools and school districts and our revenue is affected by both the financial
condition and the management decisions of our customers and economic conditions
generally. These seasonal fluctuations in our quarterly results may negatively
affect our stock price.
LOSS OF EITHER OF OUR EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORSHIP CONTRACTS WITH MAJOR COLLEGE
PUBLISHERS COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS OR OPERATING
RESULTS.
We have the exclusive U.S. high school distribution rights for college textbooks
and related instruction materials published by two major college publishers. The
exclusive distribution agreements cover each publisher's college products, and
certain trade and professional products. The expiration or the termination of
either of these agreements by the publisher, or the inability of either
publisher to continue doing business, could have a material adverse effect on
our revenue and net income. One of the agreements will expire in December 2007
and the other agreement will expire in September 2008. If we are unable to
successfully negotiate, with each of these publishers, renew exclusive
distributorship contracts with similar terms, we may experience a material
adverse effect on our business and operating results.
MISUSE, MISAPPROPRIATION OR OTHER LOSS OF OUR PROPRIETARY RIGHTS COULD HAVE A
MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Our success depends in part on our intellectual property rights in the products
that we develop. We rely primarily on a combination of registered and common law
copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, customer licensing agreements,
employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect
our proprietary rights. We have a federal trademark registration for the
Measuring Up(R), Measuring Up e-Path(R), Personal Prescriptive Path(R)
trademarks. We have applied for federal trademark registrations for the Step Up
to Success(TM) and other marks. We have not applied for trademark registration
at the state level, but have instead relied on our federal registration and
state common law rights to protect our proprietary information. In addition, we
own or license all copyrights in our proprietary educational materials. Although
we believe we have adequately protected our copyrights, defending or enforcing
our intellectual property rights could result in substantial costs and a
diversion of management's attention and resources, which could materially affect
our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. The loss
of our copyrights or failure of copyright protection could have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations.
We do not include any mechanisms in our materials or products to prevent or
inhibit unauthorized copying. We have no knowledge of the unauthorized copying
of our books or products. However, if such copying or misuse were to occur to
any substantial degree, our results of operations could be materially adversely
affected. In addition, our U.S. registrations may not be enforceable or
effective in protecting our trademarks and copyrights, especially outside of the
U.S.
Although we believe our materials and products have been independently developed
and do not infringe on the rights of others, third parties may assert
infringement claims against us in the future. We may be required to modify our
materials, products or technologies or obtain a license to permit our continued
use of those rights. We may not be able to do so in a timely manner or upon
reasonable terms and conditions. Failure to do so could harm our business and
operating results.
FAILURE TO RETAIN OUR KEY EXECUTIVES OR ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATING RESULTS.
The loss of one or more of our executive officers or other key personnel could
inhibit the development of our business and, accordingly, harm our business and
operating results. Qualified personnel are in great demand in our industry.
Successful execution of our business strategy depends on our ability to continue
to develop and produce high quality proprietary supplemental educational
materials. Our future success depends in large part on the continued service of
our key editorial, operations, marketing and sales personnel and on our ability
to continue to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified employees. Our key
employees may terminate their employment with us at any time, subject to in most
cases, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants for a period of one year
after termination of employment. There is competition within the industry for
such employees and the process of locating key technical and management
personnel with suitable skills may be difficult.
7
COMPETITION IN OUR INDUSTRY IS INTENSE AND COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR
PERFORMANCE.
Our industry is intensely competitive, rapidly evolving, and subject to
technological change. Demand for particular books, products and technology may
be adversely affected by the increasing number of competitive products from
which a prospective customer may choose. We compete primarily against other
organizations offering educational books, software and related materials. Our
competitors include several large companies with substantially greater
financial, technical and marketing resources than ours. We compete with
companies providing single-title retail products, Internet content and service
providers. Existing competitors may broaden their product lines and potential
competitors may enter the market or increase their focus on e-learning,
resulting in greater competition for us. Increased competition in our industry
could result in price reductions, reduced operating margins or loss of market
share, which could seriously harm our business, cash flows and operating
results.
OUR FUTURE SUCCESS WILL DEPEND ON OUR ABILITY TO ADAPT TO TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES
AND MEET EVOLVING STANDARDS IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS INDUSTRY.
We may encounter difficulties responding to technological changes, which could
delay our introduction of products and services or other existing products and
services. The supplemental educational materials industry is characterized by
rapid technological change and obsolescence, frequent product introduction, and
evolving standards. Our future success will depend, to a significant extent, on
our ability to enhance our existing products, develop and introduce new
products, satisfy an expanded range of customer needs and achieve market
acceptance. We may not have sufficient resources to make the necessary
investments to develop and implement the technological advances required to
maintain our competitive position.
OUR BUSINESS REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, AND OUR
PROFITABILITY DEPENDS ON MARKET ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE PRODUCTS.
Our future revenue and profitability, if any, will depend upon various factors,
including continued market acceptance of our products. We have made significant
investments in developing publications and expect to continue to incur these
prepublication expenses associated with the development of additional products
and expanded product lines. These costs and expenses include, but are not
limited to, editorial expenses, writing, page design and makeup, art and other
permissions, prepress and any other costs incurred until the completion of the
product and other product development and enhancement costs. In 2005, we had a
significant write-down relating to underperforming products.
RISKS RELATED TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK
OUR PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS OWN A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF OUR VOTING STOCK, WHICH
WILL ALLOW THEM TO CONTROL SUBSTANTIALLY ALL MATTERS REQUIRING STOCKHOLDER
APPROVAL.
Currently, our largest stockholder beneficially owns approximately 41.9% of our
outstanding shares of common stock. Our officers and directors beneficially own,
in the aggregate, approximately 65.5% of our common stock, including any options
they may hold that are exercisable within 60 days. Because of such concentration
of ownership, our management and our largest stockholder will be able to
significantly affect our affairs, including the election of the Board of
Directors.
IF AN ACTIVE TRADING MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK DOES NOT DEVELOP, THE VALUE AND
LIQUIDITY OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMON STOCK COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
Our common stock has been quoted for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under
the symbol PEDH since June 1, 2005. From September 10, 2004 to May 31, 2005 our
common stock was quoted for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board. Before September
10, 2004 there was no established public trading market for our common stock.
There is a limited history of public trading for our stock and the trading
volume of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market has been consistently
low. Additionally, sales of substantial amounts of common stock into the public
market by our stockholders could adversely affect the market price for our
common stock.
8
THE TRADING PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK MAY BECOME VOLATILE AND COULD DECLINE.
The market price for our common stock may become volatile and may decline in the
future for a variety of reasons, including:
- variations in our revenue and profitability;
- variations in quarterly operating results due to seasonal
fluctuations in our business;
- changes in earnings estimates by analysts;
- announcements of new contracts or product offerings by us or our
competitors;
- disputes or other developments concerning proprietary rights;
- departures of key personnel;
- adverse legislative changes; or
- announcements by us, or our competitors, of acquisitions, strategic
partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments.
In particular, the realization of any of the risks described in these "Risk
Factors" could have a dramatic and materially adverse impact on the market price
of our common stock. In addition, the stock market and the NASDAQ Stock Market
in particular have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These
fluctuations may continue to occur and disproportionately impact our stock
price. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a
company's securities, securities class-action litigation has often been
instituted. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and a
diversion of management's attention and resources, which could materially affect
our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
BECAUSE IT IS UNLIKELY THAT WE WILL PAY DIVIDENDS, YOU WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO
BENEFIT FROM HOLDING OUR STOCK IF THE STOCK PRICE APPRECIATES.
We currently intend to retain any future earnings for funding growth and,
therefore, do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. As a
result, you will not experience a return on your investment unless the price of
our common stock appreciates and you sell your shares of common stock.
OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND DELAWARE LAW MAY DISCOURAGE AN ACQUISITION
THAT COULD DEPRIVE OUR STOCKHOLDERS OF OPPORTUNITIES TO SELL THEIR SHARES AT
PRICES HIGHER THAN PREVAILING MARKET PRICES.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and Delaware law could make it
more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be
beneficial to our stockholders. We may issue shares of preferred stock in the
future without stockholder approval and upon such terms as our board of
directors may determine. Our issuance of this preferred stock could have the
effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of
discouraging a third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding stock
and potentially prevent the payment of a premium to stockholders in an
acquisition.
WE MAY NEED ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO FULLY EXECUTE OUR GROWTH STRATEGY.
Our growth strategy will require us to make significant expenditures to develop
additional products and expand our product lines. Our total capital requirements
will depend on the number of states in which we seek to offer our products, the
scope of our product offerings in each state, and the frequency with which such
products need to be updated. If our revenues are lower than anticipated, or our
expenses are higher than anticipated, or if our current financing facility
cannot be maintained, we will require additional capital to finance our
operations. Even if we are able to maintain our current financing facility, we
may need additional equity or other capital in the future. Sources of additional
financing, if needed in the future, may include additional debt financing or the
sale of equity or other securities. We cannot assure you that any additional
sources of financing or new capital will be available to us, or will be
available on acceptable terms. In addition, if we sell additional equity to
raise funds, holders of our common stock will be diluted in their ownership of
the Company.
9
IF WE VIOLATE CERTAIN COVENANTS UNDER OUR FINANCING FACILITY, OUR LENDER HAS THE
RIGHT TO DEMAND PAYMENT IN FULL OF THE BORROWINGS UNDER THE FINANCING FACILITY.
IF IT WERE TO DO SO, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PURSUE OUR GROWTH STRATEGY AND OUR
OPERATIONS WOULD BE SEVERELY LIMITED UNLESS AND UNTIL NEW FINANCING WAS
OBTAINED.
We have a $12 million financing facility consisting of a $7 million line of
credit and a $5 million term loan. Borrowings under the facility are secured by
substantially all Company assets. The credit agreement contains certain
financial covenants, calculated on a consolidated basis for the Company and its
subsidiaries, which, among other things, impose a maximum ratio of senior funded
debt to EBITDA, require the Company to maintain a minimum debt service coverage
ratio, a minimum annual EBITDA and a minimum stockholders' equity, and prohibit
net losses on a fiscal year basis. If we violate these covenants, our lender has
the right to demand payment in full of the borrowings under the financing
facility. At December 31, 2005, we were in violation of annual covenants related
to positive annual earnings, and minimum levels of EBITDA and Stockholders'
Equity. On March 24, 2006, the lender waived these violations.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
NOT APPLICABLE.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We do not own any real property. We primarily conduct our operations out of our
Saddle Brook, New Jersey facility. We lease approximately 25,800 square feet of
office space at this location at a current rental of approximately $465,000 per
year. This lease expires in October 2009. In December 2004, we entered into a
new lease for our Austin office. The new lease covers approximately 4,300 square
feet of office space at a current rental of $69,000 per year. This lease expires
February 2008. In November 2004, we leased 1,008 square feet of office space in
Columbus, Ohio at a current rental of $13,000 per year. This lease expires in
November 2007.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
NONE
10
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
Our common stock has been quoted for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under
the symbol "PEDH" since June 1, 2005, and was quoted for trading on the OTC
Bulletin Board from September 10, 2004 through May 31, 2005. Prior to September
10, 2004, there was no established public trading market for our common stock.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the available high
and low closing bid quotations for the common stock for the third and fourth
quarters of 2004 and each quarter of 2005, as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board
or the NASDAQ Capital Market. Quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without
retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not represent actual
transactions.
HIGH LOW
---- ---
2004
Third Quarter (commencing September 10, 2004) $3.00 $3.00
Fourth Quarter $8.00 $3.00
2005
First Quarter $6.50 $5.75
Second Quarter $9.30 $6.45
Third Quarter $8.50 $4.80
Fourth Quarter $5.70 $4.11
On March 24, 2006, the last reported bid price of our common stock on NASDAQ
Capital Market was $4.90 per share.
RECORD HOLDERS
There were approximately 450 beneficial holders of our common stock as of
February 27, 2006.
DIVIDENDS
We have not paid dividends on our common stock and do not presently plan to pay
dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We plan to retain all
net earnings, if any, to fund the development of our business. Our Board of
Directors has sole discretion over the declaration and payment of future
dividends, subject to the availability of sufficient funds to pay dividends. Any
future dividends will depend upon our profitability, financial condition, cash
requirements, future prospects, general business condition, the terms of our
debt agreements and other factors our Board of Directors believes are relevant.
Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity
compensation plans is included in Part III, Item 12 of this report.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The following table provides information about purchases made by us of our
common stock in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005.
11
(c) (d)
Total Number Maximum Number (or
of Shares Approximate Dollar
(a) (b) Purchased as Value) of Shares that
Total Number Average Part of Publicly May Yet Be Purchased
of Shares Price Paid Announced Plans Under the Plans
Period Purchased per Share or Programs or Programs
------ ------------ ---------- ---------------- --------------------
November 1 - November 30, 2005 474 $ 5.01 474 99,526
December 1 - December 31, 2005 700 $ 4.76 700 98,826
------------ ----------------
Total 1,174 $ 4.86 1,174 98,826
============ ================
(1) On October 5, 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved
a share repurchase program, permitting us to repurchase up to 100,000
shares of our common stock. No share repurchase plan or program expired,
or was terminated, during the period covered by this report.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
You should read the selected financial data presented below in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and the related notes and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included elsewhere in this report. The selected financial data presented below
under the heading "Statements of Operations Data" for the years ended December
31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and the selected financial data presented below under
the heading "Balance Sheet Data" as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 have been
derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in
this report. The selected financial data presented below under the heading
"Statements of Operations Data" for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001,
and the selected financial data presented below under the heading "Balance Sheet
Data" as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 have been derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements that are not included in this report.
Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations
to be expected for future periods. See the "Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements" for a description of the method used to compute basic and diluted
net income (loss) per share applicable to the holders of our common stock.
12
Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net Revenue $ 35,454,105 $ 32,487,170 $ 27,814,648 $ 18,825,224 $ 15,755,193
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Cost of Revenue
Direct Costs 15,628,445 13,963,631 13,049,452 9,846,294 8,327,985
Prepublication Cost Amortization 5,218,688 3,338,293 2,244,664 1,212,366 730,526
Product Line Restructuring Charge 3,930,980 - - - -
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total 24,778,113 17,301,924 15,294,116 11,058,660 9,058,511
Gross Profit 10,675,992 15,185,246 12,520,532 7,766,564 6,696,682
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 15,228,761 12,785,312 10,441,265 6,739,359 5,454,168
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income (Loss) from Operations (4,552,769) 2,399,934 2,079,267 1,027,205 1,242,514
Interest Expense 411,315 89,572 109,709 96,235 92,114
Other Expenses, Net 46,285 21,950 8,285 6,788 -
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (5,010,369) 2,288,412 1,961,273 924,182 1,150,400
Federal and State Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (1,853,915) 878,000 743,000 349,000 445,000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net Income (Loss) $ (3,156,454) $ 1,410,412 $ 1,218,273 $ 575,182 $ 705,400
============ ========== ============ ============ ============
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
Basic $ (0.76) $ 0.37 $ 0.35 $ 0.18 $ 0.22
Diluted $ (0.76) $ 0.34 $ 0.34 $ 0.17 $ 0.22
Weighted-average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
Basic 4,137,760 3,809,198 3,519,677 3,216,933 3,211,516
Diluted 4,137,760 4,208,617 3,620,662 3,302,742 3,258,813
December 31,
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
------------ ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working Capital (deficit) $ (1,197,110) $ (622,615) $ (391,624) $ 475,393 $ 1,566,508
Total Assets 24,372,157 17,146,014 11,531,987 8,097,285 6,905,555
Long-term obligations 6,587,432 3,408,379 197,545 1,873,544 1,584,801
Stockholders Equity 8,265,868 8,551,211 7,140,799 3,743,391 3,168,209
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company and its
markets as defined in section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These
forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties,
including (1) demand from major customers, (2) effects of competition, (3)
changes in product or customer mix or revenues and in the level of operating
expenses, (4) rapidly changing technologies and our ability to respond thereto,
(5) the impact of competitive products and pricing, (6) local and state levels
of educational spending, (7) ability to retain qualified personnel, (8) ability
to retain our distribution agreements with our major college publishers in the
College Preparation market, (9) the sufficiency of our copyright protection, and
(10) ability to continue to rely on the services of a third party warehouse, and
13
other factors as discussed elsewhere in this report or in our other filings
with the SEC. The actual results that we achieve may differ materially from any
forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. We undertake no
obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events
or circumstances that may arise after the date of this report. Readers are urged
to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company in
this report and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors
that may affect our business and results of operations.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES
Our significant accounting policies and significant estimates are summarized in
the footnotes to our consolidated financial statements. Some of our accounting
policies require management to exercise significant judgment in selecting the
appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. These judgments are
subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on our
historical experience, known trends in our industry, terms of existing contracts
and other information from outside sources, as appropriate. Actual results may
differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Certain
of the most critical policies that require significant judgment are as follows:
Revenue Recognition
- -------------------
We recognize revenue upon shipment. The allowances for returns are recorded at
the time of revenue recognition, if the right of return exists, as a reduction
of accounts receivable and are determined based on our historical returns
experience, which is monitored on a monthly and annual basis. We recognize our
subscription based revenue from Measuring Up e-Path(TM) prorata over the life of
the agreement.
Deferred Prepublication Costs
- -----------------------------
Deferred prepublication costs are recorded at their original cost and amortized
over a three or five-year period, based on the estimated lives of the related
publications. The net carrying value of the deferred prepublication costs is
periodically reviewed and compared to an estimate of future sales. At December
31, 2005, we had a valuation allowance against this asset of $100,000. No
allowance existed in 2004. If future revenue is not sufficient to realize the
net carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge will be recognized.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
- -------------------------------
We provide credit to our customers on a customer-by-customer basis. We review
the accounts receivable aging on a monthly basis along with historical loss
experience to estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for
doubtful accounts of $40,000 at both December 31, 2005 and 2004 is believed to
be adequate for any exposure to loss.
Allowance for Excess and Slow-Moving Inventory
- ----------------------------------------------
We continuously monitor our inventory on hand for salability. This monitoring
includes review of historical sales experience, projected sales activity by
title, and any planned changes to a title that are known by us. Any slow-moving
or non-salable inventory identified is reserved or written down at that time.
The reserves of approximately $195,000 and $70,000 at December 31, 2005 and 2004
are believed to be adequate to cover inventory loss exposure.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
REVENUE
Net Revenue increased 9.1% from 2004 to 2005. Test Preparation, Assessment and
Instruction product group revenue increased 9.8% from the prior year and College
Preparation increased 7.9% from the prior year, as reflected in the following
table.
14
2005 2004 Variance % Variance
------------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Net Revenue
- -----------
Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction $ 23,520,000 $ 21,422,000 $ 2,098,000 9.8%
College Preparation 11,934,000 11,065,000 869,000 7.9%
------------- ------------ ----------- ---
Total Net Revenue $ 35,454,000 $ 32,487,000 $ 2,967,000 9.1%
============= ============ =========== ===
Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction
- --------------------------------------------
Revenue for this product line group was $23.5 million in 2005 compared to $21.4
million in 2004, representing a 9.8% increase. This product line grouping
includes Test Preparation and Assessment, Focused Instruction, and Remedial &
Multicultural products.
The increase in revenue from 2004 to 2005 was led primarily by our new
standards-based, state-specific, Focused Instruction products that were
introduced during the fourth quarter of 2004. At December 31, 2004, we had
published eight Focused Instruction titles in one state. At December 31, 2005,
we had ninety-eight products in eight states.
As of December 31, 2005, we had state-specific Test Preparation and Assessment
products published for twelve states compared to eleven at the end of 2004. In
addition, we continue to publish new and revised products within existing
states.
All Test Preparation and Assessment and Focused Instruction products are
proprietary, and management believes this niche will continue to be our fastest
growth area in the future. The Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction
market is highly competitive, and we expect our competitors to pursue similar
development and expansion efforts.
We have shifted our strategic focus away from the Remedial & Multicultural
products. We have no plans at this time to update any backlist titles of these
products and will not seek new title development. Revenue from these products
represented only 1.8% and 2.3% of total revenue in 2005 and 2004, respectively.
College Preparation
- -------------------
We have exclusive sales and marketing agreements with two major college
publishers who do not have school divisions to sell their books into the high
school market. The distribution agreements cover all sales made to the K - 12
market, including each publisher's college products and certain trade and
professional products. We have entered into additional exclusive and
semi-exclusive distribution agreements with several other publishers. We have
also created a publishing program to produce proprietary college preparation
supplements and ancillary materials. The first of these products was published
late in the third quarter of 2004. These products will not compete with any
existing publisher agreements and will be crafted as supplements to help
teachers and students with their college preparation studies.
The loss of either major college publisher agreement would have a material
adverse effect on our revenue and net income. One of the agreements has been in
place for fifteen years and was renewed in January 2006. The expiration date of
the new agreement is December 2007. The other agreement has been in place for
nine years and was renewed in November 2004. The new agreement has an expiration
date of September 2008.
College Preparation product line revenue increased 7.9% to $11.9 million from
$11.1 million in 2004. The increase is a result of our expanded sales and
marketing efforts and the revenue generated from the new distribution agreements
with several publishers. We continue to be optimistic about the opportunities
for growth in the high school College Preparation market.
GROSS PROFIT AND COST OF REVENUE
Gross Profit decreased from $15.2 million in 2004 to $10.7 million in 2005. The
decrease is a direct result of the $3.9 million of product line restructuring
charge. Excluding the one-time restructuring charge we recorded in the fourth
quarter of 2005, Gross Profit would have been $14.6 million or 41.2% of revenue,
in 2005 compared to $15.2 million or 46.7% of revenue in 2004.
15
Cost of Revenue consists of two components, direct costs and amortization of
prepublication costs for proprietary products. In addition in 2005 we incurred a
one-time Product Line Restructuring Charge. During the fourth quarter of 2005,
and after assessing full year revenue results, the Company made a strategic
decision to eliminate certain product offerings, which performed below
management's expectation. This decision led to restructuring charges of $3.9
million, including a $3.6 million write down of deferred prepublication costs
and a $0.3 million write-down of inventory, related to the product offerings
which were discontinued or adjusted to the lower of cost or market.
Direct Costs consist of (1) product cost, which includes paper, printing and
binding for proprietary products and product purchases for distributed products,
(2) author royalties on proprietary products, and (3) warehousing and shipping
costs for all products.
Product cost increased from $11.3 million or 34.7% of revenue in 2004 to $13.0
million or 36.6% of revenue in 2005. The fluctuation in dollars is due to
increased revenue. The fluctuation as a percent of revenue is primarily due to
product mix and new product launches. The product cost of the Focused
Instruction products is higher than that of Test Preparation and Assessment
products. In addition, for new product launches we historically print lower
quantities for those products then we do for established titles, thereby
increasing the product cost in the short-term. Royalty expense decreased from
1.5% to 0.9% of revenue primarily due to revenue mix between royalty based and
non-royalty based products. Warehouse and Delivery expense decreased from 6.7%
of revenue to 6.4% of revenue primarily due to overall cost containment.
Prepublication costs include one-time expenses associated with developing and
producing new or revised proprietary products, which include all editorial
expenses, writing, page design and makeup, art and other permissions, prepress,
and any other costs incurred up to the print/bind stage of the books. These
prepublication costs also include expenses incurred for other forms of product
development, such as expert reviews. Prepublication costs are capitalized and
expensed over a three or five year period beginning on the in-stock date of the
product. We believe our amortization policy is in line with industry practice.
For 2005, we amortized $5.2 million of prepublication costs as compared to $3.3
million in 2004. Prepublication expenditures serve as an important financial
indicator of a company's commitment to new product development. For 2005, our
prepublication expenditures increased 42.5% and was $11.5 million compared to
$8.0 million in 2004.
In December 2005, we made the decision to refocus our development, sales and
marketing efforts into our growing Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction
product group. Over 90% of the budgeted 2006 development expenditures will be
for the creation of new, or the revision of existing products within this
product group. As a result of this decision, we incurred a one-time write-off of
$3.9 million. This expense consisted primarily of Prepublication Cost write-offs
of underperforming products and some products that were in various stages of
development and inventory of $300,000. As a result of this refocusing, we have
decided to exit the Professional Development market niche. Revenues from the
eliminated product lines were not material to our overall revenues.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
2005 2004 Variance % Variance
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
Selling, General and Adminstrative $ 15,229,000 $ 12,785,000 $ 2,444,000 19.1%
Selling, General and Administrative expenses increased by $2.4 million from 2004
to 2005. As a percent of total revenues, these expenses increased from 39.4% to
43.0% of revenue.
The selling and marketing expenditures portion of the total was $10.5 million,
an increase from $1.8 million from 2004. As a percent of revenue it increased
from 26.9% in 2004 to 29.7% in 2005. Marketing expenses represented $627,000 of
the increase and selling expenses represented $1.2 million of the increase. The
increase in marketing expenses is primarily due to additional expenses related
to our planned, broad scale, new product line launches including promotion,
exhibit, book sample, catalog, internet, consulting and travel expense which in
total increased $402,000 in 2005 compared to 2004. In addition, salaries and
16
related expenses including recruitment fees increased $210,000 due to increased
headcount and increases for existing staff. The $1.2 million increase in selling
expense is primarily related to increased salary expenses of $615,000 as a
result of investment in our sales infrastructure from 2004 to 2005 to support
our new product line launches and our increased penetration into states in which
we offer our Test Preparation and Assessment products. Commission expense
increased $179,000 from 2004 to 2005 due to an increase in overall revenue;
however the expense as a percent of revenue decreased from 12.8% to 12.2% due to
restructuring and changes within our sales organization.
The general and administrative expenditures portion of the total was $4.0
million in 2004 and $4.7 million in 2005, representing a $700,000 increase.
Salaries and related expenses increased $126,000. General office, computer
support, telephone, insurance, rent and other administrative costs increased by
$290,000 due to overall growth. In addition, depreciation expense increased
$61,000 as a result of infrastructure expenditures made in 2004 and 2005. Legal
and accounting expenses increased $134,000, which consisted primarily of
expenses relating to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
REVENUE
Net revenue increased 16.8% for 2004 over 2003. The increase was led by a 21.2%
growth in Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction product group revenue, as
reflected in the following table.
2004 2003 Variance % Variance
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
Net Revenue
- -----------
Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction $ 21,422,000 $ 17,681,000 $ 3,741,000 21.2%
College Preparation 11,065,000 10,134,000 931,000 9.2%
------------ ------------ ----------- ----
Total Net Revenue $ 32,487,000 $ 27,815,000 $ 4,672,000 16.8%
============ ============ =========== ====
Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction
- --------------------------------------------
Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction revenue was $21.4 million in 2004
compared to $17.7 million in 2003, representing a 21.2% increase. Test
Preparation and Assessment revenue within this product line grew 26.5% in 2004
compared to 2003. The growth can be primarily attributed to increased market
penetration, the release of new products into existing states, and, to a lesser
extent, the publication of new products into a new state and the release of
Measuring Up e-Path(TM). As of December 31, 2004, we had state-specific products
published for eleven states compared to ten at the end of 2003. The Instruction
products include two revenue sources, referred to as remedial and multicultural.
Both include a mix of proprietary and distributed titles. Our sales and
marketing emphasis is on proprietary products, and we use distributed products
to round out a full catalog of product offerings. Revenue for this product line
decreased 41.3% from 2003 to 2004. The decrease was anticipated as we have
shifted our strategic focus away from these products. We have no plans at this
time to update any Remedial or Multicultural backlist titles, and will not seek
new title development in these two areas. We are, however, continuing to invest
in our new state-specific instructional products that align with state standards
in mathematics, reading, and language arts for grades 2 - 12. We published the
first of these new products early in the fourth quarter of 2004.
College Preparation
- -------------------
College Preparation revenue increased 9.2% to $11.1 million from $10.1 million
in 2003. The increase is a result of our expanded sales and marketing efforts
into the growing private and parochial school markets, and the revenue generated
from the new distribution agreements with several publishers. We continue to be
optimistic about the opportunities for growth in the high school College
Preparation market.
GROSS PROFIT AND COST OF REVENUE
Gross Profit increased from $12.5 million in 2003 to $15.2 million in 2004. The
increase is a result of increased revenue growth and improvement in gross profit
percentage. Gross Profit percentage increased from 45.0% in 2003 to 46.7% in
2004. The increase as a percentage of revenue is primarily due to increased Test
17
Preparation, Assessment and Instruction revenue as a percent of total revenue.
This product line consists almost exclusively of proprietary titles, which have
a significantly higher gross profit than the distributed College Preparation
titles. This increase in gross profit percentage is offset by an increase in
prepublication amortization expense from 8.1% of revenue in 2003 to 10.3% of
revenue in 2004 due to an increase in the number of books published.
Product cost decreased from 37.9% of revenue in 2003 to 34.7% in 2004. The
fluctuation is due to product mix. Revenue for the Test Preparation, Assessment
and Instruction product line increased $3.7 million from 63.4% of revenue in
2003 to 65.9% in 2004. This product line's product cost is significantly lower
than the College Preparation product line.
For 2004, we amortized $3.3 million of prepublication costs as compared to $2.2
million in 2003. Prepublication expenditures serve as an important financial
indicator of a company's commitment to new product development. For 2004, our
prepublication expenditures increased 74.5% and was $8.0 million compared to
$4.6 million in 2003.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
2004 2003 Variance % Variance
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Selling, General and Adminstrative $12,785,000 $10,441,000 $ 2,344,000 22.4%
Selling, General and Administrative expenses increased by $2.3 million from 2003
to 2004. As a percent of total revenues, these expenses increased from 37.5% to
39.4% of revenue.
The selling and marketing expenditures portion of the total was $8.8 million, an
increase from $7.0 million from 2003. As a percent of revenue it increased to
26.9% from 25.6%. The 1.3% point increase is primarily related to an increase in
the commission expense paid to third party sales representatives (1.1%).
The general and administrative expenditures portion of the total was $3.4
million in 2003 and $4.0 million in 2004, representing a $600,000 increase.
Salaries, benefits, and taxes increased $300,000 from 2003 to 2004. The balance
of the increase was related to general office and computer expense and to an
increase in consulting expense related to the new product launches.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash provided by operating activities for 2005 was $5.3 million, compared to
$4.8 million in 2004. Net cash provided by operating activities for 2005 was
primarily provided by depreciation, amortization and product line restructuring
charges, offset by the increase in deferred taxes and our net loss.
Accounts receivable and accounts payable increased as a result of increased
revenues and the costs associated with those revenues. Inventory increased due
to expanded product offerings.
Net cash used in investing activities was $11.9 million in 2005 compared to $8.5
million in 2004. Net cash used in investing activities for 2005 consisted
primarily of expenditures for prepublication costs of $11.5 million in 2005,
which represents an increase of $3.4 million from 2004. In addition, we had
fixed assets purchases of $425,000 in 2005, compared to $387,000 in 2004.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $6.7 million in 2005 compared to
$3.3 million in 2004. Net cash provided by financing activities consisting
primarily of $3.9 million of net borrowings under our line of credit and term
loans, $2.9 million from the proceeds from the sale of common stock, offset by
net payments on long-term debt of $41,000.
In May of 2005, we entered into a new $12 million financing facility, which
consists of a revolving line of credit and a term loan:
- The revolving line of credit provides for advances up to $7,000,000
and expires in May 2010. The interest rate on the revolving line of
credit is in a range from LIBOR plus 1.75% to LIBOR plus 2.25%, with
the exact interest rate based on the ratio of our Total Funded Debt
to EBITDA.
18
At December 31, 2005, approximately $2.0 million was outstanding
under this facility, and $5.0 million was still available for
borrowing.
- The term loan is for $5,000,000 and matures in May 2012. The term
loan provides for payments of interest only for the first twelve
months and for 72 equal monthly payments of principal and interest
thereafter until maturity. The term loan bears interest at the same
rate as the revolving line of credit. We have the option to convert
the term loan to a fixed rate, at prevailing rates, anytime within
the first 12 months of the agreement.
Borrowings under the facility are secured by substantially all Company assets.
The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants, calculated on a
consolidated basis for the Company and our subsidiary, which, among other
things, impose a maximum ratio of senior funded debt to EBITDA, require the
Company to maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio, a minimum annual
EBITDA and a minimum stockholders' equity, and prohibit net losses on a fiscal
year basis. The credit agreement also provides that we may not declare or pay
dividends if an event of default exists or would exist under the credit
agreement after giving effect to the dividend. At December 31, 2005, we were in
violation of certain annual covenants, related to positive annual earnings and
minimum levels of EBITDA and Stockholders Equity, which were subsequently waived
by the lender.
During 2005, we completed a public offering of common stock for the sale of
575,000 shares at $6.30 per share. The proceeds of $3.6 million were offset by
approximately $700,000 in related offering costs, resulting in net proceeds of
$2.9 million. In connection with this offering the underwriter was granted a
warrant to purchase 50,000 of Company common stock at an exercise price of $7.56
per share. Such warrant becomes exercisable in June 2006 and expire in June
2010.
A summary of our contractual cash obligations at December 31, 2005, are as
follows:
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
CONTRACTUAL CASH OBLIGATIONS TOTAL 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
- ------------------------------------------- ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Capital Leases (including interest portion) $ 497,000 $ 303,000 $ 173,000 $ 21,000 $ -- $ --
Operating Leases 2,005,000 580,000 563,000 475,000 387,000 --
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Total $ 2,502,000 $ 883,000 $ 736,000 $ 496,000 $ 387,000 $ --
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= =======
We believe that our cash and borrowing availability under our lines of credit,
together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet our
normal cash needs in 2006. We intend to continue investing in prepublication
costs for our proprietary products to the extent cash flow allows. As we develop
these products for more states, additional working capital investments will be
required.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
2005 was an active product development year for the Company. Expenditures were
$11.5 million, an increase of 42.5% from the prior year. The vast majority of
the expenditures were in the Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction
product line. We entered one new state, with Test Preparation and Assessment
materials and supplemented existing states with revisions of older titles and
additional books. In addition, we rolled out our new Focused Instruction
product, which was originally published in one state, to additional states. In
addition, we also continued our development of our proprietary products within
our College Preparation product line.
The state test preparation market continues to grow, as the states demand higher
academic performance from students. Most states have high-stakes testing
requirements, which means that students, teachers, and administrators are
rewarded for positive test performance or penalized for poor performance. The
support for state standards and testing has been enhanced considerably by the
mandated testing of all grade 3 - 8 students in the ESEA federal legislation.
Presently, we publish Test Preparation and Assessment products for various
grades in twelve states.
We intend to focus our product development in 2006 on our core, state-specific
products. We intend to enter additional states and continue to supplement
existing states with additional products. We also plan to expand our
19
\
offering of Measuring Up e-Path(TM), our first proprietary technology product,
into additional states. Measuring Up e-Path(TM) is an electronic, web-based
assessment and scoring product.
We have implemented our strategy to develop new supplemental instruction
products that align with state standards in mathematics, reading, and language
arts for grades 2 - 12. Late in 2003, an editorial office was opened in Austin,
Texas and their focus will be to develop and publish supplemental products in
more traditional market niches outside test preparation. Essential to this
strategy is the market alignment of the Instruction and Test Preparation and
Assessment products so that both product lines are suitable for sale to an
identical customer base. The first of these products was published late in the
fourth quarter of 2004. We are continuing to actively develop products within
this line.
We have created a publishing program to produce proprietary college preparation
supplements and ancillary materials. The first of these products was published
late in the third quarter of 2004. These products will not compete with any
existing publisher agreements and will be crafted as supplements to help
teachers and students with their college preparation studies. We are continuing
to actively develop products within this line.
The strategic growth plan for the Company calls for an emphasis on the internal
development of products within the Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction
product lines. Under favorable circumstances, we would consider an acquisition
to supplement our growth plan.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
NONE
SEASONALITY
The supplementary school publishing business is seasonal, cycling around the
school year that runs from September through May. Typically, the major marketing
campaigns, including mailings of new catalogs and focused sales efforts, begin
in September when schools reopen. This is the period when sample books are
provided free-of-charge for review to teachers for their purchase consideration.
General marketing efforts, including additional sales and marketing campaigns,
catalog mailings, and complimentary copies, continue throughout the school year.
Teachers and districts generally review and consider books throughout the school
year, make their decisions in the winter and spring, and place their purchase
orders with the district office or other administrative units at that time.
During spring and summer, the district offices process purchase orders and send
them to publishers.
Each of our product lines has its own seasonality. The average revenue
percentage by quarter for 2005 and 2004 is summarized in the table below.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction 19% 26% 29% 25%
College Preparation 6% 28% 58% 9%
Total Revenue 15% 27% 39% 19%
The Company has changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to May 31. This
will more closely align our financial year-end with our revenue cycle and our
customers' purchasing cycle. This change will be effective May 31, 2006.
20
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our primary market risk results from fluctuations in interest rates. We are
exposed to market risk related to interest rates under our financing facility,
which provides for floating rates of interest. Based on average floating rate
borrowing of $9.0 million, a one percent change in the applicable rate would
have caused annual interest expense to change by approximately $90,000. We
believe that these amounts are not material to our operations.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Quarterly Financial Data
The consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, and the
related consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2005 and
2004, together with the related notes thereto and the report of independent
registered public accounting firm appear on pages 22 through 36 hereof.
In thousands except for per share data
2005
-----------------------------------------------------
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 (a) Total
------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Revenue, net $ 4,924 $ 9,493 $ 13,995 $ 7,042 $ 35,454
Gross Profit 2,172 4,038 5,750 (1,284) 10,676
Income (Loss) from Operations (1,404) 164 1,846 (5,159) (4,553)
NET INCOME (LOSS) (884) 38 1,033 (3,343) (3,156)
Basic Net Income (Loss) per Common Share (0.23) 0.01 0.24 (0.78) (0.76)
Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Common Share (0.23) 0.01 0.21 (0.78) (0.76)
2004
-----------------------------------------------------
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Revenue, net $ 5,231 $ 8,644 $ 12,417 $ 6,195 $ 32,487
Gross Profit 2,636 3,989 5,430 3,130 15,185
Income (Loss) from Operations (147) 739 1,940 (132) 2,400
NET INCOME (LOSS) (105) 426 1,170 (81) 1,410
Basic Net Income (Loss) per Common Share (0.03) 0.11 0.31 (0.02) 0.37
Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Common Share (0.03) 0.11 0.30 (0.02) 0.34
(a) The fourth quarter of 2005 includes a $3.9 million restructuring charge
21
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc.
Saddle Brook, New Jersey
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Peoples
Educational Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders'
equity, and cash flows for each year in the three-year period ended December 31,
2005. Our audit also included the financial schedule listed in the index at Item
15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Peoples Educational
Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each year in the three-year- period
ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedule when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements, taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set therein.
/s/ McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP
- ------------------------------
McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 24, 2006
22
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2005 December 31,2004
----------------- ----------------
ASSETS
- ------
Current Assets
- --------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 228,665 $ 134,317
Accounts Receivable Net of Allowances for
Doubtful Accounts and Returns 2,799,224 2,167,814
Inventory, Net of Reserves 3,525,315 1,710,746
Prepaid Expenses and Other 390,601 378,906
Income Taxes Receivable 693,442 101,026
Deferred Income Taxes 684,500 71,000
------------- ------------
Total Current Assets 8,321,747 4,563,809
Equipment - At Cost, Less Accumulated Depreciation
of $1,244,000 in 2005 and $920,000 in 2004 915,983 813,992
------------- ------------
Other Assets
- ------------
Deferred Prepublication Costs, Net 14,316,531 11,666,604
Deferred Income Taxes 561,500 --
Trademarks, Net 102,780 57,486
Deposits and Other 153,616 44,123
------------- ------------
Total Other Assets
15,134,427 11,768,213
------------- ------------
Total Assets $ 24,372,157 $ 17,146,014
- ------------ ============= ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ------------------------------------
Current Liabilities
- -------------------
Current Maturities of Long Term Obligations $ 834,565 $ 274,327
Accounts Payable 7,741,132 3,911,278
Accrued Compensation 328,235 536,130
Other accrued Expenses 271,733 286,301
Deferred Revenue 343,192 178,388
------------- ------------
Total Current Liabilities 9,518,857 5,186,424
Long Term Obligations, less current maturities 6,587,432 3,275,379
Deferred Income Taxes -- 133,000
------------- ------------
Total Liabilities 16,106,289 8,594,803
- ----------------- ------------- ------------
Commitments and Contingencies
- -----------------------------
Stockholders' Equity
- --------------------
Common stock, $0.02 par value; authorized 8,500,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 4,384,198 in 2005 and 3,809,198 in 2004 87,684 76,184
Additional Paid In Capital 7,662,424 4,796,829
Retained Earnings 521,744 3,678,198
Less cost of 1,174 shares of Treasury Stock in 2005 (5,984) -
------------- ------------
Total Stockholders' Equity 8,265,868 8,551,211
- -------------------------- ------------- ------------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 24,372,157 $ 17,146,014
- ------------------------------------------ ============= ============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
23
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2005 2004 2003
------------ ----------- -----------
Revenue, net $ 35,454,105 $32,487,170 $27,814,648
Cost of Revenue
Direct Costs 15,628,445 13,963,631 13,049,452
Prepublication Cost Amortization 5,218,688 3,338,293 2,244,664
Product Line Restructuring Charge (Note 10) 3,930,980 -- --
------------ ----------- -----------
Total 24,778,113 17,301,924 15,294,116
Gross Profit 10,675,992 15,185,246 12,520,532
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 15,228,761 12,785,312 10,441,265
------------ ----------- -----------
Income (Loss) from Operations (4,552,769) 2,399,934 2,079,267
Other Expenses, Net 46,285 21,950 8,285
Interest Expense 411,315 89,572 109,709
------------ ----------- -----------
Net Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (5,010,369) 2,288,412 1,961,273
Federal and State Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (1,853,915) 878,000 743,000
------------ ----------- -----------
Net Income (Loss) $ (3,156,454) $ 1,410,412 $ 1,218,273
============ =========== ===========
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
Basic $ (0.76) $ 0.37 $ 0.35
Diluted $ (0.76) $ 0.34 $ 0.34
Weighted-average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
Basic 4,137,760 3,809,198 3,519,677
Diluted 4,137,760 4,208,617 3,620,662
============ =========== ===========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
24
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Additional
Common Paid-In Retained Treasury Notes
Stock Capital Earnings Stock Receivable Total
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 2002 $ 64,338 $ 2,787,690 $ 1,049,513 $ -- $ (158,150) $ 3,743,391
Interest on Notes Receivable
from issuance of Stock -- 2,821 -- -- (2,821) --
Payment on Notes Receivable -- -- -- -- 160,971 160,971
Exercise of Stock Options 799 56,516 -- -- -- 57,315
Repurchase of Common Stock (224) (38,928) -- -- -- (39,152)
Conversion of Notes Payable and Accrued
Interest into Common Stock 5,715 994,285 -- -- -- 1,000,000
Sale of Common Stock 5,556 994,445 -- -- -- 1,000,001
Net Income -- -- 1,218,273 -- -- 1,218,273
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 2003 76,184 4,796,829 2,267,786 -- -- 7,140,799
Net Income -- -- 1,410,412 -- -- 1,410,412
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 2004 76,184 4,796,829 3,678,198 -- -- 8,551,211
Proceeds from the Sale of 575,000 shares of
Common Stock net of offering cost of $700,000 (Note 7) 11,500 2,865,595 -- -- -- 2,877,095
Purchase of 1,174 shares of Common Stock held in Treasury -- -- -- (5,984) -- (5,984)
Net Loss -- -- (3,156,454) -- -- (3,156,454)
-------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 2005 $ 87,684 $ 7,662,424 $ 521,744 $ (5,984) $ -- $ 8,265,868
======== =========== =========== ======== ========== ===========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
25
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------
2005 2004 2003
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net Income (Loss) $ (3,156,454) $ 1,410,412 $ 1,218,273
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash
Provided by Operating Activities
Depreciation 323,479 263,368 187,273
Amortization of Prepublication Costs and Intangible
Assets 5,221,112 3,338,293 2,244,664
Product Line Restructuring Costs 3,930,980 -- --
Deferred Income Taxes (1,308,000) 139,000 50,000
Changes in Assets and Liabilities
Accounts Receivable (631,410) (407,221) (635,719)
Inventory (2,151,038) (608,905) (117,172)
Prepaid Expense and Other (33,159) (155,540) (90,368)
Advance Royalties 21,464 135,590 133,142
Deposits and Other (109,493) (1,605) 1,867
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 3,607,391 722,938 1,582,341
Deferred Revenue 164,804 178,388 --
Income Taxes Payable or Refundable (592,416) (196,900) 61,909
------------ ------------ ------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 5,287,260 4,817,818 4,636,210
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchases of Equipment (425,470) (386,500) (377,437)
Expenditures for Intangibles (47,718) (21,481) (36,006)
Expenditures for Prepublication Costs (11,463,126) (8,044,312) (4,608,789)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (11,936,314) (8,452,293) (5,022,232)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net Borrowings Under Line of Credit (1,086,323) 3,043,187 (600,000)
Net Proceeds From the Sale of Common Stock 2,877,095 -- 1,000,001
Proceeds From the Exercise of Stock Options -- -- 57,315
Payments Received on Notes Receivable -- -- 160,971
Purchases of Treasury Stock (5,984) -- (39,152)
Proceeds from Term Loan 5,000,000 -- --
Proceeds from Long Term Debt 307,063 512,780 --
Principal Payments on Long Term Debt (348,449) (213,804) (78,954)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 6,743,402 3,342,163 500,181
------------ ------------ ------------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 94,348 (292,312) 114,159
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Beginning of Period 134,317 426,629 312,470
------------ ------------ ------------
End of Period $ 228,665 $ 134,317 $ 426,629
============ ============ ============
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash Payments for:
Interest $ 411,315 $ 89,572 $ 109,709
Income Taxes $ -- $ 935,900 $ 670,869
============ ============ ============
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing
Activities Conversion of Note Payable and Accrued
Interest to Common Stock $ -- $ -- $ 1,000,000
============ ============ ============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
26
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF BUSINESS: Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. (PEH), through its wholly
owned subsidiary, The Peoples Publishing Group, Inc. (PPG), publishes and
markets its own supplementary educational textbooks and materials for K - 12
school market. The materials are predominantly state-specific and
standards-based, focused on state-required tests. PPG publishes its own
proprietary, and distributes for other publishers, college textbooks and
supplements to the high school Advanced Placement market. Marketing channels
include direct and commission sales representatives, telemarketing, direct mail,
and catalogs. PPG and PEH are together referred to herein as the
Company.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of PEH and its wholly owned subsidiary, PPG. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
USE OF ESTIMATES: In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to estimate and
assumptions include the estimated lives of deferred prepublication costs,
allowances for product returns, inventory, and impairment of deferred
prepublication costs. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market
funds. The Company maintains its cash in bank accounts, which, at times, may
exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in
such accounts.
REVENUE RECOGNITION AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: The Company recognizes revenue upon
shipment. The allowances for returns as of December 31, 2005 and, 2004 were
approximately $519,000, and, $433,000, respectively. These allowances are
recorded at the time of revenue recognition, if the right of return exists, and
are recorded as a reduction of accounts receivable. The Company recognizes
shipping and handling revenues as part of revenue, and shipping and handling
expenses as part of cost of revenue on the statements of operations. The Company
recognizes it subscription based revenue on its Measuring Up e-Path(TM) prorata
over the life of the agreement.
The Company provides credit to its customers determined on a
customer-by-customer basis. Trade receivables are carried at original invoice
amount less an estimate made for the doubtful receivables based on a review of
all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance
for doubtful accounts after reviewing individual customer accounts as well as
considering both historical and expected credit loss experience. Trade
receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade
receivables previously written off are recorded when received.
MAJOR SUPPLIERS: For 2005, 2004 and 2003, approximately 30%, 31% and 34% of net
revenue, respectively, were generated from college books and products from two
major college book publishers. The Company has exclusive distribution agreements
with these two publishers. The loss of either of these distribution agreements
would have a material adverse effect on the Company's revenue and net income.
27
INVENTORY: Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, which is
determined using the first-in, first-out method. Inventory consists entirely of
finished goods. Inventory on the consolidated balance sheet is reflected net of
reserves for write-downs or non-salability of approximately $195,000 and $70,000
in 2005 and 2004, respectively.
DEFERRED PREPUBLICATION COSTS: Prepublication costs include one-time expenses
associated with developing and producing new or revised proprietary products,
which include all editorial expenses, writing, page design and makeup, art and
other permissions, prepress, and any other costs incurred up to completion of
the product. These prepublication costs also include expenses incurred for other
forms of product development, such as expert reviews. Prepublication costs are
capitalized and are amortized over a three or five year period (the estimated
minimum lives of the related publication) using the straight-line method
beginning on the in-stock date of the publication.
PREPAID CATALOGS AND MARKETING EXPENSE: The cost of catalogs, which have not
been completed or delivered to customers, are carried as a prepaid expense until
the actual date of completion and mailing. Catalog expense is recognized in the
consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the catalogs are
mailed or distributed. Marketing expense was approximately $1,151,000,
$1,195,000 and $922,000 for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
DEPRECIATION: Equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over the
equipment's estimated useful lives of five to seven years using the
straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of
the useful life of the asset or the remaining life of the lease. Maintenance and
repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and major renewals or improvements
are capitalized. On sale or retirement of property and equipment, the related
costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain
or loss is included in the results of current operations.
ACCOUNTING FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS: Long-lived assets, such as equipment, deferred
prepublication costs, and other assets with finite lives, are evaluated for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying
value of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144,
"Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." This is
accomplished by comparing their carrying value with the estimated future net
undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including
cash flows from disposition. Should the sum of the expected future net cash
flows be less than the carrying value, the Company would recognize an impairment
loss at that date. An impairment loss would be measured by comparing the amount
by which the carrying value exceeds fair value (estimated discounted future cash
flows or appraisal of assets) of the long-lived assets. The Company recognized a
write-down loss on its deferred publication costs in 2005 (see Note 10).
INCOME TAXES: The Company accounts for deferred taxes on an asset and liability
method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary
differences and operating loss or tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax
liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary
differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and their tax basis.
Deferred taxes are based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods
in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation
allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
amounts more likely than not to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax
payable or refundable for the year plus or minus the change during the year in
deferred tax assets and liabilities.
BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE: Basic per share amounts are
computed, generally, by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding. Diluted per share amounts assume the
conversion, exercise, or issuance of all potential common stock instruments (see
Note 8 for information on stock options) unless their effect is anti-dilutive,
thereby reducing the loss per share or increasing the income per share. The
dilutive effect of these additional shares for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003 was to increase the weighted average shares outstanding by 399,419 and
100,985, respectively.
28
Due to the net loss in 2005, diluted shares were the same as basic shares since
the effect of options and warrants would have been anti-dilutive. Options and
warrants totaling 460,960 shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted
shares for the year ended December 31, 2005, as their effect would have been
anti-dilutive.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: The Company grants options to its employees under its
1998 Stock Plan as described in Note 8. As permitted under accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America, these grants are accounted
for following APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and
related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost is recognized for those
grants whose exercise price is less than the fair market value of the stock on
the date of grant. There was no compensation expense recorded for employee
grants for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
The Company has granted warrants to non-employees for services rendered in
conjunction with certain agreements. These grants are accounted for under FASB
Statement 123 based on the grant date fair values.
Had compensation cost for all of the stock-based compensation grants issued been
determined based on the fair values at the grant date consistent with the
provisions of Financial Accountings Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 123,
the Company's net income (loss) and net income (loss) per basic and diluted
common share would have been as indicated below.
Years Ended December 31
2005 2004 2003
------------ ----------- -----------
Net Income (Loss), as reported $ (3,156,454) $ 1,410,412 $ 1,218,273
Deduct total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under the fair value-based
method for all awards (273,123) (261,813) (249,141)
------------ ----------- -----------
Net Income (Loss), proforma $ (3,429,577) $ 1,148,599 $ 969,132
============ =========== ===========
Basic Net Income (Loss) per Common Share, as reported $ (0.76) $ 0.37 $ 0.35
Basic Net Income (Loss) per Common Share, proforma (0.83) 0.30 0.28
Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Common Share, as reported (0.76) 0.34 0.34
Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Common Share, proforma (0.83) 0.27 0.27
The above pro forma effects on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per basic
and diluted common share are not likely to be representative of the effects on
reported net income (loss) or net income (loss) per common share for future
years because options vest over several years and additional awards generally
are made each year.
In December 2004, FASB published Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based
Payment ("FAS 123(R)" or the "Statement"). FAS 123(R) requires that the
compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions, including grants
of employee stock options, be recognized in financial statements. That cost will
be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments
issued. FAS 123(R) covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements
including stock options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share
appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. FAS 123(R) is a
replacement of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,
and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, and its related interpretive guidance. The
Company will be required to apply FAS 123(R) beginning the first quarter of
2006.
The Company has not completed its evaluation of the adoption criteria outlined
in SFAS No.123R. The pro forma compensation costs presented above and in prior
filings for the Company have been calculated using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model and may not be indicative of the actual effect on net income
(loss) when SFAS 123R is adopted as such effect is dependent upon many factors
including the number if stock options granted in the future as well as their
related terms.
29
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: The financial statements include the
following financial instruments and methods and assumptions used in estimating
their fair values: for cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount is fair
value, and for trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, and line-of-credit
and long-term debt, the carrying amounts approximate their fair values due to
either the short-term nature of these instruments or the variable nature of the
interest rate. No separate comparison of fair values versus carrying values is
presented for the aforementioned financial instruments since their fair values
are not significantly different than their balance sheet carrying amounts. In
addition, the aggregate fair values of all financial instruments would not
represent the underlying value of the Company.
NOTE 2. DEFERRED PREPUBLICATION COSTS
Deferred prepublication costs are recorded at their original cost and amortized
over a three or five-year period, based on the estimated lives of the related
publications. The net carrying value of the deferred prepublication costs is
periodically reviewed and compared to an estimate of future revenue. If future
revenue is not sufficient to support the net carrying value of the asset, an
impairment charge will be recognized. At December 31, 2005, we had a $100,000
valuation allowance against this asset. No allowance existed in 2004 or 2003.
The activities in deferred prepublication costs for the years ended December 31,
2005, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:
2005 2004 2003
------------ ------------ -----------
Balances, Beginning $ 11,666,604 $ 6,960,585 $ 4,596,460
Prepublication Cost Additions 11,463,126 8,044,312 4,608,789
Amortization expense (5,218,688) (3,338,293) (2,244,664)
Product Line Restructuring (3,594,511) -- --
------------ ------------ -----------
Balances, Ending $ 14,316,531 $ 11,666,604 $ 6,960,585
============ ============ ===========
The future amortization expense of deferred prepublication costs over the next
five years is estimated to be as follows:
For the year ending December 31
2006 $ 4,531,000
2007 4,179,000
2008 3,082,000
2009 1,764,000
2010 685,000
30
NOTE 3. LINES OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
LINES OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT: In May of 2005, the Company entered into a
new $12 million financing facility, which consists of a revolving line of credit
and a term loan:
- The revolving line of credit provides for advances up to $7,000,000
and expires in May 2010. The interest rate on the revolving line of
credit is in a range from LIBOR plus 1.75% to LIBOR plus 2.25%, with
the exact interest rate based on the ratio of the Company's Total
Funded Debt to EBITDA.(6.33% at December 31, 2005) At December 31,
2005, approximately $2.0 million was outstanding under this
facility, and $5.0 million was still available for borrowing.
- The term loan is for $5,000,000 and provides for payments of
interest only for the first twelve months and for 72 equal monthly
payments of principal and interest thereafter until May 2012. The
term loan bears interest at the same rate as the revolving line of
credit. We have the option to convert the term loan to a fixed rate,
at prevailing rates anytime within the first 12 months of the
agreement.
Borrowings under the facility are secured by substantially all Company assets.
The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants, calculated on a
consolidated basis for the Company and its subsidiary, which, among other
things, impose a maximum ratio of senior funded debt to EBITDA, require the
Company to maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio, a minimum annual
EBITDA and a minimum stockholders' equity, and prohibit net losses on a fiscal
year basis. The credit agreement also provides that the Company may not declare
or pay dividends if an event of default exists or would exist under the credit
agreement after giving effect to the dividend. The Company was in violation of
the covenants requiring the Company to have positive annual earnings, and
minimum levels of EBITDA and Stockholders' Equity. On March 24, 2006, the lender
waived these violations.
Long-term debt at December 31, 2005 and 2004 consisted of the following:
2005 2004
----------- -----------
Obligations under capital leases (Note 6) $ 465,134 $ 506,520
Notes payable under line of credit (see above) 1,956,863 3,043,186
Term Loan 5,000,000 --
----------- -----------
7,421,997 3,549,706
Less current maturities 834,565 274,327
----------- -----------
$ 6,587,432 $ 3,275,379
=========== ===========
Approximate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2005, are as follows:
2005
-----------
Years ending December 31:
2006 $ 835,000
2007 999,000
2008 854,000
2009 833,000
2010 2,790,000
Thereafter 1,111,000
-----------
$ 7,422,000
===========
CONVERTIBLE NOTE PAYABLE TO STOCKHOLDER: In December 2002, the Company borrowed
$1,000,000 under a subordinated convertible note payable to its largest
stockholder. The terms of this note provided for quarterly interest payments at
a rate of 10 percent with principle due December 30, 2004, and conversion into
31
common stock if the Company secured a certain level of debt financing. This
note, plus accrued interest, was converted into 289,785 shares of common stock
at a conversion price of $3.50 per share in February 2003.
NOTE 4. NET REVENUE BY PRODUCT GROUP
The Company operates as one business segment, with two major product groups.
During the fourth quarter of 2005 the Company re-organized its product groupings
from four to two. The Company's revenues, net of returns, by major product
groups for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, are as
follows:
2005 2004 2003
--------------- ------------ ------------
Test Preparation, Assessment and Instruction $ 23,520,252 $ 21,422,118 $ 17,680,386
College Preparation 11,933,853 11,065,052 10,134,262
--------------- ------------ ------------
Total Net Revenue $ 35,454,105 $ 32,487,170 $ 27,814,648
=============== ============ ============
NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31,
2005, 2004 and 2003, consisted of the following:
2005 2004 2003
------------- --------- ---------
Current $ (546,000) $ 739,000 $ 693,000
Deferred (1,308,000) 139,000 50,000
------------- --------- ---------
Total $ (1,854,000) $ 878,000 $ 743,000
============= ========= =========
For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the income tax provision
differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. federal
income tax rate to pretax income (loss), due to the following:
2005 2004 2003
------------ --------- ---------
Computed federal income tax at statutory rate $ (1,754,000) $ 808,000 $ 690,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit (220,000) 72,000 71,000
Income (loss) taxed at lower rate 50,000 (23,000) (20,000)
Other, including nondeductible expenses, net 70,000 21,000 2,000
------------ --------- ---------
$ (1,854,000) $ 878,000 $ 743,000
============= ========= =========
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following at
December 31, 2005 and 2004:
32
2005 2004
----------- ---------
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 15,000 $ 15,000
Allowance for sales returns 200,000 167,000
Allowance for prepublication costs 39,000 --
Inventory 106,000 66,000
Federal and state net operating loss carryforward 112,000 57,000
Deferred Prepublication costs (see Note 10) 1,194,000 --
----------- ---------
1,666,000 305,000
----------- ---------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets (151,000) (190,000)
Allowance for purchase returns (154,000) (129,000)
Prepaid expenses (115,000) (48,000)
----------- ---------
(420,000) (367,000)
----------- ---------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 1,246,000 $ (62,000)
=========== =========
The aforementioned net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are reflected on the
consolidated balance sheets as follows:
December 31
-----------------------------------
2005 2004
----------- ----------
Current assets $ 684,500 $ 71,000
Noncurrent assets 561,500 (133,000)
----------- ---------
Net deferred tax assets $ 1,246,000 $ (62,000)
=========== =========
As of December 31, 2005, the Company had approximately $150,000 of net operating
loss (NOL) carryforwards available to reduce federal taxable income to 2014.
Future utilization of these loss carryforwards is subject to certain limitations
under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, including limitations subject to
Section 382, which relate to a 50 percent change in control over a three-year
period. Such a change did take place in 1998, and the NOL carryforwards were
adjusted accordingly. The Company's ability to utilize the aforementioned NOL
carryforwards is limited to approximately $17,600 per year.
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS
OPERATING LEASES: The Company is leasing its premises under certain operating
leases. The lease of the corporate office was extended in 2004 due to additional
acquired office space and expires in October 2009. The Company also leases
office space in Austin, Texas and Columbus, Ohio. The leases expire in February
2008 and November 2007, respectively. The Company also leases certain office
equipment under operating leases.
Future minimum rental obligations under operating leases are as follows:
Years ending December 31:
2006 $ 580,000
2007 563,000
2008 475,000
2009 387,000
-----------
$ 2,005,000
===========
33
Rent expense under the aforementioned operating leases was $593,000, $392,000
and $264,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
CAPITAL LEASES: The Company also has capital leases for the use of certain
office equipment. Lease terms are generally three to five years. Effective
interest rates on these obligations ranges from seven to twelve percent.
A summary of equipment under capital leases as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 is
as follows:
2005 2004
----------- ---------
Office equipment $ 1,179,917 $ 872,855
Less accumulated depreciation 633,482 374,623
----------- ---------
$ 546,435 $ 498,232
=========== =========
Approximate minimum annual lease payments under capital leases are as follows:
Years ending December 31:
2006 $ 303,000
2007 173,000
2008 21,000
---------
497,000
Less amount representing interest 32,000
---------
Present value of minimum lease payments (included in long-term debt--Note 3) $ 465,000
=========
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS: The Company has employment agreements with certain
executive officers, which provide severance benefits in the event the Company,
without cause, terminates such officers.
NOTE 7. CAPITAL STOCK
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK: The Company has authorized 10,000,000 shares of
capital stock, of which 8,500,000 are designated as common shares and 1,500,000
are designated as preferred shares.
COMMON STOCK OFFERING: During 2005, the Company completed a public offering of
common stock for the sale of 575,000 shares at $6.30 per share. The proceeds of
$3.6 million were offset by approximately $700,000 in related offering costs,
resulting in net proceeds of $2.9 million. In connection with this offering the
underwriter was granted a warrant to purchase 50,000 of Company common stock at
an exercise price of $7.56 per share. Such warrants become exercisable in June
2006, and expire in June 2010.
NOTE 8. STOCK OPTIONS
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company accounts for
employee stock-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. The pro forma fair value of
each option grant as presented in Note 1 to the financial statements is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with
the following assumptions:
2005 2004 2003
------------- ------- -------------
Dividend Yield 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Risk Free Interest Rate 3.7% to 4.3% 4.0% 3.8% to 4.2%
Expected Life of Options 5 to 10 Years 8 Years 8 to 10 Years
Expected Volatility Factor 43% to 55% 55% 55%
34
The 1998 Stock Option Plan (the Plan) permits the granting of incentive stock
options and nonqualified options. A total of 1,000,000 shares of the Company's
common stock have been reserved for issuance pursuant to options granted under
the Plan.
A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
Weighted- Weighted-
Average Average
Grant Exercise
Fair Value Shares Price
----------- -------- ---------
Outstanding at December 31, 2002 $ 1.12 713,564 $ 2.80
Granted 1.22 50,500 3.60
Exercised 0.53 (35,889) 1.20
Outstanding at December 31, 2003 1.16 728,175 2.93
Granted 2.13 89,000 4.34
Outstanding at December 31, 2004 1.27 817,175 3.09
Granted 2.52 75,500 5.47
Forfeited 2.35 (12,500) 3.32
-------
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 $ 2.04 880,175 $ 3.29
=======
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
---------------------------- ----------------------
Weighted Avg Weighted Number Weighted
Number Remaining Average Exercisable Average
Range of Outstanding Contractual Life Exercise at Exercise
Exercise Prices at 12/31/05 Years Price 12/31/05 Price
- ---------------- ----------- ---------------- -------- ----------- --------
$1.20 54,375 1.58 $ 1.20 54,375 $ 1.20
$3.00 578,800 5.27 $ 3.00 495,465 $ 3.00
$3.50 34,500 3.94 $ 3.50 34,500 $ 3.50
$3.60 64,000 6.68 $ 3.60 44,000 $ 3.60
$4.50 73,000 6.58 $ 4.50 12,500 $ 4.50
$5.20 50,000 5.20 $ 5.20 12,500 $ 5.20
$6.00 25,500 6.00 $ 6.00 6,375 $ 6.00
-------------- ------- ---- -------- ------- --------
$1.20 to $6.00 880,175 5.22 $ 3.29 659,715 $ 3.02
============== ======= ==== ======== ======= ========
At December 31, 2005, a total of 72,498 shares were available for grant. At
December 31, 2004 and 2003, 555,825 and 435,099 options were exercisable at a
weighted average exercise price of $2.91 and $2.83, respectively.
In a prior year, two officer/stockholders exercised options to purchase shares
of Company stock. The shares were issued in exchange for $125,000 of nonrecourse
promissory notes receivable bearing interest at 6 percent per annum. The notes,
plus all accrued interest, were due on July 31, 2003, and were collateralized by
the shares acquired. For financial reporting purposes, the notes receivable were
accounted for as a reduction of stockholders' equity. These notes were repaid in
May 2003.
NOTE 9. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Casabonne, one of the Company's directors, is a principal in both Casabonne
Associates and Marketing Works. The Company paid Casabonne Associates
approximately $33,000, $37,000 and $27,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
35
In addition, the Company paid Marketing Works $35,000, $53,000 and $56,000 in
2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
The Company paid Kenneth Miller, spouse of Diane Miller, an officer and director
of the Company, $41,000, $121,000, and $12,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003,
respectively, for consulting services primarily related to the Company's
development of its electronic product offerings.
NOTE 10. PRODUCT LINE RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
During the fourth quarter of 2005, and after assessing revenue results, the
Company made a strategic decision to eliminate or revise certain product
offerings, which performed below management's expectation. This decision led to
restructuring charges of $3.9 million, including a $3.6 million write down of
deferred prepublication costs and a $0.3 million of inventory, related to the
product offerings which were discontinued or adjusted to the lower of cost or
market. Revenues from the eliminated product lines were not material to our
overall revenues.
In connection with the write-down of the deferred prepublication costs, the
Company generated a deferred tax asset of approximately $1.1 million. For income
tax purposes, such costs are recognized over-periods ranging from three to five
years.
NOTE 11. YEAR-END CHANGE
The Company has changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to May 31. This
will more closely align the Company's financial year-end with its revenue cycle
and its customers purchasing cycle. This change will be effective May 31, 2006.
36
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
NONE
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 15d-15
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") as of the end of the
period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed
by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the 1934 Act is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the SEC's rules and forms.
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during
the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005 that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
NONE
37
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following individuals constitute the current directors and executive
officers of the Company:
Director
Name and Age Principal Occupation Since
- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Brian T. Beckwith (50) President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2001
December 2001, Mr. Beckwith has over 25 years of publishing
industry experience, including positions in market research,
consumer marketing, operations, business development, and
general management. Prior to joining the Company, he was a
principal in Beckwith & Associates, a publishing advisory firm
specializing in start-ups, acquisitions, and Internet business
development. From 1998 to 2000, he was President and Chief
Operating Officer of Grolier, Inc., a $450 million publisher and
direct marketer of children's books and other educational
products. From 1991 to 1997, Mr. Beckwith served in various
senior management positions with K-III (Primedia) including
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Interest
Magazine Group. Mr. Beckwith has also held management positions
with Murdoch Magazines, CBS Magazines, and Ziff-Davis
Publishing. He holds a B.A. summa cum laude from New England
College and an M.B.A. from Fordham University's Graduate School
of Business.
John C. Bergstrom (45) Partner in RiverPoint Investments, Inc., a St. Paul, MN-based 1998
business and financial advisory firm since 1995. Mr. Bergstrom
is also a director of Dolan Media Co., Tecmark, Inc., Mall
Marketing Media, LLC, Instrumental, Inc., Linkup, Inc., and
MakeMusic, Inc. (NASDAQ:MMUS). Mr. Bergstrom is also an adjunct
faculty member in Finance at the University of Minnesota. Mr.
Bergstrom is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A., and
the University of Minnesota, M.B.A.
Richard J. Casabonne (60) Founder and President of Casabonne Associates, Inc., an 2002
educational research, strategy and development firm, since
1986. Since 2003, Mr. Casabonne has also served as a principal
at Marketing Works, a full service consulting firm. From October
2003 to May 2004, he served as Chief Executive Officer of TestU,
an instructional assessment company based in New York City.
From July 2001 to April 2002, Mr. Casabonne also served as the
President and a director of the Education and Training Group of
Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc.
Anton J. Christianson (53) Chairman of Cherry Tree Companies, a firm involved in 1998
investment management and investment banking. Mr.
Christianson is a General Partner of School Power LP, an
investor in Peoples Educational Holdings and a Cherry Tree
affiliate. He has been an active investor in private equities
and micro-cap public equities for 25 years. He serves as a
director for several public and private companies including:
38
Director
Name and Age Principal Occupation Since
- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------
AmeriPride Services, Inc., Dolan Media Company, Fair Isaac
Corporation, Capella Education Company, and Titan Machinery,
Inc. Mr. Christianson is a graduate of St. John's University,
Collegeville, MN and earned an M.B.A. from Harvard Business
School.
Michael L. DeMarco (41) Chief Financial Officer of the Company since May 2002, n/a
Vice-President of Finance and Operations of the Company from May
1999 to April 2002. Mr. DeMarco has over 19 years of experience
in finance and accounting. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.
DeMarco was Controller for Health Tech, a health care products
company. He was also a Controller for Omnitech Corporate
Solutions, a computer integration and software development
company. Mr. DeMarco also spent four years as an auditor with
the public accounting firms of Ernst and Young. Mr. DeMarco is
a graduate of Pace University in New York and is a Certified
Public Accountant.
James P. Dolan (56) Since 1993, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and 1999
founder of Dolan Media Company, Minneapolis, a specialized
business information company that publishes daily and weekly
business newspapers in 21 U.S. markets; operates a number of
legal services businesses including Counsel Press, the nation's
largest appellate legal services provider. From 1989 to 1993, he
was Executive Vice President of the Jordan Group, New York City,
an investment bank specializing in media. He previously held
executive positions with News Corporation Ltd. in New York,
Sun-Times Company of Chicago, and Centel Corp., Chicago, and
also was an award-winning reporter and editor at newspapers in
San Antonio, New York, Chicago, Sydney, and London. He serves as
a director of several private companies and is a journalism
graduate of the University of Oklahoma.
Diane M. Miller (53) Co-founder and Executive Vice President of the Company since 1998
1989, and Chief Creative Officer and Executive Vice President
of Peoples Educational Holdings. Her educational publishing
experience encompasses general management, product development,
strategic planning, market research, writing, curriculum
development, editorial, marketing, production, and professional
development. Prior to forming PPG, Ms. Miller was publisher of
Globe Books, a remedial, supplementary education publisher
owned by Simon and Schuster. Prior to joining Globe Books, she
was Senior Editor of Reading for Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Ms. Miller has classroom and research experience, as well, and
is a graduate with honors of Centre College of Kentucky.
39
Director
Name and Age Principal Occupation Since
- -------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------
James J. Peoples (68) Co-founder, Chairman, and Senior Advisor to the Company. 1998
Effective December 2001, Mr. Peoples resigned as CEO and
President of the Company and remains Chairman of the Board. He has
41 years of experience in schoolbook publishing, including
positions in sales, sales management, corporate staff assignments,
and general management. Prior to forming PPG, Mr. Peoples was
President of the Prentice Hall School Group for seven years and
served three years as Group President of the $350 million Simon
and Schuster Educational Group. Mr. Peoples is a graduate of
Oregon State University.
Matti A. Prima (51) Senior Vice President of Business Development since August 1999, and n/a
also responsible for all sales marketing of the state-specific
standards and assessment materials published by PPG. Mr. Prima also
serves as President, Education Development Division. Mr. Prima has
over 20 years of experience in finance, communications, and
publishing. Prior to joining PPG, Mr. Prima was VP Finance with
Siegel Gale, an interactive brand management company, from 1998 to
1999, where he was responsible for all divisional budget decisions,
funding decisions relating to commercial credit, investment banking,
corporate finance, acquisitions, and risk management. Prior to that,
Mr. Prima's work experience included KPMG Peat Marwick, Corporate
Transactions; and Henry Ansbacher as Senior Managing Director. Mr.
Prima is a graduate of Bloomsburg State University and has an M.B.A.
from Pepperdine University.
Board Committees. The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, a
Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee.
The Audit Committee is currently composed of Messrs. Bergstrom, Christianson and
Dolan. The committee meets with our independent registered public accounting
firm and representatives of management to review the internal and external
financial reporting of the Company, considers comments by the auditors regarding
internal controls and accounting procedures and management's response to these
comments, and approves any material non-audit services to be provided by our
independent registered public accounting firm. Our Board of Directors has
determined that Mr. Bergstrom is an audit committee financial expert as defined
in Item 401(e)(2) of Regulation S-B. He is independent pursuant to the
independence standards promulgated by the NASDAQ Stock Market.
The Compensation Committee is currently composed of Messrs. Bergstrom,
Christianson, and Dolan. The Compensation Committee reviews and makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding salaries, compensation,
stock options, and benefits of officers and employees.
The Governance Committee is currently composed of Messrs. Christianson
(Chairman), Bergstrom, Casabonne, and Dolan. The Governance Committee reviews
and makes recommendations to the Board regarding corporate governance polices
and procedures, reviews our Code of Conduct and compliance thereof, identifies
and makes recommendations to the Board regarding candidates for election as
directors, and evaluates the Board of Directors.
Director Compensation. Each non-employee member of the Board of Directors
receives on a quarterly basis $3,000 for being a director plus $500 per for each
committee they are a member of, plus and additional $500 for each committee in
which they are the chairperson. In addition, the Corporate Secretary, receives
an additional $1,000. Non-employee directors are also reimbursed for certain
expenses in connection with attendance at Board and committee meetings. In
addition, each non-employee director will receive annually, a nonqualified
option to purchase 2,000 shares of our common stock at an option price equal to
the fair market value of our common stock on the date that the option is
granted. All such options are exercisable in increments of 25% each over a
40
four-year period during the term of the options, which range from five years to
eight years. In March 2005, all non-employee directors received options to
purchase 2,000 shares each at $6.00 per share upon the terms described above.
SECTION 16 (a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Since August 26, 2004, our directors, our executive officers and any persons
holding more than 10% of outstanding common stock have been required to file
reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning their initial
ownership of common stock and any subsequent changes in that ownership. We
believe that each person satisfied the filing requirements for the last fiscal
year on a timely basis. In making the above disclosure, we have relied on the
written representations of our directors, executive officers and beneficial
owners of more than 10% of common stock and copies of the reports that they have
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table shows, for fiscal years 2005, 2004, and 2003, the cash
compensation paid by the Company, as well as certain other compensation paid or
accrued for those years, to Brian T. Beckwith, our President and Chief Executive
Officer, and to the other executive officers of the Company whose annual salary
and bonus exceeded $100,000 during 2005 (together with Mr. Beckwith, the "Named
Executives"). Compensation to the Named Executives is paid by the Peoples
Educational Holdings Inc.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Publishing Group.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
-------------------- Securities All Other
Name Position Year Salary Bonus (1) Underlying Options Compensation (2)
- ------------------ ------------------------ ---- --------- --------- ---------------------- ----------------
Brian T. Beckwith President and CEO 2005 $ 300,000 $ -- 10,000 $ 264
2004 $ 280,663 $ 122,544 48,000 $ 204
2003 $ 272,115 $ 162,415 -- $ 192
James J. Peoples Chairman 2005 $ 100,000 $ -- -- $ 1,224
2004 $ 111,923 $ 36,763 -- $ 1,191
2003 $ 139,423 $ 64,966 -- $ 1,179
Diane M. Miller Executive 2005 $ 162,100 $ -- 5,000 $ 264
Vice President 2004 $ 154,215 $ 53,897 -- $ 204
2003 $ 152,896 $ 54,530 -- $ 192
Matti A. Prima Senior Vice President of 2005 $ 148,400 $ -- 5,000 $ 264
Business Development 2004 $ 139,884 $ 103,377 -- $ 204
2003 $ 139,128 $ 160,194 -- $ 192
Michael L. DeMarco Chief Financial Officer 2005 $ 146,736 $ -- 5,000 $ 264
2004 $ 138,779 $ 42,814 -- $ 204
2003 $ 137,135 $ 40,898 15,000 $ 192
(1) Represents bonuses earned in the year set forth in the table.
(2) Represents premiums paid by PPG for life insurance.
The following table contains information concerning individual grants of stock
options to each of the Named Executives during the last fiscal year.
41
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
(INDIVIDUAL GRANTS)
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
PERCENT OF TOTAL MARKET AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
OPTIONS OPTIONS GRANTED PRICE STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE ON GRANT EXPIRATION FOR OPTION TERM($)(3)
NAME (#) FISCAL YEAR PRICE ($) DATE ($) DATE 5% 10%
- -------------------------- ------- ---------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------
Brian Beckwith (1)........ 10,000 15.0% $5.20 $5.20 10/03/2010 $14,367 $31,747
Diane Miller (2).......... 5,000 7.0% $5.20 $5.20 10/03/2010 $ 7,183 $15,873
Matti Prima (2)........... 5,000 7.0% $5.20 $5.20 10/03/2010 $ 7,183 $15,873
Michael DeMarco (2)....... 5,000 7.0% $5.20 $5.20 10/03/2010 $ 7,183 $15,873
(1) Becomes exercisable with respect to 2,500 shares on each of October 3,
2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
(2) Becomes exercisable with respect to 1,250 shares on each of October 3,
2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
(3) Potential realizable value is based on an assumption that the market price
of the underlying security appreciates at the annual rate shown
(compounded annually) from the date of grant until the end of the option
term. These numbers are calculated based on the requirements promulgated
by the SEC and do not reflect our estimate of future stock price growth.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Named Executives
concerning exercised and unexercised options held as of December 31, 2005.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
Number of Unexercised
Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised
Shares Unexercised Options In-The-Money Options
Acquired Value At Fiscal Year End At Fiscal Year End $ (1)
Name on Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------------------ ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Brian T. Beckwith -- $ -- 169,165 138,835 $ 375,121 $ 223,879
Diane M. Miller -- $ -- 76,250 3,750 $ 168,813 $ 187
Matti A. Prima -- $ -- 101,250 3,750 $ 225,000 $ --
Michael L. DeMarco -- $ -- 64,500 7,500 $ 130,625 $ 6,375
(1). The values in the table have been calculated assuming a per share price of
$5.25 which reflects the closing price of our stock at December 31, 2005.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In July 2004, we amended the employment agreement with Brian T. Beckwith, our
President and Chief Executive Officer, originally entered into in 2001. The
amended agreement terminates in December 2008 and will continue thereafter from
year to year unless terminated by either party by 180 days' prior notice before
the end of each contract year. The agreement contains non-competition and
non-solicitation covenants which continue in effect for a period ending one year
after Mr. Beckwith ceases to be employed. If Mr. Beckwith is terminated by the
Company without cause, or if Mr. Beckwith resigns for good reason, Mr. Beckwith
is entitled to 18 months of severance. If we provide Mr. Beckwith notice of
non-renewal, Mr. Beckwith is entitled to 12 months of severance. The agreement
also provides for, under certain circumstances, our repurchase right and Mr.
Beckwith's put right to the Company with respect to Company stock owned by Mr.
Beckwith following termination of his employment which he has acquired upon
exercise of stock options and held for at least one year.
We entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Peoples, Chairman of the
Board of Directors in June 2003, with a term of 5 years. The agreement contains
non-competition and non-solicitation covenants which continue in effect for a
period ending one year after Mr. Peoples ceases to be employed. If Mr. Peoples
42
is terminated without cause or if Mr. Peoples resigns for good reason, we shall
pay Mr. Peoples his salary, benefits, and incentive compensation through July
31, 2008.
In November 2004, we amended and restated the employment agreement with Diane M.
Miller, originally entered into in 1990. The agreement has an initial term of
three years and will continue thereafter for successive one-year periods unless
terminated by either party at least 180 days prior to the end of the contract
year. The agreement contains non-competition and non-solicitation covenants
which continue in effect for a period ending one year after Ms. Miller ceases to
be employed. If Ms. Miller is terminated without cause or if Ms. Miller resigns
for good reason, Ms. Miller is entitled to 12 months of severance. We have a
right of first refusal with respect to any share transfers of Company stock by
Ms. Miller to a competitor.
In October 2005, we amended the employment agreement with Michael L. DeMarco,
our Chief Financial Officer, originally entered into in 2002. The amended
agreement terminates in May 2008 and will continue thereafter from year to year
unless terminated by either party by 180 days' prior notice before the end of
each contract year. The agreement contains non-competition and non-solicitation
covenants which continue in effect for a period ending one year after Mr.
DeMarco ceases to be employed by the Company. If Mr. DeMarco is terminated
without cause or resigns for good reason, Mr. DeMarco is entitled to the lesser
of 12 months or the remainder of his contract as severance.
In July 2004, we entered into an eighteen-month employment agreement with Matti
A. Prima, our Senior Vice President - Business Development. After the expiration
of the initial term, the agreement will continue thereafter for successive
one-year periods unless terminated by either party at least 90 days prior to the
end of the contract year. Pursuant to these provisions, the term of the
agreement has been extended to December 2006. The agreement contains
non-competition and non-solicitation covenants which continue in effect for a
period ending one year after Mr. Prima ceases to be employed. If Mr. Prima is
terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, Mr. Prima is entitled to
100% of his salary for the lesser of 12 months or the remainder of his contract
as severance.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth information provided to the Company as to the
beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of March 7, 2006 by (i) the only
stockholders known to the Company to hold 5% or more of such stock, and (ii)
each of the directors, the Named Executives set forth in the table on the next
page, and directors and officers as a group.
COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY
BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED TOTAL (%)
- ---------------- ------------ ---------
Anton J. Christianson (1) (2) 1,866,703 41.9%
NAP & CO - c/o Delaware State Pension Fund 603,151 13.6%
James J. Peoples (1) 571,581 12.9%
Dolphin Offshore Partners, Inc. 361,887 8.2%
Diane M. Miller (1) 327,266 7.2%
Brian T. Beckwith (1) 202,498 4.4%
Matti A. Prima (1) 104,107 2.3%
Michael L. DeMarco (1) 64,500 1.4%
John C. Bergstrom (1) 55,316 1.2%
James P. Dolan (1) 47,500 1.1%
Richard Casabonne (1) 26,000 *
Directors and Officers as a group (9 persons) (1) (2) 3,265,471 65.5%
* Less than 1%
43
(1) Includes shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding stock options
exercisable within 60 days as follows: Mr. Beckwith, 202,498 shares; Mr.
Bergstrom, 15,000 shares; Mr. Casabonne, 26,000 shares; Mr. Christianson,
15,000 shares; Mr. DeMarco, 64,500 shares; Mr. Dolan, 47,500 shares; Ms.
Miller, 76,250 shares; Mr. Prima, 101,250 shares; and directors and
officers as a group, 547,998 shares.
(2) Includes ownership of 1,813,363 shares owned by School Power Limited
Partnership, and 38,340 shares owned by Cherry Tree Core Growth Fund of
which Mr. Christianson is Managing General Partner.
44
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN TABLE
The following table sets forth aggregate information regarding the Company's
equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2005.
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
REMAINING AVAILABLE FOR
NUMBER OF SECURITIES TO FUTURE ISSUANCE UNDER
BE ISSUED UPON WEIGHTED-AVERAGE EQUITY COMPENSATION
EXERCISE OF EXERCISE PRICE OF PLANS (EXCLUDING
OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, SECURITIES REFLECTED IN
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS WARRANTS AND RIGHTS COLUMN (a))
PLAN CATEGORY (a) (b) (c)
- ----------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders 842,675 $ 3.30 72,498
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders 37,500 $ 3.00 --
------- ------
Total 880,175 $ 3.29 72,498
======= ======
With respect to the equity compensation plan not approved by shareholders, Mr.
Prima received a non-qualified stock option to purchase 37,500 shares of our
Common Stock in 1999 upon his joining the Company outside of our 1998 Stock
Option Plan. The exercise price of this option is $3.00 per share and it has a
10-year term.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Casabonne, one of our directors is a principal in both Casabonne Associates
and Marketing Works. We paid Casabonne Associates approximately $33,000, $37,000
and $27,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively for consulting services. In
addition, we paid Marketing Works $35,000, $53,000 and $56,000 in 2005, 2004 and
2003 respectively for consulting services.
We paid Kenneth Miller, spouse of Diane Miller, an officer and director of the
Company, $41,000, $121,000, and $12,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively for
consulting services primarily related to our development of our electronic
product offerings.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
During the period covering the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004,
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and its related entity RSM McGladrey, Inc. performed the
following professional services:
DESCRIPTION 2005 2004
--------- ---------
Audit Fees (1) $108,000 $ 64,500
Audit-Related Fees (2) 79,000 4,900
Tax Fees (3) 12,000 14,500
All Other Fees -- --
(1) Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered in
connection with the audit of our year end consolidated financial
statements, quarterly reviews of consolidated financial statement included
45
in our quarterly reports, services rendered relative to regulatory
filings, and attendance at Audit Committee meetings.
(2) Audit-related fees are fees for a registration statement filing and
related stock offering and for technical research related to accounting
treatment for various matters.
(3) Tax services consist of compliance fees for the preparation of income tax
returns, tax research and various state tax matters.
Our Audit Committee's practice is to pre-approve annually all audit and tax
services and fees, and on a case-by-case basis all other permitted services to
be provided by our independent certified public accountants. The Audit Committee
reviews each service provided and assesses the impact of the service on the
independence of the auditor.
PRE-APPROVAL POLICY
All services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm are
pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
46
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
(1) Financial Statements. See Item 8 above.
(2) Financial Statements Schedules:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(3) Exhibits. The following exhibits are included with this Annual
Report on Form 10-K (or incorporated by reference) as required by
Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 2001).
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
to the Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31,
2001).
10.1 Registrant's 1998 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the year ending December
31, 1998).
10.2 Employment Agreement between The Peoples Publishing Group, Inc. and
James J. Peoples, dated June 30, 2003 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
June 30, 2003).
10.3 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between The Peoples
Publishing Group, Inc. and Diane M. Miller dated July 1, 2001
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Form
10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2001), as amended by
Amendment to Employment Agreement dated November 19, 2004
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form
8-K dated November 22, 2004).
10.4 Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company
and Matti A. Prima dated July 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
June 30, 2004).
10.5 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and
Michael L. DeMarco dated May 17, 2002 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
June 30, 2002).
10.6 Employment Agreement between the Company and Brian T. Beckwith dated
December 18, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the
Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2001), as
amended by Amendment to Employment Agreement dated July 30, 2004
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form
10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).
14 Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the
Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003).
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant: The Peoples Publishing Group, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation.
47
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
31.1* Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1* Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2* Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* Filed herewith.
48
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PEOPLES EDUCATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.
Date: March 31, 2006
/s/ Brian T. Beckwith
--------------------------------------------
Brian T. Beckwith, Chief Executive Officer
and President (principal executive officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on March 31, 2006.
/s/ Brian T. Beckwith
--------------------------------------------
Brian T. Beckwith, Chief Executive Officer,
President and Director
/s/ Michael L. DeMarco
--------------------------------------------
Michael L. DeMarco, Chief Financial Officer
/s/ James J. Peoples
--------------------------------------------
James J. Peoples, Chairman
/s/ Diane M. Miller
--------------------------------------------
Diane M. Miller, Director
/s/ John C. Bergstrom
--------------------------------------------
John C. Bergstrom, Director
/s/ Richard J. Casabonne
--------------------------------------------
Richard J. Casabonne, Director
/s/ Anton J. Christianson
--------------------------------------------
Anton J. Christianson, Director
/s/ James P. Dolan
--------------------------------------------
James P. Dolan, Director
49
Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiary
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Additions
-----------------------
Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at
Beginning Costs and Other End of
Description of Period Expenses Accounts Deductions Period
- --------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
Accounts receivable allowances:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 51,000 $ -- $ -- $ 11,000 40,000
Allowance for sales returns 488,923 719,847 613,687 595,083
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 539,923 $ 719,847 $ -- $ 624,687 $ 635,083
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Inventory Allowance:
Allowance for Obsolete Inventory $ 117,000 $ 437,814 $ -- $ 367,814 $ 187,000
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
Accounts receivable allowances:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 40,000 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 40,000
Allowance for sales returns 595,083 540,281 -- 701,925 433,439
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 635,083 $ 540,281 $ -- $ 701,925 $ 473,439
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Inventory Allowance:
Allowance for Obsolete Inventory $ 187,000 $ -- $ -- $ 117,000 $ 70,000
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
Accounts receivable allowances:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 40,000 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 40,000
Allowance for sales returns 433,439 507,212 -- 421,693 518,958
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 473,439 $ 507,212 $ -- $ 421,693 $ 558,958
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Inventory Allowance:
Allowance for Obsolete Inventory $ 70,000 $ 150,000 $ -- $ 24,838 $ 195,162
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Prepublication Cost Allowance:
Allowance for prepublication costs $ -- $ 100,000 $ -- $ -- $ 100,000
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
50