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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 29, 2004
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___________________ TO _____________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-14669
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 06-1165854
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
06902
(ZIP CODE)
(203) 358-8000
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
NOT APPLICABLE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE ("COMMON STOCK")
(TITLE OF CLASS)
SERIES I $6.00 CONVERTIBLE, VOTING, CUMULATIVE 11% PREFERRED STOCK,
$.01 PAR VALUE ("SERIES I PREFERRED STOCK")
(TITLE OF CLASS)
Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark 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 registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
As of June 30, 2003, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock outstanding
and held by nonaffiliates (without admitting that any person whose shares are
not included in such calculation is an affiliate) was approximately $3.9 million
and the aggregate market value of the Series I Preferred Stock outstanding and
held by nonaffiliates (without admitting that any person whose shares are not
included in such calculation is an affiliate) was approximately $7.4 million. In
each case, the market value of outstanding securities was based on the closing
price of such securities as reported by the NASDAQ SmallCap Stock Market.
As of March 29, 2004, 17,111,354 shares of Common Stock, 1,096,622 shares of
Series I Preferred Stock and 10,984,971 shares of Series J Preferred Stock were
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The Exhibit index is located on page 49 of this filing.
Part III incorporates certain information by reference to registrant's Proxy
Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
FORM 10-K CROSS REFERENCE INDEX
PART I
Item 1. Business 1
Item 2. Properties 7
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 8
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 8
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters 8
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 10
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations 12
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 48
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 48
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 48
Item 11. Executive Compensation 48
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters 48
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 48
Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services 49
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 49
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
COMPANY OVERVIEW
The Aristotle Corporation ("Aristotle") and its subsidiaries (together with
Aristotle, the "Company"), founded in 1986, and headquartered in Stamford, CT,
is a leading manufacturer and global distributor of educational, health, medical
technology and agricultural products. A selection of over 80,000 items is
offered, primarily through catalogs carrying the brand of Nasco (founded in
1941), as well as those bearing the brands of Simulaids, Triarco, Summit
Learning, Hubbard Scientific, Scott Resources, Spectrum Educational Supplies,
Haan Crafts and To-Sew. Products include educational materials and supplies for
substantially all K-12 curricula, molded plastics, biological materials and
items for the agricultural, senior care and food industries. In addition, the
Company offers simulation kits and manikins used for training in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation and the fire and emergency rescue and patient care fields. The
Company markets proprietary product lines throughout all of its catalogs that
provide exclusive distribution rights. The proprietary product lines are
developed internally through the Company's research and development efforts and
acquired externally through licensing rights from third parties.
Prior to June 17, 2002, Aristotle was a holding company which, through its
subsidiaries, Simulaids, Inc. ("Simulaids") and Safe Passage International, Inc.
("Safe Passage"), conducted business in two segments, the medical education and
training products market and the computer-based training market. On June 17,
2002, Aristotle merged (the "Merger") with Nasco International, Inc. ("Nasco"),
an indirect subsidiary of Geneve Corporation ("Geneve"), a privately-held
diversified financial services company. Pursuant to the Merger, the separate
corporate existence of Nasco ceased and Aristotle was the surviving entity.
Immediately following the Merger, Aristotle's business was comprised of the
operations of the Nasco group of companies, Simulaids and Safe Passage. Due to
the relative sizes of the parties and conditions to the Merger, the transaction
was accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the purchase method of
accounting under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America ("GAAP"). Accordingly, for accounting and reporting purposes, Nasco
is deemed to be the acquiring company, and financial information reported for
periods prior to the Merger is that of Nasco. In applying purchase accounting to
the Merger, the assets and liabilities of Aristotle were adjusted to their fair
market values at June 17, 2002. This included recognition of a significant
deferred tax asset of approximately $30.7 million, which was principally
attributable to Aristotle's Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards. As a
result of such recognition, Aristotle's pre-merger goodwill and long-term assets
of $8.3 million were reduced to zero and negative goodwill of $20.2 million was
recognized as an extraordinary gain at the Merger date.
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
On May 31, 2003, Aristotle purchased 100% of the outstanding capital stock
of Haan Crafts Corporation ("Haan"). Haan is a manufacturer and catalog
distributor of sewing kits used in middle school and junior high school family
and consumer science classrooms. The acquisition has complemented the Company's
current product lines in the educational segment. The aggregate purchase price,
net of cash acquired, was $5.3 million, including $3.5 million of cash and $1.8
million in seller financing. The seller financing was paid in full during the
fourth quarter of 2003.
On May 31, 2003, Aristotle acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership
interests in NHI, LLC ("NHI") from Nasco Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), a
subsidiary of Geneve. This transaction was consummated in satisfaction of a
contractual obligation entered into in connection with the Merger. The sole
purpose of NHI is the ownership and management of a 300,000 square foot
warehouse facility and 40,000 square foot office facility, which had been leased
to Aristotle. In connection with the purchase of NHI, Aristotle paid to Holdings
an amount equal to the book value of NHI, which includes a $3.6 million mortgage
related to the properties held by NHI.
On December 31, 2002, Aristotle sold its 80% ownership interest in Safe
Passage in exchange for certain contingent payments. It is unlikely that
contingent payments, if any, which are payable through 2008 and based upon the
financial performance of Safe Passage, will be material to the financial
statements.
In March 2001, Nasco completed the stock acquisition for $5.3 million in
cash of that portion of American Educational Products, Inc. ("AMEP"), a
manufacturer and distributor of math and science products, which it did not
already own. In April 2001, Nasco acquired 100% of the stock ownership of
Spectrum Educational Supplies, Ltd. ("Spectrum"), a Canadian provider of
educational products, for $5.2 million in cash.
1
DESCRIPTION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company operates in two business segments: educational and commercial.
The contribution of each business segment to net sales and gross profit, and the
identifiable assets attributable to each business segment are set forth in Note
17 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of
this Form 10K.
Educational Segment
The Company's educational segment consists primarily of the sale of
supplemental educational supplies and equipment to school districts, individual
schools, teachers and curriculum specialists, who purchase products for school
and classroom use.
In addition to its business in the school supply market, the Company,
through its Nasco Life/Form'r' and Simulaids product lines, sells medical
technology training products including manikins and simulation kits used for
training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the emergency rescue and patient
care fields. The Company's primary customers for its health care training
products are fire and emergency medical departments, and nursing and medical
schools.
Commercial Segment
The Company markets products to farmers and ranchers to assist in animal
livestock production and products.
In addition, the Company provides sterile sampling bags and containers
worldwide under the Whirl-Pak'r' trademark. The product line is primarily sold
in the food industry, including water treatment facilities. The product lines
provide a stable vehicle for the containment and transporting of food and water
samples to laboratories without threat of sample contamination.
In the senior care industry, the Company offers a broad product selection
of activities used by nursing home and senior care facilities to support therapy
programs.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Educational Segment
According to the U.S. Department of Education, $770 billion was spent
nationwide on education at all levels for the 2002-2003 school year. As the
market is affected by prevailing political and social trends, the attitude of
the government towards education determines, to some extent, total expenditures
on education. In 2002, President Bush signed into law the "No Child Left Behind
Act of 2001," designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of
America's schools. States and local school districts are now receiving more
federal funding, approximately $23.7 billion, than ever before for all programs
under the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001." This represents an increase of
59.8% from 2000 to 2003. State governments are the major source of funding for
the educational segment. State governments have been affected by the weak U.S.
economy of recent years, resulting in significant state budget deficits in
fiscal years 2003-2004. According to the National Conference of State
Legislatures, states reported a $25.7 billion budget deficit in February 2003
with projections of more than $35.0 billion in budget deficits for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2005. Management believes these shortfalls in state budgets
will be reduced in the near future as the U.S. economy continues to improve,
eventually resulting in increased expenditures on education. Although very few
companies or industries are recession-proof, management believes that the
Company's educational segment is essentially recession-resistant.
Factors that contribute to the expansion of the education sector include:
o increases in school enrollment, which according to the U.S. Department
of Education, is projected to grow by 4% to 56.4 million by the year
2013,
o consistent growth in the supplemental education market, and
o a national political and social climate that promotes increasing
federal and state education funding.
The traditional school model of lectures, workbooks, written assignments
and text memorization has been criticized for failing to engage students, as
opposed to methods that emphasize active learning techniques. The prevailing
inclination among educators to use manipulatives, models, or other hands-on
tools places the Company within a particularly favorable segment of the already
well-positioned education industry.
2
According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are approximately
16,000 school districts, 118,500 elementary and secondary schools, 3.6 million
teachers and 54.3 million students in the United States. The Company believes
that American school systems have shown a clear trend toward decentralization,
which enables school teachers and administrators at the school to make many of
the key decisions regarding instruction methods and school purchases.
Administrators for both school districts and individual schools usually make the
decision to purchase the general school supplies needed to operate the school.
Teachers and curriculum specialists generally decide on curriculum-specific
products for use in their classrooms and individual disciplines. In prior years,
larger government agencies usually made these decisions for entire school
districts or states. Under the new structure, teachers and curriculum
specialists have the ability to choose the curricular materials that the
teachers need to teach effectively. Site-based management is forcing the
industry to rethink its sales and marketing strategies in order to address the
added challenge and added cost of delivering goods and services to an
increasingly decentralized marketplace. In terms of purchasing methods, direct
mail ordering by catalog, as well as the internet, is on the rise among
administrators in charge of budgets as purchasing mechanisms.
The industry is also highly fragmented with a substantial number of direct
marketers of supplemental educational supplies, many of which are family- or
employee-owned businesses that operate in a single geographic region. The
Company believes the increasing demand for single-source suppliers, prompt order
fulfillment and competitive pricing, along with the related need for suppliers
to invest in automated inventory and electronic ordering systems, are fostering
consolidation within the industry. Increased purchasing at the school and
classroom levels, which increases individual schools' and teachers' roles in
educational supply procurement decisions, is also driving this trend. The
Company's selection of products and vendors allows it to offer an extensive
selection of products for each product line. The Company believes that by having
available to school teachers and administrators all of the items they need in
one place, the inclination to search other sources is reduced. This "one
stop shopping" approach is the Company's hallmark.
Moreover, the Company seeks to be competitive with its catalog prices
rather than offering large discounts to single customers. With many products,
two or more choices are offered in order to give customers a lower price point
with a product that will meet their budget yet perform to required standards.
In the Canadian educational market, the provincial government is
responsible for the funding, curriculum and other standards of elementary and
secondary educational programs. During 2003, the Canadian economy was adversely
affected by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ("SARS"), a case of
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy ("Mad Cow Disease" or "BSE"), and a provincial
power outage, resulting in budget deficits and decreased educational spending.
Management believes these shortfalls in provincial budgets will be reduced as
the Canadian economy improves, eventually resulting in increased expenditures on
education. In addition, the Canadian economy is impacted by the overall
conditions of the U.S. economy.
The health and medical education teaching aids industry is highly
competitive. The Company competes for customers with numerous manufacturers of
well-known brands of teaching products. The principal competitive factors in the
health and medical education teaching aids market are quality, price and design
of products, engineering and customer service. Although some of the Company's
competitors have greater financial and other resources, and are, therefore, able
to expend more resources than the Company in areas such as marketing and
business development, the Company believes that it is aggressively marketing its
products and competing in an effective and competitive manner.
Commercial Segment
The United States Department of Agriculture indicates there were 2.16
million farms in the U.S. in 2002. The Company not only markets to various
groups within this total but its catalog is also directed to the "hobby farmer"
as well. One of the largest groups marketed to is the "Dairy Farmer". As the
number of farms declines, which is a national trend, the remaining farms are
becoming larger. With its extensive farm catalog offering, the Company is well
positioned to supply the market with the types of small hand tools and equipment
needed.
Commercial distribution of sterile sampling bags and containers experienced
growth in recent years as food and water quality standards gained emphasis in
global markets. Product lines in this segment are key tools in measuring and
enforcing government standards at water treatment facilities, and have gained a
role in meat and other food-related industries. International sales growth for
these product lines is driven by a developing consciousness of water quality
standards in third-world countries. Domestically, the food industry is
challenged with additional testing requirements for meat, poultry and fruit
products in reaction to biosecurity risks. These increasing government
regulations and growing product liability exposures should continue expansion in
the amount and frequency of product sampling.
3
In the senior care market, federal government funding in recent years has
been cut significantly, which has limited the sales growth to the nursing home
industry. In the Fall of 2003, two new funding increases by the federal
government occurred, a one-time $10 billion boost to the states in Medicaid
funding, which will run through October 2004, and a 3.26% increase in the
Medicare payment rate to nursing homes. These two funding increases are expected
to strengthen the senior care market in mid-2004.
GROWTH STRATEGY
Key members of the Company's management team develop and execute multiple
action plans in an effort to continue its steady growth in revenues and
earnings. These action plans are continuously monitored by senior management to
assess the progress in achieving the planned goals. The principal action plans
are as follows:
o Continue strategic evaluation and execution of complementary
acquisitions in existing market segments.
o Consistently dedicate resources to the discovery of new product lines
to meet the ever-changing needs of customers, including closely
observing the evolution in classroom curricula and continuously
updating product selection to meet these changing needs.
o Commit resources to the internal development of new products with
features that meet changing customer demands, as proprietary items
carry the added benefits of higher profit margins and exclusive
availability. Research and development staffs maintain a constant flow
of proprietary items to the catalog offerings.
o Exploit the revenue and earnings potential of its recent acquisitions,
including:
o continued expansion into the Canadian educational markets through
Spectrum by supplementing existing Canadian catalogs with Nasco
product lines; and
o energizing the research and development efforts of recently
acquired businesses to develop and market competitive proprietary
products.
o Through senior management evaluation of the relative profitability of
catalog performance and operational efficiencies, pursue options for
consolidation of overhead costs. Particularly with acquisitions of new
businesses, all appropriate opportunities to consolidate overhead and
service support functions will be pursued to maximize earnings
benefits.
o With minimal investment of capital and manpower, penetrate
international markets outside of North America in the health care and
agricultural product lines.
o Expand the promotional efforts of the e-commerce website to encourage
customer awareness and use of the website.
PRODUCT LINES
The Company markets the following product lines through its various
catalogs and websites, including www.eNASCO.com, www.summitlearning.com,
www.to-sew.com, www.etriarco.com, www.hubbardscientific.com, www.spectrumed.com,
www.haan.com and www.simulaids.com:
Educational Offerings
o Arts and Crafts - Complete offering of supplies to nurture the
creative artistic spirit of all ages and skill levels. A source for
the specialty art teacher as well as anyone interested in this
discipline. Target - grades kindergarten to twelve, camps and
recreation centers.
o Science - Complete catalog of equipment and supplies for general
science, biology, chemistry, physical science, earth science and
technology education. Also, offers live and preserved specimens as
well as alternatives to dissection. Target - science teachers in
grades three to twelve and specimens for the college instructor.
o Math - Provide teaching aids for the primary grades through
pre-algebra and geometry. Includes manipulatives, calculators, games,
overhead math items, software and other math products. Target - grades
kindergarten to twelve.
4
o Health Care - Features the proprietary Nasco Life/Form'r' and
Simulaids product lines, anatomical replicas and medical procedure
simulators to aid in the training of the medical profession. Includes
videos, software, games, charts and replicas. Also includes hands-on
teaching aids developed to make learning about health fun and
interesting for kindergarten through twelfth grade students. Target -
nursing and medical schools, emergency training professionals and
health teachers.
o Family and Consumer Sciences - A broad listing of products, including
products to teach life skills, cooking, sewing and teaching resources
for the entire family and consumer science teaching profession. Also
features teaching aids for dieticians in hospitals, schools and
diabetes education. Target - family and consumer science teachers,
dieticians and nutrition instructors.
o Learning Fun - Features a selection of teaching materials, learning
toys and games that were developed to make learning fun. A carefully
chosen selection of items for the early childhood market. Target -
grades pre-kindergarten to three.
o Physical Education - Over 3,000 items specifically for physical
education professionals. Target - physical education teachers in
grades kindergarten to twelve.
Commercial Offerings
o Farm and Ranch - Includes products for identification, showing,
grooming, breed promotion, artificial insemination, animal
health, crops and soils and equine supplies. Also features
instructional teaching aids for agricultural education. Target -
farmers and ranchers.
o Activity Therapy - Products developed to assist the activity therapist
in providing the best activity programs in the nursing home and
assisted living industries. Includes products for sensory, memory and
musical activities plus games and arts and crafts. Target - activity
therapists in nursing homes and assisted living homes.
o Assisted Living - Resources beneficial to conduct an outstanding
activity program in an assisted living home, including products for
all levels of residents. Target - activity therapists in assisted
living homes.
o Whirl-Pak Sampling Products - Features sterile Whirl-Pak'r' sampling
bags, the industry leader in sampling containers for over 35 years.
This laboratory product is sold in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Target - food and microbiology laboratories throughout the world.
SALES AND MARKETING
The Company offers a wide variety of products, both proprietary products
and products manufactured by others, primarily through catalogs distributed to
customers throughout the United States and internationally. The Company also
sells products through distributors. Additionally, many of the Company's
products are available for sale on its websites. After a sector is identified,
research is conducted by sales and marketing personnel to identify needed
products. The Company often hires consultants or sales directors from the niche
served. The Company's catalog teams continually search for new, improved and
unique products. Catalog teams pursue sales growth goals through efforts to
present more than 5,300 catalog pages with broad selections of popular and new
products at competitive catalog prices, and with choices of similar types of
products with different price points, qualities, or features. If the Company is
unable to find products to meet a specified demand, it has the option of
attempting to manufacture the product in its own plants or contract
manufacturing under a private label.
The Company attempts to time the distribution of catalogs to meet the peak
buying periods and mails the catalogs to the individuals whom the Company
believes make the buying decision. The Company's experience indicates that the
actual user of the materials usually makes the buying decision, except for those
items that are a part of school bid requests. The Company's mailing concentrates
on putting the catalog in the hands of these decision makers. All catalogs are
annually reviewed for revision. The Company's bid request goal is also
competitively priced. The Company issues most major catalogs annually to over
three million potential customers. The Company relies mainly on its 60 catalogs
as its "sales staff," which relieves the need for expensive sales calls on
customers.
5
In recent years, the Company has expanded its efforts in international
markets outside of North America, primarily in the health care and agricultural
product lines. While these international sales still only represent less than 8%
of 2003 total net sales, the acceptance of product lines by international
markets has been a significant growth contributor for these particular product
lines.
Orders are received via mail, phone, facsimile, or internet. The Company
aims to exceed customer expectations based on customers' directions. The
Company's business is transacted by open order and purchase orders. The Company
ships many orders the same day received and most orders are shipped within three
days. Sale terms are typically net 30 days.
The Company is not dependent upon a single customer, or a few customers,
the loss of one or more of which would have a material adverse effect on the
Company or either of its business segments.
PURCHASING
Although the educational products market has historically been extremely
stable, it is inherently seasonal. There are wide variations in sales from
season to season and as a result, accounts receivable, inventories and accounts
payable also vary. The summer months are the most active as educational
institutions restock their supplemental materials for the upcoming school year.
Substantial portions of the products distributed by the Company are
purchased from manufacturers and distributors worldwide. The purchasing group is
in contact with over 5,000 vendors to insure awareness of new products, timely
delivery and competitive pricing. With its broad range of vendors, including
alternative product sources, the Company does not maintain contractual
fulfillment agreements for purchase quantity commitments. To broaden its product
mix to meet specific customer needs, the Company operates manufacturing
facilities that produce proprietary items. Sales of proprietary products
generally result in a higher profit margin and enable the Company to sell such
products at wholesale in the U.S. and foreign markets where the Company often
develops distribution relationships. The Company has historically been able to
obtain sufficient quantities of the raw materials necessary for the manufacture
of proprietary products.
Vendors often review catalog pages and make suggestions for the following
year's offering. Alternate vendors are reviewed on a continuous basis.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Company has a number of trademarks and trade names that it applies to
various product lines such as Nasco Life/Form'r' and Whirl-Pak'r'. Except for
the "Nasco" trademark, the various trademarks and trade names are not considered
material or vital to on-going business operations. To protect the unique product
lines developed under the Nasco name, the Company has applied for and received
patents for four product lines, two in the U.S. and two in Canada. The Company
also has applied for two additional U.S. patents. None of these issued or
pending patents are considered vital or material to on-going business
operations.
COMPETITION
Although there are several large general school suppliers and wholesale and
retail stores which compete with the Company, the Company believes that it
offers more specialty items in more disciplines in the educational, health and
agricultural markets than any competitor. Although the Company faces competition
with regard to each of its catalogs from businesses that specialize in limited
numbers of curriculum subjects, few, if any, of the Company's competitors have
as broad a range of products that serve as many market areas.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Company's main computer system, housed in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, is
an IBM AS 400 computer. The Company's business is highly computerized, with
almost all functions including sales, order processing, purchasing, quotes,
phone orders, billing, receivables, payables and warehousing running on this
system. The system is routinely upgraded. In recent years, increased capacity
has been added to handle the Company's needs. To facilitate and continuously
improve the software system, a staff of programmers responds to suggestions from
all departments and management.
CATALOG PREPARATION
Catalog preparation is primarily handled in Fort Atkinson. A staff of
graphic artists and editors works with Macintosh desktop publishing systems to
complete all production work in-house, with the exception of printing.
6
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 2003, the Company had approximately 750 full time
employees. In addition, the Company engages approximately 180 temporary
employees to accommodate the peak business season during the late spring and
summer months. All employees at all locations are employed at-will and none are
represented by a labor union.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases approximately 1,000 square feet of executive office
space in Stamford, Connecticut from Geneve, the Company's majority stockholder.
The Company's primary distribution center is located in Fort Atkinson,
Wisconsin. The 220,000 square foot owned distribution center is the headquarters
for all Nasco marketing efforts. A graphics arts center houses the creative
staff and equipment for the maintenance of the catalog pages. The Company also
leases space for plastics and biological production to support the catalog
product lines. The Company owns approximately 300,000 square feet of adjacent
warehouse space and 40,000 square feet of adjacent office space. The Company
currently occupies 200,000 square feet of the warehouse space, and leases the
office space and remaining warehouse space to a third party under lease
agreements expiring on various dates in the next two years. These facilities
afford the Company the necessary expansion capacity for the foreseeable future.
In 2003, the Company became the owner of these facilities as a result of the
acquisition of 100% of the outstanding interest in NHI from Holdings. For more
information regarding this and other acquisitions of the Company, please refer
to the Acquisitions and Divestitures section above.
To service the western United States, the Company owns and operates a
68,000 square foot distribution center in Modesto, California. This distribution
center services all Nasco catalogs for customers in the 12 western states.
The Company operates its Triarco arts and crafts catalog operation, along
with three other independent catalogs, from a 4,000 square foot leased office
facility in Plymouth, Minnesota. The distribution center in Fort Atkinson,
Wisconsin services the Triarco catalogs.
The Company also maintains an educational materials catalog distribution
center in Fort Collins, Colorado from an 18,000 square foot owned facility. From
this location and a 37,500 square foot leased facility in Chippewa Falls,
Wisconsin, the Company's AMEP business unit services math and science teachers
and distributors worldwide. Light manufacturing operations are situated at both
of these locations, producing mainly proprietary items.
An 83,000 square foot owned facility, purchased on February 28, 2003,
located near Toronto, Canada, currently operates as a distribution center of
math, science and technology teaching aids and materials sold by Spectrum via
catalog mailings to schools throughout Canada. The Company believes that its
operations in Canada will continue to expand and that it will eventually utilize
all of the space at this new facility.
The Company owns two buildings comprising 72,800 square feet of office and
manufacturing space in Woodstock, New York. The Company also leases 8,000 square
feet of nearby warehouse space. The Company produces manikins and simulation
kits used for training in the health care field at this location for its
Simulaids operations.
During 2003, the Company leased, under a capital lease, a 43,000 square
foot light manufacturing and distribution facility in Otterbein, Indiana. The
capital lease was extinguished in the first quarter of 2004 for $1.1 million,
with the Company becoming the owner of this facility. The Company produces
sewing kits used in middle school and junior high school family and consumer
science classrooms at this location for its Haan operations.
The locations in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Modesto, California, Plymouth,
Minnesota and near Toronto, Canada service both of the Company's business
segments. The locations in Fort Collins, Colorado, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin,
Woodstock, New York and Otterbein, Indiana service the Company's educational
segment.
7
The Company's owned properties in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Modesto,
California and Fort Collins, Colorado are each subject to a mortgage in favor of
the Company's principal lender, Bank One, NA, as additional security pursuant to
a Revolving Credit Facility entered into by the Company on October 15, 2003. For
more information regarding this Revolving Credit Facility, please refer to Note
8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of
this Form 10K.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders
during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2003.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market under
the symbol "ARTL." The table below sets forth the high and low sale prices per
share of Common Stock during the fiscal quarters indicated.
MARKET PRICE $
--------------
HIGH LOW
------ -----
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002:
March 31 9.360 7.000
June 30 10.100 3.000*
September 30 4.590 2.900
December 31 5.380 3.300
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003:
March 31 4.760 3.630
June 30 4.200 3.190
September 30 5.500 3.320
December 31 5.750 4.030
* On June 17, 2002, the Company issued, as a stock dividend, one share of
Series I Preferred Stock, valued at $6.00 per share, on each share of the
Company's Common Stock outstanding on June 10, 2002. Following this stock
dividend, separate trading markets existed for the Company's Common Stock and
Series I Preferred Stock.
Since the issuance of the Company's Series I Preferred Stock on June 17,
2002, the Company's Series I Preferred Stock has traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap
Market under the symbol "ARTLP." The table below sets forth the high and low
sale prices per share of Series I Preferred Stock during the fiscal quarters
indicated.
MARKET PRICE $
--------------
HIGH LOW
----- -----
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002:
March 31 -- --
June 30 9.000 6.100
September 30 7.750 6.040
December 31 7.900 6.900
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003:
March 31 7.850 5.100
June 30 8.000 6.300
September 30 8.500 7.010
December 31 8.420 7.000
The Series J $6.00 non-convertible, non-voting cumulative 12% preferred
stock, par value $.01 per share ("Series J Preferred Stock") is privately-held
and no trading market exists for such shares.
8
HOLDERS OF RECORD
As of March 25, 2004, there were approximately 2,154 holders of record of
the Company's Common Stock and approximately 2,034 holders of record of the
Company's Series I Preferred Stock.
DIVIDENDS
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock since its
inception and does not intend to pay any cash dividends on its Common Stock in
the foreseeable future.
Dividends on the Company's Series I Preferred Stock and Series J Preferred
Stock are payable on March 31 and September 30, if and when declared by the
Company's Board of Directors. In 2003 and 2002, the Company paid the following
dividends per share on its outstanding shares of Series I Preferred Stock and
Series J Preferred Stock:
SERIES I SERIES J
-------- --------
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002:
September 30 (1) .19 .21
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003:
March 31 .33 .36
September 30 .33 .36
(1) The dividends paid by the Company on September 30, 2002 represented the
pro-rata dividend from June 17, 2002, the date of issuance of the Series I
Preferred Stock and the Series J Preferred Stock, through September 30, 2002.
On March 1, 2004, the Company announced that it had declared a cash
dividend of $.33 and $.36 per share, respectively, on its outstanding shares of
Series I Preferred Stock and Series J Preferred Stock. Such dividends are
payable on March 31, 2004, to holders of record on March 15, 2004.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
On June 17, 2002, in connection with the Merger, the Company issued shares
of its Series J Preferred Stock to Holdings. In addition, following the Series I
Preferred Stock dividend paid on the Company's Common Stock, on the Merger date,
Geneve exchanged its shares of Series I Preferred Stock for an identical number
of shares of Series J Preferred Stock. The shares of Series J Preferred Stock
were issued in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act") as a private placement
of securities under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. No underwriter was
involved in the issuance of the Series J Preferred Stock or the exchange of the
Series I Preferred Stock for the Series J Preferred Stock.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table summarizes the Company's Equity Compensation Plans as
of December 31, 2003:
(A) Number Of Securities (B) Weighted Average (C) Number Of Securities Remaining
To Be Issued Upon Exercise Exercise Price Of Available For Future Issuance Under
Of Outstanding Options, Outstanding Options, Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding
Plan Category Warrants And Rights Warrants And Rights Securities Reflected In Column (A))
- ------------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------- ------------------------------------
Equity Compensation Plans
Approved by Security Holders
1997 Plan 68,000(1) $5.58 --
2002 Plan 855,167(2) 2.99 606,066
Equity Compensation Plans Not
Approved by Security Holders -- -- --
------- ----- -------
923,167 $3.31 606,066
======= ===== =======
9
(1) Includes 34,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and 34,000 shares
of the Company's Series I Preferred Stock to be issued upon the exercise of
outstanding options granted pursuant to the Company's 1997 Employee and Director
Stock Plan ("1997 Plan"). Options granted under the 1997 Plan are exercisable
for one share of Common Stock and one share of Series I Preferred Stock. The
Company does not currently intend to grant any additional options under the 1997
Plan.
(2) Options granted under the 2002 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock
Plan are exercisable for one share of the Company's Common Stock.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Due to the relative sizes of the parties and conditions to the Merger, the
transaction was accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the purchase method
of accounting under accounting rules generally accepted in the United States of
America. As a result, for accounting and reporting purposes, Nasco is deemed to
be the acquiring company, and the selected consolidated financial data set forth
below for periods prior to June 17, 2002 (the date of the Merger) represents the
historical information for Nasco. For periods following the Merger, the
financial data set forth below represents the results for the Company as a
consolidated entity. For more information regarding acquisitions and
divestitures made by the Company during the years 1999-2003, please refer to the
Acquisitions and Divestitures section above. The selected consolidated financial
data presented below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company, together with the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this report.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (1)
(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Consolidated Statements of Earnings Data:
Net sales $163.2 $165.9 $162.0 $143.8 $124.8
Cost of sales 101.9 107.0 105.5 93.8 81.2
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Gross profit 61.3 58.9 56.5 50.0 43.6
Selling and administrative 38.2 39.0 36.6 31.7 26.6
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
23.1 19.9 19.9 18.3 17.0
Other selling and administrative
Severance costs-management -- .4 -- -- --
Special charges: AMEP -- -- .6 .8 --
Goodwill amortization -- -- .5 .3 --
Stock option compensation .5 .3 -- -- --
Management fees/administrative charges .8 .9 1.6 1.5 1.4
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings from operations 21.8 18.3 17.2 15.7 15.6
Other expense (income) 1.5 1.6 2.7 2.5 .6
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings before income taxes, minority
interest and extraordinary gain 20.3 16.7 14.5 13.2 15.0
Income taxes:
Current 1.6 3.2 5.7 5.3 5.8
Deferred 6.7 3.4 .1 (.1) --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
8.3 6.6 5.8 5.2 5.8
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings before minority interest and
extraordinary gain 12.0 10.1 8.7 8.0 9.2
Minority interest -- -- .1 .2 --
Extraordinary gain -- 20.2 -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net earnings 12.0 30.3 8.8 8.2 9.2
Preferred dividends 8.6 4.6 -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders $ 3.4 $ 25.7 $ 8.8 $ 8.2 $ 9.2
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Basic earnings per common share:
Earnings before extraordinary gain,
applicable to common shareholders $ .20 $ .34 $ .59 $ .54 $ .61
Extraordinary gain -- 1.26 -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders $ .20 $ 1.60 $ .59 $ .54 $ .61
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Diluted earnings per common share:
Earnings before extraordinary gain,
applicable to common shareholders $ .20 $ .33 $ .59 $ .54 $ .61
Extraordinary gain -- 1.25 -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders $ .20 $ 1.58 $ .59 $ .54 $ .61
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
10
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
------ ------ ----- ----- -----
Weighted average shares:
Basic 17.0 16.1 15.0 15.0 15.0
Diluted 17.2 16.2 15.0 15.0 15.0
EBITDA (2) $ 23.6 $ 20.0 $19.4 $17.6 $16.6
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Working capital $ 46.8 $ 44.9 $32.5 $20.3 $20.9
Total assets $105.1 $105.1 $67.4 $56.2 $39.6
Long-term debt $ 31.3 $ 27.6 $36.0 $23.4 $ 4.8
Stockholders' equity $ 59.8 $ 55.7 $13.9 $ 6.8 $23.7
(1) The consolidated financial data include the operating results of the
following acquired and divested businesses:
o AMEP for 2003, 2002, 2001 and the period from March 1, 2000 to
December 31, 2000;
o Spectrum for 2003, 2002 and the period from April 1, 2001 to December
31, 2001;
o Simulaids for 2003 and the period from June 17, 2002 (the date of the
Merger) to December 31, 2002;
o Safe Passage for the period from the date of the Merger to December
31, 2002; and
o Haan and NHI for the period from June 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003.
(2) "EBITDA," which may be considered a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined
as earnings before interest and other income (including minority interest and
extraordinary gain), income taxes, depreciation and amortization. A non-GAAP
financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's historical or future
financial performance, financial position or cash flows that either excludes or
includes amounts that are normally excluded or included in a comparable measure
calculated and presented under GAAP. EBITDA is not presented as an alternative
measure of operating results (such as earnings from operations or net earnings)
or cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, but is
presented because the Company's management believes it is a widely accepted
indicator of our ability to incur and service debt. EBITDA does not give effect
to cash used for debt service requirements and thus does not reflect funds
available for dividends, reinvestment or other discretionary uses. In addition,
EBITDA as presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
reported by other companies. The following table provides a reconciliation of
earnings from operations to EBITDA for the years ended December 31:
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Earnings from operations $21.8 $18.3 $17.2 $15.7 $15.6
Add: depreciation and amortization 1.8 1.7 2.2 1.9 1.0
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
EBITDA $23.6 $20.0 $19.4 $17.6 $16.6
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
11
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The Company is a leading manufacturer and global distributor of
educational, health, medical technology and agricultural products, primarily
offered through catalogs. The state budget deficits and weak U.S. economy had a
significant adverse impact on the educational and commercial segments during
2003.
The following is a summary of key events for 2003:
o acquisitions of Haan and NHI in May 2003;
o gross profit increased 4.1% to $61.3 million despite a 1.6%
decrease in net sales;
o 19.3% and 18.8% increase in earnings from operations and earnings
before minority interest and extraordinary gain, respectively;
o $4.6 million increase in cash retained in the Company as a result
of the increased utilization of Federal net operating tax loss
carryforwards;
o execution of a new, five-year $45.0 million revolving credit
agreement; and
o payment of $8.6 million of dividends on the Company's Series I
Preferred Stock and Series J Preferred Stock.
Over the previous four years, the Company has experienced compound annual
growth rates on net sales, gross profit and earnings before minority interest
and extraordinary gain of 6.9%, 8.9% and 6.9%, respectively, primarily due to
acquisitions, the Merger and improved purchasing efforts and cost controls.
A key strength of the Company's business is its ability to consistently
generate cash. The Board of Directors and management use cash generated as a
measure of our performance. The Company uses the cash generated in operations to
strengthen the balance sheet, including reducing liabilities such as pensions
and debt, and for paying dividends on its preferred stock. The Company's
management believes that looking at the ability to generate cash provides
investors with additional insight into the Company's performance.
The following table sets forth selected financial data for the fiscal years
ended December 31:
% of Balance % of Balance % of
Net Sales % Net Sales % Net Sales
2003 Change 2002 Change 2001
--------- ------- --------- ------- ---------
Net sales 100.0% (1.6)% 100.0% 2.5% 100.0%
Cost of sales 62.4 (4.8) 64.5 1.5 65.1
----- ----- -----
Gross profit 37.6 4.1 35.5 4.3 34.9
Selling and administrative expense 24.2 (2.7) 24.5 5.1 23.9
Special charges: AMEP -- -- -- (100.0) .4
----- ----- -----
Earnings from operations 13.4 19.3 11.0 6.1 10.6
Other expense (income):
Interest expense .9 (15.7) 1.1 (42.5) 2.0
Interest income -- (59.7) -- (73.9) (.2)
Other, net -- (155.0) (.1) (31.9) (.1)
----- ----- -----
.9 (4.3) 1.0 (39.7) 1.7
----- ----- -----
Earnings before income taxes, minority
interest and extraordinary gain 12.5 21.6 10.0 14.7 8.9
Income taxes:
Current 1.0 (52.1) 2.0 (43.4) 3.5
Deferred 4.1 101.2 2.0 2,364.7 .1
----- ----- -----
5.1 25.8 4.0 12.5 3.6
----- ----- -----
Earnings before minority interest and
extraordinary gain 7.4% 18.8 6.0% 16.1 5.3%
===== ===== =====
12
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations reviews and compares the results of operations of the Company (after
giving effect to the Merger), on a consolidated basis, for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. This discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations has been derived from, and should
be read in conjunction with, the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - FISCAL YEAR 2003 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2002
Net Sales
In 2003, net sales decreased 1.6% to $163.2 million from $165.9 million in
2002. The decline in net sales reflects the influence of state budget deficits
incurred in fiscal years 2002 and 2003. Net sales for 2003 are positively
impacted by the inclusion of net sales from Simulaids and Haan. Simulaids and
Haan contributed an aggregate of $11.6 million in net sales in 2003, compared to
$4.7 million in 2002. Excluding the net sales from Simulaids and Haan, net sales
decreased 5.7% from 2002. Net sales in the educational segment, totaling $138.7
million, increased less than 1.0% in 2003 from $138.1 million in 2002. Excluding
the net sales from Simulaids and Haan, educational net sales decreased 6.1% from
2002. The commercial segment recorded net sales of $29.9 million in 2003 versus
$30.4 million for 2002. The lack of growth in the commercial segment is
primarily due to the downward trend in sales of agricultural products and the
overall instability of general national and international economic conditions.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for 2003 increased 4.1% to $61.3 million from $58.9 million in
2002 despite the 1.6% decrease in net sales. In 2003, the gross profit margin
increased to 37.6% from 35.5% in 2002. The increase in the gross profit margin
is primarily due to: (i) the continued focus on improvements in purchasing
efforts to reduce merchandise costs; (ii) the inclusion of Simulaids in
operations for the entire twelve months of 2003 compared to six and one-half
months in 2002, which made an incremental contribution to gross margin of $3.1
million; (iii) the inclusion of Haan in operations for the seven months ended
December 31, 2003 compared to none in 2002, which made an incremental
contribution to gross margin of $1.2 million; and (iv) a non-recurring, non-cash
purchase accounting adjustment of $.9 million recorded in the third quarter of
2002. In connection with the Merger and in accordance with the purchase method
of accounting under GAAP, certain inventories were valued at fair value on the
Merger date, which was $.9 million greater than their historical cost. This
purchase accounting adjustment was expensed in cost of sales in the Consolidated
Statements of Earnings during the third quarter of 2002 as the associated
inventories were sold. Excluding the gross profit realized from Simulaids and
Haan and 2002 expenses related to purchase accounting, the gross profit margin
would be 36.3% in 2003, compared to the gross profit margin of 35.4% in 2002.
The educational segment yielded a gross profit margin of 38.7% in 2003,
improving on the 2002 gross profit margin of 38.4%. Excluding the incremental
Simulaids and Haan gross profit and 2002 expenses related to purchase
accounting, the educational gross profit margin was 37.8% in 2003 compared to
38.6% in 2002. The commercial gross profit margin of 36.4% for 2003 remained
consistent with 2002.
In 2003, the overall inflationary impact on costs of materials was less
than 1%. Due to the limited increase in the cost of merchandise, aggregate price
increases to customers were less than 3%.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses for 2003 decreased 2.7% to $39.5
million from $40.6 million in 2002. As a percent of net sales, selling and
administrative expenses decreased slightly to 24.2% in 2003 from 24.5% in 2002.
Expenses included in this total include advertising and catalog costs, warehouse
and shipping activities, customer service and general administrative functions.
Selling and administrative expenses for 2003 were positively impacted by the
following: (i) implementation of cost control measures and labor efficiencies;
(ii) reduction in advertising and catalog costs, excluding the impact of
Simulaids and Haan, of $.7 million from 2002; (iii) elimination of $.7 million
in expenses of Safe Passage as a result of the sale of the business in 2002; and
(iv) $.4 million in expenses in 2002 related to severance payments due in
connection with management changes. The decrease in advertising and catalog
costs is attributed to technological efficiencies in catalog production through
prior year capital expenditures in state of the art graphic design equipment
programs.
13
Selling and administrative expenses for 2003 were negatively impacted by
the following: (i) inclusion of $1.4 million in expenses of Simulaids in
operations for 2003 as compared to $1.1 million in 2002 (from the Merger date to
December 31, 2002); (ii) inclusion of $.4 million in expenses of Haan in
operations for 2003 (the period from June 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003) as
compared to none for 2002; (iii) a significant increase in group health care
costs to $3.1 million in 2003; and (iv) an increase of $.2 million in non-cash
stock compensation expense related to grants of stock options to certain
employees and directors.
During 2003, the Company incurred and paid expenses of $.8 million to
Geneve for certain administrative services. Prior to the Merger, the Company
paid a management fee to Holdings. Under the terms of the management agreement,
Holdings provided to the Company specified legal, tax and other corporate
services. In 2002, through the Merger date, the management fee paid to Holdings
was $.9 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased 15.7% to $1.5 million in 2003, compared to $1.8
million in 2002. The decrease in interest expense is due to the decline in the
weighted average interest rate on the Company's debt to 3.6% in 2003 from 4.1%
in 2002 and reductions in borrowings under the Company's primary credit
facility, net of the following events:
o Mortgage of $1.8 million entered into by the Company on March 12,
2003, related to the purchase of an office and warehouse facility for
the Company's Spectrum operations.
o Mortgage and note payable of $3.6 million and $.5 million,
respectively, acquired by the Company on May 31, 2003, related to the
acquisition of NHI.
o Note payable, seller financing and capital lease of $2.5 million, $1.8
million and $1.2 million, respectively, entered into by the Company on
May 31, 2003, related to the acquisition and operations of Haan. The
note payable and seller financing were paid in full during the fourth
quarter of 2003. The capital lease was extinguished in the first
quarter of 2004.
The Company's credit agreements assessed interest at a weighted average
rate of 3.6% and 3.3% at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Income Tax Provision
Aristotle and its qualifying domestic subsidiaries are included in the
Federal income tax return and certain State income tax returns of Geneve. The
provision for income taxes for the Company is determined on a separate return
basis in accordance with the terms of a tax sharing agreement with Geneve, and
payments for current Federal and certain State income taxes are made to Geneve.
The income tax provision for 2003 was $8.3 million compared to a provision
amounting to $6.6 million in 2002. These tax provisions reflect effective tax
rates of 40.9% and 39.6% for 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in the
effective tax rate from 2002 to 2003 is primarily due to revisions made by
management to other deferred tax assets, net of the decrease in the valuation
allowance. The difference between the Federal statutory income tax rate of 35%
and the effective income tax rate results principally from Foreign and State
income taxes and changes in the valuation allowance. Approximately $8.1 million
of the income tax provision for 2003 relates to the utilization of the Company's
Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards compared to approximately $3.5
million in 2002. Although the reported earnings for 2003 and 2002 are shown
after-tax, approximately $8.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of cash
from operations was retained in the Company as a result of the utilization of
these Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards. Except for Federal
Alternative Minimum Tax obligations arising from limitations on the utilization
of Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards in 2003 and future years, the
Company anticipates that the utilization of the available Federal net operating
tax loss carryforwards to offset future Federal taxable income will result in
the Company not having to use its cash resources to pay Federal income taxes for
approximately the next three years.
At December 31, 2003, the balance sheet contains a net deferred tax asset
of $23.3 million, net of a valuation allowance of $11.0 million. Substantially
all of the net deferred tax asset relates to Federal net operating tax loss
carryforwards, which were recognized in applying purchase accounting to the
Merger. The valuation allowance has been established to reflect the estimate of
Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards that will expire unused. During
2003, the valuation allowance decreased $1.3 million.
14
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - FISCAL YEAR 2002 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2001
Net Sales
Net sales increased 2.5% to $165.9 million in 2002 from $162.0 million in
2001. The growth in net sales is positively impacted by the acquisition of
Spectrum in April 2001, and the inclusion of net sales of Simulaids and Safe
Passage from the Merger date. Spectrum contributed $8.9 million in net sales in
2002, compared to $5.4 million in 2001 (from April 1, 2001 to December 31,
2001). Simulaids and Safe Passage contributed $4.7 million from the Merger date
to December 31, 2002, compared to none in the fiscal year 2001. Excluding the
net sales from Spectrum, Simulaids and Safe Passage, net sales decreased 2.7%
from 2001. Net sales in the educational segment, totaling $138.1 million,
increased 1.6% in 2002 from $136.0 million in 2001. Excluding the net sales from
Spectrum and Simulaids, educational net sales decreased $6.4 million, or 4.9%.
The commercial segment recorded net sales of $30.4 million in 2002, increasing
2.9% versus the prior year. Commercial sales in 2002, excluding net sales from
Spectrum and Safe Passage, decreased by $.2 million to $29.2 million. The lack
of growth in net sales reflects the downturn in the U.S. economy as well as
budgetary uncertainty in the U.S. education sector.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased 4.3% to $58.9 million in 2002 from $56.5 million in
2001. Gross profit margin increased to 35.5% in 2002 from 34.9% in 2001. In
connection with the Merger and in accordance with the purchase method of
accounting under GAAP, certain inventories were valued at fair value on the
Merger date, which was $.9 million greater than their historical cost. This
purchase accounting adjustment was expensed in cost of sales in the Consolidated
Statements of Earnings during the third quarter of 2002 as the associated
inventories were sold. Spectrum produced $3.5 million in gross profit in 2002,
compared to $2.2 million in 2001. Simulaids and Safe Passage, subsequent to the
Merger, generated $2.8 million in incremental gross profit in 2002. Excluding
the gross profit realized from Spectrum, Simulaids and Safe Passage, the gross
profit margin would be 35.2% in 2002, compared to the 2001 gross profit margin
of 34.7%. The educational segment yielded a gross profit margin of 38.4% in
2002, improving on the 2001 gross profit margin of 36.5%. Excluding the
incremental Spectrum and Simulaids gross profit and 2002 expenses related to
purchase accounting, educational gross profit margin increased in 2002 to 38.7%
compared to 36.4% in 2001. The increase in educational gross profit margin is
caused by improved purchasing efforts to reduce merchandise costs. Large
customer tenders through quote sales, which generally carry lower margins than
those resulting from standard catalog pricing, had minimal impact on the change
in educational gross profit margin from 2001 to 2002. The commercial gross
profit margin, excluding the Spectrum and Safe Passage business, was 36.8% in
2002, remaining consistent with the 2001 gross profit margin of 36.7%.
In 2002, the overall inflationary impact on costs of materials was less
than 1%. Due to the limited increase in the cost of merchandise, aggregate price
increases to customers were less than 3%.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased 5.1% in 2002, compared to
2001, to $40.6 million. Excluding Spectrum, Simulaids and Safe Passage, selling
and administrative expenses decreased by $.2 million, or .7%. Total advertising
and catalog costs, primarily catalog production and delivery costs, decreased
$.2 or 2.4% in 2002 compared to 2001. This decrease is attributed to
technological efficiencies in catalog production through current year capital
expenditures in state of the art graphic design equipment programs. Group health
care costs increased significantly to $2.5 million in 2002. In the second
quarter of 2002, the Company adopted a change in accounting principles to
recognize the fair value of stock options granted on or after January 1, 2002 as
an expense on its Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In 2002, the Company
recorded $.3 million in compensation expense related to grants of stock options
to certain employees and directors.
In the third quarter of 2002, the Company recorded $.4 million in expense
in connection with severance arrangements with former executive officers. The
Company has no further expenses under these arrangements.
15
During 2001, AMEP incurred certain non-recurring costs classified as
special charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. These
costs include approximately $.3 million related to the redemption of AMEP stock
options held by AMEP employees, $.2 million related to the satisfaction of AMEP
employment agreements and $.1 million of various legal, accounting and
regulatory fees incurred by AMEP as a result of the AMEP acquisition. The
special charges are reported as a reduction to earnings from operations.
Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
("SFAS 142") and no longer amortizes goodwill as a reduction to earnings. In
2001, goodwill amortization amounted to $.5 million.
Prior to the Merger, the Company paid a management fee to Holdings. Under
the terms of the management agreement, Holdings provided to the Company
specified legal, tax and other corporate services. In 2002, through the Merger
date, the management fee paid to Holdings was $.9 million, compared to $1.6
million in 2001.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased to $1.8 million in 2002, compared to $3.2
million in 2001. The decrease in interest expense is due to the decline in the
average interest rate on the Company's debt and the reduction in debt of $8.4
million. At December 31, 2001, the Company's credit agreements assessed interest
at an annual average rate of 4.1%. The applicable interest rate declined
throughout 2002, to 3.3% by December 31, 2002. The average annual rate of
interest on the debt was 4.1% in 2002, compared to 6.1% in 2001.
Income Tax Provision
The income tax provision for 2002 was $6.6 million compared to a provision
amounting to $5.8 million for 2001. These tax provisions reflect effective tax
rates of 39.6% and 40.3% for 2002 and 2001, respectively. The decrease in the
effective tax rate from 2001 to 2002 is primarily due to non-deductible goodwill
amortization. The difference between the Federal statutory income tax rate of
35% and the effective income tax rate results principally from Foreign and State
income taxes. Approximately $3.5 million of the income tax provision for 2002
relates to the utilization of the Company's Federal net operating tax loss
carryforwards subsequent to the Merger. Although the reported earnings for 2002
are shown after-tax, approximately $3.5 million of cash from post-merger
operations was retained in the Company as a result of the utilization of these
Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards.
At December 31, 2002, the balance sheet contains a net deferred tax asset
of $29.0 million, net of a valuation allowance of $12.3 million. Substantially
all of the net deferred tax asset relates to Federal net operating tax loss
carryforwards, which were recognized in applying purchase accounting to the
Merger. The valuation allowance has been established to reflect the estimate of
Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards that will expire unused.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 2003, the Company had working capital of $46.8 million,
increasing from $44.9 million at December 31, 2002. Cash and cash equivalents
decreased $5.7 million in 2003, ending the year at $5.6 million. Cash and cash
equivalents increased $6.8 million in 2002, ending the year at $11.3 million.
This decrease in cash and cash equivalents during 2003 is primarily due to the
following activities:
o The Company generated cash of $21.5 million, $15.1 million and $8.6
million from operations during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. In
2003, the increase in cash generated from operations was principally
the result of the following: (i) a $3.5 million increase in earnings
from operations and (ii) a $4.6 million increase in the cash retained
in the Company as a result of the increased utilization of Federal net
operating tax loss carryforwards.
The increase in cash generated from operations in 2002 compared to
2001 was principally the result of the following: (i) improved
management of working capital and (ii) $3.5 million of cash retained
in the Company as a result of the utilization of Federal net operating
tax loss carryforwards recognized in the Merger.
16
o The Company used $7.8 million for investing activities in 2003,
compared to the generation of $2.7 million from investing activities
in 2002. In 2003, the Company used cash of $2.5 million to purchase an
office and warehouse facility for the Company's Spectrum operations.
No significant acquisitions of this nature occurred in 2002. Capital
expenditures to replace and upgrade existing capital equipment and
install new equipment and fixtures to provide additional operating
efficiencies totaled $1.8 million and $1.4 million in 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
In 2003, investing activities included a $3.5 million net cash outlay
for the acquisitions of Haan and NHI. In 2002, investing activities
included the acquisition of $3.3 million of cash in the Merger with
Nasco.
o Financing activities used $19.4 million and $11.0 million in 2003 and
2002, respectively. In 2003, the net principal payments on debt of
$11.0 million were due to the following: (i) reduction of $11.0
million in the amounts outstanding on the Company's primary credit
facility; (ii) payment in full of $1.8 million on seller financing
related to the acquisition of Haan; and (iii) proceeds of $1.8 million
from a mortgage on an office and warehouse facility for the Company's
Spectrum operations. A note payable of $2.5 million entered into by
the Company on May 31, 2003, related to the acquisition of Haan, was
paid in full during the fourth quarter of 2003. The debt payments of
$8.5 million in 2002 were for principal payments on the Company's
primary credit facility, mortgage, existing capital leases and other
seller notes payable incurred by AMEP in connection with previous
acquisitions.
The Company paid dividends of $8.6 million and $2.5 million in 2003
and 2002, respectively, on its Series I Preferred Stock and Series J
Preferred Stock issued on June 17, 2002.
On October 15, 2003, the Company entered into a five-year, non-amortizing,
$45.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds from the Revolving Credit
Facility were initially used to extinguish the $31.2 million in borrowings
outstanding under the then-existing credit facility and $2.2 million in notes
payable of the Company. The Revolving Credit Facility will provide the Company
with seasonal working capital, letters of credit and funds for appropriate
acquisitions of businesses similar in nature to the Company's current business
segments. This debt carries a variable rate of interest that is based on Prime
or LIBOR rates plus applicable margins. At December 31, 2003, the weighted
average interest rate on this debt was 3.03%. The Revolving Credit Facility
currently has a committed weighted average rate of interest (including
applicable margins) of less than 3.00%. Such rate commitments expire on various
dates through April 14, 2004. The Company's Revolving Credit Facility is
collateralized by certain accounts receivable, certain inventories, certain
property, plant and equipment, shares of a certain subsidiary's capital stock
outstanding and ownership interests of certain of the Company's limited
liability subsidiaries. The Revolving Credit Facility contains various financial
and operating covenants, including, among other things, requirements to maintain
certain financial ratios and restrictions on additional indebtedness, common
dividend payments, capital disposals and intercompany management fees.
Prior to October 15, 2003, the Company maintained a $2.5 million secured
bank line of credit for working capital purposes. No draws were made against the
facility during 2003 and 2002. The line of credit was terminated on October 15,
2003 upon the execution of the Revolving Credit Facility.
Minimum contractual obligations at December 31, 2003 are as follows (in
thousands):
Less More
Than 1 1-3 3-5 Than 5
Total Year Years Years Years
------- ------ ------ ------- ------
Long-term debt $31,538 $ 248 $4,000 $25,133 $2,157
Capital leases 1,167 1,167 -- -- --
Operating lease commitments, net of sublease
rentals 691 216 380 95 --
------- ------ ------ ------- ------
$33,396 $1,631 $4,380 $25,228 $2,157
======= ====== ====== ======= ======
In 2004, capital expenditures to replace and upgrade existing capital
equipment and install new equipment and fixtures to provide additional operating
efficiencies are expected to be approximately $1.6 million.
17
Capital resources in the future are expected to be used for the development
of catalogs and product lines, to acquire additional businesses and for other
investing activities. The Company anticipates that there will be sufficient
financial resources to meet projected working capital and other cash
requirements for at least the next twelve months. Management of the Company
believes it has sufficient capacity to maintain current operations and support a
sustained level of future growth.
FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company is subject to seasonal influences with peak levels occurring in
the second and third quarters of the fiscal year primarily due to increased
educational shipments coinciding with the Fall start of new school years. As a
result, the Company recognizes approximately 75% of its annual net earnings in
the second and third quarters of its fiscal year. Inventory levels increase in
March through June in anticipation of the peak shipping season. The majority of
shipments are made between June and August and the majority of cash receipts are
collected from August through October.
Quarterly results may also be materially affected by the timing of
acquisitions, the timing and magnitude of costs related to such acquisitions,
variations in costs of products sold, the mix of products sold and general
economic conditions. Results for any quarter are not indicative of the results
for any subsequent fiscal quarter or for a full fiscal year.
Inflation has had and is expected to have only a minor effect on the
Company's operating results and its sources of liquidity.
See Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included
in Item 8 of this Form 10K for certain unaudited consolidated quarterly
financial data for 2003 and 2002.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to GAAP. The
preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts
reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto. Actual
results could differ from those estimates. A summary of all of the Company's
significant accounting policies can be found in Note 2 of the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10K. The
Company believes the following accounting policies affect the more significant
judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial
Statements:
Prepaid Catalog Costs and Amortization - The Company accumulates all direct
costs incurred in the development, production and circulation of catalogs on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets until the related catalog is mailed, at which time
they are amortized into selling and administrative expense over the estimated
sales realization cycle of one year, using the straight-line method.
Goodwill - The Company adopted SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations ("SFAS
141") as of July 1, 2001. SFAS 141 requires that the purchase method of
accounting be used for all business combinations. SFAS 141 specifies criteria
that intangible assets acquired in a business combination must meet to be
recognized and reported separately from goodwill. The Company also adopted the
provisions of SFAS 142, effective January 1, 2002. Under SFAS 142, goodwill is
no longer subject to amortization over its estimated useful life. Instead, SFAS
142 requires that goodwill be evaluated for impairment at least annually or more
frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired,
by applying a fair value based test and, if impairment occurs, the amount of
impaired goodwill must be written off immediately. The Company evaluates
goodwill for impairment based on the expected future cash flows or earnings
projections. Goodwill is deemed impaired if the discounted cash flows or
earnings projections generated do not substantiate the carrying value. The
estimation of such amounts requires significant management judgment with respect
to revenue and expense growth rates, changes in working capital and selection of
an appropriate discount rate, as applicable. The use of different assumptions
would increase or decrease discounted future operating cash flows or earnings
projections and could, therefore, change impairment determination. The Company
has evaluated its goodwill at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and determined that
there has been no impairment of goodwill.
18
Defined Benefit Plans - The Company accounts for the benefits under its
salaried and hourly defined benefit pension plans using actuarial methods
required by SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions" ("SFAS 87"). This
model uses an attribution approach that generally spreads individual events over
the service lives of the employees in the plans. Examples of "events" are plan
amendments and changes in actuarial assumptions such as discount rate, expected
return on plan assets and rate of compensation increases. The principle
underlying the required attribution approach is that employees render service
over their service lives on a relatively consistent basis and, therefore, the
statement of earnings effects of pension benefits are earned in, and should be
expensed in, the same pattern.
In calculating net periodic benefit cost and the related benefit
obligation, the Company is required to select certain actuarial assumptions.
These assumptions include discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate
of compensation increases. The discount rate assumptions reflect the prevailing
market rates for long-term, high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments that, if
the obligation was settled at the measurement date, would provide the necessary
future cash flows to pay the benefit obligation when due. The Company uses
long-term historical actual return experience with consideration of the expected
investment mix of the plans' assets, as well as future estimates of long-term
investment returns to develop its assumptions of the expected return on plan
assets. The rate of compensation increases are based on historical experience
and the Company's long-term plans for such increases.
In 2003, a 25 basis point decline in the discount rate assumptions caused a
decline in the funded status of the Company's salaried and hourly pension plans.
Consequently, the Company's accumulated benefit obligation for both plans
exceeded the fair market value of the plan assets for these plans at December
31, 2003. As required by SFAS 87, the Company recorded a non-cash, after-tax,
net charge of $1.5 million to the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders'
Equity and Comprehensive Earnings in the fourth quarter of 2003. This charge did
not impact the Company's pension expense, earnings or cash contribution
requirements in 2003.
Taxes - At December 31, 2003, the Consolidated Balance Sheet contains a net
deferred tax asset of approximately $23.3 million, net of a valuation allowance
of approximately $11.0 million, related primarily to Federal net operating tax
loss carryforwards. During 2003, the valuation allowance decreased $1.3 million.
The realizability of this asset is dependent upon the Company's generation of
approximately $67.0 million in future taxable income and the ability to retain
its Federal net operating tax loss carryforward position. As of December 31,
2003, the Company had Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards of
approximately $92.0 million. Based upon projected future operating results,
Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards of $60.2 million are expected to be
utilized to offset future Federal taxable income through 2007. The remaining
$31.8 million of Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards are expected to
expire unused. However, events may limit the use of all or a portion of these
Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards, thus potentially resulting in a
higher tax liability for the Company in the future. The net deferred tax asset,
including the valuation allowance, at December 31, 2003 is subject to future
adjustment based upon changes in management's evaluation of the realizability of
the deferred tax asset.
Revenues - Customarily applying FOB-shipping point terms, the Company
recognizes revenue upon shipment of products to its customer, which corresponds
to the time when risk of ownership transfers. The point of shipment is typically
from one of the distribution centers or, on occasion, a vendor's location as a
drop shipment. All drop shipment sales are recorded at gross selling price.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations ("SFAS 143"). SFAS 143
requires the Company to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation
as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated
with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the
acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the assets. The
Company also records a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of
the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement
obligation, the obligation will be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect
the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying
the obligation. The Company adopted SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003. The adoption of
SFAS 143 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements
for 2003.
19
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No.146, Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities ("SFAS 146"), which addresses financial
accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities
and supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 94-3, Liability
Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an
Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). SFAS 146
requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal
activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an
exit or disposal plan. In addition, SFAS 146 establishes that fair value is the
objective for initial measurement of the liability. SFAS 146 is effective for
exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of
SFAS 146 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements
for 2003.
In November 2002, the EITF issued Issue No. 02-16, Accounting for
Consideration Received from a Vendor by a Customer (Including a Reseller of the
Vendor's Products) ("EITF 02-16"), effective for fiscal periods beginning after
December 15, 2002. EITF 02-16 requires cash consideration received from a vendor
be recognized in the customer's financial statements as a reduction to cost of
sales, unless certain limited conditions are met. If these specific requirements
related to individual vendors are met, the consideration is accounted for as a
reduction in the related expense category, such as selling and administrative
expense. The adoption of EITF 02-16 did not have a material effect on the
Company's financial statements for 2003.
In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised Interpretation No. 46,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("Interpretation 46R"), which
addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling
financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and
accordingly should consolidate the entity. Interpretation 46R replaces
Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was
issued in January 2003. The Company will be required to apply Interpretation 46R
to interests in variable interest entities ("VIE") created after December 31,
2003. For variable interests in VIEs created before January 1, 2004, the
interpretation will be applied beginning on January 1, 2005. For any VIEs that
must be consolidated under Interpretation 46R that were created before January
1, 2004, the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests of the VIE
initially would be measured at their carrying amounts with any difference
between the net amount added to the balance sheet and any previously recognized
interest being recognized as the cumulative effect of an accounting change. If
determining the carrying amounts is not practicable, fair value at the date
Interpretation 46R first applies may be used to measure the assets, liabilities
and noncontrolling interest of the VIE. The adoption of Interpretation 46R is
not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity ("SFAS 150").
SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain
financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It
requires an issuer to classify a financial instrument that is within its scope
as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). An issuer previously
classified many of those instruments as equity. SFAS 150 is effective for
financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise
is effective for interim periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of
SFAS 150 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements
for 2003.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Company believes that this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe-harbor" provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking
statements include statements regarding liquidity and are based on management's
current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or
suggested in such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions investors
that there can be no assurance that actual results or business conditions will
not differ materially from those projected or suggested in such forward-looking
statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, the
following: (i) the ability of the Company to obtain financing and additional
capital to fund its business strategy on acceptable terms, if at all; (ii) the
ability of the Company on a timely basis to find, prudently negotiate and
consummate additional acquisitions; (iii) the ability of the Company to manage
any to-be acquired companies; (iv) the ability of the Company to retain and
utilize its Federal net operating tax loss carryforward position; and (v)
general economic conditions. As a result, the Company's future development
efforts involve a high degree of risk. For further information, please see the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including
its Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.
20
Reference is also made to the risk factors set forth in the final
prospectus which constitutes a portion of the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (Commission File No. 333-86026), which was filed in connection with
the Merger.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As described below, credit risk and interest rate risk are the primary
sources of market risk in the Company's accounts receivable and long-term
borrowings.
QUALITATIVE
Credit Risk: The Company provides credit in the normal course of business
to its customers, which are primarily educational institutions or distributors.
No single customer accounted for more than 10% of sales in 2003, 2002 or 2001.
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains
allowances for potential credit losses and generally does not require collateral
to support its accounts receivable balances.
Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates can potentially impact the
Company's profitability and its ability to realize assets and satisfy
liabilities. Interest rate risk is resident primarily in long-term borrowings,
which typically have variable interest rates based on Prime or LIBOR rates.
Assuming no other change in financial structure, an increase of 1% in the
Company's variable interest rate for long-term borrowings would decrease pre-tax
earnings by approximately $.4 million. This amount is determined by considering
a 1% increase in interest on the average long-term borrowings estimated to be
outstanding in 2004.
QUANTITATIVE
The Company's long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2003 are as follows
(in millions, except percentage data):
MATURITY MATURITY
LESS GREATER
THAN ONE THAN ONE
YEAR YEAR
-------- --------
Amount $1.4 $31.3
Weighted average interest rate 3.6% 3.6%
Fair market value $1.4 $31.3
The fair market value of long-term borrowings equals the face amount of
long-term borrowings outstanding because the underlying rate of interest on
substantially all of the Company's debt is variable based upon Prime or LIBOR
rates.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, together with the
related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the report of the
independent auditors are set forth below.
21
Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors
The Aristotle Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Aristotle
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and comprehensive
earnings, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. 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 The Aristotle
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
changed its method of accounting for goodwill in 2002.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 15, 2004
22
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2003 and 2002
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
2003 2002
-------- -------
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,566 11,299
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
receivables of $487 and $524 at December 31, 2003
and 2002, respectively 11,881 12,452
Inventories 29,157 27,941
Prepaid expenses and other 5,598 7,766
Refundable income taxes 344 --
Deferred income taxes 8,184 7,251
-------- -------
Total current assets 60,730 66,709
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 25,648 15,241
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (8,308) (6,088)
-------- -------
Net property, plant and equipment 17,340 9,153
Goodwill 11,509 7,008
Deferred income taxes 15,081 21,761
Other assets 454 430
-------- -------
Total assets $105,114 105,061
======== =======
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt $ 1,415 9,108
Trade accounts payable 5,874 5,522
Accrued expenses 4,537 3,979
Accrued dividends payable 2,154 2,150
Income taxes -- 1,005
-------- -------
Total current liabilities 13,980 21,764
Long-term debt, less current installments 31,290 27,579
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, Series I, convertible, voting, 11%
cumulative, $6.00 stated value; $.01 par value;
2,400,000 shares authorized, 1,068,622 and
1,046,716 issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively 6,412 6,280
Preferred stock, Series J, non-voting, 12% cumulative,
$6.00 stated value; $.01 par value; 11,200,000
shares authorized, 10,984,971 issued and outstanding 65,760 65,760
Common stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares
authorized, 17,082,354 and 17,031,687 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively 171 170
Additional paid-in capital 860 251
Accumulated deficit (13,257) (16,624)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (102) (119)
-------- -------
Total stockholders' equity 59,844 55,718
-------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $105,114 105,061
======== =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
23
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
2003 2002 2001
----------- ---------- ----------
Net sales $ 163,228 165,947 161,961
Cost of sales 101,864 107,005 105,448
----------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 61,364 58,942 56,513
Selling and administrative expense 39,535 40,644 38,661
Special charges: American Educational Products, Inc. -- -- 612
----------- ---------- ----------
Earnings from operations 21,829 18,298 17,240
Other expense (income):
Interest expense 1,532 1,817 3,159
Interest income (31) (77) (295)
Other, net 60 (109) (160)
----------- ---------- ----------
1,561 1,631 2,704
----------- ---------- ----------
Earnings before income taxes, minority interest
and extraordinary gain 20,268 16,667 14,536
Income taxes
Current 1,552 3,242 5,724
Deferred 6,745 3,352 136
----------- ---------- ----------
8,297 6,594 5,860
----------- ---------- ----------
Earnings before minority interest and extraordinary gain 11,971 10,073 8,676
Minority interest -- -- 99
----------- ---------- ----------
Earnings before extraordinary gain 11,971 10,073 8,775
Extraordinary gain -- 20,237 --
----------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings 11,971 30,310 8,775
Preferred dividends 8,604 4,647 --
----------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders $ 3,367 25,663 8,775
=========== ========== ==========
Basic earnings per common share:
Earnings before extraordinary gain,
applicable to common shareholders $ .20 .34 .59
Extraordinary gain -- 1.26 --
----------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders $ .20 1.60 .59
=========== ========== ==========
Diluted earnings per common share:
Earnings before extraordinary gain,
applicable to common shareholders $ .20 .33 .59
Extraordinary gain -- 1.25 --
----------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders $ .20 1.58 .59
=========== ========== ==========
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 17,037,634 16,102,121 15,000,000
Diluted 17,181,084 16,205,602 15,000,000
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
24
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Earnings
Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands)
Preferred Preferred
Comprehensive Stock Stock Common
earnings (loss) Series I Series J stock
--------------- --------- --------- ------
Balance, December 31, 2000 $ -- -- 150
Net earnings $ 8,775 -- -- --
Equity contribution from Holdings -- -- -- --
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment (139) -- -- --
-------
Comprehensive earnings $ 8,636
=======
Common dividends -- -- --
------- ------ ---
Balance, December 31, 2001 -- -- 150
Net earnings $30,310 -- -- --
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger
with Nasco, less transaction costs -- -- 59,850 --
Preferred stock dividend -- 12,190 -- --
Exchange of stock with related party -- (5,910) 5,910 --
Recapitalization -- -- -- 20
Stock option compensation -- -- -- --
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment 79 -- -- --
-------
Comprehensive earnings $30,389
=======
Preferred dividends -- -- --
------- ------ ---
Balance, December 31, 2002 6,280 65,760 170
Net earnings $11,971 -- -- --
Exercise of stock options -- 132 -- 1
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options -- -- -- --
Stock option compensation -- -- -- --
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Recognition of minimum pension liability, net of tax (1,465) -- -- --
Foreign currency translation adjustment 1,482 -- -- --
-------
Comprehensive earnings $11,988
=======
Preferred dividends -- -- --
------- ------ ---
Balance, December 31, 2003 $ 6,412 65,760 171
======= ====== ===
(Accumulated Accumulated
Additional deficit) other Total
paid-in retained comprehensive stockholders'
capital earnings earnings (loss) equity
---------- ------------ --------------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 2000 2,828 3,897 (59) 6,816
Net earnings -- 8,775 -- 8,775
Equity contribution from Holdings 275 -- -- 275
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- (139) (139)
Comprehensive earnings
Common dividends -- (1,800) -- (1,800)
------ ------- ------ ------
Balance, December 31, 2001 3,103 10,872 (198) 13,927
Net earnings -- 30,310 -- 30,310
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger
with Nasco, less transaction costs (3,103) (40,949) -- 15,798
Preferred stock dividend -- (12,190) -- --
Exchange of stock with related party -- -- -- --
Recapitalization -- (20) -- --
Stock option compensation 251 -- -- 251
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- 79 79
Comprehensive earnings
Preferred dividends -- (4,647) -- (4,647)
------ ------- ------ ------
Balance, December 31, 2002 251 (16,624) (119) 55,718
Net earnings -- 11,971 -- 11,971
Exercise of stock options 56 -- -- 189
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options 33 -- -- 33
Stock option compensation 520 -- -- 520
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Recognition of minimum pension liability, net of tax -- -- (1,465) (1,465)
Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- 1,482 1,482
Comprehensive earnings
Preferred dividends -- (8,604) -- (8,604)
------ ------- ------ ------
Balance, December 31, 2003 860 (13,257) (102) 59,844
====== ======= ====== ======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
25
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands)
2003 2002 2001
-------- ------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 11,971 30,310 8,775
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Extraordinary gain -- (20,237) --
Depreciation and amortization 1,759 1,709 2,205
Stock option compensation 520 251 --
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 8 26 12
Deferred income taxes 6,745 3,352 136
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquired
businesses:
Accounts receivable 1,017 2,232 (177)
Inventories (263) (1,615) (2,133)
Prepaid expenses and other 485 (1,209) (451)
Other assets (694) 77 146
Trade accounts payable 187 1,493 (1,291)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (225) (1,329) 1,364
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities 21,510 15,060 8,586
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (4,353) (1,397) (1,252)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 14 -- 33
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities -- 848 --
Cash acquired in merger with Nasco -- 3,272 --
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (3,449) -- (10,493)
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (7,788) 2,723 (11,712)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Equity contribution -- -- 275
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 38,121 -- 20,000
Repayment of borrowings on line of credit -- -- (2,542)
Payment of related party notes payable -- -- (5,490)
Principal payments on long-term debt (49,165) (8,451) (5,417)
Proceeds from issuance of stock under stock option plans 189 -- --
Preferred dividends paid (8,600) (2,498) --
Common dividends paid -- -- (1,800)
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (19,455) (10,949) 5,026
-------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (5,733) 6,834 1,900
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 11,299 4,465 2,565
-------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,566 11,299 4,465
======== ======= =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
26
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(1) Organization and Financial Statement Presentation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The
Aristotle Corporation ("Aristotle") and its subsidiaries (together with
Aristotle, the "Company") and are prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company
is a leading manufacturer and global distributor of educational, health,
medical technology and agricultural products. A selection of more than
80,000 items is offered, primarily through catalogs carrying the brands of
Nasco, Simulaids, Triarco, Summit Learning, Hubbard Scientific, Scott
Resources, Spectrum Educational Supplies, Haan Crafts and To-Sew.
On June 17, 2002, Aristotle merged (the "Merger") with Nasco International,
Inc. ("Nasco"), an indirect subsidiary of Geneve Corporation ("Geneve"), a
privately-held diversified financial services company. Pursuant to the
Merger, the separate corporate existence of Nasco ceased and Aristotle was
the surviving entity. Due to the relative sizes of the parties and
conditions to the Merger, the transaction was accounted for as a reverse
acquisition using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, for
accounting and reporting purposes, Nasco is deemed to be the acquiring
company, and financial information reported for periods prior to the Merger
is that of Nasco. In applying purchase accounting to the Merger, the assets
and liabilities of Aristotle were adjusted to their fair market values at
June 17, 2002. This included recognition of a significant deferred tax
asset of approximately $30,765, which was principally attributable to
Aristotle's Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards. As a result of
such recognition, Aristotle's pre-Merger goodwill and long-term assets of
approximately $8,326 were reduced to zero and negative goodwill of $20,237
was recognized as an extraordinary gain at the Merger date. In connection
with the Merger, the Company changed its accounting fiscal year end from
June 30 to December 31.
As consideration for the Merger, Nasco Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), the
sole shareholder of Nasco and a subsidiary of Geneve, received 15,000,000
shares of the Company's Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of a newly
authorized Series J Preferred Stock of the Company. Separately, on June 17,
2002, the Company paid a stock dividend of one share of a newly authorized
Series I Preferred Stock on each share of Aristotle's Common Stock
outstanding on June 10, 2002. On the Merger date, Geneve exchanged its
shares of Series I Preferred Stock for an identical number of shares of
Series J Preferred Stock.
The following summarizes the allocation of proceeds provided by Aristotle
to the Merger at the Merger date:
Net working capital $ 6,127
Deferred income taxes 30,765
Long-term debt (707)
--------
Net assets acquired 36,185
Negative goodwill (20,237)
--------
15,948
Transaction costs 1,198
--------
Total purchase price $ 17,146
========
Geneve and its affiliated entities held greater than 90% of Aristotle's
outstanding voting stock at December 31, 2003.
27
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Principles of Consolidation and Combination
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
(b) Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect: (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; (ii)
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
consolidated financial statements; and (iii) the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from these estimates.
(c) Translation of Financial Statements Denominated in Foreign Currencies
The assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiary are
translated at year-end exchange rates and the related statements of
earnings are translated at the average exchange rates for the
respective years. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign
currencies are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive earnings or
loss, a separate component of stockholders' equity.
Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions
(transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity's local
currency) are included in net earnings, but are not significant in the
years presented.
(d) Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk
The carrying values of the Company's trade receivables and trade
payables approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The
fair value of the Company's debt approximates fair value because the
effective interest rates on the obligations approximate the Company's
current cost of borrowing of similar amounts on similar terms.
The substantial portion of the Company's sales are either direct to
educational institutions or to distributors. Management believes that
the allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient to cover the related
credit risk.
(e) Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company
considers debt securities with original maturities of three months or
less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of money market
accounts, certificates of deposit and reverse repurchase agreements
totaling $253, $7,686 and $2,844 at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001,
respectively.
28
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(f) Marketable Securities
Marketable securities are carried at their fair values. The Company
has classified its marketable securities as "available-for-sale."
Accordingly, all unrealized gains and losses are recorded as
accumulated other comprehensive earnings or loss, a separate component
of stockholders' equity. The Company utilizes the specific
identification method in determining cost and fair value. The Company
has no marketable securities at December 31, 2003 and 2002.
(g) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally determined on
a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value.
(h) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of
property, plant and equipment is principally provided using an
accelerated method. The Company utilizes useful lives ranging
generally from 3 to 7 years for machinery and equipment and 39 years
for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the
straight-line method over the terms of the respective leases.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Property
replacements and betterments that extend the life of assets, including
reproduction masters for significant, non-routine product updates, are
capitalized and subsequently depreciated.
The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable
intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a
comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted
net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets
are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is
measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets
exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are
reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs
to sell.
(i) Goodwill
Goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of
net assets acquired, and accumulated amortization were $12,239 and
$730, respectively, at December 31, 2003 and $7,738 and $730,
respectively, at December 31, 2002. The reported balance of goodwill
at December 31, 2003 and 2002 is attributable to the educational
segment.
29
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141, Business
Combinations ("SFAS 141") and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets ("SFAS 142"). SFAS 141 requires that the purchase
method of accounting be used for all business combinations. SFAS 141
specifies criteria that intangible assets acquired in a business
combination must meet to be recognized and reported separately from
goodwill. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 141 as of July 1,
2001. SFAS 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with
indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead tested for
impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS
142. SFAS 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable
useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives
to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment in
accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The Company adopted the provisions of
SFAS 142 as of January 1, 2002. Prior to January 1, 2002, goodwill was
amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years. At December 31, 2003
and 2002, the Company evaluated goodwill and determined that no
impairment existed.
The following information presents the impact of SFAS 142 on reported
net earnings applicable to common shareholders and related net
earnings per common share assuming SFAS 142 had been in effect for the
year ended December 31, 2001:
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders-as reported $8,775
Amortization of goodwill 455
------
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders-adjusted $9,230
======
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders-as reported $ 0.59
Amortization of goodwill 0.03
------
Net earnings applicable to common shareholders-adjusted $ 0.62
======
(j) Income Taxes
Aristotle and its qualifying domestic subsidiaries are included in the
Federal income tax return and certain State income tax returns of
Geneve. The provision for income taxes for the Company is determined
on a separate return basis in accordance with the terms of a tax
sharing agreement with Geneve, and payments for Federal and certain
State income taxes are made to Geneve.
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability
method, wherein deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences
between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted
tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which
those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change
in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
30
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(k) Stock Options
In June 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No.123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS 123"), which provides for the fair
value of stock options granted to employees and directors to be
measured at the date of grant and recognized as expense over the
service period, which is usually the vesting period of the grant.
Under SFAS 123, the Company recognizes the fair value of stock options
granted on or after January 1, 2002 as an expense within its
Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Prior to January 1, 2002, stock
options were accounted for using the intrinsic value method prescribed
under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees.
(l) Revenue Recognition
Customarily applying FOB-shipping point terms, the Company recognizes
revenue upon shipment of products to its customers, which corresponds
to the time when risk of ownership transfers. The point of shipment
may be from a Company distribution center or from a vendor's location
as a drop shipment. All drop shipment sales are recorded at gross
selling price.
The Company records amounts billed to customers for shipping and
handling in net sales, records the freight costs incurred for delivery
of product in cost of sales and records all other costs incurred in
the shipping and handling of customer orders in selling and
administrative expenses.
(m) Research and Development Costs
The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred.
Research and development costs were approximately $685, $513 and $401
in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
(n) Advertising Costs
Substantially all of the Company's advertising is through the mailing
of catalogs. The Company expenses the production costs of advertising
the first time the advertising takes place, except for direct-response
advertising, the cost of which is capitalized and amortized over its
expected period of future benefits. Direct-response advertising
consists primarily of catalog publications of the Company's products.
The capitalized costs of advertising are typically amortized over the
one-year period following the publication of the catalog.
At December 31, 2003 and 2002, $4,254 and $4,008, respectively, of
direct-response advertising costs were reported as prepaid expenses.
Advertising costs expensed were approximately $9,460, $9,889 and
$10,134 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
(o) Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net earnings
applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share
are calculated by dividing net earnings applicable to common
shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the year and including each share that would have
been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all
dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the year.
31
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Earnings per share are computed based on the following weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the year ended
December 31:
2003 2002 2001
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average common shares-basic 17,037,634 16,102,121 15,000,000
Effect of dilutive stock options 143,450 103,481 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average common shares-diluted 17,181,084 16,205,602 15,000,000
========== ========== ==========
Shares of Common Stock available for issue upon conversion of the
1,068,622 and 1,046,716 shares of Series I Preferred Stock outstanding
at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were not dilutive and,
therefore, have not been included in the computations of diluted
earnings per common share amounts.
(p) Reclassifications
Certain 2002 and 2001 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the
2003 presentation.
(3) Acquisitions
On May 31, 2003, Aristotle purchased 100% of the outstanding capital stock
of Haan Crafts Corporation ("Haan"). Haan is a manufacturer and catalog
distributor of sewing kits used in middle school and junior high school
family and consumer science classrooms. The acquisition has complemented
the Company's current product lines. The results of Haan's operations have
been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of
such acquisition. The aggregate purchase price, net of cash acquired, was
$5,297, including $3,497 of cash and $1,800 in seller financing. The
purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of $3,900 attributable to
the educational segment. In connection with the acquisition of Haan,
Aristotle entered into a $1,190 capital lease with the seller on a building
facility ("Haan Building Facility"). On February 12, 2004, the Company
purchased the Haan Building Facility for $1,050.
On May 31, 2003, Aristotle acquired 100% of the outstanding ownership
interests in NHI, LLC ("NHI") from Holdings. This transaction was
consummated in satisfaction of a contractual obligation entered into in
connection with the Merger. The sole purpose of NHI is the ownership and
management of warehouse and office facilities ("NHI Building Facilities"),
which had been leased to Aristotle. In connection with the purchase of NHI,
Aristotle paid to Holdings an amount equal to the book value of NHI, which
includes a $3,571 mortgage related to the properties held by NHI.
During 1999 and 2000, G.C. Associates Holding Corp. ("GC"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Geneve, acquired blocks of common stock of American
Educational Products, Inc. ("AMEP") through purchases in the public market.
In March 2001, Nasco became the successor to the shares of AMEP previously
owned by GC and assumed all rights and obligations under a merger agreement
with AMEP. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, all shareholders
other than Nasco and its affiliates received $10.00 in cash for each share
of AMEP common stock owned, and in March 2001, AMEP became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Nasco. Nasco paid approximately $5,252 during 2001 for the
acquisition of the remaining AMEP minority shareholders' interests and
recorded an additional $1,936 of goodwill as a result. As a result of this
transfer of ownership interests between entities under common control,
Nasco accounted for the fair value of AMEP's net assets and operations,
using the "as-if pooling of interests" method as of March 31, 2000, the
date GC gained a controlling interest in AMEP.
32
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
During 2001, AMEP incurred certain costs totaling $612, which are classified as
special charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The
special charges include nonrecurring costs related to the redemption of stock
options held by directors and employees, professional fees related to the
settlement of shareholder litigation and various legal, accounting and
regulatory fees incurred as a result of the merger.
In April 2001, Nasco acquired 100% of the stock ownership of Spectrum
Educational Supplies, Ltd. ("Spectrum"), a Canadian provider of education
products, for $5,241 cash. The transaction has been accounted for as a purchase,
and included recording $3,434 of additional goodwill.
The following pro forma results of operations for the years ended December 31,
2003, 2002 and 2001 have been prepared as if the Haan, NHI, AMEP and Spectrum
acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2001:
2003 2002 2001
-------- ------- -------
Net sales $166,074 171,688 169,521
Earnings before extraordinary gain 12,569 10,845 9,473
Net earnings $ 12,569 31,082 9,473
Preferred dividends 8,604 4,647 --
-------- ------- -------
Net earnings applicable to
common shareholders $ 3,965 26,435 9,473
======== ======= =======
Basic earnings per common share:
Earnings before extraordinary gain,
applicable to common shareholders $ .23 .38 .63
Extraordinary gain -- 1.26 --
-------- ------- -------
Net earnings applicable to common
shareholders $ .23 1.64 .63
======== ======= =======
Diluted earnings per common share:
Earnings before extraordinary gain,
applicable to common shareholders $ .23 .38 .63
Extraordinary gain -- 1.25 --
-------- ------- -------
Net earnings applicable to common
shareholders $ .23 1.63 .63
======== ======= =======
33
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(4) Inventories
The classification of inventories at December 31 is as follows:
2003 2002
------- ------
Raw materials $ 4,293 3,226
Work in process 762 928
Finished goods 3,315 2,672
Catalog merchandise 21,836 22,229
Less inventory reserves (1,049) (1,114)
------- ------
Net inventories $29,157 27,941
======= ======
(5) Prepaid Expenses and Other
A summary of prepaid expenses and other at December 31 is as follows:
2003 2002
------ -----
Prepaid catalog costs $4,254 4,008
Prepaid pension expense -- 1,949
Other 1,344 1,809
------ -----
Total prepaid expenses and other $5,598 7,766
====== =====
(6) Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost
A summary of property, plant and equipment, at cost, at December 31 is as
follows:
2003 2002
------- ------
Land and improvements $ 1,896 769
Buildings and improvements 15,130 7,676
Machinery, furniture and equipment 8,430 6,739
Leasehold improvements 188 57
Construction in progress 4 --
------- ------
Total property, plant and equipment $25,648 15,241
======= ======
During 2002, the Company removed from its property, plant and equipment
accounts approximately $630 of fully depreciated plant and equipment still
in use.
34
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(7) Accrued Expenses
A summary of accrued expenses at December 31 is as follows:
2003 2002
------ -----
Payroll and employee benefits $1,665 1,878
Unfunded minimum pension liability 684 --
Property, sales and other taxes 673 447
Other 1,515 1,654
------ -----
Total accrued expenses $4,537 3,979
====== =====
(8) Long-term Debt
A summary of the Company's long-term debt as of December 31 is as follows:
2003 2002
------- ------
$45,000 Revolving Credit Facility; interest payable on various dates
at variable rates based on Prime or LIBOR plus applicable
margins (3.03% at December 31, 2003); expires October 15, 2008;
collateralized by certain accounts receivable, certain inventories,
certain property, plant and equipment, shares of a certain
subsidiary's capital stock outstanding and ownership interests
of certain subsidiary limited liability companies $25,000 --
Mortgages, monthly payments of $45, with interest payable at
various rates (3.22%-6.50% at December 31, 2003); final
payments due on various dates thru April 1, 2013;
collateralized by real estate 6,038 622
Capital lease obligations, monthly payments of $11, with interest
payable at various rates (5.65%-8.54% at December 31, 2003);
final payments due on January 1, 2004 and February 12, 2004* 1,167 65
Note payable to related party, interest payable monthly at 5.84% 500 --
Credit facility paid in full in 2003 -- 36,000
------- ------
Long-term debt 32,705 36,687
Less current installments (1,415) (9,108)
------- ------
Long-term debt, less current maturities $31,290 27,579
======= ======
* On February 12, 2004, the Company purchased the Haan Building Facility
for $1,050. The building facility had been recorded as a capital lease. At
December 31, 2003, the Company classified the existing $1,164 capital lease
as current on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
35
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
On October 15, 2003, the Company entered into a five-year, non-amortizing,
$45,000 Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds from the Revolving Credit
Facility were initially used to extinguish the $31,256 in borrowings
outstanding under the then-existing credit facility and $2,310 in notes
payable of the Company. The Revolving Credit Facility provides the Company
with seasonal working capital, letters of credit and funds for appropriate
acquisitions of businesses similar in nature to the Company's current
business segments. The Company also pays a quarterly commitment fee of
.375% on unborrowed funds.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains various financial and operating
covenants, including, among other things, requirements to maintain certain
financial ratios and restrictions on additional indebtedness, common
dividend payments, capital disposals and intercompany management fees. The
Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31,
2003.
Prior to October 15, 2003, Company maintained a $2,500 secured bank line of
credit to meet working capital requirements. No draws were made against
this facility during 2003 or 2002. This line of credit was terminated on
October 15, 2003 upon the execution of the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Company has available a $200 unsecured line of credit facility to
support letters of credit for merchandise procurement. At December 31, 2003
and 2002, the line of credit had no balance outstanding.
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2003 are
as follows:
Year ending December 31,
2004 $ 1,415
2005 3,478
2006 522
2007 64
2008 25,069
Thereafter 2,157
-------
$32,705
=======
36
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(9) Income Taxes
The 2003, 2002 and 2001 provisions for income taxes consist of the
following:
2003 2002 2001
------ ----- -----
Current:
U.S. Federal $ 429 1,793 4,744
Foreign 252 401 12
State 871 1,048 968
------ ----- -----
1,552 3,242 5,724
Deferred:
U.S. Federal 6,753 3,366 120
Foreign 1 -- --
State (9) (14) 16
------ ----- -----
6,745 3,352 136
------ ----- -----
$8,297 6,594 5,860
====== ===== =====
Effective tax rate 40.9% 39.6% 40.3%
====== ===== =====
A reconciliation of the Company's current effective tax rate and the U.S.
Federal statutory income tax rate on net earnings before income taxes,
minority interest and extraordinary gain is as follows:
2003 2002 2001
---- ---- ----
U.S. Federal statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefits 3.6% 4.1% 4.4%
Foreign income taxes 1.2% 2.4% .1%
Non-deductible goodwill amortization -- -- 1.1%
Decrease in valuation allowance (6.6%) -- --
Adjustment to other deferred tax items 7.9% -- --
Other (.2%) (1.9%) (.3%)
---- ---- ----
Effective tax rate 40.9% 39.6% 40.3%
==== ==== ====
37
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of the net deferred tax assets at December 31 are presented below:
2003 2002
-------- -------
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable $ 186 187
Inventories 645 712
Plant and equipment 132 412
Unfunded minimum pension liability 280 --
Accrued expenses 770 587
Other, net 14 214
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards 401 --
Net operating tax loss carryforwards 31,845 40,009
-------- -------
Total gross deferred tax assets 34,273 42,121
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid pension expense -- (760)
-- 41,361
Valuation allowance (11,008) (12,349)
-------- -------
Net deferred tax assets $ 23,265 29,012
======== =======
Classification of net deferred taxes in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Current net deferred tax asset $ 8,184 7,251
Noncurrent net deferred tax asset 15,081 21,761
-------- -------
$ 23,265 29,012
======== =======
In connection with the Merger, the Company recognized a deferred tax asset for
Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards. As of December 31, 2003, the
Company had Federal net operating tax loss carryforwards of approximately
$92,040, which expire as follows:
Year ending December 31,
2006 $88,401
2007 843
2008 274
2010 2,522
-------
$92,040
=======
38
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers
whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
tax assets will not be realized. A valuation allowance of $11,008 has been
established to reflect the amount of Federal net operating tax loss
carryforwards that the Company's management believes will expire unused.
The valuation allowance decreased $1,341 in 2003. Based upon the level of
historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over
the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management
believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits
of these net deferred tax assets reported at December 31, 2003.
The change in net deferred tax assets includes $1,017 of deferred tax
benefit attributable to the recognition of an unfunded minimum pension
liability, which is reflected as a component of comprehensive earnings.
Also reflected in additional paid-in capital is a $33 tax benefit
associated with the exercise of stock options.
(10) Preferred Stock
The Series I Preferred Stock is convertible into the Company's Common Stock
during the 90-day period beginning on June 17, 2007, at the option of the
holder. Each share of Series I Preferred Stock is convertible into shares
of Common Stock as determined by dividing the stated value of Series I
Preferred Stock at that time plus an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid
dividends by the conversion price (as defined). After the expiration of the
90-day period, holders of Series I Preferred Stock will no longer be able
to convert their shares. The Series J Preferred Stock is not convertible
into or exchangeable for any other property or securities.
(11) Stock Options
The Company established the 1997 Employee and Director Stock Plan in 1997
("1997 Plan"). The 1997 Plan provides for granting up to 150,000 options to
employees and directors to purchase shares of Common Stock. The exercise
term of the options and vesting requirements shall be for such period as
the Board of Directors (or a committee thereof, appointed to administer the
1997 Plan, if any) designates. Following the Merger, each option to
purchase one share of the Company's Common Stock granted under the 1997
Plan became an option to purchase one share of Common Stock and one share
of Series I Preferred Stock of the Company. The Company does not currently
intend to grant any additional options under the 1997 Plan.
The Company established the 2002 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock
Plan in 2002 ("2002 Plan") under which employees, directors and consultants
are eligible to receive nonincentive and incentive options and stock grants
in respect of up to 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock. Nonincentive and
incentive options granted under the 2002 Plan are subject to such
limitations on exercisability as established by the Board of Directors (or
a committee thereof, appointed to administer the 2002 Plan, if any) from
time to time. Options granted under the 2002 Plan have a term of no longer
than five years.
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted
average assumptions:
2003 2002
------- -------
Risk free interest rate 4.0% 4.1%
Expected dividend yield 0.0% 0.0%
Expected lives 5 years 5 years
Expected volatility 60.0% 60.0%
39
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2003 and 2002 was
$2.24 and $1.64, respectively.
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans as of December 31,
2003 and 2002, and changes during the years then ended, is presented below:
2003 2002
------------------ -------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Exercise Exercise
Options Price Options Price
------- -------- -------- --------
Outstanding at beginning of year 772,833 $3.18 55,900 $ 5.61
Granted 177,000 4.09 971,600 2.98
Expired -- -- -- --
Forfeited -- -- (254,667) (2.95)
Exercised 60,666 3.92 -- --
------- --------
Outstanding at end of year 889,167 3.31 772,833 3.18
======= ========
Options exercisable at end of year 422,165 $3.31 -- $ --
The following table summarizes information about stock options at December 31,
2003:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
-------------------------------- --------------------
Weighted
Weighted Average Weighted
Range of Average Remaining Average
Exercise Number of Exercise Life Number of Exercise
Prices Options Price (Years) Options Price
- ----------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------
$2.95-$3.50 680,167 $2.99 3.48 344,415 $2.98
$3.50-$4.50 175,000 4.10 4.05 43,750 4.10
$4.50-$5.50 10,000* 5.00 6.04 10,000* 5.00
$5.50-$6.00 24,000* 5.82 4.66 24,000* 5.82
------- -------
889,167 3.31 3.65 422,165 3.31
======= =======
* These options were granted under the 1997 Plan and are exercisable for one
share of Common Stock and one share of Series I Preferred Stock of the Company.
40
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(12) Stock Appreciation Rights
On February 1, 2001, the Company entered into employment agreements with
certain key employees. In connection with these employment agreements, the
Company granted a total of 80,000 Stock Appreciation Rights, of which
55,500 vested and were paid as of December 31, 2002. The Company recorded a
compensation charge for the difference between the $1.00 exercise price and
the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock, which is defined as
the average closing price for the 90 day period immediately prior to the
settlement date. For the year ended December 31, 2002, approximately $42
was recorded as compensation expense in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Earnings. No Stock Appreciation Rights were granted during
2003.
(13) Lease Commitments
The Company leases real and personal property under various noncancelable
operating lease agreements. Rent expense under these agreements is
approximately $679, $965, and $840 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
The Company subleases a portion of the NHI Building Facilities to an
unrelated party. Rental income under these agreements is approximately
$250, $300 and $213 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments, net of
sublease rental income, required under operating leases, all of which
relate to the rental of real and personal property that have initial or
remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year as of December 31,
2003:
Year ending December 31,
2004 $216
2005 198
2006 182
2007 54
2008 41
----
Net minimum payments required $691
====
(14) Employee Benefit Plans
(a) Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all salaried and hourly employees. The plan covering salaried
employees provides pension benefits that are based on years of service and
average compensation. The plan covering hourly employees provides pension
benefits that are based on stated amounts for each year of service. The
Company's policy is to fund pension costs accrued up to a maximum
deductible contribution but not less than the minimum required by the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The Company plans to
contribute $900 to these pension plans in 2004.
Plan assets are primarily invested with the Massachusetts Mutual Life
Insurance Company under an immediate participation guarantee contract for
salaried employees and a deposit administration contract for hourly
employees.
41
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
The Company was required at December 31, 2003 to record a minimum pension
liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The effect of the adjustment
was to decrease prepaid pension expense by $1,798 and increase the minimum
pension liability by $684 and net deferred tax asset by $1,017, with the
remaining $1,465 being recorded to other comprehensive loss.
The following table sets forth these plans' obligations, funded status and
amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31:
2003 2002
------- ------
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $11,905 10,692
Service cost 547 526
Interest cost 758 709
Assumption changes 524 825
Actuarial (gain) loss 17 (271)
Benefits paid (475) (576)
------- ------
Benefit obligation at end of year 13,276 11,905
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 10,315 9,157
Actual return on plan assets 582 595
Employer contribution 479 1,165
Benefits paid, including expenses (490) (602)
------- ------
Fair value of plan assets at end
of year 10,886 10,315
Funded status (2,390) (1,590)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 4,226 3,619
Unrecognized prior service cost (12) (14)
Unrecognized transition asset (26) (66)
------- ------
Net amount recognized $ 1,798 1,949
======= ======
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance
Sheets:
Prepaid (accrued) pension expense $ (684) 1,949
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(pre-tax) 2,482 --
------- ------
Net amount recognized $ 1,798 1,949
======= ======
42
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
The following table sets forth the assumptions and net periodic benefit
cost for these plans' for the years ended December 31:
2003 2002 2001
----- ---- ----
Weighted average assumptions at year end:
Discount rate 6.25% 6.50% 7.00%
Expected return on plan assets 7.75% 7.75% 7.75%
Rate of compensation increase 3.00% 4.00% 4.00%
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost $ 547 526 494
Interest cost 758 709 684
Expected return on plan assets (788) (732) (657)
Amortization of transition asset (39) (39) (39)
Amortization of prior service cost (3) (3) (3)
Recognized net actuarial loss 155 132 154
----- --- ---
Net periodic benefit cost $ 630 593 633
===== === ===
The Company uses long-term historical actual return experience and
estimates of future long-term investment returns to develop its expected
return on plan assets assumption used in calculating the net periodic
benefit cost.
The following table summarizes information about plans with an accumulated
benefit obligation in excess of plans assets:
2003 2002
------- -------
Projected benefit obligation $13,276 $11,905
Accumulated benefit obligation 11,570 10,009
Fair value of plan assets 10,886 10,315
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as
appropriate, are expected to be paid in the years ended December 31:
Year ending December 31,
2004 $ 394
2005 405
2006 433
2007 526
2008 555
2009-2013 3,926
------
Benefit payments $6,239
======
43
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(b) Defined Contribution Plans
The Company sponsors defined contribution pension plans that cover
substantially all employees. The Company may make discretionary
contributions to such plans. No material Company contributions were made
during 2003, 2002 or 2001.
(15) Related Party Transactions
The Company expensed management fees of $854 and $1,612 charged by Geneve
and its affiliates in 2002 and 2001, respectively. During 2003, the Company
incurred expenses of $818 related to administrative services provided by
Geneve.
The Company recorded other income from management fees of $50 and $100 in
2002 and 2001, respectively, for services provided to an affiliate.
The Company paid cash dividends to Holdings, prior to the Merger, of $1,800
in 2001.
Prior to Aristotle's acquisition of NHI in May 2003, the Company leased the
NHI Building Facilities from NHI. Total rent expense incurred by the
Company for these facilities totaled $160, $384 and $213 in 2003, 2002 and
2001, respectively.
The Company made income tax payments to Geneve under a tax sharing
agreement of $506, $3,180 and $4,210 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
(16) Supplemental Cash Flow Information
2003 2002 2001
------- ----- ------
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 1,347 1,813 2,567
Income taxes 2,743 3,915 4,810
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Common and Preferred Stock exchanged
in connection with the Merger -- -- --
(see Note 1)
Net assets from acquisitions:
Net working capital $ 1,065 -- 957
Property, plant and equipment 5,546 -- 850
Goodwill 3,900 -- 5,370
Acquisition of minority interest -- -- 3,316
Long-term debt (7,062) -- --
------- ----- ------
Total cash paid for acquisitions,
net of cash acquired $ 3,449 -- 10,493
======= ===== ======
44
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(17) Segment Data
The Company's business activities are organized into two business segments,
educational and commercial. The educational segment relates to
instructional teaching aids and materials, which are distributed to
educational institutions principally in North America, for kindergarten
through grade 12 classes, and for nursing school and emergency medical
instructors. Products in the educational segment are marketed primarily
through catalogs. The growth potential of the educational segment is
directly related to school enrollments and the strength of government
funding of education. The commercial segment relates to agricultural
products, sterile sampling containers and systems, materials for nursing
home activities and novelty and gift products. Products in the commercial
segment are marketed through catalogs nationwide and through a worldwide
dealer network covering more than 60 countries. Market growth in the
commercial segment is principally impacted by the general economic
conditions of world agriculture, the increasing size of the aged
population, as well as increasing global awareness of food and water
quality standards.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in
the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates the
performance of these segments based on segment net sales and gross profit.
45
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
The following table presents segment information as of and for the years
ended December 31:
2003 2002 2001
-------- ------- -------
Net sales:
Educational $138,654 138,085 135,954
Commercial 29,900 30,410 29,560
Intercompany (5,326) (2,548) (3,553)
-------- ------- -------
Net sales $163,228 165,947 161,961
======== ======= =======
Gross profit:
Educational $ 53,594 53,001 49,600
Commercial 10,875 11,180 10,841
Other costs of sales (3,105) (5,239) (3,928)
-------- ------- -------
Gross profit $ 61,364 58,942 56,513
======== ======= =======
Identifiable assets:
Educational $ 45,606 38,358 35,805
Commercial 4,624 4,715 4,653
Other corporate assets 54,884 61,988 26,978
-------- ------- -------
Identifiable assets $105,114 105,061 67,436
======== ======= =======
(18) Quarterly Data - (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the
years ended December 31:
2003
-----------------------------------------------
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net sales $35,441 42,961 51,953 32,873 163,228
Gross profit 13,238 16,227 19,361 12,538 61,364
Earnings from operations 3,452 5,895 9,042 3,440 21,829
Net earnings 1,952 3,346 5,207 1,466 11,971
Preferred dividends 2,150 2,150 2,150 2,154 8,604
Net earnings (loss) applicable to common
shareholders (198) 1,196 3,057 (688) 3,367
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Net earnings (loss) applicable to common
shareholders $ (.01) .07 .18 (.04) .20
======= ====== ====== ====== =======
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Net earnings (loss) applicable to common
shareholders $ (.01) .07 .18 (.04) .20
======= ====== ====== ====== =======
46
THE ARISTOTLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
2002
-----------------------------------------------
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net sales $34,529 43,323 55,485 32,610 165,947
Gross profit 12,251 15,336 19,282 12,073 58,942
Earnings from operations 2,788 5,282 8,219 2,009 18,298
Extraordinary gain -- 20,237 -- -- 20,237
Net earnings 1,452 23,064 4,756 1,038 30,310
Preferred dividends -- 307 2,191 2,149 4,647
Net earnings (loss) applicable to common
shareholders 1,452 22,757 2,565 (1,111) 25,663
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary gain,
applicable to common shareholders $ .09 0.16 0.16 (0.07) 0.34
Extraordinary gain -- 1.26 -- -- 1.26
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Net earnings (loss) applicable to common
shareholders $ .09 1.42 0.16 (0.07) 1.60
======= ====== ====== ====== =======
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary gain,
applicable to common shareholders $ 0.09 0.16 0.15 (0.07) 0.33
Extraordinary gain -- 1.25 -- -- 1.25
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Net earnings (loss) applicable to common
shareholders $ 0.09 1.41 0.15 (0.07) 1.58
======= ====== ====== ====== =======
47
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On August 8, 2002, the Company dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP ("Arthur
Andersen") as its independent auditors and retained KPMG LLP. The report of
Arthur Andersen on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2001 did not contain an adverse opinion, disclaimer of opinion or
qualification or modification as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting
principles. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001 and during the subsequent
period through August 8, 2002, there were no disagreements with Arthur Andersen
on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement
disclosure or auditing scope or procedures. During the fiscal year ended June
30, 2001, and during the subsequent period through August 8, 2002, there were no
reportable events (as defined in Item 304 (a) (1) (v) of Regulation S-K). The
Company announced this change in accountants in a Current Report on Form 8-K
filed with the SEC on August 8, 2002 ("August 8th Form 8-K"). Prior to the
Merger, KPMG LLP acted as the independent auditor of Nasco. Following the
Merger, the Company's fiscal year end changed to December 31. Further
information regarding the Company's dismissal of Arthur Anderson and subsequent
appointment of KPMG LLP as its independent auditor can be found in the August
8th Form 8-K.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company (its principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively) have concluded,
based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Report,
that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure
that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or
submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the
"Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and include controls and
procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the
Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company's
management, including the President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate
and allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over
financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2003 that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the
Company's internal control over financial reporting.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information concerning directors and officers of the Company and compliance
with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, is included under the captions "Election
of Directors" and "Executive Officers" in the Proxy Statement for the 2004
Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information concerning executive compensation is included under the caption
"Executive Compensation" in the Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management is included under the captions "Stock Owned by Management and
Principal Stockholders of the Company," "Nominees for Election of Directors" and
"Executive Officers" in the Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Information concerning
related stockholder matters is included in Item 5 of this Form 10-K under the
caption "Equity Compensation Plan Information."
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information concerning transactions and other relationships, if any,
between the Company and its directors, officers, or principal stockholders is
included under the caption "Certain Transactions" in the Proxy Statement for the
2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
48
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information concerning principal accountant fees and services is included
under the caption "Ratification of Appointment of Auditors" in the Proxy
Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein
by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements (See Part II, Item 8) are filed as part of
this report:
Page
----
Independent Auditors' Report 22
Consolidated Balance Sheets 23
Consolidated Statements of Earnings 24
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Earnings 25
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 26
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 27
(a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Independent Auditors' Report on Financial Statement Schedule.
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. See Exhibit 99.1.
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required
information is inapplicable or has been included in the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
(a)(3) EXHIBITS
See Item 15(c) below for the Exhibit index.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The Company has filed the following reports on Form 8-K during the fourth
quarter of 2003:
1. On October 17, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K
under Item 5, announcing that it had entered into a new five year,
$45.0 million revolving credit agreement.
2. On November 3, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K
under Item 12, announcing its financial results for the quarter ended
September 30, 2003.
(c) EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- -------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 27, 2001,
among The Aristotle Corporation, Geneve Corporation, Nasco
Holdings, Inc. and Nasco International, Inc. incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 2 of The Aristotle Corporation's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 30, 2001.
2.2 Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 7, 2002,
among The Aristotle Corporation, Geneve Corporation, Nasco
Holdings, Inc. and Nasco International, Inc. incorporated
herein by reference to an exhibit to The Aristotle
Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-86026).
49
2.3 Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 15,
2002, among The Aristotle Corporation, Geneve Corporation,
Nasco Holdings, Inc. and Nasco International, Inc. incorporated
herein by reference to an exhibit to The Aristotle
Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-86026).
3.1(i) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The
Aristotle Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
3.2(ii) Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 3.2 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
4.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The
Aristotle Corporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws filed as
Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 are incorporated into this item by
reference. See Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2 above.
4.2 Letter Agreement dated as of February 9, 2000 between The
Aristotle Corporation and the Geneve Corporation regarding
certain limitations on voting and the acquisition of additional
shares of common stock, incorporated herein by reference to The
Aristotle Corporation's Report on Form 13D/A dated February 15,
2000.
4.3 Letter Agreement dated as of April 28, 2000 between The
Aristotle Corporation and the Geneve Corporation, modifying the
letter agreement between such parties dated as of February 9,
2000, regarding certain limitations on voting and the
acquisition of additional shares of common stock, incorporated
herein by reference to The Aristotle Corporation's Report on
Form 8-K dated May 2, 2000.
10.1* The Aristotle Corporation 2002 Employee, Director and
Consultant Stock Plan, incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.2* Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (for employees,
directors and consultants), incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.3* Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (for employees),
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of The
Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal
quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.4* The Aristotle Corporation 1997 Employee and Director Stock
Plan, incorporated herein by reference to The Aristotle
Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated December
10, 1997.
10.5(a)* The Employment Agreement dated as of February 1, 2001, by and
between The Aristotle Corporation and Paul McDonald,
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended March 31, 2001.
10.5(b)* Amendment, dated June 17, 2002, to the Employment Agreement
dated as of February 1, 2001 by and between The Aristotle
Corporation and Paul McDonald, incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10.8 (b) of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.6(a)* The Employment Agreement dated as of February 1, 2001, by and
between The Aristotle Corporation and John Crawford,
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of The
Aristotle Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.
10.6(b)* Amendment, dated June 17, 2002, to the Employment Agreement
dated as of February 1, 2001 by and between The Aristotle
Corporation and John J. Crawford, incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 (b) of The Aristotle Corporation
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30,
2002.
50
10.7 Exchange Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2001, between The
Aristotle Corporation and Geneve Corporation, incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10 of The Aristotle Corporation
Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 30, 2001.
10.8* Letter Agreement, dated May 24, 2002, between The Aristotle
Corporation and Paul McDonald regarding the exercisability of
certain stock options, incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.11 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.9* Letter Agreement, dated May 24, 2002, between The Aristotle
Corporation and John J. Crawford regarding the exercisability
of certain stock options, incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.12 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.10* Full Recourse Promissory Note, dated June 17, 2002, in the
principal amount of $32,837.50, made by Paul McDonald in favor
of The Aristotle Corporation, incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10.13 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.11* Form of Letter Agreement, dated May 24, 2002, between The
Aristotle Corporation and non-employee directors regarding the
exercisability of certain stock options, incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.14 of The Aristotle Corporation
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30,
2002.
10.12(a) Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Five Year) dated as of
May 29, 2001, among Nasco International, Inc., various
financial institutions now or hereafter parties thereto and
Bank of America, N.A. incorporated by reference to The
Aristotle Corporation's Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-86026).
10.12(b) First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Five
Year) and Consent, dated as of June 17, 2002, among Nasco
International, Inc., various financial institutions now or
hereafter parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A.,
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 (b) of The
Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal
quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.12(c) Assumption Agreement, dated June 17, 2002, executed by The
Aristotle Corporation pursuant to Section 3.1 of the First
Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Five Year)
and Consent (See Exhibit 10.15(b)), incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.15 (c) of The Aristotle Corporation
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30,
2002.
10.13(a) Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (364 Days) dated as of
May 29, 2001, among Nasco International, Inc., various
financial institutions now or hereafter parties thereto and
Bank of America, N.A. incorporated by reference to The
Aristotle Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4
(File No. 333-86026).
10.13(b) Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (364
Days) and Consent, dated as of June 17, 2002, among Nasco
International, Inc., various financial institutions now or
hereafter parties thereto, and Bank of America, N.A.,
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 (b) of The
Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal
quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.13(c) Assumption Agreement, dated June 17, 2002, executed by The
Aristotle Corporation pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Second
Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (364 Days)
and Consent (See Exhibit 10.16(b)), incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.16 (c) of The Aristotle Corporation
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30,
2002.
10.14 Second Amended and Restated Mortgage (and Security Agreement
and Assignment of Leases and Rents), dated as of August 21,
2001, by and between Nasco International, Inc., as Mortgagor,
in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as agent incorporated by
reference to The Aristotle Corporation's Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 333-86026).
51
10.15 Second Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement,
Assignment of Rents and Leases, and Fixture Filing, dated as of
August 21, 2001, by Nasco International, Inc., as Mortgagor, in
favor of Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, as Trustee
for the benefit of Bank of America, N.A. incorporated by
reference to The Aristotle Corporation's Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 333-86026).
10.16 Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, Assignment of Rents and
Leases, and Fixture Filing, dated as of August 21, 2001, by
American Educational Products, Inc., as Mortgagor, in favor of
The Public Trustee for the County of Larimer, State of
Colorado, as Trustee for the benefit of Bank of America, N.A.
incorporated by reference to The Aristotle Corporation's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-86026).
10.17 Form of Stockholders Agreement by and among The Aristotle
Corporation, Geneve Corporation and Nasco Holdings, Inc.,
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of The
Aristotle Corporation Current Report on Form 8-K dated November
27, 2001.
10.18 Assumption of Mortgage and Modification Agreement, dated as of
July 12, 2002, by and between The Aristotle Corporation and
Bank of America, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.21 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.19 Assumption of Deed of Trust and Modification Agreement, dated
as of July 12, 2002, by and between The Aristotle Corporation
and Bank of America, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.22 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.20 Assumption of Deed of Trust and Modification Agreement, dated
as of July 12, 2002, by and between The Aristotle Corporation
and Bank of America, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.21 Amended and Restated Subsidiary Pledge Agreement, dated as of
June 27, 2002, by and between American Educational Products LLC
and Bank of America, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.24 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.22 Amended and Restated Subsidiary Security Agreement, dated as of
June 27, 2002, by and between American Educational Products
LLC, the other subsidiaries party thereto and Bank of America,
N.A., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of The
Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal
quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.23 Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 27,
2002, by and between The Aristotle Corporation and Bank of
America, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.26 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.24 Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of June 27,
2002, by and between The Aristotle Corporation and Bank of
America, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.27 of The Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002.
10.25 Credit Agreement dated as of October 15, 2003 among The
Aristotle Corporation, the lenders party thereto from time to
time, Bank One, NA as Agent and Letter of Credit Issuer and
Banc One Capital Markets, Inc., as Lead Arranger and Sole Book
Runner, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of The
Aristotle Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal
quarter ended September 30, 2003.
21 Subsidiaries of the Company.
23 Consent of KPMG LLP.
52
24 Powers of Attorney, executed by certain officers of the Company
and the individual members of the Board of Directors,
authorizing certain officers of the Company to file amendments to
this Report, are located on the signature page of this Report.
See page 55 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this
Exhibit Index is a part.
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1 Independent Auditors' Report on Financial Statement Schedule
and Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the
years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
* This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan required to be
filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(c).
(d) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS EXCLUDED FROM ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Not applicable.
53
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 29, 2004
/s/ Steven B.Lapin
Steven B.Lapin
President and Chief Operating Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 29, 2004
/s/ Dean T.Johnson
Dean T.Johnson
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
54
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Steven B. Lapin, Dean T. Johnson and H. William
Smith, or any of them, his attorney-in-fact, each with the power of
substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this
Report, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby
ratifying and confirming to all that each of said attorney-in-fact, or his
substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
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 on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Steven B. Lapin President, Chief Operating Officer and Director March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
Steven B. Lapin
/s/ Dean T. Johnson Vice President and Chief Financial Officer March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
Dean T. Johnson
/s/ John J. Crawford Director March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
John J. Crawford
/s/ John Lahey Director March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
John Lahey
/s/ Donald T. Netter Director March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
Donald T. Netter
/s/ Edward Netter Director March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
Edward Netter
/s/ Sharon M. Oster Director March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
Sharon M. Oster
/s/ James G. Tatum Director March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
James G. Tatum
/s/ Roy T.K. Thung Director March 29, 2004
- ----------------------
Roy T.K. Thung
55
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
21 Subsidiaries of the Company.
23 Consent of KPMG LLP.
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1 Independent Auditors' Report on Financial Statement Schedule and
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
56
STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES
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