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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

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

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 22, 2005.

 

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

 

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

 

Commission File Number: 000-24385

 


 

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 


 

Wisconsin   39-0971239
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

W6316 Design Drive

Greenville, Wisconsin

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

54942

(Zip Code)

 

(920) 734-5712

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) 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 whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class


 

Outstanding at

February 28, 2005


Common Stock, $0.001 par value   22,795,996

 



Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

 

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 22, 2005

 

         Page
Number


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

ITEM 1.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    
   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 22, 2005, April 24, 2004, and January 24, 2004

   1
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004 and for the nine months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004

   2
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004

   3
   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   5

ITEM 2.

  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    14

ITEM 3.

  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    18

ITEM 4.

  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    19
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION     

ITEM 6.

 

EXHIBITS

   20

 

-Index-


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements

 

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     January 22,
2005


   April 24,
2004


   January 24,
2004


ASSETS                     

Current assets:

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,617    $ 2,369    $ 44,246

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,649, $6,627 and $2,706, respectively

     56,419      52,995      52,044

Inventories

     127,425      139,786      81,575

Deferred catalog costs

     16,767      15,578      13,385

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     22,648      12,491      18,711

Deferred taxes

     5,757      5,757      4,594
    

  

  

Total current assets

     233,633      228,976      214,555

Property, plant and equipment, net

     68,809      65,294      59,418

Goodwill

     472,588      462,039      457,037

Intangible assets, net

     63,196      55,657      51,308

Other

     18,415      20,641      13,424
    

  

  

Total assets

   $ 856,641    $ 832,607    $ 795,742
    

  

  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

                    

Current maturities - long-term debt

   $ 22,167    $ 524    $ 557

Accounts payable

     43,027      58,225      35,064

Accrued compensation

     9,588      13,840      9,937

Deferred revenue

     4,661      7,018      4,179

Accrued income taxes

     16,533      —        13,135

Other accrued liabilities

     16,747      17,368      19,331
    

  

  

Total current liabilities

     112,723      96,975      82,203

Long-term debt - less current maturities

     149,848      314,104      299,821

Deferred taxes

     42,553      42,553      28,952

Other liabilities

     460      —        —  
    

  

  

Total liabilities

     305,584      453,632      410,976

Shareholders’ equity:

                    

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding

     —        —        —  

Common stock, $0.001 par value per share, 150,000,000 shares authorized and 22,755,884, 19,069,987 and 18,974,484 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     23      19      19

Capital paid-in excess of par value

     346,692      230,258      227,811

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     9,899      5,607      7,725

Retained earnings

     194,443      143,091      149,211
    

  

  

Total shareholders’ equity

     551,057      378,975      384,766
    

  

  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 856,641    $ 832,607    $ 795,742
    

  

  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     For the Three Months Ended

    For the Nine Months Ended

 
     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


    January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


 

Revenues

   $ 128,120     $ 106,609     $ 827,337     $ 746,105  

Cost of revenues

     75,955       64,305       483,559       440,007  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     52,165       42,304       343,778       306,098  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     67,581       54,105       246,659       214,843  
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     (15,416 )     (11,801 )     97,119       91,255  

Other (income) expense:

                                

Interest expense

     2,195       4,611       10,434       13,625  

Interest income

     (36 )     (10 )     (117 )     (46 )

Other

     648       284       1,568       956  

Redemption costs and fees for convertible debt redemption

     —         —         1,839       —    
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (18,223 )     (16,686 )     83,395       76,720  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (7,016 )     (6,580 )     32,043       29,803  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (11,207 )   $ (10,106 )   $ 51,352     $ 46,917  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

     22,720       18,894       21,179       18,767  

Diluted

     22,720       18,894       24,006       23,999  

Net income (loss) per share:

                                

Basic

   $ (0.49 )   $ (0.53 )   $ 2.42     $ 2.50  

Diluted

   $ (0.49 )   $ (0.53 )   $ 2.22     $ 2.14  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     For the Nine Months Ended

 
     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 51,352     $ 46,917  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization expense

     13,472       12,932  

Amortization of development costs

     2,791       662  

Amortization of debt fees and other

     1,112       2,071  

Loss on redemption of convertible debt

     1,839       —    

Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

     52       (13 )

Changes in current assets and liabilities (net of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations):

                

Accounts receivable

     (1,527 )     (873 )

Inventories

     15,829       30,140  

Deferred catalog costs

     (91 )     4,060  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (10,245 )     (10,159 )

Accounts payable

     (17,004 )     (25,269 )

Accrued liabilities

     8,722       11,386  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     66,302       71,854  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (19,219 )     (36,112 )

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (14,722 )     (4,897 )

Investment in development costs

     (4,317 )     (2,801 )

Proceeds from business dispositions

     193       —    

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

     51       1,132  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (38,014 )     (42,678 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Proceeds from bank borrowings

     404,100       260,700  

Repayment of debt and capital leases

     (397,216 )     (386,779 )

Proceeds from convertible debt offering

     —         133,000  

Redemption of convertible debt

     (34,843 )     —    

Premium on redemption of convertible debt

     (1,195 )     —    

Payment of debt fees and other

     (12 )     (4,044 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     3,126       9,804  
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (26,040 )     12,681  
    


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     2,248       41,857  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     2,369       2,389  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 4,617     $ 44,246  
    


 


Non-cash financing activities:

                

Conversion of convertible debt into common stock

   $ 114,657     $ —    

 

3


Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – (Continued)

(In thousands)

 

The Company entered into certain business combinations in the nine months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004, which were paid for using cash. The fair values of the assets and liabilities of the acquired companies at the date of acquisition are presented as follows:

 

     For the Nine Months Ended

 
     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


 

Accounts receivable

   $ 1,339     $ 1,861  

Inventories

     2,228       5,025  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,180       347  

Property and equipment

     257       654  

Goodwill

     5,953       21,558  

Intangible assets

     10,829       10,829  

Other assets

     132       —    

Short-term debt

     (3 )     (102 )

Accounts payable

     (1,802 )     (2,889 )

Accrued liabilities

     (1,069 )     (1,135 )

Deferred taxes

     —         (136 )
    


 


Net assets acquired

   $ 19,044     $ 36,012  
    


 


 

Fiscal 2005 cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash acquired, as reported within cash flows from investing activities includes the payment of $75 to the selling shareholders of Select Agendas and a deferred purchase price payment of $100 related to the October 2001 acquisition of Premier Science. Fiscal 2004 cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash acquired, as reported within cash flows from investing activities includes a deferred purchase price payment of $100 related to Premier Science.

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which are normal and recurring in nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The balance sheet at April 24, 2004 has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 24, 2004. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 24, 2004.

 

Certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

 

NOTE 2 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

On October 13, 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board adopted EITF Issue No. 04-8, “The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings Per Share.” Under the provisions of EITF Issue No. 04-8, contingently convertible debt instruments are to be included in diluted earnings per share computations regardless of whether the market price trigger or other contingent features have been met. EITF Issue No. 04-8 is effective for the Company’s $133,000, 3.75% convertible subordinated notes for the three and nine month periods ended January 22, 2005. On December 8, 2004, the Company signed a supplemental indenture with respect to these notes under which the Company is required to satisfy in cash the portion of its obligation equal to the Accreted Principal Amount (as further defined in the supplemental indenture). As a result, the adoption of this pronouncement had no current impact on our diluted earnings per share calculation based upon the conversion features of the notes and the average market price of our common stock. No restatement of prior periods’ diluted earnings per share was required as a result of the adoption of EITF Issue No. 04-8 based upon the terms of the notes.

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004) (“SFAS No. 123R”), which requires that compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. The compensation cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. SFAS No. 123R will be effective for the Company’s employee stock plans in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.

 

NOTE 3 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Changes in shareholders’ equity during the nine months ended January 22, 2005, were as follows:

 

Shareholders’ equity balance at April 24, 2004

   $ 378,975  

Net income

     51,352  

Issuance of common stock in conjunction with conversion of convertible debt

     114,657  

Unamortized deferred financing fees related to conversion of convertible debt

     (2,117 )

Issuance of common stock in conjunction with stock option exercises

     3,126  

Tax benefit on option exercises

     772  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     4,292  
    


Shareholders’ equity balance at January 22, 2005

   $ 551,057  
    


 

5


Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented in the consolidated statements of operations was as follows:

 

     For the Three Months Ended

    For the Nine Months Ended

     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


    January 22,
2005


   January 24,
2004


Net income (loss)

   $ (11,207 )   $ (10,106 )   $ 51,352    $ 46,917

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     226       315       4,292      4,576
    


 


 

  

Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (10,981 )   $ (9,791 )   $ 55,644    $ 51,493
    


 


 

  

 

NOTE 4 – EARNINGS PER SHARE AND EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS

 

Earnings Per Share

 

The following information presents the Company’s computations of basic earnings per share (“basic EPS”) and diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) for the periods presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:

 

     Income (Loss)
(Numerator)


    Shares
(Denominator)


  

Per Share

Amount


 

Three months ended January 22, 2005:

                     

Basic and diluted EPS

   $ (11,207 )   22,720    $ (0.49 )
                 


Three months ended January 24, 2004:

                     

Basic and diluted EPS

   $ (10,106 )   18,894    $ (0.53 )
                 


Nine months ended January 22, 2005:

                     

Basic EPS

   $ 51,352     21,179    $ 2.42  
                 


Effect of dilutive stock options

     —       826         

Effect of convertible debt

     1,891     2,001         
    


 
        

Diluted EPS

   $ 53,243     24,006    $ 2.22  
    


 
  


Nine months ended January 24, 2004:

                     

Basic EPS

   $ 46,917     18,767    $ 2.50  
                 


Effect of dilutive stock options

     —       602         

Effect of convertible debt

     4,421     4,630         
    


 
        

Diluted EPS

   $ 51,338     23,999    $ 2.14  
    


 
  


 

The Company had additional stock options outstanding during the nine months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004 of 16 and 53, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive. The effect of convertible debt on the Company’s diluted EPS relates to the Company’s 6% convertible subordinated notes due in full on August 1, 2008, which were redeemed and/or converted during August 2004. The $133,000, 3.75% convertible subordinated notes have no current impact on the Company’s diluted EPS because the average price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq National Market for the nine months ended January 22, 2005 did not exceed the initial conversion price of $40.00 per share.

 

6


Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Employee Stock Plans

 

The Company has two stock-based employee compensation plans. The Company accounts for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Accordingly, because the exercise price of the options is equal to the market price on the date of grant, no compensation expense has been recognized for the options granted to employees and directors. Had compensation expense related to the Company’s stock option grants to employees and directors been recognized based upon the fair value of the stock options on the grant date under the methodology prescribed by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company’s net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been impacted as indicated in the following table:

 

     For the Three Months Ended

    For the Nine Months Ended

 
     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


    January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


 

Net income (loss), as reported

   $ (11,207 )   $ (10,106 )   $ 51,352     $ 46,917  

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (747 )     (647 )     (2,240 )     (1,961 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (11,954 )   $ (10,753 )   $ 49,112     $ 44,956  
    


 


 


 


EPS:

                                

As reported:

                                

Basic

   $ (0.49 )   $ (0.53 )   $ 2.42     $ 2.50  

Diluted

   $ (0.49 )   $ (0.53 )   $ 2.22     $ 2.14  

Pro forma:

                                

Basic

   $ (0.53 )   $ (0.57 )   $ 2.32     $ 2.40  

Diluted

   $ (0.53 )   $ (0.57 )   $ 2.12     $ 2.06  

 

The fair value of options granted (which is amortized to expense over the option vesting period in determining the pro forma impact) is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes single option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     For the Three Months Ended

    For the Nine Months Ended

 
     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


    January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


 

Expected life of option

   5.5 years     7 years     5.5 years     7 years  

Risk free interest rate

   3.56 %   3.62 %   3.91 %   3.18 %

Expected volatility of stock

   48.13 %   50.10 %   48.85 %   52.23 %

 

The weighted-average fair value of options granted was $18.49 and $18.58 during the three months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004, respectively, and was $17.71 and $16.45 during the nine months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004, respectively.

 

7


Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

NOTE 5 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following table presents details of the Company’s intangible assets, excluding goodwill:

 

January 22, 2005


   Gross Value

   Accumulated
Amortization


   

Net Book

Value


Amortizable intangible assets:

                     

Customer relationships

   $ 39,102    $ (6,048 )   $ 33,054

Non-compete agreements

     6,985      (2,690 )     4,295

Copyrighted materials

     7,100      (129 )     6,971

Tradenames and trademarks

     3,773      (221 )     3,552

Other

     713      (211 )     502
    

  


 

Total amortizable intangible assets

     57,673      (9,299 )     48,374

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

                     

Perpetual license agreement

     12,700      —         12,700

Tradenames and trademarks

     2,122      —         2,122
    

  


 

Total non-amortizable intangible assets

     14,822      —         14,822
    

  


 

Total intangible assets

   $ 72,495    $ (9,299 )   $ 63,196
    

  


 

April 24, 2004


   Gross Value

   Accumulated
Amortization


   

Net Book

Value


Amortizable intangible assets:

                     

Customer relationships

   $ 37,101    $ (4,189 )   $ 32,912

Non-compete agreements

     6,956      (2,090 )     4,866

Tradenames and trademarks

     2,722      (58 )     2,664

Other

     558      (165 )     393
    

  


 

Total amortizable intangible assets

     47,337      (6,502 )     40,835

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

                     

Perpetual license agreement

     12,700      —         12,700

Tradenames and trademarks

     2,122      —         2,122
    

  


 

Total non-amortizable intangible assets

     14,822      —         14,822
    

  


 

Total intangible assets

   $ 62,159    $ (6,502 )   $ 55,657
    

  


 

January 24, 2004


   Gross Value

   Accumulated
Amortization


   

Net Book

Value


Amortizable intangible assets:

                     

Customer relationships

   $ 33,392    $ (3,594 )   $ 29,798

Non-compete agreements

     6,306      (1,862 )     4,444

Other

     2,522      (278 )     2,244
    

  


 

Total amortizable intangible assets

     42,220      (5,734 )     36,486

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

                     

Perpetual license agreement

     12,700      —         12,700

Tradenames and trademarks

     2,122      —         2,122
    

  


 

Total non-amortizable intangible assets

     14,822      —         14,822
    

  


 

Total intangible assets

   $ 57,042    $ (5,734 )   $ 51,308
    

  


 

 

Intangible amortization expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004 was $933 and $677, respectively, and $2,872 and $2,742 for the nine months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Estimated intangible amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2005 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years is estimated to be:

 

Fiscal 2005 (three months remaining)

   $ 1,015

Fiscal 2006

     3,973

Fiscal 2007

     3,793

Fiscal 2008

     3,637

Fiscal 2009

     3,517

Fiscal 2010

     3,510

 

The following information presents changes to goodwill during the period beginning January 24, 2004 through January 22, 2005:

 

Segment


   Balance at
January 24,
2004


   Acquisitions

   Adjustments

    Balance at
April 24,
2004


   Acquisitions

   Adjustments

   Balance at
January 22,
2005


Traditional

   $ 165,143    $ —      $ —       $ 165,143    $ —      $ —      $ 165,143

Specialty

     291,894      6,684      (1,682 )     296,896      5,953      4,596      307,445
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Total

   $ 457,037    $ 6,684    $ (1,682 )   $ 462,039    $ 5,953    $ 4,596    $ 472,588
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

 

The goodwill increase in the Specialty segment acquisitions from January 24, 2004 through April 24, 2004 of $6,684 represented goodwill of $7,681 related to the additional purchase price consideration for the Select Agendas acquisition, partially offset by a $997 reduction related to purchase price allocations for the Califone acquisition. The Specialty segment adjustments from January 24, 2004 through April 24, 2004 primarily represent foreign currency translation of ($1,841). The Specialty segment goodwill change for acquisitions for the period from April 24, 2004 through January 22, 2005 of $5,953 was the preliminary goodwill recorded related to the Guidance Channel acquisition. The Specialty segment adjustments for the period from April 24, 2004 through January 22, 2005 primarily represent foreign currency translation of $3,790 and final purchase price adjustments for Select Agendas of $576.

 

NOTE 6 – BUSINESS COMBINATION

 

On September 1, 2004, the Company acquired certain assets of The Guidance Channel, Inc. and its subsidiaries or related companies, for an aggregate purchase price of $18,769. This transaction was funded in cash through borrowings under the Company’s credit facility. The business, an educational publishing and media company, operates from Plainview, New York. The acquisition is expected to create synergies with our existing media business (primarily Teacher’s Video and Sunburst brands). The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of $5,953, which is deductible for tax purposes. The results of this acquisition have been included in the Specialty segment since the date of acquisition. The Company continues to evaluate integration opportunities with this acquired business, which may result in purchase accounting adjustments during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

The Company engaged a third-party to perform a valuation of the Guidance Channel’s intangible assets. Details of the Guidance Channel’s acquired intangible assets are as follows:

 

Acquired Intangibles


   Allocated
Value


   Amortization
Life


Copyrighted materials

   $ 7,100    23 years

Customer relationships

     2,000    11 years

Tradenames and trademarks

     1,400    23 years

Non-compete agreements

     54    1 to 2 years
    

    

Total acquired intangibles

   $ 10,554     
    

    

 

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Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

On May 30, 2003, the Company acquired the stock of Select Agendas, a Canadian-based company, for an initial aggregate purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $9,558. Subsequent to January 24, 2004, the Company finalized the purchase price and paid an additional $7,665 for the acquisition. This transaction was funded in cash through borrowings under the Company’s credit facility. The business operates from Montreal, Quebec and primarily markets student agenda products to customers in both the United States and Canada. The acquisition has created synergies with our existing agenda business. The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of $13,723 and intangible assets of $3,075, consisting primarily of order backlog and customer relationships. The results of this acquisition and the related goodwill have been included in the Specialty segment results since the date of acquisition.

 

On January 16, 2004, the Company acquired the stock of Califone Holding Inc., the parent of Califone International, Inc. (collectively “Califone”) for an aggregate purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $26,454. This transaction was funded in cash through borrowings under the Company’s credit facility. The business operates from Chatsworth, California and is the leading developer of quality sound presentation systems including state of the art multimedia, audio-visual and presentation equipment for schools and industry. The acquisition adds proprietary sound presentation systems to the Company’s resource offerings. The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of $15,218, most of which is not deductible for tax purposes. The results of this acquisition have been included in the Specialty segment since the date of acquisition.

 

The Company engaged a third-party to perform a valuation of Califone’s intangible assets. Details of Califone’s acquired intangible assets are as follows:

 

Acquired Intangibles


   Allocated
Value


   Amortization
Life


Customer relationships

   $ 9,800    17 years

Tradenames

     2,100    30 years

Non-compete agreements

     650    3.5 years

Order backlog

     27    6 months
    

    

Total acquired intangibles

   $ 12,577     
    

    

 

The following information presents the unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company for the three and nine months ended January 22, 2005 and January 24, 2004, and includes the Company’s consolidated results of operations and the results of the companies acquired during fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 as if all such acquisitions had been made at the beginning of fiscal 2004. The results presented below include certain pro forma adjustments to reflect the amortization of certain amortizable intangible assets, adjustments to interest expense, and the inclusion of an income tax provision on all earnings.

 

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Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


    January 22,
2005


   January 24,
2004


Revenues

   $ 128,120     $ 124,632     $ 833,072    $ 819,997

Net income (loss)

     (11,207 )     (12,015 )     51,465      45,113

Net income (loss) per share:

                             

Basic

   $ (0.49 )   $ (0.64 )   $ 2.43    $ 2.40

Diluted

   $ (0.49 )   $ (0.64 )   $ 2.22    $ 2.06

 

The unaudited pro forma results of operations are prepared for comparative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the results that would have occurred had the acquisitions occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2004 or the results that may occur in the future.

 

NOTE 7 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company’s business activities are organized around two principal business segments, Traditional and Specialty, and operate principally in the United States, with limited Specialty segment operations in Canada. Both internal and external reporting conform to this organizational structure, with no significant differences in accounting policies applied. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on revenue growth and profitability. While the segments serve a similar customer base, notable differences exist in products, selling and marketing approaches, gross margin, operating expenses and revenue growth rates. Products supplied within the Traditional segment include consumables (consisting of classroom supplies, instructional materials, educational games, art supplies and school forms), school furniture and indoor and outdoor equipment. Products supplied within the Specialty segment generally target specific educational disciplines, such as art, industrial arts, physical education, sciences and early childhood. This segment also supplies student academic planners, videos, DVDs, published educational materials and sound presentation equipment. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

 

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SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The following table presents segment information:

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


    January 22,
2005


   January 24,
2004


Revenues:

                             

Traditional

   $ 61,879     $ 55,618     $ 405,604    $ 393,684

Specialty

     66,241       50,991       421,733      352,421
    


 


 

  

Total

   $ 128,120     $ 106,609     $ 827,337    $ 746,105
    


 


 

  

Operating income (loss) and income (loss) before taxes:

                             

Traditional

   $ (534 )   $ (41 )   $ 44,233    $ 45,437

Specialty

     (8,094 )     (6,732 )     71,539      61,325
    


 


 

  

Total

     (8,628 )     (6,773 )     115,772      106,762

Corporate expenses

     6,788       5,028       18,653      15,507
    


 


 

  

Operating income (loss)

     (15,416 )     (11,801 )     97,119      91,255

Interest expense and other

     2,807       4,885       13,724      14,535
    


 


 

  

Income (loss) before taxes

   $ (18,223 )   $ (16,686 )   $ 83,395    $ 76,720
    


 


 

  

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets and development costs:

                             

Traditional

   $ 951     $ 750     $ 2,663    $ 2,499

Specialty

     3,494       2,289       10,294      7,357
    


 


 

  

Total

     4,445       3,039       12,957      9,856

Corporate

     1,130       1,223       3,306      3,738
    


 


 

  

Total

   $ 5,575     $ 4,262     $ 16,263    $ 13,594
    


 


 

  

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment and development costs:

                             

Traditional

   $ 183     $ —       $ 379    $ 76

Specialty

     2,340       1,390       6,017      4,473
    


 


 

  

Total

     2,523       1,390       6,396      4,549

Corporate

     8,821       1,206       12,643      3,149
    


 


 

  

Total

   $ 11,344     $ 2,596     $ 19,039    $ 7,698
    


 


 

  

 

     As of
January 22,
2005


   As of
January 24,
2004


Identifiable assets (at quarter end):

             

Traditional

   $ 234,015    $ 218,319

Specialty

     501,006      424,107
    

  

Total

     735,021      642,426

Corporate assets

     121,620      153,316
    

  

Total

   $ 856,641    $ 795,742
    

  

 

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Table of Contents

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

NOTE 8 – CONVERTIBLE DEBT

 

On August 5, 2004, the Company called for the redemption of its $149,500 in aggregate principal amount of its 6.0% convertible subordinated notes effective August 20, 2004. During the period from August 5, 2004 through August 19, 2004, certain holders of the notes exercised their right to convert $114,657 in aggregate principal amount of the notes into 3,551 shares of the Company’s common stock. On August 20, 2004, the remaining $34,843 in aggregate principal amount of these notes were redeemed for the contractual redemption price of $36,038. The Company recognized pre-tax expense of $1,839 on August 20, 2004 related to the write-off of deferred financing costs of $644 and the premium upon redemption of the notes of $1,195.

 

On December 8, 2004, the Company entered into a supplemental indenture related to the $133,000, 3.75% convertible subordinated notes due August 1, 2023. Under terms of the supplemental indenture, the Company is required to satisfy in cash the portion of its conversion obligation with respect to the notes equal to the Accreted Principal Amount (as further defined in the supplemental indenture). The Company is permitted to satisfy the portion of the conversion obligation in excess of the Accreted Principal Amount, if any, in either cash or shares of common stock. Accordingly, as the conversion obligation equal to the Accreted Principal Amount is required to be paid in cash, this portion of the conversion obligation is not included in the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation. The portion of the conversion obligation in excess of the Accreted Principal Amount has no current impact on the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation as the average market price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq National Market during the periods presented did not exceed the initial conversion price of $40.00 per share.

 

NOTE 9 – CONTINGENCIES

 

Various claims and proceedings arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The results of these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth various items as a percentage of revenues on a historical basis.

 

     Three Months Ended

    Nine Months Ended

 
     January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


    January 22,
2005


    January 24,
2004


 

Revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of revenues

   59.3     60.3     58.4     59.0  
    

 

 

 

Gross profit

   40.7     39.7     41.6     41.0  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   52.7     50.8     29.8     28.8  
    

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (12.0 )   (11.1 )   11.8     12.2  

Interest expense, net

   1.7     4.3     1.3     1.8  

Other expense

   0.5     0.3     0.2     0.1  

Redemption costs and fees for convertible debt redemption

   —       —       0.2     —    
    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   (14.2 )   (15.7 )   10.1     10.3  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   (5.5 )   (6.2 )   3.9     4.0  
    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   (8.7 )%   (9.5 )%   6.2 %   6.3 %
    

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended January 22, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended January 24, 2004

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased 20.2% from $106.6 million to $128.1 million. The growth in revenues was primarily attributable to revenues from acquired businesses and organic growth in the Traditional segment. Traditional segment revenues increased 11.3% from $55.6 million to $61.9 million. The growth in Traditional segment revenues was primarily the result of an improving economic environment for K-12 funding. Specialty segment revenues increased 29.9% from $51.0 million to $66.2 million, primarily driven by revenues from acquired businesses.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit increased 23.3% from $42.3 million to $52.2 million. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to an increase in revenues. Gross margin was 40.7% of revenues as compared to 39.7% of revenues. The 100 basis point improvement in gross margin was primarily driven by an increase in sales of higher margin proprietary products by the Specialty segment as a percentage of overall sales mix, partially offset by a competitive pricing environment in the Traditional segment. Traditional segment gross profit increased $1.1 million from $17.8 million to $18.9 million. The increase in Traditional segment gross profit was due to increased revenues, partially offset by a decrease in gross margin percentage. Traditional segment gross margin decreased from 32.1% to 30.5%. The decrease in Traditional segment gross margin was primarily driven by a competitive pricing environment. Specialty segment gross profit increased $8.8 million or 36.0% from $24.5 million to $33.3 million. The increase in Specialty segment gross profit was due to increased revenues and gross margin improvement. The improvement in gross margin from 48.0% to 50.3% was primarily driven by acquired businesses, which have a higher gross margin than the average of our existing Specialty segment businesses.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) include selling expenses, the most significant components of which are sales wages and commissions; operations expenses, which includes customer service, warehouse and transportation costs; catalog costs; general administrative overhead, which includes information systems, accounting, legal and human resources; and depreciation and intangible asset amortization expense.

 

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Table of Contents

SG&A increased 190 basis points, as a percent of revenues, from $54.1 million or 50.8% of revenues, to $67.6 million or 52.7% of revenues. The increase in SG&A primarily resulted from acquired businesses and increased revenues within the Traditional segment. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of revenues was primarily driven by an increase in sales by the Specialty segment as a percentage of our overall revenue mix, which generally has higher marketing costs than the Traditional segment, and a higher SG&A structure from the fiscal 2004 Children’s Publishing and Califone acquisitions which have not yet been fully integrated. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues within the Traditional segment and a reduction in transportation and warehouse expenses. Traditional segment SG&A was $19.4 million or 31.4% of revenues as compared to $17.9 million or 32.1% of revenues in fiscal 2004’s third quarter. The $1.5 million increase in Traditional segment SG&A is primarily related to a $2.9 million increase in sales commissions related to the increased Traditional segment revenues as well as a change to the sales compensation plans and the timing of selling expense as a result of that change, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in warehouse and transportation expenses related to efficiencies obtained from off-season supply optimization planning, a reduction in consulting costs related to the off-season supply optimization planning and an increased mix of shipments made directly to our customers from our vendors. The 70 basis point decrease in Traditional segment SG&A as a percent of revenues primarily relates to the decrease in warehouse and transportation expenses, offset by the increase in sales commissions related to the change to the sales compensation plans. Specialty segment SG&A increased $10.2 million from $31.2 million or 61.2% of revenues to $41.4 million or 62.5% of revenues. The increase in SG&A was primarily due to an increase in variable costs associated with an increase in revenues. The increase in SG&A as a percent of revenues was primarily due to the impact of businesses acquired which have not been fully integrated. Corporate SG&A increased $1.8 million, primarily driven by a charge of $0.5 million to close our Agawam, Massachusetts facility, as well as a $1.2 million increase in administrative expenses, primarily driven by incremental compliance costs related to the initial adoption of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404.

 

Interest Expense

 

Net interest expense decreased $2.4 million from $4.6 million to $2.2 million. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to a decrease in average debt outstanding, including the conversion of $114.7 million in convertible notes to common stock in August 2004.

 

Other Expense

 

Other expense was $0.6 million in fiscal 2005’s third quarter, compared to $0.3 million in fiscal 2004’s third quarter. Other expense primarily represented the discount and loss on the accounts receivable securitization.

 

Benefit from Income Taxes

 

Benefit from income taxes increased $0.4 million. The increase was due to an increase in the loss before income taxes, partially offset by a reduction in the effective income tax rate from 39.4% to 38.5%. The reduction in the effective income tax rate is the result of a decrease in state taxes through various state planning strategies. The effective income tax rate of 38.5% exceeds the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state taxes.

 

Nine Months Ended January 22, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended January 24, 2004

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased 10.9% from $746.1 million to $827.3 million. The growth in revenues was primarily attributable to revenues from acquired businesses and organic growth in both the Traditional and Specialty segments. Traditional segment revenues increased 3.0% from $393.7 million to $405.6 million. The growth in Traditional segment revenues was primarily the result of an improving economic environment for K-12 funding. Specialty segment revenues increased 19.7% or $69.3 million from $352.4 million to $421.7 million, driven by revenues from acquired businesses and an improving K-12 funding environment.

 

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Table of Contents

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit increased 12.3% from $306.1 million to $343.8 million. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to an increase in revenues and an increase in gross margin. Gross margin improved 60 basis points to 41.6% of revenues as compared to 41.0% of revenues. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by an improvement in Specialty segment gross margin of 120 basis points from 50.1% to 51.3% and an increase in sales of higher margin proprietary products by the Specialty segment as a percentage of overall sales mix, partially offset by a decrease in Traditional segment gross margin of 150 basis points. Traditional segment gross profit decreased $2.2 million from $129.5 million to $127.3 million and gross margin decreased from 32.9% to 31.4%. The decrease in Traditional segment gross margin was primarily driven by a competitive pricing environment. Specialty segment gross profit increased $39.8 million or 22.6% from $176.6 million to $216.4 million. The increase in Specialty segment gross profit was due to increased revenues and gross margin improvement. The improvement in gross margin of 120 basis points was primarily driven by acquired businesses, which have a higher gross margin than the average of our existing Specialty segment businesses.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

SG&A increased 100 basis points, as a percent of revenues, from $214.8 million or 28.8% of revenues to $246.7 million or 29.8% of revenues. The increase in SG&A primarily resulted from increased revenues, the fiscal 2004 Children’s Publishing and Califone acquisitions, as well as an increase in sales by the Specialty segment as a percentage of our overall revenue mix, which generally has higher marketing costs than the Traditional segment, and a $2.3 million charge related to the consolidation of our operations (primarily closing our Agawam, Massachusetts distribution center and our Tempe, Arizona facility). These increases were partially offset by reductions in SG&A as a percentage of revenues within the Traditional segment primarily related to a reduction in transportation and warehouse expenses.

 

Traditional segment SG&A decreased $1.0 million from $84.1 million to $83.1 million and as a percent of revenues decreased 90 basis points from 21.4% to 20.5%. The decline in Traditional segment SG&A was primarily due to reduced transportation and warehouse costs of $2.7 million, resulting from supply chain optimization efforts and a reduction in consulting costs incurred related to these supply chain optimization efforts, partially offset by a $1.5 million increase in selling expenses, resulting primarily from a change to our sales compensation plans. Specialty segment SG&A increased $29.6 million from $115.3 million to $144.9 million. Specialty segment SG&A as a percent of revenues increased 170 basis points from 32.7% to 34.4%. The increase in SG&A is primarily due to an increase in variable costs associated with an increase in revenues and an increase in SG&A as a percent of revenues from acquired businesses that have not yet been fully integrated. Corporate SG&A increased $3.1 million, primarily driven by a charge of $2.3 million to close our Agawam, Massachusetts facility, as well as a $1.4 million increase in administrative expenses, primarily driven by incremental compliance costs related to the initial adoption of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404.

 

Interest Expense

 

Net interest expense decreased $3.3 million from $13.6 million to $10.3 million. The decrease in interest expense was due to a decrease in our effective borrowing rate and a decrease in average debt outstanding, including the conversion of $114.7 million in convertible notes to common stock in August 2004.

 

Other Expense and Convertible Debt Redemption Costs

 

Other expense was $1.6 million in fiscal 2005, compared to $1.0 million in fiscal 2004. Other expense primarily represented the discount and loss on the accounts receivable securitization. During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, $34.8 million in aggregate principal amount of our 6.0% convertible subordinated notes were redeemed. As a result, we recorded $1.8 million of expense including $1.2 million related to the premium on redemption of the notes and $0.6 million to write off deferred financing costs related to the notes.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Provision for income taxes increased $2.2 million. The increase was due to higher pre-tax income, partially offset by a reduction in the effective income tax rate from 38.8% to 38.4%. The reduction in the effective income tax rate is the result of a decrease in state taxes through various state planning strategies. The effective income tax rate of 38.4% exceeds the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state taxes.

 

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Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At January 22, 2005, we had working capital of $120.9 million. Our capitalization at January 22, 2005 was $723.1 million and consisted of total debt of $172.0 million and shareholders’ equity of $551.1 million.

 

Our existing revolving credit facility matures on April 11, 2006 and provides for $250.0 million of availability. The amount outstanding as of January 22, 2005 under the credit facility was $21.7 million. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and contains certain financial and other covenants. As of January 22, 2005, our effective interest rate on borrowings under our credit facility was approximately 4.08%, which excludes amortization of loan origination fee costs and the commitment fees on unborrowed funds. During the nine months ended January 22, 2005, we paid commitment fees on unborrowed funds under the credit facility of 41.9 basis points and amortized loan origination fee costs of $0.4 million related to the credit facility.

 

On July 18, 2003, we sold an aggregate principal amount of $110 million of convertible subordinated notes due August 1, 2023. On July 30, 2003, the initial purchasers of the notes exercised their option to purchase an additional $23.0 million of these notes. The notes carry an annual interest rate of 3.75% which, depending on the market price of the notes, could be subject to an upward adjustment commencing August 1, 2008. The notes, which provide for a contingent conversion feature, are convertible into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $40.00 per share if the closing price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq National Market exceeds $48.00 for a specified amount of time and under certain other circumstances. We used the total net proceeds from the offering of $129.0 million to repay a portion of the debt outstanding under our credit facility.

 

On December 8, 2004, the Company entered into a supplemental indenture related to the $133,000, 3.75% convertible subordinated notes due August 1, 2023. Under terms of the supplemental indenture, the Company is required to satisfy in cash the portion of its conversion obligation with respect to the notes equal to the Accreted Principal Amount (as further defined in the supplemental indenture). The Company is permitted to satisfy the portion of the conversion obligation in excess of the Accreted Principal Amount, if any, in either cash or shares of common stock.

 

On August 5, 2004, we called for the redemption of $149.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our 6.0% convertible subordinated notes effective August 20, 2004. During the period from August 5, 2004 through August 19, 2004, the holders of the notes exercised their right to convert $114.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the notes into 3.6 million shares of our Common Stock. On August 20, 2004, the remaining $34.8 million in aggregate principal amount of the notes were redeemed for the contractual redemption price of $36.0 million. We recognized $1.8 million in expenses related to the premium paid on redemption and the write-off of deferred financing costs.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $66.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 and $71.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The $5.6 million decrease in operating cash flows was primarily driven by a $14.3 million decrease in cash flow related to a higher investment in inventory levels at January 22, 2005 when compared to January 24, 2004, partially offset by an $8.3 million increase in cash flow related to accounts payable levels.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $38.0 million as compared with $42.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004. Additions to property, plant and equipment increased $9.8 million primarily consisting of distribution equipment in our new Lancaster, Pennsylvania distribution center, computer hardware and software related to the continued implementation of our new business systems. Fiscal 2004 cash paid in acquisitions represents the $9.6 million initial payment for the acquisition of Select Agendas, and the $26.5 million payment for the acquisition of Califone. Fiscal 2005’s cash paid in acquisitions of $19.2 million primarily represents the purchase of The Guidance Channel, Inc.

 

Cash flows from financing activities decreased $38.7 million from $12.7 million of cash provided in fiscal 2004 to $26.0 million of cash used in fiscal 2005. The decrease in cash flows from financing activities primarily relates to the $34.8 million in aggregate principal amount of our 6% convertible subordinated notes which were redeemed at a premium of $1.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2005. In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, $110.0 million in initial proceeds from the July 2003 convertible debt offering were used to repay debt outstanding under the credit facility. Fees associated with the initial offering were approximately $3.1 million.

 

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Table of Contents

We anticipate that our cash flow from operations, borrowings available from our existing credit facility and other sources of capital will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements for operations, including anticipated capital expenditures and our contractual obligations.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We currently have a $100 million accounts receivable securitization facility which expires in November 2005, and may be extended further with the financial institution’s consent. At January 22, 2005, $50.0 million was advanced under the receivable securitization facility and accordingly, that amount of accounts receivable has been removed from our consolidated balance sheet. Costs associated with the sale of receivables, primarily related to the discount and loss on sale, for the nine months ended January 22, 2005 were $1.6 million and are included in other expenses in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

Fluctuations in Quarterly Results of Operations

 

Our business is subject to seasonal influences. Our historical revenues and profitability have been dramatically higher in the first two quarters of our fiscal year, primarily due to increased shipments to customers coinciding with the start of each school year. Quarterly results also may be materially affected by the timing of acquisitions, the timing and magnitude of costs related to such acquisitions, variations in our costs for the products sold, the mix of products sold and general economic conditions. Moreover, the operating margins of companies we acquire may differ substantially from our own, which could contribute to further fluctuation in quarterly operating results. Therefore, results for any fiscal quarter are not indicative of the results that we may achieve for any subsequent fiscal quarter or for a full fiscal year.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation has had and is expected to have only a minor effect on our results of operations and our internal and external sources of liquidity.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements in this Quarterly Report which are not historical are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements include: (1) certain statements made under Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including, without limitation, statements with respect to internal growth plans, projected revenues, margin improvement, future acquisitions, capital expenditures and adequacy of capital resources; (2) certain statements included or incorporated by reference in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (3) certain information contained in written material, releases and oral statements issued by, or on behalf of School Specialty including, without limitation, statements with respect to projected revenues, costs, earnings and earnings per share. Forward-looking statements also include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectation of School Specialty or its officers. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “continues” or similar expressions.

 

All forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report are based on information available to us as of the date hereof. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made by or on behalf of us, in this Quarterly Report or otherwise. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements identified above. Factors which may cause such a difference to occur include, but are not limited to, the factors identified in Exhibit 99.2 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 24, 2004.

 

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes in quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk from what was reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 24, 2004.

 

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ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Based on an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective for the purposes set forth in such definition.

 

Changes in Internal Control

 

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation discussed above that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

See the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

        SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.
        (Registrant)
   

03/02/05


 

/s/ David J. Vander Zanden


    Date   David J. Vander Zanden
        President and Chief Executive Officer
        (Principal Executive Officer)
   

03/02/05


 

/s/ Mary M. Kabacinski


    Date   Mary M. Kabacinski
        Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
        (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description


12.1   Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by Chief Executive Officer.
31.2   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by Chief Financial Officer.
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Executive Officer.
32.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Financial Officer.