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

 
FORM 10-Q
 

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

For the quarterly period ended May 31, 2017
 
OR
 
☐ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________ to ____________.
 
Commission file number: 000-04957
 
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
73-0750007
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
5402 South 122nd East Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma
74146
(Address of principal executive offices) 
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (918) 622-4522

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes ☒        No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ☒        No ☐        

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
 
Large accelerated filer ☐
 
Accelerated filer ☐
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer ☐
 
Smaller Reporting Company 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company  ☐
 
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

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

As of July 10, 2017, there were 4,091,334 shares of Educational Development Corporation Common Stock, $0.20 par value outstanding.



TABLE OF CONTENTS


   
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
3
Item 2.
12
Item 3.
17
Item 4.
17
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
18
Item 1A.
18
Item 2.
19
Item 3.
19
Item 4.
19
Item 5.
19
Item 6.
19
 
20



CAUTIONARY REMARKS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
The information discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “may,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “achievable,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “potential,” “should,” “could,” and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and we can give no assurance that such expectations or assumptions will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are described under “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2017 and in this quarterly report. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

ASSETS
 
May 31, 2017
   
February 28, 2017
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
587,800
   
$
699,200
 
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts and
    sales returns of $866,000 (May 31) and $675,000 (February 28)
   
3,248,200
     
2,917,000
 
  Inventories—Net
   
29,726,600
     
34,253,100
 
  Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
804,600
     
695,200
 
             Total current assets
   
34,367,200
     
38,564,500
 
                 
INVENTORIES—Net
   
187,400
     
192,100
 
                 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT—Net
   
26,977,800
     
27,034,300
 
                 
OTHER ASSETS
   
61,400
     
61,400
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
   
73,500
     
128,000
 
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
61,667,300
   
$
65,980,300
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
  Accounts payable
 
$
10,431,400
   
$
17,565,300
 
  Line of credit
   
5,560,300
     
4,882,900
 
  Deferred revenues
   
547,000
     
633,100
 
  Current maturities of long-term debt
   
898,500
     
898,500
 
  Accrued salaries and commissions
   
1,739,600
     
1,379,700
 
  Income taxes payable
   
2,182,500
     
1,519,400
 
  Other current liabilities
   
3,303,500
     
3,218,200
 
             Total current liabilities
   
24,662,800
     
30,097,100
 
                 
  LONG-TERM DEBT-Net of current maturities
   
20,446,800
     
20,665,800
 
  OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
   
106,000
      -  
             Total liabilities
   
45,215,600
     
50,762,900
 
                 
COMMITMENTS (Note 7)
               
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
  Common stock, $0.20 par value; Authorized 8,000,000 shares;
    Issued 6,041,040 (May 31 and February 28) shares;
    Outstanding 4,091,334 (May 31) and 4,090,074 (February 28) shares
   
1,208,200
     
1,208,200
 
  Capital in excess of par value
   
8,548,000
     
8,548,000
 
  Retained earnings
   
17,543,100
     
16,317,800
 
     
27,299,300
     
26,074,000
 
  Less treasury stock, at cost
   
(10,847,600
)
   
(10,856,600
)
             Total shareholders’ equity
   
16,451,700
     
15,217,400
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
61,667,300
   
$
65,980,300
 
 
See notes to condensed financial statements.


EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
 
   
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
GROSS SALES
 
$
31,173,900
   
$
26,701,300
 
  Less discounts and allowances
   
(6,943,700
)
   
(6,189,000
)
  Transportation revenue
   
2,700,600
     
2,271,900
 
NET REVENUES
   
26,930,800
     
22,784,200
 
COST OF SALES
   
7,424,800
     
6,673,800
 
           Gross margin
   
19,506,000
     
16,110,400
 
                 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
               
  Operating and selling
   
5,392,400
     
4,728,900
 
  Sales commissions
   
8,509,200
     
6,974,100
 
  General and administrative
   
3,713,900
     
3,558,100
 
           Total operating expenses
   
17,615,500
     
15,261,100
 
                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
               
   Interest expense
   
(281,500
)
   
(216,500
)
   Other income
   
373,200
     
371,800
 
           Total other income
   
91,700
     
155,300
 
                 
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
1,982,200
     
1,004,600
 
                 
INCOME TAXES
   
756,900
     
384,400
 
NET EARNINGS
 
$
1,225,300
   
$
620,200
 
                 
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
               
  Basic
 
$
0.30
   
$
0.15
 
  Diluted
 
$
0.30
   
$
0.15
 
                 
                 
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
 
$
0.00
   
$
0.09
 
                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON AND EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
  Basic
   
4,090,143
     
4,068,679
 
  Diluted
   
4,093,878
     
4,074,597
 
 
See notes to condensed financial statements.
 
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2017

   
Common Stock
                               
   
(par value $0.20 per share)
                               
   
Number of
         
Capital in
         
Treasury Stock
       
   
Shares
         
Excess of
   
Retained
   
Number of
         
Shareholders’
 
   
Issued
   
Amount
   
Par Value
   
Earnings
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Equity
 
                                           
                                           
BALANCE—March 1, 2017
   
6,041,040
   
$
1,208,200
   
$
8,548,000
   
$
16,317,800
     
1,950,966
   
$
(10,856,600
)
 
$
15,217,400
 
  Sales of treasury stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,260
)
   
9,000
     
9,000
 
  Net earnings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,225,300
     
-
     
-
     
1,225,300
 
BALANCE— May 31, 2017
   
6,041,040
   
$
1,208,200
   
$
8,548,000
   
$
17,543,100
     
1,949,706
   
$
(10,847,600
)
 
$
16,451,700
 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
  Net earnings
 
$
1,225,300
   
$
620,200
 
  Adjustment to reconcile net earnings to net cash used in operating activities
               
Depreciation
   
293,300
     
241,700
 
Deferred income taxes
   
54,500
     
(20,900
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
282,900
     
200,700
 
Provision for inventory valuation allowance
   
15,000
     
(50,000
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
     Accounts receivable
   
(614,100
)
   
(677,700
)
     Inventories, net
   
4,516,200
     
(5,088,600
)
     Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
(109,400
)
   
(1,782,900
)
     Accounts payable
   
(7,133,900
)
   
3,642,300
 
     Accured salaries and commissions
   
359,900
     
(24,300
)
     Deferred revenues
   
(86,100
)
   
2,442,000
 
     Other  liabilities
   
191,300
     
(298,500
)
     Income tax payable
   
663,100
     
(310,900
)
          Total adjustments
   
(1,567,300
)
   
(1,727,100
)
          Net cash used in operating activities
   
(342,000
)
   
(1,106,900
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(236,800
)
   
(1,263,000
)
             Net cash used in investing activities
   
(236,800
)
   
(1,263,000
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
  Payments on long-term debt
   
(219,000
)
   
(149,600
)
  Cash received from sale of treasury stock
   
9,000
     
45,600
 
  Net borrowings under the line of credit
   
677,400
     
2,586,900
 
  Dividends paid
   
-
     
(366,300
)
                 
             Net cash provided by financing activities
   
467,400
     
2,116,600
 
                 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
(111,400
)
   
(253,300
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
699,200
     
1,183,700
 
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—END OF PERIOD
 
$
587,800
   
$
930,400
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH  FLOW INFORMATION:
               
  Cash paid for interest
 
$
275,200
   
$
216,500
 
  Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
-
   
$
716,200
 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim condensed financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements include all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Such adjustments consist only of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed herein. Accordingly, the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. However, we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended February 28, 2017 included in our Form 10-K. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year due to seasonality of product sales.
 
Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 2017 condensed balance sheet and condensed statement of earnings to conform to the classifications used in fiscal 2018.  These reclassifications had no effect on net earnings.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
The preparation of the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Significant Accounting Policies
 
Our significant accounting policies are consistent with those disclosed in Note 1 to our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended February 28, 2017 included in our Form 10-K.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) periodically issues new accounting standards in a continuing effort to improve standards of financial accounting and reporting. We have reviewed the recently issued accounting standards updates (“ASU”) and concluded that the following recently issued accounting standards apply to us.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, and amended with ASU No. 2015-14 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which provides a single revenue recognition model which is intended to improve comparability over a range of industries, companies and geographical boundaries and will also result in enhanced disclosures. The changes are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019. We are currently reviewing the ASU and assessing the potential impact on our financial statements.
 
In July 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 “Inventory - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which is intended to allow measurement of inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This ASU became effective for the Company on March 1, 2017.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In November 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which is intended to improve how deferred taxes are classified on organizations’ balance sheets by eliminating the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet.  Instead, organizations will now be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent.  The changes are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2018.  We have retrospectively implemented this new presentation in our condensed financial statements.  As such, we reclassified $466,000 of current deferred tax assets to noncurrent (netted with $338,000 of deferred tax liabilities within noncurrent assets) on the condensed financial statements.  The adoption of this ASU did not affect our statements of earnings.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases,” which is intended to establish a comprehensive new lease accounting model. The new standard clarifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to current lease classifications, and causes lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2020. The new standard requires a modified retrospective transition for capital or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We are currently reviewing the ASU and evaluating the potential impact on our financial statements.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU became effective for the Company on March 1, 2017.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses”, which requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected.   The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which means the first quarter of our fiscal year 2020.  We anticipate this ASU having minimal impact on our financial statements.

Note 2 – INVENTORIES

 Inventories consist of the following:

   
2017
 
   
May 31,
   
February 28,
 
Current:
           
  Book inventory
 
$
29,751,600
   
$
34,278,100
 
  Inventory valuation allowance
   
(25,000
)
   
(25,000
)
                 
Inventories net–current
 
$
29,726,600
   
$
34,253,100
 
                 
Non-current:
               
  Book inventory
 
$
475,400
   
$
467,100
 
  Inventory valuation allowance
   
(288,000
)
   
(275,000
)
                 
Inventories net–non-current
 
$
187,400
   
$
192,100
 

Book inventory quantities in excess of what we expect will be sold within the normal operating cycle, based on 2.5 years of anticipated sales, are included in non-current inventory.

Significant portions of our inventory purchases are concentrated with an England-based publishing company.  Purchases from this company were approximately $1.9 million and $9.9 million for the three months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Total inventory purchases from all suppliers were $5.4 million and $13.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Note 3 – DEBT

Debt consists of the following:

   
2017
 
   
May 31,
   
February 28,
 
             
Line of credit
 
$
5,560,300
   
$
4,882,900
 
                 
Long-term debt
 
$
21,345,300
   
$
21,564,300
 
Less current maturities
   
(898,500
)
   
(898,500
)
LONG-TERM DEBT-net of current maturites
 
$
20,446,800
   
$
20,665,800
 


We have a Loan Agreement dated as of March 10, 2016 (as amended the “Loan Agreement”) with MidFirst Bank (“the Bank”) which includes multiple loans.  Term Loan #1 is comprised of Tranche A totaling $13.4 million and Tranche B totaling $5.0 million, both with the maturity date of December 1, 2025.  Tranche A has a fixed interest rate of 4.23% and interest is payable monthly. For Tranche B, interest is payable monthly at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio (4.25% at May 31, 2017).  Term Loan #1 is secured by the primary office, warehouse and land.
 
We also have Term Loan #2 with the Bank in the amount of $4.0 million with the maturity date of June 28, 2021, and interest payable monthly at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio (4.25% at May 31, 2017).   Term Loan #2 is secured by our secondary warehouse and land. The Loan Agreement also provided a $7.0 million revolving loan (“line of credit”) through June 15, 2017 (See Note 12) with interest payable monthly at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio (4.25% at May 31, 2017).   The President and Chief Executive Officer and his wife have executed a Guaranty Agreement obligating them to repay $3,680,000 of any unpaid Term Loans, unpaid accrued interest and any recourse amounts as defined in the Continuing Guaranty Agreement.

The Tranche B, the line of credit and the Term Loan #2 accrue interest at a tiered rate based on our funded debt to EBITDA ratio which is payable monthly.  The current pricing tier is as follows:

Pricing Tier
Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio
LIBOR Margin (bps)
I
>3.25
362.50
II
>2.75 but <3.25
350.00
III
>2.25 but <2.75
337.50
IV
<2.25
325.00

EBITDA is defined in the Loan Agreement as earnings before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization expenses.
 
We had $5,560,300 and $4,882,900 in borrowings outstanding on our revolving credit agreement at May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.  Available credit under the revolving credit agreement was $1,439,700 at May 31, 2017 and $2,117,100 at February 28, 2017.
 
The Loan Agreement also contains a provision for our use of the Bank’s letters of credit. The Bank agrees to issue, or obtain issuance of commercial or stand-by letters of credit provided that no letters of credit will have an expiry date later than June 15, 2017 (see Note 12), and that the sum of the line of credit plus the letters of credit would not exceed the borrowing base in effect at the time. For the quarter ended May 31, 2017, we had no letters of credit outstanding.
 
The Loan Agreement contains provisions that require us to maintain specified financial ratios, restrict transactions with related parties, prohibit mergers or consolidation, disallow additional debt, and limit the amount of compensation, salaries, investments, capital expenditures, leasing transactions we can make on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the Loan Agreement suspends dividends and stock buybacks.

See Note 12 for changes to our Loan Agreement subsequent to May 31, 2017.

Note 4 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based on the combined weighted average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares issuable which include, where appropriate, the assumed exercise of options.  In computing diluted EPS we have utilized the treasury stock method.  The computation of weighted average common and common equivalent shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS is shown below.

   
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
  Net earnings
 
$
1,225,300
   
$
620,200
 
                 
Shares:
               
                 
  Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
   
4,090,143
     
4,068,679
 
  Assumed exercise of options
   
3,735
     
5,918
 
                 
  Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
   
4,093,878
     
4,074,597
 
                 
Basic Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.30
   
$
0.15
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.30
   
$
0.15
 

 
Our Board of Directors has adopted a stock repurchase plan in which we may purchase up to a total of 3,000,000 shares as market conditions warrant.  This plan has no expiration date. During the three months ended May 31, 2017, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock.  The maximum number of shares that can be repurchased in the future is 303,129.
 
Note 5 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We account for stock-based compensation whereby share-based payment transactions with employees, such as stock options and restricted stock, are measured at estimated fair value at date of grant and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period.  No such transactions occurred in the three months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016.

Note 6SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS

Outbound freight and handling costs incurred are included in operating and selling expenses and were $3,185,600 and $3,465,700 for the three months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Note 7COMMITMENTS

We have a 15-year lease with a non-related third party, who leases 181,300 square feet, or 45.3% of our main facility.  The lease is being accounted for as an operating lease.

The lessee pays $107,900 per month, with a 2.0% annual increase adjustment on the anniversary of the lease.  The lease terms allow for one five-year extension, which is not a bargain renewal option, at the expiration of the 15-year term.  Revenue associated with the lease is being recorded on a straight-line basis over the 15-year lease and is reported in other income on the condensed statement of earnings.

The Company executed purchase orders with several vendors during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 to buy equipment that will increase the daily shipping capabilities of its distribution center located in Tulsa, OK.  The combined total of these purchase orders is approximately $1,500,000.

Note 8 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We have two reportable segments:  Usborne Books & More (“UBAM”) and Publishing.  These reportable segments are business units that offer different methods of distribution to different types of customers.  They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations.  Our Publishing segment markets its products to retail accounts, which include book, school supply, toy and gift stores and museums, through commissioned sales representatives, trade and specialty wholesalers and an internal tele-sales group.  Our UBAM segment markets its products through a network of independent sales consultants using a combination of direct sales, home shows, book fairs and internet sales.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the rest of the Company.  We evaluate segment performance based on earnings before income taxes of the segments, which is defined as segment net sales reduced by cost of sales and direct expenses.  Corporate expenses, depreciation, interest expense and income taxes are not allocated to the segments, but are listed in the “Other” row below.  Corporate expenses include the executive department, accounting department, information services department, general office management and building facilities management.  Our assets and liabilities are not allocated on a segment basis.

Information by reporting segment for the three-month period ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, follows:

NET REVENUES    
 
   
   
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
EDC Publishing
 
$
2,122,100
   
$
2,134,000
 
UBAM
   
24,808,700
     
20,650,200
 
Total
 
$
26,930,800
   
$
22,784,200
 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
   
   
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
EDC Publishing
 
$
571,000
   
$
653,000
 
UBAM
   
4,381,900
     
3,226,200
 
Other
   
(2,970,700
)
   
(2,874,600
)
Total
 
$
1,982,200
   
$
1,004,600
 

Note 9 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The valuation hierarchy included in U.S. GAAP considers the transparency of inputs used to value assets and liabilities as of the measurement date.  A financial instrument’s classification within the valuation hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to its fair value measurement. The three levels of the valuation hierarchy and the classification of our financial assets and liabilities within the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
 
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. If an asset or liability has a specified term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
 
We do not report any assets or liabilities at fair value in the financial statements. However, the estimated fair value of our line of credit is estimated by management to approximate the carrying value of $5,560,300 and $4,882,900 at May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.  The estimated fair value of our term notes payable is estimated by management to approximate $20,007,000 and $20,130,100 at May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively. Management’s estimates are based on the obligations’ characteristics, including floating interest rate, maturity, and collateral. Such valuation inputs are considered a Level 2 measurement in the fair value valuation hierarchy.

Note 10 – DEFERRED REVENUES

As of the end of our first quarter, we had received approximately $547,000 in payments for sales orders which were shipped out subsequent to the quarter end.  As of May 31, 2017, these prepaid sales orders are included in deferred revenues on the condensed balance sheet.

Note 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On June 15, 2017, the Company executed the Fifth Amendment Loan Agreement (the “Amendment”) with the Bank related to our Loan Agreement dated as of March 10, 2016, as amended. The Amendment modifies the Loan Agreement to increase the maximum revolving principal amount from $7.0 million to $10.0 million and extends the termination date of the Loan Agreement to June 15, 2018. Under the terms of the Amendment, the maximum revolving principal amount can be further extended to $15.0 million based on the Company completing certain requirements and based on the approval of the Bank.
 
The Amendment also modifies the Loan Agreement to include an advancing term loan (the “Advancing Term Loan”) of $3.0 million which the Company will use to cover the cost of planned fiscal 2018 capital improvements to increase its daily shipping capacity. The Advancing Term Loan accrues interest only monthly, at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio, between June 9 and December 9, 2017, at which time the amount advanced will be converted to a term loan and will amortize over a thirty-six-month period.

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Factors Affecting Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected performance. The forward-looking statements are dependent upon events, risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control.  Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, number of our success in recruiting and retaining new consultants, our ability to locate and procure desired books, our ability to ship the volume of orders that are received without creating backlogs, our ability to obtain adequate financing for working capital and  capital expenditures, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory changes and other uncertainties, as well as those factors discussed below and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2017 and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, all of which are difficult to predict. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed may or may not occur. See “Cautionary Remarks Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the front of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

We operate two separate segments: Usborne Books & More (“UBAM”) and Publishing, to sell our Usborne and Kane Miller lines of children’s books.  These two segments each have their own customer base.  The Publishing segment markets its products on a wholesale basis to various retail accounts.  The UBAM segment markets its products through a network of independent sales consultants using a combination of direct sales, home shows, book fairs and internet sales.  All other supporting administrative activities are recognized as other expenses outside of our two segments.  Other expenses are primarily compensation of our office, warehouse and sales support staff as well as the cost of operating and maintaining our corporate office and distribution facility.

The following table shows our condensed statements of earnings data:

   
Three Months Ended May 31,
   
Nine Months Ended November 30,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Net revenues
 
$
26,930,800
   
$
22,784,200
     
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Cost of goods sold
   
7,424,800
     
6,673,800
     
33.3
%
   
40.0
%
  Gross margin
   
19,506,000
     
16,110,400
     
66.7
%
   
60.0
%
Operating expenses:
                               
  Operating and selling
   
5,392,400
     
4,728,900
     
27.9
%
   
28.1
%
  Sales commissions
   
8,509,200
     
6,974,100
     
27.7
%
   
20.8
%
  General and administrative
   
3,713,900
     
3,558,100
     
3.3
%
   
5.9
%
  Total operating expenses
   
17,615,500
     
15,261,100
     
58.9
%
   
54.8
%
Other income (expense)
                   
7.8
%
   
5.2
%
  Interest expense
   
(281,500
)
   
(216,500
)
   
-0.1
%
   
-0.1
%
  Other income
   
373,200
     
371,800
     
-0.1
%
   
-0.1
%
Earnings before income taxes
   
1,982,200
     
1,004,600
     
7.7
%
   
5.1
%
Income taxes
   
756,900
     
384,400
     
2.9
%
   
2.0
%
Net earnings
 
$
1,225,300
   
$
620,200
     
4.8
%
   
3.1
%


See the detailed discussion of revenues, costs of services, gross margin, general and administrative expenses by reportable segment below. The following is a discussion of significant changes in the non-segment related general and administrative expenses, other income and expenses and income taxes during the respective periods.

General and administrative expenses not associated with a reporting segment remained consistent totaling $3,056,800 for the three-month period ending May 31, 2017, compared to $3,007,200 for the same quarterly period a year ago.

Interest expense increased $65,000 to $281,500 for the three months ended May 31, 2017, from $216,500 for the same quarterly period a year ago.  Interest expense increased primarily as a result of increased line of credit borrowings and additional interest associated with the Term Loan #2 totaling $4,000,000 which was borrowed during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.  Our additional borrowings associated with the increased line of credit borrowing and Term Loan #2 were used to fund working capital needs associated with our growth in sales and inventory.

Income taxes increased $372,500 to $756,900 for the three months ended May 31, 2017, from $384,400 for the same quarterly period a year ago.  Our effective tax rate was 38.2% for the quarter ended May 31, 2017, and 38.3% for the quarter ended May 31, 2016.  These rates are higher than the federal statutory rate due to the inclusion of state income and franchise taxes.

UBAM Operating Results for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2017

The following table summarizes the operating results of the UBAM segment for the three months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016:

   
For the Three Months Ended May 31,
             
   
2017
   
2016
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Gross sales
 
$
26,648,400
   
$
22,147,800
   
$
4,500,600
     
20.3
 
Less discounts and allowances
   
(4,533,200
)
   
(3,764,300
)
   
(768,900
)
   
20.4
 
Transportation revenue
   
2,693,500
     
2,266,700
     
426,800
     
18.8
 
Net revenues
   
24,808,700
     
20,650,200
     
4,158,500
     
20.1
 
                                 
Cost of sales
   
6,299,700
     
5,572,800
     
726,900
     
13.0
 
Gross margin
   
18,509,000
     
15,077,400
     
3,431,600
     
22.8
 
Gross margin percentage
   
75
%
   
73
%
               
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Operating and selling
   
4,330,100
     
4,028,900
     
301,200
     
7.5
 
Sales commissions
   
8,423,700
     
6,895,800
     
1,527,900
     
22.2
 
General and administrative
   
1,377,000
     
955,200
     
421,800
     
44.2
 
     Total Operating Expenses
   
14,130,800
     
11,879,900
     
2,250,900
     
18.9
 
                                 
Operating Income
 
$
4,378,200
   
$
3,197,500
   
$
1,180,700
     
36.9
 
                                 
Average number of active consultants
   
25,600
     
20,600
     
5,000
     
24.3
 

The UBAM segment’s sales consist of fundraiser sales, home party sales and school and library sales that are primarily processed through internet orders.  Gross sales increased $4,500,600, or 20.3%, during the three-month period ending May 31, 2017, when compared with the same quarter a year ago.  The sales increase primarily resulted from an increase in the number of active consultants.  The average number of active sales consultants increased 5,000, or 24.3% from 20,600 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 to 25,600 in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.  Our consultant growth is driven by existing active consultants recruiting and retaining new consultants.

Gross margin increased $3,431,600, or 22.8%, during the three-month period ending May 31, 2017, when compared to the same quarter a year ago, due primarily to increase in sales.  Gross margins, as a percentage of net revenues, grew to 75% for the three-month period ending May 31, 2017 from 73% when compared to the same period a year ago.  Gross margins increased due to reduced inventory costs associated with volume discounts received on inventory purchases.

Operating and selling expenses primarily consists of freight expenses and hostess awards associated with sales orders.  Sales commissions include amounts paid to consultants for new sales and promotions.  These operating expenses are directly tied to the sales volumes of the UBAM segment.  General and administrative expenses include payroll, travel and entertainment expenses, outside services, inventory reserves and other expenses directly associated with the UBAM segment.  Operating expenses increased 2,250,900, or 18.9%, during the three-month period ending May 31,2017, when compared with the same quarter a year ago, due primarily to the similar percentage growth in sales.

Operating income of the UBAM segment increased $1,180,700, or 36.9%, during the three-month period ending May 31, 2017, when compared to the same quarter a year ago, due to primarily to sales growth and lower cost of goods as a percentage of net revenue.


Publishing Operating Results for the Three Months Ended May 31, 2017

The following table summarizes the operating results of the Publishing segment for the three months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016:

   
For the Three Months Ended May 31,
             
   
2017
   
2016
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Gross sales
 
$
4,525,500
   
$
4,553,500
   
$
(28,000
)
   
(0.6
)
Less discounts and allowances
   
(2,410,500
)
   
(2,424,700
)
   
14,200
     
(0.6
)
Transportation revenue
   
7,100
     
5,200
     
1,900
     
36.5
 
Net revenues
   
2,122,100
     
2,134,000
     
(11,900
)
   
(0.6
)
                                 
Cost of goods sold
   
1,125,100
     
1,101,000
     
24,100
     
2.2
 
Gross margin
   
997,000
     
1,033,000
     
(36,000
)
   
(3.5
)
  Gross margin percentage
   
47
%
   
48
%
               
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Operating and selling
   
244,900
     
230,200
     
14,700
     
6.4
 
Sales commissions
   
83,500
     
78,300
     
5,200
     
6.6
 
General and Administrative
   
99,500
     
65,500
     
34,000
     
51.9
 
     Total Operating Expenses
   
427,900
     
374,000
     
53,900
     
14.4
 
                                 
Operating Income
 
$
569,100
   
$
659,000
   
$
(89,900
)
   
(13.6
)

Our Publishing segment’s net revenues, gross margins and operating income results for the three months ended May 31, 2017, were consistent with the amounts reported for the same quarter last year.  Sales in our Publishing segment are seasonal and our fiscal fourth and first quarters are traditionally lower than the second and third fiscal quarters sales.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of cash is typically operating cash flow.  However, we have recently begun to use more cash than we generate due to our rapid growth.  The majority of our cash outflow has been associated with increasing our inventory to keep up with our increased demand for our products.  We have utilized a bank credit facility and other term loan borrowings to meet our short-term cash needs when necessary.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, we experienced cash outflow from our operations of $342,000.  Net  earnings of $1,225,300 were reduced by the following items:

an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $109,400,
an increase in accounts receivable of $614,100,
a decrease in accounts payable of $7,133,900, and
a decrease in deferred revenue of $86,100,

Offset by:

depreciation expense of $293,300
an increase in the provision for inventory valuation allowance of $15,000,
an increase in the provision for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $282,900,
a decrease in inventories of $4,516,200
a decrease in deferred income taxes of $54,500,
an increase in accrued salaries and commissions of $359,900,
an increase in other  liabilities of $191,300, and
an increase in net income tax payable of $663,100.

The significant decrease in accounts payable from the end of the fiscal year 2017 was primarily a result of continued payments owed to our suppliers for increased inventory purchases made over the last six months of the fiscal year.

The significant decrease in inventory was primarily the result of management efforts to reduce excess inventory volumes that were purchased in recent quarters.  These inventory purchases were made based on sales forecast assumptions that were greater than our actual sales results.

Cash used in investing activities was $236,800 for capital expenditures, which was primarily comprised of improvements to our warehouse picking and inventory management systems of $158,700 and various other improvements to the warehouse and facility.

Cash provided by financing activities was $467,400, which was primarily comprised of borrowings under our line of credit of $677,400 offset by payments on long-term debt of $219,000.

During fiscal year 2018, we expect our cash from operations and our expanded line of credit with our bank will provide us the ability to meet our liquidity requirements.  We have a history of profitability and positive cash flow.  Consequently, cash generated from operations will be used to increase inventory in anticipation of continued sales growth and to liquidate existing debt.

We have a Loan Agreement with the Bank including Term Loan #1 comprised of Tranche A of $13.4 million and Tranche B of $5.0 million both with the maturity date of December 1, 2025.   The Loan Agreement also provided a $4.0 million revolving loan (“line of credit”) through December 1, 2016.  Effective March 10, 2016, we signed a First Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which provided an increase to $6.0 million from our original $4.0 million line of credit through June15, 2017.  Tranche A has a fixed interest rate of 4.23% and interest is payable monthly. For Tranche B and the line of credit, interest is payable monthly at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus 3.25% (4.25% at May 31, 2017).  Term Loan #1 is secured by the primary office, warehouse and land.

Effective June 15, 2016, we signed a Second Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which provides a further increase to $7.0 million from our previous $6.0 million line of credit and extends it through June 15, 2017.  Under the amendment, interest is payable monthly at a tiered rate based on our funded debt to EBITDA ratio (“ratio”), whereby pricing tier one is effective for a ratio greater than 4.00 and has a bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus 3.25% and pricing tier two applies for a ratio less than or equal to 4.00, with a bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus 2.75%.  EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization expenses.

We had $5,560,300 in borrowings outstanding on our revolving credit agreement at May 31, 2017 and $4,882,900 in borrowings at February 28, 2017.  Available credit under the revolving credit agreement was $1,439,700 at May 31, 2017.

Effective June 28, 2016, we signed a Third Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which includes Term Loan #2 in the amount of $4.0 million with the maturity date of June 28, 2021, and interest payable monthly at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus 3.25%.  Term Loan #2 is secured by a warehouse and land.  Effective February 7, 2017, we signed a Fourth Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which modified certain debt  covenant calculations and waived an existing default that occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017.

Subsequent to the quarter end, June 15, 2017, the Company executed the Fifth Amendment Loan Agreement with the Bank which modifies the Loan Agreement to increase the maximum revolving principal amount from $7.0 million to $10.0 million and extends the termination date of the Loan Agreement to June 15, 2018. Under the terms of the Amendment, the maximum revolving principal amount can be further extended to $15.0 million based on the Company completing certain requirements and based on the approval of the Bank.

The Amendment also modifies the Loan Agreement to include an Advancing Term Loan of $3.0 million which the Company will use to cover the cost of the planned fiscal 2018 capital improvements to increase its daily shipping capacity.  The Company expects the amount of the planned fiscal 2018 capital improvements will be less than the Advancing Term Loan facility.  The Advancing Term Loan accrues interest only monthly, at the bank adjusted LIBOR Index plus a tiered pricing rate based on the Company’s Adjusted Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio, between June 9 and December 9, 2017, at which time the amount advanced will be converted to a term loan and will amortize over a thirty-six-month period.

The Loan Agreement also contains a provision for our use of the Bank’s letters of credit. The Bank agrees to issue, or obtain issuance of commercial or stand-by letters of credit provided that the sum of the line of credit plus the letters of credit issued would not exceed the borrowing base in effect at the time. The agreement contains provisions that require us to maintain specified financial ratios, restrict transactions with related parties, prohibit mergers or consolidation, disallow additional debt, and limit the amount of compensation, salaries, investments, capital expenditures and leasing transactions. For the quarter ended May 31, 2017, we had no letters of credit outstanding.


The following table reflects aggregate future maturities of long-term debt during the next five fiscal years and thereafter as follows:

Year ending February 28(29),
     
2018
 
$
679,500
 
2019
   
952,200
 
2020
   
989,600
 
2021
   
1,026,500
 
2022
   
1,069,000
 
 Thereafter
   
16,628,500
 
 
 
$
21,345,300
 

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to our valuation of inventory, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, allowance for sales returns, long-lived assets and deferred income taxes.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

Actual results may materially differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  Historically, however, actual results have not differed materially from those determined using required estimates. Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes accompanying the financial statements included elsewhere in this report.  However, we consider the following accounting policies to be more significantly dependent on the use of estimates and assumptions.

Revenue Recognition

Sales are generally recognized and recorded when products are shipped.  Products are shipped FOB shipping point. The UBAM segment’s sales are paid at the time the product is ordered.  These sales accounted for 92.1% of net revenues for the three-month period ended May 31, 2017, and 90.6% for the three-month period ended May 31, 2016.  Sales that have been paid for but not shipped are classified as deferred revenue on the balance sheet.  Sales associated with consignment inventory are recognized when reported and payment associated with the sale has been remitted.  Transportation revenue represents the amount billed to the customer for shipping the product and is recorded when the product is shipped.

Estimated allowances for sales returns are recorded as sales are recognized and recorded.  Management uses a moving average calculation to estimate the allowance for sales returns.  We are not responsible for product damaged in transit.  Damaged returns are primarily from retail stores.  These returns primarily result from damage that occurs in the stores, not in shipping to the stores.  It is industry practice to accept returns from retail customers.  Transportation revenue, the amount billed to the customer for shipping the product, is recorded when products are shipped.  Management has estimated and included a reserve for sales returns of $100,000 as of May 31, 2017, and $190,000 February 28, 2017.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. An estimate of uncollectable amounts is made by management based upon historical bad debts, current customer receivable balances, age of customer receivable balances, the customer’s financial condition and current economic trends. Consignment inventory related to inactive consultants is reclassified to accounts receivable and the associated reserve is included within our allowance. If the actual uncollected amounts significantly exceed the estimated allowance, then our operating results would be significantly adversely affected.  Management has estimated and included an allowance for doubtful accounts of $866,000 at May 31, 2017, and $675,000 at February 28, 2017. Included within this allowance is $409,100 and $217,000 as of May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively, of reserve related to consignment inventory held by inactive consultants.

Inventory

Our inventory contains approximately 2,200 titles, each with different rates of sale, depending upon the nature and popularity of the title.  Almost all of our product line is saleable as the books are not topical in nature and remain current in content today as well as in the future.  Most of our products are printed in Europe, China, Singapore, India, Malaysia and Dubai resulting in a three to four-month lead-time to have a title printed and delivered to us.

Certain inventory is maintained in a noncurrent classification.  Management continually estimates and calculates the amount of noncurrent inventory.  Noncurrent inventory arises due to occasional purchases of titles in quantities in excess of what will be sold within the normal operating cycle, due to minimum order requirements of our suppliers.  Noncurrent inventory was estimated by management using the current year turnover ratio by title.  All inventory in excess of 2 ½ years of anticipated sales is classified as noncurrent inventory.  Noncurrent inventory balances prior to valuation allowances were $475,400 and $467,100 at May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.

Consultants that meet certain eligibility requirements are allowed to receive inventory on consignment.  We believe allowing our consultants to have consignment inventory greatly increases their ability to be successful in making effective presentations at home shows, book fairs and other events; and having consignment inventory leads to additional sales opportunities.  Approximately 11% of our active consultants maintained consignment inventory at May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017.  Consignment inventory is stated at cost, less an estimated reserve for consignment inventory that is not expected to be sold or returned to the Company. The total value of inventory on consignment with active consultants was $950,100 and $1,140,700 at May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.  Inventory related to inactive consultants is reclassified to accounts receivables and amounted to $438,100 and $309,000 as of May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.
 
Inventories are presented net of a valuation allowance, which includes reserves for inventory obsolescence and active consultant consignment inventory that is not expected to be sold or returned.  Management estimates the allowance for both current and noncurrent inventory.  The allowance is based on management’s identification of slow moving inventory and estimated consignment inventory that will not be sold or returned.  Management has estimated a valuation allowance for both current and noncurrent inventory of $313,000 and $300,000 as of May 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017, respectively.

Our principal supplier, based in England, generally requires a minimum reorder of 6,500 or more of a title in order to get a solo print run.  Smaller orders would require a shared print run with the supplier’s other customers, which can result in lengthy delays to receive the ordered title.  Anticipating customer preferences and purchasing habits requires historical analysis of similar titles in the same series. We then place the initial order or re-order based upon this analysis.

These factors and historical analysis have led our management to determine that 2 ½ years represents a reasonable estimate of the normal operating cycle for our products.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation whereby share-based payment transactions with employees, such as stock options and restricted stock, are measured at estimated fair value at date of grant and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures.

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation was performed of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) as of May 31, 2017. This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and our Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer).

Based on that evaluation, these officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended May 31, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Not Applicable.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Not required by smaller reporting company.



Item 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Period
 
Total # of Shares
Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid per Share
   
Total # of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
   
Maximum # of Shares
that May
be Repurchased
under the Plan
 
                       
 
 
March 1 - 31, 2017
   
0
     
N/A
     
0
     
303,129
 
April 1 - 30, 2017
   
0
     
N/A
     
0
     
303,129
 
May 1 - 31, 2017
   
0
     
N/A
     
0
     
303,129
 
Total
   
0
     
N/A
     
0
         

Item 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

Item 5OTHER INFORMATION

None.

Item 6.   EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
Description
   
10.1
Fifth Amendment Loan Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to Educational Development Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2017).
   
31.1
   
31.2
   
32.1
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.

 
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
(Registrant)
 
       
Date: July 17, 2017
By:
/s/ Randall W. White  
    Randall W. White  
   
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
       
 
20
 
 

 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Description
   
10.1
Fifth Amendment Loan Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to Educational Development Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2017).
   
31.1
   
31.2
   
32.1