Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 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: June 30, 2005

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File No. 0-14841

 


 

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


 

Pennsylvania   22-2476703

(State or other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Franklin Plaza, Burlington, New Jersey   08016-4907
(Address of Principal Executive Office)   (Zip Code)

 

(609) 386-2500

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that 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 Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING AS OF AUGUST 5, 2005: 8,129,035

 



Table of Contents

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

 

FORM 10-Q

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2005

 

     Page

Part I. Financial Information

    

Item 1. Financial Statements

   3

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2005 and March 31, 2005

   3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

   4

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 to June 30, 2005

   5

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

   6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

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

   11

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   15

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   15

Part II. Other Information

   15

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   15

Item 5. Other Information

   15

Item 6. Exhibits

   16

Signatures

   17

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     June 30,
2005


    March 31,
2005


 
     (Unaudited)     (Audited)  
ASSETS                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,473     $ 2,786  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $464 and $456

     15,655       5,837  

Inventories

     10,744       8,780  

Prepaids and other assets

     1,655       2,749  
    


 


TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

     30,527       20,152  
    


 


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     6,348       6,523  
    


 


OTHER ASSETS:

                

Deferred income tax asset

     5,700       5,700  

Trademark and goodwill

     2,265       2,265  

Software development costs

     2,930       2,850  

Other assets

     3,369       3,458  
    


 


TOTAL OTHER ASSETS

     14,264       14,273  
    


 


TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 51,139     $ 40,948  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 15,753     $ 10,843  

Current portion of long-term liabilities - Other

     130       72  
    


 


TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

     15,883       10,915  
    


 


LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

                

Revolving credit facility

     3,775       —    

Other liabilities

     1,105       1,179  
    


 


TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     4,880       1,179  
    


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

                

Preferred stock, $2.50 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,434 ($2,434 aggregate liquidation value)

     2,412       2,412  

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, 8,127,660 and 8,125,222 shares

     81       81  

Additional paid in capital

     50,413       50,406  

Retained earnings (deficit)

     (21,674 )     (23,194 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (856 )     (851 )
    


 


TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     30,376       28,854  
    


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 51,139     $ 40,948  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except for per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

 

SALES

   $ 18,419     $ 15,990  

COST OF SALES

     9,077       8,063  
    


 


GROSS MARGIN

     9,342       7,927  
    


 


EXPENSES:

                

Sales and marketing

     4,523       4,272  

Research and development

     1,144       882  

General and administrative

     2,006       1,935  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     7,673       7,089  
    


 


OPERATING INCOME

     1,669       838  

Interest expense, net

     (11 )     (67 )

Other, net

     19       35  
    


 


INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     1,677       806  

INCOME TAX PROVISION

     35       27  
    


 


NET INCOME

     1,642       779  
    


 


PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND

     122       229  

INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

   $ 1,520     $ 550  
    


 


INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

                

Basic

   $ 0.19     $ 0.07  
    


 


Diluted

   $ 0.18     $ 0.06  
    


 


WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES:

                

Basic

     8,126       8,002  
    


 


Diluted

     8,495       8,480  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except for share data)

 

     Common Stock

  

Additional
Paid in Capital


   Preferred Stock

  

Retained
Earnings


   

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income *


   

Total
Shareholders’
Equity


 
     Shares

   Amount

      Shares

   Amount

      

BALANCE - MARCH 31, 2005

   8,125,222    $ 81    $ 50,406    2,434    $ 2,412    $ (23,194 )   $ (851 )   $ 28,854  

Amortization of deferred compensation expense for shares issued for services

                 2                                  2  

Issuance of common shares under employee stock option plan

   2,438             5                                  5  

Preferred stock dividend

                                    (122 )             (122 )

Income for the period

                                    1,642               1,642  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                                            (5 )     (5 )
    
  

  

  
  

  


 


 


BALANCE - JUNE 30, 2005 (unaudited)

   8,127,660    $ 81    $ 50,413    2,434    $ 2,412    $ (21,674 )   $ (856 )   $ 30,376  
    
  

  

  
  

  


 


 



* Comprehensive income, i.e., net income, plus, or less, the change in foreign currency balance sheet translation adjustments, totaled $1,637 for the three months ended June 30, 2005.

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

NET INCOME

   $ 1,642     $ 779  

ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Depreciation and amortization

     602       757  

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     (9 )     40  

Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment

     —         (8 )

Source (use) of cash from change in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable

     (9,809 )     (4,272 )

Inventories

     (1,964 )     (2,886 )

Prepaids and other assets

     1,094       224  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     4,910       3,415  

Other, net

     2       9  
    


 


NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (3,532 )     (1,942 )

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Purchase of property and equipment

     (81 )     (520 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     —         10  

Software development costs

     (287 )     (340 )

Change in other assets

     (51 )     (76 )
    


 


NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (419 )     (926 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

     3,775       3,076  

Cash dividends on preferred stock

     (122 )     (229 )

Proceeds from issuance of common shares

     6       63  

Other liabilities

     (17 )     (12 )
    


 


NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     3,642       2,898  

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

     (4 )     (33 )
    


 


DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (313 )     (3 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     2,786       2,217  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 2,473     $ 2,214  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

Reference is made to the financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended March 31, 2005.

 

The financial statements for the periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 are unaudited and include all adjustments necessary to a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods then ended. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of the Company’s operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of the Company’s operations for a full year.

 

OPERATIONS

 

Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the Company’s operations are treated as one operating segment as it only reports profit and loss information on an aggregate basis to the chief operating decision maker of the Company. Information about the Company’s product sales are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


Product Sales


   2005

   2004

Reference

   $ 17,457    $ 14,662

ROLODEX® Electronics

     264      482

Seiko

     497      667

eBookMan

     6      48

Other

     195      131
    

  

Total Sales

   $ 18,419    $ 15,990
    

  

 

Approximate foreign sources of revenues including export sales were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


Product Sales


   2005

   2004

Europe

   $ 3,233    $ 2,867

Other International

     1,009      769

 

For the three month period ended June 30, 2005 one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue. Sales to the customer were approximately $1,881 and consisted exclusively of reference products. For the three month period ended June 30, 2004 one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue. Sales to the customer were approximately $2,383 and also consisted exclusively of reference products.

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2005, two suppliers accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s purchases of inventory. The two suppliers each accounted for 24% of inventory purchases.

 

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Table of Contents

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2004, three suppliers accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s purchases of inventory. The three suppliers individually accounted for 23%, 14% and 10% of inventory purchases.

 

STOCK OPTIONS

 

At June 30, 2005, the Company had two employee stock option plans, Franklin’s 1988 Stock Option Plan, as amended, and Franklin’s 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended. The Company accounts for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. No stock based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation:

 

     Three months ended
June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

 

Reported net income

   $ 1,642     $ 779  

Deduct:

                

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method.

     (118 )     (215 )
    


 


Proforma net income

   $ 1,524     $ 564  
    


 


(a) Earnings per share:

                

Basic-as reported

   $ 0.19     $ 0.07  

Basic- pro forma

   $ 0.17     $ 0.04  

Diluted – as reported

   $ 0.18     $ 0.06  

Diluted – pro forma

   $ 0.17     $ 0.04  

(a) After preferred stock dividends of $122 and $229 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 respectively.

 

PREFERRED STOCK

 

On June 30, 2005, the Company paid a cash dividend of $122 on its Preferred Stock.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is subject to litigation from time to time arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that any such litigation is likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period’s financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations or retained earnings.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In September 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) on Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments”, which delays the effective date for the recognition and measurement guidance in EITF Issue No. 03-1. In addition, the FASB has issued a proposed FSP to consider whether further application guidance is necessary for securities analyzed for impairment under EITF Issue No. 03-1. The Company does not believe the adoption of the proposed FSP will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 151, Inventory Costs, which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material. SFAS No. 151 will be effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 151 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, which eliminates the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 will be effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 153 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which establishes standards for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. This standard requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. This eliminates the exception to account for such awards using the intrinsic method previously allowable under APB Opinion No. 25. In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 107, Share-Based Payment, which expresses views of the SEC Staff about the application of SFAS No. 123(R). SFAS No. 123(R) was to be effective for interim or annual reporting periods beginning on or after June 15, 2005, but in April 2005 the SEC deferred its effective date so that it will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after June 15, 2005. The Company plans to adopt SFAS No. 123 (R) for the quarter ending June 30, 2006. If the Company had adopted SFAS No, 123 (R) for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, the Company would have recognized an additional expense based on the fair value of the stock options granted of $118.

 

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Table of Contents

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS, INCORPORATED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections which requires accounting changes to be applied retroactively as of the earliest practicable date and all financial statements for periods subsequent to that date to reflect the adopted principle as if it had been in effect for all periods. SFAS 154 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands)

 

This 2005 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements include statements regarding the intent and belief or current expectations of Franklin and its management team. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the timely availability and acceptance of new electronic books, and other electronic products, changes in technology, the impact of competitive electronic products, the management of inventories, dependence on key licenses, titles and products, dependence on third party component suppliers and manufacturers, including those that provide Franklin-specific parts, and other risks and uncertainties that may be detailed herein, and from time-to-time, in Franklin’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Franklin undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three months ended June 30, 2005 compared with three months ended June 30, 2004:

 

Net Sales

 

Sales of $18,419 for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, increased by $2,429 from sales of $15,990 for the same quarter last year. The higher sales in the quarter were attributable to increased revenue of $2,466 in our Proximity Technology Division resulting from the delivery during the quarter of technology pursuant to two technology development and licensing agreements. Revenue from these agreements is included in our reference product line. Excluding the above technology and licensing revenue, an increase in reference product sales of $329 was more than offset by declines in ROLODEX ® Electronics and Seiko products of $218 and $170 respectively. The increase in reference product sales was due to higher international sales of $585 partially offset by lower sales in the US of $270. The decrease in ROLODEX ® Electronics and Seiko product sales occurred primarily in the US Consumer market where sales declined by $215 and $228 respectively.

 

Gross Margin

 

The gross margin percentage increased to 51% of sales in the current quarter from 50% in the quarter ended June 30, 2004, while gross margin dollars increased by $1,415. Of the increase in the gross margin dollar amount, $1,204 is due to higher year-over-year sales while $211 is attributable to the higher margin percentage. The slightly higher gross margin percentage resulted from the higher margins realized on the technology development and licensing agreements partially offset by reduced margins in the UK as we began distributing our products through a distributor in that region in October 2004.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses increased to $7,673 in the current quarter from $7,089 in the same period last year. Sales and marketing expense increased to $4,523 (25% of sales) from $4,272 (27% of sales) last year. The increase in sales and marketing expense was due primarily to higher professional fees of $110, an increase in advertising and promotions expense of $67 and higher freight expense of $96. Research and development expense increased by $262 to $1,144 (6% of sales) from $882 (6% of sales) last year due primarily to increased professional fees and outside engineering cost of $138 and $58 respectively. General and administrative expense increased by $71 to $2,006 (11% of sales) compared with $1,935 (12% of sales) in the prior year due to higher personnel costs of $100 and higher accounting fees of $89 partially resulting from Sarbanes-Oxley compliance work partly offset by reduced bank fees of $43.

 

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Interest Expense, net

 

Interest expense, net declined to $11 in the current period from $67 last year because of lower levels of debt outstanding and lower interest rates under our new credit facility.

 

Other, net

 

Other, net was a gain of $19 for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 compared with a gain of $35 in the same period last year. The change is due primarily to the positive results of our program of selling euros at current rates for future settlement which recorded a gain of $135, resulting from weakness in the euro, in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 as compared to a gain of $39 in the same quarter last year. This improvement was partly offset by a loss of $119 on the repatriation of funds from our foreign subsidiaries in the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared with gain of $5 in the same period last year.

 

Net Income

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2005, net income increased by $863 to $1,642 from $779 in the same period last year. The increase is due to higher development and licensing income, of $1,363 resulting from the delivery during the quarter of technology pursuant to two technology development and licensing agreements. This gain was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of $584.

 

We have operations in a number of foreign countries and record sales and incur expenses in various foreign currencies. As the value of these currencies fluctuate from year to year against the US dollar, our revenues, operating expenses and results of operations are impacted. For the quarter ended June 30, 2005, approximately 17% of our sales were denominated in currencies other than the US dollar. For the quarter ended June 30, 2005, our sales and gross margin benefited by approximately $124 from the year over year change in exchange rates for the various currencies (primarily the euro) in which we operate, while our selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $54 due to the fluctuations in exchange rates. The change in exchange rates had no effect on our research and development expense or cost of sales. The net effect of the year over year fluctuations in exchange rates on our results of operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 was an increase in income of approximately $69.

 

We enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to protect the cash flow from our existing assets valued in foreign currency. Economic gains or losses on these contracts are generally offset by the gains or losses on underlying transactions.

 

As of June 30, 2005 we had one outstanding foreign exchange contract in the amount of 1,500 euros (equivalent to US dollars of $1,860) with an unrealized gain of $123 and an expiration date of October 2005. The unrealized gain was included in results of operations under the Other, net caption with the offsetting balance included in Accounts Receivable on our balance sheet.

 

As of June 30, 2004 we had two outstanding foreign exchange contracts each in the amount of 1,500 euros (each equivalent to US dollars of $1,830) with total unrealized gains of $88 and expiration dates of July and October 2004. The unrealized gains were included in results of operations under the Other, net caption with the offsetting balance included in Accounts Receivable on our balance sheet.

 

Changes in Financial Condition

 

Accounts receivable increased by $9,818 to $15,655 at June 30, 2005 from $5,837 at March 31, 2005 primarily because of a seasonal increase in sales of $7,683 during the June 2005 quarter compared with the March 2005 quarter and from higher receivables of $2,278 resulting from the sale of component parts to vendors. Inventory increased by $1,964 to $10,744 on June 30, 2005 from $8,780 on March 31, 2005

 

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due to normal seasonal increases as we build inventory for the back-to-school and holiday seasons. Accounts payable and the balance of our borrowings under our credit facility increased by $4,910 and $3,775 respectively, from March 31, 2005 because of seasonal inventory and cash requirements.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We had cash and cash equivalents of $2,473 and borrowings under our credit facility of $3,775 at June 30, 2005 compared with cash and cash equivalents of $2,786 and zero borrowings at March 31, 2005.

 

In June 2005 we paid the dividend due on our Preferred Stock of $122 in cash rather than in additional shares of Preferred Stock. As of June 30, 2005, 2,434 shares of Preferred Stock were outstanding.

 

On December 7, 2004, we entered into a new Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”). The Credit Agreement provides for a $20,000 revolving credit facility (the “Loan”) for the Company. At our option, Loans under the Credit Agreement will be either Domestic Rate Loans based on PNC’s Base Rate with the interest rate varying from the PNC Base Rate minus 50 basis points to the PNC Base Rate plus 50 basis points or LIBOR Rate Loans with the interest rate varying from LIBOR plus 100 basis points to LIBOR plus 225 basis points, both rates depending upon the ratio of our Funded Debt to EBITDA and the composition of collateral provided. Loans under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. The Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants and restrictions on indebtedness, business combinations and other related items. As of June 30, 2005 we were in compliance with all covenants.

 

We rely primarily on our operating cash flow to support our operations. Over the last three fiscal years we generated aggregate cash flow from operations of $18,423. This operating cash flow is supplemented by our revolving credit facility to meet seasonal financing needs. We believe our cash flow from operations, available borrowing under our revolving credit facility and existing cash balances will be adequate to satisfy our cash needs for the next twelve months. The amount of credit available under the facility at any time is based upon a formula applied to our accounts receivable, inventory, real estate, and certain capital equipment. As of June 30, 2005, we had credit available of $17,194 of which $3,775 was drawn down and $13,419 remained available. Our credit availability and borrowings under the facility fluctuate during the year because of the seasonal nature of our business. During the year ended March 31, 2005, maximum availability and borrowings under our current and previous credit facilities approximated $14,200 and $7,200 respectively. We do not have any significant capital leases and anticipate that depreciation and amortization for fiscal 2006 will exceed planned capital expenditures.

 

Seasonality

 

The “back to school” season (August to mid-September) and Christmas selling season (October, November and December) are the strongest selling periods at retail for our products.

 

Future Income Tax Benefits

 

Because of net operating loss carryforwards, no US federal income taxes have been provided for during the quarter ending June 30, 2005. Our deferred tax asset of $5,700 is based upon our estimate of taxes that would be due and offset against our net operating loss carried forward, based upon our estimate of future earnings.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

In April 2003, the Company began to distribute handheld reference products in North America under the Seiko® trademark. In June 2004, the Company entered into cross-distribution agreements with Seiko

 

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Instruments, Inc. (“SII”), which provide for Franklin to continue purchasing Seiko® reference products for distribution in North America for the five years ending March 31, 2009 with a minimum purchase guarantee of approximately $14,042 during the period.

 

The minimum purchase guarantee by fiscal year is as follows:

 

Fiscal 2005

   $ 2,300

Fiscal 2006

     2,530

Fiscal 2007

     2,783

Fiscal 2008

     3,061

Fiscal 2009

     3,368

 

The agreement provides for a payment to SII, generally calculated at 35% of the shortfall for any distribution year. For the year ended March 2005, purchases of SII product in the United States were $1,775. A provision of $175 was recorded during the fiscal year to provide for amounts due SII related to the shortfall in purchases.

 

In the quarter ended June 30, 2005, we recorded a provision of $75 for a portion of the estimated amounts due SII for the projected shortfall of purchases in the current fiscal year based upon our estimates of sales of Seiko products for the remainder of the fiscal year. Future year sales and purchases of Seiko products will be determined by the development and introduction of new products and the market acceptance of such products.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates and judgments based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We annually review our financial reporting and disclosure practices and accounting policies to ensure that our financial reporting and disclosures provide accurate and transparent information relative to the current economic and business environment. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the following policies involve a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity:

 

Asset Impairment—In assessing the recoverability of our fixed assets, goodwill and other non-current assets, we consider changes in economic conditions and make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors. During the year ended March 31, 2002, we recorded a charge for impairment in the value of our license for the ROLODEX® Electronics trademark of $11,147. In the year ended March 31, 2005, we recorded an additional charge of $1,531 related to the value of this asset. As of March 31, 2005 the asset is recorded at its estimated fair value of $732 as determined by the discounted cash flow method.

 

Inventory Valuation—We review the net realizable value and forecast demand for our products on a quarterly basis to ensure that inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value and that obsolete inventory is written off. Factors that could impact forecast demand and selling prices for our products include the timing and success of new product launches, competitor actions, supplier prices and general economic conditions. Although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and reported operating results.

 

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Allowance for Bad Debts and Returns—We provide an allowance for bad debts and product returns on a monthly basis based upon historical sales, credit and return experience. The adequacy of these allowances is determined by regularly reviewing accounts receivable and returns and applying historical experience to the current balance with consideration given to the current condition of the economy, assessment of the financial position of our customers as well as past payment history and overall trends in past due accounts and returns. Historically, our allowances have been sufficient for any customer write-offs or returns. Although we cannot guarantee future results, management believes its policies and procedures relating to customer exposure are adequate.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There were no material changes from the information presented in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference, with respect to the Company’s quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of June 30, 2005 (the end of the period covered by this report), our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We believe that our disclosure controls and procedures provide such reasonable assurance.

 

No change occurred in our internal controls concerning financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is subject to litigation from time to time arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that any such litigation is likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ROLODEX® is a registered trademark of Berol Corporation, a subsidiary of Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. Seiko® is registered trademark of Seiko, Inc.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a) Exhibits

 

10.1*   Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated Corporate Policy, Executive Severance Protection.
10.2*   Service Agreement between Franklin Electronic Publishers (Deutschland) GmbH and Walter Schillings dated March 8, 1996.
10.3*   Annex to Contract of Employment between Franklin Electronic Publishers (Deutschland) GmbH and Walter Schillings dated October 1, 1999.
10.4*   Annex to Contract of Employment between Franklin Electronic Publishers (Deutschland) GmbH and Walter Schillings dated February 15, 2000.
10.5*   Contract of Employment between Franklin Electronic Publishers (Deutschland) GmbH and Walter Schillings dated December 5, 2002.
10.6*   Offer Letter between Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated and Michael Crincoli dated January 5, 2000.
10.7 *   Offer Letter between Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated and Kevin Port dated November 8, 2004.
31.1*   Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*   Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*   Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*   Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

* Filed herewith

 

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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.

 

   

FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS,

INCORPORATED

Date: August 15, 2005  

/s/ Barry J. Lipsky


    Barry J. Lipsky
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Duly Authorized Officer)
Date: August 15, 2005  

/s/ Arnold D. Levitt


    Arnold D. Levitt
    Senior Vice President,
    Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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