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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2003
Commission file number 0-16002
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 95-3768341-9
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5880 Oberlin Drive
San Diego, California 92121
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number: (858) 457-2500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
(Title of class)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by a check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K: [X]
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):
Yes [X] No [ ]
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by
nonaffiliates of the Registrant as of September 28, 2002 was approximately
$206,346,000.
The number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of
June 1, 2003 was approximately 19,054,000, excluding treasury shares of
approximately 4,097,000.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its August 14,
2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (to be filed on or about July 14, 2003) are
incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
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PART I
ITEM 1 -- BUSINESS
Forward Looking Statements
This Annual Report contains statements that are "forward-looking" and
involve a high degree of risk and uncertainty. Words such as "anticipate,"
"believe," "estimate," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project,"
"predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to
Advanced Marketing Services, Inc. are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. These include statements related to our plans for future business
development activities, and our estimates regarding market sizes and
opportunities, as well as our future revenue, profitability, and capital
requirements, all of which are prospective. Such statements are only predictions
and reflect our expectations and assumptions as of the date of this report based
on currently available operating, financial, and competitive information. The
actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in such
forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties and the occurrence of other
events could cause actual events or results to differ materially from these
predictions. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not
limited to, those discussed below and in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." These risk factors
should be considered carefully in evaluating us and our business. These
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. We
expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking
statements.
We use market data and industry forecasts throughout this report. We have
obtained this information from internal surveys, market research, publicly
available information, and industry publications. Industry publications
generally state that the information they provide has been obtained from sources
believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of such
information is not guaranteed. Similarly, we believe that the surveys and market
research we or others have performed are reliable, but we have not independently
verified this information. We do not represent that any such information is
accurate.
GENERAL
Advanced Marketing Services, Inc. ("AMS," "we," "our," "us"), provides
global customized services to book retailers and publishers. We are a leading
wholesaler of general interest books to the membership warehouse clubs and
certain specialty retailers, certain e-commerce companies and traditional
bookstores. General interest books include bestsellers; basic reference books,
including computer and medical books; books regarding business and management;
cookbooks; gift books, including art and coffee table books; calendars; travel
books; regional books; mass market paperbacks; children's books; and
Spanish-language books. In addition, to a lesser extent, we sell pre-recorded
audiocassettes (books on tape). In conjunction with our product sales, we
provide product selection advice, vendor managed inventory ("VMI") services,
specialized merchandising and product development services, promotion and
advertising, and logistical and handling services to membership warehouse clubs
and other retailers operating in the United States of America ("U.S."), Canada,
Mexico, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), Australia, Singapore and certain other
Pacific Rim countries. We are also the largest independent contract distributor
for small to medium-sized publishers in North America, providing a full range of
sales, fulfillment and collection services.
Due to the continuous introduction of new titles by the book publishing
industry, we provide weekly recommendations, tailored to each customer's
marketing priorities, with respect to the new titles to be sold in our
customers' book departments. These recommendations are selected by our buyers
from among the over 1,000,000 titles in print and over 150,000 new books
published each year. We also create unique products and develop specially
packaged book and book-related products for sale to our customers. We support
our customers' inventories by maintaining back-up inventory in our distribution
centers for prompt delivery as needed to customer locations. We maintain five
domestic regional distribution centers to ensure timely delivery to our
customers, enhance our customers' inventory turnover rates and reduce our
customers' handling and holding costs. See "Properties."
We provide wholesale services to a major warehouse club customer and others
in the U.K. and continue to expand our clientele to specialty retailers. Also in
the U.K., through our equity interest in The Templar Company, PLC ("Templar"),
we design and market children's books that incorporate sophisticated pop-up
pictures using high-quality art, including the award-winning Maurice Pledger
wildlife series. In Mexico, we wholesale products to a variety of retailers,
including warehouse clubs, hypermarkets, discount department stores and other
specialty
1
GENERAL (continued)
retailers. In addition to providing traditional book distribution services to
independent bookstores, chain bookstores and department store book departments,
our Australian subsidiary provides contract warehousing and direct to consumer
capabilities for publishers. We also have a facility in Singapore that
replicates our distribution capabilities in Australia to customers in South Asia
and independent contract distribution representatives in North Asia. In Canada,
through our equity interest in Raincoast Book Distribution, Limited ("Raincoast
Books"), we have enhanced our coverage of North America and expanded our
distribution network. See "International Business." We published over 400 titles
in Fiscal 2003 through our in-house publishing arm, Advantage Publishers Group
("APG"), which manages our Thunder Bay, Laurel Glen, Silver Dolphin and Portable
Press imprints.
We were incorporated in 1982 in California and were reincorporated in
Delaware in June 1987. Our executive offices are located at 5880 Oberlin Drive,
San Diego, California 92121; telephone (858) 457-2500.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On December 6, 2002, our subsidiary, Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited,
acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of two British book distributors,
H.I. Marketing Limited ("H.I. Marketing") and Cutsound Limited ("Cutsound"),
which does business as Airlift Book Company, for cash consideration of
approximately $1.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively. H.I. Marketing sells
books in the U.K. on behalf of approximately 20 U.S. and U.K. publishers and is
currently the U.K. marketing representative for our subsidiary, Publishers Group
West, Inc. ("PGW"). Cutsound sells books in the U.K. to traditional and
non-traditional book markets for more than 125 small to medium-sized publishers
of primarily alternative books in the health and lifestyle category.
On March 26, 2003, our subsidiary, Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited,
received notice from Safeway Stores Plc. ("Safeway"), the sole customer of our
subsidiary, Aspen Marketing Communications Limited ("Aspen"), of its intent to
terminate Aspen's contract for the supply of books and maps to Safeway as of
June 26, 2003. We have included in our financial statements approximately $0.8
million related to the write-off of impaired goodwill specifically identifiable
to Aspen, which we acquired in August 2000.
MEMBERSHIP WAREHOUSE CLUB INDUSTRY
Our customers include for-profit membership warehouse clubs that sell a
broad range of primarily brand-name merchandise at or near wholesale prices.
Membership warehouse clubs are able to provide their individual and business
members, who commonly pay annual membership fees, substantial cost savings on
high-quality merchandise through the efficiencies of warehouse-type facilities
and a no-frills, self-service operation policy. Membership warehouse club
locations typically have more than 130,000 square feet of floor space and offer
a limited selection of brand-name products in a wide range of merchandise
categories. This merchandising approach was introduced in Southern California in
1976. Since then, the membership warehouse club industry has experienced
significant growth, with sales we estimate to be approximately $79.0 billion in
2003.
The following table summarizes our penetration of the warehouse club
industry in the U.S. and Canada:
Number of Locations Served
Membership Warehouse Clubs
United States of America and Canada (1)
Total Number of Locations
Locations Served by
Year Ended March 31 Served AMS
------------------- --------------- ---------
1999 ................ 832 822
2000 ................ 873(2) 810
2001 ................ 914(2) 851
2002 ................ 976(3) 919
2003 ................ 1023(4) 962
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(1) Only U.S. membership warehouse club locations to which we shipped more than
$50,000 per year are included as locations served in the above table.
2
MEMBERSHIP WAREHOUSE CLUB INDUSTRY (continued)
(2) 63 Canadian locations were serviced by Raincoast Books. See "International
Business."
(3) 57 Canadian locations were serviced by Raincoast Books. See "International
Business."
(4) 61 Canadian locations were serviced by Raincoast Books. See "International
Business."
We also serve 77 warehouse club locations in Mexico, 15 in the U.K. and
ship a limited amount of product to 13 warehouse club locations in various
Pacific Rim countries. See "International Business." The number of locations
served is not necessarily indicative of our total sales volume to the warehouse
club industry as the volume of our shipments to a location may vary from year to
year based on competitive and other factors.
Books are well suited to the membership warehouse club merchandising
strategy of offering recognizable, quality merchandise at substantial savings.
Books appeal to a wide range of consumers and are popular gift items.
Additionally, due to their relatively high selling price in relation to their
size, books generally provide membership warehouse clubs with above-average
sales per square foot of selling space. By offering a continually changing
selection of books at a substantial discount from suggested retail prices,
membership warehouse clubs encourage retail customers to purchase books for
their enjoyment, as gifts and for business needs or interests.
Notwithstanding the appeal of books as a product line, most membership
warehouse clubs are not able to apply their standard product purchasing and
handling procedures to their book departments. Typically, a membership warehouse
club purchases a limited selection of each product category directly from
manufacturers who ship to their retail locations. In contrast, in order to be
able to offer even a limited selection of books, typically 150 to 350 stock
keeping units ("SKUs") at any one time, a membership warehouse club would be
required to devote considerable time and resources to selecting from among over
1,000,000 titles in print and over 150,000 new books published each year by
thousands of publishing houses. The membership warehouse club also would incur
high freight and handling costs to receive deliveries from, and make returns to,
the numerous vendors of such books. Thus, the unique nature of books has led
many membership warehouse clubs to rely on wholesalers for a major portion of
their book purchases. See "Risk Factors."
RETAILERS
Our customers include superstore and retail chain bookstores in the U.S.,
which offer their customers a vast assortment of books at value pricing. Our
customers sell our products at over a thousand retail locations and on the
Internet. Retail locations range from 4,000 to 25,000 square feet and carry a
range of 18,000 to over 100,000 titles. We now manage the Border's Group, Inc.
("Borders") and Waldenbooks customized mass-market paperback book programs at
over 1,200 locations in the U.S.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACT DISTRIBUTION
We provide a full range of global distribution services to publishers under
exclusive contractual arrangements. Distribution services include editorial
consultation, sales to multiple channels of the book market, marketing and
publicity, customer service, warehousing and distribution, billing and
collections, and sales and inventory reporting. We represent and sell our
publishers' books and related products to a wide variety of retail and wholesale
trade accounts, including major national chains, wholesalers, local bookstores
and certain gift, gourmet and special sales accounts. With our broad array of
books and related products, we are able to place important titles in most genres
of the book trade. We compete to sell our products throughout the global book
market.
OTHER CUSTOMERS
We supply an assortment of primarily business and computer titles to
certain companies in the office product and computer superstore markets. We also
serve a variety of other specialty retailers in the children's education
discount retail and book businesses. We are continuing to develop relationships
with Internet book retailers and provide product on a limited basis to several
Internet book retailers.
For many of these customers, we design and recommend media programs to
satisfy the unique marketing priorities of each retailer. By constantly updating
titles offered, we make it possible for our customers to offer a targeted
selection of books and media products without having to develop media
merchandising expertise within their own organizations.
3
PRODUCT SELECTION SERVICES AND PURCHASING PRACTICES
Our warehouse club customers generally compete in the retail trade book
market by offering a limited selection of books (typically 150 to 350 SKUs
compared to 10,000 to 100,000 titles at national bookstore chains and book
superstores) at prices, which are generally 30% to 45% lower than cover price.
We provide our specialty retail customers with book programs that range from as
few as 50 titles to programs of several thousand titles. Through our contract
distribution business, we represent over 15,000 active titles to the book trade
and certain non-trade markets. We believe that one of our principal strengths is
our ability to select books that will be successful in each customer's selling
environment, which is a function of various factors such as customer base,
regional characteristics and marketing priorities. This service is important
because many of the books we offer have relatively limited sales lives
(typically a few weeks to a few months, although the average book life is
approximately eight weeks) due to the relatively rapid introduction of new books
to replace titles for which demand has decreased. Therefore, customers rely on
our expertise and experience to recommend new titles to be added to their book
departments.
Our book selection process depends on close working relationships between
our general merchandise managers and our major vendors. The process of selecting
books generally begins when a publisher's representative submits pre-publication
book summaries to our general merchandise managers. A general merchandise
manager evaluates each book on the basis of such factors as subject matter and
author, suitability for the customers' selling environments, visual appeal, the
extent of the publisher's promotion and advertising support, and the estimated
number of copies to be printed. We have developed a proprietary software system,
called "ED-Eyes," that allows our retail customers and publishers to view, on
their desktops, historic statistical information as well as forecasts, to assist
in the product selection and product tracking processes. Because we are a major
customer of many of our vendors, and, for our independent contract distribution,
we have exclusive contracts with our publishers, our vendors often consult with
us during pre-publication planning, allowing us to influence the design and
packaging of many of the books we purchase. After choosing titles, the general
merchandise managers, in conjunction with the general marketing managers,
determine which specific titles we will recommend to each customer on the basis
of their knowledge of the customer base, regional characteristics and marketing
priorities.
Product selection is the responsibility of our Merchandising Department,
under the direction of the Executive Vice President -- Merchandising to whom 12
professional managers and a staff of 37 associates report. Each general
merchandise manager is responsible for several categories of products which
include hardcover bestsellers, mass market paperbacks, cooking, travel,
regional, computer, gift books (including art and coffee table books),
children's books, calendars, pre-recorded audio and video cassettes, and
Spanish-language books.
We usually purchase titles directly from publishing houses at standard book
industry wholesaler discounts, which generally exceed retailer discounts. We
make use of cooperative advertising allowances that publishers make available to
wholesalers and retailers. We do not generally purchase remainder titles, but
will occasionally purchase closeout lots of certain titles at higher than normal
discounts. Virtually all books sold are returnable to us by our customers for
full credit as long as the books are in saleable condition. Consistent with book
industry practice, approximately 86% and 87% of the books we purchased in Fiscal
2003 and 2002, respectively, were returnable to the publisher, a practice that
substantially reduces our risk of inventory obsolescence. All other books were
purchased on a non-returnable or partially returnable basis, often at higher
purchase discounts.
We publish a limited number of titles through our in-house publishing arm,
APG, which manages our Thunder Bay, Laurel Glen, Silver Dolphin and Portable
Press imprints. While our publishing activities remain a limited part of our
overall business operations, we have continued to expand these activities
through acquisitions as well as the growth of title offerings. Although these
activities typically achieve higher product margin, they carry an increased risk
of markdown associated with our self-published inventory. The titles are
typically sold to both warehouse club customers and independent and chain
bookstore customers. The majority of our self-published product is developed in
conjunction with major publishers. See "Product Development and Marketing
Services."
We make purchases from publishers on varying payment terms. We generally
take advantage of discounts for prompt payments, when economically attractive.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, we made purchases from more than
400 publishers. Four publishers individually accounted for 10% or more of our
total U.S. purchases in Fiscal 2003. These included Random House Inc., Penguin
Putnam, Inc., Time Warner and Simon & Schuster, which accounted for
approximately 17%, 14%, 10% and 10%, respectively, of our gross domestic
purchases. We continue to open accounts with new publishers and believe that
adequate sources of supply exist to meet anticipated
4
PRODUCT SELECTION SERVICES AND PURCHASING PRACTICES (continued)
growth. As is customary in the industry, we do not maintain long-term or
exclusive purchase commitments or arrangements with any publisher as part of our
wholesale business. We do have exclusive arrangements, typically lasting three
years, with certain small to medium-sized publishers in connection with our
contract distribution business. These contracts have no provisions for purchase
commitments.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING SERVICES
In addition to selecting from among regularly published books, we provide
specially packaged book and book-related products, which are generally not
available in retail bookstores. For example, we work with various publishers to
create specially packaged items such as a combination of books, shrink-wrapped
or slipcased to sell as a single item, or packages that contain a book and a
non-book item, such as a stuffed animal with a book. We also work directly with
publishers to have books specially reprinted or created for our customers.
We assist in the promotion of the books we sell by creating seasonal
merchandising plans and recommending titles based on themes such as Christmas,
Back to School, Father's Day and Easter. We also conduct theme-oriented
promotions, frequently tied to specially designed products, such as gardening,
taxes, health and fitness, and travel. We coordinate special in-store promotions
for a select number of our customers. Both our retail customers and we may also
take advantage of our cooperative advertising pools of funds whereby we obtain
publisher-sponsored advertising for use by our customers and us.
The marketing of our products is under the direction of the Executive Vice
President -- Wholesale/Retailer Services to whom 11 professional managers and a
staff of 25 sales personnel report. Members of the staff are assigned to
specific customers and present new titles, recommend promotions, analyze
point-of-sale data and VMI forecasting, coordinate orders and shipments, and
handle other customer requests.
PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION AND HANDLING SERVICES
A critical element of our service is the ability to respond quickly to
customers' orders because an important financial and operating goal of many of
our customers is a high inventory turnover rate. We have established a national
network of five regional distribution centers to ensure rapid deliveries to our
customers. These distribution centers are located in general-purpose warehouse
facilities in the metropolitan areas of Sacramento, California; Indianapolis,
Indiana; Baltimore, Maryland; Reno, Nevada; and Dallas, Texas. At our
distribution centers, we receive books from multiple vendors and dispatch, using
common and contract carriers, consolidated shipments on a weekly basis to
customer locations. Weekly deliveries in our wholesale business eliminate the
need for customers to stock large inventories on-site and enable our customers
to utilize valuable marketing space for other products. Consolidated shipments
to our warehouse club customers reduce customer handling and freight costs by
eliminating the costs associated with deliveries by multiple vendors. Four of
our five distribution centers are linked with our computerized order-processing
center at our San Diego, California headquarters, permitting customer orders to
be shipped within 24 hours of receipt. Our computer system also enables us to
provide information and special reports to assist customers with operations and
marketing. For a fee, upon request, we provide additional services, such as
stickering books with the customer inventory item numbers and retail sales
prices. We believe that all of these services enhance our customers' inventory
turnover rate and reduce their handling and holding costs.
Our VMI proprietary software system is designed to reduce our customers'
need to write individual location orders and further improve their inventory
turnover. The VMI software we developed forecasts future book sales based on the
expected life cycle of a particular title. These forecasts, coupled with
customer point of sale information, enable us to effectively offer advice to
manage customer laydown and replenishment orders for each customer location.
To further enhance our service capabilities, we continue to utilize
software and material handling equipment ("Acupak") in our distribution
facilities in Sacramento, Indianapolis, Baltimore and Dallas. The Acupak system
increases our efficiency in handling customer orders, and permits us to service
additional customers requiring less than a full carton of a particular title.
5
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
We operate wholly owned foreign subsidiaries in the U.K., Mexico, Australia
and Singapore. International operations represented 9.3%, 8.4% and 7.2% of
world-wide net sales in Fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. We expect
international sales to grow in absolute dollar terms consistent with the trend
for the past three years.
In December 2002, Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited acquired two British
book distributors, H.I. Marketing and Cutsound, for cash consideration of
approximately $1.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively. H.I. Marketing sells
books in the U.K. on behalf of approximately 20 U.S. and U.K. publishers and is
currently the U.K. marketing representative for PGW. Cutsound sells books in the
U.K. to traditional and non-traditional book markets for more than 100 small to
medium-sized publishers of primarily alternative books in the health and
lifestyle category.
Advanced Marketing (U.K.) Limited was incorporated in September 1993 in the
U.K. In 1997 we formed Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited to serve as a holding
company under which all of our U.K. entities are consolidated before
consolidating into AMS world-wide. In 1998 and 1999 we acquired two other book
distributors in the U.K., Aura Books, Plc and Metrastock Limited, through our
holding company. In Fiscal 2001, we similarly acquired Aspen, a wholesale
distributor of specialty books to the Safeway store chain in the U.K. On March
26, 2003, Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited received notice from Safeway, the
sole customer of Aspen, of its intent to terminate Aspen's contract for the
exclusive supply of books and maps to Safeway as of June 26, 2003. We have
included in our financial statements approximately $0.8 million related to the
write-off of impaired goodwill specifically identifiable to Aspen.
Located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, our 74,000 square-foot mezzanined
distribution center services the 15 locations of a major warehouse club, a major
national retail chain store, national department stores, and over 2,000 garden
centers and specialty retail outlets in the U.K., and provides potential
capacity for further growth through strategic acquisitions and expansion of our
customer base.
In June 2001, we acquired a 25% equity interest in Templar. Located in the
U.K., Templar is a designer of children's books that incorporate sophisticated
pop-up pictures using high quality art, including the award-winning Maurice
Pledger wildlife series. Templar markets its products world-wide.
Advanced Marketing S. de R.L. de C.V. was incorporated in January 1994 in
Mexico. From our headquarters in Mexico City we distribute books to 77
membership warehouse club locations, as well as to a variety of general and mass
merchandisers, office supply superstores and other specialty retailers. We have
expended significant effort in developing relationships with Mexican publishers.
This strategy continues to assist our expansion efforts in Mexico and Central
and South America and product-sourcing opportunities for the Spanish language
market in the U.S.
In an effort to increase our presence in North America, in September 1999
we acquired a 25% equity interest in Raincoast Books. Headquartered in
Vancouver, British Columbia, Raincoast Books has served the Canadian bookselling
community since 1979 and has the exclusive Canadian distribution rights for
approximately 40 publishers, in addition to serving as the Canadian publisher
for the Harry Potter series. Raincoast Books also performs wholesaling services
for certain customers and has extensive publishing operations. On January 31,
2002, our affiliate, Raincoast Books, purchased the Canadian distribution
business of our subsidiary, PGW.
In March 2000, we acquired Bookwise International ("Bookwise") with
operations based in Adelaide, Australia and sales offices in Sydney and
Auckland, New Zealand. Bookwise is a distributor of specialty books in a wide
variety of subject areas including art, design, architecture, crafts,
photography, cooking, gardening, wine, travel, health, music and children's
non-fiction. Bookwise exclusively represented 45 publishers at the time of
acquisition, which has grown to over 100 as of March 31, 2003. Plans to double
the number of publishers represented in the region is assisted by the close
connection with PGW publishers world-wide. Bookwise has a trade account base of
over 1,500 customers, serving traditional bookstores, chain bookstores and
department and specialty stores in Australia and New Zealand. Bookwise publishes
its own list under the "Cameron House" imprint.
Using Bookwise as our expansion platform, in September 2001 we began
operations in Southeast Asia establishing a Bookwise Asia office and warehouse
in Singapore. Bookwise Asia allows AMS to diversify its core distribution role
in the Pacific Rim by leveraging existing publisher, supplier and customer
relationships from Australia and New Zealand in a new geographic region. As of
March 31, 2003, Bookwise Asia represents 25 publishers. We plan to continue to
use Bookwise as our platform for expansion into Asia and the Pacific Rim
markets. The unique nature of customers and buying patterns in these markets
requires strong local presence to capitalize on expected growth in specialty and
warehouse type stores.
6
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Our business strategy is to provide global customized services to book
retailers and publishers. These services include effective book purchasing
advice, sales and marketing, promotion and advertising, credit and collection,
along with handling and logistical services for our customers. We believe that
we are a leading book supplier to membership warehouse clubs, specialty
retailers, e-commerce retailers, and even to large traditional chain bookstores
because of our ability to offer sound product selection advice, specialized
product development and marketing services, along with accurate and rapid
product delivery at competitive prices. Additionally, we seek to diversify our
business by adding new accounts both domestically and internationally, making
strategic global acquisitions, enhancing our value-added capabilities to our
customers by shipping direct to consumers, expanding our higher margin and low
risk contract distribution competency and developing unique products for our
customers through our proprietary publishing activities. In December 2002, our
U.K. subsidiary, Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited, acquired two British
contract book distributors, H.I. Marketing and Cutsound, in each case further
expanding and diversifying our global distribution business. See "Recent
Developments."
In order to fulfill our business strategy, we began five years ago to
significantly invest in staff, space and systems. We first deliberately filled
important upper management positions with individuals who had relevant
experience. Second, as the leases for existing distribution centers in the U.S.
expired, or as we outgrew them, we moved to new distribution centers that were
much larger than what was required for our existing wholesale needs to allow for
future growth. This was the result of our strategic decision to enter the
contract distribution business in the U.S. We knew from our planning process,
and from our investment in Raincoast Books and our acquisition of Bookwise, that
contract distribution was an extremely space-intensive business. Our acquisition
of PGW was intended to and has made us the largest contract distributor of
independent publishers in North America. Together with our international
infrastructure these acquisitions have created what we believe is the only
contract distribution company for independent publishers to have a global
presence. Finally, we completed a significant portion of the upgrade and
conversion of our core operating software to a new Oracle Enterprise Resource
Planning ("ERP") system as well as a Warehouse Management system in the second
quarter of Fiscal 2003, with the final and most significant component of that
process to take place early in the second quarter of Fiscal 2004.
These investments in the areas of staff, space and systems will position
AMS for substantial future growth while reducing distribution and administrative
expenses as a percentage of net sales over the next few years. We are only
beginning to experience the efficiencies that will be generated by our new
systems. Our staff continues to strategically plan for consistent growth and
performance. Our current distribution center capacity has allowed us to better
service existing clients and to engage in discussions with substantial new ones.
We expect that our new information systems will allow us to create the common
"backbone" for our diverse domestic and international operations, as well as to
continue to create state-of-the-art software support for both our existing and
new customers. We believe that these substantial infrastructure investments are
required to continue to maintain our competitive advantage and create a platform
for future sales, margin and profit growth.
SEASONALITY
Our business is seasonal, with the highest net sales and earnings occurring
in our third fiscal quarter. Income from operations during the third fiscal
quarter, as a percentage of net sales, is typically higher than in any other
quarter because of product sales mix and other economies of scale caused by the
higher sales volume. During Fiscal 2003, we had net sales of $294.8 million and
operating income of $14.2 million in the third quarter. This seasonal pattern
reflects the increased demand for books and related media experienced during the
holiday selling season. Working capital requirements are generally highest
during the second and early part of the third fiscal quarters due to the
seasonality of our business. We experience significant seasonal short-term
swings in our cash position due to sales seasonality and to differences in
timing of payments to our vendors and the receipt of payments from our
customers. Cash flow has been historically greatest during the third fiscal
quarter due to higher seasonal sales. Our results of operations depend
significantly upon net sales generated during the third fiscal quarter.
COMPETITION
We are a leading supplier of books to the membership warehouse club market,
which is highly competitive. We compete in such markets with national book
wholesalers, some of which are larger than we are, and with regional book
wholesalers and local book jobbers with whom we compete on the basis of price
and service. Certain publishers
7
COMPETITION (continued)
sell directly to membership warehouse clubs, and one or more of our customers
could choose in the future to purchase more of its books directly from
publishers. As a result, we could face additional competition from publishers in
the future. Membership warehouse clubs face competition from discount and retail
bookstore chains that may indirectly affect us. Due to their high sales volume,
membership warehouse clubs may represent an attractive market that other book
wholesalers may seek to enter and compete directly with us. We believe that our
principal competitive advantages are the ability to select, package, and assort
products so that they sell in high volumes; to distribute such products rapidly;
to electronically interface with customers; to assist in the efficient
management of purchasing through our proprietary VMI software; to efficiently
manage inventory; to maintain sufficient back-up inventories; and to price
products competitively.
We are the leading independent distributor for small to medium-sized
publishers in the North American market, which is highly competitive. Our
competition in distribution services comes from a number of smaller, privately
held, contract distributors and, to a lesser degree, from some of the larger
publishers who provide distribution services to other publishers. Competition is
based upon a number of factors, including sales penetration abilities, marketing
support, technical delivery expertise, distribution and fulfillment
capabilities, and financial, sales and inventory reporting. We believe our
competitive advantages include our broad editorial mix, our strong national and
field sales forces, our ability to consolidate orders, shipping and collections,
and our ability to ship from multiple warehouses, thereby decreasing freight
expense and decreasing product time-to-market. Most inventory is held on a
consignment basis for distribution client publishers, which reduces our risk for
obsolescence.
RISK FACTORS
The following section describes some, but not all, of the risks and
uncertainties that we believe may adversely affect our business, financial
condition or results of operations.
Our Sales are Highly Concentrated in the Membership Warehouse Club Industry
In Fiscal 2003, approximately 65% of our world-wide net sales were to
membership warehouse clubs with the remainder to retail chain bookstores, office
product superstores, computer superstores, Internet retailers, and other
specialty retailers. SAM's Club (a unit of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) and Costco
Wholesale Corporation accounted for approximately 59% of that figure. Although
we believe we provide services and efficiencies that membership warehouse clubs
and other retailers would have difficulty duplicating, there is a risk that our
customers may, from time to time, increase the percentage of books they purchase
directly from publishers or from other wholesale distributors. Furthermore, we
could lose customers if they discontinue books as a product line, suffer a
business failure or merge or consolidate with another entity that we do not
currently service. We have no long-term or exclusive purchase commitments with
any of these membership warehouse club customers. Any loss of a major customer
would have a materially adverse effect on our business. Given the relatively
small number of membership warehouse club chains, our reliance on a few
customers is likely to continue. See "Customers."
We Purchase Books from a Highly Concentrated Group of Publishers
In Fiscal 2003, we purchased books from four publishers who individually
accounted for more than 10% of our total purchases. These included Random House
Inc., Penguin Putnam, Inc., Time Warner and Simon & Schuster, which accounted
for approximately 17%, 14%, 10% and 10%, respectively, of our gross domestic
purchases. We continue to open accounts with new publishers and believe that
adequate sources of supply exist to meet anticipated growth. However, given that
certain titles or authors may be exclusive to a particular publisher, we may be
reliant upon a given publisher in certain situations. As is customary in the
industry, we do not maintain long-term or exclusive purchase commitments or
arrangements with any publisher as part of our wholesale business. We do have
exclusive arrangements, typically lasting three years, with certain small to
medium-sized publishers in connection with our contract distribution business.
These contracts have no provisions for purchase commitments.
The Membership Warehouse Club Market is Highly Competitive
We are a leading supplier of books to the membership warehouse club market,
which is highly competitive. We compete in such markets with national book
wholesalers, some of which are larger than we are, and with regional book
wholesalers and local book jobbers with whom we compete on the basis of price
and service. Certain
8
RISK FACTORS (continued)
publishers sell directly to membership warehouse clubs, and one or more of our
customers could choose in the future to purchase more of its books directly from
publishers. As a result, we could face additional competition from publishers in
the future. Membership warehouse clubs face competition from discount and retail
bookstore chains that may indirectly affect us. Due to their high sales volume,
membership warehouse clubs may represent an attractive market that other book
wholesalers may seek to enter and compete directly with us.
The Distribution Services Market is Highly Competitive
We are the leading independent distributor for small to medium-sized
publishers in the North American market, which is highly competitive. Our
competition in distribution services comes from a number of smaller, privately
held, contract distributors and, to a lesser degree, from some of the larger
publishers who provide distribution services to other publishers. Competition is
based upon a number of factors, including sales penetration abilities, marketing
support, technical delivery expertise, distribution and fulfillment
capabilities, and financial, sales and inventory reporting.
Book Sales are Closely Tied to General Consumer Spending Trends and Reliance on
Best-Sellers
A decline in consumer spending on books or other media could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and
our ability to fulfill and fund our growth strategy.
We May Purchase Books That We Cannot Sell or Return
We purchase certain titles on a non-returnable basis, which we in turn may
sell on a returnable basis. To the extent that actual sales of such titles do
not equal purchased quantities, we risk having inventory that we may be unable
to sell at or above our cost. We attempt, wherever possible, to sell-through
such remainder product. In addition, we have implemented policies to evaluate
more completely and accurately the non-returnable inventory risk we assume. We
have incurred substantial expense in the past to sell such excess inventory and
may incur such expense in the future. Although we believe our recorded reserves
are adequate to cover our exposures, in the event that we are unable to sell
remainder product, and depending on the volume of non-returnable inventory
purchased that is returned to us from our customers, we increase our risk for
markdown expense. Also, both domestic and international self-published and
developed titles, while often providing higher profit margins than our regular
distribution activities, increase our risk for markdown expense in the event
that we are unable to sell-through these titles to our customers.
We are Exposed to Certain Product Liability Risk on Our Self-Published Titles
For our self-published and developed titles, we often work with various
manufacturers for book kits and other packaged toy product, and we also work
with individual authors and publishing houses to develop and publish titles
under our own imprints. Additionally, many of the children's book and toy
products we publish may have parts included in the packaging. We attempt to
contract with each vendor that manufactures these products to indemnify us
against any defective merchandise that they manufacture. Additionally, we also
subject parts within the book kits to required testing. In the event that any of
the parts are defective, we may be required to recall all or part of that
product. Such a recall could result in a loss of sales or additional expenses to
transport defective product and legal expenses, among others. To the extent that
we are unable to recoup from vendors our losses for the recall, it may result in
a decrease to our earnings.
We Must Effectively Manage Changes in Our Business
In order to respond to the business cycles of the book distribution
industry, in the past few years we have changed the scope of our operations, our
information systems infrastructure and the number of employees in many of our
departments. As the book distribution industry changes we will need to continue
to:
o closely manage our domestic and international operations;
o improve our accounting and other internal management systems;
9
RISK FACTORS (continued)
o improve our quality control, order fulfillment, field service and
customer support capabilities;
o quickly adapt to changing sales and marketing channels;
o effectively manage our inventory levels; and
o attract, train, retain and manage key technical and operational
personnel.
If we fail to effectively manage changes in our business, our operating
results, financial condition and cash flows, would be adversely affected.
Our International Expansion and Acquisitions Create Additional Risks Specific to
Foreign Countries
An important component of our strategy is our continued expansion and
growth as a global operation. However, our expansion into international markets
has additional risks. It is costly to acquire and establish international
facilities and operations, and integrate those facilities into our existing
international operations. Sales from our international subsidiaries may not
offset the expense of establishing and maintaining the related operations and,
therefore, these operations may not be profitable on a sustained basis. We are
also subject to a number of risks inherent in selling abroad, including, but not
limited to, risks with respect to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, local
economic and political conditions, restrictive governmental policies and laws
(such as trade protection measures, limitations on the repatriation of funds,
nationalization and consumer protection laws and restrictions on pricing or
discounts), difficulty in developing and simultaneously managing a larger number
of unique foreign operations as a result of distance, language and cultural
differences, tax and other laws and policies of the U.S. and other jurisdictions
and geopolitical events, including war and terrorism. In addition, local
companies may have a substantial competitive advantage because of their greater
understanding of, and focus on, the local customer, as well as their more
established local name recognition. Also, we may not be able to hire, train,
retain, motivate and manage required personnel, which may limit our growth
internationally. Accordingly, our future results could be materially adversely
impacted by changes in these or other factors.
We Are Exposed to Foreign Exchange Risk
Our exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations arises in part from
intercompany transactions that are typically denominated in the functional
currency of the foreign subsidiaries. We are also exposed to foreign exchange
rate fluctuations as the financial results of our foreign subsidiaries are
translated into U.S. dollars during consolidation. As exchange rates vary, these
results, when translated, may vary from expectations and may adversely impact
overall expected profitability.
We Experience Significant Short-term Swings in Our Cash Position Due to the
Seasonality of Our Business
Our business is seasonal, with the highest net sales and earnings occurring
in our third fiscal quarter. Income from operations during the third fiscal
quarter, as a percentage of net sales, is typically higher than in any other
quarter because of product sales mix and other economies of scale caused by the
higher sales volume. During Fiscal 2003, we had net sales of $294.8 million and
operating income of $14.2 million in the third quarter. This seasonal pattern
reflects the increased demand for books and related media experienced during the
holiday selling season. Working capital requirements are generally highest
during the second and early part of the third fiscal quarters due to the
seasonality of our business. We experience significant seasonal short-term
swings in our cash position due to sales seasonality and to differences in
timing of payments to our vendors and the receipt of payments from our
customers. Cash flow has been historically greatest during the third fiscal
quarter due to higher seasonal sales. Our results of operations depend
significantly upon net sales generated during the third fiscal quarter, and any
significant adverse trend in the net sales of such period would result in lower
net sales for the full fiscal year. We expect seasonality in operations to
continue.
We Are Reliant on a Few Key Personnel
We believe that there are certain key employees within the organization,
primarily in the senior management team, who are necessary for us to meet our
objectives. In addition, uncertainty created by turnover of key employees could
result in reduced confidence in our financial performance, which could cause
fluctuations in our stock price
10
RISK FACTORS (continued)
and result in further turnover of our employees. The loss of one or more key
employees could interrupt our continued operations and make it more difficult to
implement our business strategies. We do not maintain "key man" life insurance
on any of our key officers.
The Cost of Insurance May Increase and We May Bear Additional Risk
We contract for insurance to cover a variety of potential risks and
liabilities in the global insurance market. In the current market, insurance
coverage is becoming more restrictive, and when insurance coverage is offered,
the deductible for which we are responsible is larger. In light of these
circumstances, it may become more difficult to maintain insurance coverage at
historical levels, or if such coverage is available, the cost to obtain or
maintain it may increase substantially. This may result in our being forced to
bear the burden of an increased portion of risks for which we have traditionally
been covered by insurance.
We are also subject to the possibility of uninsured losses from risks such
as terrorism, earthquakes, or floods, for which no, or limited, insurance
coverage is maintained. We have elected not to maintain insurance coverage for
losses resulting from terrorism, based upon our assessment of the insurance cost
and the likelihood of loss. Our earnings would be reduced by the amount of any
uninsured losses.
A Change in Accounting Treatment for Employee Stock Options Could Reduce Our
Earnings and Reduce Our Ability to Attract and Retain Qualified Employees
We currently account for the issuance of stock options under Accounting
Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees." If proposals currently under consideration by accounting standards
organizations and governmental authorities are adopted, we may be required to
change our practice. As a result, we could decide to reduce the number of stock
options granted to employees or to grant options to fewer employees. This could
reduce our ability to retain existing employees and attract qualified
candidates, and increase the cash compensation we would have to pay to them. In
addition, such a change could reduce our earnings by increasing our expenses.
We Are Reliant on Our Ability to Retain and Attract Qualified Employees
We believe that our future success depends upon our ability to continue to
train, retain, effectively manage and attract highly skilled managerial, sales
and marketing and technical personnel. We invest significant resources in
recruiting and retaining employees. If our efforts in these areas are not
successful, our costs may increase, development and sales efforts may be
hindered and our customer service may be degraded.
Our Stock Price is Subject to Fluctuations That Could Expose Us to Lawsuits
The trading price of our common stock has in the past and may in the future
be subject to fluctuations in response to factors such as the following:
o revenue or results of operations in any quarter failing to meet the
expectations, published or otherwise, of the investment community;
o changes in recommendations or financial estimates by securities
analysts;
o rumors or dissemination of false and/or misleading information,
particularly through Internet chat rooms, instant messaging and other
means of rapid dissemination;
o changes in management;
o conditions and trends in the wholesale or retail distribution
industry;
o announcement of acquisitions or other significant transactions by us
or our competitors; and
o adoption of new accounting standards affecting the wholesale/retail
distribution industry.
In addition, fluctuations in the price of our common stock may expose us to
the risk of securities class action lawsuits. Defending against such lawsuits
could result in substantial costs and divert our attention and resources.
Furthermore, any settlement or adverse determination in such a lawsuit could
subject us to significant liabilities.
11
CUSTOMERS
Our major customers include three membership warehouse clubs and one retail
chain bookstore. Three of our customers account for over 95% of the sales in the
warehouse club industry and operate over 1,000 locations throughout the U.S.,
Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and certain Pacific Rim countries. Taking into account
domestic and international activities, the following table sets forth those
customers who accounted for 10% or more of our total net sales in Fiscal 2003,
2002 and 2001.
Percentage of Net Sales
-----------------------
2003 2002 2001
------ ------ -----
Costco Wholesale Corporation ..................... 30% 37% 38%
SAM's Club (a unit of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) ..... 29% 34% 38%
Border's Group, Inc. ............................. 13% --* --*
------------
* Net sales were not in excess of 10% in these years.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 31, 2003, we had approximately 1,500 full-time employees
world-wide who were engaged in administrative, merchandising, marketing and
warehousing operations. When hiring new employees, we consider a number of
factors, including education and experience, personality and orientation towards
customer service. We also hire temporary workers, primarily during the peak
holiday season. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We
believe our relations with employees are generally excellent.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Therefore, we file periodic reports, proxy
statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC"). Such reports, proxy statements, and other information may be
obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street,
NW, Washington, DC 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition,
the SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports,
proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that
file electronically.
Our Internet address is http://www.advmkt.com. We make available through
our Internet website our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form
10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports and
amendments are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
ITEM 2 -- PROPERTIES
We are headquartered in approximately 62,000 square feet of commercial
space in San Diego, California. The space is leased for a 10-year term expiring
in April 2008 with an annual base rent of approximately $930,000. We also
maintain offices in approximately 70,000 square feet of commercial space in
Berkeley, California and approximately 3,000 square feet of commercial space in
New York, New York. The Berkeley space is leased for a 10-year term expiring in
2008 with an annual base rent of approximately $320,000. The New York space has
an annual base rent of approximately $63,000. This lease expired in March 2003
with possible renewal for a 5-year term. We are in the process of finalizing and
negotiating our extension on this lease.
We maintain the following U.S. distribution centers from which we ship to
our U.S. customers:
Location Approximate Date Leased
(Metropolitan Area) Square Footage Opened Through
------------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Dallas, Texas .................. 145,000 November 1997 October 2004
Baltimore, Maryland ............ 322,000 July 2001 June 2011
Sacramento, California ......... 318,000 April 2000 September 2010
Indianapolis, Indiana .......... 414,000 July 2001 June 2012
Reno, Nevada ................... 305,000 April 1999 December 2004
12
ITEM 2 -- PROPERTIES (continued)
Each of these distribution centers is leased, with the leases expiring
between 2004 and 2012. Annual base rent payments range from $0.5 million to $1.5
million. Our U.K. subsidiary operates out of an approximate 74,000 square-foot
facility located in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Under the terms of the 15-year lease
agreement, expiring in 2014, we pay an annual base rent of $604,000. As part of
the Cutsound acquisition, we assumed a 19,000 square-foot facility in the U.K.
that has an annual base rent of approximately $220,000 expiring in 2005. Our
Australian operation, Bookwise, leases an 11,000 square-foot warehouse facility
in Adelaide, Australia. Under the terms of the 5-year lease, expiring in May
2007, we pay an annual base rent of approximately $138,000. For our operations
in Mexico, we use a third party warehousing and distribution company. In
addition, in Mexico, Singapore and Australia, we lease office space for
administrative and sales purposes on short-term leases, the commitments under
which are not material.
ITEM 3 -- LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.
ITEM 4 -- SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the last
quarter of our fiscal year ended March 31, 2003.
13
PART II
ITEM 5 -- MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Our common stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange since
November 9, 2000 under the symbol "MKT." Prior to that time, our common stock
was traded in the over-the-counter market under the NASDAQ National Market
Symbol "ADMS." The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices of
the common stock. We had approximately 3,300 beneficial stockholders and 110
stockholders of record on March 31, 2003.
Fiscal 2003 Fiscal 2002
------------------ ------------------
Fiscal Quarter High Low High Low
-------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
First Quarter -- Ended June 29/June 30 .................... $26.20 $16.20 $20.85 $15.20
Second Quarter -- Ended September 28/September 29 ......... $17.40 $11.80 $20.28 $13.32
Third Quarter -- Ended December 28/December 29 ............ $18.60 $13.55 $19.70 $14.14
Fourth Quarter -- Ended March 31 .......................... $15.00 $10.05 $25.30 $17.45
In May 1998, we announced our Board of Directors' intent to declare and pay
dividends on our common stock at an annual rate of $0.10 per share (pre stock
splits). On January 21, 1999, we announced that our Board of Directors had
approved the declaration of a three-for-two stock split on February 15, 1999 to
stockholders of record on February 1, 1999. At that time, the annual dividend
was adjusted to $0.067 per share. In May 1999, we announced that our Board of
Directors increased the dividend to the annual rate of $0.08 per share. On
December 13, 1999, we announced that our Board of Directors had declared a
second three-for-two stock split on January 17, 2000 to stockholders of record
on January 3, 2000. At that time, the annual dividend was adjusted to $0.053 per
share. On April 18, 2001, we announced that our Board of Directors had declared
a third three-for-two stock split on May 11, 2001 to stockholders of record on
April 27, 2001. At that time, we also announced that our Board of Directors
increased the dividend from the split-adjusted $0.03467 to the annual rate of
$0.04 per share, payable on an annual rather than a quarterly basis. All
references to shares and share prices included in this document have been
restated to reflect all of the stock splits.
In June 2001, our Board of Directors approved an annual stock dividend in
the amount of $0.04 per share, paid on March 13, 2002 to stockholders of record
on February 28, 2002. In June 2002, our Board of Directors approved an annual
stock dividend in the amount of $0.04 per share, paid on March 10, 2003 to
stockholders of record on February 28, 2003. Dividends totaled $0.8 million for
Fiscal 2003 and Fiscal 2002.
The declaration and payment of dividends in the future will be subject to
the discretion of our Board of Directors and, although they currently intend to
do so, no assurance can be given that they will declare and pay dividends in the
future. The determination as to the payment of dividends will depend upon, among
other things, general business conditions, our financial condition and results
of operations, contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions relating to the
payment of our dividends and such other factors the Board of Directors may deem
relevant.
On July 22, 1999, we adopted a stock repurchase program pursuant to which
we may repurchase in open market or private transactions, from time to time,
based upon existing market conditions, shares of our common stock having an
aggregate cost not to exceed $5.0 million or 450,000 shares. On March 16, 2000,
we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a 525,000 share increase
in the repurchase program. On July 27, 2000, our Board of Directors approved an
additional 525,000 share increase in the repurchase program and on May 25, 2001
our Board of Directors approved an additional 350,000 share increase in our
stock repurchase program. On January 29, 2003, we announced that our Board of
Directors had authorized an additional 325,000 share increase in our stock
repurchase program. As of March 31, 2003, the total number of shares of common
stock remaining authorized for repurchase under the plan is approximately
500,000 shares. Under the plan, we have repurchased approximately 1,675,000
shares as of March 31, 2003 at an average market price of approximately $11.54.
The repurchase program has no expiration date and is expected to be financed
through internal funds.
During Fiscal 2001, we purchased approximately 684,000 shares of our stock
from our Chairman for approximately $7.5 million, which reflects a 10% discount
from the average market price for a specified period.
14
EQUITY COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 2003 with
respect to our common stock that may be issued as equity compensation upon the
exercise of stock options and warrants:
Number of securities
to be issued Weighted-average Number of securities
upon exercise of exercise price of remaining available
outstanding options, outstanding options, for future issuance under
Plan Category warrants and rights warrants and rights equity compensation plans*
------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
Equity compensation approved by
stockholders
-- 1995 Stock Option Plan ............... 3,018,260 $10.82 1,675,490
-- 1987 Stock Option Plan ............... 69,526 $ 1.95 2,211,974
-- Employee Stock Purchase Plan ......... -- $ -- 269,526
Equity compensation not approved by
stockholders** .......................... -- $ -- --
--------- ------ ---------
Total ..................................... 3,087,786 $10.62 4,156,990
========= ====== =========
------------
* Excludes securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
** Not applicable
The number of options granted to individual employees and directors under
the Amended 1995 Stock Option Plan varies according to the level of an
employee's position or the level of service for directors with us. The Amended
1995 Stock Option Plan is consistent with our philosophy of providing equity
incentives to all levels of employees. Our 1987 Stock Option Plan has options
issuable and outstanding but no further grants are authorized.
15
ITEM 6 -- SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data below should be read in conjunction with Item 7
-- "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended March 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Net Sales $911,625 $756,122 $713,578 $627,978 $501,071
Cost of Goods Sold 764,794 637,342 613,988 549,080 440,048
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross Profit 146,831 118,780 99,590 78,898 61,023
Distribution and Administrative
Expenses 129,294 81,276 68,216 53,519 41,602
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income From Operations 17,537 37,504 31,374 25,379 19,421
Interest Income 600 1,309 2,310 2,191 1,270
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates 350 287 512 335 --
Interest Expense and Other, Net (154) (1,076) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income Before Provision for
Income Taxes 18,333 38,024 34,196 27,905 20,691
Provision for Income Taxes 7,158 14,926 13,429 10,813 8,178
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Income $ 11,175 $ 23,098 $ 20,767 $ 17,092 $ 12,513
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Income Per Share -- Basic $ 0.58 $ 1.21 $ 1.09 $ 0.89 $ 0.66
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Income Per Share -- Diluted $ 0.57 $ 1.16 $ 1.06 $ 0.86 $ 0.64
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Basic Weighted Average Shares Used
in Calculation 19,113 19,132 19,077 19,248 19,017
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted Weighted Average Shares
Used in Calculation 19,738 19,935 19,631 19,979 19,692
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
BALANCE SHEET DATA
As of March 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Working Capital:
Cash and Short-term Investments $ 14,642 $ 23,125 $ 34,169 $ 34,615 $ 31,842
Current Assets $356,856 $320,388 $269,359 $253,966 $223,276
Current Liabilities $303,689 $270,528 $192,730 $179,502 $157,994
Working Capital $ 53,167 $ 49,860 $ 76,629 $ 74,464 $ 65,282
Long-term Investments $ 809 $ 3,631 $ 4 $ 1,857 $ 1,214
Total Assets $445,560 $402,852 $301,048 $275,550 $238,396
Short-Term Debt $ 45,000 $ 25,000 $ -- $ -- $ --
Stockholders' Equity $141,871 $132,324 $108,318 $ 96,048 $ 80,402
Book Value Per Common Share $ 7.45 $ 6.87 $ 5.70 $ 4.96 $ 4.21
Dividends Paid Per Common Share $ 0.04 $ 0.04 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03
16
ITEM 7 -- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 2003 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2002
Net income decreased $11.9 million to $11.2 million, or $0.57 per diluted
share, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 from $23.1 million, or $1.16 per
diluted share for Fiscal 2002. The decrease in net income was attributable to
increased costs, including temporarily elevated labor and freight costs
associated with the ongoing implementation of two new computer systems, as well
as the costs associated with these systems' implementation.
Net sales increased $155.5 million to $911.6 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2003, from $756.1 million for Fiscal 2002. Net sales reflect the
invoiced amounts of products shipped and delivered and related fulfillment
services provided, less discounts, allowances, rebates and sales returns.
Although net sales to our wholesale club customers remained relatively flat year
over year, we benefited from an increase in business with Borders of 54.0% in
net sales for that customer as we began to supply books to additional Borders
stores. Overall, the 20.6% increase in net sales was primarily attributable to
the following factors: $116.5 million from the inclusion of a full twelve months
of net sales of our subsidiary, PGW, as compared to two months of net sales in
the prior fiscal year; $20.8 million related to an increase in net sales at our
international subsidiaries, primarily due to acquisitions in the U.K. and an
additional month of activity for our U.K., Australia and Singapore subsidiaries
as a result of the synchronization of their reporting periods with AMS; and
$18.9 million in revenue related to our retail co-operative "co-op" advertising
programs, which was classified within distribution and administrative expenses
in the prior fiscal year.
Our return rate from customers increased 4.0 percentage points to 26.0% for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 from 22.0% for Fiscal 2002. The increase
was primarily due to the softer sales environment domestically during the year
and, to a lesser extent, significant customer inventory reductions during the
fourth quarter. Consistent with historical practice, returns reserves have been
established based on management's best estimate of expected future product
returns. These returns reserves are included in the noted return rates.
Returns to publishers represented approximately 27% of our total domestic
gross purchases for both fiscal years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002. The
publisher returns rate often exceeds the customer returns rate due to our policy
of maintaining back-up inventory so that we can respond promptly to customer
orders.
Gross profit increased $28.0 million to $146.8 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2003 from $118.8 million for Fiscal 2002. Gross profit as a
percentage of sales increased to 16.1% during Fiscal 2003 from 15.7% during
Fiscal 2002. Gross profit as a percent of sales increased primarily due to the
inclusion of twelve months of PGW operations as compared to two months in the
prior fiscal year and an increase in net sales for the operations of
international subsidiaries that historically carry higher margins, plus the
inclusion of net profit related to our co-op advertising programs, which was
classified within distribution and administrative expenses in the prior fiscal
year, partially offset by increases in markdown expense that resulted from
increased non-returnable inventory levels over prior fiscal year.
Distribution and administrative expenses increased $48.0 million to $129.3
million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 from $81.3 million during
Fiscal 2002. As a percentage of net sales, these expenses increased to 14.2%
from 10.8% in Fiscal 2002, a 3.4 percentage point increase. The increase was
driven by the inclusion of a full twelve months of PGW's higher distribution and
administrative expenses, primarily labor, as compared to two months in the prior
fiscal year and the reclassification of net profit related to our co-op
advertising programs during Fiscal 2003, which was presented within distribution
and administrative expenses in the previous fiscal year. The rest of the
increase, but to a lesser extent, resulted from elevated freight, temporary
labor costs, systems support costs, and depreciation expense related to the
implementation of new systems and an increase in volume of small order
processing.
Interest income decreased $0.7 million to $0.6 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2003 from $1.3 million during Fiscal 2002 due to lower cash and
investment balances as a result of continued funding of our operations in a
softer sales environment and capital investments in our infrastructure.
17
FISCAL 2003 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2002 (continued)
Interest expense and other decreased $0.9 million to $0.2 million for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 from $1.1 million during Fiscal 2002, primarily
due to a $1.3 million decrease in the fair value of warrants, treated as stock
appreciation rights, that were issued in connection with our purchase of PGW and
equity investment in Raincoast Books. This was offset by an increase in interest
expense of $0.4 million related to higher borrowing levels in the current fiscal
year.
The provision for income taxes decreased $7.7 million to $7.2 million for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 from $14.9 million during Fiscal 2002. The
decrease is primarily due to the decrease in our pre-tax income as compared to
the same period of the prior fiscal year, with a relatively constant effective
tax rate of 39.0% and 39.3% for Fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively.
FISCAL 2002 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2001
Net income increased $2.3 million to $23.1 million, or $1.16 per diluted
share, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 from $20.8 million, or $1.06 per
diluted share for Fiscal 2001. The increase in net income resulted from a
combination of factors, including the success of our strategic acquisition
program, the benefits of AMS' international expansion, ongoing increases in
sales to existing customers and the continued expansion of our customer base.
Net sales increased $42.5 million to $756.1 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2002, from $713.6 million for Fiscal 2001. Net sales reflect the
invoiced amounts of products shipped and delivered to customers and related
fulfillment services provided, less discounts, allowances, rebates and sales
returns. The 6.0% increase in net sales was attributable to the following
factors: A $21.3 million increase as a result of the acquisition of PGW on
January 31, 2002, a $12.3 million increase in sales from international
subsidiaries, primarily in our U.K. subsidiary, and an $8.9 million or 1.0%
increase in domestic shipments to core customers.
Our return rate from customers increased 3.0 percentage points to 22.0% for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 from 19.0% for Fiscal 2001. The increase
was primarily due to the lack of bestseller authors in absolute dollars. Fewer
bestsellers caused lower gross sales, which magnified the return percentage of
product. This also makes return rates riskier, due to an increase in the
placement of second tier authors, which increases the risk factor for potential
returns. Consistent with historical practice, returns reserves have been
established based on management's best estimate of expected future product
returns. These return reserves are included in the aforementioned return
figures.
Returns to publishers represented approximately 27% and 26% of our total
domestic gross purchases for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2002 and 2001,
respectively. The publisher returns rate often exceeds the customer returns rate
due to our policy of maintaining back-up inventory so that we can respond
promptly to customer orders.
Gross profit increased $19.2 million to $118.8 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2002 from $99.6 million for Fiscal 2001. Gross profit as a
percentage of sales increased to 15.7% during Fiscal 2002 from 14.0% during
Fiscal 2001. The increase was primarily due to strong sales in AMS' publishing
division, increases in revenue from international subsidiaries, two months of
high margin sales from PGW and improved inventory management.
Distribution and administrative expenses increased $13.1 million to $81.3
million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 from $68.2 million during
Fiscal 2001. As a percentage of net sales, these expenses increased to 10.8%
from 9.6% in Fiscal 2001, a 1.2 percentage point increase. This increase was
primarily due to expenditures reflecting our continuing efforts to diversify our
world-wide customer base and our commitment to build the infrastructure required
to address heightened business requirements on a global level. Contributing to
the 1.2 percentage point increase were: A 0.7 percentage point increase related
to variable labor costs at our distribution centers as a result of our increased
"Pic n' Pac" business and expansion of our distribution centers; $3.2 million
related to facilities expansions at two of our distribution centers; $2.5
million related to payroll costs resulting from our continued investment in
staffing; and $1.1 million related to various increases in other fixed operating
costs, including depreciation, amortization and promotions expense.
Interest income decreased $1.0 million to $1.3 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2002 from $2.3 million during Fiscal 2001 as a result of
utilizing available investment resources to fund operations and the acquisition
of PGW. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources."
18
FISCAL 2002 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2001 (continued)
Interest expense and other totaled $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2002, which included a $0.7 million charge representing the change in
fair value associated with stock appreciation rights issued in connection with
certain acquisitions and $0.4 million of interest expense incurred on our lines
of credit.
The provision for income taxes increased $1.5 million to $14.9 million for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 from $13.4 million during Fiscal 2001. The
increase is primarily due to the increase in our pre-tax income as compared to
the same period of the prior fiscal year, with a constant effective tax rate of
39.3% for both fiscal years.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of March 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, we had $14.0 million, $21.1 million
and $29.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, respectively. The decrease in
cash and cash equivalents of $7.1 million in Fiscal 2003 was primarily due to
our funding of operations in a softer sales environment and investments in our
corporate infrastructure. The decrease of $8.7 million in Fiscal 2002 was
primarily due to the funding of two acquisitions and the strategic growth of our
corporate infrastructure offset, in part, by income from operations. We believe
that the combination of cash and cash equivalents, investment balances, the
potential cash flow from operations and expected future availability on our
revolving line of credit will be sufficient, at least through the next twelve
months, to satisfy our cash and working capital requirements.
Net cash used in operating activities amounted to $14.1 million for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. The primary component of net cash used in
operating activities for Fiscal 2003 was an increase of $51.6 million in
inventories due to increased purchasing activity to meet anticipated customer
demand not realized in the softer sales environment, backlog at our distribution
centers as a result of higher customer returns, increased small order processing
volume and inefficiencies connected with our systems implementations. Inventory
turns decreased to 4.4 times during Fiscal 2003 as compared to 5.0 times during
Fiscal 2002, excluding the effect of cost of goods sold relating to PGW for
comparability as only two months of PGW operations were included in Fiscal 2002.
The increase in inventories for Fiscal 2003 was primarily funded by a
corresponding increase in accounts payable of $12.0 million and additional
borrowings on our revolving line of credit of $20.0 million.
The fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 net cash provided by operating
activities amounted to $14.3 million, compared to $22.8 million net cash
provided in Fiscal 2001. Components of net cash provided by operations included
net income of $23.1 million and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities of $22.5 million, offset by increases of $21.5 million and $12.7
million in accounts receivable and inventories, respectively.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, net cash from operations provided
$22.8 million. At $20.8 million, net income for Fiscal 2001 was $2.3 million
lower than in Fiscal 2002. Components of net cash provided by operations
included a decrease in inventories of $11.3 million, due in part to increased
sales as well as an increased focus on inventory management, increases in
accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $13.8 million, offset by an increase
in accounts receivable of $29.4 million as a result of increased sales.
Net cash used in investing activities during the fiscal year ended March
31, 2003 amounted to $8.5 million, of which $9.6 million was used to fund
capital investments related to our efforts to upgrade our management information
systems and other assets, $3.1 million was used to fund acquisitions and $2.9
million for purchases of investments, offset by $7.1 million related to the sale
of investments. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, investing activities
used $47.2 million, of which $29.7 million was used to acquire PGW and $1.4
million was used for the acquisition of Templar as part of our strategic plan to
grow in diversified higher margin businesses. Capital investments, related to
our efforts to expand our distribution capacity and efficiency and to upgrade
our management information systems, used $14.9 million in net cash in Fiscal
2002. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, investing activities used net
cash of approximately $15.3 million, of which $5.6 million was used to fund
acquisitions, $10.6 million in capital investments related to facility expansion
and information systems upgrades, and $6.1 million in purchases of
available-for-sale investments offset by $7.0 million for the sale of
investments. For Fiscal 2004, we plan to spend $5.1 million in capital
expenditures.
Financing activities provided net cash of $15.0 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2003, primarily a result of an additional $20.0 million in
borrowings against our line of credit, $0.9 million in proceeds from the
exercise of stock options and $0.2 million in proceeds from our employee stock
purchase plan, offset by $5.3 million
19
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
used to purchase treasury stock and $0.8 million paid in dividends. For the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, financing activities provided net cash of
$25.3 million primarily from $25.0 million in borrowings against lines of
credit, $1.8 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options and $0.2
million in proceeds from the employee stock purchase plan, offset by $1.0
million used to purchase treasury stock and $0.8 million paid in dividends. For
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, financing activities used $8.2 million, of
which $9.2 million was used to purchase treasury stock and $0.7 million paid in
dividends, offset by $1.5 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options
and $0.2 million in proceeds from the employee stock purchase plan.
We lease facilities and some equipment under non-cancelable operating
leases. Rent expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
amounted to approximately $9.0 million, $7.5 million and $5.3 million,
respectively. The leases have initial expiration dates ranging from 2003 to
2012. Some of the leases contain renewal options, termination options and
periodic adjustments of the minimum monthly rental payments. Total future
minimum lease commitments amount to approximately $54.5 million based upon
existing lease agreements and expiration dates, with approximate annual rent
payments of $9.5 million for Fiscal 2004.
As announced January 31, 2003, our Board of Directors approved an annual
dividend payment of $0.04 per share. On March 10, 2003, we paid approximately
$0.8 million to stockholders of record on February 28, 2003.
On January 11, 2002, we amended our existing, unused unsecured $12.0
million line of credit to revise certain financial covenants. Additionally, at
that time we entered into a secured revolving credit agreement with the same
financial institution. The secured revolving credit agreement was amended on
January 31, 2002 to provide up to $23.0 million through June 30, 2002 and $13.0
million thereafter through its August 31, 2002 maturity date, as secured by
eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under both revolving credit agreements
bore interest at the bank's prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.5%. We were required to
pay an unused loan fee of 0.25% on any portion of the loans available but not
drawn. As of March 31, 2002, we had outstanding borrowings of $25.0 million with
a weighted average interest rate of 3.4% and an additional $10.0 million
available, but not drawn, under our lines of credit. Fees paid during the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2002 totaled approximately $30,000.
On July 10, 2002, we amended our unsecured $12.0 million line of credit to
revise certain financial covenants and extend the maturity date to March 31,
2003. On September 26, 2002, our secured line of credit was amended to provide
for a temporary increase through December 1, 2002 from $23.0 million to $33.0
million and to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2003.
On December 17, 2002, our unsecured $12.0 million and secured $23.0 million
lines of credit were retired in full and replaced by a $45.0 million revolving
line of credit maturing on December 31, 2005, secured by eligible accounts
receivable. Borrowings under the line of credit agreement bear interest at the
prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.0%. We are required to pay an unused loan fee
of 0.25% on any unused portions of the revolving line of credit. As of March 31,
2003 we had outstanding borrowings of $45.0 million with a weighted average
interest rate of 3.1%. Fees paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003
totaled approximately $24,000. As of June 24, 2003, our borrowings were
approximately $22.0 million under the revolving line of credit.
The revolving line of credit agreement contains certain covenants that
require the maintenance of certain financial ratios on a quarterly and annual
basis. The key ratios include tangible net worth, senior debt to EBITDA,
leverage and current ratios. Borrowings under this revolving line of credit
agreement are collateralized by our accounts receivable balances and may not
exceed 80% of the eligible accounts receivable.
We believe that our existing working capital, cash flows from operations,
trade credit traditionally available from our vendors, and refinancing of our
existing lines of credit and other sources of credit will provide sufficient
liquidity to cover debt service costs and any reasonably foreseeable future
working capital and capital expenditure requirements associated with our
existing operations. Although we have no acquisition commitments at the present
time, we continue to consider additional strategic acquisitions where deemed
appropriate. Such acquisitions, if any, could materially affect our future
liquidity and capital resources.
We are involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to our business,
and we believe that the outcome of these matters individually and in the
aggregate will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
20
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
The following summarizes our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2003
and the effect these contractual obligations are expected to have on our
liquidity and cash flows in future periods (in thousands):
Less Than After
Contractual Obligations Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years
----------------------- ------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Line of Credit .................... $45,000 $45,000 $ -- $ -- $ --
Operating Leases .................. 54,498 9,484 15,018 12,967 17,029
Capital Lease Obligations ......... 20 12 8 -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
$99,518 $54,496 $15,026 $12,967 $17,029
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Although the line of credit matures in December 2005, we classify the
instrument as a current liability as we intend to pay the outstanding balance
within one year.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 in the Notes to
our Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain of our policies require the
application of judgment in making estimates and assumptions that affect the
amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures made
in the accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates,
including those related to revenue recognition, inventories and long-lived
assets. Those estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience,
information received from third parties and various other factors deemed to be
applicable and reasonable under the circumstances. The use of judgment in
determining such estimates and assumptions is, by nature, subject to a degree of
uncertainty. Accordingly, actual results could differ from estimates made. Our
critical accounting policies include:
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
We recognize revenue upon delivery of merchandise to customer locations for
our wholesale distribution business and upon shipment to the customer for our
contract distribution business. Included in our net sales are primarily sales of
product, principally books, and to a lesser extent music CDs, CD-ROMs and
prerecorded audiocassettes. We also include in net sales the gross revenue
earned as part of our contract distribution business. Our net sales also
incorporate offsets for discounts, allowances, rebates and sales returns.
Effective April 1, 2002, we record revenues related to co-op advertising
services provided to customers in net sales and include related expenses in cost
of goods sold. In prior periods, due to the insignificance of the amounts
involved, we recorded co-op advertising payments received, offset by related
expenses, within distribution and administrative expenses.
We recognize revenue from our contract distribution activities on a gross
basis, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue ("EITF") No. 99-19,
"Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent." This statement
provides reporting standards for revenue and costs of sales depending on a
number of factors or characteristics. We believe gross revenue reporting is
appropriate because we are the primary obligor, have latitude in establishing
price, can determine product specification and have credit and physical loss
inventory risk.
Consistent with industry practice, significant portions of our products are
sold to customers with the right of return. The level of actual returns can be
influenced by many factors, including the quality of title selection, the
strength and availability of the titles, as well as volatility of the ultimate
sell-through in the retail marketplace. In recording adjustments to sales for
estimated returns, we consider these factors as well as historical return
patterns of the titles, reports of the quantities of titles at our key customer
locations from our VMI system, and industry trends. Actual product returns may
differ from our estimates. We have provided allowances of $7.2 million and $6.5
million as of March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for the gross profit effect
of estimated future sales returns after considering historical results and
evaluating current conditions.
We record allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting
from our customers' inability to pay amounts owed. If the financial condition of
one or more of our customers were to deteriorate, we may be required to record
additional allowances or write-off all or a portion of the amount due us. We
have provided allowances for uncollectible trade accounts receivable of $2.4
million and $2.7 million as of March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
21
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of books and, to a lesser extent, music CDs,
CD-ROMs and prerecorded audiocassettes purchased for resale. Inventories are
stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market value. A majority of
our inventories carry the right of return to publishers. As of March 31, 2003
and 2002, approximately 68% of our inventories carried the right of return to
publishers. For the portion of our inventories that do not have the right of
return, we estimate, based upon historical results and our evaluation of current
market conditions, a provision for the markdown of inventories. Our contract
distribution activities carry most of its inventory on consignment.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Statement of Financial Accounting Position ("SFAS") No. 142 requires that
goodwill no longer be amortized and that goodwill be tested annually for
impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant. We adopted
this statement effective April 1, 2002 and ceased amortization of goodwill at
that date. We completed our initial impairment test for goodwill during the
fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2002 and determined that the carrying amount
of goodwill was not impaired. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, we test
goodwill annually and whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that
goodwill might be impaired.
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets," requires that impairment losses be recognized when the carrying value
of an asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Our policy is to
evaluate, at each balance sheet date, the appropriateness of the carrying values
of long-lived assets on the basis of estimated undiscounted future cash flows
and other factors. If such an evaluation were to indicate an impairment of these
assets, such impairment would be recognized by a write-down of the applicable
asset to its estimated fair value.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 requires that
goodwill no longer be amortized and that goodwill be tested annually for
impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant. We adopted
this statement effective April 1, 2002 and ceased amortization of goodwill at
that date. We completed our initial impairment test for goodwill during the
fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2002 and determined that the carrying amount
of goodwill was not impaired. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, we will test
goodwill annually and whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that
goodwill might be impaired. We have disclosed the effects of adopting SFAS 142
in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 addresses financial accounting and
reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived
assets and the associated asset retirement costs. It applies to (a) all entities
and (b) legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets
that result from acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation
of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. SFAS No. 143
amends SFAS No. 19, "Financial Accounting and Reporting by Oil and Gas Producing
Companies." This statement is effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We plan to adopt SFAS No. 143 for
our fiscal year beginning April 1, 2003. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS
No. 143 to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 addresses financial
accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.
SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," and the
accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the
Results of Operations -- Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a
Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and
Transactions," for the disposal of a segment of a business (as previously
defined in that opinion). We adopted SFAS No. 144 effective April 1, 2002. The
adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
22
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (continued)
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs
Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146 addresses financial
accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities
and supersedes EITF No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee
Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain
Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for
a cost associated with an exit of disposal activity be recognized when the
liability is incurred. SFAS No. 146 also establishes that the liability should
initially be measured and recorded at fair value. We will apply the provisions
of SFAS No. 146 for exit or disposal activities that initiated after December
31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 would result in recognizing the cost of
future restructuring activities over a period of time rather than in one
reporting period. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 did not have a significant impact
on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45,
"Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN No. 45 elaborates on the
disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial
statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It
also states that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a
guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in
issuing the guarantee. FIN No. 45 is an interpretation of FASB Statements Nos.
5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FIN No. 34. The disclosure requirements in FIN
No. 45 are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods
ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of FIN No. 45 did not have a
significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No.
123." SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary
change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of
SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim
financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. As we have
continued using APB No. 25 to account for stock-based employee compensation, we
have followed only the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2003.
In January 2003, the EITF finalized a consensus on Issue No. 02-16,
"Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Cash Consideration Received
from a Vendor." The Task Force concluded that cash consideration in excess of
specific identifiable costs, including sales incentives, allowances, discounts,
coupons, rebates and price reductions, when meeting certain criteria, constitute
a reduction in vendor price, and should therefore be reflected as a reduction in
cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold. The EITF concluded that this
literature should be applied to new arrangements, including modifications of
existing arrangements, entered into after December 31, 2002. We adopted EITF
02-16 as of January 1, 2003. The adoption of EITF 02-16 had an immaterial impact
on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain
Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This
statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures
certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and
equity. This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or
modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective for the first interim
period beginning after June 15, 2003, with certain exceptions. We plan to adopt
SFAS No. 150 in the second quarter of Fiscal 2004. We do not expect the adoption
of SFAS No. 150 to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have not engaged in any related party transactions that have had a
material effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
23
ITEM 7A -- QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our exposure to market risk is limited to interest rate risk. Our exposure
to changes in interest rates relates primarily to the increase or decrease in
the amount of interest income we can earn on our investment portfolio and the
increase or decrease in the amount of interest expense we must pay with respect
to our revolving line of credit. Our risk associated with fluctuating interest
expense is limited to our borrowings under our revolving line of credit
agreement and fluctuations in the prime and LIBOR rates. Fluctuations in
interest rates may affect the ending fair value of our investments, anticipated
future cash flows, interest expense paid and the realization of earnings from
investments. Our cash equivalents typically consist of highly liquid short-term
investments that are typically held for the duration of the respective
instrument. Due to the short-term nature of our investments, we believe that any
change in interest rates would not have a material impact on our cash
equivalents. As of March 31, 2003, our investments scheduled to mature within
one year are approximately $0.7 million and our investments scheduled to mature
within one to three years are approximately $0.8 million. We do not utilize
derivative financial instruments or other market risk sensitive instruments,
positions, or transactions to manage exposure to interest rate changes.
Accordingly, we believe that, while the securities we hold are subject to
changes in the financial standing of the issuer of such securities, we are not
subject to any material risks arising from changes in interest rates or other
market changes that affect market risk sensitive instruments.
We are subject to foreign currency exposure due to the operation of our
foreign subsidiaries, which generally enter into transactions denominated in
their respective functional currencies. Our primary foreign currency exposure
arises from foreign denominated revenues and profits translated into U.S.
dollars. The primary currencies to which we have foreign currency exposure are
the British pound, Mexican peso, and the Australian, Canadian and Singapore
dollar. We generally view as long term our investments in our wholly owned
foreign subsidiaries. As a result, we do not utilize any hedging transactions
against these net investments. We believe that the risk associated with our
foreign currency exposure is not material on a consolidated basis.
We have been subject to relatively low prevailing inflation rates in all
countries in which we operate, with the exception of Mexico, during Fiscal 2003,
2002 and 2001. We have generally been able to adjust our selling prices in all
countries in which we operate to offset increased costs of merchandise and we
expect to be able to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. While our
Mexico operations are not a significant part of our overall activities, the
continued high rates of inflation in Mexico may result in future foreign
currency exchange losses.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
In December 1995, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the
"Act") was enacted. The Act contains amendments to the Securities Act of 1933
and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which provide protection from liability
in private lawsuits for "forward-looking" statements, made by persons specified
in the Act. We desire to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the
Act.
We wish to caution readers that, with the exception of historical matters,
the matters discussed in this Annual Report are forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to factors related to
the highly competitive nature of the publishing industry as well as the
warehouse club and retail industries and their sensitivity to changes in general
economic conditions, our concentration of sales and credit risk with two
customers, our ability to impact customer return rates, continued successful
results from the VMI program, changes in technology affecting the book
publishing, wholesaling, and distribution business, currency and other risks
related to foreign operations, expansion plans, the management of our growth,
the results of financing efforts, and other factors discussed in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. See "Risk Factors." Such factors could affect our actual results
during Fiscal 2003 and beyond and cause such results to differ materially from
those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, any
forward-looking statements included herein do not purport to be predictions of
future events or circumstances and may not be realized. Given these
uncertainties, stockholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligations
to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions
to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future
events or developments.
24
ITEM 8 -- CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
Independent Auditors' Report .............................. 26
Copy of Report of Independent Public Accountants .......... 27
Consolidated Balance Sheets ............................... 28
Consolidated Statements of Income ......................... 29
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity ........... 30
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ..................... 31-32
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................ 33-51
25
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Advanced Marketing Services, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Advanced
Marketing Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2003 and 2002 and the
related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows
for the years then ended. Our audits also included the 2003 and 2002 financial
statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements
and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits. The financial
statements and financial statement schedule for the year ended March 31, 2001,
before the inclusion of the additional disclosures described in Note 2 to the
financial statements, were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations.
Those auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements
and stated that such 2001 financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the 2001 basic financial statements taken as a whole, presented
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein, in their
report dated July 9, 2001.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Advanced Marketing
Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2003 and 2002 and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Also, in our opinion, the 2003 and 2002 financial statement schedules, when
considered in relation to the 2003 and 2002 basic financial statements taken as
a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company changed its
method of accounting for goodwill as of April 1, 2002 as a result of adopting
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets ("SFAS No. 142").
As discussed above, the financial statements of the Company for the year
ended March 31, 2001 were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations.
As described in Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements, these financial
statements have been revised to include certain additional disclosures required
by (1) SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation -- Transition and
Disclosure, which disclosure provisions were adopted by the Company as of March
31, 2003, and (2) SFAS No. 142, which was adopted by the Company as of April 1,
2002. Our audit procedures with respect to the additional stock-based
compensation disclosures in Note 1 to the financial statements pertaining to
2001 included i) agreeing the previously reported net income and pro forma net
income amounts to previously issued financial statements and agreeing the
adjustments to reported net income, representing stock-based employee
compensation expense included in reported net income and total stock-based
employee compensation expense determined under a fair value based method for all
awards, net of related tax effects, to the Company's underlying records obtained
from management and ii) proving the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliation
of previously reported net income to pro forma net income and the related pro
forma net income per share amounts. Our audit procedures with respect to the
additional disclosures in Note 2 to the financial statements pertaining to 2001
included i) agreeing the previously reported net income to the previously issued
financial statements and agreeing the adjustment to reported net income,
representing amortization expense recognized during the year related to goodwill
that is no longer being amortized as a result of initially applying SFAS No.
142, to the Company's underlying records obtained from management and ii)
proving the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliation of previously reported
net income to adjusted net income and the related adjusted net income per share
amounts. In our opinion, such additional disclosures for 2001 in Notes 1 and 2
to the financial statements, as described above, are appropriate. However, we
were not engaged to audit, review or apply any procedures to the 2001 financial
statements of the Company other than with respect to such additional disclosures
and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on
the 2001 financial statements taken as a whole.
/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Diego, California
May 19, 2003
26
Reprinted below is a copy of an audit report previously issued by Arthur
Andersen LLP ("Andersen"). This unedited report has not been reissued by
Andersen nor has Andersen consented to the inclusion of its report in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K. The report of Andersen is included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Rule 2-02(e) of Regulation S-X.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Advanced Marketing Services, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Advanced
Marketing Services, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of March
31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity and cash flows as revised (see Note 1) for each of the
three years in the period ended March 31, 2001. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Advanced Marketing Services,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
March 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts As Revised (see Note 1), is presented for purposes of complying with
the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic
consolidated financial statements. The schedule has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic consolidated financial
statements and, in our opinion, fairly states, in all material respects, the
financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
/S/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
San Diego, California
July 9, 2001
27
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF MARCH 31, 2003 AND 2002
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Data)
2003 2002
-------- --------
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 13,987 $ 21,115
Investments, Available-for-Sale (Note 4) 655 2,010
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances for Uncollectible Accounts and Sales
Returns of $9,568 and $9,239 at March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively 151,274 156,193
Vendor and Other Receivables 6,985 6,485
Inventories 172,564 123,904
Income Taxes Receivable 2,385 --
Deferred Income Taxes (Note 6) 5,172 7,242
Prepaid Expenses 3,834 3,439
-------- --------
Total Current Assets 356,856 320,388
Goodwill (Note 2) 41,865 37,444
Property and Equipment, Net (Note 2) 32,886 30,983
Investments, Available-for-Sale (Note 4) 809 3,631
Other Assets 13,144 10,406
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS $445,560 $402,852
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Line(s) of Credit (Note 5) $ 45,000 $ 25,000
Accounts Payable 238,701 223,960
Accrued Liabilities 19,988 20,046
Income Taxes Payable -- 1,522
-------- --------
Total Current Liabilities 303,689 270,528
-------- --------
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value, Authorized 100,000,000 Shares, Issued
23,151,000 and 23,009,000 Shares, Outstanding 19,054,000 and 19,275,000
Shares at March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively 23 23
Additional Paid-In Capital 39,621 37,551
Deferred Compensation (Note 8) (387) (609)
Retained Earnings 123,916 113,503
Cumulative Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Note 1) 161 (1,953)
Less: Treasury Stock at Cost, 4,097,000 and 3,734,000 Shares at March 31, 2003
and 2002, respectively (21,463) (16,191)
-------- --------
Total Stockholders' Equity 141,871 132,324
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $445,560 $402,852
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
28
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
2003 2002 2001
-------- -------- --------
Net Sales $911,625 $756,122 $713,578
Cost of Goods Sold 764,794 637,342 613,988
-------- -------- --------
Gross Profit 146,831 118,780 99,590
Distribution and Administrative Expenses 129,294 81,276 68,216
-------- -------- --------
Income From Operations 17,537 37,504 31,374
Interest Income 600 1,309 2,310
Equity in Net Income of Affiliates 350 287 512
Interest Expense and Other, Net (154) (1,076) --
-------- -------- --------
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 18,333 38,024 34,196
Provision for Income Taxes 7,158 14,926 13,429
-------- -------- --------
Net Income $ 11,175 $ 23,098 $ 20,767
======== ======== ========
Net Income Per Share:
Basic $ 0.58 $ 1.21 $ 1.09
Diluted $ 0.57 $ 1.16 $ 1.06
Weighted Average Shares Used in
Calculation:
Basic 19,113 19,132 19,077
Diluted 19,738 19,935 19,631
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
29
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001
(Amounts in Thousands)
Cumulative
Common Common Other
Stock Stock Additional Comprehensive Total
Shares Amount Paid-In Deferred Retained Income Treasury Stockholders'
Outstanding Issued Capital Compensation Earnings (Loss) Stock Equity
----------- ------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------------- --------- --------------
Balance, April 1, 2000 19,361 $22 $31,055 $ -- $ 71,072 $ (54) $ (6,047) $ 96,048
Net Income -- -- -- -- 20,767 -- -- 20,767
Foreign Currency Translation -- -- -- -- -- (771) -- (771)
Unrealized Loss -- -- -- -- -- (17) -- (17)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income 19,979
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise of Options and Related
Tax Benefits 439 1 1,657 -- -- -- -- 1,658
Repurchase of Common Stock (823) -- -- -- -- -- (9,156) (9,156)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 17 -- 174 -- -- -- -- 174
Deferred Compensation -- -- 1,107 (1,107) -- -- -- --
Amortization of Deferred
Compensation -- -- -- 277 -- -- -- 277
Cash Dividends -- -- -- -- (662) -- -- (662)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, March 31, 2001 18,994 23 33,993 (830) 91,177 (842) (15,203) 108,318
Net Income -- -- -- -- 23,098 -- -- 23,098
Foreign Currency Translation -- -- -- -- -- (1,118) -- (1,118)
Unrealized Gain -- -- -- -- -- 7 -- 7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income 21,987
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise of Options and Related
Tax Benefits 333 -- 3,383 -- -- -- -- 3,383
Repurchase of Common Stock (65) -- -- -- -- -- (988) (988)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 13 -- 175 -- -- -- -- 175
Amortization of Deferred
Compensation -- -- -- 221 -- -- -- 221
Cash Dividends -- -- -- -- (772) -- -- (772)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, March 31, 2002 19,275 23 37,551 (609) 113,503 (1,953) (16,191) 132,324
Net Income -- -- -- -- 11,175 -- -- 11,175
Foreign Currency Translation -- -- -- -- -- 2,085 -- 2,085
Unrealized Gain -- -- -- -- -- 29 -- 29
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income 13,289
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise of Options and Related
Tax Benefits 128 -- 1,382 -- -- -- -- 1,382
Repurchase of Common Stock (363) -- -- -- -- -- (5,272) (5,272)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 14 -- 160 -- -- -- -- 160
Amortization of Deferred
Compensation -- -- -- 222 -- -- -- 222
Conversion of Stock Appreciation
Rights to Warrants -- -- 528 -- -- -- -- 528
Cash Dividends -- -- -- -- (762) -- -- (762)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, March 31, 2003 19,054 $23 $39,621 $ (387) $123,916 $ 161 $(21,463) $141,871
=================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
30
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (As Revised -- See Note 1)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001
(Amounts in Thousands)
2003 2002 2001
-------- -------- --------
Net Income $ 11,175 $ 23,098 $ 20,767
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Equity in net income of affiliates (350) (287) (512)
Depreciation and amortization 7,780 4,570 3,946
Write-off of goodwill 752 -- --
Loss on disposal of equipment 103 -- --
Provision for uncollectible accounts and sales returns 1,914 2,097 2,451
Markdown of inventories 4,028 1,034 2,592
Tax benefit from exercise of employee options 504 1,539 192
Deferred income taxes 1,288 (45) (412)
Amortization of deferred compensation 222 221 277
Changes in working capital components, net of effects of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in:
Accounts receivable and other receivables 6,233 (21,521) (29,395)
Inventories (51,641) (12,746) 11,348
Income taxes receivable (2,385) -- --
Other assets (3,622) (4,597) (2,703)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable 11,988 10,167 10,554
Accrued liabilities (475) 12,319 3,264
Income taxes payable (1,587) (1,574) 443
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (14,073) 14,275 22,812
-------- -------- --------
Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash acquired (3,089) (31,067) (5,638)
Purchases of property and equipment (9,602) (14,882) (10,560)
Purchases of investments, available-for-sale (2,884) (6,259) (6,075)
Sales and redemption of investments, available-for-sale 7,090 5,024 6,996
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (8,485) (47,184) (15,277)
-------- -------- --------
Borrowings on lines of credit 20,000 25,000 --
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 878 1,844 1,466
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 160 175 174
Purchase of treasury stock (5,272) (988) (9,156)
Dividends paid (762) (772) (662)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 15,004 25,259 (8,178)
-------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents 426 (1,009) (718)
-------- -------- --------
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents (7,128) (8,659) (1,361)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of year 21,115 29,774 31,135
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of year $ 13,987 $ 21,115 $ 29,774
======== ======== ========
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash Paid for:
Income Taxes $ 8,911 $ 14,227 $ 13,277
Interest $ 747 $ 69 $ --
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
(continued)
31
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (As Revised -- See Note 1)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001 (Continued)
(Amounts in Thousands)
2003 2002
-------- --------
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Fair value of assets acquired, other than cash $ 5,981 $ 65,491
Liabilities assumed (2,892) (34,424)
-------- --------
Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 3,089 $ 31,067
======== ========
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Conversion of Stock Appreciation Rights to Warrants $ 528 $ --
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
32
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
THE COMPANY
Advanced Marketing Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, provides global
customized services to book retailers and publishers. We are a leading
wholesaler of general interest books and other media to membership warehouse
clubs and certain specialty retailers, certain e-commerce companies and
traditional bookstores. In conjunction with our product sales, we provide
product selection advice, vendor managed inventory ("VMI") services, specialized
merchandising and product development services, and logistical and handling
services to membership warehouse clubs and other retailers operating in the
United States of America ("U.S."), Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom ("U.K."),
Australia, Singapore and certain other Pacific Rim countries. With our Fiscal
2002 acquisition of Publishers Group West, Inc. ("PGW"), we are the largest
independent contract distributor for small-to-medium size publishers in North
America. We also engage in proprietary publishing, domestically and
internationally, over a wide spectrum of book categories. These titles are sold
both to our wholesale customers and to retail accounts. References to Advanced
Marketing Services, Inc. throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements are made using the first person notations of "we," "our," or "us."
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all wholly owned
subsidiaries over which we exercise control. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in
unconsolidated affiliates (20-50% owned companies) are accounted for using the
equity method of accounting.
We have historically reported the results of our wholly owned subsidiaries
and our equity in the income of unconsolidated affiliates one month in arrears.
During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2003, we synchronized the results of our
U.K., Australia, and Singapore subsidiaries thereby including an additional
month of activity for a total of thirteen months of results for those
subsidiaries. The effect of including the additional month of activity for those
subsidiaries was immaterial to our consolidated results of operations. Our
Mexico subsidiary and our equity investments in affiliates continue to be
reported one month in arrears. We ultimately plan to synchronize the reporting
periods of all subsidiaries and equity method investments.
REVISED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Subsequent to the issuance of our Fiscal 2001 financial statements, we
discovered a misclassification within our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The misclassification, in the amount of approximately $3.6 million, was
contained within the Cash Flows from Operating Activities and resulted in an
overstatement of the provision for uncollectible accounts and sales returns and
an equal overstatement of the increase in accounts receivable-trade.
Accordingly, our Fiscal 2001 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows was revised to
correct this misclassification. The revision had no impact on the previously
reported Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities or on our Consolidated
Balance Sheets or Statements of Income. The revision was filed on Form 10-K/A on
July 10, 2001.
SEGMENT REPORTING
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which
separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the
Chief Executive Officer in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing
performance. We operate primarily in the book distribution industry through
various operating segments, principally defined by geographic region, which have
been aggregated into a single reportable segment because of the similarity of
their activities and economic characteristics.
33
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
USE OF ESTIMATES
Our preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The balance sheet accounts of our foreign operations are translated from
their respective foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in
effect at the balance sheet date and revenue and expense accounts are translated
using an average exchange rate during the respective period. The effects of the
translation are recorded as a component of cumulative other comprehensive
income. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in
foreign currencies are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We
view our investments in our wholly owned foreign subsidiaries as long-term and
do not provide for U.S. taxes on foreign currency translation because such
amounts are considered to be invested indefinitely.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the
current period presentation.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist
principally of money market funds and short-term municipal instruments.
INVESTMENTS, AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Based on the nature of the assets held by us and our investment strategy,
investments have been classified as available-for-sale. We determine the
appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase.
Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value,
as determined by quoted market prices, with unrealized gains and losses reported
as a separate component of comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2003 and 2002,
we had no investments that were classified as trading or held-to-maturity as
defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." The
amortized cost of debt securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted
for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such
amortization is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses on sales
of available-for-sale securities are computed based upon initial cost adjusted
for any other than temporary declines in fair value and are included in interest
income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification
method. Interest on securities classified as available-for-sale is included in
interest income. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on unrealized gains, as
amounts are not considered material.
We invest our excess cash principally in debt securities issued by the U.S.
federal government and state and local municipalities. We have established
guidelines relative to diversification and maturities that maintain safety and
liquidity. These guidelines are periodically reviewed and modified to take
advantage of trends in yields and interest rates.
34
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ALLOWANCES
Consistent with industry practice, a significant portion of our sales are
made to customers with the right of return. The level of actual returns can be
influenced by many factors, including the quality of the title selection, the
strength and availability of the titles, as well as volatility of the ultimate
sell-through in the retail marketplace. In recording adjustments to sales for
estimated returns, we consider these factors as well as historical return
patterns of the titles, reports of the quantities of titles at our customer
locations from our vendor managed inventory ("VMI") system, and industry trends.
Actual product returns may differ from our estimates. We have provided
allowances of $7.2 million and $6.5 million as of March 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively, for the gross profit effect of estimated future sales returns
after considering historical results and evaluating current conditions.
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts at an amount we estimate to
be sufficient to provide for losses resulting from collecting less than full
payment on our receivables. Individual overdue accounts are reviewed, and an
additional allowance is recorded when determined necessary to state receivables
at realizable value. In judging the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful
accounts, we consider multiple factors including historical bad debt experience,
the general economic environment, and the aging of our receivables. A
considerable amount of judgment is required when we assess the realization of
receivables, including assessing the probability of collection and the current
creditworthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of one or more of
our customers were to deteriorate, we could be required to record additional
allowances or write-off all or a portion of the amounts due us. We have provided
allowances for uncollectible trade accounts receivable of $2.4 million and $2.7
million as of March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
A substantial portion of our revenue is generated from a limited number of
customers. Our two largest customers represented approximately 30% and 29% of
net sales in Fiscal 2003, 37% and 34% of net sales in Fiscal 2002 and 38% and
38% of net sales in Fiscal 2001. Additionally, in Fiscal 2003, our third largest
customer accounted for approximately 13% of net sales. No other customers
accounted for 10% or more of our net sales during these years. These three
customers together accounted for approximately 73% of accounts receivable
balances as of March 31, 2003. Our two largest customers accounted for
approximately 71% of our accounts receivable balances as of March 31, 2002.
VENDOR AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Vendor and other receivables primarily consist of amounts due from vendors
for purchase rebates and for merchandise returned to vendors. Included in vendor
and other receivables is a note receivable from our affiliate, Raincoast Book
Distribution, Limited ("Raincoast Books"). See Note 13, Related Party
Transactions.
INVENTORIES
Inventories consist primarily of books and, to a lesser extent, music CDs,
CD-ROMs and prerecorded audiocassettes purchased for resale. Inventories are
stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market value. A majority of
our inventories carry the right of return to publishers. As of March 31, 2003
and 2002, approximately 68% of our inventories carried the right of return to
publishers. For the portion of our inventories that do not have the right of
return, we estimate, based upon historical results and our evaluation of current
conditions, a provision for the markdown of inventories. Our allowance for the
markdown of inventories amounted to approximately $8.9 million and $6.7 million
as of March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Most of our contract distribution
activities carry inventory on consignment.
35
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 requires
that goodwill no longer be amortized and that goodwill be tested annually for
impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant. We adopted
this statement effective April 1, 2002 and ceased amortization of goodwill at
that date. We completed our initial impairment test for goodwill during the
fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2002 and determined that the carrying amount
of goodwill was not impaired. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, we test
goodwill annually and whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that
goodwill might be impaired.
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets" requires that impairment losses be recognized when the carrying value of
an asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Our policy is to
evaluate, at each balance sheet date, the appropriateness of the carrying values
of long-lived assets on the basis of estimated undiscounted future cash flows
and other factors. If such an evaluation were to indicate an impairment of these
assets, such impairment would be recognized by a write-down of the applicable
asset to its estimated fair value.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
We recognize revenue upon delivery of merchandise to customer locations for
our wholesale distribution business and upon shipment to the customer for our
contract distribution business based on the contractual terms for passage of
title. Included in our net sales are primarily sales of product, principally
books, and to a lesser extent music CDs, CD-ROMs and prerecorded audiocassettes.
We also include in net sales the gross revenue earned as part of our contract
distribution business. Our net sales also incorporate offsets for discounts,
allowances, rebates and sales returns. Effective April 1, 2002, we record
revenues related to our co-operative "co-op" advertising services provided to
customers in net sales and include related expenses in cost of goods sold. In
prior periods, due to the insignificance of the amounts involved, we recorded
co-op advertising payments received, offset by related expenses, within
distribution and administrative expenses. Co-op advertising revenue earned from
customers is recognized at the time that we complete our obligation with respect
to the service. For advertising that we produce in-house, revenue is recognized
at the time the advertising material is mailed to the end-user. For placement
promotions, revenue is recognized in the month placement occurs. For all other
promotions, revenue is recognized at the time final promotion or proof of
performance is delivered.
We recognize revenue from our contract distribution activities on a gross
basis, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue ("EITF") No. 99-19,
"Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent." This statement
provides reporting standards for revenue and costs of sales depending on a
number of factors or characteristics. We believe gross revenue reporting is
appropriate because we are the primary obligor, have latitude in establishing
price, can determine product specification and have credit and physical loss
inventory risk.
In January 2003, the EITF finalized a consensus on Issue No. 02-16,
"Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Cash Consideration Received
from a Vendor." The Task Force concluded that cash consideration in excess of
specific identifiable costs, including sales incentives, allowances, discounts,
coupons, rebates and price reductions, when meeting certain criteria, constitute
a reduction in vendor price, and should therefore be reflected as a reduction in
cost of goods sold when the related merchandise is sold. The EITF concluded that
this literature should be applied to new arrangements, including modifications
of existing arrangements, entered into after December 31, 2002. As of January 1,
2003, we adopted EITF No. 02-16 for our co-op advertising services provided to
vendors, which we determined to meet the criteria noted in the literature. As of
the date of adoption, amounts derived from co-op advertising services provided
to vendors are recorded net against related expenses in cost of goods sold.
Additionally, we performed a calculation to determine the relationship of excess
cash consideration paid by vendors exceeding identifiable costs ("net profit")
from co-op advertising to total purchases and ending inventory values as of the
adoption date and as of March 31, 2003. To properly match inventory sell-through
with the co-op advertising allowance, we calculated the portion of the net
profit which should not be recognized because of related inventory on-hand. We
recorded an adjustment to reflect the amount of such deferral as an offset to
36
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
REVENUE RECOGNITION (continued)
inventory until such time as the inventory has sold-through. Both adjustments
had an insignificant impact on our financial position, results of operations and
cash flows for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Due to its insignificance,
the cumulative effect of the accounting change is included net with cost of
goods sold. We anticipate that EITF No. 02-16 will continue to have an
insignificant impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash
flows in future periods.
Our policy is to include all amounts billed to customers for shipping and
handling in net sales and costs related to shipping and handling as part of
distribution and administrative expenses in our accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Income. EITF No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees
and Costs," allows for the presentation of shipping and handling expenses in
line items other than cost of sales, but the amounts must be disclosed. In the
fiscal years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, we included approximately $21.0
million and $14.0 million, respectively, related to shipping and handling costs
within distribution and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Income.
INCOME TAXES
We account for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes," which requires the use of the liability method of accounting for
deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to
reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax
bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each
year-end. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred
tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We have two stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully
in Note 9. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," encourages,
but does not require us to record compensation cost for stock-based employee
compensation plans at fair value. We have adopted the disclosure-only provision
of SFAS No. 123. Accordingly, compensation expense has only been recognized for
stock options granted to employees when the exercise price was below fair market
value on the date of grant. Had compensation expense been recorded for options
granted in Fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 using the fair value method under SFAS No.
123, our net income and basic and diluted net income per share would have been
decreased to the following amounts (in thousands, except per share data):
Years Ended March 31,
---------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
------- ------- -------
Net income as reported .................................................. $11,175 $23,098 $20,767
Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net
income, net of related tax effects ..................................... 134 134 167
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined
under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects (3,458) (2,644) (1,549)
------- ------- -------
Pro forma net income .................................................... $ 7,851 $20,588 $19,385
======= ======= =======
Net income per basic share:
As reported ............................................................ $ 0.58 $ 1.21 $ 1.09
Pro forma .............................................................. $ 0.41 $ 1.08 $ 1.02
Net income per diluted share:
As reported ............................................................ $ 0.57 $ 1.16 $ 1.06
Pro forma .............................................................. $ 0.40 $ 1.03 $ 0.99
See Note 9 for a discussion of the assumptions used in the Black Scholes
option pricing and estimated fair value of employee stock options.
37
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION
On February 15, 1999, we effected a three-for-two stock split to
stockholders of record on February 1, 1999. On January 17, 2000, we effected a
three-for-two stock split to stockholders of record on January 3, 2000. On May
11, 2001, we effected an additional three-for-two stock split to stockholders of
record on April 27, 2001. Accordingly, all references to shares and earnings per
share amounts included in these Consolidated Financial Statements have been
restated to reflect the stock splits.
The following financial data summarizes information relating to the per
share computations (in thousands, except per share data):
Years Ended March 31,
-------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
------- ------- -------
Net Income ....................................................... $11,175 $23,098 $20,767
======= ======= =======
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding ....................... 19,113 19,132 19,077
------- ------- -------
Basic Earnings Per Share ......................................... $ 0.58 $ 1.21 $ 1.09
======= ======= =======
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding ....................... 19,113 19,132 19,077
Dilutive Common Stock Options .................................... 625 803 554
------- ------- -------
Total Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding ......... 19,738 19,935 19,631
------- ------- -------
Diluted Earnings Per Share ....................................... $ 0.57 $ 1.16 $ 1.06
======= ======= =======
Basic earnings per share is calculated based upon the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the year, while diluted earnings per share
also gives effect to all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during
each year such as options, warrants and contingently issuable shares.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 requires that
goodwill no longer be amortized and that goodwill be tested annually for
impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant. We adopted
this statement effective April 1, 2002 and ceased amortization of goodwill at
that date. We completed our initial impairment test for goodwill during the
fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2002 and determined that the carrying amount
of goodwill was not impaired. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, we will test
goodwill annually and whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that
goodwill might be impaired.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 addresses financial accounting and
reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived
assets and the associated asset retirement costs. It applies to (a) all entities
and (b) legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets
that result from acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation
of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. SFAS No. 143
amends SFAS No. 19, "Financial Accounting and Reporting by Oil and Gas Producing
Companies." This statement is effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We plan to adopt SFAS No. 143 for
our fiscal year beginning April 1, 2003. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS
No. 143 to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 addresses financial
accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.
SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," and the
accounting and reporting provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB")
Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations -- Reporting the Effects of
Disposal of a Segment
38
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (continued)
of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and
Transactions," for the disposal of a segment of a business (as previously
defined in that opinion). We adopted SFAS No. 144 effective April 1, 2002. The
adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs
Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146 addresses financial
accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities
and supersedes EITF No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee
Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain
Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for
a cost associated with an exit of disposal activity be recognized when the
liability is incurred. SFAS No. 146 also establishes that the liability should
initially be measured and recorded at fair value. We will apply the provisions
of SFAS No. 146 for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31,
2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 would result in recognizing the cost of
future restructuring activities over a period of time rather than in one
reporting period. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 did not have a significant impact
on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45,
"Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN No. 45 elaborates on the
disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial
statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It
also states that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a
guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in
issuing the guarantee. FIN No. 45 is an interpretation of FASB Statements Nos.
5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FIN No. 34. The disclosure requirements in FIN
No. 45 are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods
ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of FIN No. 45 did not have a
significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No.
123." SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary
change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of
SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim
financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. As we have
continued using APB No. 25 to account for stock-based employee compensation, we
have followed only the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2003.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain
Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This
statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures
certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and
equity. This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or
modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective for the first interim
period beginning after June 15, 2003, with certain exceptions. We plan to adopt
SFAS No. 150 in the second quarter of Fiscal 2004. We do not expect the adoption
of SFAS No. 150 to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
39
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2. BALANCE SHEET DETAILS
GOODWILL
Goodwill is summarized by geographic region as follows (in thousands):
As of March 31,
--------------------
2003 2002
------- -------
United States ............................. $32,808 $31,041
United Kingdom ............................ 7,482 5,052
Australia ................................. 1,575 1,351
------- -------
Total Goodwill ............................ $41,865 $37,444
======= =======
Under SFAS No. 142, we are required to test all existing goodwill for
impairment on a "reporting unit" basis. A reporting unit is an operating segment
or one level below an operating segment (the "component" level), where we
prepare and regularly review discrete financial information, in which case such
component is the reporting unit. Our reporting units are defined as our
geographic regions. We completed our initial impairment test for goodwill during
the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2002. This test confirmed that the fair
value of the net assets of each of our reporting units was equal to or greater
than the carrying value and, accordingly, no goodwill impairment loss existed at
the date of adoption of SFAS No. 142, which was April 1, 2002. Our policy is to
evaluate, as of March 31 in each fiscal year, the appropriateness of the
carrying values of long-lived assets on the basis of estimated undiscounted
future cash flows and other factors. No impairment loss was recognized based on
the goodwill impairment test performed as of March 31, 2003.
Changes in the total carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal years
ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):
U.S. International Total
------- ------------- -------
Goodwill as of April 1, 2001 .................................... $ 2,225 $7,537 $ 9,762
PGW acquisition -- U.S. ....................................... 28,958 -- 28,958
Amortization of goodwill ...................................... (142) (318) (460)
Foreign currency translation .................................. -- (816) (816)
------- ------ -------
Goodwill as of March 31, 2002 ................................... 31,041 6,403 37,444
Finalization of purchase price allocation -- PGW .............. 1,767 -- 1,767
Write-off of impaired goodwill -- U.K. -- Aspen ............... -- (752) (752)
Cutsound and H.I. Marketing acquisitions goodwill -- U.K. ..... -- 2,634 2,634
Foreign currency translation .................................. -- 772 772
------- ------ -------
Goodwill as of March 31, 2003 ................................... $32,808 $9,057 $41,865
======= ====== =======
On March 26, 2003, our subsidiary, Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited,
received notice from Safeway Stores Plc. ("Safeway"), the sole customer of our
subsidiary, Aspen Marketing Communications Limited ("Aspen"), of its intent to
terminate Aspen's contract for the supply of books and maps to Safeway as of
June 26, 2003. As a result, we have performed a discounted cash flows analysis
on that component and, accordingly, have included in our Consolidated Statements
of Income approximately $0.8 million related to the write-off of impaired
goodwill specifically identifiable to Aspen, which we acquired in August 2000.
40
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2. BALANCE SHEET DETAILS (continued)
GOODWILL (continued)
A reconciliation of previously reported net income and net income per share
to amounts that would have been reported if the non-amortization provisions of
SFAS No. 142 had been in effect from the beginning of Fiscal 2001 is as follows
(in thousands, except per share amounts):
Years Ended March 31,
-------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
------- ------- -------
Net income
Net income, as reported ......... $11,175 $23,098 $20,767
Goodwill amortization ......... -- 460 413
------- ------- -------
Net income, as adjusted ......... $11,175 $23,558 $21,180
======= ======= =======
Net income per share
Basic -- as reported ............ $ 0.58 $ 1.21 $ 1.09
Basic -- as adjusted ............ $ 0.58 $ 1.23 $ 1.11
Diluted -- as reported .......... $ 0.57 $ 1.16 $ 1.06
Diluted -- as adjusted .......... $ 0.57 $ 1.18 $ 1.08
Recording goodwill amortization expense for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2003 would have decreased our net income by $2.1 million and our basic and
diluted earnings per share by $0.11.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment is as follows (in thousands):
As of March 31,
-----------------------
Useful Life 2003 2002
------------ -------- --------
Computer equipment and software ......................... 3-7 yrs $ 29,695 $ 9,523
Warehouse equipment ..................................... 5 yrs 12,114 11,613
Office furniture and autos .............................. 4-5 yrs 7,136 4,947
Leasehold improvements .................................. 7 yrs* 4,620 5,869
-------- --------
53,565 31,952
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization ......... (22,993) (16,000)
-------- --------
30,572 15,952
Assets not yet placed in service ........................ 2,314 15,031
-------- --------
Property and equipment, net ............................. $ 32,886 $ 30,983
======== ========
------------
*Amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the
asset.
We account for our internal-use software in accordance with Statement of
Financial Position ("SOP") No. 98-1, "Accounting for Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." SOP No. 98-1 requires capitalization of
certain costs incurred in the development of internal-use software, including
external direct material and service costs, employee payroll and payroll-related
costs.
Assets not yet placed in service consist primarily of capitalized computer
equipment and software costs related to additional modifications and further
development of the enhancement of our management information systems.
Significant components of these systems were placed in service during the second
quarter of Fiscal 2003 and the related accumulated capitalized costs are being
depreciated on a straight-line basis over a seven-year period ending in July
2009, the expected life of the assets. Additional capitalized costs currently
consist of assets not yet placed in service. As such time as the assets are
placed in service, they will be depreciated over their useful life ending in
July 2009, concurrent with the end date of our systems.
41
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2. BALANCE SHEET DETAILS (continued)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (continued)
Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to
seven years. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense when
incurred. Upon the disposition of an asset, its accumulated depreciation is
deducted from the original cost, and any gain or loss is reflected in current
operations. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, we recorded
depreciation expense of $7.8 million and $4.6 million, respectively.
NOTE 3. INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL DATA
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which
separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the
Chief Executive Officer in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing
performance. We operate primarily in the book distribution industry through
various operating segments, principally defined by geographic region, which have
been aggregated into a single reportable segment because of the similarity of
their activities and economic characteristics.
Net sales by geographic region are as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended March 31,
------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
-------- -------- --------
United States ................ $827,000 $692,296 $662,101
United Kingdom ............... 69,245 52,519 43,571
Australia .................... 8,208 4,149 3,010
Mexico ....................... 6,725 7,008 4,896
Singapore .................... 447 150 --
-------- -------- --------
$911,625 $756,122 $713,578
======== ======== ========
Identifiable assets of our operations in different geographic regions are
as follows (in thousands):
As of March 31,
----------------------
2003 2002
-------- --------
United States ........................ $401,036 $367,187
United Kingdom ....................... 33,308 25,437
Australia ............................ 5,762 5,165
Mexico ............................... 4,669 4,760
Singapore ............................ 785 303
-------- --------
$445,560 $402,852
======== ========
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS, AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Investments, available-for-sale consist principally of debt securities
issued by the federal government of the United States of America and state and
local municipalities. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair market
value as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the
balance sheet date. The cost and estimated fair market value of investments as
of March 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
March 31, 2003 .............. $1,442 $22 $-- $1,464
====== === === ======
March 31, 2002 .............. $5,648 $-- $ 7 $5,641
====== === === ======
42
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS, AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE (continued)
As of March 31, 2003, we had investments in debt securities amounting to
approximately $0.7 million that were scheduled to mature within one year and
approximately $0.8 million that were scheduled to mature within one to three
years. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on unrealized gains and losses,
as amounts are not considered significant.
We had no material realized gains or losses on sales of short-term
investments for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
NOTE 5. LINES OF CREDIT
On January 11, 2002, we amended our existing, unused unsecured $12.0
million line of credit to revise certain financial covenants. Additionally at
that time we entered into a secured revolving credit agreement with the same
financial institution. The secured revolving credit agreement was amended on
January 31, 2002 to provide up to $23.0 million through June 30, 2002 and $13.0
million thereafter through its August 31, 2002 maturity date, as secured by
eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under both revolving credit agreements
bore interest at the bank's prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.5%. We were required to
pay an unused loan fee of 0.25% on any portion of the loans available but not
drawn. As of March 31, 2002, we had outstanding borrowings of $25.0 million with
a weighted average interest rate of 3.4% and an additional $10.0 million
available, but not drawn, under our lines of credit. Fees paid during the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2002 totaled approximately $30,000.
On July 10, 2002, we amended our unsecured $12.0 million line of credit to
revise certain financial covenants and extend the maturity date to March 31,
2003. On September 26, 2002, our secured line of credit was amended to provide
for a temporary increase through December 1, 2002 from $23.0 million to $33.0
million and to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2003.
On December 17, 2002, our unsecured $12.0 million and secured $23.0 million
lines of credit were retired in full and replaced by a $45.0 million revolving
line of credit maturing on December 31, 2005, secured by eligible accounts
receivable. Borrowings under the line of credit agreement bear interest at the
prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.0%. We are required to pay an unused loan fee
of 0.25% on any unused portions of the revolving line of credit. As of March 31,
2003 we had outstanding borrowings of $45.0 million with a weighted average
interest rate of 3.1%. Fees paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003
totaled approximately $24,000. As of June 24, 2003, our borrowings were
approximately $22.0 million under the revolving line of credit.
The revolving line of credit agreement contains certain covenants that
require the maintenance of certain financial ratios on a quarterly and annual
basis. The key ratios include tangible net worth, senior debt to EBITDA,
leverage and current ratios. Borrowings under this revolving line of credit
agreement are collateralized by our accounts receivable balances and may not
exceed 80% of the eligible accounts receivable.
NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in
thousands):
Years Ended March 31,
-----------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
------- ------- -------
Current:
Federal ............................ $ 4,883 $12,396 $11,182
State .............................. 987 2,575 2,659
Deferred:
Federal ............................ 916 (37) (339)
State .............................. 372 (8) (73)
------- ------- -------
$ 7,158 $14,926 $13,429
======= ======= =======
43
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES (continued)
A reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the statutory federal income
tax rate of 35% to the provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended March 31,
--------------------------------
2003 2002 2001
------- ------- -------
Income Taxes at Statutory Federal Rate ............. $ 6,417 $13,308 $11,968
State Income Taxes, Net of Federal Benefit ......... 687 1,669 1,690
Tax-Exempt Interest and Dividend Income ............ (92) (195) (393)
Other .............................................. 146 144 164
------- ------- -------
$ 7,158 $14,926 $13,429
======= ======= =======
The temporary differences that give rise to deferred income tax assets
(liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):
As of March 31,
---------------------
2003 2002
------- -------
Inventory Reserves .............................................. $ 4,126 $ 3,083
Allowances for Sales Returns and Uncollectible Accounts ......... 2,404 2,667
Deferred Compensation ........................................... 2,227 1,849
Accrued Liabilities ............................................. 1,296 1,160
Vacation Payable and Accrued Compensation ....................... 412 455
Depreciation and Amortization ................................... (6,310) (2,250)
Other ........................................................... 1,017 278
------- -------
$ 5,172 $ 7,242
======= =======
NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We lease facilities and some equipment under non-cancelable operating
leases. Rent expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
amounted to approximately $9.0 million, $7.5 million and $5.3 million,
respectively. The leases have initial expiration dates ranging from 2003 to
2012. Some of the leases contain renewal options, termination options and
periodic adjustments of the minimum monthly rental payments.
As of March 31, 2003, the aggregate future minimum rentals are as follows
(in thousands):
Year Ending March 31,
-----------------------------
2004 ............................................ $ 9,484
2005 ............................................ 8,258
2006 ............................................ 6,760
2007 ............................................ 6,926
2008 ............................................ 6,041
Thereafter ...................................... 17,029
-------
$54,498
=======
We indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted
under state law. We maintain insurance coverage subject to applicable policy
limits for these indemnifications. However, there is no limitation on the
maximum potential future payments we could be required to make. We have not
recorded any liability for these indemnities in the accompanying Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
We are involved from time to time in various claims and lawsuits incidental
to our business and management believes that the outcome of these matters
individually and in the aggregate will not have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated financial position or results of operations.
44
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
We have a qualified 401(k) profit sharing plan covering substantially all
of our employees. We match, at a 25% rate, employee contributions up to 4% of
compensation. Effective January 1, 2003, we match, at a 50% rate, employee
contributions up to 3%. In Fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, our matching
contributions amounted to approximately $263,000, $153,000 and $126,000,
respectively. The plan also permits us to make discretionary contributions as
approved by our Board of Directors. Our discretionary contributions amounted to
approximately $554,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001. There were no
discretionary contributions for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002.
We also have a deferred compensation plan, which permits eligible
employees, including officers, to defer a portion of their compensation and
requires us to make matching contributions and pay accrued interest as provided
in the plan. The deferred compensation liability, including our matching
contributions and accumulated interest, amounted to approximately $5.7 million
and $4.7 million as of March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We fund the
deferred compensation plan under a trust agreement through which we pay to the
trust amounts necessary to pay premiums on life insurance policies carried to
meet the obligations under the plan. The expense associated with the plan,
including life insurance costs, amounted to approximately $333,000, $423,000 and
$565,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
NOTE 9. STOCK PLANS
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In July 1998, we introduced an Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("Purchase
Plan"), which permits eligible employees to defer a portion of their
compensation in order to purchase shares of our stock. The maximum number of
shares that may be purchased under the plan is 337,500 shares, subject to
adjustment under certain circumstances. The Purchase Plan permits eligible
employees to purchase common stock at a discount, but only through payroll
deductions, during defined offering periods. The price at which stock is
purchased under the Purchase Plan is equal to 85% of the fair market value of
the common stock on the first or last day of the offering period, whichever is
lower. The total number of shares purchased under the Purchase Plan amounted to
approximately 14,000, 13,000 and 17,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31,
2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
1987 and 1995 Stock Option Plans
We have two stock option plans, the 1987 Stock Option Plan ("1987 Plan")
and the 1995 Stock Option Plan ("1995 Plan"), which provide for the grant of
incentive or nonqualified stock options to employees and directors. Nonemployee
directors are only eligible for nonqualified stock options. We may grant
incentive stock options at prices not less than 100% of the fair market value of
the shares at the date of grant (110% with respect to optionees who are 10% or
more stockholders). Nonqualified options may be granted at prices not less than
85% of the fair market value of such shares at the date of grant. Options
granted under the plans become exercisable in installments as determined by the
Board of Directors, typically vesting over a five-year period. There were
2,281,500 shares issuable pursuant to options granted under our 1987 Plan and,
as of March 31, 1997, no further options may be granted under this plan. As of
March 31, 2003, there were 4,693,750 shares issuable pursuant to options granted
under our 1995 Plan. The expiration date of the options is determined by the
Board of Directors and may not exceed 10 years for incentive options (5 years
with respect to optionees who are 10% or more stockholders) and 10 years and 1
day for nonqualified options.
45
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 9. STOCK PLANS (continued)
1987 and 1995 Stock Option Plans (continued)
Information with respect to activity under our stock option plans for the
fiscal years ended March 31 is as follows:
1995 Plan 1987 Plan
--------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Number of Weighted Number of Weighted
Outstanding Shares Avg. Price Share Range Shares Avg. Price Share Range
----------- --------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- -----------
As of April 1, 2000 .................. 1,652,925 $ 4.89 189,264 $1.67
Granted ............................. 1,479,189 $11.34 -- --
Exercised ........................... (359,841) $ 3.73 (79,275) $1.28
Forfeited ........................... (151,088) $ 7.14 -- --
--------- ------ ------- -----
As of March 31, 2001 ................. 2,621,185 $ 8.57 109,989 $1.76
Granted ............................. 643,000 $14.77 -- --
Exercised ........................... (312,931) $ 5.84 (20,363) $1.45
Forfeited ........................... (168,841) $10.00 -- --
--------- ------ ------- -----
As of March 31, 2002 ................. 2,782,413 $10.22 89,626 $1.83
Granted ............................. 463,163 $14.19 -- --
Exercised ........................... (107,510) $ 7.89 (20,100) $1.44
Forfeited ........................... (119,806) $12.49 -- --
--------- ------ ------- -----
As of March 31, 2003 ................. 3,018,260 $10.82 $2.52-$22.34 69,526 $1.95 $1.26-$3.31
Exercisable as of March 31, 2003 ..... 1,214,799 $ 8.44 $2.52-$22.34 69,526 $1.95 $1.26-$3.31
Following is a further breakdown of the options outstanding as of March 31,
2003:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Weighted Average Weighted Weighted
Contractual Life Average Average
Range of Exercise Price Outstanding Remaining (in yrs) Exercise Price Outstanding Exercise Price
----------------------- ----------- ------------------ -------------- ----------- --------------
1987 Plan
$ 1.26-$ 1.54............ 50,500 1.19 $ 1.45 50,500 $ 1.45
$ 3.31................... 19,026 2.99 $ 3.31 19,026 $ 3.31
--------- ---- ------ --------- ------
69,526 1.79 $ 1.95 69,526 $ 1.95
--------- ---- ------ --------- ------
1995 Plan
$ 2.52-$ 4.44 ........... 370,946 4.00 $ 4.09 370,727 $ 4.09
$ 5.24-$ 9.88 ........... 774,150 6.86 $ 7.41 404,407 $ 7.36
$11.79-$15.75 ........... 1,751,664 7.93 $13.24 417,065 $12.81
$16.20-$17.74 ........... 94,500 8.76 $17.52 17,200 $17.65
$20.50-$22.34............ 27,000 9.01 $20.81 5,400 $20.81
--------- ---- ------ --------- ------
3,018,260 7.31 $10.82 1,214,799 $ 8.44
--------- ---- ------ --------- ------
Total ................... 3,087,786 4.69 $10.62 1,284,325 $ 8.09
========= ==== ====== ========= ======
46
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 9. STOCK PLANS (continued)
The pro forma compensation costs presented in Note 1 were determined using
the weighted average fair values, at the date of grant, for options granted
during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001. The fair value of
each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions as follows:
2003 2002 2001
---------- ---------- ------
Risk free interest .......................... 2.95-4.65% 3.91-4.93% 6.10%
Expected dividend yield ..................... 0.28% 0.20% 0.54%
Expected life of options .................... 5 yrs 5 yrs 5 yrs
Expected volatility of stock price .......... 109.66% 89.95% 76.49%
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the fiscal years
ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $11.13 and $11.95, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Under 1995 Stock Option Plan
We recognized deferred compensation for certain stock options previously
granted under our 1995 Plan equal to the excess of the fair market value at the
date of grant over the exercise price. The compensation is being amortized to
expense over the vesting period of the options, and we have expensed
approximately $222,000, $221,000 and $277,000 for each of the fiscal years ended
March 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The net balance of the remaining
deferred compensation has been recorded as a separate component of stockholders'
equity in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NOTE 10. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
On July 22, 1999, we adopted a stock repurchase program pursuant to which
we may repurchase in open market or private transactions, from time to time,
based upon existing market conditions, shares of our common stock having an
aggregate cost not to exceed $5.0 million or 450,000 shares. Our Board of
Directors has authorized as of the announcement dates listed below, increases to
shares in the stock repurchase program as follows:
Announcement Date Shares Authorized
----------------- -----------------
July 22, 1999 .............................. 450,000(a)
March 16, 2000 ............................. 525,000
July 27, 2000 .............................. 525,000
May 25, 2001 ............................... 350,000
February 3, 2003 ........................... 325,000
---------
Total ...................................... 2,175,000
=========
------------
(a) 450,000 shares on July 22, 1999 represent initial adoption of repurchase
program and authorization.
The total number of shares of common stock currently remaining authorized
for repurchase under the stock repurchase program is approximately 500,000
shares. Under the stock repurchase program, we have repurchased approximately
1,675,000 shares at an average market price of approximately $11.54. The stock
repurchase program has no expiration date and will be financed through internal
funds.
During Fiscal 2001, we purchased approximately 684,000 shares of our stock
from our Chairman for approximately $7.5 million, which reflects a 10% discount
from the average market price for a specified period.
47
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 10. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS (continued)
Conversion of Stock Appreciation Rights to Warrants
In Fiscal 1999, we issued 47,250 warrants treated as stock appreciation
rights for accounting purposes (1999 "SARs") with an exercise price of $9.33 to
Raincoast Books principals as part of the purchase of our equity investment in
Raincoast Books. In Fiscal 2002, 6,300 of the 1999 SARs were exercised and paid,
leaving 40,950 1999 SARs available for exercise. In Fiscal 2002, we issued
30,000 warrants treated as stock appreciation rights (2002 "SARs") with an
exercise price of $17.74 to Raincoast Books principals as part of the Raincoast
Books purchase of the Canadian business of PGW. The SARs were indexed to our
stock but can be exercised for the exercisable portion of the appreciation in
our stock's fair value from the date of grant to the date of exercise. The SARs
were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with volatility, risk
free interest rates, expected dividend yield, and expected lives similar to our
calculations for option fair value. Changes in fair value were recorded, at each
balance sheet date, as an increase or decrease to liabilities with the offset to
interest expense and other on the accompanying Statements of Income in our
Consolidated Financial Statements. None of the SARs have voting rights. The SARs
become exercisable over a five-year period and expire ten years from the date of
grant.
On March 25, 2003, we converted all of the SARs to warrants, exercisable
for stock, with no other changes in terms. Fair value as of the conversion date
was calculated and resulted in an increase to income recorded as part of
interest expense and other in the accompanying Statements of Income of
approximately $182,000 in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2003. The following
assumptions were used as of the date of conversion: risk-free interest rate of
4.49%; dividend yield of 1.33%; volatility factor of 77.50%; and a weighted
average expected life of the warrants of ten years. Accordingly, the $528,000
outstanding obligation relating to the SARs at the conversion date was
reclassified from liabilities to additional paid-in capital.
Shares Reserved for Future Issuance
As of March 31, 2003, we have reserved shares of common stock for future
issuance as follows:
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ................... 269,526
Stock Option Plan -- 1987 Plan ................. 120,285
Stock Option Plan -- 1995 Plan ................. 3,373,656
Warrants ....................................... 70,950
---------
Total Reserved Shares .......................... 3,834,417
=========
NOTE 11. INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES
We make strategic investments intended to promote our world-wide publishing
and book distribution business. We regularly monitor and evaluate the realizable
value of our investments. If events or circumstances indicate that a decline in
the value of these assets has occurred and is other than temporary, we record a
charge to equity in net income of affiliates. Our investments in affiliates are
included as part of other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheets.
In June 2001, we acquired a 25% equity interest in The Templar Company, PLC
("Templar") for approximately $1.4 million. Located in the U.K., Templar is a
designer of children's books that incorporate sophisticated pop-up pictures
using high quality art, including the award-winning Maurice Pledger wildlife
series. Templar markets its products world-wide.
In September 1999, we acquired a 25% equity interest in Raincoast Books, a
leading Canadian book distributor, for approximately $0.9 million. Headquartered
in Vancouver, British Colombia, Raincoast Books has the exclusive distribution
rights for approximately 40 publishers in Canada. In addition, Raincoast Books,
through its own proprietary imprint label, publishes a wide variety of books.
48
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12. ACQUISITIONS
H.I. MARKETING LIMITED and CUTSOUND LIMITED
On December 6, 2002, our subsidiary, Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited,
acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of two British book distributors,
H.I. Marketing Limited ("H.I. Marketing") and Cutsound Limited ("Cutsound"),
which does business as Airlift Book Company, for cash consideration of $1.9
million and $1.5 million, respectively, subject to customary post-closing
adjustments. These acquisitions were designed to expand our global reach with
respect to our independent contract distribution business, consistent with our
strategic plan. The acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting with all of the purchase price funded by available cash on
hand.
H.I. Marketing is engaged in the distribution of books in the U.K. on
behalf of approximately 20 U.S. and U.K. publishers and is currently the U.K.
marketing representative for PGW. Cutsound is engaged in the distribution of
books in the U.K. to traditional and non-traditional book markets for more than
100 small to medium-sized publishers of primarily alternative books in the
health and lifestyle category. We intend that the assets of H.I. Marketing and
Cutsound will be used in a manner generally consistent with the use of such
assets by H.I. Marketing and Cutsound prior to the consummation of the
acquisitions.
The financial statements reflect the preliminary allocation of the purchase
price to the acquired net assets based upon their estimated fair values as of
the acquisition date. The results of operations of H.I. Marketing and Cutsound
from December 6, 2002 through March 31, 2003 are included in the accompanying
Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. We
are in the process of finalizing valuations of the individual assets and
liabilities and certain post-closing purchase price adjustments that are not
expected to be material.
Our total purchase price of approximately $3.5 million, including
acquisition costs of approximately $134,000, was used to purchase assets of $3.8
million, primarily accounts receivable; and current liabilities of approximately
$2.9 million, primarily accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Goodwill
recorded in connection with these acquisitions amounted to approximately $2.6
million. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill has an indefinite life and will not be
amortized. Goodwill related to this acquisition will not be amortized for
financial reporting or income tax purposes.
PUBLISHERS GROUP WEST
On January 31, 2002, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of
PGW, located in Berkeley, California, for cash consideration of approximately
$38.8 million. The acquisition of PGW was designed to further expand our
higher-margin contract distribution business consistent with our strategic plan.
The transaction was structured as a merger of Nautilus Merger Sub, Inc., our
wholly owned subsidiary, with and into Publishers Group Incorporated ("PGI").
PGW is a wholly owned subsidiary of PGI. The acquisition was accounted for using
the purchase method of accounting with approximately $25.0 million of the
purchase price provided under borrowings from bank lines of credit.
PGI is a holding company which, through its wholly owned subsidiary PGW, is
engaged in the business of marketing and distributing books primarily for
independent publishers. Immediately prior to its acquisition by AMS, PGI
divested itself of its Avalon Publishing Group Incorporated subsidiary
("Avalon"), a book publisher, and PGW entered into a five-year distribution
agreement with Avalon. Concurrent with the Avalon divestiture, PGW sold its
Canadian distribution business to a subsidiary of Raincoast Books, our affiliate
in which we own a 25% equity interest. The assets of PGW are being used in a
manner generally consistent with the use of such assets by PGW prior to the
consummation of the acquisition. Goodwill related to this acquisition will not
be amortized for financial reporting or income tax purposes.
49
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12. ACQUISITIONS (continued)
PUBLISHERS GROUP WEST (continued)
Our final allocation of purchase price for the acquisition, based upon
estimated fair values, was as follows (in thousands):
Net current assets ................................................... $ 39,518
Goodwill ............................................................. 30,725
Other intangible assets .............................................. 3,350
Property and equipment ............................................... 2,480
Other non-current assets ............................................. 949
--------
Total assets acquired ............................................... 77,022
--------
Total liabilities assumed ............................................ (35,101)
--------
Total purchase price, including acquisition costs of $3.1 million $ 41,921
========
As a result of the final allocation of the purchase price, our goodwill
balance of $29.0 million, including capitalized acquisition costs of $3.1
million, as of March 31, 2002 was adjusted during Fiscal 2003 as follows:
$242,000 as a result of finalization of certain balance sheet items; $280,000 as
a result of adjustments to the purchase price; $37,000 as a result of additional
capitalized costs connected with the acquisition; $773,000 as a result of
deferred tax asset adjustments; and $435,000 as a result of additional
miscellaneous accruals.
Unaudited pro forma consolidated net sales for the fiscal years ended March
31, 2002 and 2001 would have been approximately $859.1 million and $822.8
million, respectively. These pro forma amounts assume the PGW acquisition
occurred as of April 1, 2000, and such amounts are not necessarily indicative of
what actual net sales might have been if the acquisition had been effective as
of this date. We have not presented unaudited pro forma net income and earnings
per share information, as it is not practicable to do so due to the fact that
PGW had previously been combined in a consolidated group of multiple entities
for which no consistent, separate entity financial statements were prepared.
Additionally, in connection with the acquisition, we acquired $3.4 million
in other intangible assets, consisting of a publisher's list and a trade name,
which will be amortized over their estimated useful lives, determined to be 20
years. Intangible assets amounted to approximately $3.2 million and $3.3
million, net of accumulated amortization of approximately $195,000 and $28,000,
at March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002, respectively.
UNCLE JOHN'S BATHROOM READER
In August 2000, we acquired certain net assets and the publishing rights of
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader for approximately $2.5 million. Uncle John's
Bathroom Reader is a series of "info-tainment" books that is distributed through
a variety of mass-market outlets. We have integrated this product series
together with the assets acquired with our other publishing activities from the
date of acquisition. We accounted for the acquisition as a purchase and,
accordingly, the assets acquired and the publishing rights assumed from
Earthworks Press Inc. were recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of
acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired of
approximately $2.3 million has been amortized over 20 years. Goodwill related to
this acquisition will not be amortized for financial reporting or income tax
purposes.
ASPEN BOOK MARKETING
In August 2000, we acquired certain net assets of the wholesale
distribution business of Aspen Marketing Communications Limited -- England
("Aspen") for approximately $3.3 million. Aspen is a distributor of specialty
books to the Safeway store chain across the U.K. We accounted for the
acquisition as a purchase and, accordingly, the assets acquired from Aspen were
recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of
the purchase price over the net assets acquired of approximately $0.8 million
has been amortized over 20 years. Goodwill related to this acquisition will not
be amortized for financial reporting or income tax purposes.
50
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On January 31 2002, our affiliate, Raincoast Books, purchased the Canadian
distribution business of our subsidiary, PGW, for $0.7 million in a transaction
that occurred simultaneously with our purchase of PGW. As of March 31, 2003, we
had $0.6 million in a non-interest bearing unsecured promissory note receivable
from our affiliate, Raincoast Books. As of March 31, 2003 and 2002, we had
$106,000 and $13,000 in accounts receivable with Raincoast Books, respectively.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 we had approximately $1.3
million and $0.8 million in net sales to Raincoast Books, respectively.
NOTE 14. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
---------------------------------------------------------
June 29, Sept 28, Dec 28, March 31,
2002 2002 2002 2003
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Amounts in Thousands (except per share data)
Fiscal 2003
Net Sales .................................. $191,903 $219,157 $294,833 $205,732
Gross Profit ............................... $ 29,419 $ 36,393 $ 51,402 $ 29,617
Net Income (Loss) .......................... $ 2,387 $ 4,450 $ 8,755 $ (4,417)
Net Income (Loss) Per Share:
Basic ..................................... $ 0.12 $ 0.23 $ 0.46 $ (0.23)
Diluted ................................... $ 0.12 $ 0.23 $ 0.45 $ (0.23)
Weighted Average Shares Used in Calculation:
Basic ..................................... 19,284 19,110 19,004 19,053
Diluted ................................... 20,182 19,602 19,624 19,053
Three Months Ended
---------------------------------------------------------
June 30, Sept 29, Dec 29, March 31,
2001 2001 2001 2002
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Amounts in Thousands (except per share data)
Fiscal 2002
Net Sales .................................. $146,977 $164,200 $267,103 $177,842
Gross Profit ............................... $ 21,297 $ 25,313 $ 43,719 $ 28,451
Net Income ................................. $ 3,084 $ 3,712 $ 13,269 $ 3,033
Net Income Per Share:
Basic ..................................... $ 0.16 $ 0.19 $ 0.69 $ 0.16
Diluted ................................... $ 0.16 $ 0.19 $ 0.67 $ 0.15
Weighted Average Shares Used in Calculation:
Basic ..................................... 19,052 19,111 19,130 19,228
Diluted ................................... 19,823 19,836 19,887 20,159
51
ITEM 9 -- CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10 -- DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11 -- EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12 -- SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
ITEM 13 -- CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information called for by Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, and 13, is hereby
incorporated by reference to the "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management," "Management," "Executive Compensation -- Summary of Cash
and Other Compensation," "-- Option Grants" and "-- Option Exercises and
Holdings," "Certain Transactions" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
Reporting Compliance" sections of our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and mailed to stockholders on or
about July 14, 2003.
52
PART IV
ITEM 14 -- CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Within the 90-day period prior to the filing of this report, AMS, under the
supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of
the design and operation of our "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined
in Rule 13a-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act")). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are
effective in timely making known to them material information relating to AMS
and our consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in our reports filed
or submitted under the Exchange Act. We have investments in certain
unconsolidated entities. As we do not control or manage these entities, the
disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are
substantially more limited than those we maintain with respect to our
consolidated subsidiaries. There have been no significant changes in our
internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the
internal controls subsequent to the date we completed our evaluation.
As part of the ongoing investment in our growth, during July 2002 we
completed a significant portion of the upgrade and conversion of our core
operating software to a new Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") as well
as a Warehouse Management System (the "Systems Upgrade"). We expect the final
and most significant component of the Systems Upgrade to take place early in the
second quarter of Fiscal 2004. We have adapted certain of our internal controls
to the first phase of the Systems Upgrade, and we will continue to evaluate,
document and monitor any required changes to internal controls in connection
with the full implementation of the Systems Upgrade. Except in connection with
the Systems Upgrade, there have been no significant changes in our internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls
subsequent to the date that we completed our evaluation.
ITEM 15 -- EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) 1. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8
herein.
2. See Index to Schedule to Consolidated Financial Statements included
herein.
3. See Item 15(c) for Index of Exhibits.
(b) 1. Report on Form 8-K, Items 2 and 7 -- Filed on February 14, 2002.
2. Report on Form 8-K, Item 4 -- Filed on April 3, 2002.
3. Report on Form 8-K, Items 4 and 7 -- Filed on April 8, 2002.
(c) Exhibits
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (2)
3.2 Bylaws, as amended (2)
10.1 1987 Stock Option Plan (3)
10.2 Employee Profit-Sharing Plan (4)
10.3 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended (2)
10.4 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (5)
10.5 Credit Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2002, among Advanced
Marketing Services, Inc., as borrower, and California Bank and Trust
Company, Bank of the West and Union Bank of California, as lenders,
regarding a $45 million line of credit (6)
21.0 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
53
ITEM 15 -- EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(continued)
99.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Michael
M. Nicita, President and Chief Executive Officer. (7)
99.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Edward
J. Leonard, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary. (7)
(d) The required financial statement schedules are listed on the Index to
Schedule to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
(1) Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File
No. 001-16199) filed on February 14, 2002.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (File No. 333-67244) filed on August 10, 2001.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File
No. 0-16002) for the Fiscal year ended March 31, 1992, as filed on June 26,
1992.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No. 33-14596) filed on May 28, 1987.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (File No. 333-59341) filed on July 17, 1998.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly Current Report on Form
10-Q 8-K (File No. 001-16199).
(7) Furnished herewith.
54
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Charles C. Tillinghast
---------------------------------
Charles C. Tillinghast
Chairman of the Board and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Charles C. Tillinghast
---------------------------------
Charles C. Tillinghast
Chairman of the Board and Director
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Michael M. Nicita
---------------------------------
Michael M. Nicita
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
(principal executive officer)
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Edward J. Leonard
---------------------------------
Edward J. Leonard
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(principal, financial and accounting officer)
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Loren C. Paulsen
---------------------------------
Loren C. Paulsen
Director
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ James A. Leidich
---------------------------------
James A. Leidich
Director
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ E. William Swanson, Jr.
---------------------------------
E. William Swanson, Jr.
Director
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Trygve E. Myhren
---------------------------------
Trygve E. Myhren
Director
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Lynn S. Dawson
---------------------------------
Lynn S. Dawson
Director
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Robert F. Bartlett
---------------------------------
Robert F. Bartlett
Director
Date: June 30, 2003 By: /s/ Bruce E. Grout
---------------------------------
Bruce E. Grout
Director
55
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Michael M. Nicita, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Advanced Marketing
Services, Inc. (the "Registrant").
2. Based on my knowledge, this Annual Report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual
report.
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in the Report.
4. The Registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the Registrant and we have:
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
(b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
(c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation
as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The Registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee
of the Registrant's board of directors:
(a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the
Registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The Registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls
or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent
to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with
regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: June 30, 2003 /s/ Michael M. Nicita
------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Name: Michael M. Nicita
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
56
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Edward J. Leonard, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Advanced Marketing
Services, Inc. (the "Registrant").
2. Based on my knowledge, this Annual Report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual
report.
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in the Report.
4. The Registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the Registrant and we have:
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
(b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
(c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation
as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The Registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee
of the Registrant's board of directors:
(a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the
Registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The Registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls
or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent
to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with
regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: June 30, 2003 /s/ Edward J. Leonard
------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Name: Edward J. Leonard
Title: Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
57
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
INDEX TO SCHEDULE TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
-----
Schedule:
II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ........................... 59
All other schedules are not submitted because they are not applicable,
not required or because the required information is included in the Consolidated
Financial Statements of Advanced Marketing Services, Inc. or in the notes
thereto.
58
SCHEDULE II
ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (As Revised--See Note 1)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001
(Amounts in Thousands)
Balance at Additions
Beginning Charged Adjustments/ Balance at
of Year to Income Deductions End of Year
---------- ---------- ------------ -----------
2001
----
Allowance for uncollectible accounts and
sales returns ................................ $3,971 $2,451 $ 800 $5,622
====== ====== ======= ======
Reserve for markdown of inventory ............. $7,509 $2,592 $ 3,160 $6,941
====== ====== ======= ======
2002
----
Allowance for uncollectible accounts and
sales returns ................................ $5,622 $2,097 $(1,520) $9,239
====== ====== ======= ======
Reserve for markdown of inventory ............. $6,941 $1,034 $ 1,272 $6,703
====== ====== ======= ======
2003
----
Allowance for uncollectible accounts and
sales returns ................................ $9,239 $1,914 $ 1,585 $9,568
====== ====== ======= ======
Reserve for markdown of inventory ............. $6,703 $4,028 $ 1,817 $8,914
====== ====== ======= ======
59
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Advanced Marketing (U.K.) Limited -- England
Advanced Marketing S. de R.L. de C.V. -- Mexico
Advanced Marketing (Europe) Limited -- England
Advanced Marketing Services Investments, Inc. -- California
Mira Mesa Marketing, Inc.
Advanced Marketing Services Australia Pty, Limited -- Australia
Bookwise International Pty Limited -- Australia
Aura Books, Plc -- England
Metrastock, Limited -- England
Aspen Marketing Communications Limited -- England
Bookwise Asia Pte Limited -- Singapore
Publishers Group Incorporated -- California
Publishers Group West Incorporated -- California
H.I. Marketing Limited -- England
Cutsound Limited -- England
60
Exhibit 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
33-30467, 33-43792, 333-01155, 333-59343, 333-59341, 333-42854, 333-67244 and
333-99245 of Advanced Marketing Services, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated
May 19, 2003 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes
explanatory paragraphs relating to i) the adoption of a new accounting principle
and ii) the application of procedures with respect to certain other disclosures
related to the 2001 financial statements that were audited by other auditors who
have ceased operations and for which we have expressed no opinion or other form
of assurance other than with respect to such disclosures), appearing in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Advanced Marketing Services, Inc. for the year
ended March 31, 2003.
/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Diego, California
June 30, 2003
61