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Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2021

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year ends on August 31 of each year and our fiscal quarters end on the last day of November, February, and May. Unless otherwise noted, references to fiscal years apply to the 12 months ended August 31 of the specified year.

Basis Of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, which consist of Franklin Development Corp., and our offices in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Pervasiveness Of Estimates

Pervasiveness of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, shareholders’ equity, revenues, and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Some of our cash is deposited with financial institutions located throughout the United States of America and at banks in foreign countries where we operate subsidiary offices, and at times may exceed insured limits. We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We did not hold a significant amount of investments that would be considered cash equivalent instruments at either August 31, 2021 or 2020. Of our $47.4 million in cash at August 31, 2021, $14.5 million was held outside the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries. We routinely repatriate cash from our foreign subsidiaries and consider cash generated from foreign activities a key component of our overall liquidity position.

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Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method. Elements of cost in inventories generally include raw materials and direct labor. Cash flows from the sale of inventory are included in cash flows provided by operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Our inventories are comprised primarily of training materials, books, training-related accessories, and consisted of the following (in thousands):



AUGUST 31,		2021		2020
Finished goods	$	2,468	$	2,947
Raw materials		28		27
	$	2,496	$	2,974

Provision is made to reduce excess and obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable value. In assessing the valuation of our inventories, we make judgments regarding future demand requirements and compare these estimates with current and committed inventory levels. Inventory requirements may change based on projected customer demand, training curriculum life-cycle changes, and other factors that could affect the valuation of our inventories.

Other Current Assets

Other Current Assets

Significant components of our other current assets were as follows (in thousands):



AUGUST 31,		2021		2020
Deferred commissions	$	10,991	$	8,897
Other current assets		1,872		2,603
	$	12,863	$	11,500

We defer commission expense on subscription-based sales and recognize the commission expense with the recognition of the corresponding revenue.

Property And Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense, which includes depreciation on our corporate campus that is accounted for as a financing obligation (Note 7), is calculated using the straight-line method over the lesser of the expected useful life of the asset or the contracted lease period. We generally use the following depreciable lives for our major classifications of property and equipment:

Description	Useful Lives
Buildings	20 years
Machinery and equipment	5–7 years
Computer hardware and software	3–5 years
Furniture, fixtures, and leasehold improvements	5–7 years

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Our property and equipment were comprised of the following (in thousands):



AUGUST 31,		2021		2020
Land and improvements	$	1,312	$	1,312
Buildings		30,059		30,038
Machinery and equipment		915		900
Computer hardware and software		29,127		29,691
Furniture, fixtures, and leasehold
improvements		9,426		9,129
		70,839		71,070
Less accumulated depreciation		(59,314)		(55,347)
	$	11,525	$	15,723

We expense costs for repairs and maintenance as incurred. Gains and losses resulting from the sale of property and equipment are recorded in income from operations. Depreciation of capitalized subscription portal costs is included in depreciation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived tangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We use an estimate of undiscounted future net cash flows of the assets over the remaining useful lives in determining whether the carrying value of the assets is recoverable. If the carrying values of the assets exceed the anticipated future cash flows of the assets, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying values of the assets and their estimated fair values. Impairment of long-lived assets is assessed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent from other groups of assets. The evaluation of long-lived assets requires us to use estimates of future cash flows. If forecasts and assumptions used to support the realizability of our long-lived tangible and finite-lived intangible assets change in the future, significant impairment charges could result that would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets And Goodwill Impairment Testing

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill Impairment Testing

Intangible assets that are deemed to have an indefinite life and acquired goodwill are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more often if events or circumstances indicate that a potential impairment exists. The Covey trade name intangible asset has been deemed to have an indefinite life. This intangible asset is tested for impairment using qualitative factors or the present value of estimated royalties on trade name related revenues, which consist primarily of training seminars and work sessions, international licensee sales, and related products. Based on the fiscal 2021 evaluation of the Covey trade name, we believe the fair value of the Covey trade name substantially exceeds its carrying value. No impairment charges were recorded against the Covey trade name during the periods presented in this report.

Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price for a business acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired. An annual (or interim test if events and circumstances indicate a test should be performed) goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. We tested goodwill for impairment at August 31, 2021 at the reporting unit level using a quantitative approach. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit was calculated using a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flows) and the market approach (using market multiples derived from a set of companies with comparable market characteristics).

On an interim basis, we consider whether events or circumstances are present that may lead to the determination that goodwill may be impaired. If, based on events or changing circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit does not exceed its carrying value, we are required to test goodwill for impairment.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units. The timing and frequency of our goodwill impairment tests are based on an ongoing assessment of events and circumstances that would indicate a possible impairment. Based on the results of our goodwill impairment testing, we determined that no impairment existed at either of August 31, 2021 or 2020 as each reporting unit’s estimated fair value exceeded its carrying value. We will continue to monitor our goodwill and intangible assets for impairment and conduct formal tests when impairment indicators are present. For more information regarding our intangible assets and goodwill, refer to Note 5.

Capitalized Curriculum Development Costs

Capitalized Curriculum Development Costs

During the normal course of business, we develop training courses and related materials that we sell to our clients. Capitalized curriculum development costs include certain expenditures to develop course materials such as video segments, course manuals, and other related materials. Our capitalized curriculum development spending in fiscal 2021, which totaled $2.5 million, was primarily for various Education practice offerings and content for the All Access Pass. Curriculum costs are capitalized when there is a major revision to an existing course that requires a significant re-write of the course materials. Costs incurred to maintain existing offerings are expensed when incurred. In addition, development costs incurred in the research and development of new offerings and software products to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed are expensed as incurred until economic and technological feasibility has been established.

Capitalized development costs are amortized over three- to five-year useful lives, which are based on numerous factors, including expected cycles of major changes to our content. Capitalized curriculum development costs are reported as a component of other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets and totaled $6.2 million and $8.1 million at August 31, 2021 and 2020. Amortization of capitalized curriculum development costs is reported as a component of cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities

Significant components of our accrued liabilities were as follows (in thousands):


AUGUST 31,		2021		2020
Accrued compensation	$	17,955	$	9,597
Other accrued liabilities		17,025		13,031
	$	34,980	$	22,628

Contingent Consideration Payments From Business Acquisitions

Contingent Consideration Payments from Business Acquisitions

Business acquisitions may include contingent consideration payments based on various future financial measures related to the acquired entity. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of these liabilities based on financial projections of the acquired company and estimated probabilities of achievement. Based on updated estimates and projections, the contingent consideration liabilities are adjusted at each reporting date to their estimated fair value. Changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisition date are reported in selling, general, and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, and may have a material impact on our operating results. Variations in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities may result from changes in discount periods or rates, changes in the timing and amount of earnings estimates, and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving various payment criteria.

Foreign Currency Translation And Transactions

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Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The functional currencies of our foreign operations are the reported local currencies. Translation adjustments result from translating our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into United States dollars. The balance sheet accounts of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates for each month during the fiscal year. The resulting translation differences are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction losses totaled $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, and are included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

We account for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). For further information on revenue recognition, refer to Note 2, Revenue Recognition.

Revenue is recognized as the net amount to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts and product returns.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

We record the compensation expense for all stock-based payments, including grants of stock options and the compensatory elements of our employee stock purchase plan, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) based upon their fair values over the requisite service period. For more information on our stock-based compensation plans, refer to Note 12.

Shipping And Handling Fees And Costs

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

All shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as a component of net sales. All costs incurred related to the shipping and handling of products are recorded in cost of sales.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

Costs for advertising are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs included in selling, general, and administrative expenses totaled $4.0 million, $3.3 million, and $4.6 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019.

Restructuring Costs

Restructuring Costs

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we restructured certain information technology, central operations, and marketing functions. We incurred $1.6 million of severance costs related to these restructuring activities. At August 31, 2021, we had $0.4 million of remaining accrued restructuring costs, which are expected to be paid during fiscal 2022.

Income Taxes

Our income tax provision has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The income tax provision represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred income taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of our assets and liabilities and are adjusted for tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. A valuation allowance is provided against deferred income tax assets when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as components of income tax benefit or expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

We may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

We provide for income taxes, net of applicable foreign tax credits, on temporary differences in our investment in foreign subsidiaries, which consist primarily of unrepatriated earnings.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes changes to equity accounts that were not the result of transactions with shareholders. Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income or loss and other comprehensive income and loss items. Our other comprehensive income and losses generally consist of changes in the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax.

Accounting Pronouncements Issued And Adopted

Accounting Pronouncements Issued and Adopted

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

On September 1, 2020, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). This new standard is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring more timely recognition of credit losses on trade accounts receivable and requires the measurement of all expected credit losses based on historical experience, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. For further information on our receivables, refer to Note 4, Accounts Receivable.

Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement

On September 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). This guidance clarifies the accounting for implementation costs in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract and aligns the requirements for capitalizing those costs with the capitalization requirements for costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The Company adopted ASU 2018-15 on a prospective basis and the adoption of this new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Leases

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, Leases. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset for all leases greater than 12 months. Recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses depends upon whether the lease is classified as a finance or operating lease. We adopted the new lease guidance prospectively on September 1, 2019. As part of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, we elected to apply the package of practical expedients, which allows us to not reassess prior conclusions related to lease classification, not to recognize short-term leases on our balance sheet, and not to separate lease and non-lease components for our leases. On September 1, 2019, the adoption of ASU 2016-02 resulted in the recognition of $1.5 million of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets on our consolidated balance sheets for operating leases. For lessors, accounting for leases is substantially the same as in prior periods and there was no impact from the adoption of ASU 2016-02 for those leases where we are the lessor. Refer to Note 8, Leases for further information on our leasing activity.

The lease on our corporate campus has historically been accounted for as a financing obligation and related building asset on our consolidated balance sheets, as the contract did not meet the criteria for application of sale-leaseback accounting

under previous leasing guidance. In transition to Topic 842, we reassessed whether the contract met the sale criteria under the new leasing standard. Based on this assessment, we determined that the sale criteria under the new leasing standard was not met and we will continue to account for the corporate campus lease as a finance obligation on our consolidated balance sheet in future periods.

Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted

Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted

Income Taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASU 2019-12), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within ASC 740, Income Taxes, and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistency among reporting entities. The guidance in ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, although early adoption is permitted. Most amendments within the standard are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. We do not believe the adoption of ASU 2019-12 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.