PART
I
Item 1.
Business
Ambassadors
Group, Inc.
(“Ambassadors,” “we,” “us” or “our”)
is a leading educational travel
company
that organizes and promotes international and domestic programs for students,
athletes and professionals
.
We
were founded in 1967,
reincorporated in Delaware in 1995, and operated as Ambassadors Education Group,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambassadors International
, Inc. (“International”)
until February 2002
.
Effective February 28,
2002, we spun off from International by virtue of a special stock dividend
to
International’s shareholders of all of the outstanding shares of our Company
that International owned (the “Distribution”). Beginning March 1, 2002, we
began operating as an independent stand-alone company. Trading of our Common
Stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market began on March 1, 2002 under the symbol
“EPAX.”
Our
business consists of several specialized private-label educational travel
programs, including (i) the “People to People Student Ambassador Programs”
(“Student Ambassador Programs”), which provide opportunities for grade school,
middle school and high school students to visit domestic and foreign
destinations to learn about the history, government, economy and culture of
such
countries, (ii) the “People to People Sports Ambassador Programs” (“Sports
Ambassador Programs”), which provide opportunities for middle school and high
school athletes to participate in international sports challenges, (iii) the
“People to People Leadership Summit,” “People to People Future Leaders Summit,”
and “World Leadership Forum” (“Student Leader Programs”), which provide domestic
travel experiences for grade school, middle school and high school students
emphasizing leadership, community involvement, and government education, and
(iv) the “People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs” (“Citizen
Ambassador Programs”), which provide foreign travel experiences for
professionals, with emphasis on meetings and seminars between delegates and
persons in similar professions abroad.
Since
1995, we have expanded our operations primarily through internal growth and
two
acquisitions of travel related businesses. Since 1963, we have organized
programs for nearly 439,000 students, adults and
athletes.
Our educational travel programs feature visits abroad, including, but not
limited to, Antarctica, Australia, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy,
South Africa, and New Zealand. In 2007, 52,661 delegates traveled on our
programs to 44 countries on seven continents, including students from over
100
different countries.
We
have
the exclusive right from People to People International (“People to People”) to
develop and conduct student programs for kindergarten through high school
students using the People to People name. We also have the non-exclusive right
to develop, market and operate programs for professionals, college students
and
athletes using the People to People name. However, at the present time, we
are
the only entity that has been given this right by People to People. These
rights, granted pursuant to agreements with People to People, expire in 2010
and, at our election, may be extended through 2020. People to People is a
private, non-profit
organization dedicated to the
promotion
of world peace through cultural exchange.
People
to
People was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and was originally
administered by the U.S. State Department. Eight U.S. presidents since
President Eisenhower have served as the honorary chairman of People to People,
including President George W. Bush, who currently holds that position. Mary
Eisenhower, the president and chief executive officer of People to People,
also
continues her grandfather’s legacy by serving the organization.
We
believe that our 41 years of continuous experience, relationships arising
from organizing travel programs, and our association with People to People
have
provided the foundation for our Company. This foundation allows us to develop
and maintain strong strategic alliances and a competitive edge in the
educational and travel industries at a competitive program cost. This foundation
also allows us to provide high-quality and unique educational programs and
customer service. We intend to continue to grow our business internally through
marketing enhancements, new programs and strategic alliances, and may make
selective acquisitions of and/or joint agreements with travel, education, and
direct marketing related businesses.
Our
principal offices are located in Spokane, Washington USA.
Student
Ambassador Programs
Our
Student Ambassador Programs provide an educational opportunity for students
in
grade school, middle school and high school to travel to one or more foreign
countries or domestically, to learn about the history, government, economy
and
culture of such countries. We market our Student Ambassador Programs through
a
combination of direct mail and local informational meetings primarily from
August through January. Our representatives review candidate applications
and conduct selection interviews throughout the country. Accepted applicants
participate in orientation meetings to prepare for their educational travel
programs.
Our
Student Ambassador Program delegations depart primarily during the summer
months, June through August, and generally travel for approximately 14 to
23 days, during which time each delegation visits one or more countries.
Each delegation generally consists of approximately 30 to 40 students and is
accompanied by several teachers and local guides in each country who assist
the
delegations for the duration of each program. Teachers and students comprising
a
delegation generally come from the same locale.
Programs
are designed by our staff of international planners and researchers to provide
an educational and entertaining travel experience by exposing students to the
history, government, economy and culture of the country or countries visited.
We
have contracts with program coordinators to provide day-to-day coordination
and
oversight of the programs. In many instances, we also provide students with
the
opportunity for a home stay (a brief stay with a host family), which gives
students a glimpse of daily life in the visited country.
Eligible
students who complete certain written assignments and other projects can receive
high school and university credit for their participation in the program.
Universities recognizing academic credit include, but are not limited to,
Stanford University; Princeton University; Yale University; the University
of
California, Los Angeles; the University of Washington; MIT (Massachusetts
Institute of Technology); Brown University; Johns Hopkins University; Columbia
University; Cornell University; Dartmouth College and Georgetown University.
In
addition, high school students who successfully complete the program may be
eligible to receive service-learning credits, which have become a high
school graduation requirement in many curricula countrywide.
Sports
Ambassador Programs
Our
Sports Ambassador Programs provide an opportunity for student athletes in middle
school and high school to explore the host country’s culture and to participate
in international tournaments with teams from across the world in up to
eight different sports. We market our Sports Ambassador Programs through a
combination of direct mail and local informational meetings during the months
of
January to March. Interested athletes apply to the program and are interviewed
by our representatives, after which the selected athletes are accepted for
the
program.
Delegates
in the Sports Ambassador Programs depart during the summer months,
June through August, and travel for approximately nine to
fourteen days. Teams are formed based on gender and age, and most teams
comprise athletes from several different states. During a three- to four-day
training camp, all athletes participate in an individual skill assessment,
after
which rosters are formed to ensure balanced and competitive teams. After the
formation of rosters, the rest of the training camp focuses on team practice
and
fundamentals in preparation for the ensuing tournament competition. In each
tournament, we have contracts with overseas tournament organizers to provide
day-to-day coordination and oversight of the programs. Additionally, athletes
participate in sports nutrition, psychology, leadership, physical training
and
international cultural excursions.
Eligible
athletes who complete certain written assignments and projects can receive
university credit for their participation in the program. Universities
recognizing academic credit include, but are not limited to, Stanford
University; Princeton University; Yale University; the University of California,
Los Angeles; the University of Washington; MIT (Massachusetts Institute of
Technology); Brown University; Johns Hopkins University; Columbia University;
Cornell University; Dartmouth College and Georgetown University.
Student
Leader Programs
Our
Student Leader Programs provide the opportunity for motivated students with
academic promise, leadership potential and a desire to serve their communities
to travel domestically and internationally to exchange ideas with renowned
speakers, field specific experts, professional educators and their peers. These
programs are specifically designed for students in grade school, middle school
and high school. In addition to the academic coursework, delegates engage in
specially designed team-building and leadership-building exercises.
We
market
the Student Leader Programs through a direct-mail marketing effort throughout
the year, and they travel throughout the year for approximately seven to ten
days. They include group discussions, workshops, educational meetings and other
social and recreational activities. Programs originate from our internal
marketing and research staff, who identify academic topics, speakers and
facilitators. During 2005
we
beg
a
n
to
organize
and operate all activities of most of
our
Student Leader
Programs, including speakers,
facilitators, events, accommodations and transportation. Previously, these
activities were provided by outside vendors.
Delegates
traveling on these programs may be eligible to receive transferable high school
or university credits as part of the academic program. Universities recognizing
academic credit include, but are not limited to, Stanford University; Princeton
University; Yale University; the University of California, Los
Angeles;
the University of Washington; MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology);
Brown
University; Johns Hopkins University; Columbia University; Cornell University;
Dartmouth College and Georgetown University. In addition, students who
successfully complete the program may be eligible to
receive service-learning credits, which have become a high school
graduation requirement in many curricula countrywide.
Citizen
Ambassador Programs
Our
Citizen Ambassador Programs provide professionals with common interests the
opportunity to travel abroad to meet and exchange ideas with foreign citizens
who have similar backgrounds, interests or professions. Citizen Ambassador
Programs are developed and travel throughout the year. Direct-mail invitations
are sent to candidate delegates approximately six to eight months prior to
the
travel period for the delegation. Each program is designed to meet the interests
of the individual delegates, and travels for eight to twelve days, with an
optional additional cultural exchange following each program. Programs originate
from our internal development and research staff, who identify potential
delegation topics and leaders. Professional programs have been conducted in
such
areas as agriculture, economics, education, law, medicine and science. Many
of
our professional programs provide continuing educational credit for the
delegates as part of the program experience. Continuing education credits are
granted through alliances with professional and academic institutions, including
the American College of Medical Quality, the University of Pittsburgh, the
American Bar Association, many state bar associations and other
professional
associations
and societies.
We
believe that our Citizen Ambassador Programs provide delegates with enriching
experiences and deeper understandings of foreign cultures and people than visits
arranged independently or through travel agencies. Unlike travel programs
provided by travel agencies, these professional exchanges are intended largely
as working programs, with a significant amount of the participant’s time
involved in organized meetings, seminars and round-table discussions with their
foreign counterparts; visits to major foreign facilities and institutions;
and
informal gatherings with foreign counterparts. Each program is led by a
delegation leader chosen by us based upon his or her recognition in the field
and expertise regarding the special focus of the particular
program.
Academic
Accreditation
Since
2004, we have been academically accredited through the Northwest Association
of
Accredited Schools. We developed the Washington School of World Studies to
provide an opportunity for middle school, junior high and high school students
to earn academic credit through their participation in the Student Ambassador
Programs, Sports Ambassador Programs or Student Leader Programs. The courses
offered by the Washington School of World Studies emphasize the total learning
experience of the participant while preparing for and participating in the
selected program. In addition to elective academic credit, students are eligible
to earn service-learning credits on select programs after successfully
completing the course requirements. Since inception, the Washington School
of
World Studies has granted approximately 138,400 academic and service-learning
credits.
Our
delegates are also able to earn academic credit through Eastern Washington
University’s Eisenhower Center (“EWU”). Student Ambassadors in grades nine
through 12 may enroll in EWU courses and earn up to 12 credits. In addition,
Student Ambassadors in grades seven and eight are eligible to earn one credit
per course. Between 1980 and 2007, Student Ambassadors transferred more than
41,700 college credits from EWU to universities of their choice.
Strategic
Alliances
Alliances
with Students on Ice, Inc. and Full On (Europe) Limited provide adventure and
quality for our Student and Citizen Ambassador Programs. These agreements
prescribe the nature, scope and pricing of the travel services provided to
our
delegates. An alliance with SafeTravel, Inc., exhibits our adherence to safety
on all our programs.
We
have
also entered into alliances with the American College of Medical Quality, the
American Bar Association and the University of Pittsburgh to provide continuing
education credits on our Citizen Ambassador Programs.
Service
Marks
We
have
registered or applied for a variety of service and trademarks, including, but
not limited to, the names “People to People Ambassador Programs,” “Ambassador
Programs,” “Initiative for Understanding,” “People to People Student Ambassador
Programs,” “People to People Sports Ambassador Programs,” and “World Leadership
Forum.” In addition, we have the right, subject to certain exceptions, to use
People to People’s name, service mark and logo for use in our marketing. We
believe that the strength of our service and trademarks is valuable to our
business and intend to continue to protect and promote our marks as appropriate.
We believe that our business is not overly dependent upon any one trademark
or
service mark.
Insurance
We
maintain insurance coverage that we believe is adequate for our business,
including, but not limited to, professional and general liability insurance.
We
also maintain insurance coverage on our leased real property and personal
property on a replacement cost basis. There is no assurance that the insurance
maintained by us will be adequate in the event of a claim, or that such
insurance will continue to be available in the future.
Employees
On
December 31, 2007, we employed 276 employees, of which 272 were full-time
employees. Of our full-time employees, 267 are located in Spokane, Washington
and five are located in Washington, D.C. We have 203 full-time employees engaged
in selling and marketing and 69 full-time employees in general and
administrative positions. We also employ a temporary workforce on a seasonal
basis to assist with our direct marketing efforts in recognition of the fact
that our travel programs are seasonal in nature. None of our employees are
subject to collective bargaining agreements or are represented by a union.
We
believe that our labor relations are good.
Competition
The
travel industry and the educational segment within the travel industry are
highly competitive. Our Student Ambassador Programs, Sport Ambassador Programs,
and Student Leader Programs compete with similar educational travel programs
operated by other individuals and organizations, as well as independent programs
organized and sponsored by local teachers with the assistance of local travel
agents. Our Sports Ambassador Programs also compete with independent
organizations, which coordinate and travel already intact teams for
international competition. Citizen Ambassador Programs compete with independent
professional associations that sponsor and organize their own travel programs
through the assistance of local travel agents, and other organizations that
design travel programs and continuing professional education for
adults.
We
believe that the principal basis of competition in the educational segment
of
the market is the quality and uniqueness of the educational program offered,
customer service, safety, reputation and program cost. We believe that our
41 years of experience organizing student and professional educational
programs and established relationships with public officials, organizations
and
residents in countries where we provide programs, as well as our agreements
with
People to People, allow us to provide an educational opportunity that is not
easily duplicated by competitors’ programs.
We
believe the barriers to entry are relatively low for any future competitors.
Certain organizations engaged in the travel business could have substantially
greater financial, marketing and sales resources than
we
do.
There can be no assurance that our present or future competitors will not exert
significant competitive pressures on us in the future.
Available
Information
We
are
subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act that require
us to
file reports, proxy and information statements, and other information with
the
SEC. The public may read and copy our filings at the SEC’s Public Reference
Room, 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains an Internet
site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at
www.sec.gov. Similarly, we maintain a website at www.AmbassadorsGroup.com,
where we make available our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports
as
soon as reasonably practical after, or on the same day as, such material is
electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. We make these available
free
of charge.
BUSINESS
STRATEGY
We
believe that high-quality programs and exceptional customer service are and
will
remain key elements of our success. Our strategy is to maintain quality
standards while increasing the volume of business. To grow the business, we
intend to (i) expand the marketing and travel volume of existing student,
sport, student leader and professional educational travel programs,
(ii) introduce new student, sport, student leader and professional travel
programs independently and through strategic alliances, and (iii) pursue
acquisition opportunities.
Expand
the Marketing and Travel Volume
U.S.
Census data projects that there will be more than 41.1 million people in
the 10- to 19-year-old age range by 2010. We believe that a large number of
qualified students in this age group are not aware of our youth travel programs.
In light of these factors, we intend to improve our marketing techniques by
targeting additional age groups, making greater use of referrals from teachers,
parents and past student travelers, and expanding and refining our extensive
databases of potential delegates.
According
to U.S. Census data, the number of Americans 45 to 74 years old is expected
to grow substantially, increasing to more than 102.3 million people in
2010, from 80.8 million people in 2000. This trend is expected to benefit
us, since this population segment historically has been the most likely to
participate in one of our professional travel programs. In addition, we believe
that American adults interested in traveling abroad will increasingly seek
convenient and unique experiences. Consequently, we believe that the opportunity
exists to expand the professional educational travel programs by continuing
to
improve the quality and number of specialty professional programs, including
professional education credit opportunities and by exploring new country
destinations. We continue to look for alliances with partners that have strong
brand recognition and access to well-defined customer segments.
Introduce
New Programs
We
continually seek to develop and introduce additional innovative and educational
travel experiences. We intend to continue to maintain our contacts with foreign
governmental agencies and officials and intend to continue to utilize these
and
other foreign contacts to organize opportunities for our program delegates
that
other travel programs do not currently offer. In addition, we may develop new
youth travel programs organized around common extracurricular activities such
as
science, nature and music.
Pursue
Acquisition Opportunities
We
consider the travel and youth education industries encompassed by our business
to be large and fragmented, which present attractive acquisition opportunities.
We believe that these industries’ large size and fragmentation provides an
opportunity for acquisitions of businesses that are either compatible with
our
current business or represent a developing specialty segment.
Item 1A.
Risk
Factors
The
following risk factors could materially and adversely affect our future
operating results and could cause actual results to differ materially from
those
predicated in forward-looking statements we make about our
business.
Travel
Industry
Our
results of operations will depend
upon factors affecting the travel industry in general. Our
enrollments and resulting
revenues
and earnings are especially
sensitive to events that affect domestic and international air travel and the
level of hotel reservations. A number of factors, including those mentioned
above, a rise in fuel prices or other travel costs, excessive inflation,
currency fluctuations
and
the weakening dollar value within the global market
, foreign taxation changes,
extreme
weather conditions and concerns about passenger safety could result in a
temporary or longer-term overall decline in demand for our programs. Also,
demand for our products and services may be significantly affected by the
general level of economic activity and employment in the
United States
and
key international markets.
Therefore, any significant economic downturn or recession in the
United States
or
these other markets could have a
material adverse
e
ffect
on our business, financial
condition, cash flows and results of operations.
International
Operations and Natural
Occurrences
Our
operations are subject to special
risks inherent in doing business internationally, as substantially all of our
travel programs are conducted outside the
United States
.
In the past,
gross program receipts
from
programs to Europe, the South
Pacific (Australia and New Zealand)
and China have accounted
for
a majority of our
receipts
.
Risks inherent in doing business
internationally include potential adverse effects from operations from war,
U.S.
military
deployments, international and
domestic terrorism, civil disturbances, political instability, governmental
activities and deprivation of contract rights.
The
continued U.S. military presence as a result from the war in Iraq has affected
and will continue to affect the travel industry, the markets in which we
operate, and our operations and profitability. The potential and long-term
effects are uncertain for our customers, the market for our Common Stock, the
markets for our services, the strength of the U.S. dollar and the U.S. economy.
In the past, we have experienced increased cancellations for our travel
programs. We have also experienced a weakened U.S.
dollar,
the negative effect of which will cost us more to travel delegates
abroad.
Periods
of international and domestic unrest have reduced demand for our travel programs
and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of
operations. Examples of such past events include but are not limited to the
attacks on September 11, 2001, the Gulf War in 1991, civil unrest in China
in
1989
and
the
Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
Demand
for our travel programs also may be adversely affected by natural occurrences
such as hurricanes, earthquakes, epidemics or other disease outbreaks, and
flooding in geographic regions in which we conduct travel programs. The
occurrence of any of the events described above or other unforeseen developments
in one or more of these regions would have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of
operations.
Terrorism
Terrorist
attacks, such as the attacks that occurred in London on July 7 and 21, 2005,
and
in the United States on September 11, 2001, the continued U.S. military
response, and other acts of violence or war have and will affect the travel
industry generally, the markets in which we operate, as well as our operations
and profitability. Further terrorist attacks against the United States or U.S.
businesses and citizens at home and abroad may occur. The September 11 attacks
had a very negative impact on domestic and international air travel and the
travel industry in general. As a result, we experienced a significant decrease
in profitability in 2002. The potential long-term effects of these attacks
are
uncertain for our customers, the market
for
our
Common
Stock, the markets for our services and the U.S. economy. The consequences
of
any terrorist attacks, or any armed conflicts including war which may result,
are unpredictable, and we may not be able
to
foresee events that could have an adverse affect on our business or
operations.
Seasonality;
Fluctuations in Quarterly Results
Our
business is highly seasonal. The majority of our travel programs are scheduled
in June and July of each year, and we anticipate that this trend will continue
for the foreseeable future. We recognize gross program receipts, revenues and
program pass-through expenses upon the departure of our program delegates for
the majority of our programs. Substantially all of our operating income is
generated in the second and third quarters, which historically has offset the
operating losses incurred during the rest of the year. Annual results would
be
adversely affected if our revenues were to be substantially below seasonal
norms
during the second and third quarters of the year. Furthermore, our operating
results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including the mix of student,
sports, student leader and professional programs and program destinations
offered by us and our competitors, the introduction and acceptance of new
programs and program enhancements by us and our competitors, timing of program
completions, cancellation rates, competitive conditions in the industry,
marketing expenses, extreme weather conditions, international or domestic
conflicts, timing of and costs related to acquisitions, changes in relationships
with certain travel providers, economic factors and other considerations
affecting travel. As a result of the foregoing, annual or quarterly operating
results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors.
In such event, the price of our Common Stock could be materially and adversely
affected.
Competition
The
travel industry in general and the educational segment of the travel industry
is
highly competitive and has relatively low barriers to entry. We compete with
other companies that provide similar educational travel programs for students
and athletes, as well as independent programs organized and sponsored by local
teachers and coaches with the assistance of local travel agents. People to
People, under the terms of its agreement with us, reserves the right to offer
programs to college students for studies abroad and to grant other entities
which we compete with, the right to use the People to People name in connection
with People to People’s professional education and sports programs. In general,
our Citizen Ambassador Programs compete with independent professional
organizations that sponsor and organize their own travel programs through the
assistance of local travel agents, and other organizations that offer travel
programs and continuing education credits for adults. Some of our competitors
are larger and have greater brand-name recognition and financial resources
than
we do. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully,
and the failure to compete successfully may have a material adverse affect
on
our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of
operations.
Dependence
on “People to People”
Our
agreements with People to People give us the exclusive right to develop and
conduct programs for kindergarten through high school students using the People
to People name, and the non-exclusive right to develop and conduct programs
for
professionals, college students and athletes using the People to People name.
Our agreements with People to People, however, allow People to People to
continue to conduct college and professional seminars and internship programs
and to develop other sports and professional programs. Our agreements with
People to People expire in 2010 and, at our election, may be further extended
through 2020. We believe that we derive benefit from our ability to market
our
programs using the People to People name. If our agreements with People to
People were terminated or if we were unable to use the People to People name
to
market new programs or destinations, we could have a material adverse affect
on
our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Similarly, if our relationship with People to People is disrupted or is
adversely impacted because People to People experiences interruption, delay
or
ceases operations in the future for any reason, our business could be harmed
and
our stock price may decline.
Dependence
on Travel Suppliers
We
are
dependent upon travel suppliers for access to their products and services.
Travel suppliers include airlines, hotels, bus lines, overseas coordinators
and
other participants in the travel industry. Consistent with industry practices,
we currently have no long-term agreements with travel suppliers that obligate
such suppliers to sell services or products through us on an ongoing basis.
Therefore, the travel suppliers generally can cancel or modify their agreements
with us upon relatively short notice. In addition, any decline in the quality
of
travel products and services provided by these suppliers, or a perception by
our
delegates of such a decline, could adversely affect our reputation. The loss
of
contracts, changes in our pricing agreements, commission schedules or incentive
override commission arrangements, more restricted access to travel suppliers’
products and services or less favorable public opinion of certain travel
suppliers and resulting low demand for the products and services of such travel
suppliers could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial
condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Dependence
on Key Personnel
Our
performance is substantially dependent on the continued services and
performances of our senior management and certain other key personnel. The
loss
of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees could
have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations. Our future success also depends on our ability to identify,
attract, hire, train, retain and motivate other highly skilled managerial,
marketing and customer service personnel. The failure to retain and attract
necessary managerial, marketing and customer service personnel could have a
material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and
results of operations.
Marketing
Our
performance is substantially dependent on the effectiveness of our direct
marketing efforts, including but not limited to, names sources used to identify
potential participants for our programs, direct mail and local informational
meetings. Failure or underperformance of our marketing efforts or changes in
the
direct-mail environment could have a material adverse affect on our business,
financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. Such changes in
the
direct-mail environment could include, but not be limited to, a threat of
disease or bioterrorism within the mail environment and new or different
regulatory schemes or changes in costs or services by the United States Postal
Service.
Government
Regulation and Taxation
Many
travel suppliers, particularly airlines, are subject to extensive regulation
by
federal, state and foreign governments. In addition, the travel industry is
subject to certain seller of travel laws of certain states and special taxes
by
federal, state, local and foreign governments, including hotel bed taxes, car
rental taxes, airline excise taxes and airport taxes and fees. New or different
regulatory schemes or changes in tax policy could have an adverse impact on
the
travel industry in general and could have a material adverse affect on our
business, financial condition, cash flows and results of
operations.
Fluctuation
of Currency Exchange Rate; Increased Costs
Many
of
our arrangements with our foreign-based suppliers require payment to be made
in
foreign currencies. Any decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation
to
foreign currencies has the effect of increasing the cost of the services to
be
provided. Since late 1993, we generally have purchased forward contracts and
options with less than two years’ maturity to help manage program costs and
hedge against foreign currency valuation increases. While the ability to utilize
forward contracts for the delivery of foreign currencies can mitigate the effect
of increased program costs and foreign currency exchange fluctuations, there
can
be no assurance that increased program costs relating to such currency
fluctuations will not be substantial in future periods. There can also be no
assurance our hedging strategy will mitigate longer-term foreign exchange
valuation trends. Our contract with delegates in our travel programs provides
us
the option of passing along to delegates any increase in program costs resulting
from currency fluctuations. Although we have exercised this option in the past,
there can be no assurance that we will be
able
to
increase
program prices to offset any such cost increases in the future and any failure
to do so could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial
condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Casualty
Losses
Due
to
the nature of our business, we may be subject to liability claims arising out
of
accidents or disasters causing injury to delegates on our programs, including
claims for serious personal injury or death. We believe that we have adequate
liability insurance for risks arising in the normal course of business. Although
we have experienced no claims for which we did not have adequate insurance
coverage, there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will be sufficient
to cover one or more large claims or that the applicable insurer will be solvent
at the time of any covered loss. Further, there can be no assurance that we
will
be able to obtain insurance coverage at acceptable levels and cost in the
future. Successful assertion against us of one or a series of large uninsured
claims, or of one or a series of claims exceeding any insurance coverage could
have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, cash flows
and results of operations.
Growth,
Acquisitions and Alliances
Our
performance is dependent on our ability to grow our business and expand the
marketing and travel volume of our youth, sports, student leader and
professional travel programs. In addition, our ability to grow is dependent
on
our ability to acquire or enter into strategic alliances. Failure of growth
strategies could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial
condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Concentration
of Credit Risk
Cash,
cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities are exposed to concentrations
of credit risk. We place our cash and temporary cash investments with high
credit quality institutions. At times, such balances may be in excess of the
federal depository insurance limit or may be on deposit at institutions which
are not covered by this insurance. If such institutions were to become insolvent
during which time it held our cash, cash equivalents or available-for-sale
securities in excess of the insurance limit, it could be necessary to obtain
credit financing to operate our travel programs.
Our
short
term investments primarily consist of municipal bonds, variable rate municipal
demand notes and various auction rate securities. The credit markets are
currently experiencing
significant
uncertainty,
and some of this uncertainty has impacted and may continue to impact the
markets
where our auction rate securities would be offered. Our investments are in
high-quality, tax-exempt municipal obligations. Some of these investments
are
wrapped with insurance by various monoline bond insurers, and the underlying
rating of all the municipalities represented in the portfolio at the year
ended
December 31, 2007 is investment grade. We do not currently have any direct
exposure to collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”) or other similar structured
securities. The emerging credit market conditions may have an impact to the
liquidity of our auction rate securities, and may result in reclassification
from short-term to long-term investments if future liquidity conditions
mandate.
Risks
Relating to the Securities Markets and Ownership of our Common
Stock
Fluctuations
in Stock Price
The
market price of our Common Stock could be subject to significant fluctuations.
Among the factors that
could
affect our stock price are:
|
•
Quarterly variations in operating results;
|
|
•
Changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of research
reports by analysts;
|
|
•
Speculation in the press or investment community;
|
|
•
Strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions
or
restructurings;
|
|
•
Actions by institutional shareholders;
|
|
•
General market conditions;
|
|
•
Change in key employees;
|
|
•
Domestic or international social and economic factors unrelated to
our
performance;
|
|
•
Terrorist activities, and
|
|
•
Limited shares of Common Stock available for trading
|
The
stock
markets have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to
the
operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations
may adversely affect the trading price of our Common Stock. In particular,
we
cannot make assurances that our stock will sell at any particular price, or
at
all.
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff
Comments
None.
Item 2.
Properties
We
constructed and own an office
building, approximating 132,000 square feet, in which our headquarters are
located in Spokane, Washington. During 2007, we vacated an office building
and
termi
nated the leases
thereto
,
also
in Spokane, Washington. See Note 5
in the Consolidated Financial Statements,
Property Plant and
Equipment.
We
also
occupy office space totaling approximately 2,400 square feet in Arlington,
Virginia, pursuant to a lease which expires April 30, 2011.
Item 3.
Legal
Proceedings
On
January 28, 2008, Allen Hill and
Sheryl Hill, etc., et al. brought an action against us in the Fourth
Judicial District of the District Court for the County of Hennepin, State of
Minnesota seeking damages for alleged wrongful death of a minor, breach of
contract, invasion of privacy, violation of certain enumerated Minnesota
statutes, fraud, consumer fraud and false statement in advertisement in
connection with the death of a minor resulting from complications from
diabetes
,
while
participating in one
of
our
student
programs
during
the summer of 2007. We have
tendered our defense and indemnity under applicable insurance
coverage
,
and
defense counsel in Minneapolis,
Minnesota has been assigned to represent us.
We
are
not a party to any other material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary
routine litigation incidental to our business, the outcome of which we believe
will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
cash flows or results of operations.
Item 4.
Submission of Matters
to a Vote of Security Holders
No
matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter
of fiscal year 2007.
PART
II
Item 5.
Market
for the
Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
|
Market
Information
Our
Common Stock has been traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “EPAX”
since March 1, 2002.
As
of
February 22, 2008, the last reported sale
price of our Common Stock was $18.97 The
following table sets forth the high and low sale prices of a share of our Common
Stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on a quarterly basis for our fiscal
years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
|
High
|
|
Low
|
Quarter
ended March 31, 2007
|
$
|
33.55
|
|
$
|
27.98
|
Quarter
ended June 30, 2007
|
$
|
35.53
|
|
$
|
32.51
|
Quarter
ended September 30, 2007
|
$
|
39.65
|
|
$
|
34.02
|
Quarter
ended December 31, 2007
|
$
|
40.99
|
|
$
|
17.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter
ended March 31, 2006
|
$
|
27.11
|
|
$
|
23.25
|
Quarter
ended June 30, 2006
|
$
|
30.36
|
|
$
|
24.99
|
Quarter
ended September 30, 2006
|
$
|
29.46
|
|
$
|
24.83
|
Quarter
ended December 31, 2006
|
$
|
30.87
|
|
$
|
25.71
|
Performance
Graph
The
following graph compares our cumulative total shareholder return with the NASDAQ
Stock Market Index and the Russell 2000 Index. The graph assumes that $100
was
invested on December 31, 2002 in our Common Stock and in each of the indexes
mentioned above and that all dividends were reinvested.
The
performance graph is being furnished by us and shall not be deemed “filed” for
purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the
liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in any filing under the Act, or the Exchange Act.
Holders
of Record
As
of
February 22, 2008, there were approximately 63 holders of record of our
Common Stock. This number does not include beneficial owners holding shares
through nominee or street name.
Dividends
In
November 2003, the Board of Directors initiated a dividend policy, payable
on a quarterly basis. Each quarter, our Board of Directors reviews the dividend
payment, assessing the amount, timing and
alignment
with its strategic direction.
On
August
12, 2005, our Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of our
Common Stock in the form of a 100-percent common stock dividend, payable on
September 15, 2005, to shareholders of record on August 31,
2005.
During
2006 and 2007, and through February 2008, our Board of Directors declared the
following dividend payments:
Declaration
Date
|
Record
Date
|
Payment
Date
|
|
Dividend Per
Share
|
February
17, 2006
|
March
3, 2006
|
March
17, 2006
|
|
$
|
0.085
|
May
4, 2006
|
May
22, 2006
|
June
6, 2006
|
|
$
|
0.085
|
August
11, 2006
|
August
25, 2006
|
September
8, 2006
|
|
$
|
0.085
|
November
9, 2006
|
November
24, 2006
|
December
8, 2006
|
|
$
|
0.115
|
February
15, 2007
|
March
1, 2007
|
March
15, 2007
|
|
$
|
0.115
|
May
2, 2007
|
May
17, 2007
|
June
1, 2007
|
|
$
|
0.115
|
August
10, 2007
|
August
24, 2007
|
September
7, 2007
|
|
$
|
0.115
|
November
8, 2007
|
November
22, 2007
|
December
6, 2007
|
|
$
|
0.115
|
February
12, 2008
|
February
27, 2008
|
March,
12, 2008
|
|
$
|
0.115
|
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
BNY
Mellon Shareowner Services serves as transfer agent and registrar of our Common
Stock.
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
The
following tables provide information as of December 31, 2007 about our Common
Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights
under
all of our existing equity compensation plans.
|
|
(a)
|
|
(b)
|
|
(c)
|
Plan
category
|
|
Number
of securities to
be
issued upon exercise
of
outstanding options,
warrants
and rights
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and rights
|
|
Number
of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity
compensation plans (excluding securities
reflected
in column (a))
|
Equity
compensation
plans
approved
by
security holders
|
|
1,700,022
|
|
$
10.97
|
|
541,153
|
Equity
compensation
plans
not approved
by
security holders
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Total
|
|
1,700,022
|
|
$ 10.97
|
|
541,153
|
Issuer
Purchases of Equity
Securities
Between
May 2004 and December 2006,
our Board of Directors
authorized the repurchase of up to $
2
5
.0
million
of our Common
Stock in the open market
or through
private transactions. On November 8, 2007, our Board of Directors increased
the
authorized Common Stock repurchase plan amounts to $45.0 million. During the
quarter ended December 31, 2007, we repurchased 302,899 shares of our Common
Stock for $5.5 million. Since inception
through December 31,
2007
, we have repurchased
approximately
1,186,900 shares of our Common Stock, adjusted to reflect the effect of our
two-for-one stock split of our Common Stock,
for an approximate total
of $25.1
million. As of December 31, 2007, approximately $19.9 million remained available
for repurchase under the plan.
Subsequent to December
31, 2007,
through February 7, 2008, we repurchased approximately 0.2 million shares of
our
Common Stock for approximately $3.8 million.
Independent
of this share
repurchase plan, during
the first
quarter 2007, our
board of directors approved a single repurchase of 1.2
million shares of common stock
for
approximately $33.0 million.
The
following is a summary of issuer purchases of equity securities during the
quarter ended December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Number of
|
|
|
|
Maximum
Number
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
(or
Approximate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchased
as
|
|
|
|
Dollar
Value) of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Part
of Publicly
|
|
|
|
Shares
that May
|
|
|
|
Total
Number
|
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
|
Announced
|
|
|
|
Yet
Be Purchased
|
|
|
|
of
Shares
|
|
|
|
Paid
per
|
|
|
|
Plans
or
|
|
|
|
Under
the Plans or
|
Period
|
|
|
Purchased
|
|
|
|
Share
|
|
|
|
Programs
|
|
|
|
Programs
|
Available
for repurchase at September 30, 2007
|
$
|
5,443,060
|
October 1
– October 31, 2007
|
|
|
107,800
|
|
|
$
|
18.66
|
|
|
|
107,800
|
|
|
|
3,431,535
|
November 1
– November 30, 2007
|
|
|
183,199
|
|
|
|
18.01
|
|
|
|
183,199
|
|
|
|
20,132,691
|
December 1
– December 31, 2007
|
|
|
11,900
|
|
|
|
18.17
|
|
|
|
11,900
|
|
|
|
19,916,484
|
|
|
|
302,899
|
|
|
$
|
18.28
|
|
|
|
302,899
|
|
|
$
|
19,916,484
|
Recent
Sales of Unregistered
Securities
During
the fiscal
year
ended
December 31, 2007,
we sold
no
equity securities that were not
registered under the Act.
Item 6.
Selected Financial
Data
This
section presents our historical financial data, which should be read
carefully with the financial statements included in this Form 10-K,
including the notes to the consolidated financial statements and Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The
statement of operations data for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2007, and the balance sheet data as of December 31,
2007 and 2006 have been derived from audited financial statements included
elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The statement of operations data for the years
ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the balance sheet data as of
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 have been derived from the audited
financial statements, which are not included in this Form 10-K. Historical
results are not necessarily indicative of future results.
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007(C)
|
|
|
|
2006(C)
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands, except per share data)
|
|
Statement
of Operations data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
revenue, non-directly delivered programs (A)
|
|
$
|
84,512
|
|
|
$
|
69,554
|
|
|
$
|
64,321
|
|
|
$
|
51,824
|
|
|
$
|
37,665
|
|
Gross
revenue, directly delivered programs
|
|
$
|
30,021
|
|
|
$
|
19,401
|
|
|
$
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
revenue
|
|
$
|
114,533
|
|
|
$
|
88,955
|
|
|
$
|
69,290
|
|
|
$
|
51,824
|
|
|
$
|
37,665
|
|
Cost
of sales, directly delivered programs
|
|
$
|
18,488
|
|
|
$
|
11,473
|
|
|
$
|
2,841
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Gross
margin
|
|
$
|
96,045
|
|
|
$
|
77,482
|
|
|
$
|
66,449
|
|
|
$
|
51,824
|
|
|
$
|
37,665
|
|
Selling
and marketing expenses
|
|
$
|
38,943
|
|
|
$
|
31,638
|
|
|
$
|
27,574
|
|
|
$
|
22,616
|
|
|
$
|
18,534
|
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
15,274
|
|
|
$
|
11,721
|
|
|
$
|
8,185
|
|
|
$
|
6,537
|
|
|
$
|
4,566
|
|
Operating
income
|
|
$
|
41,828
|
|
|
$
|
34,123
|
|
|
$
|
30,690
|
|
|
$
|
22,671
|
|
|
$
|
14,565
|
|
Operating
margin
|
|
|
44
|
%
|
|
|
44
|
%
|
|
|
46
|
%
|
|
|
44
|
%
|
|
|
39
|
%
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
31,047
|
|
|
$
|
26,692
|
|
|
$
|
22,410
|
|
|
$
|
15,647
|
|
|
$
|
10,154
|
|
Earnings
per share – basic (B)
|
|
$
|
1.60
|
|
|
$
|
1.30
|
|
|
$
|
1.10
|
|
|
$
|
0.78
|
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
Earnings
per share – diluted (B)
|
|
$
|
1.55
|
|
|
$
|
1.25
|
|
|
$
|
1.05
|
|
|
$
|
0.75
|
|
|
$
|
0.50
|
|
|
|
Balance
sheet data:
|
|
Cash,
cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities
|
|
$
|
84,994
|
|
|
|
133,134
|
|
|
$
|
116,604
|
|
|
$
|
87,557
|
|
|
$
|
67,525
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
121,704
|
|
|
$
|
153,953
|
|
|
$
|
125,046
|
|
|
$
|
97,516
|
|
|
$
|
79,321
|
|
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
|
$
|
72,400
|
|
|
$
|
84,047
|
|
|
$
|
66,502
|
|
|
$
|
49,501
|
|
|
$
|
40,809
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
key financial measures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flow from operating activities
|
|
$
|
16,436
|
|
|
$
|
37,207
|
|
|
$
|
37,792
|
|
|
$
|
27,906
|
|
|
$
|
17,255
|
|
Cash
flow provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
$
|
9,677
|
|
|
$
|
(12,923
|
)
|
|
$
|
(15,592
|
)
|
|
$
|
(22,830
|
)
|
|
$
|
(10,749
|
)
|
Cash
dividends declared and paid
|
|
$
|
(8,940
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,655
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5,729
|
)
|
|
$
|
(4,630
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,100
|
)
|
Cash
dividends declared and paid, per common share
|
|
$
|
0.46
|
|
|
$
|
0.37
|
|
|
$
|
0.28
|
|
|
$
|
0.23
|
|
|
$
|
0.06
|
|
Cash
flow (used in) from financing activities
|
|
$
|
(45,616
|
)
|
|
$
|
(14,416
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6,320
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5,825
|
)
|
|
$
|
34
|
|
Deployable
cash (D1)
|
|
$
|
40,421
|
|
|
$
|
67,947
|
|
|
$
|
61,939
|
|
|
$
|
43,180
|
|
|
$
|
32,903
|
|
Free
cash flow (D2)
|
|
$
|
(2,835
|
)
|
|
$
|
30,752
|
|
|
$
|
35,532
|
|
|
$
|
25,999
|
|
|
$
|
16,198
|
|
Return
on adjusted equity (D3)
|
|
|
41
|
%
|
|
|
36
|
%
|
|
|
39
|
%
|
|
|
37
|
%
|
|
|
32
|
%
|
(A)
|
Net
revenues are a function of gross program receipts from non-directly
delivered programs, less program pass-through expenses from non-directly
delivered programs. Program pass-through expenses include all direct
costs
associated with our programs, including, but not limited to, costs
related
to airfare, hotels, meals, ground transportation, guides, professional
exchanges and changes in currency exchange rates. Gross revenues,
directly
delivered programs are a function of the gross program receipts for
those
programs we directly organize and operate,
including all
activities such as speakers, facilitators, events, accommodations
and transportation. Gross program receipts for both directly delivered
and
non-directly delivered programs during the years ended December 31,
2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were $277.3 million, $219.5 million,
$180.0 million, $147.1 million, and $108.6 million, respectively.
Gross margin as a percent of gross program receipts during the years
ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003 were 35%, 35%, 37%,
35%, and
35%, respectively.
|
(B)
|
During
September 2005, we implemented a two-for-one stock split in the form
of a
100-percent stock dividend. The earnings per share calculations for
all
periods presented reflect the increase in the number of shares of
Common
Stock outstanding as a result of the stock split.
|
(C)
|
We
adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R),
Share-Based
Payment
,
as o
f
January
1, 2006.
During
2007 and 2006, stock option expense was $0.9 million and $1.3 million,
and
$2.7 million and $2.4 million excess tax benefit from stock-based
compensation is included in net
cash
provided by operating activities and net cash used in financing
activities
|
|
|
(D)
|
Non-GAAP
Financial
Measures
|
See
below
for reconciliation and description of non-GAAP financial measures.
We
analyze our performance on a net income, cash flow and liquidity basis in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as well as on
a non-GAAP operating, cash flow and liquidity basis referred to below as
“non-GAAP operating results” or “non-GAAP cash flows and liquidity measures.”
These measures and related discussions are presented as supplementary
information in this analysis to enhance the readers’ understanding of, and
highlight trends in, our core financial results. Any non-GAAP financial measure
used by us should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures
of performance or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP.
(D1)
Deployable Cash Reconciliation (in thousands)
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
2003
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents and
available-for-sale securities
|
$
|
84,994
|
$
|
133,134
|
$
|
116,604
|
$
|
87,557
|
$
|
67,525
|
|
Prepaid
program costs and
expenses
|
|
3,624
|
|
3,786
|
|
1,596
|
|
2,461
|
|
1,608
|
|
Less:
accounts
payable
|
|
(2,425)
|
|
(2,941)
|
|
(2,540)
|
|
(1,390)
|
|
(2,599)
|
|
Less:
accrued expenses and other
short-term liabilities (excluding deferred taxes)
|
|
(2,862)
|
|
(5,190)
|
|
(6,078)
|
|
(6,693)
|
|
(5,260)
|
|
Less:
participant
deposits
|
|
(42,723)
|
|
(60,651)
|
|
(47,463)
|
|
(38,608)
|
|
(28,220)
|
|
Less:
current portion of long-term
capital lease
|
|
(187)
|
|
(191)
|
|
(180)
|
|
(147)
|
|
(151)
|
|
Total
deployable
cash
|
$
|
40,421
|
$
|
67,947
|
$
|
61,939
|
$
|
43,180
|
$
|
32,903
|
|
Deployable
cash is a non-GAAP liquidity measure. Deployable cash is calculated as the
sum
of cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities and prepaid program
costs and expenses less the sum
of
accounts payable, accrued expenses and other short-term liabilities (excluding
deferred taxes), participant deposits and the current portion of long-term
capital lease. Management believes this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors
in understanding the cash available to deploy for future business
opportunities.
(D2)
Free Cash Flow Reconciliation (in thousands)
|
December
31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
2003
|
|
Cash
flow from operations as reported
|
$
|
16,436
|
|
$
|
37,207
|
|
$
|
37,792
|
|
$
|
27,906
|
|
$
|
17,255
|
|
Purchase
of property and equipment
|
|
(19,271
|
)
|
(6,455
|
)
|
(2,260
|
)
|
(1,907
|
)
|
(1,057
|
)
|
Free
cash flow
|
$
|
(2,835
|
)
|
$
|
30,752
|
|
$
|
35,532
|
|
$
|
25,999
|
|
$
|
16,198
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free
cash
flow is a non-GAAP cash flow measure. Free cash flow is calculated as cash
flow
from operations less purchase of property and equipment. Management believes
this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors in understanding the cash generated
within a calendar year for future use in operations.
(D3)
Return on Adjusted Stockholders’ Equity Reconciliation (in thousands except
return percentages)
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2003
|
|
Stockholders’
equity at January 1, as reported
|
|
$
|
84,047
|
|
|
$
|
66,502
|
|
|
$
|
49,501
|
|
|
$
|
40,809
|
|
|
$
|
27,860
|
|
Less:
other comprehensive income (loss) at January 1
|
|
|
1,636
|
|
|
|
(1,396
|
)
|
|
|
1,645
|
|
|
|
3,451
|
|
|
|
1,155
|
|
Plus:
stockholders’ equity at December 31, as reported
|
|
|
72,400
|
|
|
|
84,047
|
|
|
|
66,502
|
|
|
|
49,501
|
|
|
|
40,809
|
|
Less:
other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31
|
|
|
2,417
|
|
|
|
1,636
|
|
|
|
(1,396
|
)
|
|
|
1,645
|
|
|
|
3,451
|
|
Average
adjusted stockholders’ equity (the sum of the above divided by
two)
|
|
$
|
76,197
|
|
|
$
|
75,155
|
|
|
$
|
57,877
|
|
|
$
|
42,607
|
|
|
$
|
32,032
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
31,047
|
|
|
$
|
26,692
|
|
|
$
|
22,410
|
|
|
$
|
15,647
|
|
|
$
|
10,154
|
|
Return
on adjusted equity
|
|
|
41
|
%
|
|
|
36
|
%
|
|
|
39
|
%
|
|
|
37
|
%
|
|
|
32
|
%
|
Return
on
adjusted equity is a non-GAAP operating result. Average adjusted equity is
calculated as the average of stockholders’ equity at January 1 less other
comprehensive income at January 1 and stockholders’ equity at
December 31 less other comprehensive income at December 31. Other
comprehensive income is excluded from the calculation as it represents the
fair
value of foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges. As
management fully intends to use the foreign exchange contracts for their stated
purpose, the amounts related to the market valuation of these cash flow hedges
do not reflect the equity generated from past performance, which has been
reinvested in our Company. We believe this non-GAAP measure is useful to
investors in understanding the performance of equity maintained in the business
from past earnings net of any dividends distributed to stockholders and share
repurchases.
Item 7.
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with the selected
consolidated financial data and our consolidated financial statements and the
notes thereto included in this Annual Report.
Executive
Overview
We
are a
leading educational travel company that organizes and promotes international
and
domestic programs for students, athletes and professionals. Youth programs
provide opportunities for grade school, middle school and high school students
to learn about the history, government, economy and culture of the foreign
and
domestic destinations they visit as well as for middle and high school athletes
to participate in international sports challenges. Our student leader programs
provide educational opportunities for middle school and high school students
to
learn leadership, government, college admissions and community involvement
skills at domestic destinations. Our professional programs emphasize meetings
and seminars between delegates and persons in similar professions
abroad.
We
were founded in 1967, were
reincorporated in Delaware in 1995, and operated as Ambassadors Education Group,
a wholly owned subsidiary of International
,
until
February 2002, at which time we
spun off to operate as an independent stand-alone company beginning in March,
2002. Since then, our Common Stock has traded on
T
he
NASDAQ
Stock
Market
under the ticker symbol
“EPAX.”
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ambassadors Group,
Inc., and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Ambassador Programs, Inc., Ambassadors
Specialty Group, Inc., and Ambassadors Unlimited, LLC. Ambassador Programs,
Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Marketing Production Systems, LLC, is also
included in our consolidated financial statements. All significant inter-company
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Our
operations are organized to provide sevices to student, professionals and
athletes through multiple itineraries within four educational and cultural
program types. These programs have been aggregated as a single operating and
reporting segment based on the similarity of their economic characteristics
as
well as services provided.
Our
Seasonality
Our
business is seasonal. The majority of our travel programs occur in June and
July of each year. We have historically earned more than 90 percent of our
annual revenues in the second and third quarters, which we anticipate will
continue for the foreseeable future. Historically, these seasonal revenues
have
more than offset operating losses incurred during the rest of the year. Our
annual results would be adversely affected if our revenues were to be
substantially below seasonal norms during these periods. Our operating results
may fluctuate as a result of many factors. See Item 1A,
“Risk Factors”
for
further explanation.
Our
Foreign Exposure
The
majority of our programs take place outside the United States and most foreign
suppliers require payment in local currency rather than in U.S. dollars.
Accordingly, we are exposed to foreign currency risks in certain countries
as
foreign currency exchange rates between those currencies and the U.S. dollar
fluctuate. We have a program to provide a hedge against certain of these foreign
currency risks. We use forward contracts and options that allow us to acquire
the foreign currency at a fixed price for a specified period of time. Some
of
our forward contracts and options include a variable component if a
pre-determined trigger occurs during the term of the contract.
These
foreign exchange contracts and options are entered into to support normal
anticipated recurring purchases and, accordingly, are not entered into for
speculative purposes. See Item 7, “
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market
Risk
.”
Program
Revenue
and Operating
Expenses
Revenue
from non-directly delivered
programs is presented as net revenue and recognized as the program convenes.
For
these programs, we do not actively deliver the operations of each program,
and
our remaining performance obligation for these programs after they convene
is
perfunctory.
For
certain programs, however,
we
organize
and
operate all activities including
speakers, facilitators, events, accommodations and transportation. As such,
we
recognize the gross revenue and cost of sales of these directly delivered
programs over the period the programs are being delivered.
Our
policy is to obtain payment for
substantially all travel services prior to entering into commitments for
incurring expenses relating to such travel. Program pass-through and direct
delivery expenses include all direct costs associated with our programs,
including, but not limited to, costs related to airfare, hotels, meals, ground
transportation, guides, presenters, facilitators, professional exchanges and
changes in currency exchange rates.
Operating
expenses, which are expensed
as incurred, are the costs related to the creation of programs, promotional
materials and marketing costs, salaries, rent, other general and administrative
expenses and all ordinary expenses.
Results
of Operations
The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the relative percentages
that certain income and expense items bear to consolidated gross
margin.
|
|
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
(%
of gross margin)
|
|
Gross
margin
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
Selling
and marketing
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
49
|
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
Operating
income
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
Other
income
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Income
before tax
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
Income
tax provision
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
Net
income
|
|
|
32
|
%
|
|
|
34
|
%
|
|
|
34
|
%
|
|
|
30
|
%
|
|
|
27
|
%
|
Comparison
of Year Ended December 31, 2007 to Year Ended December 31,
2006
During
2007, we traveled 52,661 delegates compared to approximately 43,075 delegates
in
2006. In 2007 and 2006, total revenue increased 29 percent to $114.5 million
from $89.0 million and gross margin increased 24 percent, to $96.0 million
from
$77.5 million, respectively. The $25.6 million total revenue and $18.6
million gross margin increases are primarily due to the 22 percent increase
in
delegates traveled during the year.
Our
policy is to expense all selling and marketing costs as incurred. Selling and
marketing expenses were $38.9 million and $31.6 million for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The $7.3 million increase is
primarily the result of $2.0 million additional personnel costs in selling
and
marketing support functions to support the larger volume of delegates, $3.6
million increased marketing efforts towards 2008 and 2009 travel programs,
and
$0.8 million increased depreciation year over year associated with our new
facility. As a percent of gross margin, selling and marketing expenses were
consistently 41 percent during 2007 and 2006.
General
and administrative expenses increased to $15.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007 from $11.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2006. The $3.6 million increase is primarily the result of $1.4 million of
additional personnel costs supporting our additional delegate base combined
with
$0.6 million associated with technology initiatives and operational strategy
support services and $0.3 million in expenses related to the termination of
our
prior leased facility. As a percent of gross margin, general and administrative
expenses increased slightly to 16 percent in 2007 from 15 percent in
2006.
During
the year ended December 31, 2007, we increased our operating income to
$41.8 million from $34.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006. Operating income as a percent of gross margin remained
consistently 44 percent for 2007 and 2006.
Other
income consisted primarily of interest income generated by our cash, cash
equivalents and available-for-sale securities. We realized interest and dividend
income of $4.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to
$4.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease in interest
and dividend income is related to lower cash balances held during 2007,
primarily the result of common stock repurchases approximating $41.2 million
during 2007 pursuant to our stock repurchase plan (see Part 2, Item 5) in
comparison to $10.7 million of common stock repurchases during 2006 and the
use
of cash to build a new office facility during 2007. In 2007 and 2006, the
average rate of return was
3.6 percent and 3.3
percent, respectively.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, income before income taxes was $46.0 million
in comparison to income before income taxes of $38.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006.
We
recorded an income tax provision of approximately $15.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 2007, in comparison to $12.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 2006. Our effective tax rate was 32.5 percent and 31.3
percent for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The
increase in the effective rate from 2006 was primarily the result of lower
interest earned from tax-exempt securities.
Net
income increased to $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from
$26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Comparison
of Year Ended December 31, 2006 to Year Ended December 31,
2005
During
2006, we traveled 43,075 delegates compared to approximately 37,800 delegates
in
2005. Gross margin increased 17 percent, to $77.5 million from
$66.4 million in 2005. The $11.0 million increase is primarily due to the
14 percent increase in delegates traveled during the year.
Our
policy is to expense all selling and marketing costs as incurred. Selling and
marketing expenses were $31.6 million and $27.6 million for the years ended
December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The $4.1 million increase is
primarily the result of $1.0 million in additional personnel costs and $1.8
million in selling support functions to support larger volume of delegates,
as
well as $1.3 million in increased marketing efforts towards 2007 travel
programs. As a percent of gross margin, selling and marketing expenses were
consistently 41 percent during 2006 and 2005.
General
and administrative expenses increased to $11.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006 from $8.2 million for the year ended December 31,
2005. The $3.5 million increase is primarily the result of $1.6 million of
additional personnel costs supporting our additional delegate base combined
with
$1.3 million of stock option compensation expense recorded during 2006 with
the
implementation of SFAS 123(R). As a percent of gross margin, general and
administrative expenses increased to 15 percent in 2006 from 12 percent in
2005.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2006, we increased our operating income to
$34.1 million from $30.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2005. Operating income as a percent of gross margin decreased
to 44 percent for 2006 from 46 percent in 2005.
Other
income consisted primarily of interest income generated by our cash, cash
equivalents and available-for-sale securities. We realized interest and dividend
income of $4.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to
$2.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in interest
and dividend income is related to higher cash balances held and increased
interest rates during 2006. In 2006 and 2005, the average rate of return
was
3.3 percent and
2.4 percent, respectively.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2006, income before income taxes was $38.9 million
in comparison to income before income taxes of $33.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2005.
We
recorded an income tax provision of approximately $12.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 2006, in comparison to $10.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 2005. Our effective tax rate was 31.3 percent and 32.8
percent for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The
decrease in the effective rate from 2005 was primarily the result of higher
interest earned from tax-exempt securities.
Net
income increased to $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006
from $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
At
December 31, 2007, we had approximately $85.0 million of cash, cash
equivalents, and available-for-sale securities, which included program
participant funds of approximately $42.7 million. At December 31,
2006, we had approximately $133.1 million of cash and cash equivalents,
restricted cash, and available-for-sale securities, which included program
participant funds of $60.7 million.
Net
cash
provided by operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was
approximately $16.4 million and $37.2 million, respectively. The $20.7
million decrease in operating cash flows between the years ending
December 31, 2007 and 2006 primarily results from a $4.4 million increase
in earnings offset by $31.1 million decreased participant fund balances year
over year.
Net
cash
provided by and used in investing activities for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $9.7 million and $12.9 million,
respectively. The $22.6 million increase year over year resulted primarily
from
a $35.4 million increase in net sales of available-for-sale investments and
a
$12.8 million increase in purchases of property, plant and equipment during
2007. The increase in property, plant and equipment was primarily due to the
construction of our new headquarters during 2007.
Net
cash
used in financing activities was $45.6 million in the year ending December
31,
2007 and $14.4 million during the year ending December 31, 2006. The net change
in financing activities was a result of two factors: a $1.3 million increase
in
cash used for cash dividends to our shareholders; a $30.5 million increase
in
cash used for the repurchase of our Common Stock. During 2007, we paid $8.9
million in cash dividends and used $41.2 million for stock
repurchases.
The
results of operations and financial position of our business may be affected
by
a number of trends or uncertainties that have, or we reasonably expect could
have, a material impact on income from continuing operations and cash flows,
as
well as the balance sheet. Such trends and uncertainties include: the
repercussions of the continued deployment of U.S. military as a result of the
war with Iraq, possible future terrorist acts, and possible natural occurrences
such as flooding or epidemics. Furthermore, these international occurrences
and
others may continue to affect the travel industry, as well as the markets in
which we operate. The potential and long-term effects of these circumstances
result in uncertainties for our customers, the market for our Common Stock,
the
markets for our services, the strength of the U.S. dollar and the U.S. economy.
The consequences of such trends or events are unpredictable, and we are not
currently able to determine whether the impact will be material or highly
material on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of
operations. One such trend indicator is enrollments at a point in time for
future travel.
Under
our
cancellation policy, a program delegate may be entitled to a refund of a portion
of his or her deposit, less certain fees, depending on the time of cancellation.
Should a greater number of delegates cancel their travel in comparison to that
which is part of our ongoing operations, due to circumstances such as
international or domestic unrest, terrorism or general economic downturn, our
cash balances could be significantly reduced. Cash balances could also be
reduced significantly if the financial institutions, which held balances beyond
that federally insured, were to become insolvent.
Our
business is not capital intensive.
However, we do retain funds for operating purposes in order to conduct sales
and
marketing efforts for future programs. We continue to consider acquisitions
of educational, travel and youth businesses that may require the use of cash
and
cash equivalents. No such acquisitions are currently pending and no assurance
can be given that definitive agreements for any such acquisitions will be
entered into, or, if they are entered into, that they will be on terms favorable
to us.
We
do not
anticipate any material capital expenditure commitments for 2008. We believe
that existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations will
be
sufficient to fund our anticipated operating needs and capital expenditures
through 2008.
Other
than capital leases, we have no long-term debt or purchase obligations as of
December 31, 2007. The following table presents the maturities of our
contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2007 (in thousands),
excluding normal accounts payable and accrued expenses:
|
|
Payments
due by period
|
|
Contractual
Obligations
|
|
Total
|
|
Less
than
1
year
|
|
1
– 3
years
|
|
4
– 5
years
|
|
Operating
leases
|
|
$
|
223
|
|
$
|
67
|
|
$
|
156
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Capital
lease
|
|
198
|
|
187
|
|
11
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
421
|
|
$
|
254
|
|
$
|
167
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
2008
Net Enrollments
Net
enrollments consist of all individuals traveled year to date plus those actively
enrolled for future travel. As of January 31, 2008, we had 45,230 net enrolled
participants for our 2008 travel programs, compared to 60,389 net enrolled
participants as of the same date last year for our 2007 travel programs. The
decrease in enrollments is believed to be caused by an underperforming name
source used to identify potential Student Ambassador delegates, inflationary
pressures on 2008 program costs, and the current economic uncertainty. We
believe the decrease in net enrollments for our 2008 programs will negatively
impact 2008 earnings. We have taken, and will continue to take, measures to
mitigate these negative impacts, such as but not limited to increased marketing
efforts toward 2008 travel, decreasing the initial deposit to enroll onto our
programs, and implementing an expense management plan. However, there can be
no
assurances that any of these measures will have any success, and if so, to
what
extent.
Market
Risk
The
following table summarizes the financial instruments other than derivative
financial instruments held by us at December 31, 2007 and 2006, which are
sensitive to changes in interest rates. This table presents principal cash
flows
for available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity date and the related
average interest rate and fair value (in thousands):
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
December 31,
2006
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
Total
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Total
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
State
and municipal securities
|
|
$
|
46,851
|
|
$
|
20,862
|
|
$
|
67,713
|
|
$
|
67,713
|
|
$
|
94,297
|
|
$
|
94,297
|
|
Corporate
obligations
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
2,053
|
|
$
|
2,053
|
|
Interest
rate
|
|
3.92
|
%
|
3.79
|
%
|
3.88
|
%
|
—
|
|
3.65
|
%
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our
short
term investments primarily consist of municipal bonds, variable rate municipal
demand notes and various auction rate securities. The credit markets are
currently experiencing significant uncertainty, and some of this uncertainty
has
impacted and may continue to impact the markets where our auction rate
securities would be offered. Our investments are in high-quality, tax-exempt
municipal obligations. Some of these investments are wrapped with insurance
by
various monoline bond insurers, and the underlying rating of all the
municipalities represented in the portfolio at the year ended December 31,
2007
is investment grade. We do not currently have any direct exposure to
collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”) or other similar structured securities.
We are unable to estimate the impact, if any, which emerging credit market
conditions may have on the liquidity of our auction rate securities. Any
reduction in liquidity of our auction rate securities will not have a material
impact on our overall liquidity needs. We believe the $8.6 million auction
rate
security balance at December 31, 2007 is not impaired, but we may have to
reclassify the investment from short-term to long-term investments if future
liquidity conditions mandate.
The
majority of our travel programs take place outside the United States and most
foreign suppliers require payment in currency other than the U.S. dollar.
Accordingly, we are exposed to foreign currency risk relative to changes in
foreign currency exchange rates between those currencies and the U.S. dollar.
We
generally
hedge against certain of these foreign currency risks with less than two years’
maturity, and we use forward contracts and options, which allow us to acquire
the foreign currency at a fixed price for a specified period of time. Some
of
our forward contracts and options include a variable component if a
pre-determined trigger occurs during the term of the contract.
We
are
exposed to credit risk under the foreign currency contracts and options to
the
extent that the counterparty is unable to perform under the agreement. The
fair
value of foreign currency exchange contracts is based on quoted market prices
and the spot rate of the foreign currencies subject to contracts at
year-end.
The
table
below provides information about our derivative financial instruments that
are
sensitive to foreign currency exchange rates. For foreign currency forward
exchange agreements, the table presents the
notional
amounts and weighted average exchange rates. All contracts held as of
December 31, 2007 mature in 2008. These notional amounts generally are used
to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contract.
None
of these contracts is entered into for trading purposes.
At
December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had outstanding forward contracts as follows
(in thousands):
|
|
|
U.S.
Dollar
|
|
Average
|
Notional
|
Contractual
|
Amount
|
Exchange
Rate
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
Forward
contracts (pay $U.S./receive foreign currency):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian
dollar
|
4,800
|
|
$
|
|
0.81
|
British
pound
|
1,095
|
|
$
|
|
1.99
|
Canadian
dollar
|
400
|
|
$
|
|
0.93
|
Euro
|
12,450
|
|
$
|
|
1.37
|
Japanese
yen
|
217,000
|
|
$
|
|
0.01
|
New
Zealand dollar
|
1,760
|
|
$
|
|
0.72
|
|
|
|
|
Forward
contracts with variable option (pay $U.S./receive foreign
currency):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian
dollar
|
11,520
|
|
$
|
|
0.83
|
British
pound
|
6,520
|
|
$
|
|
2.11
|
Canadian
dollar
|
375
|
|
$
|
|
0.96
|
Euro
|
26,630
|
|
$
|
|
1.37
|
Japanese
yen
|
66,000
|
|
$
|
|
0.01
|
New
Zealand dollar
|
3,075
|
|
$
|
|
0.73
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006
|
|
|
|
Forward
contracts (pay $U.S./receive foreign currency):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian
dollar
|
14,000
|
|
$
|
|
0.73
|
British
pound
|
3,510
|
|
$
|
|
1.75
|
Canadian
dollar
|
1,080
|
|
$
|
|
0.90
|
Euro
|
16,550
|
|
$
|
|
1.26
|
Japanese
yen
|
225,000
|
|
$
|
|
0.01
|
New
Zealand dollar
|
4,500
|
|
$
|
|
0.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forward
contracts with variable option (pay $U.S./receive foreign
currency):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian
dollar
|
15,640
|
|
$
|
|
0.72
|
British
pound
|
3,780
|
|
$
|
|
1.85
|
Canadian
dollar
|
440
|
|
$
|
|
0.91
|
Euro
|
8,950
|
|
$
|
|
1.29
|
Japanese
yen
|
170,500
|
|
$
|
|
0.01
|
At
December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had unrealized foreign currency gains
associated with these financial instruments of approximately $3.5 million and
$2.6 million, respectively.
Off
Balance Sheet Arrangements
As
of
December 31, 2007, we had no off balance sheet arrangements, as defined in
Item
303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates
and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue
and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
On an
on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those
associated with cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities, income
taxes, derivative financial
instruments, stock-based
compensation, and contingencies and litigation.
Cash
and Investments
Cash,
cash equivalents, and
available-for-sale securities
are initially recorded at cost, which
includes any premiums and discounts. We determine the appropriate classification
of investment securities at the time of purchase. Held-to-maturity securities
are those securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to
maturity and are recorded at amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities
are
those securities that would be available to be sold in the future in response
to
our liquidity needs. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value,
with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in shareholders’ equity as a
separate component of other comprehensive income, net of applicable deferred
income taxes.
Management
evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value
on a quarterly basis. If the fair value of investment securities falls below
their amortized cost and the decline is deemed to be other-than-temporary,
the
securities will be written down to current market value, resulting in a loss
recorded in the income statement. There were no investment securities that
management identified to be other-than-temporarily impaired during the year
ended December 31, 2007, because the decline in fair value was attributable
to
changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because we have the
ability and intent to hold these investments until a recovery in market price
occurs, or until maturity. Realized losses could occur in future periods due
to
a change in management’s intent to hold the investments to maturity, a change in
management’s assessment of credit risk, or a change in regulatory or accounting
requirements.
Income
Taxes
The
asset
and liability approach is used to account for income taxes by recognizing
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences
of
temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets
and liabilities. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing
prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a
valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine that we would not be
able
to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an
adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period
such determination was made.
Foreign
Currency
We
use
foreign currency exchange contracts and options as part of an overall
risk-management strategy. These instruments are used as a means of mitigating
exposure to foreign currency risk connected to anticipated travel programs.
In
entering into these contracts, we have assumed the risk, that might arise from
the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
We do not expect any losses as a result of counterparty defaults. However,
if
such defaults occurred, the necessity would arise to
locate alternative counterparties, or we would then consider alternate means
of
settling our foreign exchange contractual obligations.
Revenue
Recognition
For
non-directly delivered programs, we
do not actively manage the operations of each program, and our remaining
performance obligation for these programs after they convene is
perfunctory.
Therefore,
revenue from these programs
is presented as net revenues and recognized as the program convenes. For certain
directly delivered programs, however,
we
organize
and
operate all activities including
speakers, facilitators,
events,
accommodations and
transportation. As such, we recognize the gross revenue and cost of sales of
these directly delivered programs over the period the programs are
operated.
We
bill
delegates in advance of travel, payments of which are recorded as participants’
deposits. We also pay for certain program costs in advance of travel, including,
but not limited to, airfare, hotel, rail passes and other program costs, which
are recorded as prepaid program costs and expenses. Under our cancellation
policy, a program delegate may be entitled to a refund of a portion of his
or
her deposit, less certain fees, depending on the time of cancellation. We
recognize cancellation fees concurrent with the revenue recognition from the
related programs.
We
base
our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that
are
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form
the
basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities
that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ
from
these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements
(“SFAS 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This
statement does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies
under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value
measurements. The provisions of this statement are to be applied prospectively
as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which this statement is initially
applied, with any transition adjustment recognized as a cumulative-effect
adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The provisions of SFAS
157 are effective for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
Therefore, we will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2008. We
expect the effect, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on our
financial condition or results of operations will be immaterial.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 159,
The
Fair Value
Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
(“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits
companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other
items at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for financial statements issued
for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, or our first fiscal
quarter of 2008. Early adoption is permitted.
We expect the effect, if
any, the adoption of this statement will have on our financial condition or
results of operations will be immaterial.
In
December
2007, the FASB issued
SFAS
No.
141
R
,
Business
Combinations
(
“SFAS
141R”).
SFAS
141R
will significantly change the
accounting for business combinations. Under S
FAS
141R,
an acquiring entity will be
required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a
transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions.
Statement 141R will change the accounting treatment for certain
specific items, including,
a
cquisition costs will
be
generally expensed as
incurred,
n
oncontrolling interests
will be valued at fai
r
value at the acquisition date, a
cquired contingent liabilities
will be
recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and subsequently measured at
either the higher of such amount or the amount determined under existing
guidance for non-acquired contingencies
, i
n-process
research and development will
be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-
lived intangible asset at the
acquisition date
,
r
estructuring costs
associated with a business combination will be generally expensed subsequent
to
the acquisition date
,
an
d
c
hanges in deferred tax
asset valuation
allowances and income tax
uncertainties
after the
acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense.
SFAS 141R also
includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS 141R applies
prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on
or
after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after
December 15, 2008, or our first quarter of 2009. Earlier adoption is prohibited.
We have not yet determined the effect, if any, of the adoption of this statement
on our financial condition or results of operations.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 160,
Noncontrolling
Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
(“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires
certain disclosures relating to noncontrolling interests and
clarifies
that a noncontrolling interest
in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in a consolidated entity, reported
as
equity in the consolidated financial statements. This statement changes the
presentation of the statement of operations. SFAS 160 is
effective for fiscal
years beginning on
or after December 15, 2008
,
or our first quarter 2009. Early adoption is prohibited.
We have not yet
determined the effect, if any, of the adoption of this statement on our
financial condition or results of operations.
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk
The
information contained in Item 7.
“Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition–Market Risk
” is
incorporated by reference into Item 7A.
Item 8.
Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data
Reference
is made to the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements that appear on page
F-1 to this Annual Report. The Reports of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firms, the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial
Statements, which appear beginning on page F-2 of this Annual Report, are
incorporated by reference into this Item 8.
Item 9.
Changes
in and Disagreements With
Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Controls
and
Procedures
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As
of
December 31, 2007, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, our
chief executive officer and chief financial officer reviewed and evaluated
the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange
Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), which are designed to
ensure information required to be disclosed in our Annual Report
filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized
and
reported on a timely basis, and have concluded, based on that evaluation, that
as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure
that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit
under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our chief executive
officer and chief financial officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
Management’s
Report on Financial Statements and Practices
Our
management is responsible for the
preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements included in this
Annual Report. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and
reflect
our
management’s
judgments and estimates
concerning effects of events and transactions that are accounted for or
disclosed.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We
are responsible for establishing and
maintaining
adequate
internal control over financial reporting.
Our internal control
over financial
reporting includes the policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance
of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the registrant; to recording
transactions as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; to making receipts
and
expenditures only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors
of
our
company;
and for prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
We recognize that because
of its
inherent limitation, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent
or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness
to
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even effective internal
control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with
respect to financial statement preparation.
We
conducted an evaluation of the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2007. This evaluation was based on the framework in “Internal Control –
Integrated Framework” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission. Based on this
evaluation,
our
management
concluded
that
we maintained effective
internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.
BDO
Seidman, LLP, an Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm, has issued an attestation report on the
effectiveness of our Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2007, pursuant to Item 308 of Regulation S-K.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
For
the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, there has been no change in our
internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or
is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
Report
of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
Board
of Directors and
Shareholders
Ambassadors
Group,
Inc.
We
have audited Ambassadors Group,
Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based
on criteria established in
Internal
Control –
Integrated Framework
issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the
COSO criteria). Ambassador Group, Inc’s management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting,
included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control
Over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance
with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining
an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the
risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design
and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our
audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary
in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for
our opinion.
A
company’s internal control over
financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance
of
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors
of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because
of its inherent limitations,
internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
In
our opinion, Ambassadors Group, Inc.
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO
criteria.
We
also have audited, in accordance with
the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the consolidated balance sheets of Ambassadors Group, Inc. as of December 31,
2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and our report dated
March 6
,
2008 expressed an unqualified opinion
thereon.
BDO
Seidman, LLP
Spokane,
Washington
March
6
, 2008
Item
9B.
Other
Information
None.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Ambassadors
Group, Inc. is a leading
educational travel company that organizes and promotes international and
domestic educational travel and sports programs for youth, athletes and
professionals. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of
Ambassadors Group, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Ambassador Programs,
Inc., Ambassadors Specialty Group, Inc., and Ambassadors Unlimited, LLC. Also
included is Ambassador Programs, Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Marketing
Production Systems, LLC. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
are eliminated in consolidation.
Our operations
are organized to provide sevices to student, professionals and athletes through
multiple itineraries within four educational and cultural program types.
These
programs have been aggregated as a single operating and reporting segment
based
on the similarity of their economic characteristics as well as services
provided.
O
n
August 12, 2005, our Board of
Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of our Common Stock in the form
of
a 100-percent common stock dividend, payable on September 15, 2005 to
shareholders of record
on
August
31, 2005. This stock split has been recorded retroactively through all periods
presented.
All
of
our assets are located in the United States. Our revenues as a percentage of
total revenues were derived from travel programs conducted in the following
geographic areas:
|
|
Years
Ended
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
Europe
|
|
|
50
|
%
|
|
|
43
|
%
|
|
|
46
|
%
|
South
Pacific (primarily Australia and New Zealand)
|
|
|
21
|
%
|
|
|
26
|
%
|
|
|
30
|
%
|
Asia
(primarily China)
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
United
States
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
Other
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
2
.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Credit
Risk
Our
financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist
primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments and trade accounts
receivable. We place our cash and temporary cash investments with high credit
quality institutions. At times, such balances may be in excess of the federal
depository insurance limit or may be on deposit at institutions which are not
covered by this insurance. We believe that our primary trade accounts receivable
credit risk exposure is limited as delegates are required to pay for their
entire program tuition prior to the program departure.
We
use
foreign currency exchange contracts as part of an overall risk-management
strategy. These instruments are used as a means of mitigating exposure to
foreign currency risk connected to anticipated travel programs. In entering
into
these contracts, we have assumed the risk, that might arise from the possible
inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts, but we do
not
expect any losses as a result of counterparty defaults, as they are with a
high
quality institution.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
We
invest
cash in excess of operating requirements in short-term time deposits, money
market instruments, government mutual bond funds and other investments. We
consider investments with remaining maturities at date of purchase of three
months or less to be cash equivalents.
We
have a
$1.8 million revolving credit facility for the purpose of issuing letters
of credit to several airlines. The facility allows for letters of credit to
be
issued through December 2008. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had
letters of credit outstanding of approximately $1.4 million under this
facility.
Derivative
Financial Instruments
We
value
all derivative instruments on our balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the
fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other
comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part
of
a hedge transaction and, if it is, depending on the type of hedge transaction.
For qualifying cash flow hedge transactions in which we hedge the variability
of
cash flows related to a forecasted transaction, changes in the fair value of
derivative instruments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income.
The gains and losses on the derivative instruments that are reported in
accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified as earnings in the
periods in which earnings are impacted by the variability of the cash flows
of
the hedged item. The ineffective portion of all hedges is recognized in the
statements of operations as other income (expense). Unrealized gains and losses
on foreign currency exchange contracts that are not qualifying cash flow hedges
as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133 are
recognized in the statements of operations as other income (expense). All of
our
outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts at December 31, 2007 and
2006 qualify as cash flow hedges.
Available-for-sale
Securities
We
classify our marketable debt investments as available-for-sale securities,
which
are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale
securities are excluded from operations and reported as accumulated other
comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. Realized gains and losses
on
the sale of available-for-sale securities are recognized on a specific
identification basis in the statement of operations in the period the
investments are sold.
Management
evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value
on a quarterly basis. If the fair value of investment securities falls below
their amortized cost and the decline is deemed to be other-than-temporary,
the
securities will be written down to current market value, resulting in a loss
recorded in the statement of operations. There were no investment securities
that management identified to be other-than-temporarily impaired during the
years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, because any decline in fair value
was attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and
because we have the ability and intent to hold these investments until a
recovery in market price occurs, or until maturity. Realized losses could occur
in future periods due to a change in management’s intent to hold the investments
to maturity, a change in management’s assessment of credit risk, or a change in
regulatory or accounting requirements.
At
December 31, 2007 and 2006, we held $67.7 million and $96.4 million of
short-term investments, consisting primarily of municipal bonds, variable rate
municipal demand notes and various auction rate securities. The credit markets
are currently experiencing significant uncertainty, and some of this uncertainty
has impacted and may continue to impact the markets where our auction rate
securities would
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
be
offered. Our investments are in high-quality, tax-exempt municipal obligations.
Some of these investments are wrapped with insurance by various monoline bond
insurers, and the underlying rating of all the municipalities represented in
the
portfolio is investment grade. We do not currently have any direct exposure
to collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”) or other similar structured
securities. We are unable to estimate with certainty the impact, if any, which
emerging credit market conditions may have on the liquidity of our auction
rate
securities. We believe the $8.6 million auction rate security balance at
December 31, 2007 is not impaired, but we may have to reclassify the investment
from short-term to long-term investments if future liquidity conditions mandate.
Any reduction in liquidity of our auction rate securities will not have a
material impact on our overall liquidity needs.
Other
Investments
During
August 2003, we purchased a minority interest in a company. This company
provides a one-day development activity for our delegates traveling in Europe
and Australia. This investment is reported using the equity method.
Additionally, during August 2005, we purchased an investment in a safety
awareness firm to support the education of and support of safe travel practices.
This investment is reported using the cost method. These investments are
included in other long-term assets on the balance sheet.
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are stated at cost. Cost of maintenance and repairs that
do
not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed currently.
Major additions and betterments are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization
are provided over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the respective
assets or the lease term (excluding extensions), using the straight-line method,
generally three to seven years for property and equipment, and thirty-nine
years for plant assets.
We
perform reviews for the impairment of property, plant and equipment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset
may not be recoverable. When property, plant and equipment are sold or retired,
the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts
and
any gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations.
Revenue
Recognition
For
non-directly delivered programs, we
do not actively manage the operations of each program, and our remaining
performance obligation for these programs after they convene is
perfunctory.
Therefore,
revenue from these programs
is presented net of direct program costs, including accommodation and
transportation, and recognized when the program convenes. For directly delivered
programs, however,
we
organize
and
operate all activities including
speakers, facilitators, events, accommodations and transportation. As such,
we
recognize the gross revenue and cost of sales of these directly delivered
programs over the period the programs are operating. We recognize withdrawal
fees concurrent with the revenue recognition from the
related
programs.
We
invoice delegates in advance of travel, payments of which are recorded as
participants’ deposits. We also pay for certain direct program costs in advance
of travel, including but not limited to airfare, hotel, rail passes and other
program costs, which are recorded as prepaid program costs and expenses. Under
our withdrawal policy, a program delegate may be entitled to a refund of a
portion of his or her deposit, less certain fees, depending on the time of
withdrawal.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Selling
and Marketing Expenses
We
expense all selling and marketing expenses as incurred.
Income
Taxes
The
asset
and liability approach is used to account for income taxes by recognizing
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences
of
temporary differences between the carrying amounts
and
the
tax basis of assets and liabilities.
Earnings
Per Share
Earnings
per share — basic is computed by dividing net income by the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Earnings
per share — diluted is computed by increasing the weighted-average number
of common shares outstanding by the additional common shares that would have
been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common shares had been
issued.
Comprehensive
Income
Other
comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States are included
in
comprehensive income, but are excluded from net income as these amounts are
recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity, net of tax. Our
other comprehensive income is composed of unrealized gains and losses on foreign
currency exchange contracts and available-for-sale securities.
Accounting
for Stock Options and Restricted Grants
We
maintain an Equity Participation Plan
under which we have granted non-qualified stock options and restricted stock
to
employees, non-employee directors and consultants. Effective January 1, 2006,
we
adopted “Share Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)) using the modified prospective
method, and the fair value recognition provisions of the “
Transition Election Related
to
Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards
”
(“
FSP 123(R)”),
using the
alternative transition method
.
We elected to
adopt the
alternative transition method
provided in
FSP 123(R)-3
for calculating
the tax effects of stock-based compensation. The alternative transition method
includes simplified methods to establish the beginning balance of the
additional-paid-in-capital pool (“APIC pool”) related to the tax effects of
stock-based compensation, and for determining the subsequent impact on the
APIC
pool and consolidated statements of cash flows of the tax effects of stock-based
compensation awards that are outstanding upon adoption of SFAS
123(R).
Prior
to 2006, we applied the
disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123 as amended by SFAS No. 148,
“Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure.” We measured
compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans using the
intrinsic value method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board
(“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” All of our
stock options are granted at market value on the date of grant. Accordingly,
no
compensation expense was recognized in 2005 for options related to the stock
option plan. Restricted stock grants, however, are subject to a one- or
four-year vesting period, and the fair values on issuance date of these grants
were expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the
grant.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates
and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue
and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
On an
on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those
associated with investments, intangible assets, income taxes, foreign exchange
contracts, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, and
contingencies and litigation.
We
base
our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that
are
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form
the
basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities
that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ
from
these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
New
Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements
(“SFAS 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This
statement does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies
under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value
measurements. The provisions of this statement are to be applied prospectively
as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which this statement is initially
applied, with any transition adjustment recognized as a cumulative-effect
adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The provisions of SFAS
157 are effective for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
Therefore, we will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2008. We
expect the effect, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on our
financial condition or results of operations will be immaterial.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 159,
The
Fair Value
Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
(“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits
companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other
items at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for financial statements issued
for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, or our first fiscal
quarter of 2008. Early adoption is permitted.
We expect the effect, if
any, the adoption of this statement will have on our financial condition or
results of operations will be immaterial.
In
December
2007, the FASB issued
SFAS
No.
141
R
,
Business
Combinations
(“SFAS
141R”)
.
SFAS
141R
will significantly change the
accounting for business combinations. Under
SFAS
141R,
an acquiring entity will be
required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a
transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions.
SFAS
141R
will change the accounting
treatment for certain
specific items, including,
a
cquisition costs will
be
generally expensed as
incurred,
n
oncontrolling interests
will be valued at fai
r
value at the acquisition date, a
cquired contingent liabilities
will be
recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and subsequently measured at
either the higher of such amount or the amount determined under existing
guidance for non-acquired contingencies
, i
n-process
research and development will
be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-
lived intangible asset
at the
acquisition date
,
r
estructuring costs
associated with a business combination will be generally expensed subsequent
to
the acquisition date
,
an
d
c
hanges in deferred tax
asset valuation
allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally
will affect income tax expense.
SFAS 141R also includes a substantial
number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS 141R applies prospectively to
business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the
beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December
15, 2008, or our first quarter of 2009. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We
have
not yet determined the effect, if any, of the adoption of this statement on
our
financial condition or results of operations.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In
December 2007, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 160,
Noncontrolling
Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
(“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires
certain disclosures relating to noncontrolling interests and clarifies that
a
noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in a
consolidated entity, reported as equity in the consolidated financial
statements. This statement changes the presentation of the statement of
operations. SFAS 160 is
effective for fiscal
years beginning on
or after December 15, 2008
,
or our first quarter 2009. Early adoption is prohibited.
We have not yet
determined the effect, if any, of the adoption of this statement on our
financial condition or results of operations.
3.
|
Derivative
Financial Instruments
|
The
majority of our travel programs take place outside of the United States and
most
foreign suppliers require payment in currency other than the U.S. dollar.
Accordingly, we are exposed to foreign currency risk relative to changes in
foreign currency exchange rates between those currencies and the U.S. dollar.
Our processes include a program to provide a hedge against certain of these
foreign currency risks, and we use forward contracts that allow us to acquire
the foreign currency at a fixed price for a specified period of time. Some
of
the forward contracts include a variable component if a pre-determined trigger
occurs prior to or at the maturity of the contract. All of the derivatives
are
cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions.
At
December 31, 2007, the following forward contracts were outstanding (in
thousands):
|
|
Notional
Amount
|
|
Matures
|
Forward
contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
Australian
dollar
|
|
|
4,800
|
|
April
2008 – May 2008
|
British
pound
|
|
|
1,095
|
|
February
2008 – July 2008
|
Canadian
dollar
|
|
|
400
|
|
May
2008 – July 2008
|
Euro
|
|
|
12,450
|
|
April
2008 – June 2008
|
Japanese
yen
|
|
|
217,000
|
|
April
2008 – July 2008
|
New
Zealand dollar
|
|
|
1,760
|
|
April
2008 – July 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forward
contracts with variable option:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australian
dollar
|
|
|
11,520
|
|
April
2008 – May 2008
|
British
pound
|
|
|
6,520
|
|
April
2008 – June 2008
|
Canadian
dollar
|
|
|
375
|
|
March
2008
|
Euro
|
|
|
26,630
|
|
January
2008 – July 2008
|
Japanese
yen
|
|
|
66,000
|
|
April
2008
|
New
Zealand dollar
|
|
|
3,075
|
|
April
2008 – July 2008
|
At
December 31, 2007 and 2006, we recorded a net unrealized gain of
approximately $3.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, associated with
these
financial instruments. Unrealized gains on forward contracts recorded in other
comprehensive income at December 31, 2007, which are expected to be reclassified
to net revenue during the year ending December 31, 2008, are approximately
$3.5 million.
Unrealized
gains or losses associated with these transactions that qualify as cash flow
hedges under SFAS No. 133 are reported in other comprehensive income. Any
realized gains or losses associated with these transactions are recognized
in
our operations in the period the contracts are closed. The net unrealized
gain (loss) reclassified to revenue from accumulated other comprehensive
income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was
approximately $1.7 million, ($1.3) million, and $1.7 million,
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
respectively.
Income tax (provision) benefit on the unrealized (loss) gain reclassified
in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was approximately
$(0.9) million, $0.6
million, and $(0.8) million, respectively. We assess hedge ineffectiveness
on a
quarterly basis and record the gain or loss related to the ineffective portion
in the statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006, and 2005, there were no significant amounts recognized in income due
to
hedge ineffectiveness.
4.
|
Available-for-Sale
Securities
|
At
December 31, 2007 and 2006, the cost and estimated fair values of our
available-for-sale securities in state and municipal securites and corporate
obligations were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
|
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
|
|
|
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
|
|
|
Fair
Value/
Carrying
Value
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
$
|
67,453
|
|
|
$
|
260
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
67,713
|
December 31,
2006
|
|
$
|
96,400
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(50
|
)
|
|
$
|
96,350
|
At
December 31, 2007, the amortized cost and fair value of the
available-for-sale securities, by contractual maturity were as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
Fair
Value
|
Auction
rate securities
|
|
$
|
8,590
|
|
$
|
8,590
|
One
year or less
|
|
|
38,150
|
|
|
38,261
|
After
one year through three years
|
|
20,713
|
|
20,862
|
|
|
$
|
67,453
|
|
$
|
67,713
|
At
December 31, 2006, the amortized cost and fair value of the
available-for-sale securities, by contractual maturity were as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
Amortized
Cost
|
|
Fair
Value
|
Auction
rate securities
|
|
$
|
25,668
|
|
$
|
25,668
|
One
year or less
|
|
|
30,568
|
|
|
30,540
|
After
one year through two years
|
|
40,164
|
|
40,142
|
|
|
$
|
96,400
|
|
$
|
96,350
|
Expected
maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have
the
right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
5.
|
Property,
Plant and Equipment
|
Property,
plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Land
|
|
$
|
1,817
|
|
$
|
1,817
|
|
Building
|
|
|
16,155
|
|
|
—
|
|
Construction
in progress
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5,735
|
|
Office
furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
|
|
8,895
|
|
|
3,972
|
|
Computer
equipment and software
|
|
8,055
|
|
7,492
|
|
Leasehold
improvements
|
|
—
|
|
1,087
|
|
|
|
34,922
|
|
20,103
|
|
Less
accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
(7,468
|
)
|
(7,836
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
27,454
|
|
$
|
12,267
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization expense on property and equipment of approximately $2.5
million, $1.4 million, and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31,
2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, was included in the determination of net
income. During 2007, approximately $3.1 million in property, plant and equipment
was written off for a net loss of $0.2 million. During 2006 and 2005, no
property, plant and equipment was written off.
During
October 2003, we received a $3.1 million refund of monies previously paid
to a foreign tax authority. During 2003 through 2007, it was unclear as to
whether the refund was permanent and accordingly, we recorded this refund as
a
liability on the balance sheet and on a quarterly basis, we adjusted the
liability for interest and any gain or loss on the currency exchange. During
2007, 2006, and 2005, $1.3 million, $1.4 million, and $1.1 million respectively,
of the refund, excluding interest and foreign currency gains, was recognized
into income as the uncertainty of potential repayment of this liability was
eliminated. At December 31, 2006, the remaining refund of $1.3 million was
included in other liabilities, and at December 31, 2007, no liability
remained on the balance sheet.
The
provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in
thousands):
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Current:
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
14,929
|
|
$
|
12,843
|
|
$
|
10,762
|
|
State
|
|
95
|
|
91
|
|
36
|
|
Deferred
|
|
(71
|
)
|
(748)
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
$
|
14,953
|
|
$
|
12,186
|
|
$
|
10,928
|
|
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Components
of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
Total
|
|
Amortization
of goodwill and non-compete agreement
|
|
$
|
998
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
998
|
|
Accrued
vacation and compensation
|
|
206
|
|
—
|
|
206
|
|
Unrealized
gain on foreign currency exchange contracts
|
|
—
|
|
(1,211)
|
|
(1,211)
|
|
Unrealized
gain on available-for-sale securities
|
|
—
|
|
(93)
|
|
(93)
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
—
|
|
(1,082)
|
|
(1,082
|
)
|
Stock
options
|
|
692
|
|
—
|
|
692
|
|
Restricted
stock grants
|
|
732
|
|
—
|
|
732
|
|
Total
deferred tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
$
|
2,628
|
|
$
|
(2,386)
|
|
$
|
242
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
Total
|
|
Amortization
of goodwill and non-compete agreement
|
|
$
|
1,162
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
1,162
|
|
Accrued
vacation and compensation
|
|
147
|
|
—
|
|
147
|
|
Unrealized
gain on foreign currency exchange contracts
|
|
—
|
|
(900)
|
|
(900)
|
|
Unrealized
loss on available-for-sale securities
|
|
16
|
|
—
|
|
16
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
—
|
|
(687)
|
|
(687
|
)
|
Stock
options
|
|
441
|
|
—
|
|
441
|
|
Restricted
stock grants
|
|
412
|
|
—
|
|
412
|
|
Total
deferred tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
$
|
2,178
|
|
$
|
(1,587)
|
|
$
|
591
|
|
The
income tax provision differs from that computed using the federal statutory
rate
applied to income before income taxes as follows (in thousands):
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
Amount
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
2006
Amount
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
2005
Amount
|
|
|
%
|
|
Provision
at the federal statutory rate
|
|
$
|
16,100
|
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
13,607
|
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
11,668
|
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
Tax-exempt
interest
|
|
|
(1,385
|
)
|
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
|
(1,564
|
)
|
|
|
(4.0
|
)
|
|
|
(877
|
)
|
|
|
(2.6
|
)
|
State
income tax, net of federal benefit
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Other
|
|
|
143
|
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
|
$
|
14,953
|
|
|
|
32.5
|
%
|
|
$
|
12,186
|
|
|
|
31.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
10,928
|
|
|
|
32.8
|
%
|
In
June
2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty
in Income
Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes
(“FIN 48”). This statement clarifies the criteria that an individual tax
position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be
recognized in a company’s financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition
threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement attribute for all tax
positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in order for those
tax
positions to be recognized in the financial statements. Effective
January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48. There was no material
effect on the financial statements, and as a result, there was no cumulative
effect related to adopting FIN 48. However, certain amounts have
been
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
reclassified
in the statement of financial position in order to comply with the requirements
of the statement.
As
of
January 1, 2007, we provided a liability for approximately $164,000 of
unrecognized tax benefits, of which $163,000 was interest, related to various
federal and state income tax matters. The majority of unrecognized tax benefits
consisted of items that are offset by deferred tax assets and the federal tax
benefit of state income tax items. Thus, the amount that would impact our
effective tax rate, if recognized, is insignificant. The liability decreased
to
zero and an insignificant amount of additional interest was recognized during
the year ended December 31, 2007 due to a settlement with the Internal
Revenue Service. No penalties were recognized during the year ended December
31,
2007. Our policy is to account for interest and penalties related to uncertain
tax positions as part of income tax expense. The following summarizes the
unrecognized tax benefits activity during 2007:
Unrecognized
tax benefit as of January 1, 2007
|
|
$
|
164
|
|
Increases
in tax positions taken in prior periods
|
|
|
-
|
|
Decreases
in tax positions taken in prior periods
|
|
|
-
|
|
Current
period tax positions:
|
|
|
|
|
Settlements
|
|
|
(164
|
)
|
Increases
in tax positions taken in current period
|
|
|
(14
|
)
|
Lapse
of statute of limitations
|
|
|
-
|
|
Unrecognized
tax benefits as of December 31, 2007
|
|
$
|
(14
|
)
|
We
file
tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.
We
are currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal
Revenue Service for the years after 2005. Our state income tax returns are
open
to audit under the statute of limitations for the years after 2001.
We
lease
certain office equipment under a capital lease arrangement. The total cost
of
equipment under capital leases was $0.9 million and accumulated depreciation
was
$0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2007 and
2006. The following is a schedule of minimum lease payments required
under the capital lease as of December 31, 2007 (in
thousands):
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
$
|
198
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
Total
minimum lease payments
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
Less
amount representing interest
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
198
|
|
Less
current portion
|
|
|
|
187
|
|
L
Long-term
portion of capital
lease
|
L
|
|
$
|
11
|
|
At
the
end of the lease term, we have the option to purchase the equipment at fair
market value.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
9.
|
Commitments
and Contingencies
|
We
lease
office facilities and office equipment under non-cancelable operating leases.
At
December 31, 2007, future minimum lease commitments were as follows (in
thousands):
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
67
|
|
2009
|
|
67
|
|
2010
|
|
67
|
|
2011
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
$
|
223
|
|
Total
rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, was
approximately $0.6 million, $0.8 million, and $0.7 million,
respectively.
Pursuant
to an agreement dated December 28, 2007 and consistent with our share repurchase
plan,
subsequent to December 31,
2007 through February 7, 2008, we repurchased approximately 0.2 million shares
of our Common Stock for approximately $3.8 million.
We
are
subject to claims, suits and complaints, which have arisen in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management and its legal counsel, all
matters are adequately covered by insurance or, if not covered, are without
merit or are of such a nature, or involve such amounts as would not have a
material effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of
operations.
Effective
November 2001, we adopted the 2001 Equity Participation Plan (the “Plan”).
The Plan provides for the grant of stock options, awards of restricted stock,
performance or other awards or stock appreciation rights to our directors,
key
employees and consultants. The maximum number of shares which may be awarded
under the Plan is 3.6 million shares, and approximately 0.5 million shares
remain available for future issuance.
Under
the
terms of the Plan, options to purchase shares of our Common Stock are granted
at
a price set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
“Compensation Committee”), not to be less than the par value of a share of
Common Stock and if granted as performance-based compensation or as incentive
stock options, no less than the fair market value of the stock on the date
of
grant. The Compensation Committee establishes the vesting period of the awards,
which is generally set at 25 percent per year for four years. The options may
be
exercised any time after they are vested for a period up to 10 years from
the grant date.
Under
the
terms of the Plan, stock grants follow the same grant price parameters as
options. The Compensation Committee also establishes the vesting period of
the
grants, which is generally set at 100 percent at the conclusion of one to four
years. Our key employees who have been awarded stock grants and are full time
employees are subject to a four-year vesting period, and our Board of Directors
who have been awarded stock grants are subject to a one-year vesting period.
During 2007, 2006, and 2005, we granted approximately 57,300, 38,600, and
50,100, restricted stock grants to key employees and directors. These grants
are
expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the grant.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The
fair
value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using
the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model
was
developed for use in estimating the fair value of options. In addition, option
valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions,
particularly for the expected term and stock price volatility. Our employee
stock options do not trade on a secondary exchange, therefore, employees do
not
derive a benefit from holding stock options unless there is an appreciation
in
the market price of our stock above the grant price. Such an increase in stock
price would benefit all shareholders commensurately.
The
assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated
and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and our experience.
Prior to 2006, we adopted disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, as amended
by SFAS No. 148,
Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure
. We chose to
measure compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans using
the
intrinsic value method of accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued
to
Employees
. All stock options are granted at market value on the date of
grant. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized in 2005 for options
related to the stock option plan. We adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R),
Share Based Payment
on
January 1, 2006, using the modified prospective method of adoption.
The
fair
value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants in the years ending December 2007, 2006, and
2005.
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
Expected
dividend yield
|
|
|
1.41
|
|
%
|
|
|
1.38
|
|
%
|
|
|
1.36
|
|
%
|
Expected
stock price volatility
|
|
|
43.40
|
|
%
|
|
|
38.16
|
|
%
|
|
|
37.07
|
|
%
|
Risk-free
interest rate
|
|
|
3.93
|
|
%
|
|
|
4.65
|
|
%
|
|
|
4.19
|
|
%
|
Expected
life of options
|
|
|
4.45
|
|
years
|
|
|
4.95
|
|
years
|
|
|
5.58
|
|
years
|
The
weighted-average fair value of options granted during 2007, 2006 and 2005 was
$7.02, $9.81, and $8.70, respectively.
The
expected life of the options represents the estimated period of time until
exercise and is based on historical experience of similar awards, giving
consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules and expectations
of
future employee behavior. Expected stock price volatility is based on historical
volatility of our stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied
yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining
term. We have also included our anticipated dividend yield based on quarterly
cash dividends paid to our shareowners during 2007, 2006, and
2005. Additionally, an annualized forfeiture rate of 9.0 percent is used as
a best estimate of future forfeitures based on our historical forfeiture
experience. Under the true-up provisions of SFAS 123(R), the stock-based
compensation expense will be adjusted in later periods if the actual forfeiture
rate is different from the estimate.
Total
stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of
operations for the years ended 2007 and 2006 was $2.0 million and $2.1 million
before income taxes. Of the total stock-based compensation expense during 2007,
stock option expense was $0.9 million and restricted stock grant expense was
$1.0 million. Of the total stock-based compensation expense during 2006, stock
option expense was $1.3 million and restricted stock grant expense was $0.8
million. Total stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock grants
recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended
2005
was $0.5 million.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Had
compensation cost for our stock option plan been determined based on fair value
at the grant dates consistent with the method of SFAS 123(R), net income and
net
income per share amounts for the year ended December 31, 2005 would have been
changed to the pro-forma amounts indicated below (in thousands except per share
data). Disclosures for 2007 and 2006 are not presented as the amounts are
recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
|
|
Year
ended
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
Net
income as reported
|
$
|
22,410
|
Add:
Stock-based employee compensation expense for stock grants, included
in
reported
net in come, net of related tax effects
|
|
306
|
Deduct
Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value
based
method for all awards, net of related tax effects
|
|
(872)
|
Pro-forma
net income
|
$
|
21,844
|
Pro-forma
net income per share – basic
|
$
|
1.08
|
Pro-forma
net income per share – diluted
|
$
|
1.02
|
Prior
to
the adoption of SFAS 123(R), we presented all tax benefits resulting from the
exercise of stock options as operating cash inflows in the consolidated
statements of cash flows, in accordance with the provisions of the Emerging
Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-15,
Classification in the Statement
of
Cash Flows of the Income Tax Benefit Received by a Company upon Exercise of
a
Nonqualified Employee Stock Option
. SFAS 123(R) requires the benefits of
tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options
to be classified as financing cash inflows rather than operating cash inflows,
on a prospective basis. We show this amount as “Excess tax benefit from
stock-based compensation” on the consolidated statement of cash
flows.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The
following table presents information about the common stock options and
restricted grants as of December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
Options
and Restricted Stock Outstanding
|
|
|
Options
Exercisable
|
Range
of
Exercise
Prices
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(years)
|
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
Restricted
Stock Grants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
|
221,820
|
|
|
|
2.09
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
Stock
Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
- $3.46
|
|
|
|
2,566
|
|
|
|
1.85
|
|
|
$
|
3.11
|
|
|
|
2,566
|
|
|
$
|
3.11
|
|
3.47
- 6.93
|
|
|
|
686,233
|
|
|
|
3.81
|
|
|
|
5.63
|
|
|
|
686,233
|
|
|
|
5.63
|
|
6.94
- 10.39
|
|
|
|
134,135
|
|
|
|
5.54
|
|
|
|
9.20
|
|
|
|
134,135
|
|
|
|
9.20
|
|
10.40
- 13.86
|
|
|
|
50,725
|
|
|
|
5.94
|
|
|
|
11.77
|
|
|
|
31,875
|
|
|
|
11.82
|
|
13.87
- 17.32
|
|
|
|
321,467
|
|
|
|
8.51
|
|
|
|
16.90
|
|
|
|
102,663
|
|
|
|
16.68
|
|
20.80
- 24.25
|
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
|
|
7.31
|
|
|
|
21.09
|
|
|
|
17,500
|
|
|
|
21.09
|
|
24.26
- 27.72
|
|
|
|
206,808
|
|
|
|
8.32
|
|
|
|
27.11
|
|
|
|
79,410
|
|
|
|
21.00
|
|
27.73
- 31.18
|
|
|
|
15,609
|
|
|
|
8.80
|
|
|
|
29.48
|
|
|
|
1,464
|
|
|
|
27.89
|
|
31.19
- 34.65
|
|
|
|
12,659
|
|
|
|
9.34
|
|
|
|
34.65
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,700,022
|
|
|
|
5.41
|
|
|
$
|
10.97
|
|
|
|
1,055,846
|
|
|
$
|
9.23
|
At
December 31, 2006, there were 1,168,600 exercisable stock options at the
weighted-average exercise price of $7.35 per share.
At
December 31, 2007, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options and restricted
grants outstanding was $14.8 million and the aggregate intrinsic value of stock
options and restricted grants exercisable was $10.3 million. The weighted
average remaining contractual life of stock options and restricted grants
outstanding was 5.4 years and exercisable was 4.8 years. The aggregate intrinsic
value is before applicable income taxes, based on our $18.31 closing stock
price
at December 31, 2007, which would have been received by the optionees had all
options been exercised on that date. As of December 31, 2007, total unrecognized
stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options and
restricted stock grants was approximately $4.6 million, which is expected to
be
recognized over a period of approximately 3.9 years. During the year ended
December 31, 2007, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was
$8.0
million, and the total fair value of options vested was $1.3
million.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Stock
option and restricted stock grant transactions during 2007 were as
follows:
|
Restricted
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
Stock
|
|
AverageGrant
|
|
Stock
|
|
Average
|
|
Grants
|
|
Date
Fair Value
|
|
Options
|
|
Exercise
Price
|
Balance
at December 31, 2006
|
168,709
|
|
$
|
21.87
|
|
1,584,654
|
|
$
|
10.83
|
Granted
|
57,297
|
|
|
18.41
|
|
202,584
|
|
|
19.36
|
Forfeited
|
(1,050)
|
|
|
25.00
|
|
(20,029)
|
|
|
24.53
|
Exercised
|
(3,136)
|
|
|
27.89
|
|
(289,007)
|
|
|
6.81
|
Balance
December 31, 2007
|
221,820
|
|
$
|
20.87
|
|
1,478,202
|
|
$
|
12.62
|
11.
|
Employee
Benefit Plan
|
Effective
March 2002, we established a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “Sharing
Plan”) for our employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the Sharing
Plan upon six months of service and 18 years of age. Employees may
contribute up to 92 percent of their salary, subject to the maximum contribution
allowed by the Internal Revenue Service. Our matching contribution is
discretionary based upon approval by management. Employees are 100 percent
vested in their contributions and vest in our matching contributions after
their
initial four years of employment. During the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006, and 2005, we contributed approximately $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and
$0.1 million to the Sharing Plan, respectively.
12.
|
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
|
The
following disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments is
made in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures
about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” The estimated fair value amounts
have been determined using available market information and appropriate
valuation methodologies.
However,
considerable judgment is necessarily required to interpret market data and
to
develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein
are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could realize in a current
market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation
methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value
amounts.
The
following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each
class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate that
value. Potential income tax ramifications related to the realization of
unrealized gains and losses that would be incurred in an actual sale and/or
settlement have not been taken into consideration.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
—
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value
due to
the nature of the cash investments.
Derivatives
—
The fair value
of our investments in foreign currency forward contracts is based on quoted
market prices and the spot rate of the foreign currencies subject to contracts
at period end.
Available-for-Sale
Securities —
The fair value of our investment in debt securities is based on quoted
market prices
.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The
estimated fair values of the financial instruments as of the dates indicated
are
as follows (in thousands):
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
December 31,
2006
|
|
|
|
Carrying
Amount
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Carrying
Amount
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
17,281
|
|
$
|
17,281
|
|
$
|
36,784
|
|
$
|
36,784
|
|
Derivatives
|
|
$
|
3,461
|
|
$
|
3,461
|
|
$
|
2,571
|
|
$
|
2,571
|
|
Available-for-sale
securities
|
|
$
|
67,713
|
|
$
|
67,713
|
|
$
|
96,350
|
|
$
|
96,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limitations
—
The
fair-value
estimates are made at a distinct point in time based on relevant market
information and information about the financial instruments. Fair value
estimates are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, risk
characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These
estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of
significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision.
Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Accordingly,
the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of what we could
realize in a current market exchange.
The
following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per
share computations (in thousands, except per share data):
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
Numerator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income for basic and diluted earnings per share
|
|
$
|
31,047
|
|
|
$
|
26,692
|
|
|
$
|
22,410
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average
shares outstanding – basic
|
|
|
19,385
|
|
|
|
20,554
|
|
|
|
20,311
|
Effect
of dilutive common stock options
|
|
|
623
|
|
|
|
783
|
|
|
|
968
|
Effect
of dilutive common stock grants
|
|
|
86
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
33
|
Weighted-average
shares outstanding – diluted
|
|
|
20,094
|
|
|
|
21,393
|
|
|
|
21,312
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share – basic and diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income per share – basic
|
|
$
|
1.60
|
|
|
$
|
1.30
|
|
|
$
|
1.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income per share – diluted
|
|
$
|
1.55
|
|
|
$
|
1.25
|
|
|
$
|
1.05
|
14.
|
Supplemental
Disclosures of Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
We
paid
cash for taxes during 2007, 2006, and 2005 of approximately
$13.3 million, $10.5
million, and $8.5 million, respectively.
AMBASSADORS
GROUP, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Our
non-cash investing and financing activities during the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, are as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
Unrealized
gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange contracts
|
|
$
|
890
|
|
|
$
|
4,467
|
|
|
$
|
(4,505
|
)
|
Unrealized
gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
|
|
|
311
|
|
|
|
194
|
|
|
|
(129
|
)
|
Tax
benefit from stock options exercised
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
3,319
|
|
Property,
plant and equipment
|
|
|
1,397
|
|
|
|
(2,119
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Capital
lease obligation
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
144
|
|
15.
|
Quarterly
Financial Data
|
Summarized
quarterly financial data for 2007, 2006, and 2005 is as follows (unaudited,
and
in thousands except per share data):
|
|
Quarters
Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31
|
|
June 30
|
|
September 30
|
|
December 31
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
revenue
|
|
$
|
7,279
|
|
$
|
48,765
|
|
$
|
52,138
|
|
$
|
6,351
|
|
Gross
margin
|
|
$
|
3,437
|
|
$
|
42,860
|
|
$
|
45,969
|
|
$
|
3,779
|
|
Selling
and marketing expense
|
|
9,238
|
|
9,643
|
|
10,185
|
|
9,877
|
|
General
and administrative expense
|
|
2,747
|
|
3,277
|
|
3,479
|
|
5,771
|
|
Income
(loss) before income taxes
|
|
(7,438
|
)
|
31,167
|
|
33,305
|
|
(11,034
|
)
|
Net
income (loss)
|
|
(4,984
|
)
|
20,949
|
|
22,504
|
|
(7,422
|
)
|
Earnings
(loss) per share-basic
|
|
(0.25
|
)
|
1.09
|
|
1.16
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
Earnings
(loss) per share-diluted
|
|
(0.25
|
)
|
1.05
|
|
1.12
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
Gross
program receipts reflect total payments received by us. Gross program receipts
totaled $7.8 million, $121.4 million, $134.6 million and $13.6 million for
the
quarters ended March 31, June 30, September 30, and
December 31, 2007, respectively.
|
|
Quarters
Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31
|
|
June 30
|
|
September 30
|
|
December 31
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
revenue
|
|
$
|
4,651
|
|
$
|
39,654
|
|
$
|
38,706
|
|
$
|
5,944
|
|
Gross
margin
|
|
$
|
2,505
|
|
$
|
35,180
|
|
$
|
35,093
|
|
$
|
4,704
|
|
Selling
and marketing expense
|
|
6,515
|
|
7,234
|
|
9,176
|
|
8,713
|
|
General
and administrative expense
|
|
2,013
|
|
2,295
|
|
2,399
|
|
5,014
|
|
Income
(loss) before income taxes
|
|
(5,068
|
)
|
27,059
|
|
24,781
|
|
(7,894
|
)
|
Net
income (loss)
|
|
(3,448
|
)
|
18,467
|
|
17,099
|
|
(5,426
|
)
|
Earnings
(loss) per share-basic
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
0.90
|
|
0.83
|
|
(0.26
|
)
|
Earnings
(loss) per share-diluted
|
|
(0.17
|
)
|
0.86
|
|
0.80
|
|
(0.26
|
)
|
Gross
program receipts reflect total payments received by us. Gross program receipts
totaled $5.4 million, $98.7 million, $102.7 million and $12.6 million for the
quarters ended March 31, June 30, September 30, and
December 31, 2006, respectively.