-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Rnie19JYf6iX4Jm7fGInL3U7kmz2UZ+Cclp35bDcddddTOGAXM26szBG//gEZYKs RCCHG8SZuNK9FC1al1P0KQ== 0001311835-08-000006.txt : 20080408 0001311835-08-000006.hdr.sgml : 20080408 20080408125708 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001311835-08-000006 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20080223 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080408 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080408 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: American Achievement Group Holding Corp. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001373768 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WHOLESALE-JEWELRY, WATCHES, PRECIOUS STONES & METALS [5094] IRS NUMBER: 204833998 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0826 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-137067 FILM NUMBER: 08744807 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7211 CIRCLE S ROAD CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78745 BUSINESS PHONE: 512-444-0571 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7211 CIRCLE S ROAD CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78745 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001168468 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: JEWELRY, PRECIOUS METAL [3911] IRS NUMBER: 314126506 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-84294 FILM NUMBER: 08744808 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7211 CIRCLES S ROAD CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78745 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AAC Group Holding Corp. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001311835 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: JEWELRY, PRECIOUS METAL [3911] IRS NUMBER: 201854833 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-121479 FILM NUMBER: 08744809 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION STREET 2: 7211 CIRCLE S ROAD CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78745 BUSINESS PHONE: (512) 444-0571 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION STREET 2: 7211 CIRCLE S ROAD CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78745 10-Q 1 body_10q-2q2008.htm FORM 10-Q - Q2 2008 body_10q-2q2008.htm

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

FORM 10-Q
     
þ
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED February 23, 2008

OR

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

COMMISSION FILE NUMBERS 333-137067, 333-121479, 333-84294

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
DELAWARE
 
20-4833998
DELAWARE
 
20-1854833
DELAWARE
 
13-4126506
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
organization)
   

7211 CIRCLE S ROAD
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78745
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrants’ Telephone Number, Including Area Code (512) 444-0571

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

Number of shares outstanding of American Achievement Group Holding Corp. as of March 31, 2008: 505,460 shares of common stock.

Number of shares outstanding of AAC Group Holding Corp. as of March 31, 2008: 100 shares of common stock.
Number of shares outstanding of American Achievement Corporation as of March 31, 2008: 100 shares of common stock.

This Form 10-Q is a combined quarterly report being filed separately by three registrants: American Achievement Group Holding Corp., AAC Group Holding Corp., and American Achievement Corporation. Unless the context indicates otherwise, any reference in this report to “Parent Holdings” refers to American Achievement Group Holding Corp., “Intermediate Holdings” refers to AAC Group Holding Corp., and “AAC” refers to American Achievement Corporation, the indirect wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Intermediate Holdings. The “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to American Achievement Group Holding Corp. and AAC Group Holding Corp. together with American Achievement Corporation. 


 
 

 


FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 23, 2008
INDEX



   
PAGE
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
       
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — As of February 23, 2008 and August 25, 2007
   
3
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations — For the Three and Six Months Ended February 23, 2008 and February 24, 2007
    6
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows — For the Six Months Ended February 23, 2008 and February 24, 2007
9
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
   
12
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   
21
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
   
30
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
   
30
 
         
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
       
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
   
31
 
Item 6. Exhibits
   
31
 
SIGNATURES
   
32
 
 Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302
       
 Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302
       
 Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 906
       
 Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 906
       



Explanatory Note

     This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by American Achievement Group Holding Corp., AAC Group Holding Corp., and American Achievement Corporation. Each Registrant hereto is filing on its own behalf all of the information contained in this quarterly report that relates to such Registrant. Each Registrant hereto is not filing any information that does not relate to such Registrant, and therefore makes no representation as to any such information.

     Unless the context indicates otherwise, any reference in this report to “Parent Holdings” refers to American Achievement Group Holding Corp., “Intermediate Holdings” refers to AAC Group Holding Corp., and “AAC” refers to American Achievement Corporation, the indirect wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Intermediate Holdings. The “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to American Achievement Group Holding Corp., and AAC Group Holding Corp. together with American Achievement Corporation.

  2
 
 

 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)


   
Parent Holdings
 
   
February 23, 2008
 
August 25, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
ASSETS
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 $
                    17,330
 
 $
                      1,454
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,461 and $1,875, respectively
                    36,130
   
                    43,039
 
Inventories
   
                    39,428
   
                    31,158
 
Deferred tax assets
   
                    10,867
   
                      3,731
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net
   
                    19,574
   
                    18,317
 
Total current assets
   
                  123,329
   
                    97,699
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
                    72,988
   
                    70,653
 
Goodwill
   
                  171,073
   
                  173,277
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
                  102,739
   
                  107,855
 
Other assets, net
   
                    20,772
   
                    26,582
 
Total assets
 
 $
                490,901
 
 $
                476,066
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
             
Book overdraft
 
 $
                      1,356
 
 $
                      5,082
 
Accounts payable
   
                    13,819
   
                    10,590
 
Customer deposits
   
                    55,346
   
                    11,771
 
Accrued expenses
   
                    19,156
   
                    20,361
 
Deferred revenue
   
                      3,389
   
                      4,460
 
Accrued interest
   
                      5,322
   
                      5,550
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
                         841
   
                         900
 
Total current liabilities
   
                    99,229
   
                    58,714
 
               
Long-term debt, net of current portion
   
                  542,726
   
                  537,680
 
Mandatory redeemable preferred stock
   
                      7,500
   
                      7,500
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
                      5,933
   
                      9,736
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
                      8,141
   
                      6,619
 
Total liabilities
   
                  663,529
   
                  620,249
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
             
               
Stockholders’ deficit:
             
Common stock
   
                             5
   
                             5
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
                 (123,880
 
                 (124,045
)
Accumulated deficit
   
                   (51,756
)  
                   (23,297
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
                      3,003
   
                      3,154
 
Total stockholders’ deficit
   
                 (172,628
 
                 (144,183
)
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
 
$
                490,901
 
$
                476,066
 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3
 

 

AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)

   
Intermediate Holdings
 
   
February 23, 2008
 
August 25, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
ASSETS
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 $
                    17,037
 
 $
                      1,168
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,461 and $1,875, respectively
 
                    36,130
   
                    43,039
 
Inventories
   
                    39,428
   
                    31,158
 
Deferred tax assets
   
                    10,867
   
                      3,731
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net
   
                    19,574
   
                    18,317
 
Total current assets
   
                  123,036
   
                    97,413
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
                    72,988
   
                    70,653
 
Goodwill
   
                  171,073
   
                  173,277
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
                  102,739
   
                  107,855
 
Other assets, net
   
                    13,878
   
                    18,931
 
Total assets
 
 $
                483,714
 
 $
                468,129
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Book overdraft
 
 $
                      1,356
 
 $
                      5,082
 
Accounts payable
   
                    13,819
   
                    10,590
 
Customer deposits
   
                    55,346
   
                    11,771
 
Accrued expenses
   
                    19,211
   
                    20,299
 
Deferred revenue
   
                      3,389
   
                      4,460
 
Accrued interest
   
                      5,322
   
                      5,550
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
                         841
   
                         900
 
Total current liabilities
   
                    99,284
   
                    58,652
 
               
Long-term debt, net of current portion
   
                  353,935
   
                  361,836
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
                    16,483
   
                    19,731
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
                      3,148
   
                      3,034
 
Total liabilities
   
                  472,850
   
                  443,253
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
             
               
Stockholders’ equity:
             
Common stock
   
                              -
   
                              -
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
                    24,309
   
                    24,144
 
Accumulated deficit
   
                   (16,448
)  
                     (2,422
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
                      3,003
   
                      3,154
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
                    10,864
   
                    24,876
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
                483,714
 
$
                468,129
 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
 4

 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)

   
AAC
 
   
February 23, 2008
 
August 25, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
ASSETS
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 $
                    16,477
 
 $
                         620
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,461 and $1,875, respectively
 
                    36,130
   
                    43,039
 
Inventories
   
                    39,428
   
                    31,158
 
Deferred tax assets
   
                    10,867
   
                      3,731
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net
   
                    19,574
   
                    18,317
 
Total current assets
   
                  122,476
   
                    96,865
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
                    72,988
   
                    70,653
 
Goodwill
   
                  171,073
   
                  173,277
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
                  102,739
   
                  107,855
 
Other assets, net
   
                    11,838
   
                    16,669
 
Total assets
 
 $
                481,114
 
 $
                465,319
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Book overdraft
 
 $
                      1,356
 
 $
                      5,082
 
Accounts payable
   
                    13,819
   
                    10,590
 
Customer deposits
   
                    55,346
   
                    11,771
 
Accrued expenses
   
                    19,230
   
                    20,284
 
Deferred revenue
   
                      3,389
   
                      4,460
 
Accrued interest
   
                      5,322
   
                      5,550
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
                         841
   
                         900
 
Total current liabilities
   
                    99,303
   
                    58,637
 
               
Long-term debt, net of current portion
   
                  230,051
   
                  243,982
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
                    30,549
   
                    30,639
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
                      3,120
   
                      3,006
 
Total liabilities
   
                  363,023
   
                  336,264
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
             
               
Stockholders’ equity:
             
Common stock
   
                              -
   
                              -
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
                  109,211
   
                  109,046
 
Accumulated earnings
   
                      5,877
   
                    16,855
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
                      3,003
   
                      3,154
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
                  118,091
   
                  129,055
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
                481,114
 
$
                465,319
 
           



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
 5

 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)

   
Parent Holdings
 
     
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
     
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
   
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net sales
  
$
                     60,628
  $
                       57,097
 
$
                    112,568
 
$
                    109,145
 
Cost of sales
   
              26,865
   
             21,258
   
             52,182
   
              48,651
 
Gross profit
   
              33,763
   
             35,839
   
             60,386
   
              60,494
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
              31,744
   
             30,574
   
             61,090
   
              58,214
 
Operating income (loss)
   
                2,019
   
               5,265
   
                (704
)  
                2,280
 
Interest expense, net
   
          15,995
   
             14,350
   
             31,626
   
              28,974
 
Loss before income taxes
   
             (13,976
)  
             (9,085
 
           (32,330
 
            (26,694
Benefit for income taxes
   
               (3,657
 
             (3,068
 
             (8,212
 
              (9,448
)
Loss from continuing operations
   
               (10,319
 
             (6,017
 
           (24,118
 
            (17,246
Discontinued operations:
                         
Loss from discontinued segment
   
   (38
)  
                     (986
)  
     (7,128
 
                 (1,694
Benefit for income taxes
   
    (15
)  
    (383
)  
   (2,787
)  
(662
Loss from discontinued operations
   
          (23
)  
          (603
)
 
           (4,341
)  
   (1,032
 Net loss    $
 (10,342
)  $
         (6,620
 $
        (28,459
)  $
        (18,278
)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

 
 6

 

AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)



   
Intermediate Holdings
 
     
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
     
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
   
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net sales
 
$
                      60,628
 
$
                     57,097
 
$
                   112,568
 
$
                   109,145
 
Cost of sales
   
              26,865
   
             21,258
   
              52,182
   
              48,651
 
Gross profit
   
              33,763
   
             35,839
   
              60,386
   
              60,494
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
              31,744
   
             30,574
   
              61,090
   
              58,214
 
Operating income (loss)
   
                2,019
   
               5,265
   
                 (704
 
                2,280
 
Interest expense, net
   
                8,350
   
               8,298
   
              16,521
   
              17,015
 
Loss before income taxes
   
              (6,331
 
              (3,033
 
            (17,225
 
            (14,735
Benefit for income taxes
   
              (2,948
 
              (1,293
 
              (7,540
 
              (6,112
Loss from continuing operations
   
              (3,383
)  
              (1,740
 
              (9,685
 
              (8,623
Discontinued operations:
                         
Loss from discontinued segment
   
                          (38
)  
                                   (986
 
(7,128
 
 (1,694
)
Benefit for income taxes
   
            (15
)  
                                   (383
 
                                 (2,787
)  
                      (662
)
Loss from discontinued operations
   
                             (23
)  
                                   (603
 
                                 (4,341
)  
                    (1,032
)
Net loss  
$
(3,406
 $
(2,343
 $
(14,026
 $
(9,655



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
  7

 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)



   
AAC
 
     
For the three months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
     
  February 23, 2008
 
 
  February 24, 2007
 
 
  February 23, 2008
 
 
February 24, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
Net sales
 
$
         60,628
 
$
     57,097
 
$
      112,568
 
$
                     109,145
 
Cost of sales
   
          26,865
   
         21,258
   
           52,182
   
           48,651
 
Gross profit
   
          33,763
   
         35,839
   
           60,386
   
           60,494
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
          31,744
   
         30,574
   
           61,090
   
           58,214
 
Operating income (loss)
   
            2,019
   
           5,265
   
              (704
)  
             2,280
 
Interest expense, net
   
            5,176
   
           5,409
   
           10,281
   
           11,330
 
Loss before income taxes
   
          (3,157
)  
             (144
 
         (10,985
)  
            (9,050
)
Benefit for income taxes
   
          (1,258
 
               (64
 
           (4,348
)  
            (3,573
)
Loss from continuing operations
   
          (1,899
)  
               (80
 
           (6,637
)  
            (5,477
)
Discontinued operations:
                         
  Loss from discontinued segment
   
               (38
 
             (986
 
           (7,128
)  
            (1,694
)
       Benefit for income taxes
   
               (15
 
             (383
 
           (2,787
)  
               (662
)
Loss from discontinued operations
   
               (23
 
             (603
 
           (4,341
)  
            (1,032
)
Net loss
 
$
          (1,922
$
                        (683
$
         (10,978
)
$
         (6,509
)




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.



8
 

 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 (unaudited)

 
   
Parent Holdings
 
   
For the six months ended
 
     
 February 23, 2008
     
February 24, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net loss
 
$
                  (28,459
 
$
                 (18,278
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Write-offs related to discontinued segment
   
                      5,542
     
                            -
 
Gain on sales of property, plant and equipment
   
                         (12
   
                            -
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
                   10,255
     
                   12,877
 
Deferred income taxes
   
                  (10,849
   
                 (10,549
Amortization of deferred financing fees
   
                     1,744
     
                     1,746
 
Accretion of interest on 10.25% senior discount notes
   
                     6,030
     
                     5,474
 
Accretion of Senior PIK notes
   
                   12,947
     
                     9,930
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
                        586
     
                      (106
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
                     6,323
     
                     5,663
 
Inventories
   
                    (6,607
   
                   (8,088
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net
   
                    (2,381
   
                   (7,527
Other assets, net
   
                     2,583
     
                     1,278
 
Customer deposits
   
                   43,575
     
                   46,130
 
Deferred revenue
   
                    (1,071
   
                        521
 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other long-term liabilities
   
                    (1,232
   
                   (3,205
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
                   38,974
     
                   35,866
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
                    (5,443
   
                   (5,703
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
   
                          61
   
                                 -
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
                    (5,382
   
                   (5,703
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on revolving credit facility
   
                  (21,905
   
                 (24,150
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
   
                   14,100
     
                   14,850
 
Payments on term loan
   
                    (6,185
   
                 (11,947
Deferred financing fees
   
                           -
     
                      (179
Change in book overdraft
   
                    (3,726
   
                      (911
Net cash used in financing activities
   
                  (17,716
   
                 (22,337
             
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
                   15,876
     
                     7,826
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
                     1,454
     
                     3,404
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
                   17,330
   
$
                   11,230
 
             
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
                   10,030
   
$
                   10,794
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
 
                        887
   
 
                        178
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:                
 Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable    $              4,479     $ 248  

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
9

 

AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 (unaudited)

 
   
Intermediate Holdings
 
   
For the six months ended
 
   
February 23, 2008
 
February 24, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net loss
 
$
                 (14,026
 
$
                   (9,655
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Write-offs related to discontinued segment
   
                    5,542
     
                            -
 
Gain on sales of property, plant and equipment
   
                        (12
   
                            -
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
                  10,255
     
                   12,877
 
Deferred income taxes
   
                 (10,294
   
                   (7,213
Amortization of deferred financing fees
   
                       987
     
                        988
 
Accretion of interest on 10.25% senior discount notes
   
                    6,030
     
                     5,474
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
                       586
     
                      (106
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
                    6,323
     
                     5,663
 
Inventories
   
                   (6,607
   
                   (8,088
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net
   
                   (2,381
   
                   (7,527
Other assets, net
   
                    2,583
     
                     1,278
 
Customer deposits
   
                  43,575
     
                   46,130
 
Deferred revenue
   
                   (1,071
   
                        521
 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other long-term liabilities
   
                   (2,523
   
                   (4,419
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
                  38,967
     
                   35,923
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
                   (5,443
   
                   (5,703
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
   
                         61
     
                            -
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
                   (5,382
   
                   (5,703
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on revolving credit facility
   
                 (21,905
   
                 (24,150
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
   
                  14,100
     
                   14,850
 
Payments on term loan
   
                   (6,185
   
                 (11,947
Deferred financing fees
   
                            -
     
                        (16
Change in book overdraft
   
                   (3,726
   
                      (911
Net cash used in financing activities
   
                 (17,716
   
                 (22,174
             
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
                  15,869
     
                     8,046
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
                    1,168
     
                     2,904
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
                  17,037
   
$
                   10,950
 
             
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
                  10,030
   
$
                   10,794
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
 
                       887
   
 
                        178
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
           
Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable  
                                          4,479    
                                           248  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.



 
  10

 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)


   
AAC
 
   
For the six months ended
 
   
February 23, 2008
 
February 24, 2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net loss
 
$
                 (10,978
 
$
                   (6,509
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Write-offs related to discontinued segment
   
                      5,542
     
                            -
 
Gain on sales of property, plant and equipment
   
                        (12
   
                            -
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
                  10,255
     
                   12,877
 
Deferred income taxes
   
                   (7,136
   
                   (4,674
Amortization of deferred financing fees
   
                       765
     
                        765
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
                       586
     
                      (106
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
                    6,323
     
                     5,663
 
Inventories
   
                   (6,607
   
                   (8,088
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net
   
                   (2,381
   
                   (7,527
Other assets, net
   
                    2,583
     
                     1,278
 
Customer deposits
   
                  43,575
     
                   46,130
 
Deferred revenue
   
                   (1,071
   
                        521
 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other long-term liabilities
   
                   (2,489
   
                   (4,419
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
                  38,955
     
                   35,911
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
                   (5,443
   
                   (5,703
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
   
                         61
     
                            -
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
                   (5,382
   
                   (5,703
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on revolving credit facility
   
                 (21,905
   
                 (24,150
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
   
                  14,100
     
                   14,850
 
Payments on term loan
   
                   (6,185
   
                 (11,947
Deferred financing fees
   
                            -
     
                        (16
)
Change in book overdraft
   
                   (3,726
   
                      (911
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
                 (17,716
   
                 (22,174
)
             
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
                  15,857
     
                     8,034
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
                       620
     
                     2,381
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
                  16,477
   
$
                   10,415
 
             
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
                  10,030
   
$
                   10,794
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
 
                       887
   
 
                        178
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable            $ 4,479      $ 248  



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 11

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 



1. Summary of Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Registrants

     The consolidated financial statements of American Achievement Group Holding Corp. (“Parent Holdings”) include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiary, AAC Group Holding Corp. (“Intermediate Holdings”) and its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, American Achievement Corporation (“AAC”), all of which are separate public reporting companies. The consolidated financial statements of Intermediate Holdings include the accounts of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, AAC. Parent Holdings, Intermediate Holdings, and AAC are treated as entities under common control. Parent Holdings, Intermediate Holdings and AAC together with their consolidated subsidiaries are referred to as the “Company.” Unless separately stated, the notes herein relate to Parent Holdings, Intermediate Holdings and AAC.

Description of Business

     The Company is a manufacturer and supplier of class rings, yearbooks and other graduation-related scholastic products for the high school and college markets and of recognition products, such as letter jackets, and affinity jewelry designed to commemorate significant events, achievements and affiliations. The Company markets its products and services primarily in the United States and operates in four reporting segments; class rings, yearbooks, graduation products and other. The Company’s corporate office is located in Austin, Texas and its manufacturing facilities are located in Austin, Dallas, El Paso and Waco, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; Manhattan, Kansas; and Juarez, Mexico.

As described in Note 3, on October 26, 2007 the Company decided to shut down its achievement publications segment. This segment sold achievement publications in the specialty directory publishing industry nationwide.

Consolidation

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

    Parent Holdings conducts all of its business through Intermediate Holdings and AAC and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements of Parent Holdings include the accounts of its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Intermediate Holdings and its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, AAC. Parent Holdings’ consolidated financial statements are substantially identical to Intermediate Holdings’ consolidated financial statements, with the exception of the series A preferred stock, senior PIK notes, additional interest expense related to its series A preferred stock and senior PIK notes, amortization of deferred financing costs and the related income taxes.
     
     Intermediate Holdings conducts all of its business indirectly through AAC and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements of Intermediate Holdings include the accounts of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, AAC. Intermediate Holdings’ consolidated financial statements are substantially identical to AAC’s consolidated financial statements, with the exception of the 10.25% senior discount notes, additional interest expense related to the 10.25% senior discount notes, amortization of deferred financing costs and the related income taxes. 

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended February 23, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 30, 2008. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 25, 2007 included in the Company’s Report on Form 10-K (File No. 333-84294, 333-121479 and 333-137067) filed on December 7, 2007.

     Unless separately stated, the notes herein relate to Parent Holdings, Intermediate Holdings and AAC.

Use of Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 

 
12 

 AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 

Reclassifications

     Certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Deferred financing costs in the amount of $16,028, $8,377, and $6,115 have been reclassified from other intangible assets, net to other assets, net as of August 25, 2007 for Parent Holdings, Intermediate Holdings, and AAC, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for the Company beginning with its fiscal year 2009. The Company has not yet evaluated the impact this standard will have on its financial position and results of operations.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132 (R)” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the balance sheet and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which changes occur through comprehensive income. Additionally, SFAS 158 requires an employer to measure the funded status of each of its plans as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position.  The Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS 158 in fiscal year 2007.  The measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 will be effective for the Company beginning with its fiscal year 2009. The Company has not yet evaluated the impact that the measurement date provisions of this standard will have on its financial position and results of operations.

     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings.  SFAS 159 will be effective for the Company beginning with its fiscal year 2009.  The Company has not yet evaluated the impact of SFAS 159 on its financial position and results of operations.
 
2. Comprehensive Loss

     The following amounts were included in determining comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended February 23, 2008 and February 24, 2007.


   
For the three months ended
 
For the six months ended
 
     
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
   
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
 
Parent Holdings
                         
Net loss
 
$
                      (10,342
)
$
                       (6,620
)
$
                    (28,459
)
$
                     (18,278
)
Amortization of net gain and prior service cost - postretirement plans. (net of tax of $46 and $96 for the three and six months ended February 23,2008, respectively)
   
                           (78
)  
                                 -
   
                         (151
 
                                 -
 
Total comprehensive loss
 
$
                      (10,420
)
$
                       (6,620
)
$
                    (28,610
$
                     (18,278

   
For the three months ended
 
For the six months ended
 
     
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
   
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
 
Intermediate Holdings
                         
Net loss
 
$
                      (3,406
)
$
                       (2,343
$
                    (14,026
)
$
                       (9,655
)
Amortization of net gain and prior service cost - postretirement plans. (net of tax of $46 and $96 for the three and six months ended February 23, 2008, respectively)
   
                           (78
 
                                 -
   
                         (151
 
                                 -
 
Total comprehensive loss
 
$
                      (3,484
$
                       (2,343
)
$
                    (14,177
)
$
                       (9,655


 
13 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 

   
For the three months ended
 
For the six months ended
 
     
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
   
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
 
AAC
                         
Net loss
 
$
                      (1,922
)
$
                          (683
)
$
                    (10,978
)
$
                       (6,509
)
Amortixation of net gain and prior service cost - postretirement plans.  (net of tax of $46 and $96 for the three and six months ended February 23, 2008, respectively)
   
                           (78
)  
                                 -
   
                         (151
 
                                 -
 
Total comprehensive loss
 
$
                      (2,000
)
$
                          (683
)
$
                    (11,129
)
$
                       (6,509
)
 
3. Discontinued Operations

     On October 26, 2007, the Company announced a planned shutdown of the achievement publications segment. Operations of this segment have ceased and have been eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of the shutdown.  Substantially all activities in connection with the shutdown have been completed, and the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in this segment going forward.

     The results of operations of the achievement publications business are reported as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.  Prior to the shutdown, the achievement publications business was included as the Company’s achievement publications reporting segment.  Certain shared costs that were previously allocated to the achievement publications segment were reallocated to the remaining continuing segments. Net sales and loss from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended February 23, 2008 and February 24, 2007 are as follows:
 
 
For the three months ended
 
For the six months ended
 
   
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
   
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
 
Discontinued operations:
                       
Net sales
$
                                   -
 
$
                              580
 
$
                            1,758
 
$
                           1,290
 
                         
Operating loss
$
                               (38
)
$
                            (986
$
                           (7,128
$
                         (1,694
)
Benefit for income taxes
 
                               (15
)  
                            (383
 
                           (2,787
 
                            (662
Loss from discontinued operations
$
                               (23
)
$
                            (603
$
                           (4,341
$
                         (1,032
 
     The Company recognized charges of $5.5 million during the three months ended November 24, 2007 and the six months ended February 23, 2008, primarily related to the write-off of the remaining carrying value of tangible and intangible assets upon shutdown of the achievement publications segment.  These charges are included in the loss from discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and in write-offs related to the discontinued segment in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
Also included in loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended November 24, 2007 and the six months ended February 23, 2008 are $0.7 million, of costs incurred for contract termination and employee termination costs related to the shutdown.  The accruals related to these costs are summarized in the following table:
   
Contract Termination Costs
   
Employee Termination Costs
   
Total
 
Balance, August 25, 2007
 $
  -
 
 $
 -
 
 $
 -
 
                   
Accrued costs
 
                     491
   
                        246
   
                          737
 
Payments made
 
                   (190
 
                        (98
 
                        (288
Balance, November 24, 2007
 
                     301
   
                        148
   
                          449
 
                   
Payments made
 
                   (301
 
                        (45
 
                        (346
Balance, February 23, 2008
 $
                          -
 
 $
                        103
 
 $
                          103
 

 
 14

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 
4. Inventories


     
February 23, 2008
     
August 25, 2007
 
Raw materials
 
$
                    13,287
   
$
                    19,357
 
Work in process
   
                    16,816
     
                      4,853
 
Finished goods
   
                      9,679
     
                      7,941
 
Less — reserves
   
                        (354
   
                       (993
   
$
                    39,428
   
$
                    31,158
 
 
The Company’s cost of sales includes depreciation of $1,639 and $1,513 for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and February 24, 2007, respectively. Cost of sales includes depreciation of $3,681 and $4,477 for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and February 24, 2007, respectively.

5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill
 
                 
     
February 23, 2008
     
August 25, 2007
 
Class Rings
 
$
                     67,092
   
$
                 67,092
 
Yearbooks
   
                     65,241
     
                 65,241
 
Graduation Products
   
                     23,781
     
                 23,781
 
Achievement Publications
   
                              -
     
                   2,193
 
Other
   
                     14,959
     
                 14,970
 
Total
 
$
                   171,073
   
$
               173,277
 
 
Other Intangible Assets
 
   
Estimated
 
Gross
   
Accumulated
   
Net
 
   
Useful Life
 
Asset
   
Amortization
   
Asset
 
 
At February 23, 2008
                           
Trademarks
 
Indefinite
 
$
       36,972
   
$
                 -
   
$
       36,972
 
Patents
 
14 to 17 years
   
         7,317
     
        (1,738)
     
         5,579
 
Customer lists and distribution contracts
 
3 to 12 years
   
       97,740
     
      (37,552)
     
       60,188
 
Total
     
$
     142,029
   
$
      (39,290)
   
$
     102,739
 
                       
 
At August 25, 2007
                           
Trademarks
 
Indefinite
 
$
       37,433
   
$
                 -
   
$
       37,433
 
Patents
 
14 to 17 years
   
         7,317
     
        (1,516)
     
         5,801
 
Customer lists and distribution contracts
 
3 to 12 years
   
     102,968
     
      (38,347)
     
       64,621
 
Total
     
$
     147,718
   
$
      (39,863)
   
$
     107,855
 
 
     Total amortization on other intangible assets was $2,692 and $5,254 for the three and six months ended February 23, 2008, respectively, and was $2,966 and $5,932 for the three and six months ended February 24, 2007, respectively, which is recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses. Estimated annual amortization expense is $10,849 for 2008, $10,249 for the years 2009 through 2011 and $9,816 for the year 2012.


 
15 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 
6. Long-term Debt


     
February 23, 2008
   
August 25, 2007
 
Parent Holdings
             
Senior PIK Notes due October 1, 2012 (including $38,791 and $25,844 PIK interest, respectively)
 
$
                   188,791
 
$
                175,844
 
10.25% Senior discount notes due October 1, 2012 (net of unamortized discount of $7,616 and $13,646, respectively)
   
                   123,884
   
                117,854
 
8.25% Senior subordinated notes due April 1, 2012
   
                   150,000
   
                150,000
 
Senior secured credit facility:
             
  Revolving credit facility due 2010
   
                               -
   
                    7,805
 
  Term loan due 2011
   
                     80,892
   
                  87,077
 
Total
   
                   543,567
   
                538,580
 
Less current portion of long-term debt
   
                         (841
 
                     (900
Total long-term debt
 
$
                   542,726
 
$
                537,680
 
           

     
February 23, 2008
   
August 25, 2007
 
Intermediate Holdings
             
10.25% Senior discount notes due October 1, 2012 (net of unamortized discount of $7,616 and $13,646, respectively)
 
$
                  123,884
 
$
               117,854
 
8.25% Senior subordinated notes due April 1, 2012
   
                  150,000
   
               150,000
 
Senior secured credit facility
             
   Revolving credit facility due 2010
   
                             -
   
                   7,805
 
   Term loan due 2011
   
                    80,892
   
                 87,077
 
Total
   
                  354,776
   
               362,736
 
Less current portion of long-term debt
   
                       (841
 
                    (900
Total long-term debt
 
$
                  353,935
 
$
               361,836
 
           



   
February 23, 2008
   
August 25, 2007
 
AAC
             
8.25% Senior subordinated notes due April 1, 2012
 
$
                 150,000
 
$
                 150,000
 
Senior secured credit facility
             
   Revolving credit facility due 2010
   
                             -
   
                     7,805
 
   Term loan due 2011
   
                   80,892
   
                   87,077
 
Total
   
                 230,892
   
                 244,882
 
Less current portion of long-term debt
   
                      (841
 
                       (900
Total long-term debt
 
$
                 230,051
 
$
                 243,982
 
           
 
   During the six months ended February 23, 2008, the Company paid down $6.2 million of the term loan of the Amended Senior Credit Facility, of which approximately $0.7 were mandatory payments.
 
     Availability under the revolving credit facility is restricted to a total revolving commitment of $40 million as defined in the credit agreement governing the Amended Senior Credit Facility. Availability under the revolving credit facility as of February 23, 2008 was approximately $38.2 million with $1.8 million in letters of credit outstanding.
 

 
16 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 

     The following table presents the amount of interest income included in interest expense, net, for the three and six months ended February 23, 2008 and February 24, 2007:

 
For the three months ended
 
For the six months ended
 
February 23, 2008
 
February 24, 2007
 
February 23, 2008
 
February 24, 2007
Parent Holdings
 $                  232
 
 $               163
 
 $               354
 
 $               278
Intermediate Holdings
                     229
 
                  160
 
                  348
 
                  269
AAC
                     224
 
                  155
 
                  336
 
                  257
 
7. Commitments and Contingencies

Pending Litigation
     
     The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. In management’s opinion, adverse decisions on these ordinary legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Gold Consignment Agreement

     Under the Company’s gold consignment financing arrangement, the Company has the ability to have on consignment the lowest of the dollar value of 27,000 troy ounces of gold, $14.2 million or a borrowing base, determined based upon a percentage of gold located at the Company’s facilities and other approved locations, as specified by the agreement.  Under the terms of the consignment arrangement, the Company does not own the consigned gold nor does it have risk of loss related to price variation on such inventory until the Company pays the supplier for quantities purchased.  Accordingly, the Company does not include the value of consigned gold in its inventory or the corresponding liability for financial statement purposes.  As of February 23, 2008, the Company consigned gold valued at $1.8 million, while at August 25, 2007, the Company held no gold on consignment.  The gold consignment agreement does not have a stated period and it can be terminated by either party upon 60 days written notice.

8. Income Taxes

 As part of the process of preparing consolidated financial statements, we must assess the likelihood that our deferred income tax assets will be recovered through future taxable income.  To the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established.  Significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred income tax assets.  Based on our estimates of taxable income in each jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which deferred income tax assets will be recoverable, we have not recorded a valuation allowance as of February 23, 2008 or August 25, 2007.  In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we make adjustments to these estimates in future periods, we may need to establish a valuation allowance.  All tax years after 2003 are open to examination.
 
 In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" (“FIN 48”), which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. In addition, FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions. The accounting provisions of FIN 48 are effective for the Company beginning with its fiscal year 2008. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 on August 26, 2007 and as of February 23, 2008, no material adjustments to the Company’s financial position and results of operations were required.
 
9. Postretirement Pension and Medical Benefits

    CBI provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for former employees of L.G. Balfour Company, Inc. (“CBI Plan”). Certain hourly employees of Taylor Publishing Company are covered under its defined benefit pension plan (“TPC Plan”). The benefits under the CBI Plan and TPC Plan are based primarily on the employees’ years of service and compensation near retirement. The funding policies for these plans are consistent with the funding requirements of federal laws and regulations.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158, which requires an employer to recognize the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the balance sheet and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which changes occur through comprehensive income. Additionally, SFAS 158 requires an employer to measure the funded status of each of its plans as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position.  The Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS 158 in fiscal year 2007.  The measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 will be effective for the Company beginning with its fiscal year 2009.

    For fiscal 2007, the measurement date for the CBI Plan was August 25, 2007, and the measurement date for the TPC Plan was June 30, 2007.  The Company will use a measurement date as of the end of its fiscal year for both plans on or before fiscal 2009.


 
17

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 

     The net periodic postretirement benefit cost includes the following components:
 
 
For the three months ended
 
For the three months ended
 
February 23, 2008
 
February 24, 2007
 
TPC Plan
   
CBI Plan
 
TPC Plan
 
CBI Plan
Service costs, benefits attributed to service during the period
$
              22
   
$
                 -
   
$
              20
   
$
                 -
 
Interest cost
 
            228
     
              27
     
            225
     
              27
 
Expected return on assets
 
           (292
   
                 -
     
           (247
   
                 -
 
Amortization of unrecognized net loss (gain)
 
               (9
   
             (78
   
                 -
     
             (88
Amortization of unrecognized net prior service costs
 
                 -
     
             (37
   
                 -
     
             (37
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income)
$
             (51
 
$
             (88
 
$
               (2
 
$
             (98
                         
                             
 
For the six months ended
   
For the six months ended
 
February 23, 2008
   
February 24, 2007
 
TPC Plan
 
CBI Plan
   
TPC Plan
 
CBI Plan
Service costs, benefits attributed to service during the period
$
              44
   
$
                 -
   
 $
                         40
   
$
                 -
 
Interest cost
 
            457
     
              54
     
                       450
 
   
              54
 
Expected return on assets
 
           (584
   
                 -
     
                     (494
   
                 -
 
Amortization of unrecognized net loss (gain)
 
             (18
   
           (155
   
               -
     
           (176
Amortization of unrecognized net prior service costs
 
 -
     
             (74
   
               -
     
             (74
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income)
$
           (101
 
$
           (175
 
 $
                         (4
 
$
           (196


 
     Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income consist of:


 
For the three months ended February 23, 2008
 
For the three months ended February 24, 2007
 
   
TPC Plan
   
CBI Plan
   
TPC Plan
   
CBI Plan
 
Net gain
 $ 
                              (9
)
  $ 
                              (78
)  
 n/a
   
 n/a
 
Prior service cost
 
 -
   
                              (37
 
 n/a
   
 n/a
 
 
 $ 
                              (9
)
  $ 
                            (115
           
                         
 
For the six months ended February 23, 2008
 
For the six months ended February 24, 2007
 
   
TPC Plan
   
CBI Plan
   
TPC Plan
   
CBI Plan
 
Net gain
 $ 
                            (18
  $ 
                            (155
 
 n/a
   
 n/a
 
Prior service cost
 
 -
   
                              (74
 
 n/a
   
 n/a
 
 
 $ 
                            (18
  $ 
                            (229
           
 
     The estimated net gain for the TPC Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $36.  The estimated net gain and estimated prior service credit for the CBI Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other income into net periodic postretirement benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $310 and $149, respectively.

10. Related-Party Transactions

     On March 25, 2004, AAC entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Fenway Partners pursuant to which AAC, among other things, agreed to pay such affiliate an annual fee equal to the greater of $3.0 million or 5% of the previous fiscal year’s EBITDA (as defined in the agreement). Amounts paid by the Company under the management agreement totaled $949 and $1,699 for the three and six months ended February 23, 2008, respectively and $896 and $1,832 for the three and six months ended February 24, 2007, respectively.

     As of February 23, 2008 and August 25, 2007, the Company had prepaid management fees of approximately $219 and $250, respectively.


 
18 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 

11. Business Segments

     The Company is a manufacturer and supplier of class rings, yearbooks and other graduation-related scholastic products for the high school and college markets and of recognition products, such as letter jackets, and affinity jewelry designed to commemorate significant events, achievements and affiliations. The Company markets its products and services primarily in the United States and operates in four reporting segments: class rings, yearbooks, graduation products and other.

     The Company’s operating segments, on campus class rings and retail class rings, have been aggregated into one reporting segment, class rings, in accordance with paragraph 26.a. of SFAS 131. The other segment consists primarily of jewelry commemorating family events such as the birth of a child, military and fan affinity jewelry and related products, professional sports championship rings, commercial printing and recognition products such as letter jackets.

     As discussed in Note 3, the achievement publications business was shut down during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.  This business historically was included as an additional reporting segment.  As all of the results of operations of the achievement publications business are included in discontinued operations, they are not presented in the tables below.  Assets of the achievement publications segment were $271 and $7,610 as of February 23, 2008 and August 25, 2007, respectively. Certain shared assets and costs that were previously allocated to the achievement publications segment were reallocated to the remaining continuing segments.
 
 
Class
       
Graduation
             
 
Rings
 
Yearbooks
 
Products
 
Other
 
Total
 
Three Months Ended February 23, 2008
                             
Net sales
$
       32,855
 
$
         2,335
 
$
       15,478
 
$
         9,960
 
$
       60,628
 
Segment operating income (loss)
 
         3,779
   
        (5,486
 
         3,793
   
             (67
$
         2,019
 
                               
Three Months Ended February 24, 2007
                             
Net sales
$
       31,002
 
$
         2,644
 
$
       15,278
 
$
         8,173
 
$
       57,097
 
Segment operating income (loss)
 
         4,719
   
        (3,989
 
         3,316
   
         1,219
 
$
         5,265
 
                               
Six Months Ended February 23, 2008
                             
Net sales
$
       65,516
 
$
       11,955
 
$
       18,942
 
$
       16,155
 
$
     112,568
 
Segment operating income (loss)
 
         6,539
   
        (8,793
 
         2,053
   
           (503
$
           (704
                               
Six Months Ended February 24, 2007
                             
Net sales
$
       64,369
 
$
       13,205
 
$
       18,037
 
$
       13,534
 
$
     109,145
 
Segment operating income (loss)
 
         8,493
   
        (7,870
 
            983
   
            674
 
$
         2,280
 


 
Parent Holdings
 
Class
         
Graduation
       
 
Rings
 
Yearbooks
 
Products
 
Other
 
Total
As of February 23, 2008
                                     
Segment assets
$
     210,044
   
$
     171,955
   
$
       66,948
   
$
       41,683
   
$
     490,630
 
                                       
As of August 25, 2007
                                     
Segment assets
$
     203,637
   
$
     168,292
   
$
       57,796
   
$
       38,731
   
$
     468,456
 
                                       

 
19 

AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)
(unaudited) 

 
Intermediate Holdings
 
Class
         
Graduation
       
 
Rings
 
Yearbooks
 
Products
 
Other
 
Total
As of February 23, 2008
                                     
Segment assets
$
     206,916
   
$
169,377
   
$
       66,064
   
$
       41,086
   
$
     483,443
 
                                       
As of August 25, 2007
                                     
Segment assets
$
     200,330
   
$
     165,287
   
$
       56,726
   
$
       38,176
   
$
     460,519
 
                                       



 
AAC
 
Class
         
Graduation
       
 
Rings
 
Yearbooks
 
Products
 
Other
 
Total
As of February 23, 2008
                                     
Segment assets
$
     205,785
   
$
     168,444
   
$
       65,744
   
$
       40,870
   
$
     480,843
 
                                       
As of August 25, 2007
                                     
Segment assets
$
     199,160
   
$
     164,223
   
$
       56,347
   
$
       37,979
   
$
     457,709
 
                                       


 
20 

 

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

     The following discussion of our condensed consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this report. The condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principals. The following discussion includes forward looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. See “Disclosure Regarding Forward Looking Statements.”

General

     We are one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of class rings, yearbooks, graduation products, and recognition products and affinity jewelry in the United States. We market and sell yearbooks to the college, high school, junior high school and elementary markets. We primarily sell our class rings and graduation products, which include fine paper products and graduation accessories, in the high school, college and junior high school markets. We also sell jewelry commemorating family events such as the birth of a child, military and fan affinity jewelry and related products, professional sports championship rings, commercial printing and recognition products such as letter jackets.

     As fully described under the “Significant Developments” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, on October 26, 2007, the Company decided to shut down the operations of its achievement publications segment, which produced, marketed and sold publications that recognize the achievements of top students at the high school and college levels, as well as the nation’s most inspiring teachers.  Substantially all shutdown activities were complete as of February 23, 2008.

      Our ability to meet our debt service and other obligations depends in significant part on how successful we are in maintaining our core businesses and further implementing our business strategy. Our business plan envisions several long-term growth initiatives, including the development of new products. The components of our strategy are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.

     Numerous raw materials are used in the manufacture of our products. Gold and other metals, precious, semiprecious and synthetic stones, paper products and ink comprise the bulk of the raw materials we utilize in the largest segments of our business. Prices of these materials, especially gold, continually fluctuate. We purchase a majority of our gold from a single supplier, through our existing gold consignment agreement. We may consign a portion of our gold and pay for gold as our products are shipped to customers. We also purchase the majority of our semi-precious and synthetic stones from a single supplier in Germany. The prices for these stone purchases are denominated in Euros. We generally are able to pass on price increases in gold and stones to our customers as such increases are realized by us, however, this may not always be the case.

     We face competition for most of our principal products. The class ring and yearbook markets are highly concentrated and consist primarily of a few national manufacturers (of which we are one) and, to a significantly lesser extent, small regional competitors. We believe that it would be costly and time-consuming for new competitors to replicate the production and distribution capabilities necessary to compete effectively in this market, and as a result, there have been no major new competitors in the last 61 years.
  
     We experience seasonal fluctuations in our net sales tied primarily to the school year. We recorded 46% of our fiscal year 2007 net sales in our third quarter. Class ring sales are highest during October through December and early spring, with many orders made for delivery to students before the winter holiday season. Graduation product sales are predominantly made during February through April prior to the April through June graduation season. Yearbook sales are highest during the months of April through June, as yearbooks are typically shipped prior to each school’s summer break. Our recognition and affinity product line sales are seasonal. The recognition and affinity product line sales are highest during the winter holiday season and in the period leading up to Mother’s Day. We have experienced operating losses during our first and fourth fiscal quarters, which includes the beginning of the school year and the summer months when school is not in session, thus reducing related shipment of products. In addition, our working capital requirements tend to exceed our operating cash flows from May through September.

     We also have exposure to market risk relating to changes in interest rates on our variable rate debt. Our senior secured credit facility (revolver and term loan) and existing gold consignment agreement are variable rate arrangements.
   
     Historically, growth in the class rings, yearbooks and graduation products market has been driven primarily by demographics. The U.S. Department of Education projects that the number of high school and college graduates will increase by an average of 6% and 22% nationally, respectively, over the time period from 2003 to 2016. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the total U.S. population will increase by 6% over the time period from 2007 to 2015. Both the increased population, and the increased number of high school and college graduates should expand the market for our products.


 
21 

 

Company Background

     Our business was founded when the operations of ArtCarved, which were previously owned by CJC Holdings, Inc., and the operations of Balfour, which were previously owned by L.G. Balfour Company, Inc., were combined through various asset purchase agreements in December 1996. AAC was formed in June 2000 to serve as a holding company for these operations as well as any future acquisitions. In June 2000, we acquired the Taylor Senior Holding Company, the parent company of Taylor Publishing Company (“Taylor”), whose primary business is designing and printing student yearbooks. In July 2002, AAC acquired all the outstanding stock and warrants of Milestone Marketing, a marketer of class rings and other graduation products to the college market. In January 2004, AAC acquired C-B Graduation Announcements, a marketer of graduation products to the college market.  In April 2007, Commemorative Brands, Inc. (“CBI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAC, acquired all of the outstanding stock of BFJ Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Powers Embroidery, Inc. (“Powers”), which companies were immediately merged into and became an operating division of CBI. Powers is a producer of quality letter jackets, chenille patches and other school spirit embroidery merchandise and is located in Waco, Texas.

Basis of Presentation

     We present financial information relating to Parent Holdings, Intermediate Holdings and AAC and its subsidiaries in this discussion and analysis.  Parent Holdings owns 100% of the shares of common stock of Intermediate Holdings.  Intermediate Holdings owns 100% of the shares of common stock of AAC Holding Corp., which is the holder of 100% of the shares of common stock of AAC.

     Other than the series A preferred stock, debt obligations, related deferred debt issuance costs, associated accrued liabilities and related interest expense, net of taxes, all other assets, liabilities, income, expenses and cash flows presented for all periods represent those of Parent Holdings and Intermediate Holdings’ wholly-owned indirect subsidiary AAC and the direct and indirect subsidiaries of AAC. Intermediate Holdings’ only direct subsidiary is AAC Holding Corp., whose sole asset is the stock of AAC. AAC, Intermediate Holdings and Parent Holdings are treated as entities under common control.

     The Company uses a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday of August.
    
Significant Developments
 
The financial performance of our achievement publications segment took a significant downturn in 2007, with sales declining from $21.0 million in 2006 to $5.1 million in 2007. Late in the fourth quarter of 2007, as the results of solicitation mailings made in May and June became known, it was clear that student and teacher responses were coming in well below what was anticipated and necessary to support profitable operations.

After carefully considering the risks of continuing to operate this business and the investment required to do so, management determined in August 2007 that the risks of continuing to operate this business outweighed the probable benefits. Additionally, management and the Board of Directors wanted to focus our efforts around the core businesses that offered the most opportunity for continued growth and earnings. Accordingly, on October 26, 2007, management proposed and the Board of Directors approved the shut down of our achievement publications business.

As a consequence of the decision in October 2007 to shutdown the achievement publications business, in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we recorded charges of approximately $5.5 million primarily related to the write-off of the remaining carrying value of tangible and intangible assets of the achievement publications segment and incurred approximately $0.7 million related to contract termination and employee severance costs. These charges are included in loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended February 23, 2008 in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

     The results of operations of the achievement publications business are reported as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated income statements for all periods presented.


 
22 

 

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended February 23, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended February 24, 2007

The following tables set forth selected information for Parent Holdings, Intermediate Holdings, and AAC from our condensed consolidated statements of operations expressed on an actual basis and as a percentage of net sales:
 
 
Parent Holdings
 
 
For the Three
   
% of
   
For the Three
   
% of
 
(in thousands)
Months Ended
   
Net
   
Months Ended
   
Net
 
 
February 23, 2008
   
Sales
   
February 24, 2007
   
Sales
 
Net sales
$
                    60,628
     
         100.0
%
 
$
                    57,097
     
         100.0
%
Cost of sales
 
                    26,865
     
           44.3
%
   
                    21,258
     
           37.2
%
Gross profit
 
                    33,763
     
           55.7
%
   
                    35,839
     
           62.8
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
                    31,744
     
           52.4
%
   
                    30,574
     
           53.6
%
Operating income
 
                      2,019
     
             3.3
%
   
                      5,265
     
             9.2
%
Interest expense, net
 
                    15,995
     
           26.3
%
   
                    14,350
     
           25.1
%
Loss before income taxes
 
                   (13,976
   
           (23.0)
%
   
                     (9,085
   
          (15.9)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
                     (3,657
   
            (6.0)
%
   
                     (3,068
   
            (5.4)
%
Loss from continuing operations
 
                     (10,319
   
          (17.0)
%
   
                     (6,017
   
          (10.5)
%
Discontinued operations:
                             
 Loss from discontinued segment
 
                          (38
   
            (0.1)
%
   
                        (986
   
            (1.7)
%
 Benefit for income taxes
 
                          (15
   
            (0.0)
%
   
                        (383
   
            (0.6)
%
 Loss from discontinued operations
 
                          (23
)    
            (0.1)
%
   
                        (603
   
            (1.1)
%
Net loss
$
                     (10,342
   
          (17.1)
%
 
$
                     (6,620
   
          (11.6)
%
                       

 
Intermediate Holdings
 
 
For the Three
   
% of
   
For the Three
   
% of
 
(in thousands)
Months Ended
   
Net
   
Months Ended
   
Net
 
 
February 23, 2008
   
Sales
   
February 24, 2007
   
Sales
 
Net sales
$
                    60,628
     
         100.0
%
 
$
                    57,097
     
         100.0
%
Cost of sales
 
                    26,865
     
           44.3
%
   
                    21,258
     
           37.2
%
Gross profit
 
                    33,763
     
           55.7
%
   
                    35,839
     
           62.8
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
                    31,744
     
           52.4
%
   
                    30,574
     
           53.6
%
Operating income
 
                      2,019
     
             3.3
%
   
                      5,265
     
             9.2
%
Interest expense, net
 
                      8,350
     
           13.7
%
   
                      8,298
     
           14.5
%
Loss before income taxes
 
                     (6,331
   
          (10.4)
%
   
                    (3,033
   
            (5.3)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
                     (2,948
   
            (4.9)
%
   
                    (1,293
   
            (2.3)
%
Loss from continuing operations
 
                     (3,383
   
            (5.5)
%
   
                    (1,740
   
            (3.0)
%
Discontinued operations:
                             
 Loss from discontinued segment
 
                          (38
   
            (0.1)
%
   
                       (986
   
            (1.7)
%
 Benefit for income taxes
 
                          (15
   
            (0.0)
%
   
                       (383
   
            (0.6)
%
 Loss from discontinued operations
 
                          (23
   
            (0.1)
%
   
                       (603
   
            (1.1)
%
Net loss
$
                     (3,406
   
            (5.6)
%
 
$
                    (2,343
   
            (4.1)
%
                       

 
23

 

 
AAC
 
 
For the Three
   
% of
   
For the Three
   
% of
 
(in thousands)
Months Ended
   
Net
   
Months Ended
   
Net
 
 
February 23, 2008
   
Sales
   
February 24, 2007
   
Sales
 
Net sales
$
                    60,628
     
         100.0
%
 
$
                    57,097
     
         100.0
%
Cost of sales
 
                    26,865
     
           44.3
%
   
                    21,258
     
           37.2
%
Gross profit
 
                    33,763
     
           55.7
%
   
                    35,839
     
           62.8
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
                    31,744
     
           52.4
%
   
                    30,574
     
           53.5
%
Operating income
 
                      2,019
     
             3.3
%
   
                      5,265
     
             9.2
%
Interest expense, net
 
                      5,176
     
             8.5
%
   
                      5,409
     
             9.5
%
Loss before income taxes
 
                     (3,157
   
            (5.2)
%
   
                       (144
)    
            (0.3)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
                     (1,258
   
            (2.1)
%
   
                         (64
)    
            (0.2)
%
Loss from continuing operations
 
                     (1,899
   
            (3.1)
%
   
                         (80
   
            (0.1)
%
Discontinued operations:
                             
 Loss from discontinued segment
 
                          (38
   
            (0.1)
%
   
                       (986
   
            (1.7)
%
 Benefit for income taxes
 
                          (15
   
            (0.0)
%
   
                       (383
)    
            (0.6)
%
 Loss from discontinued operations
 
                          (23
   
            (0.1)
%
   
                       (603
   
            (1.1)
%
Net loss
$
                     (1,922
   
            (3.2)
%
 
$
                       (683
   
            (1.2)
%
                       
 
Net Sales. Net sales consist of product sales and are net of product returns and promotional discounts. Net sales increased $3.5 million, or 6.2%, to $60.6 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 from $57.1 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The following details the changes in net sales during such periods by business segment.

     Class Rings. Net sales increased $1.9 million to $32.9 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 from $31.0 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The increase in net sales was primarily due to timing of deliveries related to on-campus class rings between the first and second quarters of 2008 and higher on-campus average sales price, partially offset by lower retail class ring sales due to softness in the retail market.

    Yearbooks. Net sales decreased $0.3 million to $2.3 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 from $2.6 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The decrease in net sales was primarily the result of a decline in contracts partially offset by a higher average contract value.

     Graduation Products. Net sales increased $0.2 million to $15.5 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 from $15.3 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007.

     Other. Net sales increased $1.8 million to $10.0 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 from $8.2 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The increase in net sales was primarily related to the acquisition of Powers in April 2007 and an increase in the sale of commercial and fine books, partially offset by a decrease in sales of recognition and affinity rings partially due to timing of licensing revenue between the first two quarters of 2007.

Gross Profit. Gross margin represents gross profit as a percentage of net sales. Gross margin was 55.7% for the three months ended February 23, 2008, a 7.1  percentage point decrease from 62.8% for the three months ended February 24, 2007. Overall, gross profit decreased $2.1 million. The decrease in gross profit was a result of the decline in retail class rings and recognition and affinity ring sales, a decline in yearbook gross profit due to timing between the first two quarters of 2008, unfavorable exchange impact on Euro denominated stone purchases and higher consulting expenses related to productivity projects, partially offset by the Powers acquisition and increased on-campus class ring sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.1 million, or 3.8%, to $31.7 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 from $30.6 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are two sub-categories: selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.

     Selling and marketing expenses increased $0.3 million to $21.5 million or 35.6% of net sales for the three months ended February 23, 2008 from $21.2 million or 37.1% of net sales for the three months ended February 24, 2007 due to higher market research and e-business expenses, partially offset by lower spending in other areas.  


 
24

 

     General and administrative expenses for the three months ended February 23, 2008 were $10.2 million, or 16.8% of net sales as compared to $9.4 million, or 16.4% of net sales for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily the result of the acquisition of Powers in April 2007, increased employee headcount and increases in other administrative expenses.

Operating Income. As a result of the foregoing, operating income was $2.0 million, or 3.3% of net sales, for the three months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating income of $5.3 million, or 9.2% of net sales, for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The class rings segment reported operating income of $3.8 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating income of $4.7 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The yearbooks segment reported operating loss of $5.5 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating loss of $4.0 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The graduation products segment reported operating income of $3.8 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating income of $3.3 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The other segment reported an operating loss of $0.1 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating income of $1.2 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007.

Interest Expense, Net. For Parent Holdings, net interest expense was $16.0 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and $14.4 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The average debt outstanding of Parent Holdings for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007 was $555 million and $535 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding of Parent Holdings for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007 was 10.6% and 9.9%, respectively.

     For Intermediate Holdings, net interest expense was $8.4 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and $8.3 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The average debt outstanding of Intermediate Holdings for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007 was $362 million and $366 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding of Intermediate Holdings for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007 was 8.4% and 8.5%, respectively.

     For AAC, net interest expense was $5.2 million for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and $5.4 million for the three months ended February 24, 2007. The average debt outstanding of AAC for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007 was $239 million and $255 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding of AAC for the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007 was 7.5% and 7.8%, respectively.

Benefit for Income Taxes. For the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007, Parent Holdings recorded an income tax benefit of $3.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 26% and 34%, respectively.  The effective tax rates vary from the statutory federal rate due to the impact of state income taxes and the non-deductibility of a portion of interest on high-yield debt.

     For the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007, Intermediate Holdings recorded an income tax benefit of $2.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 47% and 43%, respectively. The effective tax rates vary from the statutory federal rate due to the impact of state income taxes and the non-deductibility of a portion of interest on high-yield debt.

     For the three months ended February 23, 2008 and the three months ended February 24, 2007, AAC recorded an income tax benefit of $1.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 40% and 44%, respectively.
 
Loss from Discontinued Operations.  As described in “Significant Developments,” the results of operations of the achievement publications business are reported as discontinued operations.  Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes during the three months ended February 23, 2008 and February 24, 2007 was $0.04 million and $1.0 million.


 
25 

 

Six Months Ended February 23, 2008 Compared to Six Months Ended February 24, 2007

The following tables set forth selected information for Parent Holdings, Intermediate Holdings, and AAC from our condensed consolidated statements of operations expressed on an actual basis and as a percentage of net sales:
 
 
Parent Holdings
 
   
For the Six
   
% of
       
For the Six
   
% of
 
(in thousands)
 
Months Ended
   
Net
       
Months Ended
   
Net
 
   
February 23, 2008
   
Sales
       
February 24, 2007
   
Sales
 
Net sales
$
112,568
   
          100.0
%
   
$
  109,145
   
              100.0
%
Cost of sales
 
52,182
 
 
            46.4
%
     
48,651
   
                44.6
%
Gross profit
 
 60,386
   
            53.6
%
     
  60,494
   
                55.4
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
61,090
   
            54.2
%
     
58,214
   
                53.3
%
Operating income (loss)
 
    (704
 
            (0.6)
%
     
2,280
   
                  2.1
%
Interest expense, net
 
          31,626
   
            28.1
%
     
28,974
   
              (26.6)
%
Loss before income taxes
 
           (32,330
 
          (28.7)
%
     
 (26,694
 
              (24.5)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
       (8,212
 
            (7.3)
%
     
 (9,448
 
                (8.7)
%
Loss from continuing operations
 
       (24,118
 
          (21.4)
%
     
 (17,246
 
              (15.8)
%
Discontinued operations:
                           
Loss from discontinued segment
 
(7,128
 
            (6.3)
%
     
(1,694
 
                (1.6)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
 (2,787
 
            (2.4)
%
     
 (662
 
                (0.6)
%
Loss from discontinued operations
 
(4,341
 
            (3.9)
%
     
 (1,032
 
                (1.0)
%
Net loss
$
 (28,459
 
          (25.3)
%
   
$
 (18,278
 
              (16.8)
%


 
Intermediate Holdings
 
   
For the Six
 
% of
       
For the Six
   
% of
 
(in thousands)
 
Months Ended
 
Net
       
Months Ended
   
Net
 
   
February 23, 2008
 
Sales
       
February 24, 2007
   
Sales
 
Net sales
$
                                       112,568
 
         100.0
%
   
$
                     109,145
   
             100.0
%
Cost of sales
 
                                         52,182
 
           46.4
%
     
                       48,651
   
               44.6
%
Gross profit
 
                                         60,386
 
           53.6
%
     
                       60,494
   
               55.4
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
                                         61,090
 
           54.2
%
     
                       58,214
   
               53.3
%
Operating income (loss)
 
                                            (704
            (0.6)
%
     
                         2,280
   
                 2.1
%
Interest expense, net
 
                                         16,521
 
           14.7
%
     
                       17,015
   
               15.6
%
Loss before income taxes
 
                                       (17,225
          (15.3)
%
     
                     (14,735
 
              (13.5)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
                                         (7,540
            (6.7)
%
     
                       (6,112
 
                (5.6)
%
Loss from continuing operations
 
                                         (9,685
            (8.6)
%
     
                       (8,623
 
                (7.9)
%
Discontinued operations:
                         
Loss from discontinued segment
 
                                         (7,128
)
            (6.3)
%
     
                       (1,694
 
                (1.6)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
                                         (2,787
            (2.4)
%
     
                          (662
 
                (0.6)
%
Loss from discontinued operations
 
                                         (4,341
)
            (3.9)
%
     
                       (1,032
 
                (1.0)
%
Net loss
$
                                       (14,026
)
          (12.5)
%
   
$
                       (9,655
 
                (8.9)
%
                           


 
26 

 



 
AAC
 
   
For the Six
 
% of
     
For the Six
   
% of
 
(in thousands)
 
Months Ended
 
Net
     
Months Ended
   
Net
 
   
February 23, 2008
 
Sales
     
February 24, 2007
   
Sales
 
Net sales
$
                                       112,568
 
          100.0
%
 
$
                     109,145
   
              100.0
%
Cost of sales
 
                                         52,182
 
            46.4
%
   
                       48,651
   
                44.6
%
Gross profit
 
                                         60,386
 
            53.6
%
   
                       60,494
   
                55.4
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
                                         61,090
 
            54.2
%
   
                       58,214
   
                53.3
%
Operating income (loss)
 
                                            (704
            (0.6)
%
   
                         2,280
   
                  2.1
%
Interest expense, net
 
                                         10,281
 
              9.2
%
   
                       11,330
   
                10.4
%
Loss before income taxes
 
                                       (10,985
)
            (9.8)
%
   
                        (9,050
 
                (8.3)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
                                         (4,348
            (3.9)
%
   
                        (3,573
 
                (3.3)
%
Loss from continuing operations
 
                                         (6,637
)
            (5.9)
%
   
                        (5,477
 
                (5.0)
%
Discontinued operations:
 
 
                   
Loss from discontinued segment
 
                                         (7,128
            (6.3)
%
   
                        (1,694
 
                (1.6)
%
Benefit for income taxes
 
                                         (2,787
            (2.4)
%
   
                           (662
 
                (0.6)
%
Loss from discontinued operations
 
                                         (4,341
)
            (3.9)
%
   
                        (1,032
 
                (1.0)
%
Net loss
$
                                       (10,978
            (9.8)
%
 
$
                        (6,509
 
                (6.0)
%
 
  Net Sales. Net sales consist of product sales and are net of product returns and promotional discounts. Net sales increased $3.5 million, or 3.1%, to $112.6 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 from $109.1 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The following details the changes in net sales during such periods by business segment.

     Class Rings. Net sales increased $1.1 million to $65.5 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 from $64.4 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher average sales price of on-campus class rings during the six months ended February 23, 2008 partially offset by lower retail unit sales as compared to the six months ended February 24, 2007 due to softness in the retail market.  

    Yearbooks. Net sales decreased $1.2 million to $12.0 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 from $13.2 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The decrease in net sales was primarily the result of a decline in contracts and unfavorable contract mix.

     Graduation Products. Net sales increased $0.9 million to $18.9 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 from $18.0 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The increase in net sales was due to timing between the first and second half of 2007.

     Other. Net sales increased $2.7 million to $16.2 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 from $13.5 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The increase in net sales was primarily related to the acquisition of Powers in April 2007 and an increase in the sale of commercial books partially offset by a decline in professional championship rings.

Gross Profit. Gross margin represents gross profit as a percentage of net sales. Gross margin was 53.6% for the six months ended February 23, 2008, a 1.8 percentage point decrease from 55.4% for the six months ended February 24, 2007.  Overall, gross profit decreased $0.1 million. The decrease in gross profit was a result of the decline in retail class rings and other recognition and affinity ring sales, a decline in yearbook gross margin due to lower sales, unfavorable exchange impact on Euro denominated stone purchases and higher consulting expenses related to productivity projects, partially offset by additional gross margin as a result of the Powers acquisition and increased sales of graduation products and on-campus class rings.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.9 million, or 4.9%, to $61.1 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 from $58.2 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are two sub-categories: selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.

     Selling and marketing expenses increased $1.0 million to $40.6 million or 36.1% of net sales for the six months ended February 23, 2008 from $39.6 million or 36.3% of net sales for the six months ended February 24, 2007 due to increased marketing research and development expenditures.

     General and administrative expenses for the six months ended February 23, 2008 were $20.5 million, or 18.2% of net sales as compared to $18.6 million, or 17.0% of net sales for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily the result of the acquisition of Powers in April 2007, increased employee headcount and increases in other administrative expenses.


 
27 

 

Operating Income. As a result of the foregoing, operating loss was $0.7 million, or 0.6% of net sales, for the six months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating income of $2.3 million, or 2.1% of net sales, for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The class rings segment reported operating income of $6.5 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating income of $8.5 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The yearbooks segment reported operating loss of $8.8 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating loss of $7.9 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The graduation products segment reported operating income of $2.1 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating income of $1.0 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The other segment reported an operating loss of $0.5 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 as compared with operating income of $0.7 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007.

Interest Expense, Net. For Parent Holdings, net interest expense was $31.6 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and $29.0 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The average debt outstanding of Parent Holdings for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007 was $555 million and $540 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding of Parent Holdings for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007 was 10.7% and 9.9%, respectively.

     For Intermediate Holdings, net interest expense was $16.5 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and $17.0 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The average debt outstanding of Intermediate Holdings for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007 was $365 million and $374 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding of Intermediate Holdings for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007 was 8.6%.

     For AAC, net interest expense was $10.3 million for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and $11.3 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The average debt outstanding of AAC for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007 was $244 million and $264 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding of AAC for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007 was 7.7% and 7.9%, respectively.

Benefit for Income Taxes. For the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007, Parent Holdings recorded an income tax benefit of $8.2 million and $9.4 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 25% and 35%, respectively.  The effective tax rates vary from the statutory federal rate due to the impact of state income taxes and the non-deductibility of a portion of interest on high-yield debt.

     For the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007, Intermediate Holdings recorded an income tax benefit of $7.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 44% and 41%, respectively. The effective tax rates vary from the statutory federal rate due to the impact of state income taxes and the non-deductibility of a portion of interest on high-yield debt.

     For the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007, AAC recorded an income tax benefit of $4.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 40% and 39%, respectively.
 
     The effective rates for the six months ended February 23, 2008 and the six months ended February 24, 2007 represent an estimate of the annual federal and state income tax rate.
 
Loss from Discontinued Operations.  As described in “Significant Developments,” the results of operations of the achievement publications business are reported as discontinued operations.  Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes during the six months ended February 23, 2008 was $7.1 million and includes charges of $5.5 million primarily related to the write-off of the remaining carrying value of tangible and intangible assets of the achievement publications segment and charges of approximately $0.7 million related to contract termination and employee severance costs.  Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes during the six months ended February 24, 2007 was $1.7 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Operating Activities. Operating activities provided $39.0 million of cash for the six months ended February 23, 2008 compared to cash provided of $35.9 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. The $3.1 million increase in cash provided by operating activities was mainly attributable to lower working capital requirements and lower cash usage as a result of the achievement publications segment shutdown, partially offset by lower profitability.

     Investing Activities.  Capital expenditures for the six months ended February 23, 2008 were $5.4 million compared to capital expenditures of $5.7 million for the six months ended February 24, 2007. Our projected capital expenditures for the entire fiscal year 2008 are expected to be approximately $14.0 million.

     Financing Activities.  During the six months ended February 23, 2008, the Company paid down $6.2 million of the term loan of the Amended Senior Credit Facility, of which approximately $0.7 million were mandatory payments.  In addition, net revolver payments were $7.8 million.


 
28 

 

  During the six months ended February 24, 2007, the Company paid down $11.9 million of the term loan of the Amended Senior Credit Facility, of which approximately $0.5 million were mandatory payments.  In addition, net revolver payments were $9.3 million.

      Capital Resources. We have a significant amount of indebtedness. On February 23, 2008, Parent Holdings had total indebtedness of $551.1 million, of which $188.8 million was senior PIK notes, $123.9 million was 10.25% senior discount notes, $150.0 million was 8.25% senior subordinated notes, $80.9 million was indebtedness under the existing senior secured credit facility and $7.5 million was our mandatory redeemable series A preferred stock. We also have up to $38.2 million in available revolving loan borrowings under our senior secured credit facility. We are currently in compliance with financial covenants in all of the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness.
 
     We expect that cash generated from operating activities and availability under the senior secured credit facility will be our principal sources of liquidity. Based on our current level of operations and anticipated cost savings and operational improvements, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under the senior secured credit facility will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months.

Off Balance-Sheet Obligations

     Gold Consignment Agreement. Under an agreement with a supplier, we have an ability to have on consignment gold with aggregate value less than or equal to the lowest of: (i) the dollar value of 27,000 troy ounces of gold, (ii) $14.2 million or (iii) a borrowing base, calculated based on a percentage of the gold held at our facilities and other approved locations, as specified by the agreement. Under the terms of this arrangement, we do not own the consigned gold nor do we have risk of loss related to price variance on such inventory until we pay for quantities purchased. Accordingly, we do not reflect the value of consigned gold in our inventory, nor do we reflect the corresponding liability for financial statement purposes. As of February 23, 2008, we held consigned gold valued at $1.8 million, while at August 25, 2007, we held no gold on consignment.

     The agreement can be terminated by either party with 60 days prior written notice.

     Letters of Credit.  As of February 23, 2008 and August 25, 2007, we had commitments for $1.8 million and $2.3 million on letters of credit outstanding, respectively.

Seasonality

     The seasonal nature of our various businesses tends to be tempered by our broad product mix. Class ring sales are highest during October through December and early spring, with many orders made for delivery to students before the winter holiday season. Graduation product sales are predominantly made during February through April prior to the April through June graduation season. Yearbook sales are highest during the months of April through June, as yearbooks are typically shipped prior to each school’s summer break. Our recognition and affinity product line sales are also seasonal. The recognition and affinity product line sales are highest during the winter holiday season and in the period leading up to Mother’s Day.
 
     As a result of the foregoing, we have historically experienced operating losses during our first and fourth fiscal quarters, which includes the beginning of the school year and the summer months when school is not in session, thus reducing related shipment of products. In addition, our working capital requirements tend to exceed our operating cash flows from May through September.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
     In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for us beginning with our fiscal year 2009. We have not yet evaluated the impact this standard will have on our financial position and results of operations.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132 (R)” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the balance sheet and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which changes occur through comprehensive income. Additionally, SFAS 158 requires an employer to measure the funded status of each of its plans as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position.  We adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS 158 in our fiscal year 2007. The measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 will be effective for us beginning with our fiscal year 2009. We have not yet evaluated the impact that the measurement date provisions of this standard will have on our financial position and results of operations.


 
29 

 

 In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings.  SFAS 159 is effective for us beginning with our fiscal year 2009.  We have not yet evaluated the impact of SFAS 159 on our financial position and results of operations.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Interest Rate Risk. We have exposure to market risk relating to changes in interest rates on our variable rate debt. Our policy is to manage interest rate exposure through the use of a combination of fixed and floating rate debt instruments. Our senior secured credit facility (revolver and term loan) and existing gold consignment agreement are variable rate arrangements. Each quarter point change in interest rates on our senior secured credit facility, which bears interest at variable rates, would result in a $0.3 million change in annual interest expense, assuming the entire revolving loan was drawn.

     Exchange Rate Risk. We purchase the majority of our semi-precious and synthetic stones from a single supplier in Germany. We believe that all of our major competitors purchase their semi-precious stones from this same supplier. Each ten percent change in the Euro exchange rate would result in a $0.5 million annual change in cost of goods sold, assuming stone purchase levels approximate the levels of fiscal 2007.

     Gold. We purchase a majority of our gold from a single supplier through our existing gold consignment agreement described above. We pay for consigned gold as our related products are shipped to customers. Each ten percent change in the price of gold would result in a $2.9 million annual change in cost of goods sold, assuming gold purchase levels approximate the levels in fiscal 2007.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the quarter. The evaluation was conducted based on the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective in enabling us to record, process, summarize and report information required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings within the required time period, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

     Additionally, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer determined, as of the end of the period covered by this report, that during our most recent fiscal quarter, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This report contains “forward looking statements.” All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of our company. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events.

     These forward looking statements are based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us. They are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties.

     Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, the Company can give no assurance that these expectations will be achieved. Any change in or adverse development, including the following factors, may impact the achievement of results in or accuracy of forward-looking statements: the price of gold and precious, semiprecious and synthetic stones; the Company’s access to students and consumers in schools; the seasonality of the Company’s business; regulatory and accounting rules; the Company’s relationship with its independent sales representatives; fashion and demographic trends; general economic, business, and market trends and events, especially during peak buying seasons for the Company’s products; the Company’s ability to respond to customer change orders and delivery schedules; development and operating costs; competitive pricing changes; successful completion of management initiatives designed to achieve operating efficiencies; the Company’s cash flows; and the Company’s ability to draw down funds under its current bank financings and to enter into new bank financings. The foregoing factors are not exhaustive. New factors may emerge or changes may occur that impact the Company’s operations and businesses. Forward-looking statements herein are expressly qualified on the foregoing or such other factors as may be applicable.

     You should consider the risks described in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2007 as you review this quarterly report.
30


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     In the normal course of business, we may be a party to lawsuits and administrative proceedings before various courts and government agencies. These lawsuits and proceedings may involve personal injury, contractual issues and other matters. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any pending or threatened litigation or of actual claims or possible claims.

     We currently are not a party to any pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. In management’s opinion, adverse decisions on these ordinary legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a materially adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits

     
EXHIBIT
   
NUMBER
 
DESIGNATION
31.1
 
CEO Certification Accompanying Period Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
31.2
 
CFO Certification Accompanying Period Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.1
 
CEO Certification Accompanying Period Report Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.2
 
CFO Certification Accompanying Period Report Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


 
31
 

 


AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


Date: April 8, 2008

             
   
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT GROUP HOLDING CORP.
   
   
AAC GROUP HOLDING CORP.
   
   
AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT CORPORATION
   
             
   
By:
 
/s/ DONALD J. PERCENTI
   
       
Donald J. Percenti
   
       
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
   
       
(principal executive officer)
   
             
             
   
By:
 
/s/ KRIS G. RADHAKRISHNAN
   
       
Kris G. Radhakrishnan
   
       
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
   
       
(principal financial officer)
   


EX-31.1 2 exhibit_31-1.htm EXHIBIT 31.1 exhibit_31-1.htm


EXHIBIT 31.1


CERTIFICATION ACCOMPANYING PERIODIC REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Donald J. Percenti, certify that:

1.        I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Achievement Group Holding Corp., AAC Group Holding Corp. and American Achievement Corporation;

2.        Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.        Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.        The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the company and have;

a)        designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)        evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and

c)        disclosed in this quarterly report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the company’s most recent fiscal quarter (the company’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.        The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)        all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)        any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 8, 2008

             
   
/s/ DONALD J. PERCENTI
   
         
   
Name:
 
Donald J. Percenti
   
   
Title:
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
       
(principal executive officer)
   


EX-31.2 3 exhibit_31-2.htm EXHIBIT 31.2 exhibit_31-2.htm
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION ACCOMPANYING PERIODIC REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Kris G. Radhakrishnan, certify that:

1.        I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Achievement Group Holding Corp., AAC Group Holding Corp. and American Achievement Corporation;

2.        Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.        Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.        The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the company and have;

a)        designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)        evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and

c)        disclosed in this quarterly report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the company’s most recent fiscal quarter (the company’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.        The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)                   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)                   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: April 8, 2008

             
   
/s/ KRIS G. RADHAKRISHNAN
   
         
   
Name:
 
Kris G. Radhakrishnan
   
   
Title:
 
Chief Financial Officer
   
       
(principal financial officer)
   


EX-32.1 4 exhibit_32-1.htm EXHIBIT 32.2 exhibit_32-1.htm
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION ACCOMPANYING PERIODIC REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Donald J. Percenti, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Achievement Group Holding Corp., ACC Group Holding Corp. and American Achievement Corporation (the “Companies”), hereby certify that:

(1) The Quarterly Report of the Companies on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 23, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Companies as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

Date: April 8, 2008

             
   
/s/ DONALD J. PERCENTI
   
         
   
Name:
 
Donald J. Percenti
   
   
Title:
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
       
(principal executive officer)
   



EX-32.2 5 exhibit_32-2.htm EXHIBIT 32.2 exhibit_32-2.htm
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION ACCOMPANYING PERIODIC REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Kris G. Radhakrishnan, Chief Financial Officer of American Achievement Group Holding Corp., ACC Group Holding Corp. and American Achievement Corporation (the “Companies”), hereby certify that:

(1) The Quarterly Report of the Companies on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 23, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Companies as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

Date: April 8, 2008

             
   
/s/ KRIS G. RADHAKRISHNAN
   
         
   
Name:
 
Kris G. Radhakrishnan
   
   
Title:
 
Chief Financial Officer
   
       
(principal financial officer)
   
 


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