e10vq

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2005

Commission File Number 0-20842

PLATO LEARNING, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		36-3660532
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification Number)

10801 Nesbitt Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55437
(Address of principal executive offices)

(952) 832-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes þ No o

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 23,491,497 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of May 31, 2005.

PLATO Learning, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2005			2004			2005			2004
Revenues:
License fees	$	14,233		$	17,213		$	25,328		$	30,272
Subscriptions		4,517			5,325			9,050			9,833
Services		10,908			7,197			19,104			13,534
Other		1,771			2,585			3,402			5,129

Total revenues		31,429			32,320			56,884			58,768

Cost of revenues:
License fees		2,869			3,234			6,301			6,575
Subscriptions		2,142			2,061			4,455			3,740
Services		6,108			4,570			12,234			8,334
Other		1,985			2,342			3,685			4,541

Total cost of revenues		13,104			12,207			26,675			23,190

Gross profit		18,325			20,113			30,209			35,578

Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing		13,410			15,793			26,736			30,978
General and administrative		4,842			5,040			9,052			9,532
Product development		1,222			1,346			2,693			3,549
Amortization of intangibles		1,080			1,102			2,172			2,085
Restructuring and other charges		632			—			2,921			—

Total operating expenses		21,186			23,281			43,574			46,144

Operating loss		(2,861	)		(3,168	)		(13,365	)		(10,566	)
Interest income		168			138			380			257
Interest expense		(28	)		(37	)		(43	)		(72	)
Other expense, net		(83	)		(13	)		(153	)		(84	)

Loss before income taxes		(2,804	)		(3,080	)		(13,181	)		(10,465	)
Income tax expense		150			150			300			300

Net loss	$	(2,954	)	$	(3,230	)	$	(13,481	)	$	(10,765	)


Loss per share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(0.48	)


Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted		23,378			22,989			23,240			22,236

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

PLATO Learning, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


	April 30,			October 31,
	2005			2004
	(Unaudited)			(See Note)
ASSETS

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,534		$	29,235
Marketable securities		5,982			12,615
Accounts receivable, net		28,589			41,852
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		9,672			9,460

Total current assets		69,777			93,162
Long-term marketable securities		—			3,608
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $11,955 and $10,361, respectively		7,499			7,946
Product development costs, net of accumulated amortization of $22,294 and $18,835, respectively		18,628			17,116
Goodwill		71,997			71,267
Identified intangible assets, net		35,291			39,432
Other assets		1,088			213

Total assets	$	204,280		$	232,744


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	2,104		$	5,196
Accrued employee salaries and benefits		6,798			8,772
Accrued liabilities		5,624			6,383
Deferred revenue		33,434			43,042

Total current liabilities		47,960			63,393
Long-term deferred revenue		5,835			8,533
Deferred income taxes		1,622			1,322
Other liabilities		39			46

Total liabilities		55,456			73,294

Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 23,495 shares issued and 23,475 shares outstanding at April 30, 2005; 23,095 shares issued and 23,075 shares outstanding at October 31, 2004		235			231
Additional paid in capital		165,457			162,956
Treasury stock at cost, 20 shares		(205	)		(205	)
Accumulated deficit		(16,331	)		(2,850	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(332	)		(682	)

Total stockholders’ equity		148,824			159,450

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	204,280		$	232,744

Note: The balance sheet at October 31, 2004 has been derived from our audited financial statements at that date.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PLATO Learning, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited, in thousands)


	Six Months Ended
	April 30,
	2005			2004
Operating activities:
Net loss	$	(13,481	)	$	(10,765	)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Deferred income taxes		300			300
Amortization of capitalized product development costs		3,463			3,478
Amortization of identified intangible and other noncurrent assets		4,280			3,763
Depreciation and amortization of equipment and leasehold improvements		1,743			1,837
Restructuring and other charges		2,921			—
Provision for doubtful accounts		674			827
Stock-based compensation		39			217
Loss on disposal of equipment		32			1
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		12,589			5,775
Prepaid expenses and other current and noncurrent assets		(1,170	)		(755	)
Accounts payable		(3,092	)		(1,854	)
Accrued liabilities, accrued employee salaries and benefits and other liabilities		(5,588	)		(6,210	)
Deferred revenue		(12,306	)		(834	)

Total adjustments		3,885			6,545

Net cash used in operating activities		(9,596	)		(4,220	)


Investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			2,460
Capitalization of product development costs		(5,211	)		(4,291	)
Capital expenditures		(1,375	)		(1,112	)
Purchases of marketable securities		(9,266	)		(287	)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities		19,559			370

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		3,707			(2,860	)


Financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		1,925			1,491
Repurchase of common stock		—			(205	)
Repayments of capital lease obligations		(127	)		(70	)

Net cash provided by financing activities		1,798			1,216

Effect of foreign currency on cash		390			(28	)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(3,701	)		(5,892	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		29,235			23,834

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	25,534		$	17,942

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

PLATO Learning, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Business

We provide computer-based and e-learning instruction software and related services for kindergarten through adult learners, offering curricula in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and life and job skills. We also offer online assessment and accountability solutions and standards-based professional development services. With over 6,000 hours of objective-based, problem-solving courseware, plus assessment, alignment, and curriculum management tools, we create standards-based curricula that facilitate learning and school improvement.

PLATO educational software is delivered via networks, CD-ROM, the Internet, and private intranets. We market our software products and related services primarily to K-12 schools and colleges. We also sell to job training programs, correctional institutions, military education programs, corporations, and individuals.

2. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. We have included all normal recurring and other adjustments considered necessary to give a fair presentation of our operating results for the interim periods shown. Operating results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PLATO Learning, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

For more information on our significant accounting policies, refer to Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for our stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and comply with the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123.” For purposes of the pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of stock-based employee compensation is amortized to expense over the vesting period of the related arrangement.

Had compensation expense for the stock-based employee compensation been recognized based on the fair value at the grant date consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, reported results for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005 would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts presented below:


	Three Months			Six Months
	Ended			Ended
	April 30,			April 30,
	2005			2005
Net loss, as reported	$	(2,954	)	$	(13,481	)
Add: stock-based compensation expense included in reported net loss		39			39
Deduct: stock-based compensation expense determined using the fair value based method for all awards		(775	)		(1,505	)

Pro forma net loss	$	(3,690	)	$	(14,947	)


Basic and diluted loss per share:
As reported	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.58	)

Pro forma	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.64	)

We recently discovered that our disclosures of pro forma stock-based compensation expense deductions, pro forma net losses, and pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share amounts included in previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) have been incorrect, primarily related to the treatment of stock option forfeitures and recognition of related tax benefits. The pro forma disclosures included below have been corrected based on our revised calculations.

Had compensation expense for the stock-based employee compensation been recognized based on the fair value at the grant date consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, reported results for the three and six months ended April 30, 2004 and the three months ended January 31, 2005, would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts presented below, including the effects of the correction discussed above:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	April 30, 2004						April 30, 2004						January 31, 2005
	As Reported			As Restated			As Reported			As Restated			As Reported			As Restated
Net loss, as reported	$	(3,230	)	$	(3,230	)	$	(10,765	)	$	(10,765	)	$	(10,527	)	$	(10,527	)
Add: stock-based compensation expense included in reported net loss		217			217			217			217			—			—
Deduct: stock-based compensation expense determined using the fair value based method for all awards		(2,269	)		(1,545	)		(3,895	)		(2,645	)		(1,030	)		(730	)

Pro forma net loss	$	(5,282	)	$	(4,558	)	$	(14,443	)	$	(13,193	)	$	(11,557	)	$	(11,257	)


Basic and diluted loss per share:
As reported	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.48	)	$	(0.48	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(0.46	)

Pro forma	$	(0.23	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.65	)	$	(0.59	)	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.49	)

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) establishes standards for accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. SFAS 123(R) focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS 123(R) requires that the fair value of such equity instruments be recognized as expense in the financial statements as services are performed. Prior to SFAS 123(R), only the pro forma disclosures of fair value presented above were required. In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “TOPIC 14: Share-Based payment” which addresses the interaction between SFAS 123(R) and certain SEC rules and regulations and provides views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies. SFAS 123(R) is effective for our first quarter of 2006 and the adoption of this new accounting pronouncement is expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

4. Acquisitions

In November 2003, we acquired Lightspan, Inc. (“Lightspan”). In December 2003, we acquired New Media (Holdings) Limited (“New Media”). For more information on these acquisitions, refer to Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004. Our unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations, as if the Lightspan acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the period presented, were as follows:


	Six Months
	Ended
	April 30, 2004
	(Unaudited)
Revenues	$	59,737
Net loss		(12,496	)
Basic and diluted loss per share		(0.55	)

The unaudited pro forma data gives effect to actual operating results prior to the acquisition and adjustments to reflect increased identified intangible asset amortization and the current accounting treatment of income taxes. No effect has been given to cost reductions or operating synergies in this presentation. The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are for comparative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the results that would have occurred had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the period presented or the results which may occur in the future. The pro forma data does not include New Media, as the effects of this acquisition were not material on a pro forma basis.

5. Accounts Receivable

The components of accounts receivable were as follows:


	April 30,			October 31,
	2005			2004
Trade accounts receivable	$	22,306		$	28,396
Installment accounts receivable		9,247			16,168
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(2,964	)		(2,712	)

	$	28,589		$	41,852

The provision for doubtful accounts, included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations, was $369 and $481 for the three months, and $674 and $827 for the six months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

6. Goodwill and Identified Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The changes in goodwill from October 31, 2004 were as follows:


Balance, October 31, 2004	$	71,267
Release of shares from escrow		541
Foreign currency translation		189

Balance, April 30, 2005	$	71,997

Goodwill was increased by $541 as a result of the release of the remaining escrow shares relating to the NetSchools acquisition in 2002.

Identified Intangible Assets

Identified intangible assets subject to amortization were as follows:


	April 30, 2005							October 31, 2004
	Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net Carrying		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net Carrying
	Value		Amortzation			Value		Value		Amortzation			Value
Acquired technology	$	24,926	$	(7,932	)	$	16,994	$	24,856	$	(5,882	)	$	18,974
Trademarks and tradenames		3,680		(1,682	)		1,998		3,680		(1,328	)		2,352
Customer relationships and lists		21,243		(5,215	)		16,028		21,238		(3,653	)		17,585
Noncompete agreements		1,090		(819	)		271		1,090		(569	)		521

	$	50,939	$	(15,648	)	$	35,291	$	50,864	$	(11,432	)	$	39,432

Amortization expense for identified intangible assets was $2,037 and $1,983 for the three months and $4,280 and $3,763 for the six months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, of which $957 and $881, and $2,108 and $1,678, was included in cost of revenues related to license fees and subscriptions for each period, respectively.

The estimated future annual amortization expense for identified intangible assets is as follows:


Remainder of 2005		3,914
2006		7,163
2007		6,940
2008		6,341
2009		5,330
Thereafter		5,603

	$	35,291

The amortization amounts presented above are estimates. Actual amortization expense may be different due to the acquisition, impairment, or accelerated amortization of identified intangible assets, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and other factors.

7. Debt

Revolving Loan

Our revolving loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. provides for a maximum $12,500 line of credit through July 1, 2005. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral under the agreement. There were no borrowings outstanding at April 30, 2005 or October 31, 2004.

The agreement contains restrictive financial covenants (including Minimum Tangible Net Worth, Minimum Debt Service Coverage, Maximum Leverage, Maximum Cash Flow Leverage and Maximum Annual Capital Expenditures) and restrictions on additional borrowings, asset sales and dividends, as defined. All applicable covenants were satisfied as of and for the twelve-month period ended April 30, 2005, except for the Minimum Tangible Net Worth covenant. We have received a waiver from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. covering this noncompliance. We are currently negotiating an extension of our revolving loan agreement.

8. Deferred Revenue

The components of deferred revenue were as follows:


	April 30,			October 31,
	2005			2004
License fees	$	3,860		$	5,490
Subscriptions		9,722			13,473
Services		25,316			32,079
Other		371			533

Total		39,269			51,575
Less: long-term amounts		(5,835	)		(8,533	)

Current portion	$	33,434		$	43,042

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Employment Agreements

In February 2005, Michael A. Morache, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of PLATO Learning, Inc., at which time we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Morache which provides for, among other things, annual salary, benefits, and cash bonus payments and restricted stock and stock option grants as determined by our Board of Directors. The agreement also provides for potential future cash payments of up to $1,600 subject to certain conditions and events.

Legal Proceedings

Credit Suisse First Boston and several of its clients, including Lightspan, Inc. (which we acquired in November 2003), are defendants in a securities class action lawsuit captioned Liu, et al. v. Credit Suisse First Boston Corp., et al. pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that Credit Suisse First Boston, its affiliates, and the securities issuer defendants (including Lightspan, Inc.) manipulated the price of the issuer defendants’ shares in the post-initial public offering market. The securities issuer defendants (including Lightspan, Inc.) filed a motion to dismiss the complaint in September 2004 on the grounds of multiple pleading

deficiencies. On April 1, 2005, the complaint was dismissed with prejudice. On April 15, 2005, the plaintiff filed a motion for reconsideration. The court has not yet ruled on that motion.

10. Restructuring and Other Charges

Restructuring and other charges include primarily severance costs for headcount reductions, committed costs of vacated facilities, and costs paid to terminated executive officers under employment agreements. These charges are summarized as follows:


	Three Months		Six Months
	Ended		Ended
	April 30, 2005		April 30, 2005
Restructuring charges:
U.K. facility closure liabilities	$	313	$	313
Severance and related benefits for U.K. headcount reduction		22		452
Severance and related benefits for U.S. headcount reduction		26		299
Other		92		92

		453		1,156

Other charges:
Executive officer changes		9		1,595
Other		170		170

		179		1,765

	$	632	$	2,921

Restructuring Charges

In January 2005, we initiated plans to reduce headcount by approximately 30 positions and close certain facilities in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). This restructuring is part of an ongoing evaluation of our U.K. operations and we are continuing to explore alternatives as necessary to improve the U.K.’s impact on our profitability. Severance costs of $430 for these planned employee terminations were recorded during the three months ended January 31, 2005. Additional severance costs of $22 were recorded during the six months ended April 30, 2005. The majority of these severance costs had been paid as of April 30, 2005. As part of this U.K. restructuring, facility closing costs of $313 were recorded during the three months ended April 30, 2005 as the facilities were vacated.

Also in January 2005, we reduced headcount in the United States to reduce management layers and improve efficiency. Six positions were eliminated and severance charges of $273 were recorded during the three months ended January 31, 2005. One additional position was eliminated during the three months ended April 30, 2005 and $26 of additional severance charges was recorded. All of these costs had been paid as of April 30, 2005.

The restructuring reserve activity was as follows:


	U.S.			U.K.
	Severance and			Severance and			Facility
	related benefits			related benefits			closings
Provision for restructuring	$	273		$	430		$	313
Adjustment to provision		26			22			—
Cash payments		(299	)		(399	)		—

	$	—		$	53		$	313

Other Charges

In November 2004, we announced the resignations of John Murray, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and three other executive officers. The severance provisions of Mr. Murray’s employment agreement, dated January 1, 2001, provide for him to (a) be paid his current base salary of $350 per year through December 31, 2007, (b) be paid bonus earned for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 and a pro rata portion of bonus, if earned, for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005, and (c) be granted options to purchase 260,000 shares of common stock, with an exercise price equal to fair market value as of the date of grant, which will vest over a three-year period. In addition, certain options previously granted to Mr. Murray will accelerate and be immediately exercisable under the original terms of the options. Mr. Murray’s right to receive these benefits is subject to his complying with his continuing obligations under the employment agreement related to a transition period and the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions of the employment agreement, and executing a release of claims. In March 2005, we finalized Mr. Murray’s severance arrangements and entered into an agreement to pay him $1,000 in lieu of the stock option grant mentioned above. The $1,000 value of this agreement was assigned to the non-compete provisions of his employment agreement and is being amortized over its three-year period. This amortization is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

We recorded charges of $1,586 related to these executive terminations during the three months ended January 31, 2005. Additional charges of approximately $179 were recorded during the three months ended April 30, 2005, primarily for legal costs related to executive terminations and contract termination costs.

11. Income Taxes

At April 30, 2005 and October 31, 2004, our deferred tax assets were fully reserved. At October 31, 2004, approximately $28,980 of the gross deferred tax asset relates to our net operating loss carryforwards in the United States (“U.S.”) of approximately $72,451, which expire in varying amounts between 2005 and 2023. Also included in our gross deferred tax asset was $2,117 for our net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $5,293 related to our foreign subsidiaries. We have provided a full valuation allowance related to these foreign deferred income tax assets due to the uncertainty in realization of future taxable income in these foreign jurisdictions.

Realization of our U.S. deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in the U. S. prior to expiration of these loss carryforwards. Our merger with Lightspan in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 impacted our assessment of the realization of deferred tax assets because the merged company is considered one consolidated taxable entity.

As a result of the merger, we acquired approximately $290,000 of Lightspan’s net operating loss carryforwards. Based on a preliminary Section 382 limitation analysis, the usage of these net operating loss carryforwards is limited to approximately $3,200 per year and, therefore, approximately $45,000 of the acquired net operating loss carryforwards are available to the combined entity. These amounts are preliminary and may change as the Section 382 limitation analysis is completed and analysis of recent announcements by the Internal Revenue Service is taken into account.

The combined net operating loss carryforwards at the acquisition date, which represent the majority of the merged company’s deferred tax assets at that date, have been reviewed for realization primarily based upon historical results and secondarily upon projected results. Although we expect taxable income in 2005, this expectation is highly dependent on the improvement of operational performance. Lightspan has historically incurred significant operating losses, which carry more weight than the projected results. Consequently our historical combined operating results were insufficient to support the combined post-merger deferred tax assets. As a result, net deferred tax assets, excluding the deferred tax liability relating to tax deductible goodwill, which cannot be used to support realization of the other net deferred tax assets, were fully reserved in the purchase accounting for the Lightspan acquisition in the first quarter of 2004 thereby increasing goodwill. Any subsequent reversal of the valuation allowance recorded on the combined entity’s pre-acquisition deferred tax assets will be recorded as a reduction of goodwill, as opposed to recording an income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of operations. A similar analysis and judgment has resulted in a full valuation allowance being placed on the deferred tax assets generated subsequent to the acquisition of Lightspan.

12. Per Share Data

The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2005			2004			2005			2004
Net loss	$	(2,954	)	$	(3,230	)	$	(13,481	)	$	(10,765	)


Basic and diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		23,378			22,989			23,240			22,236

Basic and diluted loss per share	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(0.48	)

The calculation of diluted loss per share for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004 excluded the effect of approximately 3,457,000 and 3,502,000 potential common shares from the conversion of outstanding options and warrants and common shares held in escrow, respectively, as they were antidilutive.

13. Comprehensive Loss

Total comprehensive loss was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2005			2004			2005			2004
Net loss	$	(2,954	)	$	(3,230	)	$	(13,481	)	$	(10,765	)
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities		10			—			52			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments		81			(233	)		298			4

Total comprehensive loss	$	(2,863	)	$	(3,463	)	$	(13,131	)	$	(10,761	)

14. Segment and Geographic Information

We operate and manage our business as one industry segment, which is the development and marketing of educational software and related services. We have foreign subsidiaries in Canada and the U.K. Our foreign operations are not significant to our consolidated business. At April 30, 2005, approximately 7% of our long-term assets were located in foreign countries, and for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, approximately 4% of our revenues were from foreign countries.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Overview

We are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, dependence on information technology spending by our customers, well-established competitors, customers dependent on government funding, fluctuations of our quarterly results, a lengthy and variable sales cycle, dependence on key personnel, dependence on our intellectual property rights, and rapid technological change. As provided for in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we caution investors that these factors could cause our future results of operations to vary from those anticipated in previously made forward-looking statements and any other forward-looking statements made in this document and elsewhere by or on behalf of us.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. We continually evaluate our critical accounting policies and estimates, and have identified revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, capitalized product development costs, the valuation of our deferred income taxes, and the valuation and impairment analysis of goodwill and identified intangible assets as the critical accounting policies and estimates that are significant to the financial statement presentation and that require difficult, subjective, and complex judgments.

See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 for additional discussion on these and other accounting policies and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue recognition rules for software companies are very complex. We follow specific and detailed guidelines in determining the proper amount of revenue to be recorded; however, certain judgments affect the application of our revenue recognition policy. Revenue results are difficult to predict, and any shortfall in revenue or delay in recognizing revenue could cause our operating results to vary significantly from quarter to quarter.

The significant judgments for revenue recognition typically involve whether collectibility can be considered probable and whether fees are fixed or determinable. In addition, our transactions often consist of multiple element arrangements, which must be analyzed to determine the relative fair value of each element, the amount of revenue to be recognized upon shipment, if any, and the period and conditions under which deferred revenue should be recognized.

We recognize revenue in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Position No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition”, as amended and modified, as well as Technical Practice Aids issued from time to time by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition.” We license software under non-cancelable license and subscription agreements. We also provide related professional services, including consulting, training, tutoring, and implementation services, as well as ongoing customer support and maintenance. Consulting, training, and implementation services are not essential to the functionality of our software products. Accordingly, revenues from these services are recognized separately.

Revenue from the sale of courseware licenses is recognized upon meeting the following criteria: (i) a written customer order has been executed, (ii) courseware has been delivered, (iii) the license fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectibility of the fee is probable.

For software arrangements that include more than one element, we allocate the total arrangement fee among each deliverable based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the relative fair value of each deliverable. VSOE is determined using the price charged when that element is sold separately. For software arrangements in which we do not have VSOE for undelivered elements, revenue is deferred until the earlier of when VSOE is determined for the undelivered elements or when all elements for which we do not have VSOE have been delivered.

If collectibility of the fee is not probable, revenue is recognized as payments are received from the customer provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. If the fee due from the customer is not fixed or determinable, revenue is recognized as the payments become due provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Subscription revenue, primarily fees charged for our PLATO Web Learning Network, eduTest and PLATO Orion products, is recognized on a ratable basis as the products are delivered over the subscription period.

Services revenue consists of software support and maintenance, which is deferred and recognized ratably over the support period, and consulting, training, tutoring, and implementation services, which are recognized as the services are performed.

Other revenue, primarily from hardware and third-party software products, is recognized as the products are delivered and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We determine an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon an analysis of the collectibility of specific accounts, historical experience, and the aging of the trade and installment accounts receivable. Bad debt expense is included in general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The assumptions and estimates used to determine the allowance are subject to constant revision and involve significant judgment. The primary factors that impact these assumptions include the efficiency and effectiveness of our billing and collection functions, our historical experience, and our

credit assessment process. We believe that the current budget difficulties facing some states will not have a significant impact on the collection of our accounts receivable. However, a change in the underlying conditions contributing to our belief could impact our assessment of collectibility and, therefore, require a change in the allowance for doubtful accounts and the amount of bad debt expense. Actual collection results could differ materially from those estimated and have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations. Our provision for bad debts is based on our historical experience using a detailed analysis of customer-specific activity and receivable balances performed on a quarterly basis. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $2,964, or 9.4% of gross accounts receivable, at April 30, 2005, as compared to $2,712, or 6.1%, at October 31, 2004.

Capitalized Product Development Costs

Our product development costs relate to the research, development, enhancement, and maintenance of our courseware products. The amortization of capitalized product development costs is included in cost of revenues related to license fees and subscriptions. Research and development costs, relating principally to the design and development of new products and the routine enhancement and maintenance of existing products, are expensed as incurred. We capitalize product development costs when the projects under development reach technological feasibility. Many of our new products leverage off of proven delivery platforms and are primarily content, which has no technological hurdles. As a result, a significant portion of our product development costs qualify for capitalization due to the concentration of our development efforts on the content of our courseware. Capitalization ends when a product is available for general release to our customers, at which time amortization of the capitalized costs begins. We amortize these costs using the greater of: (a) the amount determined by the ratio of the product’s current revenue to total expected future revenue, or (b) the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the product, which is generally three years. During all periods presented, we used the straight-line method to amortize the capitalized costs as this method resulted in greater amortization.

The significant judgment regarding capitalization of product development costs involves the recoverability of capitalized costs. We evaluate our capitalized costs at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, to determine if the unamortized balance related to any given product exceeds the estimated net realizable value of that product. Estimating net realizable value requires us to estimate future revenues and cash flows to be generated by the product and to use judgment in quantifying the amount, if any, to be written off. Actual cash flows and amounts realized from the courseware products could differ materially from those estimated. In addition, any future changes to our courseware product offerings could result in write-offs of previously capitalized costs and have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations.

Valuation of Deferred Income Taxes

We account for deferred income taxes based upon differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of our assets and liabilities. The measurement of deferred taxes is adjusted by a valuation allowance, if necessary, to recognize the extent to which the future tax benefits will be recognized.

valuation allowance related to these foreign deferred income tax assets due to the uncertainty in realization of future taxable income in these foreign jurisdictions.

The combined net operating loss carryforwards at the acquisition date, which represent the majority of the merged company’s deferred tax assets at that date, have been reviewed for realization primarily based upon historical results and secondarily upon projected results. Although we expect taxable income in 2005, this expectation is highly dependent on the improvement of operational performance. Lightspan has historically incurred significant operating losses, which carry more weight than the projected results. Consequently our historical combined operating results were insufficient to support the combined post-merger deferred tax assets. As a result, net deferred tax assets, excluding the deferred tax liability relating to tax deductible goodwill, which cannot be used to support realization of the other net deferred tax assets, were fully reserved for in the purchase accounting for the Lightspan acquisition in the first quarter of 2004 thereby increasing goodwill. Any subsequent reversal of the valuation allowance recorded on the combined entity’s pre-acquisition deferred tax assets will be recorded as a reduction of goodwill, as opposed to recording an income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of operations. A similar analysis and judgment has resulted in a full valuation allowance being placed on the deferred tax assets generated subsequent to the acquisition of Lightspan.

Goodwill and Identified Intangible Assets

We record our acquisitions in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations.” We allocate the cost of acquired companies to the tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities acquired, with the remaining amount being recorded as goodwill. Certain intangible assets, such as acquired technology, are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives, while in-process research and development, if any, is recorded as a one-time charge at the acquisition date.

Most of the companies we have acquired have not had significant tangible assets and, as a result, the majority of the purchase price has typically been allocated to identified intangible assets and/or goodwill, which increases future amortization expense of identified intangible assets and the potential for impairment charges that we may incur. Accordingly, the allocation of the purchase price to intangible assets may have a significant impact on our future operating results. In addition, the allocation of the purchase price requires that we make significant assumptions and estimates, including estimates of future cash flows expected to be generated by the acquired assets. Should different conditions prevail, we may have to record impairment charges, which may have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized to expense and must be reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The first step of the impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. We operate as one reporting unit and therefore compare our book value to our fair value (market capitalization plus a control premium). If our fair value exceeds our book value, our goodwill is considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If our book value exceeds our fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. For this step the implied fair value of the goodwill is compared with the book value of the goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Any loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of goodwill is its new accounting basis. Subsequent reversal of a previously recognized impairment loss is prohibited once the measurement of that loss is completed. We completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment as of October 31, 2004. Goodwill was not impaired and no impairment charge was recorded.

Acquisitions

Our acquisition strategy is to acquire complementary products or businesses that will enable us to achieve our strategic goals, including market leadership, growth rates that exceed the market, and providing innovative, leading, and distinct products and services. During the three months ended January 31, 2004, we acquired Lightspan, Inc. and New Media (Holdings) Limited. See Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 for more information on these strategic acquisitions.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Operating Results as a Percentage of Revenue


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2005			2004			2005			2004
Revenues:
License fees		45.3	%		53.2	%		44.5	%		51.5	%
Subscriptions		14.4			16.5			15.9			16.8
Services		34.7			22.3			33.6			23.0
Other		5.6			8.0			6.0			8.7

Total revenues		100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0

Cost of revenues:
License fees		9.1			10.0			11.1			11.2
Subscriptions		6.8			6.4			7.8			6.4
Services		19.5			14.1			21.5			14.2
Other		6.3			7.3			6.5			7.7

Total cost of revenues		41.7			37.8			46.9			39.5

Gross profit		58.3			62.2			53.1			60.5

Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing		42.7			48.9			47.0			52.7
General and administrative		15.4			15.6			15.9			16.2
Product development		3.9			4.1			4.7			6.0
Amortization of intangibles		3.4			3.4			3.8			3.6
Restructuring and other charges		2.0			—			5.2			—

Total operating expenses		67.4			72.0			76.6			78.5

Operating loss		(9.1	)		(9.8	)		(23.5	)		(18.0	)
Interest income and expense and other expense, net		0.2			0.3			0.3			0.2

Loss before income taxes		(8.9	)		(9.5	)		(23.2	)		(17.8	)
Income tax expense		0.5			0.5			0.5			0.5

Net loss		(9.4	)%		(10.0	)%		(23.7	)%		(18.3	)%

The following discussion of the results of operations for the six months ended April 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 includes non-GAAP financial measures that present the combined revenues and operating expenses on a pro forma basis as if Lightspan had been acquired as of November 1, 2003. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our management views these non-GAAP financial measures to be helpful in assessing our progress in integrating the operations of Lightspan. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures facilitate internal comparisons to our historical operating results and comparisons to competitors’ operating results. We include these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe they are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency related to supplemental information used by our management in its financial and operational analysis. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures used herein to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures as provided with our consolidated financial statements.

Revenues

Total Revenues

Total revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $31,429, a decrease of 2.8% from the $32,320 reported for the same period in 2004. Total revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $56,884, a decrease of 3.2% from the $58,768 reported for the same period in 2004. Total revenues on a pro forma basis, as if Lightspan revenues prior to the acquisition had been included, were $59,737 for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

Total revenues for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005 decreased, as compared to the same periods in 2004, primarily due to the impact of several initiatives implemented in 2005 and to management changes. Initiatives included realignment of the sales and service organizations to better serve the elementary market and implementation of new systems and procedures aimed at improving the efficiencies of our sales process in the future. These changes affected all non-service revenues, including deferred revenues. While these changes have a short-term negative impact, we expect that they will have a positive impact in the longer term. Service revenues continued to grow and nearly offset the decline in non-service revenue categories. We expect to recover from the negative impact of these initiatives in the second half of the year and achieve overall growth in total revenues for the full fiscal year 2005 over fiscal year 2004.

We executed 29 orders of $100 or greater during the three months ended April 30, 2005, as compared to 51 for the same period in 2004. This decrease can be attributed to the factors affecting revenue mentioned above, resulting in low order volume. The average size of orders between $100 and $249 increased from $149 to $159, while the average size of orders of $250 and greater decreased from $629 to $506. The number and magnitude of these larger orders can have a significant impact on our operating results. Information regarding these larger orders was as follows:


	Three Months Ended April 30,
	2005				2004				% Change
Order Size	Number		Value		Number		Value		Number			Value

$100 to $249		19	$	3,021		40	$	5,961		-52.5	%		-49.3	%
$250 or greater		10		5,060		11		6,919		-9.1	%		-26.9	%

		29	$	8,081		51	$	12,880		-43.1	%		-37.3	%


	Six Months Ended April 30,
	2005				2004 (Pro Forma)				% Change
Order Size	Number		Value		Number		Value		Number			Value

$100 to $249		37	$	5,550		70	$	10,270		-47.1	%		-46.0	%
$250 or greater		21		9,984		25		16,037		-16.0	%		-37.7	%

		58	$	15,534		95	$	26,307		-38.9	%		-41.0	%

License Fees

License fees revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $14,233, a decrease of 17.3% from the $17,213 reported for the same period in 2004. License fees revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $25,328, a decrease of 16.3% from the $30,272 reported for the same period in 2004. As reported and pro forma license fees revenues were the same for the six months ended April 30, 2004, as there were no Lightspan license fees revenues prior to the acquisition date during that period.

The decrease in license fees revenues for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, as compared to the same periods in 2004, can be attributed to the factors affecting revenue mentioned under the caption “Total Revenues” above. As a percentage of total revenues, license fees revenues decreased for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, compared to the same periods in 2004, primarily due to the factors affecting revenue discussed earlier. An expected change in our revenue mix towards increased subscriptions revenues in the future could also impact our perpetual license fees revenues.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $4,517, a decrease of 15.2% from the $5,325 reported for the same period in 2004. Subscriptions revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $9,050, a decrease of 8.0% from the $9,833 reported for the same period in 2004. Subscriptions revenues on a pro forma basis, as if Lightspan revenues prior to the acquisition had been included, were $10,364 for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

The decrease in subscriptions revenues, both in dollars and as a percentage of revenues, can be attributed to the low order volume mentioned earlier and in part to stronger sales of our client hosted web courseware during the three and six months ended April 30, 2005. We do not believe this is a trend, but that we will see a gradual shift away from perpetual licenses to our subscription-based products in the future.

Services

Services revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $10,908, an increase of 51.6% from the $7,197 reported for the same period in 2004. Services revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $19,104, an increase of 41.2% from the $13,534 reported for the same period in 2004. Services revenues on a pro forma basis, as if Lightspan revenues prior to the acquisition had been included, were $13,972 for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

The increase in services revenues, both in dollars and as a percentage of revenues, were driven by our new Supplemental Educational Services offering, and also by substantial growth in our software support and educational consulting services revenues.

Other

Other revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $1,771, a decrease of 31.5% from the $2,585 reported for the same period in 2004. Other revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $3,402, a decrease of 33.7% from the $5,129 reported for the same period in 2004. As reported and pro forma other revenues were the same for the six months ended April 30, 2004, as there were no Lightspan other revenues prior to the acquisition date during that period.

Other revenues consist primarily of hardware and third-party courseware products. The elementary grade products acquired from Lightspan run on PlayStationÒ game consoles, which, along with the sale of related accessories, are a component of other revenues. The decreases in other revenues were primarily due to a decrease in hardware sales, which tend to fluctuate from quarter to quarter.

Backlog

Our deferred revenue was $39,269 and $51,575 at April 30, 2005 and October 31, 2004, respectively. Deferred revenue excludes amounts that we expect to earn in the future from the U.S. Department of the Navy contract (approximately $12,300). Ultimate realization of this contract is dependent on delivery of services and customer acceptance. In prior filings, we have discussed a contract with the Idaho Department of Education, which was also excluded from deferred revenue. We have received notice of that customer’s intent to terminate that contract. We do not expect that this will have a significant impact on our business.

In addition, at April 30, 2005, we have orders for approximately $2,952 of products and services from multiple customers that have not met various revenue recognition criteria and for which we are not yet able to bill customers. No assurances exist regarding when or if revenue will be recorded or customers will be billed for these products or services. All contracts and agreements are subject to the delivery of products and services, collection and other conditions.

Cost of Revenues

Total cost of revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $13,104, an increase of 7.3% from the $12,207 reported for the same period in 2004. Total cost of revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $26,675, an increase of 15.0% from the $23,190 reported for the same period in 2004. Total cost of revenues on a pro forma basis, as if Lightspan cost of revenues prior to the acquisition had been included, were $23,432 for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

Total cost of revenues, both in dollars and as a percentage of revenues, increased for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, as compared to the same periods in 2004, due to a number of factors, including decreased license fees and subscriptions revenues (which have low variable costs), increased services revenues (which have higher costs), and increased investments in the service organization and realignment of those resources from sales support to billable activities (which shifted some costs from selling expense to cost of revenues).

Amortization of capitalized product development costs, a component of cost of revenues related to license fees and subscriptions, was $1,595 and $1,714 for the three months, and $3,463 and $3,478 for the six months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Capitalized development costs were $2,335 and $2,627 for the three months, and $5,211 and $4,291 for the six months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in capitalized product development costs for the three-month period was primarily due to the completion of certain New Media projects. The increase in capitalized product development costs for the six-month period was primarily due to costs capitalized for Lightspan and New Media products since acquisition.

A comparison of gross profit margin by revenue category is as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2005			2004			2005			2004
Revenue category	As Reported			As Reported			As Reported			As Reported
License fees		79.8	%		81.2	%		75.1	%		78.3	%
Subscriptions		52.6	%		61.3	%		50.8	%		62.0	%
Services		44.0	%		36.5	%		36.0	%		38.4	%
Other		-12.1	%		9.4	%		-8.3	%		11.5	%
Total		58.3	%		62.2	%		53.1	%		60.5	%

The total gross profit margin on a pro forma basis, as if Lightspan gross profit prior to the acquisition had been included, was 60.8% for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

The decreases in total gross profit margin resulted primarily from the higher proportion of services revenues included in our product sales mix in 2005, which carry lower margins, and the cost of revenues factors discussed earlier. Future gross profit margin will be dependent primarily on the amount of revenue, our revenue mix, the amount of professional development expenses required to provide our services, and the amortization of capitalized product development costs and acquired technology included in cost of revenues. Gross profit margin is expected to be lower for fiscal year 2005, compared to fiscal year 2004, as a result of these factors.

Operating Expenses

Sales and Marketing

Total sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $13,410, a decrease of 15.1% from the $15,793 reported for the same period in 2004. Total sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $26,736, a decrease of 13.7% from the $30,978 reported for the same period in 2004. Total sales and marketing expenses on a pro forma basis, as if Lightspan expenses prior to the acquisition had been included, were $32,260 for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

Sales and marketing expenses, both in dollars and as a percentage of revenues, decreased for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, as compared to the same periods in 2004, due primarily to cost reduction activities initiated in 2004 and 2005, realignment of our service resources from sales support to billable activities (which shifted some costs from selling expense to cost of revenues), and decreased commissions resulting from the decrease in revenues. Our ability to continue to leverage our cost structure and improve profitability is primarily dependent on our ability to generate higher revenues and realize sales and marketing productivity improvements. For the full fiscal year 2005, sales and marketing expenses are expected to be below fiscal year 2004 amounts.

General and Administrative

Total general and administrative expenses for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $4,842, a decrease of 3.9% from the $5,040 reported for the same period in 2004. Total general and administrative expenses for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $9,052, a decrease of 5.0% from the $9,532 reported for the same period in 2004. Total general and administrative expenses on a pro forma basis, as if Lightspan expenses prior to the acquisition had been included, were $9,842 for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

General and administrative expenses, both in dollars and as a percentage of revenues, decreased for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, as compared to the same periods in 2004, due primarily to the achievement of cost reduction activities initiated in 2004 and 2005, somewhat offset by increased professional fees for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and process improvements. For the full fiscal year 2005, general and administrative expenses are expected to be below fiscal year 2004 amounts.

Product Development

The majority of our product development costs are required to be capitalized. Product development expense does not reflect these capitalized costs, as they are amortized through cost of revenues. Accordingly, our product development expense, as a percentage of revenue, does not reflect our total level of development activity.

Total product development expenses for the three months ended April 30, 2005 were $1,222, a decrease of 9.2% from the $1,346 reported for the same period in 2004. Total product development expenses for the six months ended April 30, 2005 were $2,693, a decrease of 24.1% from the $3,549 reported for the same period in 2004. Total product development expenses on a pro forma basis, as if Lightspan expenses prior to the acquisition had been included, were $3,876 for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

Product development expenses, both in dollars and as a percentage of revenues, decreased for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, as compared to the same periods in 2004, due primarily to a shift in spending toward more capitalized projects compared to the same periods in 2004.

Product development spending, before capitalization and amortization, was 11.3% and 12.3% of total revenues for the three months, and 13.9% and 13.3% for the six months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. As part of our growth strategy, we intend to continually introduce new products and product improvements. For the full fiscal year 2005, product development spending is expected to be above fiscal year 2004 amounts, while product development expenses are expected to be below fiscal year 2004 amounts.

Amortization of Intangibles

Expense for the three and six months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004 represented the amortization of identified intangible assets, other than acquired technology, from our acquisitions. Acquired technology intangible assets are amortized through cost of revenues. See Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on goodwill and identified intangible assets.

Restructuring and Other Charges


	Three Months		Six Months
	Ended		Ended
	April 30, 2005		April 30, 2005
Restructuring charges:
U.K. facility closure liabilities	$	313	$	313
Severance and related benefits for U.K. headcount reduction		22		452
Severance and related benefits for U.S. headcount reduction		26		299
Other		92		92

		453		1,156


Other charges:
Executive officer changes		9		1,595
Other		170		170

		179		1,765

	$	632	$	2,921

The restructuring reserve activity was as follows:


	U.S.			U.K.
	Severance and			Severance and			Facility
	related benefits			related benefits			closings
Provision for restructuring	$	273		$	430		$	313
Adjustment to provision		26			22			—
Cash payments		(299	)		(399	)		—

	$	—		$	53		$	313

of the options. Mr. Murray’s right to receive these benefits is subject to his complying with his continuing obligations under the employment agreement related to a transition period and the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions of the employment agreement, and executing a release of claims. In March 2005, we finalized Mr. Murray’s severance arrangements and entered into an agreement to pay him $1,000 in lieu of the stock option grant mentioned above. The $1,000 value of this agreement was assigned to the non-compete provisions of his employment agreement and is being amortized over its three-year period. This amortization is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

We are continuing to review our business operations and strategy, and may implement changes to improve our focus and efficiency in the future. As a result, additional restructuring and other charges may be incurred.

Income Taxes

As discussed under the caption “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”, as a result of the Lightspan acquisition, the net deferred tax assets as of the acquisition date, excluding the deferred tax liability relating to tax deductible goodwill (which cannot be used to support realization of the other net deferred tax assets), were fully reserved for in purchase accounting, thereby increasing goodwill, in the first quarter of 2004. Any future reductions of the valuation allowance recorded on the combined entity’s pre-acquisition deferred tax assets will be recorded as a reduction to goodwill, as opposed to recording an income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of operations. Income tax expense for future periods, however, will be impacted by any reductions in the valuation allowance related to post-acquisition deferred tax assets, for which we have also recorded a full valuation allowance at April 30, 2005 and October 31, 2004.

Our historical effective income tax rate has been highly volatile due to the mix between our U.S. operating results, for which we record income taxes, and our foreign operating results, for which we do not record an income tax benefit due to the uncertainty of realizing these tax benefits in future years in our foreign jurisdictions. Our effective income tax rate for future quarters and fiscal years is dependent on the level of profitability in each of the U.S. and our foreign subsidiaries. In addition, even if there is a loss in the U.S., we expect income tax expense of approximately $600 per year, or $150 per quarter, related to amortization of goodwill that is deductible for tax purposes but not for book purposes. As goodwill from the NetSchools acquisition is amortized for tax purposes, the book basis of the goodwill will further exceed the tax basis, resulting in increases to the related deferred tax liability, which cannot be used to support realization of the other net deferred tax assets. We currently expect a consolidated income tax rate of about 45% for the full year 2005. The extent of any variance from this expectation is highly dependent on our operating results in each of our U.S. and foreign subsidiaries. A larger than expected foreign loss, or lower than expected U.S. profit, will likely result in a higher consolidated effective tax rate. Conversely, if our foreign or U.S. subsidiaries are more profitable than planned, our consolidated effective tax rate could decline.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At April 30, 2005, our principal sources of liquidity included cash and cash equivalents of $25,534, marketable securities of $5,982, net accounts receivable of $28,589, and our unused line of credit of $12,500. Working capital was $21,817 and $29,769 at April 30, 2005 and October 31, 2004, respectively.

The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $10,334 and the decrease in net accounts receivable of $13,263, offset by the decreases in accounts payable, accrued salaries and benefits, and accrued liabilities of $5,825, and deferred revenue of $9,608. Accounts receivable decreased due to low order volume in the first half of 2005, collection of amounts outstanding at year end, and improvements in our collection process. Accounts payable and accrued salaries and benefits decreased due to payment of amounts accrued at year end, including year end commissions and bonuses. Deferred revenue, which is satisfied through delivery of products and services rather than cash, decreased as more of these products and services were delivered than were added through new business, due to lower order volume, which was partially the result of the seasonality of orders.

During the six months ended April 30, 2005, cash and cash equivalents decreased $3,701. Cash used in operations, excluding changes in our asset and liability accounts, was $29. The cash used by changes in our asset and liability accounts of $9,567, was partially offset by the cash provided by investing activities of $3,707, and the cash provided by financing activities of $1,798. Depreciation and amortization was $9,486 for the six months ended April 30, 2005, an increase of $408 compared to the same period in 2004, due primarily to increased amortization of identified intangible assets.

During the six months ended April 30, 2004, cash and cash equivalents decreased $5,892. Cash used in operations, excluding changes in our asset and liability accounts, of $342, the cash used by changes in our asset and liability accounts of $3,878, and the cash used in our investing activities of $2,860, was slightly offset by the cash provided by our financing activities of $1,216.

Net cash provided by our investing activities was $3,707 for the six months ended April 30, 2005, as compared to net cash used of $2,860 for the same period in 2004. During the six months ended April 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004, we increased our capitalization of product development costs by $920, increased our purchases of marketable securities by $8,979, and increased our sales and maturities of marketable securities by $19,189. Capitalization of product development costs increased primarily due to devoting substantial resources to develop courseware related to the Lightspan and New Media acquisitions. We also had net cash provided from the Lightspan and New Media acquisitions of $2,460 for the six months ended April 30, 2004.

Net cash provided by our financing activities, principally from the exercise of stock options, was $1,798 and $1,216 for the six months ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan in December 2001, which authorizes us to repurchase up to $15,000 of our common stock in the open market and in privately negotiated transactions. The plan has no set termination date and the timing of any repurchases will be dependent on prevailing market conditions and alternative uses of capital. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the six months ended April 30, 2005. Cumulatively, we have repurchased

approximately 1,465,000 shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $13,700 under the repurchase plan and approximately $1,300 remains available for future repurchases, if any.

We have resources available under our revolving loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to provide borrowings up to $12,500, through July 1, 2005, as determined by the available borrowing base. At April 30, 2005, there were no borrowings outstanding and our unused borrowing capacity was $12,500. The agreement contains restrictive financial covenants (including Minimum Tangible Net Worth, Minimum Debt Service Coverage, Maximum Leverage, Maximum Cash Flow Leverage and Maximum Annual Capital Expenditures) and restrictions on additional borrowings, asset sales and dividends, as defined. All applicable covenants were satisfied as of and for the twelve-month period ended April 30, 2005, except for the Minimum Tangible Net Worth covenant. We have received a waiver from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. covering this noncompliance. We are currently negotiating an extension of our revolving loan agreement.

From time to time, we evaluate potential acquisitions of products or businesses that complement our core business. We may consider and acquire other complementary businesses, products, or technologies in the future.

We maintain adequate cash balances and credit facilities to meet our anticipated working capital, capital expenditure, and business investment requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Disclosures about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of April 30, 2005.

Disclosures about Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments consist primarily of future minimum payments due under operating leases, royalty agreements, and capital lease obligations. In addition, any future borrowings under our revolving loan agreement would require future use of cash.

A table showing our contractual obligations was provided in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004. There were no significant changes to our contractual obligations during the three months ended April 30, 2005.

At April 30, 2005, we had no significant commitments for capital expenditures.

With the acquisition of New Media in 2004, there is additional guaranteed deferred consideration of approximately $450 due over the period from the acquisition date through December 2006 based on New Media revenues. As of April 30, 2005, no payments of this additional consideration have been required.

Interest Rate Risk

Our borrowing capacity primarily consists of a revolving loan with interest rates that fluctuate based upon the Prime Rate and LIBOR market indexes. At April 30, 2005, we did not have any outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility. Our only debt consisted of capital lease obligations at fixed interest rates. As a result, risk relating to interest fluctuation is considered minimal.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We market our products and services worldwide and have operations in Canada and the U.K. As a result, financial results and cash flows could be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. Working funds necessary to facilitate the short-term operations of our foreign subsidiaries are kept in local currencies in which they do business. Any gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Our foreign subsidiaries are not a significant component of our business, and, as a result, risk relating to foreign currency fluctuation is considered minimal.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) establishes standards for accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. SFAS 123(R) focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS 123(R) requires that the fair value of such equity instruments be recognized as expense in the financial statements as services are performed. Prior to SFAS 123(R), only the pro forma disclosures of fair value presented above were required. In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “TOPIC 14: Share-Based payment” which addresses the interaction between SFAS 123(R) and certain SEC rules and regulations and provides views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies. SFAS 123(R) is effective for our first quarter of 2006 and the adoption of this new accounting pronouncement is expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See the information set forth under the captions, “Interest Rate Risk” and “Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of April 30, 2005, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are ineffective at a reasonable assurance level as of April 30, 2005 to make known to them in a timely fashion material information related to the Company required to be filed in this report due to the material weakness described below.

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in a more than remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. As of April 30, 2005, the Company did not maintain effective controls over the accounting for pro forma stock-based compensation expense required to be disclosed under SFAS No. 123. Specifically, the Company did not maintain effective controls to ensure the appropriate pro forma accounting treatment of stock option forfeitures and recognition of related tax benefits. This control deficiency will result in the restatement of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2004, and the interim consolidated financial statements during fiscal years 2003 and 2004, and for the quarter ended January 31, 2005. Additionally, this control deficiency could result in a material misstatement to disclosures in annual or interim financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, management determined that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness. Because of this material weakness, we have concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2005, based on criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

Subsequent to April 30, 2005, the Company has implemented additional processing and review procedures to ensure the proper accounting for pro forma stock-based compensation expense. The Company also plans to implement a software package that will assist them with more effective tracking of employee stock option activity and the calculations of stock-based compensation. By implementing these internal control improvements, the Company expects to remediate this material weakness before October 31, 2005, which is the Company’s required compliance date under the Act.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. We will continue to improve the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures to the extent necessary in the future to provide our senior management with timely access to such material information, and to correct any deficiencies that we may discover in the future.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Our Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on March 3, 2005. There were 23,145,986 shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the meeting and a total of 22,016,272 shares (95.1%) were represented.

Voting was as follows:

1.   Election of Director Joseph E. Duffy: For 21,747,445 and Withhold 268,827.

2.   Election of Director Thomas G. Hudson: For 18,345,154 and Withhold 2,671,118.

3.   Ratification of appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005: For 21,667,551, Against 284,533, Abstain 64,188, and Broker Non-Vote 0.

Item 5. Other Information

On June 30, 2004, we were notified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) that its global captive insurer made an investment in our common stock in mid-October 2003. PwC became aware of the investment in June 2004, at which time its investment position was liquidated. As a result, PwC was not independent when it issued its opinion with respect to our consolidated financial statements as of, and for the year ended, October 31, 2003.

The Audit Committee of the Company has reviewed this matter in detail. The Audit Committee has considered the circumstances and effect of the loss of independence with respect to the audit of the fiscal year 2003 financial statements, the costs and other effects of engaging new independent auditors to re-audit the fiscal 2003 financial statements, and the fact that the Company is not aware of any impact on its fiscal 2003 financial statements from this lack of independence. The Audit Committee consulted with the outside legal counsel of the Company and the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission in reaching its decision to not re-audit the fiscal 2003 financial statements and to continue the engagement of PwC as its independent auditors.


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended April 30, 2005 and 2004		4

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2005 and October 31, 2004		5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended April 30, 2005 and 2004		6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		17

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		33

Item 4. Controls and Procedures		33

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings		34

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		34

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		34

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders		34

Item 5. Other Information		34

Item 6. Exhibits		35

SIGNATURES		36
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

	31.01	Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13a-14(a) adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	31.02	Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Rule 13a-14(a) adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	32.01	Certification of Chief Executive Officer under 18 U.S.C. 1350 pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	32.02	Certification of Chief Financial Officer under 18 U.S.C. 1350 pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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	1.	Election of Director Joseph E. Duffy: For 21,747,445 and Withhold 268,827.

	2.	Election of Director Thomas G. Hudson: For 18,345,154 and Withhold 2,671,118.

	3.	Ratification of appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005: For 21,667,551, Against 284,533, Abstain 64,188, and Broker Non-Vote 0.



PLATO LEARNING, INC.	By	/s/ MICHAEL A. MORACHE
June 9, 2005		Michael A. Morache
		President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)



		/s/ LAURENCE L. BETTERLEY
		Laurence L. Betterley
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)