Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

x

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

o

 

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

 

For the transition period from                to             

 

Commission file number: 0-27403

 

WHITNEY INFORMATION NETWORK, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Colorado

 

84-1475486

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation

or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

1612 East Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral , Florida

 

33904

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(239) 542-0643

 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

None

(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.  Yeso   No x

 

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 o

 

Smaller reporting company x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o   No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

There were 11,738,587 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 11, 2009.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Part I. Financial Information

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2008 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2007

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

16

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

30

 

 

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

30

 

 

Part II. Other Information

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

31

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

33

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

34

 

 

Signatures

35

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

WHITNEY INFORMATION NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

( in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

40,730

 

$

33,012

 

Restricted cash

 

8,797

 

8,449

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

806

 

439

 

Notes receivable, current portion

 

93

 

88

 

Deferred course expenses, current portion

 

23,554

 

19,251

 

Prepaid advertising and other prepaid expenses

 

3,704

 

3,896

 

Inventory

 

1,799

 

1,437

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

2,874

 

Total current assets

 

79,483

 

69,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable, net of current portion

 

10,048

 

10,073

 

Property and equipment, net

 

10,801

 

11,165

 

Investment and development costs in real estate

 

1,618

 

321

 

Intangible assets, net

 

416

 

432

 

Deferred course expenses, net of current portion

 

2

 

4

 

Other assets

 

333

 

243

 

Total assets

 

$

102,701

 

$

91,684

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

6,850

 

$

8,305

 

Income taxes payable

 

972

 

777

 

Accrued course expenses

 

4,425

 

2,886

 

Other accrued expenses

 

9,080

 

7,190

 

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

 

3,004

 

2,874

 

Accrued executive severance

 

1,300

 

1,950

 

Long-term debt, current portion

 

90

 

125

 

Deferred rental incentives, current portion

 

114

 

114

 

Deferred revenue, current portion

 

134,000

 

119,284

 

Total current liabilities

 

159,835

 

143,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

2,938

 

2,952

 

Deferred rental incentives, net of current portion

 

423

 

451

 

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

 

10

 

16

 

Total liabilities

 

163,206

 

146,924

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 11,738,587 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2008, and December 31, 2007

 

2,591

 

2,591

 

Paid-in capital

 

2,008

 

1,842

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(1,580

)

(1,659

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(63,524

)

(58,014

)

Total stockholders’ deficit

 

(60,505

)

(55,240

)

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

 

$

102,701

 

$

91,684

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

 

WHITNEY INFORMATION NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

42,604

 

$

56,261

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Direct course expenses

 

22,129

 

25,429

 

Advertising and sales expenses

 

15,450

 

16,424

 

General and administrative expenses

 

9,745

 

10,016

 

Special items

 

233

 

3,286

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

47,557

 

55,155

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

(4,953

)

1,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Other income, net

 

51

 

84

 

Interest income

 

368

 

440

 

Interest expense

 

(55

)

(102

)

Equity loss from related parties

 

(200

)

(177

)

Gain (loss) on sale of assets

 

1,080

 

(6

)

Total other income

 

1,244

 

239

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) Income before income taxes

 

(3,709

)

1,345

 

Income tax provision

 

(225

)

(61

)

Net (loss) income

 

$

(3,934

)

$

1,284

 

Net (loss) income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.34

)

$

0.11

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.34

)

$

0.11

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

11,739

 

11,739

 

Diluted

 

11,739

 

11,895

 

Comprehensive (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(3,934

)

$

1,284

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

79

 

(17

)

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

(3,855

)

$

1,267

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

 

WHITNEY INFORMATION NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(3,934

)

$

1,284

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

407

 

336

 

Stock-based compensation costs

 

166

 

293

 

Deferred rental incentives

 

(28

)

14

 

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

 

(1,080

)

6

 

Equity loss from related parties

 

200

 

177

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

(348

)

(1,868

)

Accounts receivable, net

 

(367

)

3,052

 

Prepaid advertising and other prepaid expenses

 

192

 

(258

)

Inventory

 

(362

)

83

 

Deferred course expenses

 

(4,301

)

52

 

Other assets

 

(90

)

(98

)

Accounts payable

 

(1,455

)

3,518

 

Accrued course expenses

 

1,539

 

546

 

Deferred revenue

 

14,710

 

(4,723

)

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

 

130

 

1,356

 

Accrued executive severance

 

(650

)

 

Other accrued expenses

 

1,890

 

(1,484

)

Income taxes payable

 

195

 

(61

)

Net cash provided by operations

 

6,814

 

2,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(25

)

(696

)

Proceeds received on notes receivable

 

21

 

22

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

2,454

 

7

 

Investments in and advances to related parties, net

 

 

(75

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

2,450

 

(742

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to joint venture partner

 

(1,576

)

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(49

)

(118

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,625

)

(118

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of foreign currency translation

 

79

 

(17

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

7,718

 

1,348

 

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period

 

33,012

 

33,221

 

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period

 

$

40,730

 

$

34,569

 

 

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

 

5



Table of Contents

 

WHITNEY INFORMATION NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

 

The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Whitney Information Network, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its year ended December 31, 2007 (“2007 Form 10-K”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on January 15, 2009.

 

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are considered necessary to make a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and operating results have been included.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

The results for the three months ended March 31, 2008, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending December 31, 2008.

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to its audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, included in the 2007 Form 10-K filed January 15, 2009. These accounting policies have not significantly changed.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2007 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to the 2008 presentation.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2008, the Company adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”).  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as used in other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures related to the use of fair value measures in financial statements.  SFAS No. 157 does not expand the use of fair value measures in financial statements, but standardizes its definition and guidance in GAAP and emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement and not an entity-specific measurement based on an exchange transaction in which the entity sells an asset or transfers a liability (exit price).  SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy from observable market data as the highest level to fair value based on an entity’s own fair value assumptions as the lowest level.  On February 6, 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinanical assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis.  These nonfinancial items include assets and liabilities such as reporting units measured at fair value in a goodwill impairment test and nonfinancial assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.  The effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material effect on our fair value measurements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No 160”).  SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for a parent company’s noncontrolling, or minority, interests in its subsidiaries.  SFAS No.160 also provides accounting and reporting standards for changes in a parent’s ownership interest of a noncontrolling interest as well as deconsolidation procedures.  This statement aligns the reporting of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries with the requirements in International Accounting Standards 27 and is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations - Revised (“SFAS No. 141R”).  SFAS No. 141R changes the accounting for business combinations including the measurement of acquirer shares issued in consideration for a business combination, the recognition of contingent consideration, the accounting for pre-acquisition gain and loss contingencies, the recognition of capitalized in-process research and development, the accounting for acquisition-related restructuring cost accruals, the treatment of acquisition related transaction costs and the recognition of changes in the acquirer’s income tax valuation allowance. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited.  The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 141R in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009.  We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Note 3 — Special Items

 

Special items

 

Special items incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, were approximately $0.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively.  These special items include the professional fees associated with the SEC and DOJ proceedings which began November 14, 2006, and December 11, 2006, respectively.

 

Note 4 — Notes Receivable

 

Notes receivable consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

Note receivable from the sale of real estate. Principal and interest monthly at 6.25%, $6.2 million due at maturity, matures November 2015 and is collateralized by land and a building in Central Florida.

 

$

7,065

 

$

7,087

 

Note receivable from the sale of our 50% equity interest in land in the amount of $4.5 million with no interest. Issued in May 2007, matured December 2007 and is collateralized by 74 acres of land in Southwest Florida (“Tranquility Bay”).

 

3,076

 

3,074

 

Total of notes receivable

 

10,141

 

10,161

 

Less: current portion

 

(93

)

(88

)

Long-term notes receivable

 

$

10,048

 

$

10,073

 

 

See Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies Litigation for further discussion of Tranquility Bay.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 5 —Assets Held for Sale

 

Assets held for sale at March 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 30,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

Investment in Rancho Monterey, S.A. and Monterey del Este, S.A.

 

$

 

$

905

 

Investment in Monterey del Mar, S.A.

 

 

1,233

 

Beautiful Hill, S.A.

 

 

736

 

 

 

$

 

$

2,874

 

 

The investments in Rancho Monterey, S.A., Monterey del Este, S.A, and Beautiful Hill, S.A. were sold in January 2008 for approximately $2.5 million resulting in a net gain of approximately $1.1 million.  See Note 13 — Subsequent Events.  Our investment in Monterey del Mar, S.A. has not been sold and has been removed from assets held for sale during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

 

Note 6 — Long-Term Debt

 

Long-term debt consists of (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to individuals for the purchase of an equity interest in SCB Building, LLC. Principal and interest payments began in April 2006 at an interest rate of 6.25%. The note matures in April 2016.

 

$

2,934

 

$

2,942

 

Note payable to an individual for the purchase of an equity interest in Rancho Monterey, S.A. Principal and interest payments began in July 2003 at an interest rate of 5%. This note was paid in full in June 2008.

 

36

 

73

 

Other installment notes payable

 

58

 

62

 

Total long-term debt

 

3,028

 

3,077

 

Less: current portion

 

(90

)

(125

)

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

$

2,938

 

$

2,952

 

 

Note 7— Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

The Company leases from Cape Promenade Trust (“Trust”) approximately 2,200 square feet of training facilities at 1611 East Cape Coral Parkway, approximately 9,000 square feet of space at 1625 East Cape Coral Parkway which is used for offices and shipping, and 4,802 square feet at 1630 Southeast 47th Terrace which the Company uses as a training facility, all located in Cape Coral, Florida.  The Trust is for the benefit of our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Whitney, and Ingrid Whitney.  The leases are for three years and began on March 1, 2003, March 1, 2003, and June 1, 2004, respectively.  The monthly rentals were $1,943, $13,913 and $7,238 in 2007 and 2008, respectively.  The 1611 East Cape Coral Parkway and 1630 Southeast 47th Terrace properties leases expired in March 2006, the Company is on a month-to-month basis with respect to these leases.  The Company extended the lease with respect to 1625 East Cape Coral Parkway through December 31, 2008.  See Note 12 — Subsequent Events for further discussion.

 

Gulfstream Development Group, LLC

 

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had an agreement with Gulfstream Development Group, LLC (“Gulfstream”), in which the Company was compensated for appointing Gulfstream as the exclusive offeror of homes for its students of our advanced real estate courses.  Students were offered the opportunity to purchase residential lots in Southwest Florida from Gulfstream, other lot owners, or Mr. Whitney.  The Company has no ownership interest in Gulfstream and had no involvement in the students’ decision to purchase lots or in their dealings with the realtor or Gulfstream.  Gulfstream often constructs homes on lots owned by our students.  The Company originally received a referral fee of $1,000 for every Gulfstream home built for our students subsequent to the closing of each sale.  During 2007, the referral fee was increased to $2,500 with $500 of that being paid to the Company trainers who assisted in the referral.  The referral fees paid to the Company by Gulfstream amounted to zero and $22,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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As of March 31, 2008, Mr. Whitney held an indirect 12.5% interest in Gulfstream and received certain payments and distributions from this entity.  Mr. Whitney holds his investment in Gulfstream through Rec One, Inc., (“Rec One”), an entity that he and Ingrid Whitney jointly own.  Gulfstream also had an informal agreement with Mr. Whitney, in which Gulfstream paid him a referral fee of $4,000—$5,000 for each Gulfstream home built for our students.

 

Mr. Whitney received the following payments from Gulfstream during the quarter ended March 31, 2008; (i) salary of $30,000; (ii) transaction-based compensation of $563,464; and (iii) distributions to Rec One of $225,000.

 

A committee of independent members of the Board of Directors is reviewing the Gulfstream transactions in regards to compliance with the applicable governance and related party transaction requirements.

 

Costa Rica

 

As of March 31, 2008, the Company had an ownership interest of 62.9% of a hotel property located in Costa Rica.

 

In January 2008, the Company sold three of our investments in Costa Rican and Panamanian entities.  Those entities were: Rancho Monterey, S.A., Monterey del Este, S.A. and Beautiful Hill, S.A., in which the Company owned 30%, 8%, and 100%, respectively.  Proceeds from these entities net of commissions and other expenses were $0.9 million, $0.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively.  Commissions related to the sale were paid to Russell Whitney, our former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board in the amount of $0.4 million.  Commissions related to this sale were also paid to two of our former employees and a former independent contractor in the amount of $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.

 

A committee of independent members of the Board of Directors is reviewing the Costa Rican transactions in regards to compliance with the applicable governance and related party transaction requirements.

 

Note 8 - Income Taxes

 

The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”).  Under the asset and liability method of SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributed to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax base.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  If it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized.

 

Significant management judgment is required in developing our provision for income taxes, including the determination of foreign tax liabilities, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances that might be required against the deferred tax assets.  Management evaluates its ability to realize its deferred tax assets on an annual basis and adjusts its valuation allowance when it believes that it is more likely that the asset will not be realized.

 

During the period ended March 31, 2008 the Company recorded $100,000 of alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) income tax expense due to tax regulations which limit the offset of taxable income with net operating loss carryforwards to 90%.  The remaining 10% is subject to alternative minimum tax.  The Company also recorded $125,000 of state income tax expense related to jurisdictions where we do not have sufficient net operating losses to offset taxable income.

 

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Note 9 — (Loss) income per Share

 

Basic (loss) income per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the assumed exercise of all dilutive securities using the treasury stock method or the “as converted” method, as appropriate.  The total of outstanding stock options and warrants as of March 31, 2008 was 1,033,400 and 890,719, respectively.  There were a total of 1,214,900 stock options and 890,719 warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2007.  A total of 155,727 potentially dilutive securities could be dilutive to future earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  Additionally, the Company has combined 450,000 unit placement warrants issued to our placement agent in connection with our December 2005 offering.

 

The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except for per share data):

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for basic (loss) income per common share

 

$

(3,934

)

$

1,284

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares

 

11,739

 

11,739

 

Effect of dilutive securities - options and warrants

 

 

156

 

Denominator for diluted (loss) income per share - adjusted weighted average shares

 

11,739

 

11,895

 

Diluted (loss) income per common share

 

$

(0.34

)

$

0.11

 

 

Where the inclusion of potential common shares is anti-dilutive, such shares are excluded from the computation.

 

Note 10 - Segment Information

 

The Company operates primarily in two business segments:  Proprietary Brands and Rich Dad Education.  Our revenues are generated through the sale of real estate and financial market education courses, programs and products and categorized into segments, depending upon the channel from which the student was acquired.  Operating results for the segments as reported below are evaluated regularly by Executive Management.

 

Our segment revenues and gross profit (deficit) are included in the following tables (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Segment revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proprietary Brands

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate education

 

$

17,929

 

$

29,795

 

Financial markets education

 

7,096

 

23,726

 

Rich Dad Education

 

17,579

 

2,740

 

Consolidated

 

$

42,604

 

$

56,261

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Segment gross profit (deficit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proprietary Brands

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate education

 

$

8,836

 

$

7,524

 

Financial markets education

 

(531

)

8,540

 

Rich Dad Education

 

(3,280

)

(1,656

)

Consolidated

 

$

5,025

 

$

14,408

 

 

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Note 11 - Stockholders’ Deficit

 

On March 28, 2008 the Company recorded $1.6 million in distributions to our joint venture partner, Rich Global, LLC.  The distribution was made in accordance with the Operating Agreement between Whitney Education Group and Rich Global, LLC.

 

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies

 

Software purchase commitment

 

In December 2005, the Company entered into a purchase commitment for new Customer Relationship Management software (“CRM”) for approximately $3.0 million which includes licensing, training and maintenance.  During the first quarter ended March 31, 2007, the Company recorded $1.1 million in expense; the Company has not incurred any additional expense for the CRM software during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.  Our annual commitments for the licensing and maintenance of other software are approximately $0.4 million.

 

Operating lease

 

The Company leases office space for administrative and training requirements.  These leases expire through January 2013.  See Note 7 — Certain Relationships and Related Transactions for related party leases.

 

The following table includes the rental expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental expense for operating leases

 

$

290

 

$

274

 

 

Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable leases included above as of March 31, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year 1

 

$

1,050

 

Year 2

 

717

 

Year 3

 

604

 

Year 4

 

549

 

Year 5

 

367

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

$

3,287

 

 

Litigation

 

On November 14, 2006, the Company was notified by the SEC that the Commission is conducting a formal, nonpublic investigation to determine whether the Company complied with securities laws in connection with (i) the claimed efficacy or trading success of our stock market education programs, and, (ii) our acquisition of certain other companies.  The SEC has requested documents and information from us in the course of their investigation.

 

On December 11, 2006, the Company received a subpoena from the DOJ requesting documents and information in connection with an investigation relating to our marketing activities from January 1, 2002 to the present.  The Company was notified that a grand jury investigation related to this matter had commenced.  Criminal indictments have been returned and civil charges have been filed against two former contractors.  On March 6, 2008, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia returned an indictment charging Linda Woolf (“Woolf”) and David Gengler (“Gengler”), the two former contractors, with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.  Woolf and Gengler are alleged in the indictment to have been independent contractors of the Company’s EduTrades, Inc., subsidiary at the time of their alleged criminal activities.  The defendants are no longer independent contractors for the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  The Company and its subsidiaries were not charged in the indictment, and none of the Company’s present or former directors or officers were charged in the indictment.  On March 11, 2008, the SEC filed civil fraud charges against Woolf and Gengler

 

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alleging that Woolf and Gengler made false and misleading statements to sell “Teach Me to Trade” packages for the Company’s EduTrades, Inc., subsidiary.

 

On January 11, 2007, Whitney Canada, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, and Whitney Information Network, Inc. received notice of an Amended Motion for Authorization to Institute a Class Action in the Province of Québec, Canada.  A class action was requested for all persons who have made various real estate investments, at the alleged inducement, or through, Marc Jémus, François Roy, Robert Primeau and/or their companies, and/or B2B Trust, and/or Whitney Canada, Inc., and/or Whitney Information Network, Inc. and/or Jean Lafrenière.  The complaint seeks repayment of $39,235 to the Petitioner, unspecified payment to each member of the class of an amount corresponding to their lost investments, payment of $10,000 to each member of the class as general damages, recovery of costs and other litigation expenses, and unspecified equitable relief.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On January 30, 2007, the Company was served a complaint by Rodney Durham on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Whitney Information Network, Inc., Russell A. Whitney and Nicholas S. Maturo, filed on December 28, 2006 in the United States District Court in the Middle District of Florida accusing the Company of securities violations.  The complaint seeks damages for violations of federal securities laws on behalf of all investors who acquired the Company’s Common Stock from November 18, 2003, through and including December 15, 2006.  The plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory damages, unspecified equitable relief, and attorney’s fees and costs.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.  This case has not been certified as a class action.  See Note 13 — Subsequent Events for further discussion.

 

On March 8, 2007, the Company was served a complaint styled Robert Ghosio, Jr. on behalf of nominal defendant Whitney Information Network, Inc. v. Russell A. Whitney, Nicholas S. Maturo, Frederick A. Cardin, Chester P. Schwartz, Ronald S. Simon and Whitney Information Network, Inc., filed in the United States District Court in the Middle District of Florida.  This action is a shareholder derivative complaint alleging that the named defendants breached certain fiduciary duties and violated certain securities laws.  The plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages, unspecified equitable relief, unspecified restitution and disgorgement of profits from individual defendants, and fees and costs.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.  See Note 13 — Subsequent Events for further discussion.

 

On March 22, 2007, a complaint was received by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Whitney Education Group, Inc.  The case is Glenn Acciard, et. al. vs. Russell Whitney, individually, John Kane, individually and Whitney Education Group, Inc. et. al., Case No. 07-CA-002190 in the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Court in and for Lee County, Florida alleging that the Company, including two of our executive officers, and 18 other defendants not associated with the Company, breached certain of their fiduciary duties to the named plaintiffs, all of whom were our alleged students.  The allegations in the complaint include claims of constructive and common law fraud and other violations.  The plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages, unspecified punitive damages, interest, a refund of the purchase price of the lots sold to the plaintiffs, costs, attorney’s fees and unspecified equitable relief.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On August 23, 2007, a complaint was received by our subsidiary, Whitney Education Group, Inc.  Plaintiffs Sirli Jehe and Kalev Kruuk brought suit against Russell Whitney, John Kane, Whitney Education Group, Inc. et. al., in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Sarasota County, Florida alleging breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent misrepresentation, a violation of mortgage broker and lending laws, Florida Land Sales Practices Act and Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act based on an alleged scheme to induce real estate investors to purchase real property at inflated prices.  Numerous motions to dismiss are currently pending.  The plaintiffs seek a refund of the price of the lots sold to them, monetary damages in excess of $100,000, unspecified punitive damages, costs, attorney’s fees, and unspecified equitable relief.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On September 21, 2007, a complaint was received by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Whitney Education Group, Inc.  The lawsuit is Jeffrey Watson v. Whitney Education Group, Inc, and Russell Whitney in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Lee County, Florida and alleges that Whitney Education Group, Inc,  and Russell Whitney breached a student contract, violated the Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and conspired to commit fraud by failing to recommend fair and objective vendors in connection with the development and purchase of real estate in an investment program purchased by Plaintiff.  Motions to Dismiss Plaintiff’s complaint are currently pending.  The plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory damages, unspecified punitive damages, a declaratory judgment determining the rights of the parties, attorney’s fees and costs.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

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On November 7, 2007, two complaints were received by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Whitney Education Group, Inc.  The case is Huron River Area Credit Union v. James M. Easterly.  In both lawsuits, James M. Easterly filed third party complaints against Russell Whitney, Whitney Information Network, Inc., John Kane, and other third party co-defendants alleging breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud, violation of Florida Land Sales Practices Act, violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, civil conspiracy to defraud, and Florida RICO conspiracy through an alleged scheme to entice persons to invest in real estate at inflated prices through real estate education courses offered by the Company.  In each third party complaint, Easterly alleges losses in excess of $100,000 as a result of the purchase of two separate properties from Gulfstream Development Group, LLC.  Multiple motions to dismiss are pending and await a decision by the court.  Easterly seeks unspecified damages, including a refund of the purchase price of lots sold to him, unspecified interest, taxes paid on the lots, costs, attorney’s fees, and unspecified equitable relief.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On January 9, 2008, the Company entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (“AVC”) with the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Florida to close a previously disclosed investigation.  The AVC was entered into without an admission or judicial determination that the Company violated any laws, rules or regulations.  The Company agreed in the AVC to make refunds in the additional amount of approximately $450,000 to certain consumers, and also set aside, in an escrow account, $125,000 for refunds for potential claims arising from sales prior to the execution of the AVC.  The Company also agreed to make a payment to the Attorney General in the amount of $150,000 in satisfaction of the Attorney General’s investigative and attorney’s fees.  The Company also made a contribution in the amount of $150,000 to the “Seniors vs. Crime, Inc.” project for educational, investigative and crime prevention programs for the benefit of senior citizens and the community as a whole, in connection with the delivery of the AVC.

 

On January 23, 2008, the Company filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Tranquility Bay of Southwest Florida LLC, Gulf Gateway Enterprises, LLC, Anthony Scott Dunlap, and Dunlap Enterprises, LLC—parties to the mortgage and/or security agreement.  Tranquility Bay of Southwest Florida, LLC (“Tranquility Bay”), defaulted on its mortgage payment of $4.5 million to Whitney Information Network, Inc., that was due on or before December 31, 2007.  The lawsuit seeks a judgment of foreclosure on the mortgage instrument.  In the alternative, the lawsuit seeks a judgment of foreclosure on a security agreement which would permit the Company to take control of Tranquility Bay and the resulting real property.  Further in the alternative, we seek damages from Anthony Scott Dunlap related to a personal guarantee that Mr. Dunlap signed in relation to the mortgage.  The lawsuit is currently pending in the Circuit Court in Lee County, Florida, and is in the discovery phase.

 

The Company and one of its directors, Russell A. Whitney (“Whitney”) and WIN CR II Trust (“Trust’), a Company affiliate, are engaged in a series of legal actions with M. Barry Strudwick (“Strudwick”) and Susan Weiss (“Weiss”), and others relating to Monterey del Mar, S. A. (“MDMSA”), a Panamanian Company.

 

·                  In December 2006, the Company filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Weiss for defamation.  Weiss has filed a counterclaim seeking $2.5 million in compensatory damages and punitive damages in an amount exceeding $7.5 million.  We believe that Weiss’ claims lack merit and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.

 

·                  On January 26, 2007, the Company and WIN CR II Trust (the “Trust”), an affiliate of the Company, filed an action against Strudwick, Weiss, and others which is now pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.  The Company seeks declaratory and monetary relief for conspiracy, conversion, tortious interference, malpractice, and other causes of action.

 

·                  On January 31, 2008, Strudwick and Weiss filed suit against Whitney, and the Company, among others, in Maryland state court for defamation, injurious falsehood, abuse of process, tortious interference with prospective business advantage, and invasion of privacy.  The case has been removed to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.  The claims relate to acts and statements allegedly made by agents of the Company surrounding the alleged attempt by Strudwick to develop and sell real property in Costa Rica and Weiss’ attempt to seize control of MDMSA.  Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages of $18 million and punitive damages of $50 million.  The Company and Whitney have answered the complaint.  We believe that the plaintiffs’ claims lack merit and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.

 

The Company is involved from time to time in routine legal matters incidental to our business.  Based upon available information, the Company believes that the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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Note 13 - Subsequent Events

 

On April 9, 2008, the Board of Directors appointed Anne M. Donoho to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.  Ms. Donoho had been serving as the Company’s interim Chief Financial Officer since December 4, 2007.  In her role as Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Donoho is the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the Company.

 

On June 20, 2008, the Board of Directors appointed John F. Kane to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Kane had been serving as the Company’s interim President and member of the Board of Directors since December 4, 2007.

 

On June 20, 2008, the Board of Directors eliminated the position of Chairman of the Board and created a Lead Director position.  The former Chairman, Russell A. Whitney, remains a member of the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors appointed Steven C. Barre as the Lead Director.

 

On July 8, 2008, the Company received a letter from the South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation requesting certain information and documents with respect to the issue of whether or not the Company was selling business opportunities as defined by South Dakota statute.  The Company has provided information and documentation in response to this request.

 

On July 9, 2008, the Company entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (the “North Dakota AVC”) with the Office of the Attorney General of the State of North Dakota.  The North Dakota AVC was entered into without an admission or judicial determination that the Company violated any laws, rules or regulations.  Pursuant to the North Dakota AVC, the Company agreed to comply with North Dakota’s Transient Merchant statute, including the posting of a $50,000 bond, when required to do so by North Dakota law.  The Company also agreed to offer refunds to North Dakota consumers who entered into contract during while the Company did not have a North Dakota Transient Merchant’s license.  Finally, the Company agreed to make a payment of $10,000 to the Office of the Attorney General of North Dakota.  No civil penalties were imposed on the Company under the AVC.

 

On September 17, 2008, the Company appointed Charles M. Peck as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors.

 

On September 17, 2008, the leases for the training facility located at 1611 East Cape Coral Parkway and the training facility at 1630 Southeast 47th Terrace were terminated.  The leases were on a month-to-month basis prior to termination.

 

On October 17, 2008, John F. Kane resigned as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer.  He also resigned from his position as a member of the Board of Directors.

 

During October 2008, Mr. Whitney, our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, asserted a claim against the Company for $1.1 million in funds allegedly owed to him principally for a 2007 annual bonus, speaking fees, and other reimbursements.  The Company believes this claim is without merit.

 

On October 21, 2008, Mr. Simon, our former Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, filed a lawsuit against the Company in the Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial District for Lee County, Florida for $1.4 million for funds allegedly owed to him due to the improper termination of his employment agreement.  The Company believes this lawsuit is without merit.

 

On November 3, 2008, the Office of Attorney General of the State of Florida issued an investigative subpoena pursuant to the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.  The subpoena seeks information about consumer-investors that attended Whitney Information Network, Inc.’s Millionaire University (“MU”) and invested in Florida homes built by Gulfstream Development Group LLC, Gulfstream Realty and Gulfstream Realty and Development, LLC since August 1, 2004.  Further the subpoena seeks documents and records comprising advertising, marketing, investments and sales materials presented to those MU students along with documents and records describing the Company’s earnings derived from Gulfstream Development Group, LLC and Gulfstream Realty and Development, LLC.  On January 15, 2009 the company produced documents responsive to the subpoena.

 

On November 17, 2008, the Middle District Court issued an order granting the Company’s motion to dismiss the Durham Class Action Lawsuit without prejudice.  On December 8, 2008, the Company was served a consolidated amended class action complaint filed by Arnold Friedman individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated in the Middle District

 

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Court alleging violations of the federal securities laws.  Friedman seeks damages, injunctive relief, attorney costs and fees and any other relief deemed appropriate by the Middle District Court.  See Note 12 —Commitments and Contingencies.

 

On November 19, 2008 an order granting the defendants motion to dismiss without prejudice was ordered by the court, for the complaint served the Company on March 8, 2007 by Robert Ghosio, Jr. on behalf of nominal defendant Whitney Information Network, Inc. v. Russell A. Whitney, Nicholas S. Maturo, Frederick A. Cardin, Chester P. Schwartz, Ronald S. Simon and Whitney Information Network, Inc., filed in the United States District Court in the Middle District of Florida.  This action is a derivative complaint alleging that the named defendants violated certain fiduciary and securities laws.  See Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies.

 

On November 21, 2008, we notified Cape Promenade Trust that we will be terminating the lease at 1625 East Cape Coral Parkway effective December 31, 2008.

 

On December 4, 2008, an amended shareholder derivative complaint filed by Robert Ghosio Jr. on behalf of nominal defendant Whitney Information Network, Inc. v Russell A. Whitney, Frederick A. Cardin, Chester P. Schwartz and Ronald S. Simon in the United States District Court Middle District of Florida (the “Court”) alleging breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment.  By an order dated November 19, 2008, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss without prejudice the initial complaint filed by the plaintiffs on March 28, 2007.

 

On January 20, 2009, the Company sold the corporate aircraft, a Cessna Citation VII to an unrelated third party for $3.8 million in cash less commissions of $0.1 million.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (“Quarterly Report” or “Report”) includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding guidance, industry prospects or future results of operations or financial position, made in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking.  We use words such as anticipates, believes, expects, future, intends, and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain.  Actual results could differ materially for a variety of reasons, including those risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (“2007 Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on January 15, 2009, and the risks discussed in other SEC filings.  These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties, could cause our actual results to differ significantly from management’s expectations.  The forward-looking statements included in this Report reflect the beliefs of our management on the date of this Quarterly Report.  We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

 

Executive Overview

 

Our business

 

In the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, we offer post-secondary non-accredited preview, primary and advanced courses, and training in two primary fields of study:

 

·                  Real estate education

 

·                  Financial markets education

 

Through our branded and private label curricula, our content is expansive and our significant investment in these brands provides for the opportunity to build long-term value. Our brand portfolio includes:

 

·                  For real estate investment workshops and preview courses:

 

Russ Whitney®’s Building Wealth

 

Teach Me Foreclosure and Real Estate Investing

 

Rich Dad® Education (“RDE”)

 

—Private label brands:

 

·                  Real Estate Success System

 

·                  For financial markets investment workshops and preview courses:

 

Teach Me to Trade®

 

—Private label brand:

 

·                  Stock Success System®

 

·                  Our umbrella brand for advanced courses:

 

Wealth Intelligence Academy®

 

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Table of Contents

 

The advanced courses of study under the Wealth Intelligence Academy® brand include:

 

 

·

Millionaire U™ real estate advanced training

 

·

Rich U™

 

·

Wholesale buying

 

·

Foreclosure training

 

·

Lease option

 

·

Property management and cash flow

 

·

Keys to creative real estate financing

 

·

Asset protection and tax relief

 

·

Mentor field training

 

·

Discount notes and mortgages

 

·

Manufactured mobile homes and recreational vehicle parks

 

·

Rehabbing for profit

 

·

Tax liens and deeds

 

·

Commercial real estate investing

 

·

Domestic and international land investment and development

 

·

Master Trader™

 

— practical trading techniques

 

·

The Trading P.I.T.™

 

— hedging techniques

 

·

The Advanced P.I.T.™

 

— spread strategies

 

·

H.I.T.S.™

 

— single stock futures and ETFs

 

·

Advanced Covered Calls

 

— strategies to use options to improve cash flow and hedge risk

 

·

Advanced Technical Analysis

 

— strategies to manage trades in different market conditions

 

All of the trademarks mentioned herein belong to us, except Rich Dad® Education and CashFlow®, which we license from Rich Global, LLC.

 

We offer our students several ways to access our educational content:

 

·                  Live instruction in classroom settings

 

·                  Onsite mentoring

 

·                  Telephonic coaching

 

·                  Electronic access

 

·                  Online Live

 

·                  On Demand Recorded

 

·                  Conferences

 

·                  Teleconferences

 

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Table of Contents

 

Results of Operations

 

Our operating results are expressed as a percentage of revenue in the table below:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Direct course expenses

 

51.9

 

45.2

 

Advertising and sales expenses

 

36.3

 

29.2

 

General and administrative expenses

 

22.9

 

17.8

 

Special items (a)

 

.5

 

5.8

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

111.6

 

98.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

(11.6

)

2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

11.8

 

25.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Other income, net

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Interest income

 

0.9

 

0.8

 

Interest expense

 

(0.1

)

(0.2

)

Equity loss from related parties

 

(0.5

)

(0.3

)

Gain on disposition of assets

 

2.5

 

 

Total other income

 

2.9

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

(8.7

)

2.4

 

Income tax provision

 

(0.5

)

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

(9.2

)%

2.3

%

 


(a)          Special items expense includes direct costs associated with the SEC and the DOJ investigations.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

As used in our operating data, EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) excluding the impact of special items (including the costs associated with the SEC and the DOJ investigations, class action and derivative lawsuits); interest income; interest expense; other income (expense), net income tax (provision) benefit; stock option compensation expense; depreciation and amortization expense; and equity income (loss) from related parties.  We define “Adjusted EBITDA” as EBITDA adjusted for the net change in deferred revenue less the net change in deferred course expenses.  Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial performance measurement according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

 

We use Adjusted EBITDA as a key measure in evaluating our operations and decision-making.  We feel it is a useful measure in determining our performance since it takes into account the change in deferred revenue and deferred course expenses in combination with our operating expenses.  We reference Adjusted EBITDA frequently, since it provides supplemental information that facilitates internal comparisons to historical operating performance of prior periods and external comparisons to competitors’ historical operating performance in our industry.  We plan and forecast our business using Adjusted EBITDA, with comparisons of actual to planned and forecasted Adjusted EBITDA and we provide incentives to management based on Adjusted EBITDA goals.  In addition, we provide Adjusted EBITDA because we believe investors and security analysts find it to be a useful measure for evaluating our performance.

 

The vast majority of our costs to acquire students have been expended before a student attends any basic or advanced training.  Those costs include media, travel, facilities and instructor fees for the preview workshops and are expensed when incurred. 

 

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However, revenue recognition of tuition paid by students to enroll in any basic or advanced training courses at registration is deferred until (i) the course is attended by the student, (ii) the student has received the course content in an electronic format, (iii) the contract expires, or (iv) revenue recognized through course breakage.  It is only after one of those four occurrences that revenue is considered earned.  Thus, reporting in accordance with GAAP creates significant timing differences with respect to revenue and expenses, both in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and condensed consolidated statements of operations.  As a result of these factors, our operating cash flows can vary significantly from our results of operations for the same period.  For this reason, we believe Adjusted EBITDA is an important non-GAAP financial measure.

 

Adjusted EBITDA has material limitations and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), cash flows provided by operations, investing or financing activities or other financial statement data presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity.  Items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding our financial performance.  Because Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measurement calculated in accordance with GAAP and is subject to varying calculations, Adjusted EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to other similar titled measures of performance used by other companies.

 

The table below is a reconciliation of the Company’s net (loss) income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods set forth below (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(3,934

)

$

1,284

 

Special items

 

233

 

3,286

 

Interest income

 

(368

)

(440

)

Interest expense

 

55

 

102

 

Other expense, net

 

(51

)

(84

)

Income tax provision

 

225

 

61

 

Stock-based compensation

 

166

 

293

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

407

 

336

 

Equity loss from related parties

 

200

 

177

 

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

 

(1,080

)

6

 

EBITDA

 

(4,147

)

5,021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in deferred revenue

 

14,710

 

(4,723

)

Net change in deferred course costs

 

(4,301

)

52

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

6,262

 

$

350

 

Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of cash received from course and product sales

 

10.9

%

0.7

%

 

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Cash Sales

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s reported revenue to cash sales for its two business segments: its Proprietary Brands segment and Rich Dad Education segment.  Cash sales are a metric used by management in assessing the Company’s segments performance.  We define cash sales as revenue plus the change in deferred revenue.  Cash sales are not a financial performance measurement in accordance with GAAP; therefore we are presenting a table to reconcile the cash sales to revenue reported in accordance with GAAP (table presented in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Cash received from course and product sales:

 

 

 

 

 

Proprietary Brands

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate education

 

$

10,504

 

$

25,250

 

Financial markets education

 

4,678

 

16,716

 

Rich Dad Education

 

42,132

 

9,572

 

Total consolidated cash received from course and product sales

 

57,314

 

51,538

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in deferred revenue (increase)/decrease:

 

 

 

 

 

Proprietary Brands

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate education

 

7,425

 

4,546

 

Financial markets education

 

2,418

 

7,009

 

Rich Dad Education

 

(24,553

)

(6,832

)

Total consolidated change in deferred revenue

 

(14,710

)

4,723

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

Proprietary Brands

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate education

 

17,929

 

29,795

 

Financial markets education

 

7,096

 

23,726

 

Rich Dad Education

 

17,579

 

2,740

 

Total consolidated revenue for financial reporting purposes

 

$

42,604

 

$

56,261

 

 

Business segments

 

We operate in two business segments: Proprietary Brands and RDE.  The proportion of revenue from each segment is as follows:

 

 

 

For the Three Months ended March 31,

 

As a percentage of total revenue

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proprietary Brands:

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate education

 

42.1

%

52.9

%

Financial markets education

 

16.6

 

42.2

 

 

 

58.7

%

95.1

%

Rich Dad Education:

 

41.3

 

4.9

 

 

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

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Table of Contents

 

Proprietary Brands

 

Real estate education

 

We began providing basic and advanced real estate investment training in 1992 with our historical flagship brand Russ Whitney®’s Building Wealth™.  We have added to our brand portfolio by offering our students additional real estate education offerings.  We launched Teach Me Foreclosure and Real Estate Investing in 2006.

 

Cash sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 (“first quarter of 2008”) and 2007 (“first quarter of 2007”) were $10.5 million and $25.3 million, and revenues for these quarters were $17.9 million and $29.8 million, respectively.  The decrease of $14.8 million in cash sales in 2008 as compared to 2007 was primarily attributable to the decline in sales of Russ Whitney®’s Building Wealth ™ and of Teach Me Foreclosure and Real Estate Investing courses.  In addition, there was decreased interest among prospective students in our real estate course offerings in the first quarter of 2008 which may have been due to the downturn in the housing market.  These factors resulted in a higher cost to acquire students, a lower percentage of students who purchased at least one paid course, and a lower average amount of sales of advanced courses per student.  The decrease of $11.9 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007 was primarily attributable to the shift in our business focus from the Proprietary Brands to the RDE Brand.  In addition, revenue recognized from course breakage was $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to $6.0 million in the first quarter of 2007, a decrease of $0.8 million or 13.3%.

 

Financial markets education

 

EduTrades, the Proprietary Brands financial markets education division, began operations in July 2002, with the acquisition of Teach Me to Trade ® and began sales in the fourth quarter of 2002.  We provide education to avocational investors in financial instruments, such as stocks and stock options.  Our training teaches trading fundamentals as well as advanced technical analysis to potential investors.

 

Cash sales for the first quarters of 2008 and 2007 were $4.7 million and $16.7 million, respectively, and revenues for these quarters were $7.1 million and $23.7 million, respectively.  The decrease of $12.0 million in cash sales for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007 was primarily attributable to the decline in sales of our Teach Me to Trade® brand.  The decrease of $16.6 million in revenue for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to 2007 was primarily attributable to the shift in our business focus from the Proprietary Brands to the RDE Brand.  In addition, revenue recognized from course breakage was $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2007, a decrease of $2.7 million or 52.9%.

 

Rich Dad Education

 

In 2006, we launched Rich Dad Education, Inc. (“RDE”), in alliance with Rich Global, LLC, which is based on the investing principles and philosophy of Robert Kiyosaki, detailed in his best-selling book, Rich Dad Poor Dad.  Our RDE Brand provides investor education in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.

 

Cash sales for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $42.1 million and $9.6 million, respectively, and revenues for these quarters were $17.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively.  The increase of $32.5 million or 338.5% in cash sales and $14.9 million or 551.9% in revenues for the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007 was primarily attributable to the shift in the our business focus from the Proprietary Brands to the RDE Brand and the resulting increase in the number of RDE events.  The variance between cash sales and revenue recognized for the RDE Brand is a result of revenue being deferred and recognized upon course completion in accordance with our revenue recognition policy.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

Revenue

 

Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, was $42.6 million a decrease of $13.7 million, or 24.3%, from $56.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

 

The following table reconciles cash received from our courses to the revenue for financial reporting purposes (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

Cash received from course and product sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic training sessions

 

$

6,783

 

$

7,417

 

(8.5

)%

Advanced courses

 

43,694

 

40,012

 

9.2

 

Product sales

 

4,699

 

3,442

 

36.5

 

Other

 

2,138

 

667

 

220.5

 

Total cash received from course and product sales

 

$

57,314

 

$

51,538

 

11.2

 

Net change in deferred revenue

 

(14,710

)

4,723

 

(411.5

)

Revenue for financial reporting purposes

 

$

42,604

 

$

56,261

 

(24.3

)%

 

The decrease in revenue in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007 is primarily due to the increase in sales of our RDE Brands for which revenue is deferred and recognized upon course completion in accordance with our revenue recognition policy.  No course breakage was recognized for RDE Brands in the first quarter of 2008 because we lack sufficient historical data to calculate and record course breakage for this brand.  Course breakage for our Proprietary Brands in the first quarter of 2008 was $7.6 million as compared to $11.1 million in the first quarter of 2007, a decrease of $3.5 million or 31.5%.

 

The following table illustrates the number of educational events for the comparative periods:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

Number of courses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free preview workshops

 

1,424

 

1,468

 

(3.0

)%

Basic training sessions

 

302

 

251

 

20.3

 

Advanced live courses

 

151

 

161

 

(6.2

)

Advanced electronic courses

 

35

 

34

 

2.9

 

 

 

1,912

 

1,914

 

(0.1

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of attending students

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic training sessions

 

11,198

 

13,426

 

(16.6

)%

Advanced live courses

 

2,774

 

2,279

 

21.7

 

Advanced electronic courses

 

1,009

 

619

 

63.0

 

 

 

14,981

 

16,324

 

(8.2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average students per paid course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic training sessions

 

37.1

 

53.5

 

(30.7

)%

Advanced live courses

 

18.4

 

14.2

 

29.6

%

Average

 

30.8

 

38.1

 

(19.2

)%

 

Approximately 20.5% of the students attending the free preview workshops purchased one or more of our basic training sessions during the first quarter of 2008, a decline of 3.7 percentage points from 24.2% in the first quarter of 2007.  For basic training sessions and advanced courses, the student pays the tuition at the time of registering for the course or program.  See Business segments above for further discussion of cash sales and revenue for financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table sets for the as a percentage of the media source by which prospective students accessed our free preview workshops:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Television

 

27.0

%

54.3

%

Direct mail

 

11.1

 

14.3

 

Website

 

26.8

 

17.3

 

Newspaper

 

3.5

 

4.7

 

Online advertising

 

23.3

 

8.1

 

Radio and other

 

8.3

 

1.3

 

 

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Prospective students registering for our free preview workshops via our branded websites increased 9.5 percentage points for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2007.  Online advertising increased by 15.2 percentage points for the first quarter of 2008 as compared with the first quarter of 2007 due to our internet advertising strategy for the RDE Brand which is a departure from the primarily television-based advertising strategy used for our Proprietary Brands.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Direct course expenses

 

Direct course expenses relate to our free preview workshops, basic training sessions and advanced courses, and consist of instructor fees, facility costs, salaries associated with our field representatives and related travel expenses.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, direct course expenses were $22.1 million, as compared with $25.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, a decrease of $3.3 million or 13.0%.  The decrease in direct course expense is attributable to decreases in sales commissions, product costs and event expenses related to the decrease in sales of our Proprietary Brands.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in administrative fees related to merchant processing charges for RDE Brand sales and other certain costs.  As a percentage of revenue, direct course expenses increased 6.8 percentage points from 45.1% for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, to 51.9% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.  The increase as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the increase in RDE Brand sales which are recorded as deferred revenue per our revenue recognition policy until attended.

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the significant components of direct course expenses (table in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Revenues

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

%Change

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product costs

 

$

6.0

 

$

7.5

 

(20.0

)%

14.1

%

13.3

%

Course events

 

9.2

 

10.0

 

(8.0

)

21.6

 

17.8

 

Commission, fees and payroll

 

5.2

 

7.1

 

(26.8

)

12.2

 

12.6

 

Administrative fees and other

 

1.7

 

0.8

 

112.5

 

4.0

 

1.4

 

Total

 

$

22.1

 

$

25.4

 

(13.0

)%

51.9

%

45.1

%

 

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Table of Contents

 

Advertising and sales expense

 

Advertising and sales expense as an expense category consists of two components:

 

·                  Purchased media to generate registrations to our free preview workshops, and

 

·                  Costs associated with supporting student recruitment.

 

Our cost structure is particularly sensitive to increases in advertising costs and its subsequent efficiency, production costs and travel related expenses.  However, a significant portion of our cost structure includes variable costs, such as instructor, field representative and outreach related costs which are primarily a function of sales.

 

We obtain the majority of our students through free preview workshops.  These preview workshops are offered in various metropolitan areas in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.  Prior to the actual workshop, we spend a significant amount of money in the form of advertising through various media channels.

 

The following table presents the expense categories that comprise advertising and sales expense for the quarters ended March  31, 2008 and 2007, and the expense categories as a percentage of total advertising and sales expense (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months  ended March 31,

 

Expense category

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Television expense

 

$

5,465

 

35.4

%

$

9,756

 

59.4

%

Direct mail expense

 

1,441

 

9.3

 

1,774

 

10.8

 

Newspaper expense

 

666

 

4.3

 

614

 

3.7

 

Internet expense

 

2,793

 

18.1

 

1,668

 

10.2

 

Radio and other expense

 

1,408

 

9.1

 

257

 

1.6

 

Media spending

 

11,773

 

76.2

 

14,069

 

85.7

 

Telemarketing/Outreach sales commissions

 

1,409

 

9.1

 

1,969

 

12.0

 

RDE licensing fees

 

2,268

 

14.7

 

386

 

2.3

 

Advertising and sales expense

 

$

15,450

 

100.0

%

$

16,424

 

100.0

%

 

Our media spending decreased by 16.3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the same period in 2007.  We re-directed our media spending from television to internet advertising during the first quarter of 2008.

 

Media spending by category as a percentage of total media spending is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Television

 

46.4

%

69.3

%

Direct mail

 

12.2

 

12.6

 

Newspaper

 

5.7

 

4.4

 

Internet

 

23.7

 

11.9

 

Radio and other

 

12.0

 

1.8

 

 

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2008, advertising and sales expenses were $15.4 million, a decrease of $1.0 million or 6.1%, as compared to $16.4 million for the same period of 2007.  As a percentage of revenue, advertising and sales expenses increased 7.0 percentage points from 29.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, to 36.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, due to the increase in the RDE Brand sales which are recorded as deferred revenue in accordance with our revenue recognition policy.  Deferred revenue is recognized upon course completion.  The RDE Brand has insufficient historical data exists to calculate and record course breakage.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Gross profit

 

Gross profit decreased to $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2008, as compared with $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2007, a decrease of $9.4 million or 65.3%.  This decrease is primarily attributable to $13.7 million less in revenue partially offset by a decrease in direct course expense of $3.3 million and advertising and sales expense of $1.0 million.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses primarily consist of compensation, benefits, insurance, professional fees, facilities expense and travel for the corporate staff.

 

General and administrative expenses were $9.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 3.0%, as compared to $10.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.  As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses were 22.8% and 17.8% of revenue for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, an increase of 5.0 percentage points.  This increase as a percentage of revenue is primarily due to the deferred recognition of RDE revenues.

 

The following table set forth the changes in significant components of general and administrative expenses (table in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Revenues

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

%Change

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Office and facility costs

 

$

1.4

 

$

1.3

 

7.7

%

3.3

%

2.3

Salaries, wages and benefits

 

6.2

 

6.0

 

1.6

 

14.5

 

10.8

 

Professional fees

 

1.0

 

0.7

 

42.9

 

2.4

 

1.3

 

Other

 

1.1

 

1.4

 

(15.4

)

2.6

 

2.3

 

Customer relationship management software

 

 

0.6

 

(100.0

)

 

1.1

 

Total

 

$

9.7

 

$

10.0

 

(3.0

)%

22.8

17.8

 

The $0.3 million decrease in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to the reduction in costs related to our CRM software of $0.6 million and certain other costs of $0.3 million, partially offset by the increase of $0.2 million in salaries, relocation expenses and benefits due to the addition of new employees in our accounting and technology departments, $0.3 million in professional fees and $0.1 million in office and facility costs.

 

Special items

 

Special items incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $0.2 million, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 93.9% as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2007 of $3.3 million.  The decrease was primarily attributable to lower legal fees and other costs associated with the SEC and the DOJ investigations.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

During each of the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, we recorded approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation.  We consider all of our stock-based compensation as a component of general and administrative expenses.

 

Other income (expense), net

 

Other income in each of the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 was $0.1 million and represents miscellaneous income.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Equity loss from related parties

 

Equity loss from related parties for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $0.2 million.  This loss is related to our investments in Costa Rican and Panamanian entities as of March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008. Three of these investments were sold in January 2008.

 

Income tax provision

 

In the first quarter of 2008 we recorded approximately $225,000 for our income tax provision as compared with $61,000 for the first quarter of 2007.  The increase is due to Alternative Minimum Tax expense incurred as a result of limitations on the amount of net operating loss carryforward that can be used to offset taxable income.  In addition, we will pay state income tax in jurisdictions where we do not have sufficient net operating loss carryforwards to offset taxable income.

 

Net (loss) income

 

Net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was $3.9 million as compared to a net income of $1.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

 

Known Trends

 

We experienced an accelerating decline in the Company’s Proprietary Brands during 2008, as discussed in our review of segment performance.  During 2007 and 2008, we discontinued several of our under-performing brands and evaluated our other course offerings in response to current economic trends.

 

In comparison, the RDE segment experienced a rapid acceleration in sales in 2007, with some leveling off in 2008.  As of March 31, 2008, 73.5% of our cash sales were generated by this brand.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our capital requirements consist primarily of working capital and capital expenditures.  Historically, we have funded our working capital and capital expenditures using cash and cash equivalents on hand.  As of March 31, 2008, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased by $8.0 million to $49.5 million from $41.5 million as of December 31, 2007.

 

Our joint venture agreement with Rich Global, LLC, requires us to segregate our cash balances between: (i) funds received from RDE students, and (ii) funds received from the sale of our Proprietary Brands.  The Company is restricted from using cash generated from the RDE Brand to pay for expenses incurred by our Proprietary Brands. However, the RDE Brand cash balances may be used for expenses associated with the RDE Brand and the payment of license and management fees owed to us in accordance with our agreement with Rich Global, LLC, as reimbursement for the fulfillment of advanced courses purchased by RDE students and partner distributions paid when cash balances exceed the cost to fulfill outstanding student contracts.  Our RDE Brand accounted for approximately 73.5% of our total cash sales for the first quarter of 2008.  See Business Segments.

 

Our $49.5 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balances include $36.9 million attributable to RDE and $12.6 million related to our Proprietary Brands business.  As of December 31, 2007, the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balances of $41.5 million included $26.8 million attributable to RDE and $14.7 million related to our Proprietary Brands.  The increase in the RDE cash balances in 2008 compared to 2007 reflects the continued growth in sales of RDE products and services.

 

Net cash provided by operations was $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared with $2.2 million for the same period in 2007, a change of $4.6 million.  The change in cash provided by operations was primarily due to changes in the operating assets and liabilities as a result of the new business generated from our RDE Brands as compared with the first quarter of 2007 and, to a lesser extent, the $1.1 million gain received from the disposition of assets held for sale.  Our primary source of cash from operating activities was the cash received from courses and products sold to our students.

 

Cash provided by investing activities was $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to cash used in investing activities of $0.7 million from the first quarter of 2007.  The increase in cash provided from investing activities was attributable to the proceeds received from the sale of some of our investments in Costa Rican and Panamanian entities for $2.5 million and the reduction in capital expenditures.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Cash used in financing activities was $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared with $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The change is due to the $1.6 million distribution to Rich Dad Global, LLC and the $0.1 million decrease in principal payments made on our notes payable.

 

We will use excess capital, if any, to invest in property and equipment, computer and software upgrades and geographic expansion.  We will continue to pursue business opportunities, strategic acquisitions and/or alliances.

 

The majority of our cash equivalents are invested in short-term, liquid, investment grade commercial paper with yields ranging from 2.5% to 4.5%.  Restricted cash balances, consisting primarily of funds on deposit with credit card processors and cash collateral with our credit card vendors, totaled $8.8 million at March 31, 2008 and $8.4 million at December 31, 2007.  As of December 31, 2007, we held a letter of credit to secure merchant accounts and certain state bonding requirements for $0.1 million, which was supported by a certificate of deposit which earned interest at 5.2%. We did not hold any letters of credit as of March 31, 2008.

 

In connection with the investigations by the SEC, DOJ and related shareholder and derivative actions, we are expending a significant amount of financial resources.  We estimate that through March 31, 2008, we incurred over $11.3 million in professional and external direct costs associated with these matters in total ($0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008).  The costs of the investigations and legal proceedings may have a material adverse effect on us.  We do not know what the full costs of the investigations or any fines or penalties, if any, will be, nor do we know to what extent our insurance carriers will reimburse us for these expenses.

 

Historically, we have been able to fund our operations primarily through existing working capital.  However, the investigations by both the SEC and DOJ and the related shareholder and derivative lawsuits may severely limit our ability to obtain external sources of capital, if necessary.

 

As a result of the significant deferred revenue balance, our working capital deficit will continue for the foreseeable future.  We intend to continue to use working capital for operating purposes.  As of March 31, 2008, the portion of our consolidated deferred revenue balance of $134.0 million that is related to our worldwide RDE business is $82.7 million.

 

From time to time, we evaluate potential acquisitions of business products or technologies that complement our business.  To the extent that financial resources are insufficient to fund future activities, we may need to raise additional funds.  However, there can be no assurance that additional funding, if needed, will be available.  If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to expand our business, develop or enhance our products and services, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Non-core investments

 

In January 2008, we sold three of our investments in Costa Rica and Panamanian entities, including Rancho Monterey, S.A. Monterey del Este, S.A. and Beautiful Hill, S.A.  The net proceeds from the sale of these entities were $2.5 million and we realized a gain on the sale of $1.1 million.  Commissions related to the sale were paid to Russell Whitney, our former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board in the amount of $0.4 million.  Commissions related to this sale were also paid to two of our former employees and a former independent contractor in the amount of $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

 

Our remaining interests in the Costa Rican and Panamanian entities are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2008

 

Entity

 

Description

 

Accounting
Method Used

 

Company
Ownership

 

Company
Investment/Loans 
($ 000’s)

 

MDM/MTO (a)

 

Hotel/land concession

 

Equity

 

62.9

%

$

1,032.8

 

Monterey Management, S.A.(b)

 

Management services

 

N/A

 

0.0

%

321.1

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,353.9

 

 


N/A — Not applicable

 

(a)  The full entity names are Monterey del Mar, S.A. (“MDM”) and Mar y Tierra del Oeste, S.A. (“MTO”).

 

(b)  Monterey Management S.A., is owned 100% by Ms. Maria Jimenez, an independent contractor for the Company.  We previously advanced approximately $0.3 million in working capital funds to this entity for which we were repaid in May 2008.  We do not have any ownership in this entity.

 

In addition, we own a 50% interest in Monterey del Llano, S.A., which owns a one-third interest in Monterey Group, S.A., whose only asset is two and one-half acres of beachfront land adjacent to MDM/MTO, our hotel property.  Monterey del Llano, S.A. and Monterey Group, S.A. are not operating entities and have no operating results.  Therefore, we do not record an equity interest related to these entities.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Southwest Florida Investment

 

In 2004, we entered into a joint venture under which we hold a 50% interest in Tranquility Bay of Southwest Florida, LLC which owns 74 acres of land zoned for residential development in Southwest Florida.  From the time of the investment, this entity had no ongoing activity other than minimal costs of carrying the land.  We recorded our share of these costs under the equity method of accounting.

 

In May 2007, we entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell our 50% ownership to our partner in the joint venture, Gulf Gateway Enterprises, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, for the price of $4.2 million.  As a part of this agreement, we loaned the buyer an additional $0.3 million to finance the planning and permitting of the property as a residential subdivision.  We secured the total receivable of $4.5 million with the buyer’s ownership interest in Tranquility Bay of Southwest Florida, LLC as collateral and by receiving a mortgage interest in the land.

 

Our net book value for this investment is approximately $2.8 million.  We do not have any debt associated with this asset and we will not receive proceeds unless the buyer is able to secure the requisite financing.  Accordingly, we will not record any gain on this asset sale until cash proceeds are realized.  The note receivable on this property was due and payable on December 31, 2007.  On January 23, 2008 we filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Tranquility Bay, Gulf Gateway Enterprises, LLC, Anthony Scott Dunlap, and Dunlap Enterprises, LLC,.  As a result we have reclassified the note receivable from a current asset to a non-current asset on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At March 31, 2008, we did not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a) (4) (ii) of Regulation S-K.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations is discussed throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” where such policies affect reported and expected financial results.  For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, included in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No 160”).  SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for a parent company’s noncontrolling, or minority, interests in its subsidiaries.  SFAS No.160 also provides accounting and reporting standards for changes in a parent’s ownership interest of a noncontrolling interest as well as deconsolidation procedures.  This statement aligns the reporting of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries with the requirements in International Accounting Standards 27 and is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations - Revised (“SFAS No. 141R”).  SFAS No. 141R changes the accounting for business combinations including the measurement of acquirer shares issued in consideration for a business combination, the recognition of contingent consideration, the accounting for pre-acquisition gain and loss contingencies, the recognition of capitalized in-process research and development, the accounting for acquisition-related restructuring cost accruals, the treatment of acquisition related transaction costs and the recognition of changes in the acquirer’s income tax valuation allowance. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited.  The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 141R in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009.  We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not required.

 

ITEM 4T.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

a)              Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,  to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Our management, with the participation and oversight of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has reviewed and evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.  Based on that evaluation our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of March 31, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, as a result of the continued existence of material weaknesses in internal controls as identified more fully in “Item 9A (T) Controls and Procedures” in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Because of these material weaknesses, we performed additional controls, procedures and analyses designed to ensure that our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  We relied on increased monitoring and review to compensate for the material weaknesses in our internal controls.  Accordingly, management believes that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report fairly presents in all material respects our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the period presented.

 

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b)             Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the first quarter of 2008 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

As described more fully in “Item 9A (T) Controls and Procedures” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, in connection with the restatement of our audited financial statements for the years December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and the material weaknesses described in our 2007 Annual Report, our Board of Directors, various Board committees and our new senior management team are developing and implementing new processes and procedures governing our internal over financial reporting.  We believe that these measures will remediate the material weaknesses we have identified as of March 31, 2008 and strengthen our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures.  Under the direction of our CEO and CFO, we will continue to review and revise as warranted the overall design and operation our internal control environment, as well as policies and procedures to improve the overall effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.  As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may decide to take additional measures to address the material weaknesses.

 

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On November 14, 2006, the Company was notified by the SEC that the Commission is conducting a formal, nonpublic investigation to determine whether the Company complied with securities laws in connection with (i) the claimed efficacy or trading success of our stock market education programs, and, (ii) our acquisition of certain other companies.  The SEC has requested documents and information from us in the course of their investigation.

 

On December 11, 2006, the Company received a subpoena from the DOJ requesting documents and information in connection with an investigation relating to our marketing activities from January 1, 2002 to the present.  The Company was notified that a grand jury investigation related to this matter had commenced.  Criminal indictments have been returned and civil charges have been filed against two former contractors.  On March 6, 2008, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia returned an indictment charging Linda Woolf (“Woolf”) and David Gengler (“Gengler”), the two former contractors, with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.  Woolf and Gengler are alleged in the indictment to have been independent contractors of the Company’s EduTrades, Inc., subsidiary at the time of their alleged criminal activities.  The defendants are no longer independent contractors for the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  The Company and its subsidiaries were not charged in the indictment, and none of the Company’s present or former directors or officers were charged in the indictment.  On March 11, 2008, the SEC filed civil fraud charges against Woolf and Gengler alleging that Woolf and Gengler made false and misleading statements to sell “Teach Me to Trade” packages for the Company’s EduTrades, Inc., subsidiary.

 

On January 11, 2007, Whitney Canada, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, and Whitney Information Network, Inc. received notice of an Amended Motion for Authorization to Institute a Class Action in the Province of Québec, Canada.  A class action was requested for all persons who have made various real estate investments, at the alleged inducement, or through, Marc Jémus, François Roy, Robert Primeau and/or their companies, and/or B2B Trust, and/or Whitney Canada, Inc., and/or Whitney Information Network, Inc. and/or Jean Lafrenière.  The complaint seeks repayment of $39,235to the Petitioner, unspecified payment to each member of the class of an amount corresponding to their lost investments, payment of $10,000 to each member of the class as general damages, recovery of costs and other litigation expenses, and unspecified equitable relief.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On January 30, 2007, the Company was served a complaint by Rodney Durham on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Whitney Information Network, Inc., Russell A. Whitney and Nicholas S. Maturo, filed on December 28, 2006 in the United States District Court in the Middle District of Florida accusing the Company of securities violations.  The complaint seeks damages for violations of federal securities laws on behalf of all investors who acquired the Company’s Common Stock from November 18, 2003, through and including December 15, 2006.  The plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory damages, unspecified equitable relief, and attorney’s fees and costs.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.  This case has not been certified as a class action.  See Note 13 — Subsequent Events for further discussion.

 

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On March 8, 2007, the Company was served a complaint styled Robert Ghosio, Jr. on behalf of nominal defendant Whitney Information Network, Inc. v. Russell A. Whitney, Nicholas S. Maturo, Frederick A. Cardin, Chester P. Schwartz, Ronald S. Simon and Whitney Information Network, Inc., filed in the United States District Court in the Middle District of Florida.  This action is a shareholder derivative complaint alleging that the named defendants breached certain fiduciary duties and violated certain securities laws.  The plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages, unspecified equitable relief, unspecified restitution and disgorgement of profits from individual defendants, and fees and costs.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.  See Note 13 — Subsequent Events for further discussion.

 

On March 22, 2007, a complaint was received by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Whitney Education Group, Inc.  The case is Glenn Acciard, et. al. vs. Russell Whitney, individually, John Kane, individually and Whitney Education Group, Inc. et. al., Case No. 07-CA-002190 in the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Court in and for Lee County, Florida alleging that the Company, including two of our executive officers, and 18 other defendants not associated with the Company, breached certain of their fiduciary duties to the named plaintiffs, all of whom were our alleged students.  The allegations in the complaint include claims of constructive and common law fraud and other violations.  The plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages, unspecified punitive damages, interest, a refund of the purchase price of the lots sold to the plaintiffs, costs, attorney’s fees and unspecified equitable relief.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On August 23, 2007, a complaint was received by our subsidiary, Whitney Education Group, Inc.  Plaintiffs Sirli Jehe and Kalev Kruuk brought suit against Russell Whitney, John Kane, Whitney Education Group, Inc. et. al., in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Sarasota County, Florida alleging breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent misrepresentation, a violation of mortgage broker and lending laws, Florida Land Sales Practices Act and Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act based on an alleged scheme to induce real estate investors to purchase real property at inflated prices.  Numerous motions to dismiss are currently pending.  The plaintiffs seek a refund of the price of the lots sold to them, monetary damages in excess of $100,000, unspecified punitive damages, costs, attorney’s fees, and unspecified equitable relief.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On September 21, 2007, a complaint was received by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Whitney Education Group, Inc.  The lawsuit is Jeffrey Watson v. Whitney Education Group, Inc, and Russell Whitney in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Lee County, Florida and alleges that Whitney Education Group, Inc,  and Russell Whitney breached a student contract, violated the Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and conspired to commit fraud by failing to recommend fair and objective vendors in connection with the development and purchase of real estate in an investment program purchased by Plaintiff.  Motions to Dismiss Plaintiff’s complaint are currently pending.  The plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory damages, unspecified punitive damages, a declaratory judgment determining the rights of the parties, attorney’s fees and costs.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On November 7, 2007, two complaints were received by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Whitney Education Group, Inc.  The case is Huron River Area Credit Union v. James M. Easterly.  In both lawsuits, James M. Easterly filed third party complaints against Russell Whitney, Whitney Information Network, Inc., John Kane, and other third party co-defendants alleging breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud, violation of Florida Land Sales Practices Act, violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, civil conspiracy to defraud, and Florida RICO conspiracy through an alleged scheme to entice persons to invest in real estate at inflated prices through real estate education courses offered by the Company.  In each third party complaint, Easterly alleges losses in excess of $100,000 as a result of the purchase of two separate properties from Gulfstream Development Group, LLC.  Multiple motions to dismiss are pending and await a decision by the court.  Easterly seeks unspecified damages, including a refund of the purchase price of lots sold to him, unspecified interest, taxes paid on the lots, costs, attorney’s fees, and unspecified equitable relief.  We believe that the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims made.

 

On January 9, 2008, the Company entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (“AVC”) with the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Florida to close a previously disclosed investigation.  The AVC was entered into without an admission or judicial determination that the Company violated any laws, rules or regulations.  The Company agreed in the AVC to make refunds in the additional amount of approximately $450,000 to certain consumers, and also set aside, in an escrow account, $125,000 for refunds for potential claims arising from sales prior to the execution of the AVC.  The Company also agreed to make a payment to the Attorney General in the amount of $150,000 in satisfaction of the Attorney General’s investigative and attorney’s fees.  The Company also made a contribution in the amount of $150,000 to the

 

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“Seniors vs. Crime, Inc.” project for educational, investigative and crime prevention programs for the benefit of senior citizens and the community as a whole, in connection with the delivery of the AVC.

 

On January 23, 2008, the Company filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Tranquility Bay of Southwest Florida LLC, Gulf Gateway Enterprises, LLC, Anthony Scott Dunlap, and Dunlap Enterprises, LLC—parties to the mortgage and/or security agreement.  Tranquility Bay of Southwest Florida, LLC (“Tranquility Bay”), defaulted on its mortgage payment of $4.5 million to Whitney Information Network, Inc., that was due on or before December 31, 2007.  The lawsuit seeks a judgment of foreclosure on the mortgage instrument.  In the alternative, the lawsuit seeks a judgment of foreclosure on a security agreement which would permit the Company to take control of Tranquility Bay and the resulting real property.  Further in the alternative, we seek damages from Anthony Scott Dunlap due to a personal guarantee that Mr. Dunlap signed in relation to the mortgage.  The lawsuit is currently pending in the Circuit Court in Lee County, Florida, and is in the discovery phase.

 

The Company and one of its directors, Russell A. Whitney (“Whitney”) and WIN CR II Trust (“Trust’), a Company affiliate, are engaged in a series of legal actions with M. Barry Strudwick (“Strudwick”) and Susan Weiss (“Weiss”), and others relating to Monterey del Mar, S. A. (“MDMSA”), a Panamanian Company.

 

·                  In December 2006, the Company filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Weiss for defamation.  Weiss has filed a counterclaim seeking $2.5 million in compensatory damages and punitive damages in an amount exceeding $7.5 million.  We believe that Weiss’ claims lack merit and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.

 

·                  On January 26, 2007, the Company and WIN CR II Trust (the “Trust”), an affiliate of the Company, filed an action against Strudwick, Weiss, and others which is now pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.  The Company seeks declaratory and monetary relief for conspiracy, conversion, tortious interference, malpractice, and other causes of action.

 

·                  On January 31, 2008, Strudwick and Weiss filed suit against Whitney, and the Company, among others, in Maryland state court for defamation, injurious falsehood, abuse of process, tortious interference with prospective business advantage, and invasion of privacy.  The case has been removed to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.  The claims relate to acts and statements allegedly made by agents of the Company surrounding the alleged attempt by Strudwick to develop and sell real property in Costa Rica and Weiss’ attempt to seize control of MDMSA.  Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages of $18 million and punitive damages of $50 million.  The Company and Whitney have answered the complaint.  We believe that the plaintiffs’ claims lack merit and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.

 

The Company is involved from time to time in routine legal matters incidental to our business.  Based upon available information, the Company believes that the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A.  Risk Factors” in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on January 15, 2009, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results of operations.  The risks described in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we may face.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that management deems to be immaterial may materially affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations adversely.

 

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Filed herewith

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Filed herewith

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

Filed herewith

32.2

 

Certification Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

WHITNEY INFORMATION NETWORK, INC.

 

 

 

Dated: March 5, 2009

By:

/s/ Charles M. Peck

 

 

Charles M. Peck

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Dated: March 5, 2009

By:

/s/ Anne M. Donoho

 

 

Anne M. Donoho

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit Index

 

No.

 

Description

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.2

 

Certification Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

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