DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
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| Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Business—Educational Development Corporation (“we,” “our,” “us,” or “the Company”) distributes books and educational products and publications through our PaperPie and EDC Publishing (“Publishing”) divisions to individual consumers, book, toy and gift stores, libraries and home educators located throughout the United States (“U.S.”). We are the owner and exclusive publisher of Kane Miller children’s books; Learning Wrap-Ups, maker of educational manipulatives; and SmartLab Toys, maker of STEAM-based toys and games. We are also the exclusive United States Multi-Level Marketing (“MLM”) distributor of Usborne Publishing Limited (“Usborne”) children’s books.
Estimates—Our financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Liquidity—In accordance with ASC 205-40, Going Concern, the Company has evaluated whether there are conditions and events considered in the aggregate that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.
Determining the extent to which conditions or events raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and the extent to which mitigating plans sufficiently alleviate any such substantial doubt requires significant judgment and estimation by us. Our significant estimates related to this analysis may include identifying business factors such as changes in our Brand Partners, sales growth and profitability used in the forecasted financial results and liquidity. Further, we make assumptions about the probability that management’s plans will be effectively implemented and alleviate substantial doubt and our ability to continue as a going concern. We believe that the estimated values used in our going concern analysis are based on reasonable assumptions. However, such assumptions are inherently uncertain, and actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
In prior periods, we identified conditions and events that raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements were issued. During the third quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company completed the planned sale of the Hilti Complex and paid off the Line of Credit and Term Loans with the Company’s bank, which was a key step in management’s plans for returning to profitability. Paying off the bank debts and eliminating the bank-imposed restrictions allows the Company to begin a conservative plan to re-order some key out of stock products along with introducing a limited number of new titles which are expected to energize our Brand Partners and provide our retail customers with new offerings.. In addition, subsequent to year end, the Company obtained a $2.0 million line of credit with a local bank to cover any short-term borrowing needs. Based on the elimination of the bank debt, the Company’s current cash and other resources, and management’s operating plans, we have concluded that the Company has sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations as they become due for at least twelve months from the issuance date of these financial statements. Accordingly, management determined that substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated.
Sales Concentration—Significant portions of our sales are generated in our Direct Sales division, PaperPie. Of these sales, a substantial portion is facilitated through the use of social media collaboration platforms that allow our Brand Partners to interact in real-time, or near real-time, with customers. Brand Partners use these platforms to invite potential customers to “online parties,” provide product recommendations, answer questions, and provide links to other supporting online materials. When a customer is ready to purchase products from the online party, they are redirected from the social media platform to the Brand Partner’s company hosted e-commerce site where the order can be placed.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash—Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash are maintained at financial institutions and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits of $250,000. We have never experienced any losses related to these balances. The majority of payments settled from banks for third party credit card transactions within three to twenty business days, depending on the credit card processors’ reserve requirements. The payments in transit from our credit card processors and the short-term certificate of deposit with our bank supporting our monthly credit card usage are classified as restricted cash. Cash and cash equivalents include demand and time deposits, money market funds, and other short-term investments with maturities of three months or less when acquired. Accounts Receivable—Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms, generally requiring payment within thirty days from the invoice date. Extended payment terms are offered at certain times of the year for orders that meet minimum quantities or amounts. Payments of accounts receivable are allocated to the specific invoices identified on the customers’ remittance advice. Accounts receivable is stated at net realizable value, which includes an allowance for credit losses representing the amount expected to be uncollectible. Balances which remain outstanding after management has made reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded as income when received.
Allowance for Credit Losses— The allowance for credit losses is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of expected lifetime credit losses in the Company’s accounts receivable. The Company, as required by ASU 2025-05, has elected to use the practical expedient method, which permits entities to assume that conditions at the balance sheet date remain unchanged over the life of the asset when estimating expected credit losses for current accounts receivable. The practical expedient method and allowance for credit losses is based on our history of write-off levels, along with evaluating current market conditions, customers concentrations and economic indicators.
Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of either cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the average costing method. We present a portion of our inventory as a non-current asset. Occasionally we purchase product inventory in quantities in excess of what will be sold within the normal operating cycle due to the minimum order requirements of our suppliers or changes in sales levels. We estimate non-current inventory using an anticipated turnover ratio by title, based primarily on historical trends. These excess quantities of 2½ years of anticipated sales are classified as noncurrent inventory.
The Company assumes title and responsibility for inventory purchased according to the contract language with our suppliers, and the individual shipment terms for the order. The Company maintains insurance for the value of the inventory once the title has been passed until it is received at our warehouse (“inventory in transit”).
Brand Partners that meet certain eligibility requirements may request and receive inventory on consignment. Consignment inventory is stated at the lower of either cost or net realizable value, less an estimated reserve for consignment inventory that is not expected to be sold or returned to the Company. The total cost of inventory on consignment, excluding the estimated reserve, with Brand Partners was $1,110,200 and $1,335,700 at February 28, 2026 and February 28, 2025, respectively. The Company has a reserve for consignment inventory not expected to be sold or returned of $340,300 and $402,400 as of February 28, 2026, and February 28, 2025, respectively.
Inventories are presented net of a valuation allowance, which includes reserves for inventory obsolescence and Brand Partner consignment inventory that is not expected to be sold or returned. Management estimates the allowance for both current and noncurrent inventory. The allowance is based on management’s identification of slow-moving inventory and estimated consignment inventory that will not be sold or returned.
Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life, as follows:
Capitalized projects that are not placed in service are recorded as in progress and are not depreciated until the related assets are placed in service, including capitalized software. The development of customer and Brand Partner software applications is critical to our ongoing business operations and included in capitalized software. External and internal costs associated with the development of new software applications incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. Training and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred, while upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is probable that such expenditures will result in additional functionality. Assets Held for Sale— The Company classifies long-lived assets, or disposal groups to be sold, as held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met per ASC 360: (1) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset or disposal group; (2) the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets or disposal groups; (3) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset or disposal group have been initiated; (4) the sale of the asset or disposal group is probable, and transfer of the asset or disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year, except if events or circumstances beyond our control extend the period of time required to sell the asset or disposal group beyond one year; (5) the asset or disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (6) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
We initially measure a long-lived asset or disposal group that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held-for-sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset or disposal group until the date of the sale. We assess the fair value of a long-lived asset or disposal group less any costs to sell each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale and report any subsequent changes as an adjustment to the carrying value of the asset or disposal group, as long as the new carrying value does not exceed the carrying value of the asset at the time it was initially classified as held for sale.
Upon determining that a long-lived asset or disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Company ceases depreciation of the asset and reports long-lived assets and/or the assets and liabilities of the disposal group, if material, in the line items assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale, respectively, in our balance sheet. Refer to Note 3.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Company entered into a triple-net lease agreement for approximately 111,000 square feet of available office and warehouse space in the Hilti Complex to a new tenant. To create space for this new tenant, the Company removed three production lines from the warehouse before July 31, 2024. As a result, in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company made available and committed to sell the disassembled equipment. The Company is actively marketing the unused equipment using a national on-line auction house. The Company is subject to the presentation and disclosure requirements since the equipment meets all the criteria and is classified as an “Asset Held for Sale.” Once management determined that the disassembled equipment met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Company ceased depreciation of the asset and reported it separately on the balance sheet, beginning on August 31, 2024. The Company evaluated the carrying amount of the assets and the estimated fair values less costs to sell and recorded an impairment loss on the assets of $287,100 as of February 28, 2026.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—We review the value of long-lived assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable based on estimated future cash flows. Such indicators include, among others, the nature of the asset, the projected future economic benefit of the asset, historical and future cash flows and profitability measurements. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows expected from the asset, we recognize an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value. Determination as to whether and how much an asset is impaired involves management estimates and can be impacted by other uncertainties. No impairment was noted during fiscal year 2025 but we recorded an impairment of $287,100 during fiscal year 2026.
Leases—We have both lessee and lessor arrangements. Our leases are evaluated at inception or at any subsequent modification. Depending on the terms, leases are classified as either operating or finance leases if we are the lessee, or as operating, sales-type or direct financing leases if we are the lessor, as appropriate under ASC 842 – Leases. In accordance with ASC 842, we have made an accounting policy election to not apply the standard to lessee arrangements with a term of one year or less and no purchase option that is reasonably certain of exercise. We account for these short-term arrangements by recognizing payments and expenses as incurred, without recording a lease liability and right-of-use asset. We have also made an accounting policy election for both our lessee and lessor arrangements to combine lease and non-lease components. This election is applied to all of our lease arrangements as our non-lease components are not material and do not result in significant timing differences in the recognition of rental expenses or income.
We recognize lease liabilities, reported on the balance sheets, for each lease based on the present value of the remaining minimum fixed rental payments (which include payments under any renewal option that we are reasonably certain to exercise), using a discount rate that approximates the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term. Expected payments in the next twelve months are classified as current lease liabilities. Payments in excess of twelve months are classified as long-term lease liabilities. We also recognize a right-of-use asset, on the balance sheet for each lease, which is valued at the lease liability and adjusted for prepaid or accrued rent balances existing at the time of the initial recognition. The lease liability and right-of-use assets are reduced over the term of the lease as payments are made and the assets are used. Minimum fixed rental payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease as costs and expensed in our statements of operations. Variable and short-term rental payments are recognized as costs and expenses as they are incurred.
Revenues associated with the lessor leases are recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term and are reported in other income in the statements of operations. We recognize variable rental payments as revenue in the period in which the changes in facts and circumstances, on which the variable lease payments are based, occur. Sublease rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the duration of each lease term.
Income Taxes—We account for income taxes under ASC 740 - Income Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using the current tax laws and rates. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amounts that are “more likely than not” to be realized.
The Company’s calculation of its tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in various taxing jurisdictions. The Company recognizes tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on management’s estimate of whether it is more likely than not that additional taxes will be required. The Company had no uncertain tax positions as of February 28, 2026 and 2025.
Deferred income taxes are recognized in the financial statements for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates. Temporary differences arise from net operating losses, differences in depreciation methods of property and equipment, disallowed interest, accounts receivable allowances, inventory capitalization and allowances, sales returns, and other accrued expenses.
The application of tax laws and regulations is subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment and uncertainty. Tax laws and regulations themselves are subject to change as a result of changes in fiscal policy, changes in legislation, the evolution of regulations and court rulings. Therefore, the actual liability for U.S., or the various state jurisdictions, may be materially different from management’s estimates, which could result in the need to record additional tax liabilities or potentially reverse previously recorded tax liabilities and valuation allowances. Interest and penalties are included in tax expense. Revenue Recognition—Revenue is derived from the sales of children’s books and related products which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as a single performance obligation to deliver tangible goods. Substantially all of our products are sold to end consumers through our PaperPie division and to retail outlets through our Publishing division. Refer to Note 16 – Business Segments for revenue by segment. Revenues of both divisions are recognized when the product is shipped, FOB-Shipping Point, which is the point in time the customer obtains control of the products and risk of loss and rewards of ownership have been transferred. Sales taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for as a pass-through liability and therefore are excluded from net sales.
The majority of PaperPie’s sales contracts have a single performance obligation and are short-term in nature. PaperPie’s sales are generally collected at the time the product is ordered. Sales which have been paid for but not shipped are classified as deferred revenue on the balance sheet. Sales associated with consignment inventory are recognized when reported by the consignee and payment associated with the sale has been collected. Transportation revenue represents the amount billed to the customer for shipping the product and is recorded when the product is shipped.
Certain PaperPie sales contracts associated with the hostess award programs include sales incentives, such as discounted products. These incentives provide a separate performance obligation in the contract and material rights to the customer. The transaction price is allocated to the material right based on its relative standalone selling price and is recognized in revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied, which occurs at shipping point or at the expiration of the material right. As the products included as sales incentives are shipped with the associated products ordered, there is no deferral required. Revenues allocated to the material right are recognized in product revenues, net of discounts and allowances, and cost of goods sold in our statements of operations.
The majority of Publishing’s sales contracts have a single performance obligation and are short-term in nature. Publishing sales may be collected at the time the product is shipped, or the customers may be given payment terms based primarily on their credit worthiness and payment history.
Estimated allowances for sales returns, which reduce net revenues and cost of goods sold, are recorded as sales are recognized. Management uses a moving average calculation to estimate the allowance for sales returns. We are not responsible for a product damaged in transit and most damaged returns are primarily from retail stores. These returns result from damage that occurs in the stores, not in shipping to the stores. It is an industry practice to accept non-damaged returns from retail customers. Management has estimated sales returns of approximately $201,500 for both February 28, 2026 and February 28, 2025, which is included in other current liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet. In addition, management has recorded an asset for the expected value of non-damaged inventories to be returned. The estimated value of returned products of $100,800 is included in other current assets on the Company’s balance sheet for both February 28, 2026 and February 28, 2025.
The Company generally expenses sales commissions in the same period that the revenue is recognized. These costs are recorded within operating expenses. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an unexpected length of one year or less.
Advertising Costs—Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses, included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations, were $249,800 and $265,500 for the years ended February 28, 2026 and February 28, 2025, respectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs—We classify shipping and handling costs as operating and selling expenses in the statements of operations. Shipping and handling costs include postage, freight, handling costs, as well as shipping materials and supplies. These costs were $2,809,500 and $4,574,200 for the years ended February 28, 2026 and February 28, 2025, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation—We account for share-based compensation whereby share-based payment transactions with employees, such as stock options and restricted stock, are measured at estimated fair value at the date of grant. For awards subject to service conditions, compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. Awards subject to performance conditions are attributed separately for each vesting tranche of the award and are recognized ratably from the service inception date to the vesting date for each tranche. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur. Earnings per Share—Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based on the combined weighted average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares issuable which include, where appropriate, the assumed exercise of options and the assumed vesting of granted restricted share awards. In computing Diluted EPS, we have utilized the treasury stock method.
The computation of weighted average common and common equivalent shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS is shown below:
As shown in the table below, the following shares have not been included in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as they would be anti-dilutive to the calculation above:
New Accounting Pronouncements— The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) periodically issues new accounting standards in a continuing effort to improve standards of financial accounting and reporting. We have reviewed the recently issued pronouncements and concluded the following new accounting standard updates (“ASU”) apply to us:
New Accounting Standards or Updates Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which provides qualitative and quantitative updates to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures, among others, in order to enhance the transparency of income tax disclosures, including consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and disaggregation by jurisdiction of income taxes paid. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is also permitted. This ASU is effective for our Form 10-K for fiscal 2026 and the Company has applied the application on a prospective basis. Refer to Note 9.
In July 2025, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2025-05 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic ASC 326) Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets. The amendments in this ASU provide entities with a practical expedient they may elect to use when developing an estimate of expected credit losses on current accounts receivable and current contract asset balances arising from transactions accounted for under Topic ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under this practical expedient, entities may elect to assume that current conditions as of the balance sheet date do not change for the remaining life of the asset. The amendments in ASU 2025-05 become effective for fiscal years and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and early adoption is permitted. This ASU is effective for our Form 10-K for fiscal 2027, but the Company has chosen to early adopt the ASU as of February 28, 2026 and applied the changes prospectively. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect to the measurement of credit losses.
New Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Adopted
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-12, Codification Improvements (“ASU 2025-12”). ASU 2025-12 addresses suggestions received from stakeholders regarding the Accounting Standards Codification and makes other incremental improvements to U.S. GAAP. The update represents changes to the Codification that clarify, correct errors in or make other improvements to a variety of topics that are intended to make it easier to understand and apply. ASU 2025-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities are required to apply the amendments to ASC 260 retrospectively. All other amendments may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on our financial statement disclosures.
In December 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270) Improvements to Interim Disclosure Requirements. The standard clarifies disclosure requirements for interim financial statements and is effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on our financial statement disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software (“ASU 2025-06”), which requires software capitalization to begin when both of the following occur: (1) management has authorized and committed to funding the software project; and (2) it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. For public entities, the provisions within ASU 2025-06 are effective for the first annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The provisions within ASU 2025-06 allow for a prospective, modified, or retrospective transition approach. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires disclosure about the types of costs and expenses included in certain expense captions presented on the income statement. The new disclosure requirements are effective for the Company’s annual periods beginning March 1, 2027, and interim periods beginning March 1, 2028, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the ASU to determine its impact on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures. |
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