SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington,
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001
Commission file number January 1, 2000File Number: 1-3246 Bell & Howell Company (Exact

PROQUEST COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Delaware 36-3580106 (State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.) 5215 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077-1076 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's
Delaware
36-3580106
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan
48103-1553
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(734) 761-4700
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (847) 470-7100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each exchange Title of each class on which registered ------------------- ----------------------- Common Stock, $.001 New York Stock Exchange par value per share
Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

common stock, $.001 par value per share
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  Xx  No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant'sregistrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  X ¨
The aggregate market value of the Registrant'sRegistrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates (based upon the per share closing price of $32$37.46 on March 10, 2000, and for purposes of this calculation only, the assumption that all Registrant's directors and executive officers are affiliates)15, 2002) was approximately $724$504 million.
The number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock,Registrant’s common stock, $.001 par value, outstanding as of March 10, 200015, 2002 was 23,679,405. Documents Incorporated By Reference ----------------------------------- (1) Portions of the Registrant's24,126,187.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(1)
Portions of the Riegistrant’s Proxy Statement related to the 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed subsequent to the date hereof—Part III.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Page

Item 1.3
Item 2.13
Item 3.13
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders14
Executive Officers and Directors
PART II
Item 5.16
Item 6.16
Item 7.17
Item 7a.28
Item 8.28
Item 9.
80
PART III
Item 10.80
Item 11.80
Item 12.80
Item 13.80
PART IV
Item 14.80
EXHIBITS
SIGNATURE PAGE
83

ProQuest Company
Item 1.    Business
ProQuest Company is a leading provider of information and content to the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed subsequent to the date hereof - Part III. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I Page - ------ ---- Item 1. Business ..................................... 1 Item 2. Properties ................................... 7 Item 3. Legal Proceedings ............................ 8 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ............................ 8 Executive Officerseducation and Directors ............. 9 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters ............. 13 Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data .............................. 14 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .................................. 16 Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ................................. 26 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .. 26 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ...... 54 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant .............................. 54 Item 11. Executive Compensation ....................... 54 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ....................... 54 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ................................ 54 SIGNATURE PAGE ............................................ 55 PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K ..................... 56 EXHIBITS transportation industries. Formerly known as Bell & Howell, Company Item 1. Business - ------ --------ProQuest has a 97 year history with more than 50 years in information and content aggregation. Through our Information and Learning segment, which primarily serves the academic and library markets, we aggregate and publish value-added content from a wide range of sources including newspapers, periodicals and books. Our Publishing Services segment provides electronic delivery of technical and schematic information to the automotive and powersports (motorcycle, marine, and RV) markets. Our company has demonstrated strong, stable growth in both revenue and earnings in the last few years with 2001 revenue increasing to $401.6 million from $359.5 million in 1999 and 2001 operating income increasing to $68.7 million from $42.2 million in 1999.
Our predecessor company, Bell & Howell, Companyhas been synonymous with creative and its subsidiaries (collectively,technology-based solutions since 1904. In 2001, we sold the "Company") is a leading global information solutions and services provider. In each of its businesses, the Company transforms information through software and services, helping its customers operate more effectively and efficiently. Within its three business segments, Information Access,legacy Imaging, Mail and Messaging Technologies and Imaging,finance-related businesses and changed our name to ProQuest. We used the Company focuses on well-defined market niches where it is or can becomeproceeds from the leader, with an emphasis on adding valuedivestitures to information through software, and on providing world class service and support to create strong recurring revenue streams. Within its Information Access segment, Bell & Howell develops and markets information services and systems that are focused on the needs of its customers in select vertical niches, including libraries of all kinds (government, college/university, corporate and public) and transportation and vehicle dealers. Within its Mail and Messaging Technologies segment, the Company develops and markets a complete range of high volume mail processing systems and services, which utilize the Company's proprietary (nonetheless, open standards-based) software to expand the capabilities and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customers' mailing operations. Within its Imaging segment, the Company develops and markets imaging systems and components, including maintenance and other value-added services, that enable its customers to effectively file and access their documents and records, with a focus on financial institutions, governmental agencies and other paper intensive industries. Information Access - ------------------ Information Access' unique databases, proprietary access tools, value-added services, and software applications are designed to meet customers' increasing information needs, which have evolved well beyond the mere availability of information. Customers' demands for more efficient and effective access to relevant data for specific information requirements are being driven by their needs tosignificantly reduce search time and cost while performing more focused yet comprehensive searches. The Company's our debt.
Information and Learning business and Publishing Services business, which together comprise Bell & Howell's Information Access segment, provide solutions to these customer needs. -1- Information and Learning. The Company's Information and Learning business is the world's leading value-add aggregator and integrator of(I&L).    I&L transforms information and learning applications fromcontained in periodicals, and newspapers, dissertations, out-of-print books and other scholarly collections. Thismaterial into easily accessible electronic form, microfilm or print on demand. I&L aggregates information can be accessed viafrom a broad array of newspapers and periodicals with which we have licensing arrangements, including the internet, in other electronic media, such as CD-ROMNew York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and magnetic tape, or onThe Christian Science Monitor. We convert this information through our proprietary methods and add proprietary abstracts to create an expansive microfilm and paper. The Company aggregates the works of publishers and authors, adds value through the creation of proprietary abstracts and indices, software, editorial process, as well as by creating thematic collections and learning applications for easy access by its library customers, students, professors, and life-long learners. The Company's comprehensive database, which was enhanced by the acquisition in the fourth quarter fiscal 1999 of Chadwyck-Healey (a leading provider of humanities and social science reference and research publications for the academic, professional and library markets), consists ofelectronic information vault. I&L’s information vault includes information from over 20,00021,000 periodical titles and 7,000 newspaper titles, as well as itsa unique content base includingconsisting of over 1.5 million dissertations, 390,000 out-of-print books, 550 research collections, and over 15 million proprietary abstracts for on-line/other electronic retrieval.abstracts. The information vault covers all major categories of study—business, humanities, social science, medical / health, ethnic and diversity studies, genealogy, psychology, biology and current events. This content is primarily English-language basedEnglish language-based, but also includes content in German, French and Spanish. The ability to provide itsour customers with the full image content as it was originally published distinguishes the Companyus from other information providers, which typically store and provide information in a text-only format, omitting essential charts, graphs, pictures and other images. Furthermore,Our products are present in virtually every academic library in the Company distinguishes itselfU.S., and our library customers generally sign one year subscription contracts to access I&L’s proprietary database. Over the last three years we have enjoyed approximately 90% renewal rates. In 2001, I&L represented approximately 59% of our total revenues.
Publishing Services (PS).    PS is the leader in the development and deployment of parts and service-oriented catalogs for the automotive and powersports industries worldwide. In 1985, we pioneered the automotive Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC). The system replaced paper and microfiche parts catalogs to provide a powerful and flexible technical reference system using CD-ROM technology. Over 30,000 automobile dealerships now use our EPC worldwide. PS currently publishes electronic catalogs for GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Honda, Toyota, Volvo, Nissan, Porsche, Saturn, and Land Rover among others. In addition, PS is a leading provider of dealer management systems and EPCs to dealers in the powersports markets. PS customer contracts are usually three to five years in duration, and we have enjoyed approximately 90% renewal rates over the last three years. In 2001, PS represented approximately 41% of our total revenues.
Product Overview—I&L
ProQuest Online.    Introduced in 1995, ProQuest Online allows users to search and find useful information from full-text articles of thousands of newspapers and periodicals dating back to 1986. Our service helps librarians build information bridges that will enable users to locate resources appropriate to their needs. Our service combines easy-to-use search menus, current information, content in a variety of formats, and convenient delivery options and support. We provide the tools to efficiently create predefined searches, electronic reserve rooms for multiple simultaneous users, create magazine racks, establish reading rooms, and generate table-of-content services (curriculum support). All online text is customizable and allows easy integration with our customers’ other information holdings. ProQuest SiteBuilderTM helps librarians by

providing easy-to-use templates, copy-and-paste technology, and step-by-step help. Librarians can link selected ProQuest content to their online catalogs, library web sites and other Web-based resources. Durable Links ensures that has been enhanced bysubscribers will have continuous access to our content.
ProQuest Online allows users to search and find useful information from more than 7,000 periodicals, newspapers, and other resources contained in our databases. Users can pinpoint information quickly using simple or advanced search techniques. Quality indexing ensures unparalleled accuracy and specificity. We couple databases, primary sources, web tools, and curriculum support together to enhance and improve the Company's rigorous editorialresearch and education process for all of our users. We add approximately 37 million pages of current information to ProQuest Online each year.
Chadwyck-Healey.    The Chadwyck-Healey brand, acquired in 1999, is recognized internationally as a leading source of high-quality publications in the humanities. Chadwyck-Healey provides users with world-class databases in the arts, humanities and made robust by softwarereference with particular strengths in language and learning applicationsliterature, history, music, performing arts and film, biography, and news and reference on the United Kingdom, European Union and Asia.
Publications range from databases of medieval texts in Latin and Greek to up-to-the-minute reference resources such as KnowUK, an online reference service on the people, places and institutions that yield more relevant search results.make up life in the United Kingdom.
Other humanities titles include flagship services such as Literature Online and History Online, both of which deliver a combination of primary works and extensive contextual support.
UMI.    UMI sells microform newspaper and periodical subscriptions, microform newspaper and periodical backfiles, dissertation copies, dissertation publishing, out-of-print books, phonefiche, and scholarly research collections. Today, the UMI microform vault constitutes the largest commercially available microform collection in the world with over 6.5 billion pages.
Digital Vault Initiative.    Based on our customers’ needs, we have selected portions of our UMI microfilm collection to digitize and provide online access to important and difficult to find content from the 1980’s back to as early as the 1400’s. Customers include libraries and information centers, colleges and universities, and public, corporate and government librarieslibraries. Core to our initiative is the intent to create specialized content targeted at niche subject areas that allow us to segment the market more distinctly as well as broaden our selection of academic and research product offerings.
Digital Vault Initiative products include Early English Books Online (EEBO), a numberdigital compilation of well knownnearly all of the books printed in the English language from 1400-1700, the Gerritsen Collection of women’s history and the American Periodical Series which features journal content from over 1,000 titles from 1741-1900. Historical Newspapers is an initiative to digitize the full run of several of the nation’s leading newspapers, including theNew York Times, Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, and Washington Post. Once completed, libraries and educational institutions will have electronic access to newspapers dating back to 1851. Digital Sanborn Maps provides electronic maps. These maps contain the detailed property and land-use records that depict such information providersas building online, size and shape, construction materials, height, windows and doors, and house numbers, showing the grid of everyday life in more than 12,000 U.S. towns and cities from 1867-1970.
XanEdu.    We recently launched XanEdu to further leverage our content through the development of supplemental curriculum materials for the college classroom. XanEdu is the world’s largest source of premium online content targeted directly at students and faculty of higher education institutions. Driven by our vision to deliver core courseware content and to create tools for customizing online course materials, XanEdu seeks to improve the way students learn and the way instructors teach. XanEdu has experienced strong market acceptance with over 1,000 education institutions and more than 7,500 professors utilizing the service as of the end of 2001.
Our XanEdu service is comprised of two components—the customizable XanEduCoursePack products and textbook supplements. We employ subject-area specialists who have created a core portfolio of XanEdu CoursePacks, which professors can use to create customizable, copyright-cleared CoursePacks that resellare

comprehensive, current and relevant to students. We have also partnered with major publishers such as Wiley, Pearson, and McGraw Hill, to create on-line supplemental materials that expand and enrich the Company's electronicpublisher’s textbook.
Further strengthening XanEdu’s capability is XanEdu Publishing Services. With the acquisition of Campus Custom Publishing, we now offer instructors a turnkey solution to building CoursePacks, with the ultimate choice of distribution either online, in print, or by a hybrid combination of the two. Also, our copyright clearance services offer a streamlined solution for clearing content primarily within thenot currently found in XanEdu’s extensive collections.
Content Wholesale.    I&L provides content to premier information companies such as Reed Elsevier and Dow Jones which in turn provide content to their corporate desktop user market. In December 1999,users. Under these relationships, we receive revenue based on the Company combined its kindergarten through twelfth grade ("K-12") internet business with the K-12 internet business from Infonautics, Inc.amount of ProQuest content accessed by these users.
I&L also provides content to form bigchalk.com. Subsequent to venture capital financing in January 2000, the Company owns approximately 45% of bigchalk.com. Bigchalk.combigchalk.com,inc. (“bigchalk”). bigchalk develops and markets products and services for research, curriculum integration, assessment, peer collaboration, professional development, online community, and e-commerce for teachers, students, parents, librarians and school administrators in the K-12kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) educational community. -2- Publishing Services. The Company's Publishing Services businessWe have an approximate 38.0% ownership interest in bigchalk on a diluted basis.
Product Overview—PS
Global Automotive.    For over 17 years, we have been developing customized market-leading EPC solutions for the franchised automotive dealer market. Our ability to consolidate and transform manufacturer parts data from disparate sources into cohesive, integrated and highly customized systems is a leading provider of turnkey systems (including software, information updates, service as well as hardware) used to manageunmatched in the parts area of automotive dealershipsindustry. This expertise has been recognized worldwide and to provide total information systems for powersports (motorcycleis applied every day by 28 different manufacturers and marine) and recreational vehicle dealerships. The Company's automotive customer base consists principally of franchised dealerships, including General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Lexus, Land Rover, Porsche, Honda, Nissan, Volvo, Isuzu, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki, and Western Star. over an estimated 250,000 users worldwide.
For itsour automotive customers, the Company createswe create and marketsmarket turnkey electronic parts catalog systems in 17 languages consisting primarily of electronic parts catalogs whichthat allow automotive dealerships to electronically access manufacturers'manufacturers’ proprietary technical documentation (such as parts catalogs, parts and service bulletins and other reference materials) and to interface with other important information systems (such as inventory management and billing) within the dealership. In addition,These applications help dealers improve business processes by transforming complex technical and performance measurement data into easily accessed answers. These applications also improve the Companyparts-selling operations of dealerships and manufacturers, resulting in the sale of more Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Performance Management Information and Services.    With the acquisition of Alison Associates in 1999, we began offering performance management information to the automotive industry. Alison collects, manages and publishes key decision support information and provides completetools that help automobile manufacturers and their networks measure and compare relative performance. Alison is a global company that services 29 brands in 24 key markets with 30,000 dealers worldwide.
Dealer Management Systems.    The Powersports unit provides dealer management and cataloging systems and electronic parts catalogs to powersportsfor the motorcycle, marine, and recreational vehicle dealerships. Similar to automotive, the Company provides dealerships access to proprietary technical documentation for most major motorcycle manufacturers, including Harley Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph, BMW, KTM(RV) industries. These systems include accounting, customer service, and Ducatiinventory as well as electronic parts catalog modules that help manage every aspect of the major marine manufacturers, including Mercury (Brunswick), Outboard Marine, Yamaha and Volvo-Penta. In the first quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company acquired Alison Associates, Inc. which provides performance database products to automotive and powersports manufacturers/dealers. Furthermore, the Companydealer’s business.
Media Solutions.    Media Solutions designs, develops and markets early-stagedistributes software systems for the construction, mining and heavy equipment industries that automate product, e-commerce advertising, sponsorship, news, e-mail, chat, forums and other community applications for itscorporate support functions between manufacturers, dealers and their customers.
OEConnection (OEC).    OEC is a joint venture among PS, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. OEC extends the established electronic parts cataloging business by providing dealers and their wholesale customers a comprehensive, secure e-commerce portal. OEC has established and maintains this portal with the primary objective of facilitating the sale of original equipment automotive parts delivered through

the franchised automotive dealership channel. OEC’s current product offerings include “CollisionLink”, which allows the dealer to extend sales to their wholesale customers, primarily collision shops, and powersports customers, including its MotorcycleWorld.com destination. Mail and Messaging Technologies - ------------------------------- The Company's Mail and Messaging Technologies business“D2Dlink” which is the leading provider of systems and services to high volume mailers. These systems, which increasingly utilize proprietary (nonetheless, open standards-based) software, automatically perform a broad range of mail processing functions, from collating, cutting, bursting, folding and inserting documents (at cycle speeds ranging up to 18,000 envelopes per hour) to optical scanning, encoding and sorting of envelopes (at speeds up to 36,000 envelopes per hour). These software-driven systems allow customers to more efficiently manage mailroom operations as well as convert routine mailings (such as invoices or statements) into -3- targeted communication and marketing programs by customizing the invoice or statement and including promotional inserts based on specific customer profiles. Customers include financial institutions, insurance companies, utilities, service bureaus, credit card companies, direct mail marketers and other companies which generate high volumes of mail. After-market service and support are an important feature of the comprehensive solutions provided to the Company's customers, and are a competitive differentiator for Bell & Howell, with software and service revenues representing 50% of the net sales of this segment in fiscal 1999. Imaging - ------- Bell & Howell's Imaging business is one of the leading providers of imaging systems and components which convert documents into electronic format. The Company develops, integrates and distributes non-paper based systems and components that enable users to efficiently file and access their documents and records. These systems and components are customized to the needs of select vertical markets, such as financial institutions and governmental agencies, in order to provide better customer service, enhance productivity, minimize storage costs and ensure the security and integrity of their records. These systems, which utilize electronic or microfilm technology, consist of the software, hardware, accessories and supplies to capture, enhance, duplicate, store, index and retrieve a customer's data and documents. Products include a full line of computer-aided electronic and microfilm retrieval systems and components, as well as other accessories and supplies. Within this segment as well, after-market service and support are an important feature of the comprehensive solutions provided to the Company's customers. In addition, the Company is increasingly servicing other manufacturers' electronic imaging systems and components through its global network of certified technicians. In fiscal 1999, service revenues represented 50% of the net sales in this segment. advanced parts locator system.
Financial information for each of the Company'sour business segments and operations by geographic area is contained in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Methods
Research and Development.    We continually seek to take advantage of Distribution Becausenew product and technology opportunities and view product development to be essential to maintaining and growing our market position. Our research and development expenditures include expenses primarily for database development and information delivery systems.
Sales & Marketing.    I&L and PS employ separate sales forces. ProQuest Online, UMI, Chadwyck-Healey and Digital Vault products are sold directly to libraries. As of December 29, 2001, the ProQuest sales force was comprised of both North American and international sales representatives. Within North America, we have dedicated sales representatives for each major product type: traditional (17 salespeople), electronic (44 salespeople), and XanEdu (13 salespeople). These representatives sell directly to libraries, educational institutions, and bookstores throughout the United States and Canada. Outside of the diverse natureU.S. and Canada, we use a direct international sales force comprised of its33 sales representatives who sell the full portfolio of products to markets across the Company utilizes several different methodsglobe. Third-party international distributors augment this direct sales force. We use a variety of distribution. Productsapproaches to market our products, including trade shows, direct mailings, product brochures, and online product trials.
We sell Global Automotive, Alison, Powersports and Media Solutions products both domestically and internationally through an internal sales force of 60 salespeople. We market our products and services to two groups: OEMs and individual dealership locations. To effectively reach the large OEMs, such as DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, and Toyota, we have strategically deployed a team of business development professionals in the world’s principal automotive centers in the U.S., U.K., Germany and Japan. In the U.S. and Canada, products and services are sold primarily throughdirectly to individual automotive and powersports dealerships using an experienced sales force. Key technology providers such as Reynolds and Reynolds and Automatic Data Processing (ADP) are also utilized as distributors and sales agents to supplement the efforts of our direct sales forces which are supportedforce. Through various strategic and tactical marketing efforts including trade shows, events and targeted direct response programs, our sales force is able to continue to build strong and profitable customer relationships.
Proprietary Rights
We regard certain of our technologies and content as proprietary and rely primarily on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and employee non-disclosure statements to protect our rights. There can be no assurance that the steps we have taken will be adequate to protect our rights. Although we do not believe that we have infringed on the proprietary rights of third parties, there is no assurance that a third party will not make a contrary claim. The cost of responding to such an assertion may be material, whether or supplemented by telemarketing, with agents and distributors utilized in selected geographic markets. -4- Patents and Licenses The Company ownsnot the assertion is valid.
Seasonality
Our quarterly operating results fluctuate as a substantialresult of a number of patentsfactors including the sales cycle, the amount and patent rights, but it does not consider any one patent or grouptiming of patents owned by it, or under which it is licensed, to be material to any of the Company's business segments. Royalty income received from licensees is not material. Seasonality Although the Company in general is not affected by seasonal fluctuations, the buying patternsnew products and our spending patterns. In addition, our customers experience cyclical funding availability for certain of its customers cause sales, profitabilityissues that can impact our revenue patterns. Historically, we have experienced our lowest earnings and cash flow to be higherin the first fiscal quarter with our highest earnings in the fourth quarter of the year.fiscal quarter. Due to this seasonal factor, the Company maintains a revolving credit facility to fund interim cash requirements.

Competition
The markets in which thewe sell our products of the Company are sold are highly competitive and, in certain instances, include competitors with substantially greater financial resources. In the I&L segment, our main competitors are Gale Group, a division of Thomson Corporation and EBSCO Company. We also compete with universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology for distribution of doctoral dissertations. Newspaper and book publishers also compete with us in the distribution of information either electronically or through another medium, such as print.
I&L competitors also range from free Internet sites to traditional primary publishers and include software publishers that market educational curriculum products to schools and homes; online educational content and electronic commerce providers; and programs that enable remote learning, or management of schools.
In the PS segment, we compete with Automated Data Processing Company, Electronic Data Systems, UCS, Infomedia, and the proprietary electronic parts systems of many original equipment manufacturers such as DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, Harley-Davidson, Honda Motor Company, and Toyota Motor Company for the distribution of electronic or other resources. parts catalogs.
Many of our current and potential future competitors may have greater name recognition, experience and larger existing customer bases than we do. Accordingly, our competitors may succeed in responding more quickly to new technologies; responding more quickly to changes in customer requirements; devoting greater resources to the development and sale of their products; establishing stronger relationships with affiliates, advertisers, content providers, and vendors; and developing superior services and products.
Government Regulations The Company is
We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulationsregula­tions limiting the discharge, storage, handling and disposal of a variety of substances. The Company'sOur operations are also governed by laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity, workplace safety and worker health, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations thereunder. The Company believesWe believe that it has compliedProQuest is in compliance in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations, and that future compliance will not have a material adverse effect upon theour consolidated operations or financial condition of the Company. Financing Subsidiary The Company's financing subsidiary, Bell & Howell Financial Services Company, along with its special purpose subsidiary (collectively, "BHFS"), provides lease financing for the Company's customers. BHFS finances its leases on a stand-alone basis through separate financing arrangements. In fiscal 1999, net interest income earned at BHFS was $10.8 million. -5- Promotional Activities The Company conducts a comprehensive marketing program, including advertising, promotional materials, direct mail and telemarketing. The Company also participates frequently in industry trade shows which increase customer awareness of Bell & Howell products and services. The Company regards its customer service and support organization as an integral part of its marketing strategy. Technical support and product development employees frequently participate in sales calls and product demonstrations. Sources and Availability of Raw Materials The Company purchases a significant amount of microfilm from two vendors for its Information Access and Imaging business segments. Other materials, including electronic components,condition.
Concentration Risk
We are purchased from a number of suppliers. Management believes that alternate sources of supply are available for substantially all raw materials and components. The Company believes that it currently has an adequate supply of raw materials and component parts to meet its manufacturing requirements, and that the loss of any one of its suppliers would not have a material adverse effect on the Company. Backlog Except in its Mail and Messaging Technologies segment, which includes customized products and assembly of complex mail processing systems, the Company fills substantially all customer orders within 30 days. In the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment, backlog at the end of fiscal 1999 totaled $45.4 million as compared to $78.6 million at the end of fiscal 1998. Major Customers The Company is not dependent upon any one customer or a few customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company'sour businesses. In fiscal 1999,2001, no single customer accounted for 5% orrepresented more than 10.0% of the consolidated net sales of the Company. ResearchOur top five customers accounted for 11.0% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2001.
Employees
Our future success is substantially dependent on the performance of our management team and Development Expenses The amounts chargedour ability to attract and retain qualified technical and managerial personnel. We consider our employee relations to be excellent. As of December 29, 2001, we had the following number of employees, broken out by segment:
Employees

I&L1,530
PS970
Corporate40

Total2,540

None of our employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements.

Content and Data Licenses
We obtain most of the information and content used in our products from license agreements with third parties. These licenses are generally limited in scope and are nonexclusive. Licenses for content used in our I&L business generally have automatic renewal terms and renew for like terms unless terminated by I&L or the publishers. Our licenses with automobile and powersports manufacturers that are used in the PS business generally have a term of five years. Also, under these agreements the manufacturers have contracted to continue to provide content for the term remaining on the agreements in effect with our customers at the time of the termination. These licenses generally provide for the use of the content in many media formats including electronic, microform or paper.
Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the Company's earningsother information contained and incorporated by reference in this 10-K before purchasing our common stock.
Our sales and profitability depend on our ability to continue to develop new products that appeal to consumers.
We intend to continue to commit substantial resources to product development. We must continue to invest in technologies that help customers to use our products and services, develop new products, enhance the quality of images being transmitted to the customer, increase delivery of our products over the Internet and other electronic media, and reduce the time in which such products are transmitted. The technological life cycles of our products are difficult to estimate as some of our market niches are mature and demand for our products and services in these niches has stabilized or begun to migrate to other products such as the shift from microfilm-based products to electronic-based products, while some of our other market niches remain in their early stages of development. Our future success will depend upon our ability to continue to introduce new products, to enhance our current products, and to develop and introduce delivery and search technologies that enhance the customer experience in order to offset declining revenue from any of our more mature products. Our focus on product development may result in unanticipated expenditures and capital costs that may not be recovered. Our failure to develop and introduce new or enhanced services and products that achieve consumer acceptance in a timely and cost-effective manner would significantly harm our business.
Our products currently depend on data access agreements with third parties, and the failure to maintain these agreements or to maintain the pricing at which we obtain the data could harm our ability to manufacture existing and develop new products.
Our products are in part based on content and data supplied pursuant to data access agreements with third parties. We may not be able to maintain our current agreements at cost-effective prices. The content supplied by many of our licensors, such as the New York Times, is unique and cannot be replaced. Even if we are able to substitute content providers, we may not be able to enter into new data access agreements with alternative content providers on commercially reasonable terms, on a timely basis or at all. In addition, data used in our products might become unavailable or not be updated as required. The failure to obtain necessary third party data on reasonable terms or identify and implement alternative data access approaches could hurt our business. If a significant number of our content providers decide to terminate or not to renew their relationships with us, we may:
—be at a competitive disadvantage with respect to our competitors;
—lose customers that rely on us as a single source of resources; and
—be unable to increase the amount of revenue generated from particular clients.
Any of these results could adversely impact our operating and financial condition.
Our business will suffer if we do not anticipate changes in computer platforms and other evolving technologies.
We compete in markets characterized by continual technological change, product introductions and enhancements, changes in customer demands and evolving industry standards. For example, we rely on databases from providers such as Oracle and other software providers and we produce additional databases for production of our products and services. If our databases become incompatible with the databases on our customers’ computer networks or become outdated and cannot support our products, then our products could become obsolete and our business will suffer. We must continue to expand our databases and invest in new technologies in anticipation of the needs of our customers.

Similarly, we must manage our development efforts to anticipate and adapt to changes in computer operating environments and other evolving technologies. To remain competitive, we must be able to make our products available in numerous and evolving operating environments. Also, we consistently update our software to enhance retrieval speeds and ease of use. These changes must be made on a timely and cost effective basis which is difficult in our evolving technological landscape. Our business will suffer if we do not update our products and introduce new products that incorporate current technologies and media and if such updating forces us to incur costs that are not recoverable in the sales of our products.
Our businesses utilize the Internet to generate revenues. Uncertainty about the future of the Internet may have a negative impact on our ability to increase revenues.
Our businesses utilize “online” exchange of information and Internet commerce. We cannot predict whether the Internet will prove to be an effective vehicle for delivering our content or conducting our electronic commerce. The Internet infrastructure may be unable to support future demand as the number of users and potential customers for our products, frequency of use and bandwidth requirements continue to increase. Our business may not succeed without the continued development and maintenance of the Internet.
In addition, the Internet is rapidly changing, and we will continually need to adapt our web sites to emerging Internet standards and practices, technological advances developed by our competition, and changing subscriber, user and sponsor preferences. Ongoing adaptation of our web sites will entail significant expenditures in technology research and development expenseand services to input the enhanced technology that may not improve our web sites markedly. If our attempted improvements of our web sites are delayed, result in systems interruptions or do not gain market acceptance, then our future revenue growth may suffer.
Unless we maintain a strong brand identity, our business may not grow.
We believe that maintaining and enhancing the value of our ProQuest and ABI brands is critical to attracting customers. Our success in growing brand awareness will depend on our ability to continually provide educational technology that students enjoy using and teachers and parents consider beneficial to the learning process. Some of our brand names are new and we may not be successful in growing our brand equity.
We will not be able to grow our Internet businesses if the market for those businesses does not continue to develop.
The success of our Internet businesses will depend in large part on the continued emergence and growth of a market for Internet-based educational technology products. The market for educational technology is characterized by rapid technological change and product innovation, unpredictable product lifecycles and unpredictable preferences among students, teachers and parents. It is difficult to estimate how and when growth or other changes in this market will occur.
The competition we face is intense, and we may not be able to compete effectively or successfully attract and retain customers.
The market for our products is fragmented and highly competitive. Increased competition may affect our ability to be successful in attracting and retaining customers that would cause revenues to decline. The information and learning markets are intensely competitive and subject to increasing commercial attention. Barriers to entering Internet markets are relatively low, and we expect competition to intensify in the future. We also may be adversely affected by pricing and other operational decisions like the recent decision of several of our competitors to offer free educational content services.
I&L’s competitors range from free Internet sites to traditional primary publishers and include software publishers that market educational curriculum products to schools and homes, online educational content and electronic commerce providers, and programs that enable remote learning, or management of schools. In addition, many of our content providers could decide to produce and distribute offerings that compete with ours.
In the PS segment, we compete with Automated Data Processing Company, Electronic Data Systems, UCS, Infomedia, and the proprietary electronic parts systems of many original equipment manufacturers such as DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, Harley-Davidson, Honda Motor Company, and Toyota Motor Company for the distribution of electronic or other parts catalogs.
Many of our current and potential future competitors have substantially greater name recognition, experience and larger existing customer bases than we do. Accordingly, our competitors may succeed in responding more quickly to new technologies; responding more quickly to changes in customer requirements; devoting greater resources to the development and sale of their products; establishing stronger relationships with affiliates, advertisers, content providers, and vendors; and developing superior services and products.

If we cannot attract, retain and motivate skilled personnel, our ability to compete will be impaired.
Our success depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified management and scientific personnel. We face intense competition for qualified personnel. If we are unable to continue to employ our key personnel or to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future, our business will suffer.
Several members of our senior management team have joined us recently. If we are unable to effectively integrate them into our business or work together as a management team, then our business will suffer. In addition, our employees, including members of our senior management team, may terminate their employment with us at any time. If any one of our key employees left or was otherwise unable to work, and we were unable to find a qualified replacement, our business could be harmed. In addition, the industry in which we compete has a high level of employee mobility and aggressive recruiting of skilled personnel.
Our products currently depend on components licensed from third parties, and the failure to maintain these licenses could harm our ability to produce and enhance existing products and develop new products.
Our products incorporate third party technologies. We do not generally have exclusive arrangements or long-term contracts with these third parties. We have obtained licenses for some of these technologies and may be required to obtain licenses for others. We may not be able to obtain all of the necessary licenses for the third party technology used in our products on commercially reasonable terms, on a timely basis or at all. In addition, technology used in our products might become unavailable or not be updated as required.
We may not be able to develop alternative approaches if third party technologies become unavailable to us on reasonable terms or obsolete. The failure to obtain necessary third party technology or identify and implement alternative technology approaches could hurt our business.
Our intellectual property protection may be inadequate, allowing others to use our technologies and thereby reduce our ability to compete.
We regard much of the technology underlying our services and products as proprietary. The steps we take to protect our proprietary technology may be inadequate to prevent misappropriation of our technology, or third parties may develop similar technology independently. We rely on a combination of patents, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements and other contracts to establish and protect our technology and other intellectual property rights. Existing trade secrets, patent and copyright law afford us limited protection. The agreements and contracts may be breached or terminated, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. Furthermore, policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult. A third party could copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technology without authorization. Litigation may be necessary to protect our intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial cost to us and diversion of our efforts. Any such litigation may not even be successful, in which case our business could be further adversely affected.
Our products could infringe on the intellectual property of others, which may cause us to engage in costly litigation and, if we are not successful, could cause us to pay substantial damages and prohibit us from selling our products.
Third parties may assert infringement or other intellectual property claims against us based on their patents or other intellectual property claims. If such claims are successful, we may have to pay substantial damages, possibly including treble damages, for past infringement.

We might also be prohibited from selling our products without first obtaining a license from the third party, which, if available at all, may require us to pay substantial royalties. Even if infringement claims against us are without merit, defending a lawsuit takes significant time, may be expensive and may divert management attention from other business concerns.
Our employees may be bound by confidentiality and other nondisclosure agreements regarding the trade secrets of their former employers. As a result, we could be subject to allegations of trade secret violations and other similar violations if claims are made that any of our employees have breached these agreements. Such claims could also have an adverse effect on our business.
A key component of our growth strategy is to continue to expand our operations into international markets. We may not succeed with this strategy.
Doing business in international markets is subject to a number of risks, including, among others: acceptance by foreign educational systems of our approach to educational products; expenses associated with customizing products for foreign countries; lack of existing customer base; longer accounts receivable collection periods and greater difficulty in collection; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; potentially adverse tax consequences; tariffs and other trade barriers; difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; changing economic conditions; exposure to different legal standards (particularly with respect to intellectual property); burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws; and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. If any of these risks were to materialize, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We have entered into strategic alliances and into acquisitions and may pursue others that may disrupt our operations or fail to result in the benefits that we anticipated.
We have entered into and may make strategic acquisitions of companies, products or technologies or enter into strategic alliances as necessary in order to implement our business strategy. If we are unable to fully integrate acquired businesses, products or technologies with our existing operations, we may not receive the intended benefits of such acquisitions. A future strategic acquisition or joint venture may require us to incur debt or issue equity securities, which could dilute our existing stockholders. The success of our existing and future joint venture and strategic alliances depends in part on the ability of the other parties to these transactions to fulfill their obligations thereunder. In addition, the acquisitions or joint ventures may subject us to unanticipated risks or liabilities or disrupt our operations and divert management's attention from day-to-day operations.
Changes in funding for public school systems and libraries could reduce our revenues and impede the growth of our company.
We derive a portion of our revenues from public school and library funding, which is heavily dependent on support from federal, state and local governments. Government budget deficits may adversely affect the availability of this funding. In addition, the government appropriations process is often slow, unpredictable and subject to factors outside of our control. Curtailments, delays or reductions in the funding of schools, colleges or libraries, for example, a reduction of funds allocated to schools under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, could delay or reduce our revenues, in part because schools may not have sufficient capital to purchase our products or services.Funding difficulties experienced by schools, colleges or libraries could also cause those institutions to be more resistant to price increases in our product, compared to other business that might better be able to pass on price increases to their customers. The growth of our business depends on continued investment by public school systems and libraries in educational technology and products. Changes to funding of public school systems and libraries could slow this kind of investment.
The loss of a few of our larger clients would adversely affect our results of operations.
While we are not dependent upon any one customer or a few customers, the loss of a few of our larger customers would adversely affect our results of operations. In fiscal 2001, no single customer represented more than 10.0% of our consolidated net sales. Our top five customers accounted for 11.0% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 1999, 19982001. The loss of these customers would adversely affect us.
Our operating results continue to fluctuate and 1997 were $37.6 million, $37.9 milliona revenue or earnings shortfall in a particular quarter could have a negative impact on the price of our common stock.
Variations in our operating results occur from time to time as a result of many factors, such as timing of customers’ capital expenditures, the mix of distribution channels through which our products are distributed, annual budgetary considerations of customers, new product introductions, and $38.3 million, respectively. New product offerings resultinggeneral economic conditions.
Certain customers’ buying patterns and funding availability cause our sales and cash flow to be generally higher in the fourth quarter of the year. Due to this seasonal factor, we require and expect to have a seasonal working capital credit line to fund cash requirements primarily during our second and third quarters.
Because a high percentage of our expenses are relatively fixed, a variation in the timing of customer orders can cause variations in operating results from the Company's researchquarter to quarter. Our sales cycles are relatively long and development efforts served to offset declines in certain other product lines,depend on factors such as the Companysize of customer orders and the terms of subscription agreements. As a result of the difficulty in forecasting our quarterly revenues, our operating results in any given quarter may fall below securities analysts’ expectations, which may cause the price of our common stock to fall abruptly and significantly.
In addition, a deterioration in economic conditions generally may adversely affect the market for our products and thereby cause our operating results to fall below expectations.
We could experience system failures, software errors, or capacity constraints, any of which would cause interruptions in the electronic content we provide to our customers and ultimately cause us to lose customers.
Any delays or failures in the systems or errors in the software that we use to deliver our electronic content to our customers would harm our business. We have occasionally suffered failures of the computer and telecommunication systems that we use to deliver our electronic content to customers. These failures have caused interruptions in the functioning of our electronic content for our customers. The growth of our customer base, as well as the number of sites we provide, may strain our systems in the future.
The systems we currently use to deliver our services to our customers (except for external telecommunications systems) are located in our facilities in Michigan and Ohio. Although we maintain property insurance, claims for any system failure could exceed the coverage obtained.
Any delays, failures or problems with our systems or software could result in loss of or delay in market acceptance and sales, diversion of development resources, injury to our reputation, or increased service and support costs.

Our systems face security risks and our customers have concerns about their privacy.
We have taken security precautions with respect to our systems and sites. Still, they may be vulnerable to unauthorized access and use by hackers, computer viruses and other disruptive problems. Any security breaches or problems could lead to misappropriation of our customers’ information, misappropriation of our sites, misappropriation of our intellectual property and other rights, as well as disruption and interruption in the use of our systems and sites. Unauthorized access to and theft of customer information as well as denial of various Internet and online services have occurred in the past, and will likely occur again in the future. In order to maintain our security precautions or to correct problems caused by security breaches, we may need to spend significant capital or other resources. We intend to continue to put industry–standard security measures in place for our systems and sites. Nevertheless, those measures may be circumvented and in order to monitor continually seeksand maintain these measures, we may cause disruption to and interruption in our customers’ use of our systems and sites. These disruptions and interruptions could harm our business.
In general, users of the Internet and online services are very concerned about the security and privacy of their communications and data transmitted. These concerns may inhibit the growth of the Internet and other online services generally, and our sites in particular. Any security breach related to our sites could hurt our reputation and expose us to damages and litigation. These kinds of breaches could harm our business.
We have had limited attempts by users to gain access to certain areas of the systems that are generally not available to such users. Such attempts are constantly monitored. Upon detection a notice is investigated and an appropriate level of action is taken.
The occurrence of a fire, flood or other form of natural disaster at certain of our locations would adversely impact our business.
Copies of our microfilm collections are stored at various of our properties. If a fire, flood or similar event were to occur at one or more of these locations and destroy those collections, our operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may be subject to government regulation and legal liabilities that may be costly and may interfere with our ability to conduct business.
We are not currently subject to direct regulation by any United States or state government agency other than the laws and regulations applicable to businesses generally. Also, there are few laws or regulations directly applicable to access to or commerce on the Internet. Because of the increasing popularity and use of the Internet, federal and state governments may adopt laws or regulations in the future with respect to commercial online services and the Internet, with respect to user privacy; copyrights and other intellectual property rights and infringement; domain names; pricing; content regulation; defamation; and taxation.
Laws and regulations directly applicable to online commerce or Internet communications are becoming more prevalent and could expose us to substantial liability. For example, recently enacted United States laws, such as the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act and various federal laws aimed at protecting children, their privacy, and the content made available to them could expose us to substantial liability. Furthermore, various proposals at the federal, state and local level could impose additional taxes on Internet sales. These laws, regulations and proposals could decrease Internet commerce and other Internet uses, and adversely affect our opportunity to derive financial benefit from our activities.
Further, governments of foreign countries might try to regulate our Internet transmissions or prosecute us for violations of their laws covering a variety of topics, many of which are the same as those described above for United States laws and regulations. For example, Germany has taken actions to restrict the free flow of material deemed to be objectionable on the Internet. The European Union has adopted privacy, copyright, and database directives that may impose additional burdens and costs on us. We may incur substantial costs in responding to charges of violations of local laws by foreign governments.
Our stock price may be volatile and your investment in our stock could decline in value.
Our common stock price has fluctuated significantly in the recent past. In addition, market prices for securities of companies in our industries have been highly volatile and may continue to be highly volatile in the future. Often this volatility is unrelated to our operating performance.

As of December 29, 2001, we had $251.0 million of total indebtedness, net of cash and cash equivalents, which could hurt our ability to borrow and utilize cash flow as necessary.
The degree to which we are leveraged could have important consequences, including the following: (i) our ability to borrow may be limited to additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures and potential acquisition opportunities; (ii) a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations must be used to pay our interest expense and repay our debt, which reduces the funds that would otherwise be available for our operations; (iii) we may be more vulnerable to economic downturns and competitive pressures and may have reduced flexibility in responding to changing business, regulatory and economic conditions; and (iv) fluctuations in market interest rates will affect the cost of our borrowings to the extent not covered by interest rate hedge agreements.
Our credit facility contains covenants that may significantly restrict our operations.
Our senior credit facility contains numerous covenants imposing financial and operating restrictions on our business. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage -6- of new product/technologypotential business opportunities (withas they arise. These covenants place restrictions on our ability to, among other things, incur more debt, pay dividends, redeem or repurchase our stock or make other distributions, make acquisitions or investments, use assets as security, dispose of assets or use asset sale proceeds, and extend credit.
In addition, our senior credit facilities require us to meet a number of financial ratios and tests. Our ability to meet these ratios and tests and to comply with other provisions of our credit facilities can be affected by changes in economic or business conditions or other events beyond our control. Any failure to comply with the obligations in our senior credit facilities could result in an increased emphasisevent of default under these facilities, which, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of our indebtedness under the senior credit facilities which could have a material adverse effect on internet capabilities and software solutions) in each of its businesses. The Company's research and development expenditures include expenses primarily for database and software development, information delivery systems, and other electronic devices for the Information Access and Imaging segments, as well as for new mail processing systems that are more electronic and software driven and stand-alone software solutions for the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment. Employees At the end of fiscal 1999, the Company had 6,352 employees. Approximately 270 employees located at the Company's Allentown, Pennsylvania facility are represented by a labor union pursuant to an agreement effective January 1, 1997 between Bell & Howell Mail Processing Systems Company and IMMCO Employees Association, which expires on May 31, 2001. Management believes that its relations with its employees are good. us.
Item 2.    Properties. - ------------------- Bell & Howell's
ProQuest’s principal administrative office is located in Skokie, Illinois. The office space has been leased through 2009.Ann Arbor, Michigan. The following table provides certain summary information in square feet with respect to the production and development facilities that the Company owns or leases in connection with its businesses:
Owned Leased Total ------- ------- --------- Information Access ....................... 284,000 266,000 550,000 Mail and Messaging Technologies .......... 321,000 413,000 734,000 Imaging .................................. 6,000 177,000 183,000 ------- ------- --------- 611,000 856,000 1,467,000 ======= ======= =========
Bell & Howell also
   
I&L

  
PS

  
Total

Owned  113,000  171,000  284,000
Leased  245,000  132,000  377,000
   
  
  
Total  358,000  303,000  661,000
   
  
  
The Company primarily leases facilities in the United States, Canada France,and United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and Austria for sales, service and warehouse space.Kingdom. The termination of any one of the leases, some of which are long-term, would not significantly affect the Company'sCompany’s operations.
The Company deems the buildings, machinery and equipment used in its operations (whether owned or leased), generally to be in good condition and adequate for the purposes for which they are used. -7-
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings. - ------ -----------------
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to its business. Management believes that the outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated operations or financial condition of the Company.

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. - ------ ---------------------------------------------------
None. -8-
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions held by the directors and executive officers of the Company: Name Age Positions at the Company - -------------------- --- ------------------------ James P. Roemer 52 Chairmanas of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Nils A. Johansson 51 Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer David Bonderman 57 Director David G. Brown 43 Director J. Taylor Crandall 46 Director Daniel L. Doctoroff 41 Director William E. Oberndorf 46 Director Gary L. Roubos 63 Director John H. Scully 55 Director William J. White 61 Director Todd W. Buchardt 40 Secretary and General Counsel Howard S. Cohen 53 Executive Vice President Michael A. Dering 48 President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & Howell Mail and Messaging Technologies Stuart T. Lieberman 48 Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer Dwight A. Mater 42 Vice President, Investor Relations and Business Development Wayne E. Mickiewicz 48 President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & Howell Publishing Services Joseph P. Reynolds 50 President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & Howell Information and Learning Maria T. Rubly 45 Vice President, Human Resources -9- March 6, 2002:
Name

Age

Positions at the Company

James P. Roemer54Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Alan Aldworth47Director, President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer
David Bonderman59Director
David G. Brown45Director
William E. Oberndorf48Director
Gary L. Roubos65Director
John H. Scully57Director
William J. White63Director
Todd W. Buchardt42Secretary and General Counsel
Joseph P. Reynolds52President and Chief Executive Officer of ProQuest Information and Learning
Bruce E. Rhoades53President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & Howell Publishing Services
Linda Longo-Kazanova49Vice President, Human Resources
Kevin G. Gregory38Vice President, Controller & Treasurer
Mark Trinske43Vice President, Investor Relations
The business experience and certain other information relating to each director and executive officer of the Company is set forth below:
James P. Roemer,ProQuest Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has been Chairman of the Board since January 1998 and has been a Director of the Company since February 1995. InFrom February 1997 he was electedto January 2002, Mr. Roemer served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. FromCompany, and from February 1995 to February 1997 he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.Officer. Prior to that, he served asa s President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & HowellProQuest Information and Learning Company from January 1994 to June 1995. Mr. Roemer joined Bell & HowellProQuest as Vice President and Bell & Howell Publishing Services Company as President and Chief Operating Officer in October 1991 and was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of Publishing Services Company in September 1993. Prior to joining Bell & Howell,ProQuest, Mr. Roemer was President of the Michie Group, Mead Data Central from December 1989 to October 1991. From January 1982 to December 1989 he was Vice President and General Manager of Lexis, an on-line information service. From April 1981 to December 1982 he served as acting President of Mead Data Central. Nils A. Johansson has beenMr. Roemer is a Director of the Company since April 1990. Since January 1994, he has held the office of Executive Vicebigchalk.com, inc.
Alan Aldworth was appointed President and Chief FinancialOperating Officer of the Company.ProQuest Company in January 2002. Mr. Johansson served as Senior Vice President, Finance andAldworth has been Chief Financial Officer of the Company from January 1992since October 2000. Prior to January 1994. From May 1989 to December 1991,joining ProQuest, he was Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. From February 1981 to May 1989spent 18 years at Tribune Company where he held various executivea variety of senior financial management and general management positions with Bell & Howell, including Corporate Treasurer, and positions in financial planning, analysis and control,the most recent of which was as well as business development. the General Manager of Tribune Education Company. Mr. Aldworth is a Director of bigchalk.com, inc.
David Bondermanhas been a Director of the Company since December 1987. He has been the Managing General Partner of Texas Pacific Group (a private investment company) since December 1992. He is also a Director of Beringer Wine Estates, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc., Denbury Resources, Inc., Oxford Health Plans, Inc., Ryanair Ltd., Co-Star Realty Information Group, Inc. and Washington Mutual Inc.

David G. Brownhas been a Director of the Company since January 1994. He has been the Managing Partner of Oak Hill Venture Partners since August 1999 and a Principal in Arbor Investors LLC since August 1995, Chief Financial Officer of Keystone, Inc. from September 1998 to February 2000, and a Vice President of Keystone, Inc. since August 1993. Prior to joining Keystone, Mr. Brown was a Vice President in the Corporate Finance Department of Salomon Brothers Inc. from August 1985 to July -10- 1993. He is a Director of 2Bridge, AER Energy Resources, FEP Holdings, Lattice Communications, Lightning Finance, MarketTools, MobileForce Technologies, Owners.com, Sitara Networks, and WOW Networks. J. Taylor Crandall has been a Director of Bell & Howell Company since November 1990. He is a Managing Partner of Oak Hill Capital Management, Inc. Also, since 1998 he has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Keystone Inc., and was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Keystone from October 1986 to August 1998. From January 1992 to September 1995 he was President, Director and sole stockholder of Acadia MGP, Inc. Prior to his affiliation with Keystone, Mr. Crandall was a Vice President with First National Bank of Boston. Mr. Crandall presently serves on the Board of Directors or as General Partner of many Keystone portfolio companies, as well as Cincinnati Bell Inc., U.S. Oncology Inc., Sunterra Corporation, and Washington Mutual Inc. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of Oak Hill Capital Partners and Oak Hill Strategic Partners, L.P.; and on the investment committees of Insurance Partners, L.P. and Brazos Fund, L.P. Mr. Crandall is also a member of the advisory committees of Boston Ventures Limited Partnership V and B-K Capital Partners, L.P. Daniel L. Doctoroff has been a Director of the Company since June 1990. He has served as Managing Director of Oak Hill Partners, Inc. since August 1987 and has been a Managing Partner of Oak Hill Capital Management since November 1998. Since October 1992, he also has been a Vice President of Keystone, Inc. and since February 1994 he has been Managing Partner of Insurance Partners Advisory, L.P. He is also a Director of Williams Scotsman, Inc., MeriStar Hospitality, Inc. and MeriStar Hotels and Resorts, Inc.
William E. Oberndorfhas been a Director of the Company since July 1988. He has served as Managing Director of SPO Partners & Co. since March 1991. He is also a Director of Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc., and bigchalk, inc.
Gary L. Rouboshas been a Director of the Company since February 1994. He was Chairman of the Board of Dover Corporation from August 1989 to May 1998 and was President from May 1977 to May 1993. He is also a Director of Dover Corporation and Omnicom Group, Inc.
John H. Scullyhas been a Director of the Company since July 1988. He has served as Managing Director of SPO Partners & Co. since March 1991. He is also a Director of Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. -11-
William J. Whitehas been a Director of the Company since February 1990 and was Chairman of the Board from February 1990 to January 1998. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from February 1990 to February 1997 and was President of the Company from February 1990 to February 1995. Since January 1998 he has been a Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management Science at Northwestern University. He is also a Director of Ivex Packaging Corporation and Readers Digest Association, Inc.
Todd W. Buchardtwas appointed General Counsel in April 1998, and in September 1998 was elected to the additional office of Secretary. Prior to joining Bell & Howell,ProQuest, he held various legal positions with First Data Corporation from 1986 to 1998. Howard S. Cohen was appointed Executive Vice President of the Company in January 2000. Prior to joining Bell & Howell, Mr. Cohen served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sidus Systems Inc. in Toronto, Canada, from 1998 through 1999. From 1997 to 1998 he was President, Chief Operating Officer and acting Chief Executive Officer of Peak Technologies Group Inc. From 1992 to 1996 he served as President of OCE' Office Systems. He was Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Service Management at US Sprint from 1988 to 1992, and was Vice President of Arrow Electronics from 1984 to 1988. In addition, he also held various senior level sales and marketing positions with Xerox Corporation from 1969 to 1984. Michael A. Dering
Joseph P. Reynoldshas been President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & Howell Mail and Messaging Technologies Company since February 1998. From July 1996 to February 1998, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & Howell Publishing Services. Prior to joining Bell & Howell he was President and Chief Executive Officer of TAB Products Company from February 1991 to July 1996. Stuart T. Lieberman has been Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since March 1998. From February 1990 to February 1998, he served as Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining Bell & Howell, he spent 11 years with Baxter International Inc. ("Baxter") where he held various financial positions, the most recent of which was as Vice President of Finance for Baxter's Global Renal Business. Dwight A. Mater has been Vice President, Investor Relations and Business Development since March 1998. From July 1996 to February 1998 he served as Vice President, Business Development and from February 1994 to June 1996, he served as Director of Business Development. Prior to joining Bell & Howell, he held various marketing and business development positions with Baxter from 1988 to 1994. -12- Wayne E. Mickiewicz has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & Howell Publishing Services Company since June 1998. Prior to joining Bell & Howell, he was President of Prudential Service Bureau, Inc. from January 1997 to June 1998. From May 1990 to June 1997 he held various positions as Vice President with the Brokerage Information Services Group at Automatic Data Processing in general management, product development and servicing. Joseph P. Reynolds has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & HowellProQuest Information and Learning Company since April 1998. Prior to joining Bell & Howell,ProQuest, he was Chief Executive Officer of the School and Career Education Group of Thomson Corporation from June 1997 to April 1998 and was Chief Operating Officer of that Group from June 1995 to June 1997. From 1982 to June 1995 he held various positions in management, sales and marketing at Thomson and its Delmar Publishers subsidiary. Maria T. Rubly Mr. Reynolds is a Director of bigchalk.com, inc.
Bruce E. Rhoades has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell & Howell Publishing Services since January 2001. He joined the Company in 1999, and has managed several of the Company’s business units. Prior to joining the Company, he was Chief Executive Officer of a consulting practice specializing in business and product strategy formulation, software and information product development, and strategic alliances and acquisitions from 1995 to 1999. Prior to that, he held a number of executive positions at Lexis-Nexis Group from 1979 to 1995, and held various positions at ADP Network Services from 1975 to 1979.
Linda Longo-Kazanovahas been Vice President, Human Resources of the Company since 1993.May 2000. Prior to joining the Company, she spent 13 years with Baxter, including five years with American Hospital Supply Corporation until its merger with Baxter, wherewas Senior Vice President, Human Resources-North America, for Information Resources, Inc. from 1995 to 2000. From 1985 to 1995, she held various human resource positions. positions with Kraft Foods, Inc.
Kevin G. Gregory has been Vice President, Controller & Treasurer of the Company since February 2001. From August 1997 to February 2001, he served as Tax Counsel and Vice President—Tax. Prior to joining the Company, he was Senior Manager at Ernst & Young LLP, and prior to that spent seven years at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mark Trinske has been Vice President, Investor Relations of the Company since October 2001. Prior to joining the Company, he was the founder and President of Lafayette, Colorado-based Trinske Communications, a full-service investor relations firm, in 1992. Previously, Mr. Trinske held positions at the investor and public relations firms Metzger Associates and Carl Thompson Associates. From 1984 to 1989, he was an investment executive with A.G. Edwards and PaineWebber, and prior to that was a corporate securities paralegal at Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison.
Item 5.    Market for Registrant'sRegistrant’s Common Equity and Related - ------ ------------------------------------------------- Stockholder Matters. -------------------
The Company's Common StockCompany’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BHW"“PQE”.
The high and low closing prices of the Company’s common stock were as follows:
   
2001

  
2000

Quarter

  
High

  
Low

  
High

  
Low

First  $23.6000  $16.4375  $38.7500  $29.6250
Second   31.0000   21.7000   32.1250   19.8750
Third   36.5000   28.2000   26.0625   19.6875
Fourth   34.8000   29.9400   21.9375   15.1250
The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock.common stock. The Company'sCompany’s Credit Agreement (as defined herein) contains certain restrictions on the payment of dividends on and repurchases of its Common Stock.common stock. (See Note 89 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The high and low closing prices of the Company's Common Stock were as follows:
1999 1998 --------------------- --------------------- Quarter High Low High Low - ------- --------- --------- --------- --------- First .................................. $38 $ 29 5/16 $ 29 5/16 $ 22 15/16 Second ................................. 39 1/4 32 1/2 29 3/16 25 1/8 Third .................................. 37 15/16 32 1/16 30 13/16 23 Fourth ................................. 35 27 5/16 37 13/16 22
-13- Statements.)
Item 6.    Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data. - ------ --------------------------------------------------
The following historical selected consolidated financial and operating data havehas been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of the end of and for each of the fiscal years in the five-year period ended January 1, 2000.December 29, 2001. The following financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and "Management's“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"Operations” included elsewhere herein.
Fiscal ----------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Continuing Operations Data (1): Net sales ..................................... $963,273 $900,150 $856,971 $827,398 $771,891 Cost of sales ................................. 598,064 546,256 531,513 508,025 468,255 Research and development expense .............. 37,605 37,939 38,321 34,849 29,475 Selling and administrative expense ............ 239,986 225,255 215,095 198,761 194,556 Gains on sales of assets ...................... (11,746) -- -- -- -- Restructuring charge .......................... 36,765 -- -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Earnings before interest, income taxes and equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ....... 62,599 90,700 72,042 85,763 79,605 Net interest expense .......................... 19,898 24,400 40,592 43,051 48,525 Income tax expense ............................ 23,299 26,520 12,580 17,863 12,811 Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ........ (950) -- -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net Earnings .................................. 18,452 39,780 18,870 24,849 18,269 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: Earnings before restructuring charge and equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ....... $ 2.00 $ 1.69 $ .95 $ 1.34 $ 1.10 Restructuring charge .......................... (1.19) -- -- -- -- Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ........ (0.04) -- -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Earnings per common share ..................... $ .77 $ 1.69 $ .95 $ 1.34 $ 1.10 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Other Continuing Operations Data: EBITDA (2) .................................... $157,366 $142,705 $128,845 $129,070 $116,475 EBITDA as a percent of net sales .............. 16.3% 15.9% 15.0% 15.6% 15.1% Gross profit as a percent of net sales (3) .... 37.9% 39.3% 38.0% 38.6% 39.3% Depreciation and amortization (4) ............. $ 58,002 $ 52,005 $ 50,207 $ 43,307 $ 36,870 Capital expenditures .......................... 45,134 36,403 36,380 41,484 41,138
-14-
At the end of Fiscal ----------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (Dollars in thousands) Balance Sheet Data: Working capital ............................... $ 1,125 $ 1,918 $ 3,623 $(18,693) $(50,389) Total assets .................................. 970,524 836,293 799,854 766,391 652,821 Long-term debt ................................ 506,783 445,240 497,252 548,281 465,230 Total shareholders' equity (deficit) .......... (2,734) (29,222) (64,548) (166,892) (189,472)
   
Fiscal

 
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

   
1998

   
1997

 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Continuing Operations Data (1)(2):                         
Net sales  $401,628   $374,301   $359,460   $321,047   $307,050 
Cost of sales   (186,963)   (189,196)   (182,300)   (159,335)   (152,520)
Research and development expense   (21,381)   (19,034)   (19,259)   (19,974)   (18,894)
Selling and administrative expense   (124,546)   (123,642)   (115,732)   (102,302)   (97,220)
Gain (loss) on sales of assets   (2,312)   2,726    5,152    —      —   
Restructuring charge   —      (5,196)   (10,505)   —      —   
   


  


  


  


  


Earnings before interest, income taxes and equity in loss of affiliate and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   66,426    39,959    36,816    39,436    38,416 
Net interest expense   (25,039)   (28,361)   (10,132)   (14,165)   (22,389)
Income tax expense   (15,727)   (4,639)   (10,674)   (10,108)   (6,411)
Equity in loss of affiliate   (13,374)   (20,848)   (950)   —      —   
   


  


  


  


  


Earnings (loss)   12,286    (13,889)   15,060    15,163    9,616 
   


  


  


  


  


Diluted earnings (loss) per common share  $0.51   $(0.59)  $0.64   $0.64   $0.48 
   


  


  


  


  


Other Continuing Operations Data:                         
EBITDA (3)  $121,650   $93,797   $86,407   $79,357   $75,847 
Gross profit as a percent of net sales (4)   53.4%   49.5%   49.3%   50.4%   50.3%
Capital expenditures   52,924    42,623    35,055    29,874    28,181 

   
At the End of Fiscal

   
2001

  
2000

  
1999

  
1998

  
1997

   
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data (2):               
Total assets  628,097  806,586  783,812  657,598          633,495
Long-term debt  252,782  501,821  506,783  445,240  497,252
Footnotes to the Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data:
(1)    In December 1997,the first quarter of 2000, the Company adopted a plan to divest its postal contracting business,Mail and accordinglyMessaging Technologies and Imaging businesses and its financing subsidiary. Accordingly, the operating results of this businessthese businesses have been segregated from the Company'sCompany’s continuing operations, and are separately reported as a discontinued operationoperations in the consolidated financial statements. Excludes extraordinary losses of $28.9 million $2.6 million,in fiscal 1997, and $3.2cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $65.3 million in fiscal 2000. The fiscal 1997 1996,to 1999 results have not been retroactively restated to reflect the impact of the change of the method of revenue recognition.
(2)    During fiscal 2000, the Company changed its method of accounting for certain inventory costs from LIFO to FIFO (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The fiscal 1997 to 1999 operating and 1995, respectively. (2)balance sheet data have been retroactively restated to reflect this change in accounting.
(3)    EBITDA from continuing operations is defined as earnings from continuing operations before restructuring/specialgain /(loss) on sales of assets, restructuring charges, ($36.8 million in 1999 and $6.6 million in 1997), interest, income taxes, equity in loss of affiliate and equity interestcumulative effect of a change in affiliate,accounting principle, plus depreciation and amortization.amortization of other long-term assets, primarily intangibles of acquired companies, but excluding the amortization/write-off of deferred financing costs. EBITDA is generally acceptedregarded as providing useful information regarding a company'scompany’s financial performance, andbut it is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA from continuing operations should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income as a measure of the Company’s profitability, or as an alternative to net income or to the Company'sCompany’s cash flow from operating activities determined under generally accepted accounting principles as a measure of liquidity. (3)Additionally, the Company’s calculation of EBITDA from continuing operations may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. EBITDA from continuing operations has been included as a supplemental disclosure because it provides useful information about how management assesses the Company’s ability to service debt and to fund. The Company’s ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures in the future, however, may be affected by other operating or legal requirements.
(4)    Gross profit is defined as net sales less cost of sales. (4) Excludes amortization/write-off of deferred financing costs which were as follows for the specified fiscal years: 1999 - $.5 million; 1998 - $.5 million; 1997 - $11.2 million; 1996 - $3.2 million; 1995 - $4.0 million. -15-
Item 7.    Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial - ------ ------------------------------------------------- Condition and Results of Operations ----------------------------------- This section should be read in conjunction with the Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data and the Consolidated Financial Statements of Bell & Howell Company and subsidiaries (collectively the "Company") and the notes thereto set forth elsewhere herein.
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this reportrelease may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Theseforward-looking statements that involve a number ofknown and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors including without limitation, decreases in funding for internet access as well as overall acceptance and usagethat may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the internetCompany to be materially different from those projected in forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of the Company. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks detailed in Part 1, Item 1 under the caption Risk Factors and elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the Selected Financial Data and the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K.
Overview.  ProQuest Company is a leading provider of information and content to the education and transportation industries. Formerly known as Bell & Howell, ProQuest has a 97 year history with more than 50 years in information and content aggregation. Through our Information and Learning segment, which primarily serves the academic and library markets, we aggregate and publish value-added content from a wide range of sources including newspapers, periodicals and books. Our Publishing Services segment provides electronic delivery of technical and schematic information to the willingness of parents to purchase educational products for home use, decreases or shiftsautomotive and powersports (motorcycle, marine, and RV) markets. Our company has demonstrated strong, stable growth in mail volumes, changesboth revenue and earnings in the business services market,last few years with 2001 revenue increasing to $401.6 million from $359.5 million in 1999 and general economic conditions, all of which could impact future results. Results of Operations Fiscal 1999 Compared2001 operating income increasing to Fiscal 1998 The Company's net sales increased $63.1$68.7 million or 7%, to $963.3from $42.2 million in 1999. The increase primarily resulted from strong sales growth in both
Our predecessor company, Bell & Howell, has been synonymous with creative and technology-based solutions since 1904. In 2001, we sold the Information Access andlegacy Imaging, Mail and Messaging Technologies segments. Information Access net sales increased $38.3 million, or 12%,and finance related businesses and changed our name to $358.8 million in 1999. Net sales ofProQuest. We used the Information and Learning business increased $11.2 million, or 6%,proceeds from the divestitures to $198.2 million due to a growing electronic subscription base and reflectssignificantly reduce our debt.
Discontinued Operations.  In the acquisition of Chadwyck-Healey (a leading provider of humanities and social science reference and research publications for the academic, professional and library markets) in the fourthfirst quarter of 1999. Sales of electronic content increased 13%, with the electronic subscription base continuing2000, we began plans to reflect strong sales of ProQuest Direct (the Company's internet based product offering), which was partially offset by lower CD-ROM/tape subscriptions, as customers migrate to on-line delivery of information via the internet. Net sales of the more traditional microfilm and paper products decreased slightly versus the prior year as lower unit volumes more than offset increased pricing. Net sales of the Publishing Services business increased $27.1 million, or 20%, to $160.6 million due to strong sales of electronic parts catalogs and ancillary products to automotive dealerships, increased sales of dealer management -16- systems to powersports dealerships, as well as the acquisition of Alison Associates, Inc. (which provides performance database products to automotive and powersports manufacturers/dealers). In addition to new systems placements, the Company continued to experience strong sales of additional software applications and high contract renewal rates related to previously placed systems. Although certain customers' preoccupation with Year 2000 related initiatives adversely impacted their purchase decisions, Mail and Messaging Technologies net sales increased $25.4 million, or 6%, to $429.8 million in 1999, as continued strong sales of high volume inserting equipment were supplemented by increased shipments of high volume sorting equipment as well as increased service and software revenues. Service and software revenues (which are primarily annuity based and represent 50% of segment sales in 1999) increased $20.4 million, or 11%, to $213.2 million due to both an expanded customer base and increased pricing. Imaging net sales of $174.7 million in 1999 were virtually constant with the prior year, as increased electronic service revenues were offset by lower sales of production scanners and micrographic equipment/service. Service revenues (which are primarily annuity based and represent 50% of segment sales) increased $15.7 million, or 22%, to $86.6 million due to an expanded customer base and increased pricing, as well as the acquisition of the service business of TAB Products Company in the second quarter of 1999. The Company's cost of sales increased $51.8 million, or 9%, to $598.1 million in 1999, with the gross profit (net sales less cost of sales) percentage decreasing by 1.4 percentage points to 37.9%. Although the gross profit percentage for service revenues improved in 1999 (resulting from increased pricing and improved leveraging of the service cost infrastructure), the gross profit percentage on product sales decreased (related to a less profitable product mix and increased inventory valuation reserves, which were partially offset by increased pricing and improved manufacturing productivity). Research and development expense of $37.6 million in 1999 approximated the prior year level as the Company continued to invest significantly in new product offerings. The Company continually seeks to take advantage of new product/technology opportunities (with an increased emphasis on internet capabilities and software solutions) in each of its businesses. The Company's research and development expenditures include expenses primarily for database and software development, information delivery systems and other electronic devices for the Information Access and Imaging segments, as well as for new mail processing systems that are more electronic and software driven and stand-alone software solutions for the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment. -17- Selling and administrative expense increased $14.7 million, or 7%, to $240.0 million in 1999 reflecting the Company's increased investment in sales and marketing resources (which reflects an increase in the sales force in the Information and Learning business to capitalize on the sales growth opportunities of internet-based products), as well as increased distribution costs associated with the higher sales volumes. Gains on sales of assets of $11.7 million in 1999 included the sale of: - The microfilm conversion business within the Imaging segment (which was related to the Company's acquisition from the buyer of an electronic service business, which is more consistent with the Company's current strategic focus on increasing service revenues and better leveraging of the related infrastructure costs), resulting in a gain of $3.8 million. - A distribution arrangement in the Netherlands within the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment (whereby the manufacturer desired to own the related distribution channel for a lower end inserting product line which was not consistent with the Company's primary focus on software/service), resulting in a gain of $2.8 million. - A portion of the Company's investment in its affiliate (bigchalk.com) within the Information Access segment (which facilitated the ability to raise further venture capital financing), resulting in a gain of $2.6 million. - Vacant land (adjacent to one of the Company's manufacturing facilities which will be reconfigured to consolidate certain operations within thedivest our Mail and Messaging Technologies and Imaging segments), resulting in a gain of $2.5 million. In January 2000, the Company announced its plans to split into two new companies to maximize the growth prospects of its businesses. One company will consist of the Information Access business segmentbusinesses and the second company will consist of the Mail and Messaging Technologies and Imaging business segments. The Company expects to complete the split by the end of fiscal 2000. In an effort to enhance the future profitability of each of the Company's business segments, and related to the Company's aforementioned decision to split into two new companies, in the fourth quarter of 1999, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $36.8 million ($28.3 million after-tax). Approximately one-half of the restructuring charge was non-cash in nature, relating to goodwill write-offs in the Imaging business segment from two small acquisitions that will no longer be a part of the Company's new strategic focus. Additionally, certain operations -18- are being consolidated, and consequently future lease obligations for facilities to be vacated are included in the charge. Finally, in order to reduce the Company's cost infrastructure, personnel will be reduced by 6%, with the associated severance costs also part of the restructuring charge. Excluding the aforementioned restructuring charge, earnings from continuing operations before interest, income taxes and equity in affiliate increased $8.7 million, or 10%, to $99.4 million, while EBITDA increased $14.7 million, or 10%, to $157.4 million in 1999. Information Access earnings (excluding restructuring) increased $4.3 million, or 8%, to $59.3 million in 1999, as the benefit of the higher sales volume and the aforementioned gain on sale of a portion of the investment in bigchalk.com were partially offset by the impact of significant investments related to ProQuest Direct (for both new product development costs and to provide additional data center capacity to accommodate future sales growth opportunities), and other investments related to numerous internet based start-up opportunities, which will provide significant value to the Company in the future. Information Access EBITDA increased $8.5 million, or 9%, to $102.9 million in 1999. Mail and Messaging Technologies earnings (excluding restructuring) decreased $5.8 million, or 16%, to $30.6 million in 1999, as the benefit of the increased sales volume and the aforementioned gain on sale of the product line in the Netherlands were more than offset by the impact of a less profitable product mix, increased accounts receivable/inventory valuation reserves, and costs associated with product upgrades to become Y2K compliant. Mail and Messaging Technologies EBITDA decreased $4.3 million, or 10%, to $38.5 million in 1999. Imaging earnings (excluding restructuring) increased $7.3 million, or 50%, to $21.8 million in 1999 resulting from improved leveraging of operating expenses and the aforementioned gain on the sale of the microfilm conversion business. Imaging EBITDA increased $7.4 million, or 37%, to $27.6 million in 1999. Corporate expenses (excluding restructuring and the aforementioned gain on the sale of land) decreased $.3 million, or 2%, to $14.9 million in 1999 as productivity improvements more than offset inflationary cost increases. Net interest expense decreased $4.5 million, or 18%, to $19.9 million in 1999, primarily reflecting interest income associated with a favorable settlement with the Internal Revenue Service on a variety of issues, which will result in an income tax refund with interest. Net interest income of Bell & Howell Financial Services Company ("BHFS"), the Company'sour financing -19- subsidiary, increased $1.3 million, or 14%, to $10.8 million in 1999 resulting from continued growth in the lease receivables portfolio and the favorable impact of a reduction in the related loss valuation reserve. Although the effective income tax rate increased from 40% to 55% in 1999 (as a result of the majority of the aforementioned goodwill write-off included in the restructuring charge being non-deductible), income tax expense decreased in 1999 as a result of a lower level of pretax profit. In December 1999, the Company combined its kindergarten through twelfth grade ("K-12") internet business with the K-12 internet business from Infonautics, Inc., to form bigchalk.com, with the equity in bigchalk.com's loss equaling $1.0 million in 1999. Subsequent to venture capital financing in January 2000, the Company owns approximately 45% of bigchalk.com. Bigchalk.com develops and markets products and services for research, curriculum integration, assessment, peer collaboration, professional development, online community, and e-commerce for teachers, students, parents, librarians and school administrators in the K-12 educational community. As a result of changing market and competitive dynamics within global government postal markets, as well as a review of its future strategic focus, in December 1997 the Company adopted a plan to divest its postal contracting business.subsidiary. Accordingly, the operating results of this businessthese businesses have been segregated from the Company'sour continuing operations, and are separately reported as a discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements. Net salesWe completed our divestiture plan in fiscal 2001.

Financial information for this business decreased $18.9 million to $26.1 million in 1999, with a net losseach of $.5 million in 1999 versus a net loss of $2.7 million in the prior year. At the end of fiscal 1999, the Company has substantially wound down its postal contracting business via contract completions, sale of technology, and the collection of outstanding balances for products delivered/services performed. Future sales to postal contracting authorities (related to preexisting initiatives), will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statementsbusiness segments and will be includedoperations by geographic area is contained in the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment. Fiscal 1998 Compared to Fiscal 1997 The Company's net sales increased $43.2 million, or 5%, to $900.2 million in 1998. The increase primarily resulted from strong sales growth in both the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment as well as the Publishing Services business within the Information Access segment. -20- Information Access net sales increased $14.4 million, or 5%, to $320.5 million in 1998. Net sales of the Information and Learning business increased $3.3 million, or 2%, to $187.0 million due to a growing electronic subscription base, which continued to reflect strong sales of ProQuest Direct (the Company's internet-based product offering), and high renewal rates on existing products. While the sales comparisonNote 2 to the prior year is adversely impacted as theConsolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue.    The Company curtailed its direct sales efforts to the corporate market (and now more profitably serves corporate libraries through resellers like Dow Jones)derives revenues from licenses of database content (electronic products), sales of electronic contentmicroform subscriptions, service, software, and equipment.
Information & Learning provides its customers with access to periodicals, newspapers, dissertations, out-of-print books and other scholarly material in the core library market increased 19%exchange for a fee that normally covers a period of twelve months. Revenues from these subscription agreements are recognized ratably over the prior year, as customers increasingly demand electronic information solutions including on-line delivery. Net sales of microfilm and paper productsterm of the Informationagreements using the straight-line method. I&L also sells products where revenue is recognized when product is shipped. These products include microform newspaper and Learning business increased modestly versusperiodical backfiles, research collections, out of print books, dissertation copies, and dissertation publishing.
PS publishes parts catalogs for automotive dealerships and also provides dealer management systems software for powersports dealerships. Parts catalog products are generally sold under multiple-element arrangements that include hardware and related operating systems software, an electronic parts catalog (EPC) database and retrieval system, an agreement to provide periodic updates to the prior year as increased pricing more than offset lower unit volumes. Net salesEPC database over the term of the Publishing Services business increased $11.1 million,arrangement, and specified services. The Company allocates the total revenue to be received under these arrangements between two elements-the hardware and related operating system software element and the remaining deliverables considered together as a group-based on relative fair value.
The Company accounts for the hardware and related operating systems software element as a sales-type lease, and recognizes sales revenue equal to the normal selling price for such systems upon shipment, when all significant contractual obligations are satisfied and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The remainder of the fee due under these arrangements is recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
Revenue from powersports dealer management systems software is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or 9%, to $133.5 million due to increaseddeterminable, and collection is probable. Multiple element software license fees are allocated based on the relative fair values of the elements and recognized when accepted by the customer.
Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales consists of product and service costs. Product costs include costs such as production costs, depreciation of electronic parts catalogs and ancillary products to automotive dealerships. In addition to new systems placements,microfilm product masters, amortization of capitalized software costs, royalties for the Company continued to experience strong salesuse of additional software applicationscontent, Internet hosting costs and high contract renewal rates related to previously placed systems. Mailtechnical support costs. Service costs consist primarily of costs for installation and Messaging Technologies net sales increased $26.9 million, or 7%, to $404.4 million in 1998, as increased sales of high volume inserting equipmenttraining including personnel, materials, facilities and increased service revenues were partially offset by the impact of a U.S. Postal regulatory change which spurred sorting equipment sales in 1997. Servicetravel. Except for cost associated with capitalized product development and software, revenues (which are primarily annuity-based and represent 48% of segment sales) increased $26.0 million, or 16%, to $192.8 million due to both an expanded customer base and increased pricing. Imaging net sales increased $1.9 million, or 1% to $175.3 million in 1998, as increased electronic service revenues were partially offset by lower sales of micrographic/optical equipment and related service revenues, and also reflected essentially constant sales of production scanners (related to a modified strategy with respect to the level of inventory maintained in the distribution channel). The Company's costcosts of sales increased $14.7 million, or 3%, to $546.3 million in 1998, with the gross profit (net sales less cost of sales) percentage increasing by 1.3 percentage points to 39.3%. The higher gross profit percentage in 1998 resulted from a more profitable product mix, increased pricing, and improved manufacturing/service productivity. are generally recognized as incurred.
Research and development expense of $37.9 million in 1998 approximated the prior year level as the Company continued to invest significantly in new product offerings. The CompanyDevelopment Expense.    We continually seeksseek to take advantage of new product/product and technology -21 opportunities (with an increased emphasis on internet capabilities and view product development to be essential to maintaining and growing our market position. We expense all software solutions) in eachdevelopment costs associated with products until technological feasibility is established. In general, we have not historically capitalized significant amounts of its businesses. The Company'sthese costs. Our research and development expenditures include expenses primarily for database development and softwareinformation delivery systems.

Selling and Administrative Expense.    Our sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of salaries and compensation paid to employees engaged in sales and marketing activities, advertising and promotional materials, public relations cost and travel. General and administrative expenses principally consist of salaries and compensation paid to our executives and other employees, as well as incidental costs incurred in managing our business.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates which could have a material impact on our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe that our most critical accounting policies include accounting for income taxes and risk of impairment of goodwill and product masters.
Income Taxes.    Significant judgement is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and valuation allowance recorded against the net deferred tax assets. In determining realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. As of December 29, 2001, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances. However, the amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.
Risk of Impairment on Goodwill and Product Masters.    The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets and product masters for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value as estimated by discounted cash flows. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost of disposal.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth continuing operations financial data, excluding gain / (loss) on sales of assets, restructuring charges, equity in loss of affiliate and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and its related tax impact:
   
Fiscal

 
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

 
   
Amount

  
% of
sales

   
Amount

  
% of sales

   
Amount

  
% of sales

 
Revenues  $401.6  100.0%  $374.3  100.0%  $359.5  100.0%
Cost of sales   187.0  46.6%   189.2  50.5%   182.3  50.7%
   

      

      

    
Gross margin   214.6  53.4%   185.1  49.5%   177.2  49.3%
Less:                        
Research and development   21.4  5.3%   19.0  5.1%   19.3  5.4%
Selling, general and administrative   124.5  31.0%   123.7  33.0%   115.7  32.2%
   

      

      

    
Operating income   68.7  17.1%   42.4  11.3%   42.2  11.7%
Less:                        
Net interest expense   25.0  6.2%   28.4  7.6%   10.1  2.8%
Income tax expense   16.6  4.1%   5.6  1.5%   12.8  3.6%
   

      

      

    
Net income  $27.1  6.7%  $8.4  2.2%  $19.3  5.4%
   

      

      

    
Fiscal Year 2001 Compared to Fiscal Year 2000
Revenue.
   
2001

  
2000

I&L  $236.0  $220.0
PS   165.6   154.3
   

  

Total  $401.6  $374.3
   

  

The Company’s net sales from continuing operations increased $27.3 million, or 7.3%, to $401.6 million in 2001. Revenue growth was adversely impacted by lower than expected international sales, a virtual halt in one-time, non-subscription sales of digital vault content and microfilm after the September 11th tragedy, and a decline in revenue from our content wholesale channel due to the overall soft economy in 2001.
I&L revenue increased $16.0 million, or 7.3%, to $236.0 million. Growth in revenue is primarily due to an 11.8% increase in sales of electronic products. This growth is driven by a price increase of 3.0% and new product sales which increased 9.0%. The growth in electronic products revenue is demonstrated by the growth of the “annualized on-line subscription contract value”. Annualized on-line subscription contract value is the projected 12-month revenue from all outstanding on-line subscription contracts. The total annualized on-line subscription contract value was $91.1 million and $79.0 million at year end 2001 and 2000, respectively. This represents a 15.3% increase which we believe is a good indicator of electronic subscription revenue growth, however, actual on-line subscription revenue may be impacted by other factors such as subscription renewal rates. Microfilm sales increased 7.0% as a result of price increases which more than offset declining unit sales.

PS revenue increased $11.3 million, or 7.3%, to $165.6 million. Growth in revenue is primarily due to a higher number of renewals and higher contract renewal pricing. Additionally, Alison’s revenue grew 11.1% from $25.2 million in 2000 to $28.0 million in 2001 mainly due to the release of the electronic version of their product TrackerPac in 2001.
Cost of Sales.
   
2001

  
2000

I&L  $125.5  $125.8
PS   61.5   63.4
   

  

Total  $187.0  $189.2
   

  

Our cost of sales decreased $2.2 million, or 1.2%, to $187.0 million in 2001 as a result of reduced sales of low margin hardware at PS and reduced costs associated with I&L’s data center.
Our overall gross profit margin (net sales less cost of sales) increased by 3.9 percentage points to 53.4% due to leveraging of our fixed cost infrastructure over increased revenues.
Research and Development.
   
2001

  
2000

I&L  $10.0  $6.1
PS   11.4   12.9
   

  

Total  $21.4  $19.0
   

  

Research and development expense increased $2.4 million, or 12.6%, to $21.4 million in 2001 as we continue to invest in creating new products and integrating technology that streamlines the delivery of this content to our customers. I&L research and development expense increased 63.9% from increased expenditures for database and information delivery systems, production scannerswhile PS research and other electronic devices for the Information Accessdevelopment expense decreased 11.6% from expense management.
Selling and Imaging segments, as well as for new mail processing systems that are more electronic and software driven and stand-alone software solutions for the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment. Administrative.
   
2001

  
2000

I&L  $60.2  $58.0
PS   52.7   52.2
Corporate   11.6   13.5
   

  

Total  $124.5  $123.7
   

  

Selling and administrative expense increased $10.2$0.8 million, or 5%0.6%, to $225.3$124.5 million in 1998 reflecting the Company's increased investment in2001. This reflects additional sales and marketing resources (which reflects anat I&L and PS offset by reduced Corporate expenses from staff reduction due to sale of discontinued operations.

Earnings from Continuing Operations.
   
2001

   
2000

 
I&L  $40.3   $30.3 
PS   40.0    28.0 
Corporate   (11.6)   (15.9)
   


  


Total  $68.7   $42.4 
   


  


Earnings from continuing operations increased $26.3 million, or 62.0%, to $68.7 million in 2001. The increase in earnings from continuing operations was due to the continuing high levels of subscription renewals, successful development of content for our ProQuest product line, and cost management.
I&L earnings increased $10.0 million, or 33.0%, to $40.3 million in 2001. I&L’s increased operating earnings is due to strong performance of our core electronic business, sales of new digital products from our Digital Vault Initiative and increased revenue from our XanEdu products.
PS earnings increased $12.0 million, or 42.9%, to $40.0 million in 2001. These strong results reflect the increased sales of EPCs and increased sales of motorcycle, marine and RV dealer management systems from the Powersports division.
Corporate expenses decreased $4.3 million, or 27.0%, to $11.6 million in 2001 due to reduction in corporate staff and cost management.
Net Interest Expense.    Net interest expense decreased $3.4 million, or 12.0%, to $25.0 million in 2001, primarily reflecting lower debt levels due to the Company utilizing the proceeds from the sales forceof discontinued operations to reduce the outstanding debt levels.
Income Tax Expense.    Income tax expense increased in 2001 as a result of higher operating earnings, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate for fiscal 2001.
The following items are not reflected in the Results of Operations table, but are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Restructuring.
   
2001

  
2000

 
I&L  $—    $4.8 
PS   —     1.7 
Corporate   —     (1.3)
   

  


Total  $—    $5.2 
   

  


        In connection with the restructuring plan that commenced in December 1999, additional restructuring charges of $5.2 million for our continuing operations were incurred in 2000. These charges related to severance, obligations under non-cancelable leases for which no economic benefit will be subsequently realized, and business separation costs.
Gain / (Loss) on Sales of Assets.
   
2001

   
2000

I&L  $—     $—  
PS   (2.3)   —  
Corporate   —      2.7
   


  

Total  $(2.3)  $2.7
   


  

On October 31, 2001, the Company sold certain assets of MotorcycleWorld.com, Inc. (MCW), including MCW’s various domain names and web site content to Powersports Network, Inc. During the fourth quarter of 2001, PS sold its interest in MotorcycleWorld.com, Inc.
Equity Loss.    The Company’s equity in bigchalk’s loss equaled $13.4 million in 2001. As a result of both venture capital financing and the exchange of the Company’s investment in an entity acquired by bigchalk for additional shares in bigchalk, the Company owns approximately 38.0% of bigchalk on a fully-diluted basis as of December 29, 2001.
Acquisitions.    In 2001, the Company purchased Softline Information, Campus Custom Publishing, and LearningHeritage Quest for a total of $17.8 million. We also made an additional $10.0 million investment in bigchalk.

The acquisition of CCP strengthens XanEdu’s current business. CCP provides electronic and paper supplements to more than 1,000 colleges and universities nationwide. In addition, CCP has streamlined copyright capabilities, which accelerates the timeframe in which copyrighted materials can be incorporated into XanEdu products. Finally, we acquired CCP’s archive of copyrighted content.
The Heritage Quest product line—which includes the popular Heritage Quest Web-based information service, as well as microfilm, CD-ROMs, and print products (Heritage Quest magazine, Geneaology Bulletin, more than 400 books, and more than 100 indexes)—is a valuable addition to ProQuest’s genealogical resources, including the Geneaology and Local History Online database and Sanborn Maps Online.
Softline Information offers more than 500 newspapers and magazines from ethnic, minority, native, gender, alternative, and independent press. The titles are organized into five specialized databases covering ethnic, cultural, and demographic diversity, including: Ethnic NewsWatch, Ethnic NewsWatch History, Alt-Press Watch, Gender Watch, and Diversity Your World.
These acquisitions did not have a material effect on the comparability to the 2000 Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fiscal 2000 Compared to Fiscal 1999
Net Sales.
   
2000

  
1999

I&L  $220.0  $198.2
PS   154.3   161.3
   

  

Total  $374.3  $359.5
   

  

The Company’s net sales from continuing operations increased $14.8 million, or 4.1%, to $374.3 million in 2000, resulting from strong sales growth of the I&L business, partially offset by a decline in sales of lower margin hardware products at PS.
Net sales at I&L increased $21.8 million, or 11.0%, to $220.0 million due to a growing electronic subscription base. Sales growth would have been 18.0% if 1999 sales were adjusted to reflect treatment consistent with 2000 accounting for both revenue recognition for new on-line subscriptions and for the results of the Company’s kindergarten through twelfth grade (“K-12”) Internet business (which was combined with the K-12 Internet business of Infonautics, Inc. in December 1999 to form bigchalk). Sales of electronic content (on a comparable basis) increased 33.0%, from fiscal 1999 to fiscal 2000 with the electronic subscription base continuing to reflect strong sales of ProQuest (the Company’s Internet based product offering), which was partially offset by lower CD-ROM/tape subscriptions as customers continued to migrate to on-line delivery of information via the Internet. Net sales of the more traditional microfilm and paper products (which represent 46.0% of I&L’s 2000 sales) were slightly above the prior year as increased pricing offset the lower unit volumes in subscription products.
Net sales of PS decreased $7.0 million, or 4.3%, to $154.3 million in 2000 as increased sales of performance database products and increased micropublishing sales to select vertical markets were more than offset by lower sales of hardware related to electronic parts catalogs. Fiscal 2000 hardware sales were impacted as our former proprietary hardware systems, which were non-Y2K compliant, were previously replaced in 1999. Sales of parts catalogs and dealer management systems and related service increased slightly and accounted for 68.0% of PS’s 2000 sales. Sales of non-electronic products including hardware decreased 20.0% from prior year, principally due to the lower hardware sales. Despite the modest overall sales decline in fiscal 2000, the installed base of systems in U.S. dealers subscribing to PS’s electronic parts catalog increased 7.0%. The sales decline would have been 3.0% if the prior year sales were adjusted to reflect consistent revenue recognition.

Cost of Sales.
   
2000

  
1999

I&L  $125.8  $113.2
PS   63.4   69.1
   

  

Total  $189.2  $182.3
   

  

The Company’s cost of sales increased $6.9 million, or 3.8%, to $189.2 million in 2000, with the gross profit percentage increasing by 0.2 percentage points to 49.5% reflecting a slightly more profitable product mix, increased pricing, and improved leveraging of the ProQuest data center cost infrastructure.
Research and Development.
   
2000

  
1999

I&L  $6.1  $7.0
PS   12.9   12.3
   

  

Total  $19.0  $19.3
   

  

Research and development expense decreased $0.3 million, or 1.6%, to $19.0 million in 2000 as the prior year reflected additional Y2K and ProQuest product development costs.
Selling and Administrative.
   
2000

  
1999

I&L  $58.0  $54.4
PS   52.2   46.3
Corporate   13.5   15.0
   

  

Total  $123.7  $115.7
   

  

Selling and administrative expense increased $8.0 million, or 6.9%, to $123.7 million in 2000, reflecting additional sales/marketing resources to capitalize on the sales growth opportunities of internet-based products),from Internet based products, as well as increased distribution costs associated with the higher sales volumes. volumes offset by a decrease in corporate expenses due to reduced corporate staff levels due to discontinued operations.

Earnings from Continuing Operations.
   
2000

   
1999

 
I&L  $30.3   $23.7 
PS   28.0    33.3 
Corporate   (15.9)   (14.8)
   


  


Total  $42.4   $42.2 
   


  


Earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes increased $18.7$0.2 million, or 26%0.5%, to $90.7$42.4 million while EBITDAin 2000 resulting from higher sales volume at I&L and leveraged operating costs and expenses offset by decreases at PS due to costs associated with our Internet initiative MotorcycleWorld.
I&L earnings increased $13.9$6.6 million, or 11%27.8%, to $142.7$30.3 million in 1998. Information Access2000 as the ProQuest on-line service became profitable. The on-line service achieved profitability through continued strong revenue growth as well as several initiatives to improve the cost structure of the technical infrastructure of the on-line system. Spending on Y2K related activities reduced software development costs in 2000 and helped drive the profit performance as well. Margins continued to improve on the microfilm business as pricing increases more than offset volume erosion. Partially offsetting this positive earnings increased $2.4performance was continued investment in several new Internet initiatives.
PS earnings decreased $5.3 million, or 5%15.9%, to $55.0$28.0 million in 1998, resulting2000. Improved results from the higher sales volumesperformance database products and an improved gross profit percentage (reflecting a more profitable product mix with a greater proportion of revenues related to software and publishing and a lower proportion related to the sale of hardware). Information Access EBITDA increased $4.9 million, or 5%, to $94.4 million in 1998. Mail and Messaging Technologies earnings increased $6.4 million, or 21%, to $36.4 million in 1998 (excluding the $6.6 million special charge in 1997), as the increased sales and improved gross profit percentage (also reflecting a more profitable product mix with an emphasis on software and service), drove the profitability improvement. Mail and Messaging Technologies EBITDA increased $5.6 million, or 15%, to $42.8 million in 1998. Imaging earnings increased $4.1 million, or 40%, to $14.5 million in 1998 reflecting the benefits of a lower cost infrastructure. Imaging EBITDA increased $4.2 million, or 26%, to $20.2 million in 1998. Corporate expenses increased $0.8 million, or 6%, to $15.2 million in 1998 as productivity improvementspowersports business lines were more than offset by inflationary/otherincreased investments.
Corporate expenses increased $1.1 million, or 7.4%, to $15.9 million in 2000 due to inflationary cost increases. -22-
Net Interest Expense.    Net interest expense decreased $16.2increased $18.3 million or 40%, to $24.4$28.4 million in 1998,2000, primarily reflecting increased debt levels associated with funding acquisitions in the prior year, the change in revenue recognition methodology at PS (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), and the impact of the Company's public offering$4.2 million of 5.0 million shares of Common Stock in September 1997, the proceeds of which, together with borrowings under the Company's Credit Agreement, were used to redeem debt. Net interest income of BHFS, the Company's financing subsidiary, increased $.8 million to $9.5 million in 1998, primarily due to continued growthaccrued in the lease receivables portfolio.prior year related to a favorable settlement with the Internal Revenue Service which resulted in an income tax refund with interest.
Income Tax Expense.    Income tax expense increaseddecreased in 19982000 as a result of a higherthe lower level of pretax profit, with the effective income tax rate remaining constant with the prior year.
The following items are not reflected in the Results of Operations table, but are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Restructuring.
   
2000

   
1999

I&L  $4.8   $—  
PS   1.7    —  
Corporate   (1.3)   10.5
   


  

Total  $5.2   $10.5
   


  

In connection with the restructuring plan (that commenced in December 1999), additional restructuring charges for the Company’s continuing operations of $5.2 million were incurred in 2000 related to severance, obligations under non-cancelable leases for which no economic benefit will be subsequently realized, and business separation costs.
Gain / (Loss) on Sales of Assets.
   
2000

  
1999

I&L  $—    $2.6
PS   —     —  
Corporate   2.7   2.6
   

  

Total  $2.7  $5.2
   

  

Gains /(losses) on sales of assets during fiscal 2000 of $2.7 million related to:
—the sale of a portion of the Company’s investment in its affiliate bigchalk resulting from the exercise of stock options granted to employees (gain of $0.9 million),
—the sale of the Company’s investment in an entity acquired by bigchalk in exchange for additional common stock of bigchalk (gain of $0.5 million), and
—additional proceeds related to the sale in 1999 of vacant land adjacent to one of the Company’s manufacturing operations (gain of $1.3 million).

Staff Accounting Bulletin No.101 Implementation
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements” (“SAB 101”). As a result of changing marketthis pronouncement, the Company has modified its accounting for revenue from new on-line subscriptions at I&L, and competitive dynamics within global government postal markets,from electronic parts catalog agreements at PS. See footnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a more complete discussion of the impact of the implementation of SAB 101.
As a result of the changes in the methods of accounting for revenue, approximately $114.8 million in revenue recognized in fiscal 1999 and prior years was reversed and included in the cumulative effect adjustment determined as wellof the beginning of fiscal 2000. Of this amount, $31.7 million and $44.3 million was recognized in 2001 and 2000, respectively. Furthermore, $38.8 million will be recognized in 2002 and future years.
International Operations
   
2001

  
2000

  
1999

Domestic sales  $310.4  $293.7  $290.0
Foreign sales   91.2   80.6   69.5
   

  

  

Total sales  $401.6  $374.3  $359.5
   

  

  

Foreign sales increased $10.6 million, or 13.1%, to $91.2 million in 2001 as a reviewresult of its future strategic focus,increased sales at PS of electronic products. New product sales at I&L were adversely impacted by currency valuations.
For I&L, we generally invoice international customers in December 1997U.S. dollars. During 2001 the U.S. dollar was very strong relative to most foreign currencies. Consequently, we reevaluated our policy of invoicing in U.S. dollars, and for certain customers in certain foreign countries, we began invoicing in local currencies.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company adopted a plangenerated cash from operations of $25.6 million during 2001, compared to divest its postal contracting business. Accordingly, the operating resultscash generated of this business have been segregated$42.1 in 2000. The decrease in cash generated from the Company's continuing operations and are separately reported as a discontinued operationwas primarily related to an increase in the consolidated financial statements. Net sales for this business increased $16.7 million to $45.0 million in 1998, with a net loss of $2.7 million in 1998 versus a net loss of $22.4 million in the prior year. The extraordinary losses of $28.9 million ($42.7 million pretax) in 1997 were comprised of the debt repurchase premiums and write-off of unamortized debt issuanceearnings offset by costs associated with content licenses, and payments in 2001 for charges accrued in 2000 related to accounts payable and the repurchasesrestructuring.
Cash utilized in funding acquisitions in 2001 was $27.8 million versus $9.7 million for 2000. In 2001, the Company purchased Softline Information, Campus Custom Publishing, and Heritage Quest, and made an additional investment in bigchalk. In 2000, the Company purchased Media Solutions, Inc. and made an additional investment in bigchalk. Acquisitions and investments are funded from cash generated from operations or from borrowings under the credit facility.
Cash received from the sale of discontinued operations was $286.9 million for 2001 (net of expenses) compared to none in 2000. The cash received from the sale of discontinued operations was a result of the 11 1/2% Senior Discount Debentures,sales of the 9 1/4% Senior NotesImaging business and the 10 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes. International Operations In fiscal 1999, 1998Mail and 1997,Messaging Technologies business and its financing subsidiary.

Cash used by financing activities was $252.4 million for 2001, compared to $14.2 million in 2000. The change in cash from financing activities was primarily due to the payment of debt with cash received from the sale of discontinued operations.
As part of the sale of MMT and its financing subsidiary, the Company had domestic net salesentered into certain contractual obligations and will continue to monetize limited amounts due from customers through MMT’s financing subsidiary for the next three years. The Company’s obligation related to certain portions of $714.3these monetized amounts have been classified as long-term deferred income on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In connection with these transactions, the Company retains maximum credit risk of approximately $0.3 million $670.0 million, and $633.2 million, respectively. Foreign net sales in fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997 were $249.0 million, $230.2 million, and $223.8 million, respectively. The Company's foreign currency hedging activities have not and are not anticipated to have a material impact on operations. Liquidity and Capital Resources per year.
The Company primarily finances its operations via a $600.0 million revolving credit agreement ("(“Credit Agreement"Agreement”) which matures in December 2003, with2003. The financial covenants of the Credit Agreement require the Company to maintain a minimum net worth level, a maximum leverage ratio, and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Although there are no principal payments due until December 2002 (at which time the maximum amount of the credit facility is reduced by $50.0 million), there are limitations on the Company’s ability to $500.0 million). At the end of fiscal 1999,pay dividends, repurchase common stock, incur additional indebtedness, and make certain investments, acquisitions or divestitures.
When the Company had $95.7sold its discontinued operations, the maximum amount of the credit facility was reduced from $600.0 million to $375.0 million. In February 2002, the credit facility was amended, decreasing the maximum amount of additionalthe credit -23- available underfacility to $325.0 million to reflect the Credit Agreement. TheCompany’s decreased borrowing needs after the sale of discontinued operations.
For the remaining two years on the term of the existing Credit Agreement, requires maintenanceannual maturities of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum net worth level, and a maximum leverage ratio. long-term debt are:
2002  $  0.3  million
2003     252.8  million
The Company is currently in compliance with all debt covenants. Upon the aforementioned split into two new companies, it is anticipated that the Credit Agreement will be repaid with proceeds of new credit facilities to be put in place at each of the new companies. The Company's financing subsidiary, BHFS, funds its operations by selling its lease receivables on a non-recourse basis under a Receivables Purchase Agreement. The agreement is renewable annually and includes the buyers' commitment to purchase new lease receivables. During fiscal 1999 and 1998, BHFS sold lease receivables of $27.0 million and $56.3 million respectively. Cash provided by operations was $40.0 million in fiscal 1999 versus cash provided by operations of $101.2 million in the prior year. Although EBITDA increased by $14.7 million over the prior year, such increase was more than offset by increased working capital requirements, reduced BHFS lease receivables sales, and increased income tax payments. As a result of significant investments in acquisitions/capital expenditures in fiscal 1999 which more than offset cash provided by operations/proceeds from asset sales, total debt (net of cash and cash equivalents) increased by $95.3 million to $529.6 million in 1999. Cash provided by operations increased $80.3 million to $101.2 million in 1998 resulting from an increase in EBITDA, the sale of BHFS receivables, and timing issues associated with receivable collections and vendor disbursements. As a result of the cash provided by operations which was partially offset by investments in acquisitions/capital expenditures, total debt (net of cash and cash equivalents) decreased by $54.1 million to $434.3 million in 1998. For the five years subsequent to fiscal 1999, annual maturities of long-term debt are: 2000 - $1.9 million; 2001 - $.5 million; 2002 - $.3 million; 2003 - $505.9 million: and 2004 - $0.
Capital Expenditures and Outlook
   
2001

  
2000

  
1999

Capital expenditures            
I&L  $5.3  $9.1  $9.6
PS   3.7   3.2   2.3
Corporate   0.2   0.1   0.4
   

  

  

Total   9.2   12.4   12.3
Product masters            
I&L   43.7   30.2   22.8
   

  

  

Total   52.9  $42.6  $35.1
   

  

  

In fiscal 1999, 19982001, 2000, and 1997,1999, capital expenditures for the Company'sCompany’s continuing operations were $45.1$52.9 million, $36.4$42.6 million, and $36.4$35.1 million, respectively, a significant portion of which consisted of expenditures for product masters and creation of databases for I&L.
The Company expects to meet its needs for working capital for operations, to fund capital expenditures and potential acquisitions and to meet its debt service requirements through cash generated from operations and the Information and Learning business. -24 Seasonalitycredit facilities discussed above. Although there are no material commitments, the Company expects capital spending in general2002 to increase to approximately to $54.0 million. These expenditures will be concentrated

primarily on ongoing and new product master prepublication costs that management believes will generate future revenue growth. The Company’s plans are dependent on the availability of funds as well as the identification of projects showing sufficient returns. As a result, there is not affected by seasonal fluctuations,no assurance that the buying patternsCompany’s planned level or type of capital spending will actually occur in the future.
Seasonality
The Company’s quarterly operating results fluctuate as a result of a number of factors including the sales cycle, the amount and timing of new products and the Company’s spending patterns. In addition, our customers experience cyclical funding availability for certain ofissues that can impact our revenue patterns. Historically, the Company has experienced its customers cause sales, profitabilitylowest earnings and cash flow to be higherin the first fiscal quarter with its highest earnings in the fourth quarter of the year.fiscal quarter. Due to this seasonal factor, the Company maintains a revolving credit facility to fund interim cash requirements. Impact of the Year 2000 As previously reported, over the past few years the Company assessed the impact on its products and computer systems of Year 2000 ("Y2K") related issues. The Company's Y2K compliance plans included: inventorying affected technology and assessing the impact of the Y2K issue; developing resultant solution plans; modification/replacement and testing/certification of systems and software; and developing contingency plans as appropriate. The Company identified its products and services that were not Y2K compliant, and would not be modified or upgraded to become Y2K compliant. These products and services were at the end of their natural product life cycle. Most affected customers, were offered newer Y2K compliant replacement products and services. For those products and services that were not Y2K compliant, the Company provided notice to customers of its intent not to provide ongoing support of such products or services after 1999. The Company relies on third party suppliers for systems, products and services. The Company had a comprehensive supplier compliance program in place, as the Company could have been adversely impacted if these suppliers did not make the necessary changes to their own systems/products in a timely manner. The outcome of the Company's Y2K compliance plans was that the Company successfully transitioned into the year 2000 without any significant problems in software, hardware or products/services. EURO In January 1999, eleven of fifteen member countries of the European Union established fixed conversion rates between their existing currencies ("legacy currencies") and one common currency, the euro. The euro trades on currency exchanges and may be used in business transactions. The conversion to the euro eliminates currency exchange rate risk between the member countries. Beginning in January 2002, new euro-denominated bills and coins will be issued, and legacy currencies will be withdrawn -25- from circulation. The Company's operating subsidiaries affected by the euro conversion have established plans to address the issues raised by the euro currency conversion. Management believes that future costs related to the euro conversion will not have a material adverse impact upon the consolidated operations or financial condition of the Company.
Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards
In June 1998,July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards BoardBoards (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")(SFAS) No. 133, 141,“Business Combinations” and No. 142,“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No. 141 addresses financial accounting and reporting for business combinations, and eliminates the pooling of interest method as a valid method to account for a business combination for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill no longer be amortized to earnings, but instead be reviewed for impairment on an annual basis. The amortization of goodwill ceases upon adoption of the Statement, which for the Company will be December 30, 2001, the first day of the Company’s next fiscal year. The net book value of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets was $231.5 million and $222.3 million for 2001 and 2000, respectively. While management is continuing to assess the impact of these Statements on the Company’s results of operations and financial position, the adoption of these statements is expected to reduce 2002 annual goodwill amortization expense by approximately $7.7 million. Additionally, the effects of any future impairment, as provided by SFAS No. 142, on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations are unknown.
In October 2001, the FASB approved Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.the Impairment of Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS 144). This statement provides a comprehensive standardaddresses financial accounting and reporting for the recognitionimpairment of long-lived assets and measurementfor long-lived assets to be disposed of derivatives and hedging activities.supersedes SFAS 121 and APB Opinion No. 30. SFAS 144. is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early application encouraged. The Company is currentlystill evaluating the effects of any future impairment and disposal of long-lived assets, as provided by SFAS 144, but does not believe they will have a material impact on the Company’s results of this standard, the effective date of which was postponed until fiscal 2001 per SFAS No. 137. In December 1999, the Securitiesoperations and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements. As a result of this pronouncement (which becomes effective in fiscal 2000), the Company will modify its accounting for new on-line subscriptions, with the cumulative effect (which the Company is currently evaluating) as of the beginning of fiscal 2000 being recognized as a change in accounting principle which will be reflected in the first quarter of fiscal 2000. financial position.

Item 7a.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About - ------- ---------------------------------------------- Market Risk -----------
Interest Rate Risk
The Company, as a result of its global operating and financing activities, is exposed to changes in foreign currency and interest rates which may adversely affect its results of operations and financial position. In seeking to minimize such risks, the Company uses derivative financial instruments. The Company periodically utilizes interest rate swaps, caps and collars in order to hedge its exposure to interest rate risk on debt outstanding.outstanding debt. Specifically, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps having notional amounts totaling $200 million at December 29, 2001. The Company also periodically utilizespotential impact on the Company’s earnings from a 50 basis point increase or decrease in quoted interest rates would be approximately $0.2 million expense or benefit for 2001. The interest rate swaps have expiration dates through December 2003. The notional amounts outstanding and the approximate weighted-average swap rate versus 3-month LIBOR at December 31 are as follows:
December 31, 2002            $200 million            6.14%
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company’s practice is to hedge its significant operating balance sheet exposures to foreign currency rate fluctuations via use of foreign currency forward or option contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency rates.contracts. The Company does not utilize financial derivatives for trading or other speculative purposes. The Company has entered into various contracts to buy or sell foreign currencies. The contracts have maturity dates extending through February 2002, and are for an aggregate amount of $67.3 million (which approximates the fair value based on quoted market prices) . The Company is exposed to market risk in the event of nonperformance by the other parties (major international banks) to these contracts, however, such nonperformance is not anticipated. The potential impact on the Company’s earnings from a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency rates would be insignificant.
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - ------ ------------------------------------------- -26- Independent Auditors' Report

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
The Board of Directors Bell & Howell
ProQuest Company:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bell & HowellProQuest Company and subsidiaries (the "Company"“Company”) as of the end of fiscal years 1999December 29, 2001 and 1998,December 30, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders'shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the fiscal years 1999, 1998ended December 29, 2001, December 30, 2000, and 1997.January 1, 2000. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company'sCompany’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted auditing standards.in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bell & HowellProQuest Company and subsidiaries as of the end of fiscal years 1999December 29, 2001 and 1998,December 30, 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the fiscal years 1999, 1998ended December 29, 2001, December 30, 2000, and 1997January 1, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Notes 1 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company changed its methods of accounting principles.for certain inventory costs and revenue recognition during fiscal 2000.
/s/    KPMG LLP Chicago, Illinois
Detroit, Michigan
February 16,11, 2002

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2001, December 30, 2000 -27-
Bell & Howell Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations Fiscal Years 1999, 1998 and 1997 (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Net sales: Product ...................................................... $ 692,065 $ 663,955 $ 650,296 Service ...................................................... 271,208 236,195 206,675 -------- -------- -------- Total net sales .............................................. 963,273 900,150 856,971 Cost of product .............................................. 424,758 392,697 388,644 Cost of service .............................................. 173,306 153,559 142,869 Research and development expense ............................. 37,605 37,939 38,321 Selling and administrative expense ........................... 239,986 225,255 215,095 Gains on sales of assets ..................................... (11,746) -- -- Restructuring charge ......................................... 36,765 -- -- -------- -------- -------- Earnings from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate and extraordinary items ........................ 62,599 90,700 72,042 Net interest expense: Interest income .............................................. (30,734) (24,518) (22,252) Interest expense ............................................. 50,632 48,918 62,844 -------- -------- -------- Net interest expense ......................................... 19,898 24,400 40,592 -------- -------- -------- Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate and extraordinary items ..... 42,701 66,300 31,450 Income tax expense ........................................... 23,299 26,520 12,580 Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ....................... (950) -- -- -------- -------- -------- Earnings from continuing operations before extraordinary items ......................................... 18,452 39,780 18,870 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ................. (464) (2,666) (22,441) Extraordinary losses ......................................... -- -- (28,889) -------- -------- -------- Net earnings (loss) .......................................... $ 17,988 $ 37,114 $ (32,460) ======== ======== ======== Net earnings (loss) per common share: Basic: Earnings from continuing operations before extraordinary items ......................................... $ 0.78 $ 1.70 $ .96 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ................. (0.02) (0.11) (1.14) Extraordinary losses ......................................... -- -- (1.46) -------- -------- -------- Net earnings (loss) per common share ......................... $ 0.76 $ 1.59 $ (1.64) ======== ======== ======== Diluted: Earnings from continuing operations before extraordinary items ......................................... $ 0.77 $ 1.69 $ .95 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ................. (0.02) (0.11) (1.13) Extraordinary losses ......................................... -- -- (1.45) -------- -------- -------- Net earnings (loss) per common share ......................... $ 0.75 $ 1.58 $ (1.63) ======== ======== ======== Average number of common shares and equivalents outstanding: Basic ........................................................ 23,569 23,388 19,756 Diluted ...................................................... 23,853 23,569 19,900and January 1, 2000
(In thousands, except per share data)
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

 
Net sales  $401,628   $374,301   $359,460 
Cost of sales   (186,963)   (189,196)   (182,300)
Research and development expense   (21,381)   (19,034)   (19,259)
Selling and administrative expense   (124,546)   (123,642)   (115,732)
Restructuring charge   —      (5,196)   (10,505)
Gain /(loss) on sales of assets   (2,312)   2,726    5,152 
   


  


  


Earnings from continuing operations before interest,               
income taxes, equity in loss of affiliate and               
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   66,426    39,959    36,816 
Net interest expense:               
Interest income   1,159    2,404    5,450 
Interest expense   (26,198)   (30,765)   (15,582)
   


  


  


Net interest expense   (25,039)   (28,361)   (10,132)
   


  


  


Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes,               
equity in loss of affiliate and cumulative               
effect of a change in accounting principle   41,387    11,598    26,684 
Income tax expense   (15,727)   (4,639)   (10,674)
Equity in loss of affiliate   (13,374)   (20,848)   (950)
   


  


  


Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before               
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   12,286    (13,889)   15,060 
Earnings from discontinued operations (less applicable income               
taxes of $1,840, $6,979, and $12,184, respectively)   3,002    10,469    2,731 
Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net (less applicable               
income taxes of $1,518, $0, and $0 respectively)   2,476    —      —   
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   —      (65,302)   —   
   


  


  


Net earnings (loss)  $17,764   $(68,722)  $17,791 
   


  


  


Net earnings (loss) per common share:               
Basic:               
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle  $0.52   $(0.59)  $0.64 
Earnings from discontinued operations   0.13    0.45    0.11 
Gain on sales of discontinued operations   0.10    —      —   
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   —      (2.76)   —   
   


  


  


Net earnings (loss) per basic common share  $0.75   $(2.90)  $0.75 
   


  


  


Diluted:               
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle  $0.51   $(0.59)  $0.64 
Earnings from discontinued operations   0.13    0.45    0.11 
Gain on sales of discontinued operations   0.10    —      —   
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   —      (2.76)   —   
   


  


  


Net earnings (loss) per diluted common share  $0.74   $(2.90)  $0.75 
   


  


  


Average number of common shares and equivalents outstanding:               
Basic   23,805    23,657    23,569 
Diluted   24,077    23,657    23,853 
            The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
-28-
Bell & Howell Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets At the End of Fiscal Years 1999 and 1998 (Dollars in thousands) Assets ------ 1999 1998 -------- -------- Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents ............................ $ 4,773 $ 18,074 Accounts receivable .................................. 269,526 233,667 Inventory: Finished products .................................... 58,493 57,343 Products in process and materials .................... 45,938 41,587 -------- ------- Total inventory ...................................... 104,431 98,930 Other current assets ................................. 12,748 11,803 -------- ------- Total current assets ................................. 391,478 362,474 Property, plant and equipment: Land ................................................. 2,242 4,168 Buildings ............................................ 45,278 51,381 Machinery and equipment .............................. 187,476 157,242 Product masters ...................................... 233,509 210,691 -------- ------- Total property, plant and equipment, at cost.......... 468,505 423,482 Accumulated depreciation.............................. (310,668) (275,277) -------- ------- Net property, plant and equipment .................... 157,837 148,205 Long-term receivables ................................ 64,177 66,746 Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization ............ 271,445 208,385 Net assets of discontinued operations ................ 7,347 9,230 Other assets ......................................... 78,240 41,253 -------- ------- Total assets ......................................... $ 970,524 $836,293 ======== ======== The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
-29-
Bell & Howell Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets At the End of Fiscal Years 1999 and 1998 (Dollars and shares in thousands) Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity ------------------------------------ 1999 1998 -------- -------- Current liabilities: Notes payable ............................................. $ 25,646 $ 3,776 Current maturities of long-term debt ...................... 1,916 3,365 Accounts payable .......................................... 72,978 79,553 Accrued expenses .......................................... 83,600 83,854 Deferred income ........................................... 206,213 190,008 -------- -------- Total current liabilities ................................. 390,353 360,556 Long-term liabilities: Long-term debt ............................................ 506,783 445,240 Other liabilities ......................................... 76,122 59,719 -------- -------- Total long-term liabilities ............................... 582,905 504,959 Shareholders' equity: Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 23,969 shares issued and 23,632 shares outstanding at the end of fiscal 1999, and 23,516 shares issued and 23,277 shares outstanding at the end of fiscal 1998 .................... 24 24 Capital surplus ........................................... 153,654 140,819 Notes receivable from executives .......................... (1,544) (2,523) Retained earnings (deficit) ............................... (143,209) (161,197) Cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments ....... (2,867) (500) Treasury stock ............................................ (8,792) (5,845) -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity (deficit) ...................... (2,734) (29,222) -------- -------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ................ $ 970,524 $ 836,293 ======== ======== The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
-30-
Bell & Howell Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Fiscal Years 1999, 1998 and 1997 (Dollars in thousands) 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- ------- Operating activities: Earnings from continuing operations before extraordinary items ........................ $ 18,452 $ 39,780 $ 18,870 Extraordinary losses ............................... -- -- (28,889) Depreciation and amortization ...................... 58,470 52,482 61,366 Debt accretion ..................................... -- -- 18,038 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable ................................ (27,084) (32,453) (15,585) Inventory .......................................... (3,326) 4,889 30 Other current assets ............................... (594) 143 (501) Long-term receivables .............................. 2,569 (121) (11,918) Income taxes ....................................... 1,729 22,171 (21,748) Accounts payable ................................... (9,938) 3,457 178 Accrued expenses ................................... 5,322 3,088 (5,559) Deferred income and other long-term liabilities .... 8,353 16,894 9,348 Other, net ......................................... (15,311) (17,667) 18,400 -------- -------- ------- Cash provided by continuing operations ............. 38,642 92,663 42,030 Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations .... 1,419 8,574 (21,083) -------- -------- ------- Cash provided by operating activities .............. 40,061 101,237 20,947 Investing activities: Expenditures for property, plant and equipment ..... (45,134) (36,403) (36,380) Acquisitions ....................................... (119,089) (7,020) (18,638) Proceeds from asset sales .......................... 20,904 -- -- -------- -------- ------- Cash used by investing activities .................. (143,319) (43,423) (55,018) Financing activities: Proceeds from short-term debt ...................... 34,200 14,493 8,648 Repayment of short-term debt ....................... (11,369) (14,405) (12,511) Proceeds from long-term debt ....................... 108,982 54,616 383,673 Repayment of long-term debt ........................ (48,888) (104,182) (485,538) Proceeds from (purchases of) Common Stock, net ..... 7,602 (4,081) 138,430 -------- -------- ------- Cash provided (used) by financing activities ....... 90,527 (53,559) 32,702 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash ............ (570) 480 (792) -------- -------- ------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ... (13,301) 4,735 (2,161) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ..... 18,074 13,339 15,500 -------- -------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ........... $ 4,773 $ 18,074 $ 13,339 ======== ======== ======== The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
-31-
Bell & Howell Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Fiscal Years 1999, 1998 and 1997 (Dollars and shares in thousands) Notes Accumulated Common Stock Receivable Retained Other ---------------- Capital from Earnings Comprehensive Issued Treasury Surplus Executives (Deficit) Income Total ------ -------- -------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Balance, at the end of fiscal 1996 (Common stock, 18,359 shares; treasury stock, 50 shares) ......... $ 18 $(1,633) $ 1,402 $ (1,444) $(165,851) $ 616 $(166,892) Comprehensive income: Net loss ........................ (32,460) (32,460) Foreign exchange translation adjustments ........ (3,538) (3,538) ------- Total comprehensive income (35,998) Common stock, 5,066 shares .......... 5 137,258 137,263 Notes receivable from executives .... (263) (263) Treasury stock, net 40 shares ....... 1,342 1,342 ----- ------ ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Balance, at the end of fiscal 1997 (Common stock, 23,425 shares; treasury stock, 10 shares) ......... 23 (291) 138,660 (1,707) (198,311) (2,922) (64,548) Comprehensive income: Net earnings .................... 37,114 37,114 Foreign exchange translation adjustments ........ 2,422 2,422 ------- Total comprehensive income 39,536 Common stock, 91 shares ............. 1 2,159 2,160 Notes receivable from executives .... (816) (816) Treasury stock, net 229 shares ...... (5,554) (5,554) ----- ------ -------- ------- -------- ------ ------- Balance, at the end of fiscal 1998 (Common stock, 23,516 shares; treasury stock, 239 shares) ........ 24 (5,845) 140,819 (2,523) (161,197) (500) (29,222) Comprehensive income: Net earnings .................... 17,988 17,988 Foreign exchange translation adjustments ........ (2,367) (2,367) ------- Total comprehensive income .......... 15,621 Common stock, net 453 shares ........ 9,701 9,701 Tax benefit from stock options exercised .......................... 3,074 3,074 Notes receivable from executives .... 979 979 Treasury stock, net 98 shares ....... (2,947) 60 (2,887) ----- ------ -------- ------- -------- ------ ------- Balance, at the end of fiscal 1999 (Common stock, 23,969 shares; treasury stock, 337 shares) ........ $ 24 $(8,792) $153,654 $ (1,544) $(143,209) $(2,867) $ (2,734) ===== ====== ======= ======= ======== ====== ======= The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
-32- Bell & Howell Company and Subsidiaries Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Dollarsare an integral part of these statements.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000
(In thousands)
   
2001

   
2000

 
ASSETS
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $2,659   $10,610 
Accounts receivable, net   89,726    76,302 
Inventory:          
Finished products   1,821    1,932 
Products in process and materials   2,620    2,672 
   


  


Total inventory   4,441    4,604 
Other current assets   33,283    30,111 
   


  


Total current assets   130,109 ��  121,627 
Property, plant, equipment and product masters:          
Land   915    891 
Buildings   29,334    26,859 
Machinery and equipment   109,408    108,831 
Product masters   307,215    263,589 
   


  


Total property, plant, equipment and product masters, at cost   446,872    400,170 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (292,843)   (267,054)
   


  


Net property, plant, equipment and product masters   154,029    133,116 
Long–term receivables   23,200    1,450 
Goodwill, and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization   231,533    222,271 
Net assets of discontinued operations   —      261,155 
Other assets   89,226    66,967 
   


  


Total assets  $628,097   $806,586 
   


  


The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000
(In thousands)
   
2001

   
2000

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:          
Notes payable  $564   $15,568 
Current maturities of long–term debt   292    466 
Accounts payable   42,633    43,134 
Accrued expenses   85,740    35,594 
Current portion of long-term deferred income   26,124    24,725 
Deferred income   114,739    112,881 
   


  


Total current liabilities   270,092    232,368 
Long-term liabilities:          
Long–term debt, less current maturities   252,782    501,821 
Long-term deferred income   59,933    63,923 
Other liabilities   90,362    78,133 
   


  


Total long-term liabilities   403,077    643,877 
   


  


Shareholders’ equity:          
Common stock (24,546 shares issued and 24,096 shares          
outstanding at the end of fiscal 2001, and 24,078 shares          
issued and 23,622 shares outstanding at the end of fiscal 2000)   24    24 
Capital surplus   169,050    156,708 
Notes receivable for stock purchases   (1,071)   (1,180)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)   (195,851)   (213,615)
Treasury stock   (11,335)   (11,493)
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment   1,001    (103)
Unrealized loss from derivatives   (6,890)   —   
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (5,889)   (103)
   


  


Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)   (45,072)   (69,659)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)  $628,097   $806,586 
   


  


The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2001, December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000
(In thousands)
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

 
Operating activities:               
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle  $12,286   $(13,889)  $15,060 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:               
Equity in loss of affiliate   13,374    20,848    950 
(Gain) / loss on sales of assets   2,312    (2,726)   (5,152)
Depreciation and amortization   53,554    51,737    44,653 
Deferred taxes   (9,132)   10,907    8,668 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:               
Accounts receivable   (11,882)   (10,066)   (12,016)
Inventory   556    1,802    (1,647)
Other assets   (10,075)   (2,346)   210 
Long-term receivables, net   —      2,881    (4,523)
Accounts payable   (2,085)   5,432    (3,766)
Accrued expenses   1,525    (139)   (6,312)
Deferred income and other long-term liabilities   (8,394)   (6,897)   (59)
Other, net   (16,398)   (15,488)   (7,043)
   


  


  


Cash provided by operating activities
 
   25,641    42,056    29,023 
Investing activities:               
Expenditures for property, plant, equipment and product masters   (52,924)   (42,623)   (35,055)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (27,803)   (9,650)   (102,154)
Proceeds from asset sales   100    2,556    12,955 
Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations   286,928    —      —   
   


  


  


Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
   206,301    (49,717)   (124,254)
Financing activities:               
Proceeds from short-term debt   5,644    14,629    34,200 
Repayment of short-term debt   (19,988)   (23,141)   (11,369)
Proceeds from long-term debt   43,683    37,335    108,982 
Repayment of long-term debt   (292,896)   (43,747)   (48,888)
Proceeds from sales of common stock, net   11,169    688    7,602 
   


  


  


Cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (252,388)   (14,236)   90,527 
Net cash provided (used) by discontinued operations.   12,923    28,885    (8,027)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (428)   (1,151)   (570)
   


  


  


Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (7,951)   5,837    (13,301)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   10,610    4,773    18,074 
   


  


  


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $2,659   $10,610   $4,773 
   


  


  


The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2001, December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
   
Common Stock

   
Capital Surplus

  
Notes Receivable from Stock Purchases

   
Retained Earnings (Deficit)

     
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  
Total

 
   
Issued

  
Treasury

             
Balance, at the end of fiscal 1998                           
(Common stock, 23,516 shares;                                 
treasury stock, 239 shares)  $24  $(5,845)   140,819   (2,523)   (162,684)        (244)   (30,453)
Comprehensive income:                                 
Net earnings                     17,791         17,791 
Foreign exchange                                 
translation adjustments                               (170)   (170)
                               


Total comprehensive income                               17,621 
Common stock, net 453 shares            9,701                  9,701 
Tax benefit from stock options                                 
exercised            3,074                  3,074 
Notes receivable                979              979 
Treasury stock, net 98 shares       (2,947)   60                  (2,887)
   

  


  

  


  


    
  


Balance, at the end of fiscal 1999                                 
(Common stock, 23,969 shares;                                 
treasury stock, 337 shares)   24   (8,792)   153,654   (1,544)   (144,893)        (414)   (1,965)
Comprehensive income:                                 
Net earnings                     (68,722)        (68,722)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments                               311   311 
                               


Total comprehensive income                               (68,411)
Common stock, net 109 shares            2,941                  2,941 
Tax benefit from stock options                                 
exercised            113                  113 
Notes receivable                364              364 
Treasury stock, net 119 shares       (2,701)                      (2,701)
   

  


  

  


  


    
  


Balance, at the end of fiscal 2000                                 
(Common stock, 24,078 shares;                                 
treasury stock, 456 shares)  $24   (11,493)   156,708   (1,180)   (213,615)        (103)   (69,659)
Comprehensive income:                                 
Net earnings                     17,764         17,764 
Foreign exchange translation adjustments                             1,104   1,104 
Unrealized gain (loss) from derivatives                             (6,890)   (6,890)
                               


Total comprehensive income                               11,978 
Common stock, net 468 shares            11,169                  11,169 
Tax benefit from stock options exercised            1,173                  1,173 
Notes receivable                109              109 
Treasury stock, net 6 shares       158                       158 
   

  


  

  


  


    
  


Balance, at the end of fiscal 2001                                 
(Common stock, 24,546 shares;                                 
treasury stock, 450 shares)  $24  $(11,335)  $169,050  $(1,071)  $(195,851)    $(5,889)  $(45,072)
   

  


  

  


  


    
  


The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1 - 1—Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations/Spin-Off of Information Access Business Segment. Bell & HowellOperations.    ProQuest Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"“Company”) is a leading global information solutions and services provider. The Company consists of threetwo business segments, Information Access, Mail and Messaging TechnologiesLearning (I&L), and Imaging.Publishing Services (PS). Within its Information AccessI&L segment, Bell & HowellProQuest develops and markets information services and systems that are focused on the needs of its customers in select vertical niches, including libraries of all kinds (government, college/university, corporate and public) and transportation and vehicle dealers. Within its Mail and Messaging Technologies segment, the Company develops and markets a complete range of high volume mail processing. PS provides systems and services, which increasingly utilizeinformation products used by automotive, powersports and recreational vehicle dealers.
Basis of Presentation.    Certain amounts in the Company's proprietary (nonetheless, open standards-based) softwareprior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to expandconform to the capabilities and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customers' mailing operations. Within its Imaging segment, the Company develops and markets imaging systems and components that enable its customers to effectively file and access their documents and records, with a focus on financial institutions, governmental agencies and other paper intensive industries. In January 2000, the Company announced its plans to split into two new companies to maximize the growth prospects of its businesses. One company will consist of the Information Access business segment and the second company will consist of the Mail and Messaging Technologies and Imaging business segments. The Company expects to complete the split by the end of fiscal 2000. current year presentation.
Use of Estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted accounting principlesin the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Subsequent actual results may differ from those estimates. -33-
Principles of Consolidation.    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries except where control is temporary.
In December 1999, the Company combined its kindergarten through twelfth grade ("K-12"(“K-12”) internetInternet business with the K-12 internetInternet business from Infonautics, Inc. to form bigchalk.com.bigchalk.com, inc. (“bigchalk”). At the end of fiscal 1999, the Company owned 69% of the common equity of bigchalk.com (suchbigchalk; such control was temporary, as in January 2000, venture capital financing was raised which lowered the Company'sCompany’s ownership interest to approximately 45%). In fiscal 1999,Further venture capital financing was raised in December 2000 and February 2001 which lowered the Company'sCompany’s ownership interest to approximately 38% on a fully-diluted basis. Accordingly, the Company accounts for its ownership interest in bigchalk using the equity method.
In the first quarter of bigchalk.com was a loss of $950. In December 1997,2000, the Company adopted a plan to divest its postal contracting business,Mail and accordinglyMessaging Technologies and Imaging businesses and its financing subsidiary. Accordingly, the operating results and net assets of this businessthese businesses have been segregated from the Company'sCompany’s continuing operations, and are separately reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). 6)
Fiscal Year.    The Company'sCompany’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31. References to fiscal 2001 are for the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2001, references to fiscal 2000 are for the 52 weeks ended December 30, 2001, and references to fiscal 1999 are for the 52 weeks ended January 1, 2000, references2000.
Revenue Recognition.    The Company derives revenues from licenses of database content, sales of microform subscriptions, service, software, and equipment.
I&L provides its customers with access to fiscal 1998periodicals, newspapers, dissertations, out-of-print books and other scholarly material in exchange for a fee that normally covers a period of twelve months. Revenues from these subscription agreements are recognized ratably over the term of the agreements using the straight-line method. In addition to sales of subscription products, I&L also sells products where revenue is recognized when all material elements of the sale have been realized. These products include microform newspaper and periodical backfiles, research collections, out of print books, dissertation copies, and dissertation publishing.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

PS publishes parts catalogs for automotive dealerships and also provides dealer management systems software for powersports dealerships. Parts catalog products are generally sold under multiple-element arrangements that include hardware and related operating systems software, an electronic parts catalog (EPC) database and retrieval system, an agreement to provide periodic updates to the EPC database over the term of the arrangement, and specified services. The Company allocates the total revenue to be received under these arrangements between two elements—the hardware and related operating system software element and the remaining deliverables considered together as a group—based on relative fair value.
The Company accounts for the 52 weeks ended January 2, 1999,hardware and referencesrelated operating systems software element as a sales-type lease, and recognizes sales revenue equal to fiscal 1997 arethe normal selling price for the 53 weeks ended January 3, 1998. Revenue Recognition. Product sales include sales of equipment, software and subscriptions. Equipment and software license sales are recognizedsuch systems upon shipment, when all significant contractual obligations are satisfied and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. RevenuesThe remainder of the fee due under these arrangements is recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
Revenue from subscriptionspowersports dealer management systems software is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. Multiple element software license fees are deferredallocated based on the relative fair values of the elements and recognized inwhen accepted by the periods the subscriptions are fulfilled. For new on-line subscriptions in the Information Access segment, revenues are recognized commensurate with costs incurred in order to yield a constant gross margin percentage throughout the initial subscription period. As such subscriptions are renewed, revenues are recognized equally throughout the subsequent subscription period. Per the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" (issued December 1999, effective in fiscal 2000), revenues for new on-line subscriptions will be recognized equally over the initial subscription period, with the cumulative effect (which the Company is currently evaluating) as of the beginning of fiscal 2000 being recognized as a change in accounting principle which will be reflected in the first quarter of fiscal 2000. -34- Service sales represent amounts earned by providing equipment maintenance services. Where such services are provided under annual agreements, revenues are recognized equally over the periods of the agreements. Other service revenues are recognized when the services are performed. customer.
The Company periodically reviews its accounts receivable balances and estimates required allowances for doubtful accounts. Allowances for doubtful accounts at the end of fiscal 19992001 and 19982000 were $10,447$1,353 and $15,910,$1,693, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation.    The financial position and results of operations of each of the Company'sCompany’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the respective fiscal periods. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the end of the respective fiscal periods. Balance sheet translation adjustments arising from differences in exchange rates from period to period are includedreflected as a separate component of shareholders'shareholders’ equity, and are included in the determination of the Company'sCompany’s comprehensive income.
Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share.    Basic net earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, and assumes the issuance of additional common shares for all dilutive stock options outstanding during the period. A reconciliation of the weighted average number of common shares and equivalents outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share is shown in the table below for the periods indicated:
1999 1998 1997 ------ ------ ------ Basic ........................................... 23,569 23,388 19,756 Dilutive effect of stock options................. 284 181 144 ------ ------ ------ Diluted ......................................... 23,853 23,569 19,900 ====== ====== ======
-35- Earnings per share in fiscal 1999 includes the impact of significant restructuring efforts (preceding the aforementioned split into two new companies) and the impact of the Company's equity investment in its affiliate (bigchalk.com):
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share from Continuing Operations before Extraordinary Items - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before restructuring charge and equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ........ $ 2.00 $ 1.69 $ .95 Restructuring charge ........................... (1.19) -- -- Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ......... (0.04) -- -- ------ ------ ------ Earnings per common share ...................... $ .77 $ 1.69 $ .95 ====== ====== ======
   
2001

  
2000

  
1999

Basic  23,805  23,657  23,569
Dilutive effect of stock options  272  —    284
   
  
  
Diluted  24,077  23,657  23,853
   
  
  
Cash and Cash Equivalents.    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less (when purchased) to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Inventory.    Inventory is valued at cost determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") and the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") methods, with the following balances at the end of fiscal 1999 and 1998:
Year end LIFO FIFO Total -------- -------- -------- -------- 1999 ......................... $ 73,081 $ 31,350 $104,431 1998 ......................... 66,477 32,453 98,930
The Company uses the LIFO method of valuing the majority of domestic inventories. The excess of replacement cost over the LIFO values of inventory was approximately $4,302 and $4,900 at the end of fiscal 1999 and 1998, respectively. Inventory cost includescosts include material, labor and overhead and is valuedoverhead. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined using the first–in, first–out (“FIFO”) method) or market. During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company changed its method of inventory valuation for the PS business from the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method to the FIFO method as the majority of the inventory items for this business have been continuing to decrease in price. Accordingly, the Company believes that the FIFO method results in a better measurement of operating results. All previously reported results have been restated to reflect the retroactive application of this accounting change as required by generally accepted accounting principles. The accounting change lowered net realizable value. earnings by $105 and $197 for 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Property, Plant, Equipment and Equipment.Product Masters.    Property, plant, equipment and equipment isproduct masters are recorded at cost. The straight-line method of depreciation is primarily used, except for Information AccessI&L product masters (which represent the cost to create electronic and microform master document copies which are subsequently used in the production process to fulfill customers'customers’ information requirements), which are depreciated on the double declining balance method. Estimated lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and building improvements, 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment and 10 years for product masters. Goodwill.
Goodwill which represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of netand Other Intangible Assets.    Goodwill and other intangible assets of acquired businesses, isare amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected future periods to be benefitted,benefited, which range from 15 to 40 years. The Company periodically assessesevaluates the recoverability of the net book value of this -36- intangible asset, particularly in the case of a change in business circumstances or other triggering event, by determining whether the amortization of the goodwillasset balance over its remaining life can be recovered through related forecasted future operating cash flows.flows for each operation having a significant goodwill balance. In cases where expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the net book value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the net book value exceeds the fair value of the assets. The Company's restructuring charge in fiscal 1999 included $17.4 millionassessment of the recoverability of goodwill write-offs in the Imaging business segment related to impaired asset values (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).will be impacted if estimated future operating cash flows are not achieved. Accumulated amortization at the end of fiscal 19992001 and 19982000 was $57,855$64,905 and $47,873,$56,853, respectively.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.    The Company reviews the carrying value of property, plant, equipment and product masters and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value as estimated by discounted cash flows. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost of disposal.
Long-Term Deferred Income.    Long-term deferred income represents amounts due from customers in the future that have been monetized by the Company’s previously owned finance subsidiary (Bell & Howell Financial Services, or BHFS). As part of the sale of MMT, BHFS was sold and the Company entered into certain contractual obligations and will continue to monetize limited amounts due from customers through BHFS for the next three years. The Company’s obligation related to certain portions of these monetized amounts will be satisfied within the next twelve months; these amounts have been classified as the current portion of long-term deferred income.
Income Taxes.    Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Stock Option Plan.    As permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"(“SFAS”) No. 123, "AccountingAccounting for Stock Based Compensation"Compensation, the Company accounts for its stock option plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB"(“APB”) Opinion No. 25, "AccountingAccounting for Stock Issued to Employees"Employees and related Interpretations.interpretations. As such, compensation expense would be recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. Pro forma net income and earnings per share disclosures for employee stock option grants based on the fair value-based method (defined in SFAS No. 123), whereby the fair value of stock-based awards at the date of grant would be subsequently expensed over the related vesting periods, are included in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 15.
Derivative Financial Instruments. Instruments and Hedging Activities.    On December 31, 2000, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 138,“Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities—an amendment of SFAS No. 133”and, SFAS No. 133,“Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”SFAS No. 138 amends the accounting and reporting standards of SFAS No. 133 for certain derivative instruments and certain hedging activities. SFAS No. 133 requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measures them at fair value. Adoption of SFAS No. 138 and SFAS No. 133 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company does not invest in any derivatives for trading purposes. The Company periodically utilizesCompany’s interest bearing loans and borrowings are subject to interest rate risk. As part of the Company’s risk management, $200,000 of notional amount US dollar interest rate swaps caps and collars in order to hedge its exposure toare currently designated as cash flow hedges of the U.S. dollar LIBOR interest rate risk on debt outstanding.issuances. During fiscal 2001, the Company dedesignated $150,000 of notional amount swaps due to the sale of discontinued operations.
All derivative contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges are also reported at fair value with the changes in fair value recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The Company also periodically utilizesrecognizes the earnings impact of interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges upon the payment of the interest related to the underlying debt. The terms of the interest rate swaps exactly match the terms of the underlying transaction, therefore, there is no hedge ineffectiveness or corresponding earnings impact.
All derivative contracts that were dedesignated as cash flow hedges are reported at fair value. The Company recognized an additional $6,258 million (net of tax) expense as a result of the dedesignation of these cash flow hedges, and is reporting it as a component of the gain on sales of discontinued operations.
Foreign Exchange Risks
A portion of revenues, earnings and net investment in foreign currency forward or option contracts in order to hedge its exposureaffiliates is exposed to changes in foreign exchange rates. Substantially all foreign exchange risks are managed through operational means. However, the Company believes that foreign exchange risks related to certain transactions are better managed by utilizing foreign currency ratesforwards or option contracts. These contracts are reported at fair value and periodically utilizes equityany changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings. These contracts have not been designated for hedging treatment under SFAS No. 138 and SFAS No. 133.
Accounting
The impact the derivatives have on the financial statements are as follows:
Other Liabilities
Fair value of interest rate swaps

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges
Interest Expense
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges
Gain on Sales of Discontinued Operations, net
Interest rate swaps dedesignated as cash flow hedges
Approximately $11,113 of net derivative losses included in other comprehensive income at December 29, 2001 will be reclassified into earnings within twelve months from that date.
The following table summarizes the net activities in other comprehensive income related to hedge its exposure under certain retirement plans.derivatives classified as cash flow hedges held by the Company during fiscal 2001:
Cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 133 as of December 31, 2000  $(3,277)
(Gains)/losses reclassified into net earnings   5,760 
Year-to-date net unrealized loss on derivatives   (13,595)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income   4,222 
   


Total, net of tax  $(6,890)
   


For the year ended December 30, 2000, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 133,“Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Amounts related to derivative contracts arewere recorded using the hedge accounting approach.approach, and gains and losses on derivative instruments were included in the basis of the underlying hedged transaction. The Company currently doesdid not recognize the fair values of these derivative financial investments or their changes in fair value in its consolidated financial statements. Note 2 -
New Accounting Pronouncements.    In accordance with recently issued accounting pronouncements, the Company will be required to comply with certain changes in accounting rules and regulations.
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141,Business SegmentsCombinations” and No. 142,“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No. 141 addresses financial accounting and reporting for business combinations, and eliminates the pooling of interest method as a valid method to account for a business combination for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill no longer be amortized to earnings, but instead be reviewed for impairment on an annual basis. The amortization of goodwill ceases upon adoption of the Statement, which for the Company will be December 30, 2001, the first day of the Company’s next fiscal year. The net book value of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets was $231.5 million and $222.3 million for 2001 and 2000, respectively. While management is continuing to assess the impact of these Statements on the Company’s results of operations and financial position, the adoption of these statements is expected to reduce 2002 annual goodwill amortization expense by approximately $7.7 million. Additionally, the effects of any future impairment, as provided by SFAS No. 142, on the Company’sconsolidated financial position and results of operations are unknown.
In October 2001, the FASB approved Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144,“Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS 144). This Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets and for long-lived assets to be disposed of and supersedes SFAS 121 and APB Opinion No. 30. SFAS 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 15, 2001, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early application encouraged. The Company which is organized onstill evaluating the basiseffects of productsany future impairment and services,disposal of long-lived assets as provided by SFAS 144.
Note 2—Business Segments
The Company has threetwo reportable business segments, Information Access, MailI&L and Messaging Technologies and Imaging.PS. (Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of segment operations).operations.) The Company evaluates the performance of and allocates resources to each of the segments based on their operating results excluding interest and taxes. The accounting policies for each of the segments are described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. -37- 1.
Information concerning the Company'sCompany’s reportable business segments and operations by geographic area for fiscal 1999, 19982001, 2000, and 19971999 for its continuing operations wasis as follows (dollars in millions):
   
2001

   
I&L

  
PS

  
Corp.

   
Total

Net Sales  $236.0  $165.6  —     $401.6
Operating Income(1)   40.3   40.0  (11.6)   68.7
Capital Expenditures   49.0   3.7  0.2    52.9
Depreciation and Amortization(2)   45.7   6.7  0.5    52.9
Total Assets   428.8   101.8  97.5    628.1
   
2000

   
I&L

  
PS

  
Corp.

   
Total

Net Sales  $220.0  $154.3  —     $374.3
Operating Income(1)   30.3   28.0  (15.9)   42.4
Capital Expenditures   39.3   3.2  0.1    42.6
Depreciation and Amortization(2)   44.2   6.6  0.6    51.4
Total Assets   381.8   101.8  61.8    545.4
   
1999

   
I&L

  
PS

  
Corp.

   
Total

Net Sales  $198.2  $161.3  —     $359.5
Operating Income(1)   23.7   33.3  (14.8)   42.2
Capital Expenditures   32.4   2.3  0.4    35.1
Depreciation and Amortization(2)   37.7   5.9  0.6    44.2
Total Assets   374.5   108.4  22.4    505.3

Earnings from Continuing Operations Before
(1)
Operating Income Taxes, Equityexcludes gain /(loss) on sales of assets, restructuring charges, equity in Earnings (Loss)loss of Net Sales Affiliateaffiliate and Extraordinary Items ---------------------------- ----------------------------------- Business Segments 1999 1998 1997 1999 (1) 1998 1997 ----------------- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- -------- Information Access .............. $358.8 $320.5 $306.1 $ 59.3 $ 55.0 $ 52.6 Mail and Messaging Technologies . 429.8 404.4 377.5 30.6 36.4 23.4 Imaging ......................... 174.7 175.3 173.4 21.8 14.5 10.4 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total ......................... 963.3 900.2 857.0 111.7 105.9 86.4 Interest expense, net ........... (19.9) (24.4) (40.6) Corporate expenses .............. (12.3) (15.2) (14.4) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Consolidated .................... $963.3 $900.2 $857.0 $ 79.5 $ 66.3 $ 31.4 ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Capital Expenditures Depreciation and Amortization (2) ---------------------------- ------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Information Access .............. $ 34.7 $ 29.6 $ 27.9 $ 43.6 $ 39.4 $ 36.9 Mail and Messaging Technologies . 6.6 4.4 4.7 7.9 6.4 7.2 Imaging ......................... 3.4 2.1 3.4 5.9 5.7 5.6 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total ......................... 44.7 36.1 36.0 57.4 51.5 49.7 Corporate ....................... .4 .3 .4 .6 .5 .5 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Consolidated .................... $ 45.1 $ 36.4 $ 36.4 $ 58.0 $ 52.0 $ 50.2 ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Identifiable Assets ---------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 ------ ------ ------ Information Access .............. $494.3 $354.2 $358.9 Mail and Messaging Technologies . 282.0 270.3 225.5 Imaging ......................... 113.4 114.4 108.2 ----- ----- ----- Total ......................... 889.7 738.9 692.6 Corporate ....................... 73.5 88.2 86.8 Discontinued operations ......... 7.3 9.2 20.5 ----- ----- ----- Consolidated .................... $970.5 $836.3 $799.9 ===== ===== ===== (1) Excludes restructuring chargecumulative effect of $36.8 million ($1.6 million for Information Access, $4.0 million for Mail and Messaging Technologies, $22.1 million for Imaging and $9.1 million for Corporate). a change in accounting principle.
(2)
Excludes amortization/write-off of deferred financing costs.
-38-

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   
2001

  
2000

  
1999

Geographic Area Data            
Net Sales(3):            
United States  $310.4  $293.7  $290.0
Europe   58.5   56.9   48.5
Other   32.7   23.7   21.0
   

  

  

Total  $401.6  $374.3  $359.5
   

  

  

Total Assets:            
United States  $549.2  $465.9  $423.9
Europe   77.5   77.4   77.9
Other   1.6   2.1   3.5
   

  

  

Total   628.1   545.4   505.3
Discontinued operations   0.0   261.2   278.5
   

  

  

Consolidated  $628.1  $806.6  $783.8
   

  

  


1999 1998 1997 ------ ------ ------ Geographic Area Data Net Sales
(3): United States ......................... $ 714.3 $ 670.0 $ 633.2 Europe ................................ 195.4 168.8 162.7 Other ................................. 53.6 61.4 61.1 ------ ------ ------ Total .................................. $ 963.3 $ 900.2 $ 857.0 ====== ====== ====== Identifiable Assets: United States ......................... $ 697.6 $ 628.4 $ 602.6 Europe ................................ 173.9 95.2 76.0 Other ................................. 18.2 15.3 14.0 ------ ------ ------ Total ............................... 889.7 738.9 692.6 Corporate ............................. 73.5 88.2 86.8 Discontinued operations ............... 7.3 9.2 20.5 ------ ------ ------ Consolidated ........................... $ 970.5 $ 836.3 $ 799.9 ====== ====== ====== (3)
Revenue is classified according to its country of destination (including exports to such areas).
Note 3 - Sales3—Acquisitions and Disposal of Assets
In April 2001, the Company acquired the collegiate copyright and print coursepack service, Campus Custom Publishing (CCP) for $2.3 million. The $3.4 million excess of the consideration given over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill.
In August 2001, the Company acquired Heritage Quest, the Salt Lake City-based genealogical information company, from Sierra On-Line, Inc. for $5.5 million. The $3.1 million excess of the consideration given over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill.
In November 2001, the Company acquired SoftLine Information, the Stamford, Connecticut-based producer of online databases for libraries and education institutions for $10.0 million. The $12.3 million excess of the consideration given over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill.
The fiscal 2001 sales of assets included:
   
Proceeds

  
Loss on Sale

 
The sale of MotorcycleWorld.com  $100  $(2,312)
   

  


On October 31, 2001, the Company sold certain assets of MotorcycleWorld.com, Inc. (MCW), including MCW’s various domain names and web site content to Powersports Network, Inc.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The fiscal 2000 sales of assets included:
   
Proceeds

  
Gain on Sale

The sale of a portion of the Company’s investment in its affiliate bigchalk   1,156   867
The sale of the Company’s investment in an entity acquired by bigchalk in exchange for additional common stock of bigchalk   —     489
Additional proceeds related to the sale in 1999 of vacant land adjacent to one of the Company’s manufacturing operations   1,400   1,370
   

  

   $2,556  $2,726
   

  

The fiscal 1999 sales of assets included the sale of:
Proceeds Gain on Sale ------------ ------------ Microfilm conversion business within the imaging segment ............................ $ 4,500 $ 3,791 Product line in the Netherlands within the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment .... 3,449 2,803 A portion of the Company's investment in its affiliate (bigchalk.com) within the Information Access segment ................. 3,500 2,626 Vacant land adjacent to one of the Company's manufacturing operations ................... 9,455 2,526 ------ ------ $20,904 $11,746 ====== ======
-39- included:
   
Proceeds

  
Gain on Sale

The sale of a portion of the Company’s investment in its affiliate bigchalk   3,500   2,626
The sale of vacant land adjacent to one of the Company’s manufacturing operations   9,455   2,526
   

  

   $12,955  $5,152
   

  

Note 4 - 4—Restructuring
In December 1999, the Company announcedapproved a plan to separate its Mail and Messaging Technologies business, BHFS, and its Imaging business from its core information and publishing operations, and to restructure and consolidate its corporate headquarters and certain activities of its continuing operations. The plan was developed to enhance the Company’s operational focus and growth prospects and reduce its leverage. In connection with the implementation of this plan, the Company recorded a charge in continuing operations of $10,505 in fiscal 1999, of which $8,909 related to restructuring at the corporate headquarters and $1,198 and $400 related to personnel reductions at PS and I&L, respectively. The Company also recognized an additional charge of $26,260 related to discontinued operations in connection with this restructuring plan.
In fiscal 2000, the Company recorded additional restructuring charges related to the original plan adopted in 1999. In continuing operations, a charge of $5,196 was recognized in 2000. The Company also recognized additional charges of $7,393 in discontinued operations in 2000.
The plan to separate the Company’s Mail and Messaging Technologies, BHFS and Imaging businesses included restructuring the Company’s corporate staff. In 1999, a charge of $4,307 was recorded related to the planned severance of 69 corporate staff employees. The headquarters facility relocation resulted in a charge of $4,600 for costs related to estimated future obligations under a noncancellable lease for the facility.
The personnel reductions at PS affected the areas of micropublishing and various other support functions, and resulted in the planned termination of 51 employees and the recognition of a severance charge of $1,198. I&L restructured its operation into business units and, as a result, recorded a charge of $400 in connection with the termination of 2 support function employees.
In total, the fiscal 1999 restructuring provided for the separation of 122 employees (114 domestic employees and 8 international employees) of which approximately twenty percent (24) were management and eighty percent (98) were non-management employees.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

In 2000, the Company continued to pursue its plan to divest its non-core businesses and to focus its resources on its PS and I&L businesses. In 2000, the Company incurred various legal, accounting and consulting fees related to the implementation of the restructuring plan and the separation of the businesses, and recorded a charge of $1,490. In late 2000, the Company entered into a sublease for its former headquarters facility and, as a result, reduced the accrual for loss on this noncancellable lease by $3,100. This reversal of the accrual is netted against a charge taken in 2000 by I&L for future costs related to noncancellable computer hardware leases (see further discussion below) in the table detailing the 2000 activity related to restructuring (below).
A charge of $1,159 was recorded at PS related to further consolidation of its microfilm businesses that resulted in the termination of 34 employees in various support functions. In addition, PS recorded a charge of $474 for the impairment of goodwill related to Microfilm Systems, which the Company acquired in 1998. This company provided microfilm publishing for a single customer. During 2000, PS determined it would no longer provide microfilm publishing to this customer, and the associated goodwill was deemed to be impaired.
The Company also recorded an additional charge of $279 related to the reorganization of the I&L segment into business units. This charge reflected the costs associated with the planned severance of 33 customer/technology support employees. I&L also recorded a charge of $4,500 for future costs related to noncancellable computer hardware leases. Such equipment was no longer needed as a result of the consolidation of certain of its operations,computer systems.
The fiscal 2000 restructuring charge provided for the separation of a total of 72 employees (65 domestic employees and 7 international employees) of which resultedapproximately ten percent (7) were management and ninety percent (65) were non-management employees.
During fiscal 2001, all remaining employees included in the Company recording a charge of $36,765 ($28,277 after-tax). The restructuring plan resulted from management's desire to enhance the future profitability of each of the Company's business segments and is related to management's decision to split into two new companies (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The restructuring plan will be substantially completed over the next twelve to eighteen months, with the fiscal 1999 charge consisting of the following costs:
Severance (for approximately 400 employees comprised of salaried and hourly employees at certain of the Company's North American and European subsidiaries) .................... $10,316 Asset impairment costs (primarily resulting from goodwill write-offs in the Imaging business segment) .................. 18,742 Obligations under various noncancellable leases ............... 7,707 ------ $36,765 ======
Prior to the end of fiscal 1999, the restructuring plan was approved by the Company's Board of Directors, with the related severance costs based on preexisting severance agreements and the number, job classification and location of affected employees to bewere terminated. At the end of fiscal 1999, no portion
The details of the severance cost approved has been paid to affected employees. Accrued costs for obligations under various noncancellable leases relate to contractual payments that were committed to prior to approving the restructuring plan, for which no economic benefit to the Company will be subsequently realized. The restructuring plan identifies all significant actions to be taken and significant changes to such plancharges are not likely. as follows:
     
Balance End of 2000

    
2001 Activity

     
Balance End of 2001

         
Restruct. Charge

  
Utilized

     
           
Cash

   
Noncash(1)

     
Continuing Operations
                            
Severance    $1,980    $—    $(1,980)  $—       $—  
Asset impairment costs     —       —     —      —        —  
Obligations under various noncancellable leases     4,293     —     (4,293)   —        —  
     

    

  


  


    

Continuing Operations    $6,273     —     (6,273)   —        —  
     

    

  


  


    

Discontinued Operations
                            
Severance    $327    $—    $(211)  $(116)    $—  
Asset impairment costs     —       —     —      —        —  
Obligations under various noncancellable leases     2,743     —     (31)   (2,712)     —  
     

    

  


  


    

Discontinued Operations     3,070     —     (242)   (2,828)     —  
     

    

  


  


    

Total Company    $9,343     —    $(6,515)  $(2,828)    $—  
     

    

  


  


    


(1)
Non-cash charge is to eliminate restructuring reserve at discontinued operations which were sold during fiscal 2001.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 5 - 5—Income Taxes
The earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in earnings (loss)loss of affiliate and extraordinary items,cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, on which income taxes were provided in fiscal 2001, 2000, and 1999 1998 and 1997 were:
1999 1998 1997 -------- ------- ------- United States ............................... $35,689 $60,589 $27,199 Foreign ..................................... 7,012 5,711 4,251 ------ ------ ------ Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate and extraordinary items ........... $42,701 $66,300 $31,450 ====== ====== ======
-40-
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

 
United States  $43,568   $12,958   $27,498 
Foreign   (2,181)   (1,360)   (814)
   


  


  


Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in loss of affiliate and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle  $41,387   $11,598   $26,684 
   


  


  


The provision for income taxes in fiscal 1999, 19982001, 2000, and 19971999 included the following:
1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Current income tax expense (benefit): United States ............................... $ 8,823 $ 6,370 $ 5,977 State and local ............................. 2,379 485 (7) Foreign ..................................... 2,842 2,986 2,918 ------ ------ ------ Current income tax expense .................. 14,044 9,841 8,888 ------ ------ ------ Deferred income tax expense (benefit): United States ............................... 8,179 14,414 2,576 State and local ............................. 495 3,231 1,683 Foreign ..................................... 581 (966) (567) ------ ------ ------ Deferred income tax expense ................. 9,255 16,679 3,692 ------ ------ ------ Income tax expense .......................... $23,299 $26,520 $12,580 ====== ====== ======
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

 
Current income tax expense (benefit):               
United States  $10,475   $3,509   $6,912 
State and local   803    649    1,858 
Foreign   591    22    217 
   


  


  


Current income tax expense   11,869    4,180    8,987 
   


  


  


Deferred income tax expense (benefit):               
United States   3,622    (83)   2,431 
State and local   356    301    (455)
Foreign   (120)   241    (289)
   


  


  


Deferred income tax expense   3,858    459    1,687 
   


  


  


Income tax expense  $15,727   $4,639   $10,674 
   


  


  


The significant components of deferred income tax expense in fiscal 1999, 19982001, 2000, and 19971999 were as follows:
1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Deferred income tax expense (benefit), exclusive of components listed below ....... $ 7,505 $ 1,220 $(2,585) Operating loss carryforwards ................ 4,736 20,761 13,636 Tax credits ................................. (2,986) (5,302) (7,359) ------ ------ ------ Deferred income tax expense ................. $ 9,255 $16,679 $ 3,692 ====== ====== ======
-41-
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit), exclusive of components listed below  $(3,796)  $(1,626)  $(1,220)
Operating loss carryforwards   15,178    3,683    10,523 
Tax credits   (7,524)   (1,598)   (7,616)
   


  


  


Deferred income tax expense  $3,858   $459   $1,687 
   


  


  


PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Deferred income taxes are primarily provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company'sCompany’s assets and liabilities. The tax effects of the major temporary differences (for both continuing and discontinued operations) that gave rise to the deferred tax asset (liability) at the end of fiscal 19992001 and 19982000 were as follows:
1999 1998 -------- -------- Deferred tax assets are attributable to: Accrued expenses ....................................... $ 12,105 $ 9,232 Deferred compensation .................................. 13,939 11,475 Postretirement benefits ................................ 3,834 3,703 Accounts receivable .................................... 3,169 5,872 Operating loss carryforwards ........................... 5,492 9,112 Tax credits ............................................ 15,510 13,005 Other .................................................. -- 5,180 ------ ------- Total gross deferred tax assets ........................ 54,049 57,579 Valuation allowance .................................... (4,935) (5,151) ------ ------- Net deferred tax assets ................................ 49,114 52,428 Deferred tax liabilities are attributable to: Property, plant and equipment .......................... (11,845) (12,379) Intangibles ............................................ (20,677) (17,387) Deferred income ........................................ (33,597) (34,053) Undistributed foreign earnings ......................... (3,035) (3,157) Other .................................................. (2,165) -- ------- ------- Total gross deferred tax liabilities ................... (71,319) (66,976) ------- ------- Net deferred tax liabilities ........................... $(22,205) $(14,548) ======= =======
Net deferred tax liabilities, including amounts
   
2001

   
2000

 
Deferred tax assets are attributable to:          
Accrued expenses  $6,142   $4,878 
Deferred compensation   13,889    8,054 
Postretirement benefits   745    3,514 
Accounts receivable   391    3,441 
Deferred income   12,634    1,562 
Inventory   —      7,158 
Loss carryforwards   49,535    8,300 
Tax credits   32,791    16,420 
Other   3,662    —   
   


  


Total gross deferred tax assets   119,789    53,327 
Valuation allowance   (64,969)   (12,480)
   


  


Net deferred tax assets   54,820    40,847 
   


  


Deferred tax liabilities are attributable to:          
Property, plant and equipment   (10,593)   (9,052)
Intangibles   (8,946)   (14,281)
Inventory   (26)   —   
Undistributed foreign earnings   —      (3,104)
Other   —      (4,181)
   


  


Total gross deferred tax liabilities   (19,565)   (30,618)
   


  


Net deferred tax asset  $35,255   $10,229 
   


  


The change in the valuation allowance in 2001 related to discontinued operations, are classified as other long-term liabilitiesincreases in the balance sheet. Valuation allowances are established forCompany’s equity loss of affiliate, net operating losses of certain foreign jurisdictions and a capital loss carryover where the future realization of deferred tax assets haveis not been assumed. Atconsidered likely. In assessing the endrealizability of fiscal 1999, the net deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of $49,114 are expected tothe deferred tax assets will not be realized throughrealized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of taxable temporary differences which generatedeferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income. income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. As of December 29, 2001, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances. However, the amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The differences between the Company'sCompany’s effective rate for income taxes on the Company’s continuing operations and the statutory federal income tax rate in fiscal 1999, 19982001, 2000, and 19971999 were as follows:
1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Statutory federal income tax rate ................... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit .......... 6.7 5.3 5.3 Foreign earnings .................................... 2.0 .6 2.6 Amortization/write-off of intangibles ............... 15.2 1.5 3.2 Repatriation of foreign earnings .................... (0.3) .2 (0.9) Other ............................................... (4.0) (2.6) (5.2) ----- ----- ----- Effective income tax rate ........................... 54.6% 40.0% 40.0% ===== ===== =====
-42-
     
2001

     
2000

     
1999

 
Statutory federal income tax rate    35.0%    35.0%    35.0%
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:                  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit    2.8     6.9     5.3 
Foreign tax rate differential    3.0     7.5     .8 
Amortization/write-off of intangibles    2.0     8.5     2.9 
Benefit from foreign sales corporation    (2.4)    (8.1)    (10.8)
Other    (2.4)    (9.8)    6.8 
     

    

    

Effective income tax rate    38.0%    40.0%    40.0%
     

    

    

At the end of fiscal 1999,2001, the foreign net operating loss carryforwards were $11,462$6,306 and expire as follows: $1,301 in 2000, $10 in 2001, $4,583$904 in 2002, $4,260$3,776 in 2003, $183$82 in 2004, $327 in 20052006 and $798 in 2007. $1,544 may be carried forward indefinitely.
In the United States, the Company'sCompany’s current tax liability is the greater of its regular tax or alternative minimum tax ("AMT"(“AMT”). To the extent that AMT exceeds regular tax, the Company is entitled to an AMT credit. At the end of fiscal 1999,2001, the Company has AMT credits of $15,306$16,211 that may be carried forward indefinitely and used as credits in future tax returns against regular tax in the event that the regular tax exceeds the AMT. Net income
Income taxes paid, net of refunds, for fiscal 2001, 2000, and 1999 1998were $2,516, $4,708 and 1997 were $20,629, $2,571 and $5,533, respectively.
Note 6 - 6—Discontinued Operations
In December 1997,the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company adopted a plan to divest its postal contractingMail and Messaging Technologies (MMT) business in both the North American and accordinglyinternational markets, BHFS, and the Imaging business. Accordingly, the operating results and net assets of this businessthese businesses have been segregated from the Company’s continuing operations. The Consolidated Statements of Operations separately reflect the earnings (loss) of the postal contracting business,these businesses, which includes an allocation of the Company'sCompany’s interest expense based on proportionate net assets.average asset basis. The Consolidated Balance Sheets separately reflect the net assets of the postal contracting businessthese businesses as a non-current asset.
Results from discontinued operations are shown in the tables below for Fiscal Years 1999, 1998the fiscal years indicated:
   
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended December 29, 2001

 
   
MMT NA
& BHFS

  
Imaging

  
MMT
Int’l

   
Total Disc.
Ops.

 
Net sales  $259,618  $10,924  $29,542   $300,084 
Earnings (loss) before restructuring charge, interest and income taxes   12,993   1,133   (893)   13,233 
   

  

  


  


Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes  $12,993  $1,133  $(893)  $13,233 
Interest expense, net                (8,391)
Income tax expense                (1,840)
                


Earnings from discontinued operations               $3,002 
                


PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended December 30, 2000

 
   
MMT NA
& BHFS

   
Imaging

   
MMT
Int’l

   
Total Disc.
Ops.

 
Net sales  $358,597   $134,003   $83,518   $576,118 
Earnings before restructuring charge, interest and income taxes   20,046    16,611    664    37,321 
Restructuring charge   (1,879)   (2,347)   (3,168)   (7,394)
   


  


  


  


Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes  $18,167   $14,264   $(2,504)  $29,927 
Interest expense, net                  (12,479)
Income tax expense                  (6,979)
                  


Earnings from discontinued operations                 $10,469 
                  


   
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended January 1, 2000

 
   
MMT NA
& BHFS

   
Imaging

   
MMT
Int’l

   
Total Disc.
Ops.

 
Net sales  $350,416   $173,987   $105,491   $629,894 
Earnings before restructuring charge, interest and income taxes   22,534    20,701    8,521    51,756 
Restructuring charge   (8,581)   (17,179)   (500)   (26,260)
   


  


  


  


Earnings before interest and income taxes  $13,953   $3,522    8,021   $25,496 
Interest expense, net                  (10,581)
Income tax expense                  (12,184)
                  


Earnings from discontinued operations                 $2,731 
                  


In January 2000, the Company announced it would divest its disparate lines of business, namely the MMT, BHFS and 1997the Imaging businesses. While the Company’s original plan was to establish and operate the MMT, BHFS and Imaging businesses as a single separate company, adverse changes in the credit and equity markets in the first half of fiscal 2000 caused management to revise the plan. The revised plan was to sell these businesses either together or separately, and to use the proceeds to reduce debt. In February 2001, the Company sold its Imaging business to Kodak for $135,000. In June 2001, the Company sold a majority of MMT’s foreign operations to Pitney Bowes for $51,000. In September 2001, the Company sold its North American MMT business and BHFS to Glencoe Capital for $145,000 less amounts retained by the buyer for proposed working capital adjustments. Included in the proceeds from Glencoe Capital is a seller-financing note in the amount of $21,750 million. This note has an 8½ year term, with an initial interest rate of 7.5%. Certain disincentives exist if the note is not paid off in 42 months, including warrants representing 3.5% of the new entity which detach after 42 months. The Company has assigned no value to these warrants, as the likelihood of them detaching is low.
Each of the sales agreements are subject to working capital adjustments. The Company is currently working through the working capital adjustments with each of the buyers. The Company believes it has adequately reserved for all anticipated working capital adjustments as of December 29, 2001.
Further, gains or losses resulted from the sale of each discontinued business, and were derived as follows:
1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Net sales ...................................... $ 26,081 $ 44,996 $ 28,256 Earnings (loss) before income taxes ............ (773) (4,444) (37,401) Income tax expense (benefit) ................... (309) (1,778) (14,960) ------- ------- ------- Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ... $ (464) $ (2,666) $(22,441) ======= ======= =======
At
   
Imaging

   
MMT NA & BHFS

   
MMT International

   
Total

 
Purchase price  $135.0   $145.0   $51.0   $331.0 
Net assets, reserves, and expenses   (62.4)   (213.6)   (51.0)   (327.0)
   


  


  


  


Gain/(loss) on sale  $72.6   $(68.6)  $—     $4.0 
   


  


  


  


PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 7—Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements” (“SAB 101”). As a result of this pronouncement, the Company has modified its accounting for revenue from new on-line subscriptions in the I&L business, and from electronic parts catalog agreements in the PS business.
Consistent with the SEC guidelines contained in SAB 101, beginning in fiscal 2000, revenue for new on-line subscriptions at I&L is recognized equally throughout the initial subscription period, with appropriate cost deferral. Previously, such revenue was recognized during the initial subscription period in proportion to costs incurred, in order to yield a constant gross profit percentage throughout the subscription period.
Under the new method of revenue recognition at PS, all electronic parts catalog content revenue is recognized over the term of the agreement using the straight-line method. Previously, the Company recognized revenue related to the content element of these agreements primarily upon delivery of the product to the customer, with a portion deferred and recognized on the straight-line basis over the initial agreement period. A liability of approximately $88,600 as of December 29, 2000 represents the amount due from customers in the future that had been monetized by the Company’s finance subsidiary prior to the revenue recognition change.
The cumulative effect of adopting these changes in accounting for revenue are reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $65,300 (net of a tax benefit of $38,500) as of the beginning of fiscal 2000. The effect of the changes in fiscal 2001 and 2000 was to reduce earnings from continuing operations by approximately $4,900 (or $0.20 per diluted share) and $8,000 (or $0.34 per diluted share), respectively. The pro-forma amounts shown below have been adjusted for the effect of retroactive application of the new revenue recognition methods and the related income taxes:
   
1999

Earnings from continuing operations  $6,388
Net earnings  $9,119
Net earnings per common share:    
Basic:    
Earnings from continuing operations  $0.27
Net earnings per common share  $0.39
Diluted:    
Earnings from continuing operations  $0.27
Net earnings per common share  $0.38
As a result of the changes in the methods of accounting for revenue, approximately $114,800 in revenue recognized in fiscal 1999 and prior years was reversed and included in the cumulative effect adjustment determined as of the beginning of fiscal 2000. Of this amount, $31.7 million and $44.3 million was recognized in 2001 and 2000, respectively and $38.8 million will be recognized in 2002 and future years.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 8—Other Current Assets
Other current assets at the end of fiscal 1999, the Company has substantially wound down its postal contracting business via contract completions, sale of technology,2001 and the collection of outstanding balances for products delivered/services performed. Future sales to postal contracting authorities (related to pre-existing initiatives), will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and will be included in the Mail and Messaging Technologies segment. -43- Note 7 - Extraordinary Losses The fiscal 1997 extraordinary losses of $28,889 ($42,734 pretax) were comprised2000 consisted of the debt repurchase premiumsfollowing:
   
2001

  
2000

Short-term deferred tax asset  $19,167  $17,039
Prepaid royalties   6,614   6,175
Commissions   2,385   998
Other   5,117   5,899
   

  

Total  $33,283  $30,111
   

  

Note 9—Other Assets
Other assets at the end of fiscal 2001 and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the repurchases of $229,712 (accreted value)2000 consisted of the 11 1/2% Senior Discount Debentures, $80,000following:
   
2001

  
2000

Licenses  $10,939  $1,811
Purchased/developed software   33,995   27,490
Long-term deferred tax asset   35,653   23,808
Long-term commissions   5,277   6,106
Investment in bigchalk   —     3,374
Other   3,362   4,378
   

  

Total  $89,226  $66,967
   

  

Included in amortization expense is software amortization of $9,200, $9,137 and $5,686 for the years 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively.
Note 10—Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses at the end of fiscal 2001 and 2000 consisted of the 9 1/4% Senior Notes and $57,080 of the 10 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes. following:
   
2001

  
2000

Salaries and wages  $18,105  $17,140
Profit sharing   2,954   2,971
Reserve for buyer’s note and business sold   26,750   —  
Accrued income taxes   11,365   4,091
Other   26,566   11,392
   

  

Total  $85,740  $35,594
   

  

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 8 - 11—Debt and Lines of Credit
Debt at the end of fiscal 19992001 and 19982000 consisted of the following:
1999 1998 ------- ------- Notes payable ........................................... $ 25,646 $ 3,776 ======= ======= Long-term debt: Revolving Credit Agreement ............................. $501,700 $441,100 Other long-term debt ................................... 6,999 7,505 ------- ------- Long-term debt, including current maturities ............ 508,699 448,605 Less: current maturities ................................ 1,916 3,365 ------- ------- Long-term debt .......................................... $506,783 $445,240 ======= =======
   
2001

  
2000

Notes payable  $564  $15,568
   

  

Long-term debt:        
Revolving credit agreement  $252,700  $497,600
Other long-term debt   374   4,687
   

  

Long-term debt  253,074  502,287
Less: current maturities   292   466
   

  

Long-term debt, less current maturities  $252,782  $501,821
   

  

The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings at the end of fiscal 19992001 and 19982000 was 7.07% for each period. At5.75% and 7.76%, respectively.
Under the end of fiscal 1999, the Company had foreign short-term lines of credit totaling $36,932, of which $24,786 was unused. These short-term credit lines are denominated in foreign currencies and generally require no compensating balances or commitment fees. In fiscal 1997, the Company entered into a $600,000Company’s revolving credit agreement ("(“Credit Agreement"Agreement”)., the maximum amount available is currently $325,000. The initial $600,000 credit limit was reduced by $275,000 subsequent to the closing of the sale of the Company’s discontinued operations. The final maturity date of the Credit Agreement is December 31, 2003, with no principal payments due until December 31, 2002, at which time the maximum amount of the credit facility is reduced to $500,000.by $50,000. The interest rate on borrowings under the Credit Agreement is determined at the time of borrowing, and is based upon the Company'sCompany’s leverage ratio. At the end of fiscal 1999, theThe interest rate in effect as of December 29, 2001 was (at the Company'sCompany’s option), either LIBOR + .50%2.00% ($235,000 outstanding), or the prime rate. rate + 1.00% ($17,700 outstanding at December 24, 2001). The Company utilizes swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rate risk on debt outstanding.
The Credit Agreement requires compliance with leverage, fixed charge and net worth covenants. The Company and its domestic operating subsidiaries excluding Bell & Howell Financial Services Company, along with its special purpose subsidiary (collectively, "BHFS"), are jointly and severally liable as guarantors under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictions on the payment of -44- dividends on and repurchases of the Company's Common Stock.Company’s common stock.
A portion of the Company’s availability under its Credit Agreement has been utilized to issue letters of credit to support the Company’s various insurance coverages. At December 29, 2001, the total of the face amounts of the outstanding letters of credit was $2,929. The letters of credit renew either annually or automatically with the face amount adjusted based on the underlying insurance requirement. At the end of fiscal 1999,2001, the Company had $95,657$69,300 of additional credit available under the Credit Agreement. Upon the aforementioned split into two new companies, it is anticipated that the Credit Agreement will be repaid with proceeds of new credit facilities to be put in place at each of the new companies. The Company's financing subsidiary, BHFS, funds its operations by selling lease receivables on a non-recourse basis under a Receivable Purchase Agreement. The agreement is renewable annually and includes the buyer's commitment to purchase new lease receivables. During fiscal 1999 and 1998, BHFS sold lease receivables of $27,000 and $56,300, respectively.
For the five years subsequent to 1999,2001, annual maturities of long-termlong–term debt are: 2000 - $1,916; 2001 - $518; 2002 - $337; 2003 - $505,928;2002—$292; 2003—$252,781; 2004—$1, 2005—$0, and 2004 - $0. 2006—$0.
Interest paid for continuing and discontinued operations in fiscal 2001, 2000, and 1999 1998was $49,053, $54,074, and 1997 was $48,007, $48,426 and $46,878, respectively.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 9 - 12—Leases Lessor. The Company provides sales-type leases for its products and additionally leases products to customers under direct financing leases, primarily through BHFS. The Company's net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases at the end of fiscal 1999 and 1998 were as follows:
1999 1998 -------- -------- Minimum lease payments receivable .................... $ 97,542 $ 94,068 Estimated unguaranteed residual values ............... 10,506 8,553 Unearned income ...................................... (21,921) (23,576) Allowance for doubtful accounts ...................... (2,732) (3,819) ------- ------- Net investment ....................................... $ 83,395 $ 75,226 ======= =======
The scheduled maturities for sales-type and direct financing lease receivables at the end of fiscal 1999 were as follows:
2000 ..................................................... $ 30,910 2001 ..................................................... 22,266 2002 ..................................................... 18,907 2003 ..................................................... 14,935 2004 ..................................................... 10,524 ------- Total minimum lease payments to be received .............. $ 97,542 =======
-45- Lessee.
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment for production, selling and administrative purposes. Future minimum rental payments required under long-term noncancelable operating leases at the end of fiscal 19992001 were as follows:
2000 ..................................................... $ 28,746 2001 ..................................................... 21,601 2002 ..................................................... 13,557 2003 ..................................................... 9,219 2004 ..................................................... 7,520 Subsequent to 2004 ....................................... 24,069 ------- $104,712 =======
2002  $13,297
2003  10,482
2004   9,258
2005   4,467
2006   3,388
Subsequent to 2006   4,478
   

Total  $45,370
   

Total rental expenses for fiscal 2001, 2000, and 1999 1998were $16,714, $21,798, and 1997 were $25,761, $15,978 and $14,657,$17,887, respectively.
Note 10 - 13—Profit-Sharing, Pension, and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Eligible employees of the Company'sCompany’s domestic and Canadian operations who elect to do so participate in defined contribution profit-sharingprofit–sharing retirement plans. The amounts charged to earnings for fiscal 2001, 2000, and 1999 1998were $3,121, $8,114, and 1997 were $8,076, $7,307 and $7,025, respectively.
The Company also has defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic and most foreign employees. The benefits are primarily based on years of service and/or compensation during the years immediately preceding retirement. The Company funds its foreign plans based on local statutes and funds its domestic plans in amounts that fulfill the funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Plan assets consist principally of common stocks, fixed income securities and cash equivalents.
In addition, the Company has contributory and non-contributory postretirement medical benefit plans and a non-contributory postretirement life insurance benefit plan covering certain domestic employees. EachAll of these other postretirement benefit plans are unfunded.
The net cost (income) of pension and other postretirement benefit plans for fiscal 2001, 2000, and 1999 1998 and 1997 werewas as follows:
Other Postretirement Pension Benefits Benefits -------------------------- ------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Service cost ........................... $ 3,200 $ 2,552 $ 2,413 $ 262 $ 233 $ 211 Interest cost .......................... 5,738 5,286 5,143 1,148 1,014 985 Expected return on plan assets ......... (8,000) (6,502) (5,948) -- -- -- Amortization of prior service cost ..... 299 375 491 -- -- -- Recognized net actuarial (gain)/loss ... (118) (538) (398) 461 286 195 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost........................... $ 1,119 $ 1,173 $ 1,701 $ 1,871 $ 1,533 $ 1,391
-46-
     
   
Pension Benefits

   
Other Postretirement
Benefits

   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

   
2001

  
2000

  
1999

Service cost  $1,491   $3,217   $3,200   $39  $243  $262
Interest cost   4,305    6,009    5,738    137   1,301   1,148
Expected return on plan assets   (4,306)   (8,829)   (8,000)   —     —     —  
Amortization of prior service cost   257    222    299    —     —     —  
Recognized net actuarial (gain)/loss   82    (1,196)   (118)   26   392   461
   


  


  


  

  

  

Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost (income)  $1,829   $(577)  $1,119   $202  $1,936  $1,871
   


  


  


  

�� 

  

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans at the end of fiscal 19992001 and 19982000 was as follows:
   
Pension Benefits

   
Other Postretirement
Benefits

 
   
2001

   
2000

   
2001

   
2000

 
Change in Benefit Obligation
                    
Benefit obligation, beginning of year  $95,626   $87,474   $16,624   $14,827 
Service cost   1,491    3,217    39    243 
Interest cost   4,305    6,009    137    1,301 
Participant contributions   421    643    —      193 
Effect of sold businesses(1)   (25,670)   (371)   (16,152)   —   
Actuarial (gain)/loss   (4,094)   2,540    1,810    1,353 
Benefits paid   (2,721)   (3,886)   (310)   (1,293)
   


  


  


  


Benefit obligation, end of year  $69,358   $95,626   $2,148   $16,624 
Change in Plan Assets
                    
Fair value, beginning of year  $88,323   $95,536   $—     $—   
Actual return on plan assets (loss)   (6,501)   (6,105)   —      —   
Participant contributions   421    643    —      193 
Effect of sold businesses   (36,185)   —      —      —   
Company contributions   2,128    2,136    310    1,100 
Benefits paid   (2,721)   (3,886)   (310)   (1,293)
   


  


  


  


Fair value, end of year  $45,465   $88,324   $-   $- 
Funded / (unfunded) status  $(23,878)  $(7,302)  $(2,148)  $(16,624)
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)/loss   8,298    4,083    —      6,591 
Unrecognized prior service cost   561    819    —      —   
   


  


  


  


Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost  $(15,019)  $(2,400)  $(2,148)  $(10,033)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
                    
Prepaid benefit cost  $4,537   $16,307   $—     $—   
Accrued benefit liability   (19,556)   (18,707)   (2,148)   (10,033)
   


  


  


  


Net amount recognized  $(15,019)  $(2,400)  $(2,148)  $(10,033)
Weighted Average Assumptions as of End of Year
                    
Discount rate   6.35%   6.75%   7.25%   8.25%
Expected return on plan assets   8.50%   9.50%   —      —   
Rate of compensation increase   4.28%   4.50%   —      —   
Rate of healthcare benefit cost increase(2)   —      —      10.00%   4.50%

Other Postretirement Pension Benefits Benefits -------------------- -------------------- 1999 1998 1999 1998 ------- ------- ------- ------- Change in Benefit Obligation - ---------------------------- Benefit obligation, beginning
(1)
The Mail and Messaging Technologies pension plan was transferred to the buyer at the date of year...... $ 86,546 $ 71,769 $ 13,980 $ 12,896 Service cost .. ........................... 3,200 2,552 262 233 Interest cost ............................. 5,738 5,286 1,148 1,014 Plan participants contributions ........... 621 584 123 209 Actuarial (gain)/loss ..................... (4,427) 9,909 577 872 Benefits paid ............................. (4,204) (3,554) (1,263) (1,244) ------- ------- ------- ------- Benefit obligation, end of year ........... $ 87,474 $ 86,546 $ 14,827 $ 13,980 Change in Plan Assets - --------------------- Fair value, beginning of year ............. $ 81,861 $ 71,239 $ -- $ -- Actual return on plan assets .............. 15,218 11,591 -- -- Participant contributions ................. 621 584 123 209 Company contributions ..................... 2,040 2,001 1,140 1,035 Benefits paid ............................. (4,204) (3,554) (1,263) (1,244) ------- ------- ------- ------- Fair value, end of year ................... $ 95,536 $ 81,861 $ -- $ -- Funded status ............................. $ 8,062 $ (4,685) $(14,827) $(13,980) Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)/loss .... (14,204) (3,200) 5,242 4,763 Unrecognized prior service cost ........... 1,187 1,520 -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost ............ $ (4,955) $ (6,365) $ (9,585) $ (9,217) Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets - -------------------------------------- Prepaid benefit cost ...................... $ 12,892 $ 11,007 $ -- $ -- Accrued benefit liability ................. (17,847) (17,372) (9,585) (9,217) ------- ------- ------- ------- Net amount recognized ..................... $ (4,955) $ (6,365) $ (9,585) $ (9,217) Weighted Average Assumptions as of End of Year - ---------------------------------------------- Discountsale.
(2)
The assumed rate ............................. 7.25% 6.75% 8.50% 7.50% Expected return on plan assets ............ 10.00% 9.00% -- -- Rate of compensation increase ............. 4.25% 4.50% -- -- Rate of healthcare benefit cost increase .. -- -- 4.50% 4.50% remains at 10.00% through 2002, then decreases to 5.00% over ten years, by one-half percent each year.
For the Company'sCompany’s unfunded supplemental pension plans, the projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation at the end of fiscal 19992001 and 19982000 were as follows:
1999 1998 -------- -------- Project benefit obligation ........................... $ 21,201 $ 22,289 Accumulated benefit obligation ....................... 19,117 20,621
-47-
   
2001

  
2000

Projected benefit obligation  $19,571  $22,508
Accumulated benefit obligation   19,556   19,505

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Assumed future health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on postretirement medical benefit costs. A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
1% Increase Benefit obligation, end of fiscal 1999 ............... $ 1,300 Net postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 1999 ...... $ 138 1% Decrease Benefit obligation, end of fiscal 1999................ $ (1,195) Net postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 1999 ...... $ (126)
1% Increase
    
Benefit obligation, end of fiscal 2001  $119 
Net postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 2001  $15 
1% Decrease
    
Benefit obligation, end of fiscal 2001  $(113)
Net postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 2001  $(13)
1% Increase
    
Benefit obligation, end of fiscal 2000  $1,325 
Net postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 2000  $139 
1% Decrease
    
Benefit obligation, end of fiscal 2000  $(1,227)
Net postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 2000  $(127)
Note 11 - 14—Common Stock
The Company has 50,000 authorized shares of Common Stock,common stock, ($.001 par value per share), 23,63224,546 shares issued and 24,096 outstanding as of which wereDecember 29, 2001, and 24,078 shares issued and 23,622 shares outstanding at the endas of fiscal 1999.December 30, 2000. The Company'sCompany’s Credit Agreement contains certain restrictions on the payment of dividends on and repurchases of its Common Stock (Seecommon stock (see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)9).
Note 12 - 15—Stock Compensation Plans
Stock Option Plan
In fiscal 1995, the Company completed its initial public equity offering of 5,000 shares of Common Stock (which were issued at $15.50 per share). Coincident with the initial public equity offering, the Company adopted the 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan"“Option Plan”), under which 2,160 shares of Common Stockcommon stock were reserved for issuance. In fiscal 1998, the Company increased the shares reserved for issuance under the Option Plan to 3,660. The Option Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors which has authority to determine which officers and key employees of the Company will be granted options. All options are granted at not less than the fair market value on the date of the grant.
Additionally, coincidentconcurrent with the initial public equity offering, the Company granted options for 1,115 shares to Messrs. White, Roemer and Johanssoncertain senior executives (the "Senior“Senior Executive Grantees"Grantees”), with a series of six option exercise prices (the first of which equaled the initial public equity offering price, with each subsequent exercise price set at 120% of the preceding exercise price). The term for these options was six years, with the options vesting in installments commencing after year three. In fiscal 1999, the unvested options set to expire in May 2000, were extended through May 2005. In fiscal 1998 and 1999, options for -48- 250 shares and 100 shares respectively, were granted to Mr. Roemer,one of the Senior Executive Grantees, which have a six yearsix-year term and which vest after three years. In fiscal 2001, options for 406,250 shares were granted to one of the Senior Executive Grantees, which have a ten year term and vest after seven years, however, some or all of these options may vest after three years if certain stock price targets are exceeded.
Options may be granted to other officers and key employees of the Company (the "Key“Key Executive Grantees"Grantees”), selected by the Compensation Committee. At the end of fiscal 1999,2001, the Company had options outstanding for 9141,124 shares to the Key Executive Grantees. The term for these options is ten years, vesting in equal annual increments over either a five yearthree-year or a five-year period.

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Per the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to continue to apply APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretationsinterpretations in accounting for the Option Plan, and accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation cost for the Option Plan been determined based on the fair value of options granted (consistent with SFAS No. 123), the Company'sCompany’s net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been the pro forma amounts indicated below:
1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Net income (loss): As reported .......................... $ 17,988 $ 37,114 $(32,460) Pro forma ............................ 15,317 35,208 (33,610) Basic earnings (loss) per share: As reported .......................... $ .76 $ 1.59 $ (1.64) Pro forma ............................ .65 1.51 (1.70) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: As reported .......................... $ .75 $ 1.58 $ (1.63) Pro forma ............................ .65 1.51 (1.70)
   
2001

  
2000

   
1999

Net earnings (loss):             
As reported  $17,764  $(68,722)  $17,791
Pro forma   13,836   (71,740)   15,117
              
Basic earnings (loss) per share:             
As reported  $0.75  $(2.91)  $0.75
Pro forma   0.58   (3.03)   0.64
              
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:             
As reported  $0.73  $(2.91)  $0.75
Pro forma   0.58   (3.03)   0.64
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: volatility of 20%41.03%; risk free interest rate of 6%4.86%; expected lives of 5 years; and no dividend yield. -49-

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

A summary of the stock option transactions for fiscal 1997, 1998,1999, 2000 and 1999 are2001 is as follows:
Senior Executive Grantees Key Executive Grantees ------------------------- ----------------------- Weighted- Weighted- Shares Average Shares Average (000) Exercise Price (000) Exercise Price ------ --------------- ------ -------------- Balance at the end of fiscal 1996 ................. 1,115 $ 27.30 366 $ 25.42 1997: Granted ...................... -- -- 305 23.49 Exercised .................... -- -- (15) 15.62 Forfeited/Cancelled........... -- -- (91) 24.92 Options outstanding at ------ ------- ------ -------- the end of fiscal 1997 ...... 1,115 $ 27.30 565 $ 24.73 ====== ======== ====== ======== Options exercisable at the end of fiscal 1997 .......... -- $ -- 72 $ 23.75 ------ -------- ------ -------- Weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal 1997 ................. $ -- $ 7.29 ------ ------ 1998: Granted ...................... 250 26.88 296 27.06 Exercised .................... -- -- (26) 21.02 Forfeited/Cancelled........... -- -- (106) 26.34 Options outstanding at ------ -------- ------ -------- the end of fiscal 1998 ...... 1,365 $ 27.22 729 $ 25.55 ====== ======== ====== ======== Options exercisable at the end of fiscal 1998 .......... 624 $ 24.87 173 $ 24.40 ------ -------- ------ -------- Weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal 1998 ................. $ 8.34 $ 8.40 ------ ------ 1999: Granted ...................... 382 34.58 355 32.80 Exercised .................... (318) 19.73 (114) 24.21 Forfeited/Cancelled........... (262) 35.25 (56) 26.89 Options outstanding at ------ -------- ------ -------- the end of fiscal 1999 ...... 1,167 $ 29.87 914 $ 28.45 ====== ======== ====== ======== Options exercisable at the end of fiscal 1999 .......... 470 $ 28.06 196 $ 25.43 ------ -------- ------ -------- Weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal 1999 ................. $ 7.43 $ 10.17 ------ ------
-50-
   
Senior Executive Grantees

  
Key Executive Grantees

   
Shares (000s)

   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price

  
Shares (000s)

     
Weighted-Average Exercise Price

Balance at the end of fiscal 1998   1,365   $27.22   729     $25.55
                     
1999:                    
Granted   382    34.58   355      32.80
Exercised   (318)   19.73   (114)     24.21
Forfeited/Cancelled   (262)   35.25   (56)     26.89
   


  

  


    

Options outstanding at the end of fiscal 1999   1,167    29.87   914     $28.45
   


  

  


    

Options exercisable at the end of fiscal 1999   470   $28.06   196     $25.43
   


  

  


    

Weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal 1999  $7.43       $10.17       
   


      


      
2000:                    
Granted   —      —     805      22.79
Exercised   —      —     (91)     16.38
Forfeited/Cancelled   —      —     (540)     18.29
   


  

  


    

Options outstanding at the end of fiscal 2000   1,167    29.87   1,088      23.91
   


  

  


    

Options exercisable at the end of fiscal 2000   801   $30.33   227     $26.39
   


  

  


    

Weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal 2000  $—         $7.07       
   


      


      
2001:                    
Granted   406    25.26   398      24.15
Exercised   (182)   20.39   (269)     24.46
Forfeited/Cancelled   (353)   32.91   (93)     28.13
   


  

  


    

Options outstanding at the end of fiscal 2001   1,038    25.65   1,124      23.21
   


  

  


    

Options exercisable at the end of fiscal 2001   508   $31.19   317     $24.12
   


  

  


    

Weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal 2001  $4.06       $8.86       
   


      


      

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The following table provides additional information with respect to stock options outstanding at the end of fiscal 1999:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable -------------------------------------- ----------------------- Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Number Remaining Average Number Average Outstanding Contractual Exercise Exercisable Exercise Range of Exercise Price (000) Life (Years) Price (000) Price ----------------------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- -------- $15.01 - $20.00 120 3.1 $ 16.17 105 $ 16.27 20.01 - $25.00 180 5.2 21.58 99 21.85 25.01 - $30.00 767 4.9 26.96 205 26.86 30.01 - $35.00 773 6.6 32.50 165 31.86 35.01 - $40.00 241 4.1 38.35 92 38.50 ------ --- ------ --- ------ 2,081 5.4 $ 29.20 666 $ 27.30 ====== === ====== === ======
2001:
   
Options Outstanding

    
Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Price

  
Number Outstanding

    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life(Years)

  
Weighted Average Exercise
Price

    
Number Exercisable

    
Weighted Average Exercise Price

$15.01—$20.00  921    8.9  $18.18    170    $19.37
  20.01—$25.00  353    9.3   22.88    29     22.62
  25.01—$30.00  328    3.4   27.02    278     26.90
  30.01—$35.00  424    5.2   32.57    213     32.27
  35.01—$40.00  136    3.5   38.43    136     38.43
   
    
  

    
    

   2,162    6.5  $24.10    826    $28.47
   
    
  

    
    

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In fiscal 1996, the Company'sCompany’s Board of Directors adopted the Associate Stock Purchase Plan (the "ASPP"“ASPP”), whereby employees are afforded the opportunity to purchase shares in the Company, by authorizing the sale of up to 500 shares of Common Stock.common stock. The purchase price of the shares is 95% of the lower of the closing market price at the beginning or end of each quarter. Under SFAS No. 123, the ASPP is a non-compensatory plan.
Note 13 - 16—Foreign Currency Transactions
The Company has entered into various contracts to buy or sell foreign currencies. The contracts have maturity dates extending through May 2000,February 2002, and are for an aggregate amount of $70,436$67,300 (which approximates the fair value based on quoted market prices). The Company is exposed to market risk in the event of nonperformance by the other parties (major international banks) to these contracts, however, such nonperformance is not anticipated.
Net foreign currency transaction gains(losses)gains (losses) for fiscal 2001, 2000, and 1999 1998of $(1,121), $193 and 1997 of $184, $(319) and $113, respectively, have been included in the earnings of the respective periods. -51-
Note 14 - 17—Contingent Liabilities
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to its business. Management believes that the outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated operations or financial condition of the Company.
A portion of the Company’s availability under its Credit Agreement has been utilized to issue letters of credit to support the Company’s various insurance coverages. At December 29, 2001, the total of the face amounts of the outstanding letters of credit was $2,929. The letters of credit renew either annually or automatically with the face amount adjusted based on the underlying insurance requirement.
Note 15 - 18—Related Party Transactions
The Company has made loans (the balance of which totaled $1,544$1,070 at the end of fiscal 1999)2001) to certain key current and former executives in connection with their purchases of the Company's Common Stock.Company’s common stock. Pursuant to the terms of such loans, the shares acquired are pledged as security. The following individuals haveofficers had loans in excess of $60 outstanding

PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

at the end of fiscal 1999: Michael Dering ($239),2001: Joseph Reynolds ($238), Wayne Mickiewicz ($222), Brian Longe ($199),305) and Todd Buchardt ($161), Robert Rook ($136), and Dwight Mater ($126)170). Each loan is evidenced by an installment note maturing five years from the date of the note and bearing interest at the Company'sCompany’s marginal rate of borrowing (approximately 6% in fiscal 1999).borrowing. Interest and principal may be deferred until the maturity date.
The Company has made loans to certain key employees related to relocation expenses. As of the end of fiscal year 2001, Mark Trinske had an interest-free loan from the Company in the amount of $176. Mr. Trinske’s loan is due and payable on March 31, 2002.
Note 19—Investments in Affiliates
In January 2000,December 1999, the Company's affiliate (bigchalk.com) raisedCompany combined its K-12 Internet business with the K-12 Internet business of Infonautics, Inc., to form bigchalk. bigchalk develops and markets products and services for research, curriculum integration, assessment, peer collaboration, professional development, on-line community, and e-commerce for teachers, students, parents, librarians and school administrators in the K-12 educational community. The Company’s equity in bigchalk’s loss equaled $13,374 in 2001. As a result of both venture capital financing of $55,000, which reducedand the Company's ownership interest to approximately 45%. Oneexchange of the venture capital firms providing such financing was Core Learning Group, LLC., who contributed $20,000Company’s investment in exchangean entity acquired by bigchalk for approximately 13% of bigchalk.com. Messrs. Oberndorf and Scully, directors ofadditional shares in bigchalk, the Company ownowns approximately 38.0% of bigchalk on a majority interestfully diluted basis. The carrying value of this investment was $0 at the end of fiscal 2001. The Company accounts for its investment in Core Learning Group, LLC. -52- bigchalk on the equity method.
Summarized financial information of bigchalk for fiscal 2001 and 2000 is as follows:
Condensed Statement of Operations:
   
2001

   
2000

 
Net sales  $28,152   $33,185 
Gross profit   18,494    21,068 
Loss before income taxes   (71,292)   (49,245)
Net loss   (70,574)   (45,966)
Condensed Statement of Financial Condition:
   
2001

   
2000

 
Current assets  $28,985   $32,347 
Non-current assets   18,852    70,193 
   


  


Total assets  $47,837   $102,540 
   


  


           
Current liabilities  $20,592   $26,343 
Non-current liabilities   117,344    79,068 
Stockholders’ deficit   (90,099)   (2,871)
   


  


Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit  $47,837   $102,540 
   


  


PROQUEST COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 16 - 18—Interim Financial Information (unaudited)
The following table presents the Company'sCompany’s quarterly results of continuing operations for fiscal 19992001 and fiscal 1998: 2000:
   
First Quarter

   
Second Quarter

   
Third Quarter

   
Fourth Quarter

   
Year

 
2001
                         
Net Sales  $95,853   $100,743   $98,617   $106,415   $401,628 
Gross profit   48,713    55,188    54,063    56,701    214,665 
Gain /(loss) on sales of assets(1)   —      —      —      (2,312)   (2,312)
Equity in loss of affiliate   (5,471)   (6,101)   (1,802)   —      (13,374)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
  $(410)  $219   $4,079   $8,398   $12,286 
   


  


  


  


  


Earnings per basic share:                         
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle  $(0.01)  $0.01   $0.17   $0.35   $0.52 
   


  


  


  


  


Earnings per diluted share:                         
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle  $(0.02)  $0.01   $0.17   $0.35   $0.51 
   


  


  


  


  


   
First Quarter

   
Second Quarter

   
Third Quarter

   
Fourth Quarter

   
Year

 
2000
                         
Net Sales  $88,627   $94,257   $91,671   $99,746   $374,301 
Gross profit   41,301    46,424    45,137    52,243    185,105 
Gain /(loss) on sales of assets(1)   1,356    1,395    —      (25)   2,726 
Restructuring charge(2)   —      (1,233)   (1,194)   (2,769)   (5,196)
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate   (3,721)   (5,051)   (5,573)   (6,503)   (20,848)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle  $(3,140)  $(2,604)  $(3,562)  $(4,583)  $(13,889)
   


  


  


  


  


Earnings per basic share:                         
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle  $(0.13)  $(0.11)  $(0.15)  $(0.20)  $(0.59)
   


  


  


  


  


Earnings per diluted share:                         
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle  $(0.13)  $(0.11)  $(0.15)  $(0.20)  $(0.59)
   


  


  


  


  



First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- 1999 Net Sales ...................................... $216,544 $240,353 $233,791 $272,585 $963,273 Gross profit.................................... 80,643 92,893 91,632 100,041 365,209 Restructuring charge
(1).................. -- -- -- (36,765) (36,765) Earnings from continuing operations before equity in earnings
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s gain/(loss) on sales of affiliate ........ 5,513 11,053 13,713 (10,877) 19,402 Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ......... -- -- -- (950) (950) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ... (437) 955 (736) (246) (464) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net earnings (loss) .......................... $ 5,076 $ 12,008 $ 12,977 $(12,073) $ 17,988 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Net earnings (loss) per basic share: Earnings from continuing operations before restructuring charge and equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ........ $ 0.24 $ 0.47 $ 0.58 $ 0.74 $ 2.02 Restructuring charge ........................... -- -- -- (1.20) (1.20) Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ......... -- -- -- (0.04) (0.04) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ... (0.02) 0.04 (0.03) (0.01) (0.02) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net earnings (loss) per common share ........... $ 0.22 $ 0.51 $ 0.55 $ (0.51) $ 0.76 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Net earnings (loss) per diluted share: Earnings from continuing operations before restructuring charge and equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ........ $ 0.23 $ 0.46 $ 0.57 $ 0.73 $ 2.00 Restructuring charge ........................... -- -- -- (1.19) (1.19) Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliate ......... -- -- -- (0.04) (0.04) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ... (0.02) 0.04 (0.03) (0.01) (0.02) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net earnings (loss) per common share ........... $ 0.21 $ 0.50 $ 0.54 $ (0.51) $ 0.75 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= 1998 Net Sales ...................................... $201,374 $220,123 $216,653 $262,000 $900,150 Gross profit.................................... 77,567 86,363 84,647 105,317 353,894 Earnings from continuing operations ............ 3,973 9,017 11,294 15,496 39,780 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ... (726) (719) (45) (1,176) (2,666) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net earnings ................................... $ 3,247 $ 8,298 $ 11,249 $ 14,320 $ 37,114 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Net earnings per basic share: Earnings from continuing operations ............ $ 0.17 $ 0.38 $ 0.48 $ 0.67 $ 1.70 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ... (0.03) (0.03) -- (0.05) (0.11) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net earnings per common share .................. $ 0.14 $ 0.35 $ 0.48 $ 0.62 $ 1.59 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Net earnings per diluted share: Earnings from continuing operations ............ $ 0.17 $ 0.38 $ 0.48 $ 0.66 $ 1.69 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ... (0.03) (0.03) -- (0.05) (0.11) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net earnings per common share .................. $ 0.14 $ 0.35 $ 0.48 $ 0.61 $ 1.58 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= (1) assets.
(2)
See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company'sCompany’s restructuring charge.
-53-

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
(With Independent Auditors’ Report Thereon)

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

Independent Auditors’ Report61
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of December 31, 2001 and 200062
Consolidated Statements of Operations,
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999
63
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit),
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999
64
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999
65
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
The Board of Directors
bigchalk.com, inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of bigchalk.com, inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2001. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of bigchalk.com, inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Chicago, Illinois
March 22, 2002

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2001 and 2000
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
ASSETS
 
   
2001

   
2000

 
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents  $23,086   17,589 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $207 and $65   4,354   11,714 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,545   3,044 
   


  

Total current assets   28,985   32,347 
Restricted investment   829   900 
Property and equipment, net   6,919   10,846 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net   10,423   57,588 
Other   681   859 
   


  

Total assets  $47,837   102,540 
   


  

LIABILITIES AND DEFICIT
Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable  $1,837   5,195 
Accrued expenses   1,653   2,686 
Accrued royalties   1,316   1,302 
Accrued facilities costs   1,053   —   
Current portion of capital lease obligations   —     116 
Deferred revenue   14,733   17,044 
   


  

Total current liabilities   20,592   26,343 
Long term deferred revenue   373   2,692 
Long term accrued facilities costs   2,272   —   
Capital lease obligations, less current portion   —     10 
Deferred income taxes   152   870 
   


  

Total liabilities   23,389   29,915 
Series A Preferred Stock; $ 0.01 par value; 1,544,286 and 7,600,002 shares authorized; 1,544,286 and 7,600,002 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000 (aggregate liquidation preferences of $16,916 at December 31, 2001 and aggregate redemption value of $17,511, including accrued dividends, at December 31, 2003)   13,088   55,256 
Series A-2 Preferred Stock; $ 0.01 par value; 6,055,716 and 7,600,002 shares authorized; 6,055,716 and -0- shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000 (aggregate liquidation preferences of $66,331 at December 31, 2001 and aggregate redemption value of $68,672, including accrued dividends, at December 31, 2003)   51,291   —   
Series B Preferred Stock; $ 0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 14,302,423 and 6,676,846 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000 (aggregate liquidation preferences of $66,584 at December 31, 2001 and aggregate redemption value of $70,213, including accrued dividends, at December 31, 2003)   50,168   20,240 
Deficit:         
Undesignated Preferred Stock; $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
-0- shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000
   —     —   
Common Stock; $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
16,816,620 and 16,816,620 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000
   168   168 
Additional paid-in capital   26,273   42,927 
Accumulated deficit   (116,540)  (45,966)
   


  

Total deficit   (90,099)  (2,871)
   


  

Total liabilities and deficit  $47,837   102,540 
   


  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

 
Sales  $28,152   33,185   14,701 
Cost of sales   9,658   12,117   6,461 
   


  

  

Gross profit   18,494   21,068   8,240 
   


  

  

Operating expenses:             
Sales and marketing   16,824   25,265   7,866 
Product development   3,633   3,067   1,761 
Information and technology   9,958   15,553   774 
General and administrative   4,731   9,163   2,621 
   


  

  

Loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, closure of facilities, impairment charges and loss on disposal of fixed assets   (16,652)  (31,980)  (4,782)
Charges for closure of facilities   3,675   —     —   
Impairment charge for goodwill and other intangible assets   30,282   —     —   
Depreciation and amortization   21,350   18,401   657 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets   355   —     —   
   


  

  

Operating loss   (72,314)  (50,381)  (5,439)
Interest income (expense), net   1,022   1,136   (30)
   


  

  

Loss before income taxes   (71,292)  (49,245)  (5,469)
Income tax benefit   718   3,279   —   
   


  

  

Net loss   (70,574)  (45,966)  (5,469)
Dividends on and accretion of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock   (16,654)  (2,407)  —   
   


  

  

Net loss available to common shareholders  $(87,228)  (48,373)  (5,469)
   


  

  

Basic and diluted loss per share  $(5.19)  (2.95)  (0.36)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding   16,816,620   16,423,042   15,000,000 
   


  

  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999
(dollars in thousands)
   
Undesignated
Preferred Stock

 
Common Stock

  
Additional
paid-in capital

   
Accumulated deficit

   
Members’ interests

  
Total

 
   
Shares

  
Amount

 
Shares

  
Amount

       
Balance at December 31, 1998  —    $—   —    $—    —     —     (6,148) (6,148)
Net loss  —     —   —     —    —     —     (5,469) (5,469)
Contributions from ProQuest, net  —     —   —     —    —     —     2,252  2,252 
Issuance of members’ interests  —     —   —     —    —     —     43,500  43,500 
Due from member for members’ interest  —     —   —     —    —     —     (15,000) (15,000)
Common Stock subscribed  —     —   —     —    —     —     50  50 
   
  

 
  

  

  

  

 

Balance at December 31, 1999  —     —   —     —    —     —     19,185  19,185 
Receipt of amount due from member for members’ interests  —     —   —     —    —     —     15,000  15,000 
Exchange of members’ interests for Common Stock  —     —   15,000,000   150  33,985   —     (34,135) —   
Issuance of Common Stock  —     —   1,816,620   18  10,721   —     (50) 10,689 
Issuance of stock options and warrants in Common Stock  —     —   —     —    469   —     —    469 
Issuance of stock options in Common Stock to non-employee  —     —   —     —    159   —     —    159 
Dividends earned on convertible, redeemable Series A Preferred Stock  —     —   —     —    (2,032)  —     —    (2,032)
Adjustment to accrete convertible, redeemable Series A Preferred Stock to redemption value by December 31, 2003  —     —   —     —    (268)  —     —    (268)
Dividends earned on convertible, redeemable Series B Preferred Stock  —     —   —     —    (23)  —     —    (23)
Adjustment to accrete convertible, redeemable Series B Preferred Stock to redemption value by December 31, 2003  —     —   —     —    (84)  —     —    (84)
Net loss  —     —   —     —    —     (45,966)  —    (45,966)
   
  

 
  

  

  

  

 

Balance at December 31, 2000  —    $—   16,816,620  $168  42,927   (45,966)  —    (2,871)
Dividends earned on convertible, redeemable Series A Preferred Stock  —     —   —     —    (474)  —     —    (474)
Adjustment to accrete convertible, redeemable Series A Preferred Stock to redemption value by December 31, 2003  —     —   —     —    (2,536)  —     —    (2,536)
Dividends earned on convertible, redeemable Series A-2 Preferred Stock  —     —   —     —    (940)  —     —    (940)
Adjustment to accrete convertible, redeemable Series A-2 Preferred Stock to redemption value by December 31, 2003  —     —   —     —    (5,176)  —     —    (5,176)
Dividends earned on convertible, redeemable Series B Preferred Stock  —     —   —     —    (1,556)  —     —    (1,556)
Adjustment to accrete convertible, redeemable Series B Preferred Stock to redemption value by December 31, 2003  —     —   —     —    (5,972)  —     —    (5,972)
Net loss  —     —   —     —    —     (70,574)  —    (70,574)
   
  

 
  

  

  

  

 

Balance at December 31, 2001  —    $—   16,816,620  $168  26,273   (116,540)  —    (90,099)
   
  

 
  

  

  

  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999
(dollars in thousands)
   
2001

   
2000

   
1999

 
Cash flows from operating activities:             
Net loss  $(70,574)  (45,966)  (5,469)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:             
Charges for closure of facilities   3,675       
Impairment charge for goodwill and other intangible assets   30,282       
Depreciation and amortization   21,350   18,401   657 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets   355       
Provision for doubtful accounts   285   305    
Non-cash compensation expense      159    
Deferred income taxes   (718)  (3,279)   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:             
Accounts receivable   7,075   (4,574)  14 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,499   (1,368)  (768)
Restricted investment   71   (900)   
Other non-current assets   178   (856)   
Accounts payable   (3,358)  1,304   736 
Accrued expenses and royalties   (1,019)  1,346   53 
Due to members      (2,970)  2,970 
Deferred revenue   (4,630)  1,140   629 
   


  

  

Net cash flows used in operating activities   (15,529)  (37,258)  (1,178)
   


  

  

Cash flows from investing activities:             
Deposit for acquisition         (1,000)
Acquisition of businesses, less cash acquired      (23,286)  (5,000)
Capital expenditures, net of minor disposals   (1,277)  (11,298)  10 
Purchases of marketable securities   (13,305)      
Maturities of marketable securities   13,305       
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets   32       
Issuance of note receivable      (240)   
   


  

  

Net cash flows used in investing activities   (1,245)  (34,824)  (5,990)
   


  

  

Cash flows from financing activities:             
Contributions from ProQuest, net         2,252 
Proceeds from issuance of members’ interests         5,000 
Proceeds from Common Stock subscribed         50 
Principal payments on capital lease obligations   (126)  (304)   
Receipt of amount due from member for members’ interests      15,000    
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs   22,397   73,089    
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock      1,752    
   


  

  

Net cash flows provided by financing activities   22,271   89,537   7,302 
   


  

  

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   5,497   17,455   134 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   17,589   134    
   


  

  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $23,086   17,589   134 
   


  

  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2001 and 2000
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(1)    Description and Formation of Business
bigchalk.com, inc., including its subsidiaries, (the “Company”) is a leading online learning destination in the kindergarten through twelfth grade (“K-12”) domestic educational market, which includes teachers, administrators, students, and parents of students of public and private schools (the “K-12 Market”) and publicly-owned and government-funded libraries (the “Public Library Market”). The Company provides a portfolio of products and services, including: research and reference services consisting of an extensive collection of published material; standards correlation services for educational resources; standards-based curriculum solutions; and professional development services for teachers. The Company currently operates in one segment.
On September 30, 1999, ProQuest Information and Learning Company (formerly known as Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company) (“ProQuest”) and Tucows Inc. (formerly known as Infonautics, Inc.) (“Tucows”) (collectively, the “Members”) entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) that provided for the formation and capitalization of BHW/INFO/EDCO.COM, LLC (“LLC”) under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act. On December 15, 1999, ProQuest contributed the assets and liabilities that relate exclusively to or arise from sales to the K-12 Market, $5,000 in cash, and an obligation to pay $15,000 in cash on January 3, 2000 in exchange for an equity investment in LLC. On that same date, Tucows contributed the assets and liabilities that relate exclusively to or arise from sales to the K-12 Market and Public Library Market in exchange for an equity investment in LLC, $5,000 in cash, and the right to receive $15,000 in cash on January 3, 2000. Subsequent to the contributions, the equity interests owned by ProQuest and Tucows were approximately 73% and 27%, respectively. On January 10, 2000, pursuant to the Certificate of Conversion, the LLC Agreement was terminated and the LLC was converted to bigchalk.com, inc., a Delaware corporation.
For financial reporting purposes, the above transactions have been accounted for as if the Company is a successor to the contributed ProQuest business. The Tucows contribution has been accounted for as a purchase business combination, and accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Tucows have been reflected in these financial statements at fair value as of the contribution date.
On January 10, 2000, the Company converted from a limited liability company under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act to a Delaware corporation. The Certificate of Incorporation provided for the authorization of 25,900,002 shares of Common Stock and 7,600,002 shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
On December 19, 2000, the Company amended and restated its Certificate of Incorporation. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for the authorization of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, 7,600,002 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, 7,600,002 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, 20,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, and 20,000,000 shares of Undesignated Preferred Stock.
On June 29, 2001, the Company amended and restated its Certificate of Incorporation. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for the authorization of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, 1,544,286 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, 6,055,716 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, 20,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, and 20,000,000 shares of Undesignated Preferred Stock.
(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a)  Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared as if the Company operated as a stand-alone entity prior to December 15, 1999. Accordingly, for periods prior to December 15, 1999, certain expenses

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

reflected in the consolidated financial statements include allocations from ProQuest. These allocations take into consideration related business volume, personnel, or other appropriate bases, and generally include administrative expenses related to general management, information management, and other services provided to the Company by ProQuest. The allocations of expenses are based on ProQuest’s assessment of actual expenses incurred by the Company and are reasonable in the opinion of ProQuest’s management.
The financial information for periods prior to December 15, 1999 may not necessarily reflect the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company in the future, or what the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company would have been if it had been a separate, stand-alone corporation during such periods.
(b)  Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MediaSeek Technologies, Inc. (“MediaSeek”) and HomeworkCentral.com, Inc. (“HomeworkCentral”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
(c)  Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Subsequent actual results may differ from those estimates.
(d)  Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are comprised of investments in highly liquid debt instruments, with original maturities of 90 days or less.
(e)  Restricted Investment
Restricted investments represent certificates of deposit that are security for letters of credit for leases of the Company’s office space in Berwyn, Pennsylvania and New York, New York.
(f)  Marketable Securities
Management determines the appropriate classification of marketable debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.
(g)  Revenue/Commission Expense Recognition
The Company principally derives its revenue from subscriptions. Subscription sales are deferred as a liability and recognized ratably as revenue in the periods the subscriptions are fulfilled, normally over twelve months. Prepaid expenses and other current assets includes commissions paid to sales representatives on successful subscription sales, which are recorded as an asset and recognized as expense over the periods the subscriptions are fulfilled.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(h)  Contributions from (Distributions to) ProQuest
Prior to December 15, 1999, ProQuest provided funding for working capital. The Company participated in Bell & Howell Company’s cash management system, and accordingly, all cash generated from and cash required to support the Company’s operations was deposited and received through ProQuest’s cash accounts. The amounts represented by the caption “Contributions from ProQuest, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows and equity (deficit) represent the net effect of all cash transactions between the Company and ProQuest. No interest expense has been charged on such activity. The average balance of the member’s deficit was $7,079 for the period from January 1, 1999 to December 15, 1999.
(i)  Income Taxes
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared assuming the Company was a limited liability company prior to December 15, 1999. On December 15, 1999, the Company was formed as a limited liability company in the state of Delaware. As such, the net loss of the Company for the period from December 16, 1999 to December 31, 1999 was reportable in the members’ tax returns. As discussed in note 1, on January 10, 2000, the Company converted from a limited liability company to a C corporation. Accordingly, prior to January 10, 2000, the consolidated financial statements contain no provision or benefit and no assets or liabilities for Federal or state income taxes as the net loss recorded prior to January 10, 2000 was reported in the members’ tax returns.
Beginning January 10, 2000, the Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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. 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.
(j)  Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
The Company computes net loss per share in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128,Earnings per Share. Under the provisions of SFAS 128, basic and diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. All share and per share data have been retroactively adjusted to January 1, 1999 to reflect the incorporation of the Company as described in note 1 as if all shares were outstanding for the periods presented.
The Company has equity securities that may have had a dilutive effect on earnings per share had the Company generated income during the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. There were no equity securities that could have had a dilutive effect on earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 1999. Shares issuable from securities that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future that were not included in the computation of loss per share because their effect was anti-dilutive were as follows:
   
Years ended December 31,

   
2001

  
2000

Common stock options  3,217,006  2,651,256
Common stock warrants  61,432  61,432
Convertible preferred stock  23,751,804  14,276,848
   
  

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(k)  Financial Instruments
The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its financial instruments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, note receivable, restricted investment, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and capital lease obligations, approximate the fair values of such items based on their short maturities.
(l)  Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Equipment3 years
Furniture and fixtures7 years
Leasehold improvements3 years
Software3 years
Web-site development costs3 years

Equipment held under capital leases is stated at the present value of minimum lease payments at inception of the lease and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the equipment or the lease term, whichever is shorter.
(m)  Computer Software and Web-site Development Costs
The Company has adopted the provisions of Statement of Position 98-1 (“SOP 98-1”),Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-2 (“EITF 00-2”),Accounting for Web-site Development Costs. During 2001 and 2000, the Company capitalized costs incurred to purchase and install computer software in accordance with SOP 98-1. In addition, during 2000, the Company capitalized costs associated with acquiring and developing technology to operate its website in accordance with EITF 00-2. The Company has recorded these capitalized costs as property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
All costs incurred by the Company in the planning stage for the development of its web-site and costs incurred in operating its web-site were expensed.
(n)  Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the values assigned to customer lists, technology, workforce, tradename, license agreements, and non-compete agreements in connection with purchase business combinations. Intangible assets also include goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired for such transactions. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to five years, on a straight-line basis. When events and circumstances so indicate, the Company assesses the recoverability of intangible assets by comparing the carrying amount of the asset balances to undiscounted future net operating cash flows. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future operating cash flows expected to be generated by the asset using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds and other available information. The assessment of the recoverability of intangible assets will be impacted if estimated future operating cash flows are not achieved.
(o)  Stock-based Compensation
As permitted by SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company has elected to apply the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Employees(“Opinion No. 25”), in recognizing compensation costs associated with its stock option plan. Under Opinion No. 25, compensation is measured as the difference between the stock option exercise price and the estimated fair value of the stock at the measurement date. The measurement date is the first date on which both the number of shares subject to the option and the option exercise price are known. As required by SFAS No. 123, the Company provides pro forma net loss information as if compensation had been measured under the fair value based method defined in SFAS No. 123. Under that method, compensation is measured by the fair value of the stock option. Under both SFAS No. 123 and Opinion No. 25, compensation is recognized using straight-line and accelerated methods over the periods in which an employee renders service to the Company, generally the vesting period.
(p)  Retirement Savings Plan
On February 1, 2000, the Company established the bigchalk.com Retirement Savings Plan (“Retirement Savings Plan”) which covers substantially all full-time employees. Participants may make tax-deferred contributions up to 20% of annual compensation (subject to limitations specified by the Internal Revenue Code). The Retirement Savings Plan provides for an annual Company match dollar for dollar up to $1 after the employee has achieved one year of service. During 2001 and 2000, the Company contributed $210 and $161, respectively, to the Retirement Savings Plan on behalf of employees of the Company.
(q)  Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are recognized as incurred. During 2001 and 2000, advertising expense totaled $391 and $811, respectively.
(r)  Supplemental Cash Flow Information
In connection with the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock, holders of Series A Preferred Stock who also invested in Series B Preferred Stock exchanged their Series A Preferred Stock for Series A-2 Preferred Stock. A total of 6,055,716 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were exchanged for shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock.
During 2000, the Company’s investing activities included the following non-cash transactions: (1) the Company acquired equipment when it purchased MediaSeek and assumed a lease obligation totaling $97 to acquire this equipment, (2) the purchase price for HomeworkCentral included 1,516,622 shares of Common Stock valued at $9,096, and (3) the Company acquired equipment totaling $101 by incurring a lease obligation.
During 1999, the Company’s investing activities included a non-cash transaction whereby the Company acquired equipment totaling $217 by incurring a lease obligation.
The Company paid interest of $10, $40, and $3, for 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively.
    (s)  Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior period financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.
(3)    Business Combinations
As described in note 1, on December 15, 1999, Tucows contributed the assets and liabilities that relate exclusively to or arise from sales to the K-12 Market and the Public Library Market to the Company, in exchange for $5,055 in cash, the right to receive $15,000 in cash, and an interest valued at $23,500.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The acquisition was accounted for in these consolidated financial statements using the purchase method of accounting. The following allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been made using estimated fair values that include values based on independent appraisals and management estimates:
      
Purchase price  $(43,555)
Long-term assets acquired   1,599 
Long-term liabilities assumed   (1,867)
Working capital   (7,033)
Other intangible assets   20,799 
Goodwill   30,057 
   


On January 27, 2000, the Company, MediaSeek, and the principal vendors of MediaSeek entered into a Share Purchase Agreement whereby the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of MediaSeek pursuant to a purchase business combination. The Company provided aggregate consideration of $8,004.
The acquisition was accounted for in these consolidated financial statements using the purchase method of accounting. The following allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been made using estimated fair values that include values based on independent appraisals and management estimates:
      
Purchase price  $(8,004)
Long-term assets acquired   126 
Long-term liabilities assumed   (39)
Deferred income taxes   (1,563)
Working capital   (45)
Other intangible assets   4,597 
Goodwill   4,928 
   


On April 1, 2000, the Company and HomeworkCentral completed an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization whereby the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of HomeworkCentral pursuant to a purchase business combination. The shareholders of HomeworkCentral had the option to receive either cash or shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Aggregate consideration was $11,472, comprised of $1,907 in cash, 1,516,622 shares of Common Stock valued at $9,096, and 122,506 Common Stock options valued at $150 and 61,432 Common Stock warrants valued at $319.
In connection with the acquisition of HomeworkCentral, employee stock options for HomeworkCentral common stock were exchanged for 122,506 of stock options for the Company’s Common Stock. The exchange of these options occurred in the same ratio as the exchange of HomeworkCentral stock for the Company’s Common Stock and the exercise prices of these options were adjusted to reflect the change in the number of options held by each employee as a result of the exchange.
Also in connection with the acquisition of HomeworkCentral, warrants to purchase shares of HomeworkCentral common stock were exchanged for 61,432 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The exchange of these warrants occurred in the same ratio as the exchange of

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

HomeworkCentral stock for the Company’s Common Stock and the price at which these warrants were exercisable was adjusted reflect the change in the number of warrants outstanding as a result of the exchange. At December 31, 2001, the Company had outstanding warrants to purchase 61,432 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price of $8.79 per share, to be reduced upon certain conditions in the issuance of Common Stock. The warrants are exercisable at any time and expire on dates ranging from October 1, 2004 to December 22, 2004.
The acquisition was accounted for in these consolidated financial statements using the purchase method of accounting. The following allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been made using estimated fair values that include values based on independent appraisals and management estimates:
      
Purchase price  $(11,472)
Long-term assets acquired   329 
Deferred income taxes   (2,586)
Working capital   132 
Other intangible assets   6,466 
Goodwill   7,131 
   


(4)    Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
   
2001

   
2000

 
Equipment  $5,584   4,919 
Equipment under capital lease   —     326 
Furniture and fixtures   1,326   1,329 
Leasehold improvements   2,378   2,885 
Software   2,542   2,241 
Web-site development costs   1,594   1,594 
   


  

    13,424   13,294 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization   (6,505)  (2,448)
   


  

   $6,919   10,846 
   


  

(5)    Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
During the year ended December 31, 2001, certain events and changes in circumstances caused the Company to conduct a review of the carrying value of its goodwill and intangible assets. These events included: (1) the consolidation and integration of the operations of HomeworkCentral and MediaSeek with the Company’s core K-12 business, (2) workforce reductions, initiated in May 2001, and (3) changes in the business climate, which have generated the valuation declines of dot com companies. Certain intangibles were determined to be impaired because the carrying amount of the assets exceeded the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be derived from the assets. These impairment losses were measured as the amount by which the carrying amounts of the assets exceeded the fair values of the assets, determined based on the discounted future cash flows expected to be derived from the assets and other available information. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The goodwill and certain intangible assets acquired in the purchase of Tucows, HomeworkCentral, and MediaSeek were determined to be impaired. The resulting impairment charge totaled $30,282 and was reported as a component of operating expenses.
A summary of the asset impairment charge is outlined as follows:
   
Impairment charge

Goodwill  $25,486
Customer list   2,611
Technology   1,164
Workforce   552
Tradename   450
Non-compete agreements   19
   

   $30,282
   

(6)    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31:
   
2001

   
2000

   
Estimated useful life

Customer list  $16,429   19,040   3-5 years
Technology   6,545   7,709   3-4 years
Workforce   2,014   2,625   4-5 years
Tradename   792   1,242   5 years
License agreements   —     1,023   2 years
Non-compete agreements   204   223   3 years
Goodwill   —     42,116   5 years
   


  

  
    25,984   73,978    
Less accumulated amortization   (15,561)  (16,390)   
   


  

   
   $10,423   57,588    
   


  

   
(7)    Lease Obligations
The Company leases its facilities and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at varying dates through June 2008. Rent expense was approximately $2,078, $1,639, and $504, for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2001 are as follows:
   
Operating leases

2002  $2,376
2003   1,985
2004   1,899
2005   1,615
2006   1,497
Thereafter   2,101
   

Total future minimum lease payments  $11,473
   

During 2000, the Company moved its primary office space to a new facility. In 2001, the Company entered into sublease arrangements for its previous office spaces expiring at varying dates through March 2005. Minimum lease payments to be received under non-cancelable subleases as of December 31, 2001 are as follows:
2002  $   324
2003   314
2004   300
2005   75
   

Total future minimum lease payments to be received  $1,013
   

The Company recorded a charge of $3,675 related to the reduction and consolidation of office space. The charge includes the write-off of leasehold improvements of $350 and the ongoing lease obligations and related expenses of the unoccupied office space, net of estimated sublease income, of $3,325. The accrued liability at December 31, 2001, will be reduced as the Company makes lease payments in excess of sublease income and may be adjusted in future periods when additional information regarding subleases is available.
(8)    Income Taxes
No provision for Federal or state income taxes was recorded prior to January 10, 2000, as such liability (benefit) was the responsibility of the Company’s members, rather than of the Company. As a result of the Company’s change from a limited liability company to a C corporation on January 10, 2000, the Company recorded initial deferred income taxes of $4,687 to reflect the establishment of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes for the year then ended relates to the period subsequent to January 10, 2000.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
   
Year ended December 31,

 
   
2001

   
2000

 
Current taxes:         
Federal  $—     —   
State   —     —   
   


  

Total   —     —   
   


  

Deferred taxes:         
Federal   (718)  (2,541)
State   —     (738)
   


  

Total   (718)  (3,279)
   


  

Provision for income taxes  $(718)  (3,279)
   


  

Deferred taxes assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following at December 31:
   
2001

   
2000

 
Deferred tax assets:         
Net operating loss carryforwards  $21,515   12,711 
Accrued facilities costs   1,470   —   
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses   1,053   1,343 
   


  

Subtotal   24,038   14,054 
Less valuation allowance   (22,312)  (8,166)
   


  

Net deferred tax assets   1,726   5,888 
   


  

Deferred tax liabilities:         
Intangible assets   (1,010)  (6,002)
Capitalized software costs and accrued expenses   (868)  (756)
   


  

Subtotal   (1,878)  (6,758)
   


  

Net deferred income taxes  $(152)  (870)
   


  

The reconciliation of the expected income tax benefit using the Federal statutory rate of 34% for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 to the Company’s income tax expense is as follows:
   
2001

   
2000

 
Federal income tax benefit at statutory rate  (34.00)%  (34.00)%
State income tax benefit, net of Federal taxes  (2.94)  (3.25)
Permanent differences  16.15   5.81 
Establishment of deferred tax liabilities upon conversion to C corporation  —     8.12 
Increase in valuation allowance  19.85   16.64 
Other  (0.07)  0.02 
   

  

Total  (1.01)%  (6.66)%
   

  

The Company has Federal net operating loss carryforwards aggregating approximately $54,000 as of December 31, 2001, which can potentially be carried forward twenty years and will expire at various dates

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

through 2021. Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the utilization of a corporation’s net operating loss carryforward is limited following a greater-than-50% change in ownership within a three year period. Due to the Company’s prior equity transactions, the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation generally determined by multiplying the value of the Company on the date of the ownership change by the Federal long-term tax-exempt rate. Any unused limitation can be carried forward to future years for the balance of the net operating loss carryforward period. The Company has state net operating loss carryforwards aggregating approximately $52,000 as of December 31, 2001, which can potentially be carried forward for up to twenty years. The majority of the state net operating loss carryforwards relate to Pennsylvania which are subject to an annual utilization limitation of $2,000.
During the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, the valuation allowance increased by $14,146 and $8,166, respectively.
Although realization of the gross deferred tax assets is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized after considering the reversal of the deferred tax liabilities.
(9)    Redeemable Preferred Stock
On January 10, 2000, the Company completed the sale of 7,600,002 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for proceeds of $53,200. On December 20, 2000, the Company completed the sale of 6,676,846 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for proceeds of $20,231. On February 28, 2001, the Company completed the sale of 7,625,577 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for proceeds of $23,105. In connection with the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock, holders of Series A Preferred Stock who also invested in Series B Preferred Stock exchanged their Series A Preferred Stock for Series A-2 Preferred Stock. A total of 6,055,716 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were exchanged for shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock.
As described in the Second Amended and Restated Certificates of Incorporation, each share of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, “Preferred Stock”) is convertible at the shareholder’s option into such number of shares of Common Stock as determined by the Series A Conversion Price, the Series A-2 Conversion Price, and the Series B Conversion Price (collectively, “Conversion Prices”), respectively, as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Certificates of Incorporation (1.24-for-one, 1.24-for-one and one-for-one, for Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, at December 31, 2001). The Company reserved 23,751,804 shares of its Common Stock to provide for the conversion of such Preferred Stock. Upon the closing of a qualified public offering of the Company’s Common Stock, the Preferred Stock will automatically convert to a number of shares of Common Stock as determined by the Conversion Prices.
Beginning January 1, 2002, the holders of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive cumulative dividends of 6% per annum of the original issue price of $7.00 per share for Series A and Series A-2 Preferred Stock and of the original issue price of $3.03 per share for the Series B Preferred Stock, payable in preference and priority to payment of dividends on common stock. The holders of Preferred Stock shall also be entitled to receive, when and if declared, dividends in the same amount per share as would be payable on the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Preferred Stock is then convertible.
At the earliest of: (1) the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock; (2) the consummation of the sale of securities in the Corporation’s initial public offering of securities; or (3) a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, any accrued and unpaid dividends shall be paid to the holders of record of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock.

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

After December 31, 2003, and at the request of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of preferred stock, the Company will redeem all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock for $10.50, $10.50, and $4.545 per share, respectively, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Company is accreting the value of the redemption feature over the period from the issuance through December 31, 2003.
Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock shall be first entitled, before any distribution or payment to holders of common stock, to a minimum amount of $10.50, $10.50, and $4.545 per share, respectively, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. As of December 31, 2001, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock would be entitled to a minimum aggregate amount of $16,916, $66,331, and $66,584, respectively, in the event of a liquidation.
(10)    Equity Instruments
On January 10, 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the bigchalk.com, inc. 2000 Stock Plan (the 2000 Plan), covering employees, directors, and unaffiliated consultants. On July 30, 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the bigchalk.com, inc. 2001 Stock Plan (the 2001 Plan), covering employees, directors, and unaffiliated consultants. Stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to the stock’s fair value on the date of grant. All stock options have a contractual life of ten years and generally vest ratably over a period of four years; however, certain options vested in part immediately upon grant and ratably over a period of three years. The Company has reserved 3,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under both the 2000 Plan and the 2001 Plan.
Stock option transactions consisted of the following:
   
2001

  
2000

   
Shares

   
Weighted-
average exercise price

  
Shares

   
Weighted-
average exercise price

Outstanding at beginning of year                
Balance at January 10, 2000  2,651,256   $5.87  —     $—  
Granted  1,286,500    3.14  2,968,750    6.00
Granted in connection with HomeworkCentral acquisition  —      —    122,506    3.19
Exercised  —      —    (100)   6.00
Cancelled  (720,750)   6.00  (439,900)   6.00
   

  

  

  

Outstanding at end of year  3,217,006    4.76  2,651,256   $5.87
   

  

  

  

Weighted-average fair value of options granted      $0.53      $1.17
       

      

Options exercisable at end of year  891,881       516,491     
   

      

    
The weighted-average contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000 is 8.4 years and 9.6 years. The exercise prices for options outstanding at December 31, 2001 that were granted in connection with the HomeworkCentral acquisition range from $.59 to $9.88. The exercise prices for all other options outstanding at December 31, 2001 are either $3.03 or $6.00.
The Company applies Opinion No. 25 in accounting for the Plan and, accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized as the exercise price of all grants equaled the fair value of the underlying stock on the

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

date of grant. The pro forma impact of recognizing the fair value of granted options as expense is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000:
   
2001

   
2000

Net loss to common stockholders:        
As reported  $(87,228)  (48,373)
Pro forma   (87,799)  (49,443)
   


  
Loss per common share:        
As reported  $(5.19)  (2.95)
Pro forma   (5.22)  (3.01)
   


  
For purposes of calculating pro forma compensation expense, the fair value of each stock option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following weighted-average assumptions for fiscal 2001 and 2000: nominal volatility; risk free interest rate of 4.65% and 6.00%; no dividend yield; and expected life of 4 years and 2.6 years.
During 2000, the Company granted 37,500 stock options in Common Stock with an exercise price of $6.00 per share to a consultant and recorded the related compensation expense of $159 in accordance with EITF Issue No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services”. At December 31, 2000, all of these options are exerciseable and are outstanding.
(11)    Related-party Transactions
The Company enters into various transactions with two of its significant shareholders, ProQuest and Tucows.
The Company sells ProQuest’s products and pays royalties to ProQuest based on a percentage of revenue. The amounts paid to ProQuest are recorded as costs of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and amounted to $3,287 and $5,927 in fiscal 2001 and 2000, respectively. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company was obligated to ProQuest for $449 and $2,343, respectively. These amounts were included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2001 and 2000 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Tucows sells the Company’s products and pays royalties to the Company based on a percentage of revenue. The amounts received from Tucows are recorded as sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and amounted to $2,027 and $3,472 in 2001 and 2000, respectively. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, Tucows was obligated to the Company for $293 and $655, respectively. This amount is included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(12)    Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to pending and threatened legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, no such actions are known to have a material adverse impact on the financial position of the Company.
The Company has entered into contracts with several partners to provide content for the Company’s portfolio of products and services. Under these contracts, the Company is obligated to make minimum payments for license fees of $2,229, $2,409, and $1,910 in 2002, 2003, and 2004, respectively. In addition,

BIGCHALK.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

under the terms of most of these contracts, the Company is required to pay royalties based on various units of measure related to the content provided the Company.

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on - ------ ------------------------------------------------ Accounting and Financial Disclosure. -----------------------------------
None.
Part III
Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Information regarding Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant is included at the end of Part I of this report. report under the caption “Executive Officers and Directors.”
Item 11.    Executive Compensation. - ------- ----------------------
The information required by this Item iswill be set forth in the Company'sCompany’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 200015, 2002 (under the captions "Compensation“Compensation of Directors"Directors”, "Executive Compensation"“Executive Compensation”, "Supplemental“Supplemental Retirement Plan"Plan”, and "Compensation“Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation"Participation”), and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and - ------- --------------------------------------------------- Management. ---------- Management.
The information required by this Item iswill be set forth in the Company'sCompany’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 200015, 2002 (under the captions "Security“Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management"Management”, and "Information“Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers"Officers”), and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. - ------- ----------------------------------------------
Information regarding Related Party Transactions is included in Note 1518 to the financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report. The remaining information required by this Item is set forth in the Company'sCompany’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 200015, 2002 (under the caption "Shareholders Agreement"“Shareholders Agreement”), and is hereby incorporated by reference. -54-
Part IV
Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reportson Form 8-K.
(a)  1. (i)  Financial statements:
The following consolidated financial statements of ProQuest Company are included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (pages 29-58)
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Statements of Operations—Fiscal Years 2001, 2000, and 1999
Consolidated Balance Sheets—At the end of Fiscal Years 2001 and 2000
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Fiscal Years 2001, 2000, and 1999
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
(Loss)—Fiscal Years 2001, 2000, and 1999
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(ii) Financial statements:
The consolidated financial statements of bigchalk.com, inc. are included in this Annual Report on Form 10K. (See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for summarized financials of bigchalk.com, inc.)
2.  Financial statement schedules filed as a part of this report:
Financial Statement Schedules are omitted as the required information is either inapplicable, immaterial, or is presented in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
3.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)  Exhibits.
Exhibit No.

Description

  *2.1Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between the Company and BH Acquisition, Inc., dated September 20, 2001, is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 12, 2001.
  *2.2Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated April 18, 2001, by and among the Company, Bell & Howell UK Holdings Limited, Bell & Howell Mail and Messaging Technologies Company, Pitney Bowes Inc., and Pitney Bowes International Holdings, Inc., is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 18, 2001.
    3.1Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of ProQuest Company
  *3.2By-laws of ProQuest Company (f/k/a Bell & Howell Operating Company) are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-48425.
*10.1Amended and Restated Profit Sharing Retirement Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bell & Howell Company’s (f/k/a Bell & Howell Operating Company) Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556
*10.2Amended and Restated Replacement Benefit Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556
*10.3Supplemental Retirement Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556
*10.4Management Incentive Bonus Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556

Exhibit No.

Description

*10.5Long Term Incentive Plan II, 1993-1996, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-89992
*10.6Deferred Benefit Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556
*10.7Shareholders Agreement dated May 10, 1988, as amended, among certain Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and Investor Shareholders (as defined therein) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-59994
*10.8Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 10, 1988 by and among Bell & Howell Group, Inc. and each of the Purchasers referred to therein is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556
*10.10Supplement to Fourth Amendment to the Shareholders Agreement dated May 10, 1988, as amended, among certain Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and Investor Shareholders (as defined therein) is incorporated herein by reference to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-89992
*10.11Receivables Purchase Agreement dated May 1, 1996, between Bell & Howell Financial Services Company and the First National Bank of Chicago, is incorporated herein by reference to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-59994
  10.11ARevolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997, among Bell & Howell Operating Company, the Lenders listed therein, and Bankers Trust Company incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Bell & Howell Operating Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, Registration No. 333-36401.
*10.12Bell & Howell Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and Bell & Howell Associate Stock Purchase Plan, is incorporated herein by reference to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 33-99982
*10.13Bell & Howell Company 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended, is incorporated
*10.14Bell & Howell Company 1995 Non-Employee Director’s Stock Option Compensation Plan, is incorporated herein by reference to Bell & Howell Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-93099
  10.15Sixth Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997, among Bell & Howell Operating Company, the Lenders listed therein, and Bankers Trust Company
  21.1Subsidiaries of ProQuest Company
  23.1Consent of KPMG LLP
  23.2Consent of KPMG LLP

*
As previously filed
4.  Reports on Form 8-K
A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed on October 12, 2001, reporting the sale of the Company’s Mail and Messaging Technologies business, its Scanners business and its financing services business.

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, therefore duly authorized.
Date: March 17, 2000 Bell & Howell Company By: /s/ James P. Roemer ----------------------- James P. Roemer Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer 29, 2002
PROQUEST COMPANY
By:
/s/    JAMES P. ROEMER        

James P. Roemer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/
Signature

Title

Date

/s/    JAMES P. ROEMER        

James P. Roemer
Chairman of the Board of March 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- Directors, President and James P. Roemer Chief Executive Officer /s/ Nils A. Johansson Executive Vice March 29, 2002
/s/    ALAN ALDWORTH        

Alan Aldworth
President, March 17, 2000 - --------------------------------Chief Operating Officer
and Chief Financial Officer Nils A. Johansson and Director /s/ Stuart T. Lieberman Vice President, Finance
March 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- and Chief Accounting Stuart T. Lieberman Officer /s/ 29, 2002
/s/    TODD W. BUCHARDT        

Todd W. Buchardt
General Counsel and SecretaryMarch 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- Secretary Todd W. Buchardt /s/ 29, 2002
/s/    DAVID BONDERMAN        

David Bonderman
DirectorMarch 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- David Bonderman /s/ 29, 2002
/s/    DAVID G. BROWN        

David G. Brown
DirectorMarch 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- David G. Brown /s/ J. Taylor Crandall Director March 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- J. Taylor Crandall /s/ Daniel Doctoroff Director March 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- Daniel Doctoroff /s/ 29, 2002
/s/    WILLIAM E. OBERNDORF        

William E. Oberndorf
DirectorMarch 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- William E. Oberndorf /s/ 29, 2002
/s/    GARY L. ROUBOS        

Gary L. Roubos
DirectorMarch 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- Gary L. Roubos /s/ 29, 2002
/s/    JOHN H. SCULLY        

John H. Scully
DirectorMarch 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- John H. Scully /s/ 29, 2002
/s/    WILLIAM J. WHITE        

William J. White
DirectorMarch 17, 2000 - -------------------------------- William J. White 29, 2002
-55- Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports - ------- ---------------------------------------------------- on Form 8-K. ----------- (a) 1. Financial statements: The following consolidated financial statements of Bell & Howell Company are included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Independent Auditors' Report Consolidated Statements of Operations - Fiscal Years 1999, 1998, and 1997 Consolidated Balance Sheets - At the end of fiscal years 1999 and 1998 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Fiscal Years 1999, 1998 and 1997 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Fiscal Years 1999, 1998 and 1997 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2. Financial statement schedule filed as a part of this report: Financial Statement Schedules are omitted as the required information is either inapplicable or is presented in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto. 3. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (a) Exhibits. Exhibit No. Description ------- ----------- *3.1 Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Bell & Howell Company (f/k/a Bell & Howell Operating Company), Amended and Restated Registration No. 333-59994 *3.2 By-laws of Bell & Howell Company (f/k/a Bell & Howell Operating Company) Registration No. 333-63556 -56- *10.1 Amended and Restated Profit Sharing Retirement Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bell & Howell Company's (f/k/a Bell & Howell Operating Company) Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556 *10.2 Amended and Restated Replacement Benefit Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Bell & Howell Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556 *10.3 Supplemental Retirement Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Bell & Howell Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556 *10.4 Management Incentive Bonus Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Bell & Howell Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556 *10.5 Long Term Incentive Plan II, 1993-1996, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit to Bell & Howell Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-89992 *10.6 Deferred Benefit Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Bell & Howell Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556 *10.7 Shareholders Agreement dated May 10, 1988, as amended, among certain Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and Investor Shareholders (as defined therein) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Bell & Howell Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-59994 *10.8 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 10, 1988 by and among Bell & Howell Group, Inc. and each of the Purchasers referred to therein is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bell & Howell Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-63556 -57- *10.9 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 4, 1996, among Bell & Howell Company (f/k/a Bell & Howell Operating Company), the Lenders listed therein and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent, Registration No. 33-59994 *10.10 Supplement to Fourth Amendment to the Shareholders Agreement dated May 10, 1988, as amended, among certain Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and Investor Shareholders (as defined therein) Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, Registration No. 33-89992 *10.11 Receivables Purchase Agreement dated May 1, 1996, between Bell & Howell Financial Services Company and the First National Bank of Chicago, Registration No. 33-59994 *10.12 Bell & Howell Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and Bell & Howell Associate Stock Purchase Plan, Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 33-99982 *10.13 Bell & Howell Company 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended, Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-48425 *10.14 Bell & Howell Company 1995 Non-Employee Director's Stock Option Compensation Plan, Registration on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-93099 21.1 Subsidiaries of Bell & Howell Company 23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP 27.1 Financial Data Schedule * As previously filed -58-

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