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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

     
[X]   ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

OR

     
[    ]   TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _________

Commission file number: 0-26420

AMBASSADORS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

 
91-1688605
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1071 Camelback Street
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 

92660
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (949) 759-5900

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value


Title of Each Class

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 [X]    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’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]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes    No [X]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based upon the closing sales price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on June 28, 2002, was $71,981,664. The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of March 7, 2003 was 9,872,852.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14. Controls and Procedures
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
Schedule II — Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Signatures
Certifications
EXHIBIT 21.1
EXHIBIT 23.1
EXHIBIT 23.2
EXHIBIT 99.1


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

                         
PART I
        Item 1.
  Business     1  
        Item 2.
  Properties     9  
        Item 3.
  Legal Proceedings     9  
        Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     9  
PART II
        Item 5.
  Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters     10  
        Item 6.
  Selected Financial Data     12  
        Item 7.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     13  
        Item 7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     20  
        Item 8.
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     20  
        Item 9.
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     20  
PART III
        Item 10.
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     21  
        Item 11.
  Executive Compensation     21  
        Item 12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management     21  
        Item 13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     21  
        Item 14.
  Controls and Procedures     21  
        Item 15.
  Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K     22  
SIGNATURES         49  
Exhibit Index         52  
Exhibit 99.1 Certification         57  

 


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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ambassadors International, Inc. (the “Company”), which are not historical in nature, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements in Item 1., “Business,” and Item 7., “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” regarding intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends in the travel industry, the Company’s business and growth strategies, the Company’s use of technology, the continued use of travel management companies by clients, the Company’s ability to integrate acquired businesses, and fluctuations in the Company’s quarterly results of operations.

Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties include factors affecting the travel industry generally, competition, the ability of the Company to successfully integrate the operations of existing or acquired companies, and a variety of factors such as war with Iraq, recession, weather conditions and concerns for passenger safety that could cause a decline in travel demand, as well as the risk factors set forth in Item 1. “Business — Risk Factors,” and other factors as may be identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in the Company’s press releases.

PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

Ambassadors International, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, is a leading travel services Company with subsidiaries currently operating in the businesses of (i) developing, marketing and managing meetings and incentive programs for a nationwide roster of corporate clients, utilizing incentive travel, merchandise award programs and corporate meeting management services (the “Performance Group”); (ii) providing comprehensive hotel reservation, registration and travel services for meetings, conventions, expositions and trade shows (the “Services Group”) and (iii) providing event portfolio management software solutions (the “Technology Group”).

The Performance Group is comprised of: the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Ambassadors Performance Group, LLC (“APG”), a 51% ownership interest in Innovations In Marketing, LLC (“IIM”), and a 49% ownership interest in Incentive Travel, LLC (“ITI”). The Services Group is comprised of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Ambassadors Services Group, Inc. (“ASG”). The Technology Group is comprised of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Ambassadors Technology Corporation (“ATC”). References to the Company herein include Ambassadors International, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

The Company was originally incorporated in the State of Washington in 1967 under the name International Ambassador Programs, Inc. to provide international educational travel programs for students and professionals. The Company was reincorporated in the State of Delaware in 1995 under the name Ambassadors International, Inc. The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 1071 Camelback Street, Newport Beach, California, 92660-3228 and its telephone number is (949) 759-5900.

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Business Segments

Performance Group

The Performance Group develops, markets and manages performance improvement programs for a nationwide roster of clients. In January 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of The Helin Organization and commenced operations of the Performance Group. In December 1996, the Company acquired Bitterman & Associates, Inc.; in September 1997, the Company acquired certain of the assets of Debol & Associates; in February 1998, the Company acquired the stock of Travel Incentives, Inc.; in May 1998, the Company acquired the stock of Incentive Associates, Inc.; in March 2002, the Company acquired a 49% ownership interest in Incentive Travel, LLC and in November 2002, the Company acquired a 51% ownership interest in Innovations In Marketing, LLC.

During 1999, pursuant to a restructuring plan, the component of the Performance Group operations located in Minneapolis, Minnesota was closed, and all finance and accounting functions were consolidated into the principal executive offices located in Newport Beach, California. Additionally, the Company outsourced the incentive-merchandising component of its incentives business.

The Performance Group offers services in performance improvement programs and business meeting management services. The performance improvement programs utilize debit cards, travel incentives and merchandise awards, designed to achieve a multitude of specific corporate objectives, including but not limited to achieving sales goals, improving productivity, and attracting and retaining qualified employees. The business meeting management services assist clients in planning, coordinating and producing business meetings and conferences. These clients include both small and large businesses including Fortune 1000 companies.

In offering performance improvement programs and business meeting management services, the Performance Group follows a strategy aimed at developing and implementing programs tailored to each client’s objectives. These programs are designed to increase revenues and profits for the client. The Company’s employees meet with the existing or potential clients to determine their business objectives and their performance enhancement opportunities. The Company then works with the client to determine the scope of the program by identifying concepts and parameters to meet the objectives of the incentive program. The Company’s employees develop and customize services for the clients that fall within the identified parameters. Program rules are then developed that specifically address the campaign participants, key wholesalers or dealers involved in the client’s distribution channel.

The Performance Group’s marketing team participates in various aspects of a client’s program development. The staff of creative writers and graphic designers generally delivers promotional campaigns and materials that are complete from concept through production, including design, printing, collating, labeling and mailing. Also, the Company offers web based campaign performance tracking systems, with which clients can follow the period results of their programs, and determine and notify the incentive program winners. Based on the program structure, awards can be in the form of merchandise, travel, cash, recognition or any combination thereof. The Company then fulfills the award through a program coordinator that finalizes each aspect of the client’s event and delivers the awards directly to the client’s award winners.

Services Group

The Company’s Services Group operates hotel reservation, registration, and other services business for conventions, tradeshows and large specialty events through ASG. The Services Group commenced operations in 1998 through the acquisition of two hotel reservation companies. Through the acquisition of another company in 1999, ASG added pre-registration and on-site registration services to its list of services offered. Also during 1999, pursuant to a restructuring plan, the component of the Services Group’s operations located in Boston, Massachusetts was consolidated with the operations in Atlanta, Georgia, and the finance and accounting functions were consolidated into the principal executive offices located in Newport Beach, California.

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The Services Group provides comprehensive hotel reservation, registration, and other services for large event planners. The contracts for these services generally cover an annual meeting or event and may be for a term of one to several years. The hotel services include negotiating hotel room blocks, creating sub-blocks and fulfilling thousands of requests for hotel rooms for large citywide events. Hotel reservation requests are received by mail, fax and telephone by the Company’s call center staff. The Services Group accepts reservation requests over the internet, by e-mail and through proprietary technology utilizing the internet to book hotel reservations. This technology also enables clients, attendees, and hotel partners to obtain real-time reports and information over the internet at any time.

The Services Group registration technology assists planners in pre-registering attendees for multiple show events. The on-site registration technology operates through an efficient distribution network with the capability of registering thousands of attendees in a short period of time and in several different locations. The Services Group also offers attendees and event exhibitors various forms of lead retrieval systems.

Technology Group

The Technology Group provides enterprise wide control software which allows marketers, meeting planners and tradeshow organizers to run efficient, less costly events, while focusing on sales and marketing strategies and results. In December 2002, ATC acquired certain of the assets and business of Bluedot Virtual Event Organization, Inc. (such business and assets shall be referred to herein as “Bluedot Software” unless the context otherwise requires). Bluedot Software is a provider of event portfolio management software solutions which provides software infrastructure of web based and traditional business events to transform the customers’ events into key drivers of revenue growth, enhanced customer experience and cost savings. Global corporations and large associations in technology, financial services, media and healthcare have used the company’s products to automate marketing events.

Education Group Spin-Off

On January 25, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the spin-off of its wholly owned subsidiary, Ambassadors Group, Inc. (“AGI”), by declaring a special stock dividend to the stockholders of the Company and distributing to them all of the outstanding shares of AGI. The stock dividend was paid to the Company’s stockholders of record as of February 4, 2002, and was distributed to such shareholders after the close of business on February 28, 2002, the date that the spin-off was completed. Each stockholder of the Company received one share of common stock of AGI for each share of common stock owned in the Company. The distribution of AGI’s common stock pursuant to the spin-off was intended to be tax free to the Company and its stockholders. The Company received a favorable Internal Revenue Service private letter ruling to that effect. The trading of the common stock of AGI on the NASDAQ National Market began on March 1, 2002 under the symbol “EPAX.”

The spin-off of AGI was accounted for as a disposition of discontinued operations as of February 28, 2002, the date of the dividend. The spin-off impacted the Company’s balance sheet on February 28, 2002 by reducing total assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity by $34.8 million, $21.0 million and $13.8 million, respectively.

The Company has entered into various agreements with AGI providing for the separation of AGI’s business operations from the Company. These agreements also govern various interim and ongoing relationships. One of these agreements provides for a credit facility in which the Company has agreed to provide loans to AGI for certain purposes. AGI may borrow up to $20 million at any time with three days written notice to the Company. All monies outstanding, including principal and interest, mature no later than August 31, 2003. All borrowings bear interest at the prime interest rate as reported in the Wall Street Journal one business day after the request for a borrowing is received by the Company. As of December 31, 2002, there were no borrowings under this agreement.

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Corporate Investments

The Company has a 20% minority investment in Grand Prix Tours, Inc. (“GPT”), which provides packaged tours primarily to Formula One, Indy Car and NASCAR races in the United States and internationally. GPT is the largest such travel company in the United States.

The Company had a minority interest in GetThere.com, a company engaged in the travel business via the internet. During 2000, the Company sold its investment in GetThere.com and recognized a gain on the investment of approximately $7.9 million.

In January 1999, the Company purchased a minority interest in a joint venture that owns the capital stock of Scheduled Airlines Traffic Offices, Inc. (“SatoTravel”). In June 2001, the Company sold its ownership stake in SatoTravel to Navigant International, Inc. (“Navigant”) (Nasdaq: FLYR). The Company received approximately $7.2 million in cash, approximately 237,000 shares of common stock of Navigant and recorded a gain of approximately $8.3 million in other income ($5.5 million net of income taxes). The agreement also provides for an additional $1.4 million payment of cash and stock to be paid to the Company if SatoTravel, as a subsidiary of Navigant, had achieved certain revenue objectives by June 14, 2002. The additional payment is currently being disputed by Navigant and both parties have agreed to arbitration to settle the dispute. The additional payment has not been recorded by the Company as of December 31, 2002.

In October 2000, the Company purchased a minority interest in Milepoint, Inc., a development stage internet company which enables customers to convert accrued credits toward online purchasing. During the quarter ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $400,000 which the Company’s management believed to be other than a temporary decline in the market value of this investment. The recorded loss represented the balance of this investment and thus, the Company has no future financial exposure on this investment.

In March 2002, the Performance Group acquired a 49% ownership interest in Incentive Travel, LLC (“ITI”). ITI develops, markets and manages meetings and incentive programs for a select roster of corporate clients utilizing incentive travel and corporate meeting management services.

Business Strategy

The Company’s strategy is to maintain its quality standards while increasing its volume of business. In the Performance Group, the Company’s strategy is to increase business through acquiring majority and minority positions in well run companies in which the owner or owners have growth potential but are limited due to their capital base or ability to handle administrative functions required of a larger company. The Company supplies the administrative functions as well as financial capacity while the partner concentrates on increasing revenues and market share.

In the Services Group, the Company’s strategy is to increase business by differentiating itself from other housing transaction providers by extending its array of services. Some of these services include enhanced contracting, on-site support, hotel audits and marketing services for customer events.

In the Technology Group, the acquisition of Bluedot Software allows the Company to provide all customers, no matter the size and budget of their events, the operational and strategic advantages gained by using Bluedot Software’s event management software. The acquisition of Bluedot Software also positions the Company to expand its customer base significantly, as greater numbers of marketers, event planners and trade show organizers seek ways to quantify and improve results from their portfolio of events and outsource functions not essential to their core business. Furthermore, the Company believes that Bluedot Software is a natural fit allowing it to cross-sell its software in the Performance Group and Services Group.

The Company continues to pursue selective acquisitions of businesses in the travel, performance improvement, leisure and service sectors that will increase stockholder value.

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Competition

The travel industry in general is highly competitive. In the meeting management and incentives businesses many of the Company’s competitors are larger and have greater resources. The Company believes that, although some potential clients will focus on price alone, other clients will also be interested in the quality of the programs developed and the excellent customer service provided by the Company. The Company believes that its programs are not easily duplicated by its competitors.

The Services Group operates within a highly competitive, technical segment of the travel industry. The Company competes with respect to price and service, and believes its technology is a key element of its service.

The Company believes the barriers to entry are relatively low for any future competitors. However, certain organizations engaged in the travel business have substantially greater financial, marketing and sales resources than the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company’s present or future competitors will not exert significant competitive pressures on the Company.

Insurance

The Company maintains insurance coverage that it believes is adequate for its business, including but not limited to, a total of $20 million in coverage for professional and general liability. The Company also maintains insurance coverage on real property and personal property, and as required on leased properties, on a replacement cost basis. The Company has not experienced difficulty in obtaining adequate insurance coverage. There is no assurance that the insurance maintained by the Company will be adequate in the event of a claim, or that such insurance will continue to be available in the future.

Employees

On December 31, 2002, the Company employed 147 employees, of which 140 were full-time employees. Of the Company’s full-time employees, 66 are located in Newport Beach, California; 36 are located in Atlanta, Georgia; 12 are located in Novato, California; 21 are located in San Francisco, California; and 5 are located in other individual offices throughout the United States. The Company has full-time employees engaged in marketing and sales and full-time employees in operations, administration and finance. The Company also employs temporary labor on a seasonal basis to assist with its direct marketing efforts due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s travel programs. None of the Company’s employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements or are represented by a union. The Company believes that its labor relations are good.

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Risk Factors

Certain statements in this Form 10-K, including statements included below and under the captions “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business” and elsewhere, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Travel Industry and Natural Occurrences

Substantially all of the Company’s operations are directly associated with the travel industry. As a result, the Company’s operations are subject to special risks inherent in doing business in such industry. Such risks include the adverse effect on operations from war, terrorism, civil disturbances, political instability, governmental activities and deprivation of contract rights. Periods of instability or uncertainty surrounding the travel industry may reduce the demand for the Company’s programs and services and could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. The war with Iraq or terrorist attacks similar to those of September 11, 2001 are examples of events that could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations. Demand for the Company’s programs and services may also be adversely effected by natural occurrences such as hurricanes, earthquakes, epidemics and flooding in regions in which the Company conducts its programs and provides its services.

General Economic Conditions

The Company derives a significant portion of its revenues directly or indirectly from the travel industry. The travel industry, especially the performance improvement and convention sectors, is sensitive to changes in economic conditions. During general economic downturns and recessions, companies tend to reduce or eliminate improvement programs and attendance at conventions and trade shows. The travel industry is also highly susceptible to unforeseen events, such as terrorism, fuel price escalation, travel-related accidents, unusual weather patterns or other adverse occurrences. Any event that results in decreased travel generally would have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Available-for-Sale Securities

Cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale securities are exposed to concentrations of credit risk. The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments with high credit quality institutions. At times, such balances may be in excess of the federal depository insurance limit or may be on deposit at institutions that are not covered by this insurance. If such institutions were to become insolvent during which time it held the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, or available-for-sale securities in excess of the insurance limit, it would be necessary for the Company to obtain credit financing to operate its programs.

Acquisitions and Expansion of Business

Part of the Company’s business strategy is to acquire selected travel, performance improvement, leisure and service related businesses that may complement its businesses. The Company will be competing for acquisition opportunities with other companies, many of which have greater name recognition, marketing support and financial resources, which may result in a diminished number of acquisition opportunities available to the Company and higher acquisition prices. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to identify, pursue or acquire any targeted businesses. In addition, if any targeted businesses are acquired, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to profitably manage additional businesses or successfully integrate any acquired businesses into the Company without substantial costs, delays and/or other operational or financial problems.

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If the Company enters into any significant acquisition for cash, a substantial portion of the Company’s available cash could be used in order to consummate any such acquisition. The Company may also seek to finance such acquisitions through debt or equity financings. There can be no assurance that such financings will be available at all or on terms acceptable to the Company. If consideration for an acquisition includes equity securities, the Company’s stockholders could experience dilution.

Acquisitions involve a number of special risks in addition to those described above. These risks include the diversion of management’s attention to the assimilation of the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses, the potential loss of key employees of acquired companies, potential exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies, adverse effects on the Company’s reported operating results due to acquisition costs and expenses associated with integrating and assimilating the operations of the acquired businesses. No assurance can be given that any acquisitions by the Company will or will not occur, or that if an acquisition does occur, that it will not have an adverse effect on the Company or that any such acquisition will be successful in enhancing the Company’s business.

To properly manage its expansion through potential acquisitions, the Company will be required to expend significant management and financial resources. There can be no assurance that the Company’s systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support the Company’s operations as they expand, without additional capital and resource expenditures. There can also be no assurance that the Company’s management will be able to manage its growth and operate a larger organization efficiently or profitably. To the extent the Company is unable to manage its growth efficiently and effectively or is unable to attract and retain additional qualified management personnel, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely effected.

Seasonality — Fluctuations in Quarterly Results

The Company’s businesses are seasonal. The Company recognizes gross program receipts, revenues and program related expenses in the month a program operates. Historically, the majority of the Company’s operating income has been recognized in the second and third quarters; however, as a result of the spin-off of AGI, the Company anticipates that the majority of its operating income will be recognized in the first, second and fourth quarters. The Company’s annual results would be adversely effected if the Company’s revenue were to be substantially below seasonal norms during the first, second and fourth quarters of the year. The Company’s operating results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including the mix of programs and events, program destinations and event locations, the introduction and acceptance of new programs and program and event enhancements by the Company and its competitors, timing of program and event operation, cancellation rates, competitive conditions in the industry, marketing expenses, extreme weather conditions, timing of and costs related to acquisitions, changes in relationships with certain travel providers, economic factors and other considerations affecting the travel industry. As a result of the foregoing, annual or quarterly operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. In such event, the price of the Company’s common stock could be adversely affected.

Competition

The travel industry in general, and the performance improvement and convention services sectors in particular, are highly competitive. The Company’s improvement programs and convention services compete with other companies that provide similar programs and services. Many of these competitors are larger and have greater resources than the Company. In addition, corporations and associations themselves may choose to provide these programs and services “in-house.” The Company believes the barriers to entry in each of the fields in which it operates are relatively low. Certain of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing, and sales resources than the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company’s present competitors or competitors that elect to enter the marketplace in the future will not exert significant competitive pressures on the Company. Such competition could have an adverse effect on the Company.

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Casualty Losses

Due to the nature of the Company’s business, the Company may be subject to liability claims arising out of accidents or disasters causing injury to participants or attendees to its programs or events, including claims for serious personal injury or death. The Company believes that it has adequate liability insurance coverage for such risks arising in the normal course of business. Although the Company has never experienced a liability loss for which it did not have adequate insurance coverage, there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover one or more large claims or that the insurance carrier will be solvent at the time of any covered loss. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain sufficient insurance coverage at acceptable premium levels in the future. Successful assertion against the Company of one or a series of large uninsured claims, or of one or a series of claims exceeding the Company’s insurance coverage, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Dependence on Travel Suppliers

In order to provide its services and products, the Company is dependent on airlines, hotels and other suppliers of travel services. Consistent with industry practices, the Company does not currently have any long-term agreements with its travel suppliers that obligate such suppliers to sell services or products through the Company. Restricted access to suppliers of travel services and a reduction in capacity or changes in pricing arrangements with travel suppliers could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Dependence on Key Personnel

The Company’s performance is substantially dependent on the continued services and performance of its senior management and certain other key personnel. The loss of the services of any of its executive officers or other key employees could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company does not have any long-term employment agreements with its executive officers. The Company’s future success also depends on its ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate other highly skilled managerial, operational, marketing and customer service personnel. The failure to retain and attract necessary managerial, operational, marketing and customer service personnel could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Item 2. Properties

The principal executive offices of the Company occupy approximately 27,000 square feet of office space in Newport Beach, California, pursuant to a lease dated June 15, 1998, which expires in June 2005. The lease currently provides for monthly rental payments of approximately $34,000. The Company subleases approximately 3,000 square feet to two sublessees for approximately $5,500 per month.

The Company occupies offices totaling approximately 18,100 square feet in Atlanta, Georgia pursuant to a lease dated January 7, 2000, which expires in July 2005. The lease currently provides for monthly rental payments of approximately $24,000 per month.

The Company occupies office space totaling 2,400 square feet in Novato, California pursuant to a lease dated September 1, 1998, which expires in August 2003. The lease currently provides for monthly rental payments approximating $6,500 per month. The Company is currently evaluating the future use of this office space and, as such, has not entered into any lease amendments for this location.

The Company occupies office space totaling approximately 1,800 square feet in Alexandria, Virginia, with current monthly rental payments of approximately $2,600. This lease expires in October 2004.

The Company occupies office space totaling approximately 5,500 square feet in San Francisco, California with current monthly rental payments of approximately $9,000. This lease expires in March 2003 and reverts to a month to month lease subsequent to the expiration date. The Company is currently evaluating the future use of this office space and as such, has not entered into any lease amendments for this location.

The Company leases storage space totaling approximately 2,100 square feet in Smyrna, Georgia, with current monthly rental payments of approximately $3,000. This lease expires in April 2003.

Management believes that its existing facilities are sufficient to meet its present needs and anticipated needs for the foreseeable future. However, additional facilities may be required in connection with future business acquisitions.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings. The Company is from time to time threatened or involved in litigation incidental to its business. The Company believes that the outcome of all current litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

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

None.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Stock Market and Other Information

The Company’s common stock is traded and prices are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “AMIE.” As of March 11, 2003, there were approximately 45 holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock not including beneficial owners holding shares through nominee or street name.

The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices of a share of the Company’s Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market for the periods indicated:

                 
    High   Low
   
 
2002:
               
Quarter ended March 31, 2002 (1)
  $ 21.35     $ 7.75  
Quarter ended June 30, 2002
    10.15       8.06  
Quarter ended September 30, 2002
    10.24       7.95  
Quarter ended December 31, 2002
    9.10       8.00  
2001: (1)
               
Quarter ended March 31, 2001
  $ 20.13     $ 16.50  
Quarter ended June 30, 2001
    27.60       16.06  
Quarter ended September 30, 2001
    27.10       14.15  
Quarter ended December 31, 2001
    21.80       13.40  


(1)   The Company spun-off AGI effective February 28, 2002 (see Item 1 “Business” for further discussion). All prices before that date reflect the stock price prior to the spin-off.

Dividend Policy

Historically, the Company has not paid any dividends. However, as a result of the Company’s gain from the sale of its investment in GetThere.com in 2000, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.53 per share on the Company’s Common Stock to stockholders of record on February 28, 2001. This dividend represented the per share gain recorded by the Company.

The Company intends to continue to retain its earnings for use in the operation and expansion of its business and, therefore, does not anticipate declaring any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends in the future will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

ChaseMellon Shareholder Services of Los Angeles, California serves as transfer agent and registrar of the Company’s Common Stock.

Changes in Securities

In March 2002, the Company issued 44,224 shares of its Common Stock in connection with its purchase of a 49% ownership interest in ITI. No commissions or remuneration were paid to any person in connection with the issuance . The issuance of shares of common stock was exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof.

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

                         
    (a)   (b)   (c)
                    Number of
                    securities
                    remaining available
            Weighted-average   for future issuance
    Number of securities to   exercise price of   under equity
    be issued upon exercise   outstanding   compensation plans
    of outstanding options,   options, warrants   (excluding securities
Plan category   warrants and rights   and rights   reflected in column (a))

 
 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    1,199,352     $ 7.40       638,648  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
 
   
     
     
 
Total
    1,199,352     $ 7.40       638,648  

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data of the Company is presented as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998. The spin-off of AGI was accounted for as a disposition of discontinued operations as of February 28, 2002, the date of the spin-off, and accordingly, previously reported results of operations of the Company have been restated to reflect the results of AGI in discontinued operations. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

                                           
      2002   2001   2000   1999   1998
     
 
 
 
 
      (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Selected Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
                                       
Revenue (A)
  $ 14,695     $ 17,041     $ 18,411     $ 17,455     $ 15,719  
Operating expenses:
                                       
 
Selling and tour promotion
    4,014       5,544       6,029       7,266       6,841  
 
General and administrative
    10,343       15,531       13,340       13,565       10,527  
 
Restructuring and impairment of long-lived assets
          12,803             8,107        
Operating income (loss)
    338       (16,837 )     (958 )     (11,483 )     (1,649 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax
    2,877       (4,535 )     9,903       (7,731 )     1,207  
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax
    2,763       (2,939 )     6,437       (4,938 )     815  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (1,197 )     10,437       11,289       6,777       7,547  
Net income
    1,566       7,498       17,726       1,839       8,362  
Earnings (loss) per share — basic:
                                       
 
Continuing operations
  $ 0.28     $ (0.30 )   $ 0.68     $ (0.51 )   $ 0.09  
 
Discontinued operations
    (0.12 )     1.08       1.18       0.70       0.84  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 0.16     $ 0.78     $ 1.86     $ 0.19     $ 0.93  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Earnings (loss) per share — diluted:
                                       
 
Continuing operations
  $ 0.27     $ (0.30 )   $ 0.66     $ (0.51 )   $ 0.09  
 
Discontinued operations
    (0.12 )     1.05       1.17       0.70       0.83  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 0.15     $ 0.75     $ 1.83     $ 0.19     $ 0.92  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 46,910     $ 28,021     $ 38,071     $ 18,461     $ 55,290  
Total assets
    128,159       165,304       168,390       142,763       127,732  
Long-term debt
                200       400       145  
Total stockholders’ equity
    115,016       126,240       121,871       108,269       107,049  


(A)   Revenue is a function of gross program receipts less program pass through expenses. Program pass through expenses include all direct costs associated with the Company’s programs, including costs related to airfare, hotels, meals, and ground transportation. Gross program receipts during the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were $47.0 million, $59.9 million, $63.9 million, $67.8 million and $48.4 million, respectively.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

On January 25, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the spin-off of its wholly owned subsidiary, Ambassadors Group, Inc. (“AGI”), by declaring a special stock dividend to the stockholders of the Company and distributing to them all of the outstanding shares of AGI. The stock dividend was paid to the Company’s stockholders of record as of February 4, 2002, and was distributed to such shareholders after the close of business on February 28, 2002, the date that the spin-off was completed. Each stockholder of the Company received one share of common stock of AGI for each share of common stock owned in the Company. The distribution of AGI’s common stock pursuant to the spin-off was intended to be tax free to the Company and its stockholders. The Company received a favorable Internal Revenue Service private letter ruling to that effect. The trading of the common stock of AGI on the NASDAQ National Market began on March 1, 2002 under the symbol “EPAX.”

The spin-off of AGI was accounted for as a disposition of discontinued operations as of February 28, 2002, the date of the dividend. The spin-off impacted the Company’s balance sheet on February 28, 2002 by reducing total assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity by $34.8 million, $21.0 million and $13.8 million respectively. Therefore, the following discussion is based upon continuing operations.

In the years presented, the Company has been engaged primarily in (i) developing, marketing and managing meetings and incentive programs, and (ii) providing comprehensive hotel reservation, registration, and travel services for meetings, conventions, expositions, and trade shows.

In March 2002, the Company acquired a 49% ownership interest in San Diego, California based Incentive Travel, LLC and in November 2002, the Company acquired a 51% ownership interest in Newport Beach, California based Innovations In Marketing, LLC, the cumulative effect of which was to further expand the Company’s Performance Group.

In December 2002, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Ambassadors Technology Corporation (“ATC”) acquired Bluedot Software. Bluedot Software is a provider of event portfolio management software solutions.

The Company’s businesses are seasonal. The Company recognizes gross program receipts, revenues and program related expenses in the month a program operates. Historically, the majority of the Company’s operating income has been recognized in the second and third quarters; however, as a result of the spin-off of AGI, the Company anticipates that the majority of its operating income will be recognized in the first, second and fourth quarters.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and costs and expenses during the period. Management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those which impact its most critical accounting policies on an ongoing basis. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, within the framework of current accounting literature.

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The following is a list of the accounting policies that management believes are the more significant judgments and estimates, and that could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions or conditions.

Revenue Recognition

Gross program receipts reflect the total payments received by the Company from clients. Gross program receipts less program related expenses constitute the Company’s revenues. Program related expenses include all direct costs associated with the Company’s programs including costs related to airfare, hotels, meals, ground transportation, changes in currency exchange rates and merchandise costs. The Company recognizes travel revenue and related costs when travel convenes. The Company’s policy is to obtain payment for substantially all travel services prior to entering into commitments for incurring expenses relating to such travel.

Revenue from hotel reservation, registration and related travel services are recognized when the convention commences. Revenue from the sale of merchandise is recognized when the merchandise is shipped. Revenue from pre-paid certificate-based merchandise incentive programs is deferred until the Company’s obligations are fulfilled or upon management’s estimates (based upon historical trends) that the certificate will not be redeemed.

Revenue from the Technology Group is derived from a combination of license and maintenance fees and services provided with its enterprise software tools. The services provided include hosting of data, development and workflow configuration. Revenue from contracts with multiple elements is recognized using the “residual method” in accordance with Statement of Position (“SOP”) 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition” as amended by SOP 98-9, “Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, With Respect to Certain Transactions.” Revenue from development contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method in accordance with SOP 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts.” Revenue from contracts relating to only maintenance or hosting of data is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period that the services are provided.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company invests cash in excess of operating requirements in short-term time deposits, money market instruments, government mutual bond funds and other investments. Securities with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.

Available-for-Sale Securities

The Company classifies its marketable investments as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities consist of debt securities with maturities beyond three months and equity securities, which are carried at fair value.

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from operations and reported as accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. Realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are recognized on a specific identification basis in the statement of income in the period the investments are sold.

Other Investments

The Company owns majority and minority investments in other operating companies. All of these investment acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Therefore, the statements of income of the acquired businesses are included in the Company’s statements of income since their respective dates of acquisition. The Company accounts for these investments using the equity method when the Company’s ownership is less than 50% and on a consolidated basis when the Company’s ownership exceeds 50%.

Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investments that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value.

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Long-Lived Assets

On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles.” Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill is no longer amortized, but is subject to annual impairment tests. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair market value of each of its subsidiaries when performing its impairment tests. Assumptions used include growth rates for revenues and expenses, investment yields on deposits, future capital expenditure requirements and appropriate discount rates. During the second quarter of 2002, the Company performed the first of the required impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets associated with continuing operations (the “transitional test”) and determined that no impairment charge was required as of January 1, 2002. The Company performed its annual test as of December 31, 2002 and determined there was no indication of impairment.

Deferred Income Taxes

The asset and liability approach is used to account for income taxes by recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. While the Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, in the event the Company were to determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

Results of Operations

The following table reflects certain income and expense items as a percentage of revenue.