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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to to
Commission file number 0-16986
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 38-2698904
- ---------------------------------------------------- --------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (I.R.S. Employer
or organization) identification No.)
ONE ACCLAIM PLAZA, GLEN COVE, NEW YORK 11542
(Address of principal executive offices)
(516) 656-5000
(Registrant's telephone number)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, $0.02 PAR VALUE
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. __
As at November 7, 1997, approximately 50,730,000 shares of Common Stock of the
Registrant were issued and outstanding and the aggregate market value of voting
common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $181,200,000.
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FILED WITH
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997
ITEMS IN FORM 10-K
PAGE
----
PART I
Item 1. Business..................................................................................... 1
Item 2. Properties................................................................................... 20
Item 3. Legal Proceedings............................................................................ 20
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.......................................... 23
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters........................ 24
Item 6. Selected Financial Data...................................................................... 25
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ....... 26
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................................. 33
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure......... 60
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant........................................... 62
Item 11. Executive Compensation....................................................................... 64
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management............................... 68
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............................................... 70
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.............................. 71
Signatures................................................................................... 73
PART I
THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, INCLUDING ITEM 1 ('BUSINESS') AND ITEM 7
('MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS'), CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF
SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. WHEN USED IN THIS REPORT, THE WORDS 'BELIEVE,'
'ANTICIPATE,' 'THINK,' 'INTEND,' 'PLAN,' 'WILL BE' AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS
IDENTIFY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH STATEMENTS REGARDING FUTURE
EVENTS AND/OR THE FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY ARE SUBJECT TO
CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, INCLUDING THOSE DISCUSSED IN 'RISK FACTORS'
BELOW AT PAGES 10 TO 20, WHICH COULD CAUSE ACTUAL EVENTS OR THE ACTUAL FUTURE
RESULTS OF THE COMPANY TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT.
IN LIGHT OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES INHERENT IN THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDED HEREIN, THE INCLUSION OF SUCH STATEMENTS
SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS A REPRESENTATION BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OTHER PERSON
THAT THE OBJECTIVES AND PLANS OF THE COMPANY WILL BE ACHIEVED.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. ('Acclaim'), together with its subsidiaries
(Acclaim and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the 'Company'), is
a developer, publisher and mass marketer of interactive entertainment software
('Software') for use with dedicated interactive entertainment hardware platforms
('Entertainment Platforms') and multimedia personal computer systems
('Multimedia PCs'). The Company operates its own Software design studios and a
motion capture studio, and markets and distributes its Software in the major
territories throughout the world. The Company's operating strategy is to develop
Software for the Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs that dominate the
interactive entertainment market at a given time or which the Company perceives
as having the potential for achieving mass market acceptance. The Company's
strategy is to emphasize sports simulation and arcade-style titles for
Entertainment Platforms, and fantasy/role-playing, adventure and sports
simulation titles for Multimedia PCs. The Company intends to continue to support
its existing key brands (such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, NFL Quarterback Club
'98, World Wrestling Federation ('WWF') and NBA Jam) with the introduction of
new titles supporting those brands and to develop one or more additional key
brands each year based on its original and licensed properties, which may then
be featured on an annual basis in successive titles.
The Company also engages in: (i) the development and publication of comic
books, which commenced in July 1994 through the acquisition of Acclaim Comics,
Inc. ('Acclaim Comics'); (ii) the distribution of Software titles developed by
other software publishers ('Affiliated Labels'), which commenced in the first
quarter of fiscal 1995; (iii) the marketing of its motion capture technology and
studio services, which commenced in the first quarter of fiscal 1995; and (iv)
the development, marketing and distribution of coin-operated video arcade games,
which commenced in May 1996. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'
A Delaware corporation, Acclaim was founded in 1987 and has overseas
operations in Japan, France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Substantially all of the Company's revenues are derived from one industry
segment: the publication of Software. For information about the Company's
foreign and domestic operations and export sales, see Note 19 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
1
INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE
Industry Overview
The Software industry is driven by the size of the installed base of
Entertainment Platforms (such as those manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd.
(Japan) (Nintendo Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Nintendo of America, Inc., are
collectively referred to as 'Nintendo'), Sony Corporation (Sony Corporation and
its subsidiary, Sony Computer Entertainment of America, are collectively
referred to as 'Sony') and Sega Enterprises Ltd. ('Sega')), and Multimedia PCs.
The industry is characterized by rapid technological change, resulting in
Entertainment Platform and related Software product cycles. No single
Entertainment Platform or system has achieved long-term dominance in the
interactive entertainment market.
The home interactive entertainment industry started a new period of growth
in 1985 when Nintendo introduced the NES, a read-only memory ('ROM')
cartridge-based 8-bit system. In 1990, Sega introduced the 16-bit
cartridge-based Genesis and, in 1991, Nintendo introduced the 16-bit
cartridge-based SNES. The 16-bit systems were more sophisticated than the 8-bit
systems, producing faster and more complex images with more life-like animation
and better sound effects. The industry experienced rapid rates of growth
commencing in 1992, fueled by sales of the 16-bit cartridge Entertainment
Platforms manufactured by Nintendo and Sega.
In 1993, Sega introduced the Sega CD, a compact disk ('CD') player
consisting of an attachment for its 16-bit Genesis system. Atari launched
Jaguar, its 64-bit cartridge-based system, in November 1993 and Sega launched
32X, its 32-bit cartridge-based attachment for its 16-bit Genesis system, in
November 1994.
Sega and Sony launched 32-bit CD-based systems in Japan in November 1994.
Sega shipped its Saturn system in the United States commencing in May 1995 and
Sony released its PlayStation system in the United States in September 1995.
Nintendo released N64, its new 64-bit ROM cartridge-based system, in Japan in
June 1996, in North America in September 1996 and in Europe in February 1997.
Nintendo has announced plans to release a disk drive for the N64 platform in
both Japan and the United States in 1998.
The rapid technological advances in game systems have significantly changed
the look and feel of Software as well as the Software development process.
According to Company estimates, the average development cost for a title for
Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs is currently between $1 and $2
million. Once a title is developed, the competition for shelf space in the
primary retail outlets is intense. Retailers typically prefer to deal with
companies that have track records of producing successful titles and a broad
product line. Additionally, Software titles, especially those for the
Entertainment Platforms market, require significant marketing support to
generate high sales volume. The introduction of faster microprocessors, graphics
accelerator chips, enhanced operating systems, and increases in memory and
processing power have facilitated the development of Software for the Multimedia
PC market. The increase in the installed base of Multimedia PCs has resulted in
an increased demand for Software capable of being used on such systems.
The following tables set forth the Company's estimates, based on
information received from hardware manufacturers, retailers and industry
analysts, in respect of the number of units (in millions) of the identified
Entertainment Platforms sold in the indicated territories:
SNES U.S.A. SNES Europe GENESIS U.S.A. GENESIS Europe
1991 1.7 1.2 1.5 1.2
1992 5.6 2 4.6 1.7
1993 4.5 2.2 5.5 2
1994 3.1 2.3 3.7 2.6
1995 2.4 1.7 2.2 2.1
1996 1.4 1 1 0.7
2
1995 1996 1997 (estimated)
U.S.A. Sony PlayStation 0.7 2.2 5.5
Europe Sony PlayStation 0.4 1.7 5
U.S.A. N64 1.8 4.5
Europe N64 1.5
U.S.A. Sega SATURN 0.3 1 0.7
Europe Sega SATURN 0.4 0.5 0.3
Products
Since inception, the Company has developed and sold Software for a variety
of dedicated Entertainment Platforms. Although older titles may continue to be
available for sale, the Company generally actively markets only its ten to
fifteen most recently released titles.
The life cycle of a title generally ranges from less than three months to
upwards of twelve months for the Company's key titles. The life cycle of a
particular title is dependent on its initial success. Although actual results
vary greatly from title to title, the retail sell-through of a title is
generally highest during the 90 to 120 days immediately after its introduction.
The Company plans to produce high quality titles and address a wide range
of interactive entertainment categories and audiences, such as puzzle, sports,
arcade conversions, action/adventure and fantasy.
In fiscal 1997, the Company released 26 32-bit titles, 14 Multimedia PC
titles and one 64-bit title. The Company made the decision to exit the 16-bit
and portable Software markets in April 1996. Since such time, the Company has
released two new 16-bit titles for the European market (Ultimate Mortal Kombat
on Nintendo SNES and Sega Genesis) and published three portable titles. The
Company may, from time to time, (a) publish 16-bit and/or portable titles
selectively to support its key brands and (b) if requested by a retailer,
produce additional units of a particular title(s) on a special order basis.
In fiscal 1998, the Company currently plans to release between eight and 10
titles for the N64, between 10 and 15 titles for the Sony PlayStation, between
eight and 10 titles for Multimedia PCs, and between six and eight titles for
Nintendo's GameBoy portable platform.
Software Development
The Company's Software development strategy is driven by the hardware
platforms that are marketed and/or are anticipated to be marketed from time to
time, the time and cost of Software development for each platform, the cost of
manufacturing Software for a particular platform and the attendant gross margins
for Software. The development time for the Company's Software for both
Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs is currently between eighteen and
twenty-four months. The cost of manufacturing cartridge Software is
significantly higher than CD Software. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'
Currently, the Company's Software development efforts are focused on the
Nintendo N64, the Sony PlayStation and Multimedia PCs. The Company's product
development methods and organization are modeled on those used in the Software
entertainment industry. 'Producers' employed by the Company oversee and are
responsible for development of the Company's Software. The producers direct
teams comprised of either the Company's own Software studios or independent
Software studios and, among other things, manage and monitor
3
the delivery schedule and budget for each title, ensure that the title follows
the approved treatment and story boards, act as facilitators with licensors
whose trademarks or brands may be incorporated in the title, if necessary, and
coordinate testing and final approval of the title.
The Company constantly seeks new sources of brands from which to develop
Software and has historically obtained such rights from a variety of sources in
the comic book publishing (e.g., Shadowman and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter), sports
(e.g., NFL Quarterback Club and World Wrestling Federation), arcade (e.g., NBA
Jam Extreme), film (e.g., Batman and Robin) and other areas of the entertainment
industry. Certain of the contractual agreements granting the Company rights to
use such brands are restricted to individual properties and certain agreements
cover a series of properties or grant rights to create Software based on or
featuring particular personalities or icons over a period of time.
The Company has invested in the creation of programming tools and engines
that are used in the design and development of its Software. The Company
believes that these tools and engines allow for the creation of state of the art
Software. The Company has also invested in a motion capture studio for the
application of its animation technology.
In 1995, the Company expanded its ability to develop Software internally
through its acquisition of three Software studios: Iguana Entertainment, Inc.
('Iguana') in January 1995 and Sculptured Software Inc. ('Sculptured') and Probe
Entertainment Ltd. ('Probe') in October 1995. Prior thereto, the Company relied
exclusively on independent Software studios. The majority of the Company's
Software released in fiscal 1997 (including Turok: Dinosaur Hunter) was
developed internally and the Company anticipates that more than 70% of the
titles anticipated to be released in fiscal 1998 (including Extreme G and NFL
Quarterback Club '98) will be developed internally. The Company believes that
internal development allows it to control the product quality, timing of release
and cost of its Software. The Company is in the process of consolidating the
management and organizational structure of its Software studios in order to
coordinate their development efforts, enable them to maximize their proprietary
tools and engines and to reduce operating expenses. See 'Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'
From time to time, the Company also enters into selected licensing
agreements with independent studios, developers and publishers to market and
distribute, in selected markets, Software titles developed by them. The Company
generally pays the publisher a royalty based on sales and retains the inventory
and marketing risk of such Software.
The Company checks Software developed by its internal and independent
Software studios prior to manufacture for defects ('bugs'). The Software
developed for the Entertainment Platforms are also tested by the hardware
manufacturers for bugs. The Company's Software for Multimedia PCs is tested for
bugs both internally and by independent testing organizations. To date, the
Company has not had to recall any titles due to bugs.
Marketing and Advertising
The Company's marketing strategy is based on Software featuring (i)
original properties, (ii) brands, personalities and/or icons and (iii)
successful arcade properties. Original properties are generally titles created
by the Company's Software studios and are based upon an original story or
concept developed by the Company. The Company also creates Software based on or
featuring well-known or identifiable brands (such as NFL Quarterback Club, NBA
Jam and World Wrestling Federation) and personalities or icons (such as
Spiderman, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and X-O Manowar) licensed or created by the
Company. Arcade properties are coin-operated games based upon which the Company
creates Software.
The target consumer for the Company's Software for Entertainment Platforms
are primarily males aged 11 to 21 and, for Multimedia PCs, are primarily males
aged 15 to 25. In developing a strategy for the marketing of a title, the
Company seeks story concepts and brands, personalities or icons that it believes
will appeal to the imagination of its target consumer. The Company creates
marketing campaigns consistent with the target consumer for each title. The
Company markets its Software through television, radio, print, public relations,
the internet (websites, both its own and others'), consumer contests and
promotions, publicity activities, and trade shows. In addition, the Company
enters into cooperative advertising arrangements with certain of its customers,
pursuant to which the Company's titles are featured in the retail customer's own
advertisements to its customers.
4
Dealer displays and in-store merchandising are also used to increase consumer
awareness of the Company's titles.
The Company's ability to promote and market its titles is important to its
success. The Company's plan is to develop one or more key brands each year based
on its original properties, which may then be featured on an annual basis in
successive titles across multiple Entertainment Platforms. For example, the
Company's WWF titles have been published on 11 platforms over eight years. By
creating key brands, the Company is able to take advantage of
cross-merchandising opportunities, to benefit from economies of scale and to
capitalize on the name recognition of the brands in each subsequent year in
which they are used.
Production, Sales and Distribution
The Company believes that the most efficient way to distribute its Software
is by tailoring the distribution method to each geographic market and, when the
market can support it, the Company distributes directly through a subsidiary in
an effort to maximize revenues and profits.
Pursuant to the terms of its license with Sony, the Company is required to
purchase PlayStation Software from Sony. Sony generally manufactures and
delivers Software to the Company within four weeks after the placement by the
Company of a purchase order. Reorders are generally delivered within two weeks
by Sony.
The Company manufactures (through subcontractors) all of its Software for
Multimedia PCs and substantially all of its Sega Software. The cost of Sega
Software when manufactured by the Company, together with the royalties payable
to Sega for such manufacturing, is slightly lower than the cost of the Company's
Software when manufactured by Sega. Orders for Multimedia PC and Sega Software
manufactured by the Company (through sub-contractors) are generally filled
within 20 to 30 days of the placement of the order. Re-orders for such Software
are generally filled within 10 days.
According to the Company's agreements and arrangements with Nintendo, the
Company must purchase Software it develops for the Nintendo platforms from
Nintendo. The lead-time for the manufacture of cartridge Software is longer than
for CD Software. The Company places a purchase order and opens a letter of
credit with respect to a particular title and Nintendo manufactures and delivers
such Software to the Company generally within 45 to 90 days thereafter.
In North America, the Company's Software is sold by regional sales
representative organizations which receive commissions based on the net sales of
each product sold. The Company maintains an in-house sales management team to
supervise the sales representatives. The sales representatives also act as sales
representatives for certain of the Company's competitors. Two of the sales
representative organizations marketing the Software are owned in whole or in
part by James Scoroposki, an officer, director and stockholder of the Company.
See 'Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.'
The Company sells its Software primarily to mass merchandisers, large
retail toy store chains, department stores and specialty stores. The Company
does not have written agreements with its customers. The loss of any important
customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company maintains sales, marketing and distribution offices in Japan,
France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. The sales and distribution
activities of Acclaim's European subsidiaries are administered through a central
management division, Acclaim Europe, based in London. For sales in other
markets, the Company appoints regional distributors. The Company's key domestic
retail customers include Toys R Us, Walmart, Best Buy and Target. Sales to Toys
R Us accounted for approximately 11% and 12% of the Company's net revenues for
the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1997. No single customer accounted for more
than 10% of the Company's net revenues for the year ended August 31, 1996.
The Company is generally not contractually obligated to accept returns,
except for defective inventory. However, in order to maintain retail
relationships, the Company permits its customers to return or exchange inventory
and provides price protection or other concessions for excess or slow-moving
inventory. The Company establishes reserves for such concessions; however,
concessions materially exceeded reserves therefor in fiscal 1996 and no
assurance can be given that such concessions will not exceed the reserves
established therefor in future periods. See 'Risk Factors--Inventory Management,
Risk of Product Returns' and 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.'
5
The Company's warranty policy is to provide the original purchaser with
replacement or repair of defective Software for a period of 90 days after sale.
To date, the Company has not experienced significant warranty claims.
Platform License Agreements
The Company is party to agreements (the 'Sony Agreements') with Sony,
pursuant to which the Company received, among other things, a non-exclusive
license to develop and distribute Software for the Sony PlayStation platform in
North America, Japan and Europe. The Sony Agreements expire in December 1998.
In April 1992, the Company entered into an agreement with Sega (the 'Sega
Agreement') and has certain other arrangements, pursuant to which the Company
received the non-exclusive right to utilize the 'Sega' name and its proprietary
information and technology in order to develop and distribute Software titles
for use with various Sega platforms. The Sega Agreement, as amended, expired in
December 1995. The Company and Sega are continuing to operate in the ordinary
course under the terms of the expired Sega Agreement and such arrangements with
respect to older platforms and, with respect to the Saturn platform, under an
oral agreement and other arrangements. No assurance can be given that the
Company will be successful in negotiating a new agreement. The Company believes
that the terms of any new agreement with Sega, if one is entered into, will not
impose materially greater obligations on the Company than the Sega Agreement,
although there can be no assurance of that result.
The Company has various license agreements with Nintendo (collectively, the
'Nintendo License Agreements') pursuant to which it has the non-exclusive right
to utilize the 'Nintendo' name and its proprietary information and technology in
order to develop and market Software titles for various 16-bit, portable and
64-bit Nintendo platforms in various territories throughout the world. The
Nintendo License Agreements for the different platforms expire at various times
between 1998 and 2000. The Company also develops and markets N64 Software in
Europe under an oral agreement with Nintendo.
The Company pays Nintendo a fixed amount per unit based, in part, on memory
capacity and chip configuration. Such amount includes the cost of manufacturing,
printing and packaging of the unit, as well as a royalty for use of Nintendo's
name, proprietary information and technology. The Company pays both Sony and
Sega a royalty fee. In addition, the Company pays the cost of manufacturing each
Software unit manufactured by Sony for the Company; this payment is made upon
manufacture of the units. The Company manufactures (through subcontractors)
substantially all of its Sega Software titles for worldwide distribution and
pays Sega a royalty for each Software unit so manufactured and sold; this
payment is made upon sale of the units by the Company. See '--Production, Sales
and Distribution.' All such fees and charges are subject to adjustment by Sony,
Nintendo and Sega at their discretion. The Company does not have the right to
manufacture any Software for the Sony PlayStation or Nintendo N64 platforms.
Sony, Nintendo and Sega have the right to review and evaluate, under
standards established by them, the content and playability of each Software
title and the right to inspect and evaluate all art work, packaging and
promotional materials used by the Company in connection with the Software. To
date, all of the Company's Software has been approved for publication by the
respective hardware manufacturers. The Company is responsible for resolving at
its own expense any warranty or repair claims brought with respect to the
Software. To date, the Company has not experienced any material warranty claims.
Under each of these license agreements, the Company bears the risk that the
information and technology licensed from Sony, Nintendo or Sega and incorporated
in the Software may infringe the rights of third parties and must indemnify
Sony, Nintendo or Sega with respect to, among other things, any claims for
copyright or trademark infringement brought against Sony, Nintendo or Sega and
arising from the development and distribution of the game programs incorporated
in the Software by the Company. To date, the Company has not received any
material claims of infringement; no assurance can be given that the Company will
not receive such claims in the future. See '--Trademark, Copyright and Patent
Protection.'
Although the Company has historically been able to renew and/or negotiate
extensions of its Software license agreements with hardware developers, there
can be no assurance that, at the end of their current terms, the Company will
continue to be able to do so or that the Company will be successful in
negotiating definitive license agreements with developers of new Entertainment
Platforms. The inability to negotiate agreements with developers of new
Entertainment Platforms or the termination of all of the Company's license
agreements will,
6
and the termination of any one of the Company's license agreements could, have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of
operations.
Intellectual Property Licenses
Certain of the Company's titles relate to properties licensed from third
parties, such as the WWF, the National Basketball Association ('NBA') and the
National Football League ('NFL') and their respective players' associations.
Typically, the Company is obligated to make certain minimum guaranteed royalty
payments over the term of the license and to advance payments against such
guarantees, which payments can be recouped by the Company against certain
royalty payments otherwise due in respect of future sales. See 'Risk
Factors--Ability to Negotiate Future License Agreements.' License agreements
generally extend for a term of two to three years, are terminable in the event
of material breach (including failure to pay any amounts owing to the licensor
in a timely manner) by, or bankruptcy or insolvency of, the Company and certain
other events, and, in some cases, are renewable upon payment of certain minimum
guarantees or the attainment of specified sales levels during the term of the
license. Certain licenses are limited to specific territories or platforms. Each
license typically provides that the licensor retains the right to exploit the
licensed property for all other purposes, including the right to license the
property for use with other products and, in some cases, Software for other
interactive hardware platforms. See 'Risk Factors--Intellectual Property
Licenses and Proprietary Rights.'
Patent, Trademark, Copyright and Product Protection
Each of Sony, Nintendo and Sega incorporates a security device in the
Software and their respective hardware units in order to prevent unlicensed
software publishers from infringing Sony's, Nintendo's or Sega's proprietary
rights, as the case may be, by manufacturing games compatible with their
hardware. Under its various license agreements with Sony, Nintendo and Sega, the
Company is obligated to obtain or license any available trademark, copyright and
patent protection for the original work developed by the Company and embodied in
or used with the Software and to display the proper notice thereof, as well as
notice of the licensor's intellectual property rights, on all its Software.
Each Software title may embody a number of separately protected
intellectual properties: (i) the trademark for the brand featured in the
Software (for example, WWF); (ii) the software copyright; (iii) the name and
label trademarks, such as 'LJN' and 'Acclaim'; and (iv) the copyright for
Sony's, Nintendo's or Sega's proprietary technical information.
The Company has registered the logo 'Acclaim' in the United States and in
certain foreign territories and owns the copyrights for many of its game
programs. 'Nintendo,' 'Nintendo Entertainment System,' 'Game Boy,' 'Super NES'
and 'N64' are trademarks of Nintendo of America, Inc.; 'Sega,' 'Sega Genesis,'
'Master System,' 'Sega MegaDrive,' 'Game Gear' and 'Saturn' are trademarks of
Sega and 'Sony,' 'Sony Computer Entertainment' and 'PlayStation' are trademarks
of Sony. The Company does not own the trademarks, copyrights or patents covering
the proprietary information and technology utilized in the NES, SNES, Game Boy,
N64, Genesis, Master System, MegaDrive, Game Gear, Saturn or PlayStation or, to
the extent licensed from third parties, the brands, concepts and game programs
featured in and comprising the Software. Accordingly, the Company must rely on
the trademarks, copyrights and patents of such licensors for protection of such
intellectual property from infringement. Under the Company's license agreements
with certain of the independent Software developers, the Company may bear the
risk of claims of infringement brought by third parties and arising from the
sale of Software and each of the Company and such developers has agreed to
indemnify the other for costs and damages incurred arising from such claims and
attributable to infringing proprietary information, if any, embodied in the
Software and provided by the indemnitor.
There can be no assurance that the information and technology licensed or
developed by the Company will not be independently developed or misappropriated
by third parties.
Competition
Competition to develop and market Software for the interactive
entertainment industry is intense. The Company's competitors include
Entertainment Platform manufacturers, most notably Nintendo, Sega and Sony, and
a number of independent software publishers licensed by hardware manufacturers.
The availability of significant financial resources has become a major
competitive factor in the Software industry, principally as a result of the
technical sophistication of advanced Entertainment Platform and
7
Multimedia PC game products requiring substantial investments in research and
development. While the Company's competitors vary in size from very small
companies with limited resources to very large corporations with greater
financial, marketing and product development resources than those of the
Company, the Company believes that it is one of the largest independent
publishers of Software for dedicated platforms in the United States. The market
for Software for Multimedia PCs is fragmented and the Company believes that it
has a small share of that market. Competition is increasing in this market as
increasing numbers of companies begin to develop on-line interactive computer
games and interactive networks and other new Software technologies.
Competition is based primarily upon quality of titles, price, access to
retail shelf space, product enhancements, ability to operate on popular
platforms, availability of titles (including 'hits'), new product introductions,
marketing support and distribution systems. The Company relies upon its
marketing and sales abilities, capital resources, proprietary technology and
product development capability, product quality, and the depth of its worldwide
retail distribution channels and management experience to compete in the
interactive entertainment industry. No assurance can be given that the Company
will compete successfully on any of these factors. See 'Risk
Factors--Competition.'
COMIC BOOK PUBLISHING
Through the acquisition of Acclaim Comics in July 1994, the Company
commenced its development and publication of comic books. To date, substantially
all of Acclaim Comics' revenues from third parties have been derived from sales
of comic books on a nonreturnable basis through unaffiliated distributors to the
comic book direct market, which consists of comic book specialty stores and mail
order comic book dealers. The balance of Acclaim Comics' revenues have been
derived from royalties paid by Acclaim for the use of Acclaim Comics' characters
in Software. The Company has not derived significant revenues from the sale of
Acclaim Comics products in fiscal 1995, 1996 or 1997.
Acclaim Comics has created a superhero comic book series featuring
characters created or licensed by it, which are published under its 'VALIANT'
imprint. In 1995, Acclaim Comics entered into an agreement with Diamond Comic
Distributors, Inc. for exclusive distribution of these books. In fiscal 1997,
Acclaim Comics continued to publish comic books under its VALIANT imprint and
launched publications under its Acclaim Books imprint, which is distributed
primarily by Penguin Books. At present, Acclaim Comics publishes under the
Acclaim Books imprint (a) Acclaim Young Reader books, featuring characters
licensed from Walt Disney, the Fox Children's Television Network and Saban
Entertainment, which were released in June 1997, and (b) Classics Illustrated
titles in a study guide format. The Classics Illustrated titles, which are
licensed from First Classics Inc., were released in January 1997.
The Company has released and intends to continue to release titles for a
variety of platforms based on characters licensed or created by Acclaim Comics,
such as Shadowman, Bloodshot and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (released for N64 in
fiscal 1997). The Company plans to release in fiscal 1998 additional titles
based on Turok: Dinosaur Hunter for N64, GameBoy and Multimedia PC platforms.
Acclaim Comics' future revenues, if any, will depend on the licensing and
merchandising of its characters in interactive entertainment and other media
such as motion picture or television, the use of its characters in the Company's
Software and coin-operated games, increased sales of comic books, the
introduction of new comic titles, and Acclaim Comics' entry into the mass market
for distribution and sales of its comic books outside the United States.
Due to continuing operating losses incurred by Acclaim Comics, the
Company's assessment of the then current state of the comic book industry and
the Company's then current projections for Acclaim Comics' operations, in fiscal
1997, the Company believed that there was an impairment to the carrying value of
the goodwill relating to Acclaim Comics. Accordingly, the Company recorded a
write-down of $25.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 to reduce the
carrying value of the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics to its estimated
undiscounted future cash flows. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'
8
DISTRIBUTION OF AFFILIATED LABELS
The Company, through Acclaim Distribution, Inc. ('ADI'), commenced the
marketing and distribution of Affiliated Labels in October 1994. The Company
currently distributes Software for, among others, Interplay Productions
('Interplay'). The Company receives a distribution fee from such publishers. In
fiscal 1997, the Company derived approximately 9% of gross revenues from sales
of Software manufactured by Interplay. To date, the Company has not received
significant revenues from sales of any other Affiliated Labels. See
'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.'
MOTION CAPTURE SERVICES
The technology embodied in the Company's motion capture services was
developed in part by its Advanced Technologies Group ('ATG'). ATG was initially
established in January 1991 to develop tools that would enable the Company's
independent Software developers to create state of the art Software with
enhanced game play and product quality.
With the advancement of CD-ROM technology, ATG's activities expanded to
include motion capture (a three-dimensional animation creation process) and the
design of tools for use in programming Software for CD-ROM platforms or
cartridge-based platforms utilizing 32-bit or 64-bit processors. The Company has
constructed a motion capture studio and has utilized its motion capture
technology in titles such as NFL Quarterback Club '98, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
and NHL Breakaway '98.
The Company believes that its motion capture technology may have
applications in other entertainment media and has marketed its technology and
studio services. Warner Bros. used the Company's motion capture technology and
studio services to create certain of the special effects for Batman and Robin,
which was released in the summer of 1997 and for Batman Forever, which was
released in the summer of 1995. New Line Cinema utilized the Company's motion
capture technology to create certain home video animation special effects for
Mortal Kombat and Twentieth Century Fox utilized the Company's motion capture
technology to create certain special effects for the 1995 motion picture, Power
Rangers.
To date, the Company's revenues from the licensing of its motion capture
technology and studio services have not been significant. No assurance can be
given that the Company will be successful in marketing its technology and
selling its studio services and, even if it were successful, that revenues
generated therefrom will be significant.
COIN-OPERATED ARCADE GAMES
In July 1994, the Company established Acclaim Coin-Operated Entertainment,
Inc. ('Acclaim Coin-Op'), a wholly owned subsidiary, for the creation and
distribution of stand-alone coin-operated games. To date, Acclaim Coin-Op has
shipped two video games (both in fiscal 1996). Acclaim Coin-Op is currently
developing two coin-operated games employing its proprietary hardware and
software technology, the first of which games (Armageddon: Magic The Gathering)
is anticipated to be released in the second quarter of fiscal 1998.
To date, the Company has not derived significant revenues from the sale of
coin-operated video games distributed by Acclaim Coin-Op. Acclaim Coin-Op's
success will be dependent, in large part, on its ability to create commercially
viable coin-operated games. There can be no assurance that Acclaim Coin-Op will
be successful in creating and marketing coin-operated games or that any revenues
derived by the Company from the sale of such games will be significant.
CONVERTIBLE NOTE OFFERING
In February 1997, the Company issued and sold $50 million aggregate
principal amount of 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes due March 1, 2002 (the
'Notes') for net proceeds of approximately $47.4 million. The Notes were offered
and sold by the Company in a privately negotiated transaction (the 'Convertible
Note Offering') pursuant to Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
Interest on the Notes is payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year,
commencing September 1, 1997.
The Notes are convertible into shares of common stock, par value $0.02 per
share (the 'Common Stock'), of the Company at any time at a conversion price of
$5.18 per share, subject to adjustment for 'anti-dilution' protection under
certain conditions as described in the indenture (the 'Indenture') governing the
Notes.
9
The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company
(subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the
Indenture)), at any time on or after March 1, 2000, at the redemption prices
(expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) set forth below for the
12-month period beginning March 1 of the years indicated:
2000..................................................................... 104.00%
2001..................................................................... 102.00%
and at maturity at 100% of principal, together in the case of any such
redemption with accrued interest to the redemption date.
If a Repurchase Event (as defined in the Indenture) occurs, each Holder of
the Notes will have the right, subject to certain conditions and restrictions,
to require the Company to repurchase all outstanding Notes, in whole or in part,
owned by such Holder at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest, if
any, to the date of repurchase. See 'Risk Factors--Prior Rights of Creditors.'
The Notes are subordinated to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness
of the Company and are effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and all
other liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries. The Indenture substantially
restricts the Company from incurring new indebtedness, issuing preferred stock
or paying dividends while the Notes are outstanding.
On February 26, 1997, the Company (i) used approximately $16 million of the
net proceeds from the Convertible Note Offering to repay in full its
indebtedness to Midland Bank plc ('Midland') and (ii) used $2 million of the net
proceeds from the Convertible Note Offering to pay down partially its
indebtedness to Fleet Bank ('Fleet'). See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In October 1997, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with
George Metos ('Metos'), the former sole shareholder of Sculptured, pursuant to
which, among other things, Metos' employment with Sculptured was terminated, the
Company agreed to make certain payments and issue shares of Common Stock to
Metos and transferred the trademark and name 'Sculptured' and 'Sculptured
Software' to Metos, and Metos released the Company from claims, if any, relating
to the Company's 1995 acquisition of Sculptured. See 'Legal Proceedings' and
Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
EMPLOYEES
The Company currently employs approximately 680 persons worldwide,
approximately 650 of whom are employed on a full-time basis and approximately
420 of whom are employed in the United States. The Company believes that its
relationship with its employees is satisfactory.
RISK FACTORS
Future operating results of the Company depend upon many factors and are
subject to various risks and uncertainties. Some of the risks and uncertainties
which may cause the Company's operating results to vary from anticipated results
or which may materially and adversely affect its operating results are as
follows:
Recent Operating Results
The Company's net revenues declined from $566.7 million in fiscal 1995 to
$161.9 million in fiscal 1996 and $165.4 million in fiscal 1997. The Company had
net earnings of $44.7 million in fiscal 1995, a net loss of $(221.4) million in
fiscal 1996 and a net loss of $(159.2) million in fiscal 1997. The loss for
fiscal 1997 included, among other things, charges for litigation settlements and
other claims of $23.6 million, a writedown of the goodwill associated with
Acclaim Comics of $25.2 million and downsizing charges of $10 million. The loss
for fiscal 1996 included, among other things, the second and fourth quarter
special cartridge video charges taken by the Company aggregating approximately
$114 million.
10
The Company's revenues and operating results in fiscal 1996 and 1997
reflect principally the transition from 16-bit to 32-and 64-bit Entertainment
Platforms. Based on publicly available information and its own estimates, the
Company believes that the installed base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment
Platforms in North America was approximately 3 million units at the end of
calendar 1996, approximately 9 million units as of September 30, 1997 and
anticipates that such installed base will be approximately 13 million units by
the end of calendar 1997. See 'Business--Interactive Entertainment Software;
Industry Overview.' However, no assurance can be given that the installed base
of such Entertainment Platforms will increase substantially or that the
Company's revenues from sales of Software therefor will increase sufficiently to
offset the reduction in revenues derived from sales of 16-bit Software in prior
years.
In fiscal 1997, the Company effected a variety of cost reduction measures
to reduce its operating expenses. See '--Liquidity and Bank Relationships' below
and 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.' Although the Company realized the benefits of such measures in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 in the form of reduced operating expenses as
compared to prior quarters, no assurance can be given that such measures will
not materially adversely affect the Company's ability to develop and publish
commercially viable titles, or that such measures, whether alone or in
conjunction with increased revenues, if any, will be sufficient to generate
operating profits in fiscal 1998 and beyond.
Liquidity and Bank Relationships
The Company's net cash used in operations increased from approximately $7.3
million in fiscal 1995 to approximately $38.3 million in fiscal 1996 and
approximately $29.2 million in fiscal 1997. An income tax refund of
approximately $54 million related to the carryback of the Company's loss for
fiscal 1996 was included in the net cash used in operating activities during the
year ended August 31, 1997. Without giving effect to the tax refund during the
first quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company has experienced negative cash flow
from operations in recent periods primarily due to its net losses, which were
primarily attributable to the industry transition from 16-bit to 32- and 64-bit
Entertainment Platforms and related Software.
The Company anticipates, based on the continued growth of the installed
base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms and the cost reduction efforts
effected by the Company, that its cash flows from operations will be sufficient
to cover its operating expenses in fiscal 1998. However, there can be no
assurance that the Company's operating expenses will not materially exceed cash
flows available from the Company's operations in fiscal 1998 and beyond.
To provide liquidity, the Company (i) in fiscal 1997, significantly reduced
the number of its employees, (ii) on February 26, 1997, consummated the
Convertible Note Offering and used approximately $16 million of the net proceeds
of the Convertible Note Offering to retire its term loan from Midland and $2
million of such proceeds to pay down its mortgage loan from Fleet, (iii) on
March 5, 1997, sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of
Lazer-Tron Corporation ('Lazer-Tron') for $6 million in cash and (iv) is
consolidating certain of its studio operations to reduce their overhead
expenses. The Company is currently pursuing various alternatives, including
further expense reductions and the sale of certain other assets. There can be no
assurance that any asset sales can be effected on satisfactory terms. In
addition, the Company's long-term liquidity will be materially dependent on its
ability to develop and market 'hit' Software for the hardware platforms that
dominate the interactive entertainment market. See 'Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity.'
As a result of its financial performance in fiscal 1997, the Company was in
default of various financial and other covenants under loan agreements with its
lead institutional lender, BNY Financial Corporation ('BNY'), as of the end of
each quarter of fiscal 1997, which defaults have been waived. There can be no
assurance that additional covenant defaults, or a payment default, will not
occur in the future. The Company's ability to meet its financial covenants and
its payment obligations can be affected by factors beyond its control. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain waivers of any future
default or that the lenders will not exercise their remedies. In such event, the
Company's operations would be materially adversely affected.
11
Substantial Leverage and Ability to Service Debt
The Company's ability to satisfy its obligations to its lenders will be
dependent upon its future performance, which is subject to prevailing economic
conditions and financial, business and other factors, including factors beyond
the Company's control. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.'
The level of the Company's indebtedness could have important consequences
to investors in the Company, because: (i) a portion of the Company's cash flow
from operations must be dedicated to debt service, including the Notes and the
Company's existing bank obligations, and will not be available for other
purposes; (ii) the Company's ability to obtain additional debt financing in the
future for working capital, or to pursue possible expansion of its business or
acquisitions, may be limited; and (iii) the Company's level of indebtedness
could limit its flexibility in reacting to changes in the interactive
entertainment industry and economic conditions generally, making it more
vulnerable to adverse economic conditions and limiting its ability to withstand
competitive pressures or take advantage of business opportunities. Certain of
the Company's competitors currently operate on a less leveraged basis, and are
likely to have significantly greater operating and financing flexibility than
the Company.
The Company believes that, based upon current levels of operations, it
should be able to meet its interest obligations on the Notes, and its interest
and principal obligations under its bank agreements, when due. However, if the
Company cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet its debt
obligations when due, the Company might be required to restructure or refinance
its indebtedness. There can be no assurance that any such restructuring or
refinancing will be effected on satisfactory terms or will be permitted by the
terms of the Indenture, or the Company's existing indebtedness. There can be no
assurance that the Company's operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet its
debt service requirements or to repay the Notes at maturity or that the Company
will be able to refinance the Notes or other indebtedness at maturity. See
'--Prior Rights of Creditors' and 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'
Prior Rights of Creditors
The Company has outstanding long-term debt (including current portions) of
$53.7 million at August 31, 1997. The Company's failure to make payments of
interest or principal on such indebtedness when due may result in defaults under
its agreements with respect to such indebtedness and under the Indenture.
Certain of such indebtedness is secured by liens on substantially all of the
assets of the Company. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
In addition, the Indenture provides that, upon the occurrence of certain
events (each a 'Repurchase Event'), the Company may be obligated to repurchase
all or a portion of the outstanding Notes. If a Repurchase Event were to occur
and the Company did not have, or could not obtain, sufficient financial
resources to repurchase the Notes, such failure to repurchase the Notes would
constitute an event of default under the Indenture. The occurrence of certain
Repurchase Events would also constitute a default under certain of the Company's
current loan agreements, including the Company's main credit facility with BNY,
and may constitute an event of default under the terms of future agreements with
respect to the Company's borrowings. The default under the Indenture for the
Company's failure to effect a repurchase of the Notes would also constitute an
event of default under certain of the Company's existing loan agreements.
Further, the Company's ability to meet its debt service obligations are, in
part, dependent upon its receipt of dividends and other advances and transfers
of funds from its subsidiaries. The ability of the Company's subsidiaries to pay
such dividends and make such advances will be subject to applicable state and
foreign law regulating the payment of dividends and the terms of the Company's
existing bank agreements and the Indenture.
A significant portion of the Company's assets, operations, trade payables
and other indebtedness are located at subsidiaries of the Company and the
creditors of such subsidiaries would generally recover from the assets of such
subsidiaries on the obligations owed to them by such subsidiaries prior to any
recovery by creditors of the Company and prior to any distribution of remaining
assets to equity holders of the Company.
An event of default with respect to the Company's current bank agreements
may result in acceleration of the Company's obligations under such bank
agreements or demand by the lenders for immediate repayment and
12
would entitle any secured creditor in respect of such debt to proceed against
the collateral securing such defaulted loan. An event of default under the
Indenture may result in actions by IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as trustee
(the 'Trustee'), on behalf of the holders of the Notes. In the event of such
acceleration by the Company's creditors or action by the Trustee, holders of
indebtedness would be entitled to payment out of the assets of the Company. If
the Company becomes insolvent, is liquidated or reorganized, it is possible that
there will not be sufficient assets remaining after payment to such creditors
for any distribution to holders of Common Stock.
Going Concern Considerations
The report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent auditors for the Company,
includes an explanatory paragraph relating to substantial doubt as to the
ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. The Company incurred
significant losses from operations in fiscal 1997 and has working capital and
stockholders' deficiencies at August 31, 1997. A 'going concern' explanatory
paragraph could have a material adverse effect on the terms of any bank
financing or capital the Company may seek. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
NASDAQ Delisting and Liquidity of Common Stock
In order to maintain the listing of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ National
Market System (the 'NMS'), at May 31, 1997, the Company was required, among
other things, to maintain net tangible assets of at least $1 million. At May 31,
1997, the Company did not meet this requirement. Based on its review of certain
information provided by the Company, NASDAQ informed the Company that it has
determined that the Common Stock remain listed on the NMS pending NASDAQ's
review of the Company's status upon filing of the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1997. Subsequent to May 31, 1997, the
NASDAQ Stock Market adopted new maintenance criteria for securities listed on
the NMS. Under such criteria, the Company is required, among other things, to
maintain a minimum bid price of $5 per share of Common Stock. The Company does
not currently meet the minimum bid price criteria (although the Company's
performance as of August 31, 1997 does meet the other quantitative maintenance
criteria). Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Common Stock will not
be delisted from trading on the NMS.
If the Common Stock were to be delisted from trading on the NMS, in order
to obtain relisting of the Common Stock on the NMS, the Company must satisfy
quantitative designation criteria, including a minimum net tangible assets
requirement which it does not currently meet. No assurance can be given that the
Company will meet such relisting criteria in the near future.
If the Common Stock were to be delisted from trading on the NMS, the
Company may seek to have the Common Stock listed for trading on the NASDAQ
Small-Cap Market. Although the Company meets the current listing criteria for
the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market (other than a minimum bid price of $4 per share of
Common Stock), no assurance can be given as to the Company's ability to obtain
listing for the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market or as to the
Company's ability to meet the maintenance requirements thereof.
If the Common Stock were to be delisted from trading on the NMS and were
neither relisted thereon nor listed for trading on the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market,
trading, if any, in the Common Stock may continue to be conducted on the OTC
Bulletin Board or in the non-NASDAQ over-the-counter market. Delisting of the
Common Stock would result in limited release of the market price of the Common
Stock and limited news coverage of the Company and could restrict investors'
interest in the Common Stock and materially adversely affect the trading market
and prices for the Common Stock and the Company's ability to issue additional
securities or to secure additional financing. In addition, if the Common Stock
were not listed and the trading price of the Common Stock were less than $5.00
per share, the Common Stock could be subject to Rule 15g-9 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 which, among other things, requires that broker/dealers
satisfy special sales practice requirements, including making individualized
written suitability determinations and receiving a purchaser's written consent
prior to any transaction. In such case, the Common Stock could also be deemed to
be a 'penny stock' under the Securities Enforcement and Penny Stock Reform Act
of 1990, which would require additional disclosure in connection with trades in
the Common Stock, including the delivery of a disclosure schedule explaining the
nature and risks of the penny stock market. Such requirements could severely
limit the liquidity of the Common Stock.
13
Litigation
In conjunction with certain claims and litigations for which the settlement
obligation is currently probable and estimable (see 'Business--Recent
Developments' and 'Legal Proceedings'), the Company recorded a charge of $23.6
million in the year ended August 31, 1997. No assurance can be given that the
Company will not be required to record additional material charges in future
periods in conjunction with the various litigations to which the Company is a
party. Any additional charges to earnings arising from an adverse result in such
litigations or an inadequacy in the charge recorded in fiscal 1997 could have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of
the Company. A portion of any settlement or judgment in one or more of the
litigations to which the Company is a party may be covered by the Company's
insurance. See Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Industry Trends; Platform Transition; Technological Change
The interactive entertainment industry is characterized by, and the Company
anticipates that it will continue to undergo, rapid technological change due in
large part to (i) the introduction of Entertainment Platforms incorporating more
advanced processors and operating systems, (ii) the impact of technological
changes embodied in Multimedia PCs and Software therefor, (iii) the development
of electronic and wireless delivery systems and (iv) the entry and participation
of new companies in the industry. These factors have resulted in hardware
platform and Software life cycles.
No single hardware platform or system has achieved long-term dominance.
Accordingly, the Company must continually anticipate and adapt its Software
titles to emerging hardware platforms and systems and evolving consumer
preferences. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in
developing and marketing Software for new hardware platforms. The process of
developing Software titles such as those offered by the Company is extremely
complex and is expected to become more complex and expensive in the future as
consumers demand more sophisticated and elaborate features and as new platforms
and technologies are introduced.
Development of Software for emerging hardware platforms requires
substantial investments in research and development for new and improved
technologies in the areas of graphics, sound, digitized speech, music and video.
Such research and development must occur well in advance of the release of new
hardware platforms in order to allow sufficient lead time to develop and
introduce new Software titles on a timely basis. This generally requires the
Company to predict the probable success of hardware platforms as much as 12 to
24 months prior to the release of compatible Software.
Substantially all of the Company's revenues in fiscal 1997 were derived
from the sale of titles designed to be played on the N64, PlayStation, Sega
Saturn and various Multimedia PCs. At any given time, the Company has expended
significant development and marketing resources on product development for
platforms (such as the 16-bit SNES and Sega Genesis platforms) that could have
shorter life cycles than the Company expected, as in fiscal 1996, or on Software
titles designed for new platforms (such as the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo
N64) that have not yet achieved large installed bases. If the Company does not
accurately predict the success, size of the installed base and life cycle of
existing or future hardware platforms due to, among other things, the long
Software development lead times involved, it could be in the position, as it was
in fiscal 1996 and 1997, of marketing Software for (i) new hardware platforms
that have not yet achieved significant market penetration and/or (ii) hardware
platforms that have become or are becoming obsolete due to the introduction or
success of new hardware platforms. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to predict accurately such matters, and its failure to do so would
have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Failure to develop Software titles for hardware platforms that achieve
significant market acceptance, discontinuance of development for a platform that
has a longer than expected life cycle, development for a platform that does not
achieve a significant installed base or continued development for a platform
that has a shorter than expected life cycle, may have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business, financial condition and operating results.
The Company's results of operations and profitability have been materially
adversely affected during the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996 and 1997 by the
material decline in sales of the Company's 16-bit Software
14
and the transition to the new hardware platforms described herein. The Company
is currently developing Software for Multimedia PCs, the Sony PlayStation and
the Nintendo N64. There are a significant number of Software titles for the
Entertainment Platform market competing for limited shelf space. In addition,
the 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms have not yet achieved market
penetration similar to that of the 16-bit Entertainment Platforms (Nintendo SNES
and Sega Genesis); accordingly, the number of units of each Software title sold
for these newer Entertainment Platforms is significantly less than the number of
units of a title generally sold during 1993, 1994 and 1995 for the 16-bit
Entertainment Platforms. Based on publicly available information and its own
estimates, the Company believes that the installed base of 32- and 64-bit
Entertainment Platforms was approximately 3 million and 9 million units at the
end of calendar 1996 and at September 30, 1997, respectively, and anticipates
that such installed base will be approximately 13 million units by the end of
calendar 1997. However, no assurance can be given that the installed base of any
of the new Entertainment Platforms will grow substantially or that any of them
will achieve market penetration similar to that achieved by the Nintendo SNES
and Sega Genesis Entertainment Platforms.
Revenue and Earnings Fluctuations; Seasonality
The Company has historically derived substantially all of its revenues from
the publication and distribution of Software for then dominant hardware
platforms. The Company's revenues are subject to fluctuation during transition
periods, as occurred in fiscal 1996 and 1997, when new hardware platforms have
been introduced but none has achieved mass market penetration. In addition, the
Company's earnings are materially affected by the timing of release of new
Software titles produced by the Company. Product development schedules are
difficult to predict due, in large part, to the difficulty of scheduling
accurately the creative process and, with respect to Software for new hardware
platforms, the use of new development tools and the learning process associated
with development for new technologies. Earnings may also be materially impacted
by other factors including, but not limited to, (i) the level and timing of
market acceptance of Software titles, (ii) increases or decreases in development
and/or promotion expenses for new titles and new versions of existing titles,
(iii) the timing of orders from major customers and (iv) changes in shipment
volume.
A significant portion of the Company's revenues in any quarter is generally
derived from sales of new Software titles introduced in that quarter or in the
immediately preceding quarter. If the Company were unable to commence volume
shipments of a significant new product during the scheduled quarter, the
Company's revenues and earnings would likely be materially and adversely
affected in that quarter. In addition, because a majority of the unit sales for
a product typically occur in the first 90 to 120 days following the introduction
of the product, the Company's earnings may increase significantly in a period in
which a major product introduction occurs and may decline in the following
period or in periods in which there are no major product introductions. Certain
operating expenses are fixed and do not vary directly in relation to revenue.
Consequently, if net revenue is below expectations, the Company's operating
results are likely to be materially and adversely affected.
The interactive entertainment industry is highly seasonal. Typically, net
revenues are highest during the last calendar quarter (which includes the
holiday buying season), decline in the first quarter, are lower in the second
calendar quarter and increase in the third calendar quarter. The seasonal
pattern is due primarily to the increased demand for Software during the
year-end holiday buying season. The Company's earnings, however, vary
significantly and are largely dependent on releases of major new titles and, as
such, may not necessarily reflect the seasonal patterns of the industry as a
whole. The Company expects that its operating results will continue to fluctuate
significantly in the future.
Dependence on Entertainment Platform Manufacturers; Need for License Renewals
In fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company derived 47%, 29% and 41% of its
gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Nintendo-compatible titles and 46%,
36% and 12% of its gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Sega-compatible
titles. In addition, in fiscal 1996 and 1997, the Company derived 19% and 28%,
respectively, of its gross revenues from sales of Sony-compatible titles.
Accordingly, the Company is substantially dependent on Sony, Sega and Nintendo
as the sole manufacturers of the Entertainment Platforms marketed by them and as
the sole licensors of the proprietary information and technology needed to
develop Software for those Entertainment Platforms. The Entertainment Platform
manufacturers have in the past and may in the future limit the number of titles
that the Company can release in any year, which may limit any future growth in
sales.
15
The Company has historically been able to renew and/or negotiate extensions
of its Software license agreements with Entertainment Platform developers.
However, there can be no assurance that, at the end of their current terms, the
Company will continue to be able to do so or that the Company will be successful
in negotiating definitive license agreements with developers of new hardware
platforms. The Company has executed license agreements with Sony with respect to
the PlayStation platform in North America, Japan, Asia and Europe and with
Nintendo with respect to the N64 platform in North and South America and Japan.
The Company also develops and markets N64 Software in Europe under an oral
agreement with Nintendo. Currently, the Company and Sega are operating in the
ordinary course under the terms of an agreement that expired in December 1995
and, with respect to the Saturn platform, under an oral agreement and other
arrangements. The inability to negotiate agreements with developers of new
Entertainment Platforms or the termination of all of the Company's license
agreements or other arrangements will, and the termination of any one of the
Company's license agreements or other arrangements could, have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
See 'Business--Platform License Agreements' and 'Intellectual Property
Licenses.'
The Company depends on Nintendo, Sega and Sony for the protection of the
intellectual property rights to their respective Entertainment Platforms and
technology and their ability to discourage unauthorized persons from producing
Software for the Entertainment Platforms developed by each of them. The
Company also relies upon the Entertainment Platform manufacturers for the
manufacture of certain cartridge and CD-based ROM Software.
Reliance on New Titles; Product Delays
The Company's ability to maintain favorable relations with retailers and to
receive the maximum advantage from its advertising expenditures is dependent in
part on its ability to provide retailers with a timely and continuous flow of
product. The life cycle of a Software title generally ranges from less than
three months to upwards of twelve months, with the majority of sales occurring
in the first 90 to 120 days after release. The Company generally actively
markets its 10 to 15 most recent releases. Accordingly, the Company is
constantly required to develop, introduce and sell new Software in order to
generate revenue and/or to replace declining revenues from previously released
titles. In addition, consumer preferences for Software are difficult to predict,
and few titles achieve sustained market acceptance. There can be no assurance
that new titles introduced by the Company will be released in a timely fashion,
will achieve any significant degree of market acceptance, or that such
acceptance will be sustained for any meaningful period. Competition for retail
shelf space, consumer preferences and other factors could result in the
shortening of the life cycle for older titles and increase the importance of the
Company's ability to release titles on a timely basis.
The Company's current production schedules contemplate that the Company
will commence shipment of a number of new titles in fiscal 1998. Shipment dates
will vary depending on the Company's own quality assurance testing, as well as
that by the applicable dedicated platform manufacturer, and other development
factors. The Company generally submits new games to the dedicated platform
manufacturers and other intellectual property licensors for approval prior to
development and/or manufacturing. Rejection as a result of bugs in Software or a
substantial delay in the approval of a product by an Entertainment Platform
manufacturer or licensor could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations. In the past, the Company has
experienced significant delays in the introduction of certain new titles. There
can be no assurance that such delays will not occur or materially adversely
affect the Company in the future. It is likely that in the future certain new
titles will not be released in accordance with the Company's internal
development schedule or the expectations of public market analysts and
investors. A significant delay in the introduction of, or the presence of a
defect in, one or more new titles could have a material adverse effect on the
ultimate success of such product. If the Company is not able to develop,
introduce and sell new competitive titles on a timely basis, its results of
operations and profitability would be materially adversely affected.
Reliance on 'Hit' Titles
The market for Software is 'hits' driven and, accordingly, the Company's
future success is dependent in large part on its ability to develop and market
'hit' titles for hardware platforms with significant installed bases. During the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, sales of the Company's top title accounted
for approximately 33%
16
of the Company's gross sales for that period. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to publish 'hit' titles for hardware platforms with
significant installed bases and, if it is unable to do so for any reason, its
financial condition, results of operations and profitability could be materially
adversely affected, as they were in fiscal 1996 and 1997.
Inventory Management; Risk of Product Returns
The Company is generally not contractually obligated to accept returns,
except for defective product. However, the Company permits its customers to
return or exchange inventory and provides price protection or other concessions
for excess or slow-moving inventory. Management must make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods.
Among the more significant of such estimates are allowances for estimated
returns, price concessions and other discounts. At the time of shipment, the
Company establishes reserves in respect of such estimates taking into account
the potential for product returns and other discounts based on historical return
rates, seasonality, retail inventories and other factors. In fiscal 1996, price
protection, returns and exchanges were materially higher than the Company's
reserves therefor, as a result of which the Company's results of operations and
liquidity in fiscal 1996 were materially adversely affected. See 'Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' and
Note 1N and Note 22 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company
believes that, at August 31, 1997, it has established adequate reserves for
future price protection, returns, exchanges and other concessions but there can
be no assurance that the Company's reserves therefor will not be exceeded, which
event would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition
and results of operations.
In addition, the Company has offered and anticipates that it will continue
to offer stock-balancing programs for its Multimedia PC Software. The Company
has established reserves for such programs, which have not been material to
date. No assurance can be given that future stock-balancing programs will not
become material and/or will not exceed the Company's reserves for such programs
and, if so exceeded, the Company's results of operations and financial condition
could be materially adversely affected.
Increased Product Development Costs
In order to manage its Software development process and to ensure access to
a pool of Software developers, development tools and engines in an increasingly
competitive market, the Company acquired three Software studios in calendar
1995. The result of such acquisitions was that the Company's fixed Software
development and overhead costs were significantly higher in fiscal 1996 and 1997
as compared to historical levels. These costs further contributed to the
Company's results of operations and profitability being materially adversely
affected in fiscal 1996 and 1997. No assurance can be given that such costs will
not continue to have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations in
future periods. See '--Software Development.'
Competition
The market for consumer Software is highly competitive. Only a small
percentage of titles introduced in the Software market achieve any degree of
sustained market acceptance. Competition is based primarily upon quality of
titles, price, access to retail shelf space, product enhancements, ability to
operate on popular platforms, availability of titles (including 'hits'), new
product introductions, marketing support and distribution systems.
The Company competes with a variety of companies which offer products that
compete directly with one or more of the Company's titles. Typically, the
Company's chief competitor on an Entertainment Platform is the hardware
manufacturer of the platform, to whom the Company pays royalties and, in some
cases, manufacturing charges. Accordingly, the hardware manufacturers have a
price, marketing and distribution advantage with respect to Software marketed by
them and such advantage is particularly important in a mature or declining
market which supports fewer full-priced titles and is characterized by customers
who make purchasing decisions on titles based primarily on price (as compared to
developing markets with limited titles, when price has been a less important
factor in Software sales). The Company's competitors vary in size from very
small companies with limited resources to very large corporations with greater
financial, marketing and
17
product development resources than the Company, such as Nintendo, Sega and Sony.
The Company's competitors also include a number of independent Software
publishers licensed by the hardware manufacturers.
Additionally, the entry and participation of new industries and companies,
including diversified entertainment companies, in markets in which the Company
competes may adversely affect the Company's performance in such markets. The
availability of significant financial resources has become a major competitive
factor in the Software industry, principally as a result of the technical
sophistication of advanced Entertainment Platform and Multimedia PC game
products requiring substantial investments in research and development. In
particular, many of the Company's competitors are developing on-line interactive
computer games and interactive networks that will be competitive with the
Company's Software. As competition increases, significant price competition and
reduced profit margins may result. In addition, competition from new
technologies may reduce demand in markets in which the Company has traditionally
competed. Prolonged price competition or reduced demand as a result of competing
technologies would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and operating results. No assurance can be given that the
Company will be able to compete successfully. See 'Business--Competition.'
Intellectual Property Licenses and Proprietary Rights
To date, most of the Company's Software incorporates for marketing purposes
properties or trademarks owned by third parties, such as the WWF, the NBA, the
NFL or their respective players' associations, which properties are licensed to
the Company. In addition, the Company in the past has obtained agreements with
independent developers for the development of a significant portion of its
Software and, in such cases, the Company usually acquires copyrights to the
underlying Software and obtains the exclusive right to such Software for a
period of time and may have a limited period in which to market and distribute
Software. To the extent future product releases are not derived from the
Company's proprietary properties, the Company's future success will also be
dependent upon its ability to procure licenses for additional popular
intellectual properties. There is intense competition for such licenses, and
there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in acquiring
additional intellectual property rights with significant commercial value. There
can be no assurance that such licenses will be available on reasonable terms or
at all.
The Company relies primarily on a combination of copyrights, trade secret
laws, patent and trademark laws, nondisclosure agreements and other copy
protection methods to protect its product and proprietary rights. It is the
Company's policy that all employees and third-party developers sign
nondisclosure agreements. There can be no assurance that these measures will be
sufficient to protect the Company's intellectual property rights against
infringement. The Company has 'shrinkwrap' license agreements with the end users
of its Multimedia PC titles, but the Company relies on the copyright laws to
prevent unauthorized distribution of its other Software. Existing copyright laws
afford only limited protection. However, notwithstanding the Company's rights to
its Software, it may be possible for third parties to copy illegally the
Company's titles or to reverse engineer or otherwise obtain and use information
that the Company regards as proprietary. Illegal copying occurs within the
Software industry, and if a significant amount of illegal copying of the
Company's published titles or titles distributed by it were to occur, the
Company's business, operating results and financial condition could be
materially adversely affected. Policing illegal use of the Company's titles is
difficult, and Software piracy can be expected to be a persistent problem.
Further, the laws of certain countries in which the Company's titles are or may
be distributed do not protect the Company and its intellectual property rights
to the same extent as the laws of the United States.
The Company believes that its Software, trademarks and other
proprietary rights do not infringe on the proprietary rights of third parties.
However, as the number of titles in the industry increases, the Company
believes that claims and lawsuits with respect to Software infringement will
increase. From time to time, third parties have asserted that features or
content of certain of the Company's titles may infringe upon intellectual
property rights of such parties, and the Company has asserted that third parties
have likewise infringed the Company's proprietary rights; certain of these
claims have resulted in litigation by and against the Company. To date, no such
claims have had an adverse effect on the Company's ability to develop, market or
sell its titles. There can be no assurance that existing or future infringement
claims by or against the Company will not result in costly litigation or require
the Company to license the intellectual property rights of third parties. See
'Legal Proceedings.'
18
The owners of intellectual property licensed by the Company generally
reserve the right to protect such intellectual property against infringement.
See 'Business--Intellectual Property Licenses.'
International Sales
International sales represented approximately 25%, 41% and 50% of the
Company's net revenues in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The Company
expects that international sales will continue to account for a significant
portion of its net revenues in future periods. International sales are subject
to inherent risks, including unexpected changes in regulatory requirements,
tariffs and other economic barriers, fluctuating exchange rates, difficulties in
staffing and managing foreign operations and the possibility of difficulty in
accounts receivable collection. Because the Company believes exposure to foreign
currency losses is not currently material, the Company currently has no formal
financial instruments in place as a hedge against foreign currency risks. In
some markets, localization of the Company's titles is essential to achieve
market penetration. The Company may incur incremental costs and experience
delays in localizing its titles. These or other factors could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's future international sales and, consequently, on
the Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
New Business Ventures
During the last three years, the Company has completed acquisitions, or has
commenced operations, of various new businesses including (i) the publication of
comic books, (ii) the distribution of Affiliated Labels Software, (iii) the
marketing of its motion capture technology and studio services and (iv) the
distribution of coin-operated video games. The Company also acquired three
Software studios in calendar 1995. The Company made significant investments and
incurred significant expenses in connection with the acquisition/establishment
of such businesses in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, and anticipates that it will
continue to incur significant expenses in connection with certain of the
operations thereof. To date, except for sales of Affiliated Labels Software in
fiscal 1997, which accounted for approximately 11% of the Company's gross
revenues in that period, and sales of titles (such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter)
developed by the Iguana studio, none of such new businesses has generated
significant revenues and there can be no assurance that such businesses will
generate significant revenues or the timing thereof. To the extent the Company
continues to incur material expenses in connection with such ventures during
periods when they do not generate significant revenues, the Company's results of
operations and profitability will be materially adversely affected.
Dependence on Key Personnel and Employees
The interactive entertainment industry is characterized by a high level of
employee mobility and aggressive recruiting among competitors for personnel with
technical, marketing, sales, product development and management skills. The
ability to identify, hire and retain such personnel is essential to the
Company's success. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to
attract and retain such personnel or that it will not experience significant
cost increases in order to do so.
In particular, the Company is highly dependent upon the management services
of Gregory Fischbach, Co-Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and
James Scoroposki, Co-Chairman of the Board and Senior Executive Vice President,
of the Company. The loss of the services of any of the Company's senior
management could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition. Although the Company has employment
agreements with Messrs. Fischbach and Scoroposki, there can be no assurance that
such employees will not leave or compete with the Company. The Company's failure
to attract additional qualified employees or to retain the services of key
personnel could materially and adversely affect the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition.
19
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Company's Board of Directors has the authority (subject to certain
limitations imposed by the Indenture) to issue shares of preferred stock and to
determine the designations, preferences and rights and the qualifications or
restrictions of those shares without any further vote or action by the
stockholders. The rights of the holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and
may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock
that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock, while
providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and
other corporate actions, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a
third-party to acquire a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the
Company. In addition, the Company is subject to the anti-takeover provisions of
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the 'DGCL'). In general,
this statute prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a
'business combination' with an 'interested stockholder' for a period of three
years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested
stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.
Employment arrangements with certain members of the Company's management provide
for severance payments upon termination of their employment after a 'change in
control' of the Company as defined in such agreements. See
'Employment--Employment Agreements' and 'Description of Capital Stock.'
Volatility of Stock Price
There has been a history of significant volatility in the market prices of
companies engaged in the Software industry, including the Company. It is likely
that the market price of the Common Stock will continue to be highly volatile.
Factors such as the timing and market acceptance of product introductions by the
Company, the introduction of products by the Company's competitors, loss of key
personnel of the Company, variations in quarterly operating results or changes
in market conditions in the Software industry generally may have a significant
impact on the market price of the Common Stock. In the past, the Company has
experienced significant fluctuations in its operating results and, if the
Company's future revenues or operating results or product releases do not meet
the expectations of public market analysts and investors, the price of the
Common Stock would likely be materially adversely affected. In addition, the
stock market has experienced and continues to experience extreme price and
volume fluctuations which have affected the market price of Software companies
and companies in the interactive entertainment industry and which have often
been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. See 'Market
Price of and Dividends on the Company's Common Equity and Related Matters.'
Because of the foregoing factors, as well as other factors affecting the
Company's operating results and financial condition, past financial performance
should not be considered a reliable indicator of future performance, and
investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in
future periods.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's corporate headquarters are located in a 70,000 square foot
office building, which was purchased by the Company in fiscal 1994. The Company
also owns an 8,000 square foot office building in Glen Cove, New York and leases
approximately 12,000 square feet of office space in Glen Cove, New York. The
Company also owns a 10,000 square foot office building in Oyster Bay, New York,
which has been leased to a third party tenant.
In addition, the Company's United States subsidiaries lease and occupy
approximately 10,000 square feet of office space in New York, and approximately
84,000 square feet of office space in the aggregate in California, Texas and
Utah.
The Company's foreign subsidiaries lease office space in Japan, France,
Germany and the United Kingdom.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and certain of its directors and/or executive officers were
sued in an action entitled Digital Pictures, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment,
Inc.; Gregory E. Fischbach; and Anthony Williams (Case No. 96-3-3301 TC) filed
in December 1996 in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District
of California. The
20
plaintiff seeks an accounting and compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages
in an amount equal to at least $8 million based on allegations that the
defendants falsified sales, failed to provide timely statements and to pay
amounts the Company owes the plaintiff pursuant to the July 1994 Sales and
Distribution Agreement between the Company and the plaintiff under which the
plaintiff granted the Company the exclusive worldwide right to sell and
distribute the plaintiff's software titles for a term of five years. In
addition, the plaintiff alleges, among other things, fraud and negligent
misrepresentation. The case is scheduled for trial in January 1998. The Company
intends to defend this action vigorously.
The Company was also sued in an action entitled Sound Source Interactive,
Inc. v. Acclaim Distribution, Inc.; Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.; and DOES 1
through 100, inclusive (Case No. BC 162531) filed in December 1996 in the
Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. The
plaintiff claims compensatory, general, special and consequential damages in
excess of $22 million and punitive damages based on allegations that the
defendants breached (i) the Sales and Distribution Agreement dated as of June
15, 1995 between ADI and the plaintiff (the 'Sales and Distribution Agreement')
under which the plaintiff granted ADI the exclusive right to sell and distribute
the plaintiff's software titles by, among other things, providing the plaintiff
with false accounting statements, misrepresenting product orders, and failing to
return or account for software titles shipped by the plaintiff to ADI and
wrongfully retaining restocking and distribution fees; and (ii) the Termination
Agreement dated March 31, 1996 between the plaintiff and ADI pursuant to which
the Sales and Distribution Agreement was terminated by, among other things,
failing to account, failing to pay monies due and failing to return or account
for software titles shipped by the plaintiff to ADI. In addition, the plaintiff
alleges, among other things, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. The Company
intends to defend this action vigorously.
The Company was also sued in an action entitled Spectrum Holobyte
California, Inc.; Microprose Software, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (Case
No. 97-0247 MEJ) filed in January 1997 in the United States District Court for
the Northern District of California. In that complaint, plaintiffs Spectrum
Holobyte California, Inc. ('Spectrum') and Microprose Software, Inc.
('Microprose') allege that the Company breached a confidential settlement
agreement among the parties dated November 4, 1996 (the 'Settlement Agreement').
The purpose of the Settlement Agreement was to resolve a suit brought by the
Company in 1996, which included counterclaims by Spectrum and Microprose,
regarding each party's allegations of infringement of its exclusive rights to
intellectual property licensed to it by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The property
involves the characters, depictions and game methodology of Magic: The
Gathering, a popular fantasy--adventure story and card game created by Wizards
of the Coast, Inc. Plaintiffs allege that the Company breached the Settlement
Agreement by failing to release the appropriate number of games of Magic: The
Gathering--BattleMage in the United States and the United Kingdom by January 10,
1997, the date provided for in the Settlement Agreement. Plaintiffs seek
unspecified monetary damages, attorneys' fees and costs. The Company intends to
defend this action vigorously.
In January 1997, the Company was sued in an action entitled Ocean of
America, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (Index No 97-445) in the Supreme
Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, and an amended complaint was
filed in March 1997. The plaintiff alleges non-payment under a license agreement
entered into between the plaintiff and the Company, and seeks damages in the
aggregate amount of approximately $6.5 million plus costs, expenses and
attorneys' fees. The parties are currently negotiating settlement terms with
respect to this action.
The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or
executive officers were sued in various complaints filed in December 1995, which
were consolidated into an action entitled In re: Acclaim Ent. Shareholder
Litigation, 95 Civ. 4979, (E.D.N.Y.) (TCP) in the United States District Court
in the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of the
Company's stockholders, claim unspecified damages arising from the Company's
December 4, 1995 announcement that it was revising results for the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1995 to reflect a decision to defer $18 million of revenues and
$10.5 million of net income previously reported on October 17, 1995 for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1995. The parties have agreed on settlement terms,
subject to documentation and court approval.
By summons and complaint dated December 11, 1995, certain of the Company's
current and former directors and/or executive officers were named as defendants,
and the Company was named as a nominal defendant, in a shareholder derivative
action entitled Eugene Block v. Gregory E. Fischbach, James Scoroposki,
21
Robert Holmes, Bernard J. Fischbach, Michael Tannen, Robert H. Groman and James
Scibelli, defendants, and Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., Nominal Defendant (CV
95-036316) (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau) (the
'Derivative Action'). The Derivative Action was brought on behalf of the Company
(as nominal defendant), alleging that the individual defendants violated their
fiduciary duties to the Company in connection with the Company's revision of its
revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995. Plaintiff alleges that the
individual defendants (1) breached their duty of care and candor, (2) caused the
Company to waste corporate assets, and (3) breached their duty of good faith,
and, accordingly, seeks unspecified damages. The parties have agreed on
settlement terms, subject to documentation and court approval.
The Company's subsidiary, Lazer-Tron, was sued in an action entitled Eric
Goldstein, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. Lazer-Tron
Corporation, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Morton
Grosser, Bob K. Pryt and Roger V. Smith (V-009846-7) in the Superior Court of
the State of California, County of Alameda, Eastern Division. The plaintiffs
allege, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control,
negligence and negligent misrepresentation. In addition, certain former
directors and officers of Lazer-Tron have been named as defendants in an action
entitled Adrienne Campbell, individually and on behalf of all others similarly
situated, v. Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Morton
Grosser, Bob K. Pryt, Roger V. Smith and Does 1 through 50, inclusive, Civil No.
760717-4, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda.
The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of Lazer-Tron's shareholders, claim damages
based on allegations that, as a result of lack of due diligence by the named
defendants in fully investigating the proposed acquisition by the Company of
Lazer-Tron, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Lazer-Tron's
shareholders. These two actions have been consolidated (as so consolidated, the
'Lazer-Tron State Actions').
The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or
executive officers also are defendants in an action entitled Adrienne Campbell
and Donna Sizemore, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated,
v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., Anthony R. Williams, James Scoroposki, and
Robert Holmes (the 'Campbell Action'), C-95-04395 (EFL), which was commenced in
the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In
that action, plaintiffs, two former shareholders of Lazer-Tron, filed a class
action complaint on December 8, 1995 on behalf of all former Lazer-Tron
shareholders who exchanged their Lazer-Tron stock for Common Stock pursuant to
the August 31, 1995 merger transaction. Plaintiffs allege violations of Sections
10(b), 14(a) and 14(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sections 11 and
12(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. On
October 8, 1996, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the
transfer of the Campbell Action from the Northern District of California to the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York for
coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings with the action entitled In re
Acclaim Ent. Shareholder Litigation discussed above.
The parties to the Lazer-Tron State Actions and the Campbell Action have
entered into a settlement agreement, which was approved by the Superior Court of
the State of California and will become final after the expiration of an appeal
period and the entry of a dismissal order relating to the Campbell Action by the
Eastern District of New York.
The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or
executive officers were sued in various complaints filed in April 1994, which
were consolidated into an action entitled In re Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
Securities Litigation (CV 94 1501) (the 'WMS Action'). The plaintiffs, on behalf
of a class of the Company's stockholders, consisting of all those who purchased
the Common Stock for the period January 4, 1994 to March 30, 1994, claim damages
arising from (i) the Company's alleged failure to comply with the disclosure
requirements of the securities laws in respect of the Company's relationship
with WMS Industries Inc. ('WMS') and the status of negotiations on and the
likelihood of renewal of an agreement with WMS, pursuant to which WMS granted
the Company a right of first refusal to create software for 'computer games',
'home video games' and 'handheld game machines' based on arcade games released
by WMS through March 21, 1995, (ii) statements made by the Company's
representative that rumors relating to the nonrenewal of the agreement were
'unsubstantiated' and that talks between the Company and WMS were continuing,
which allegedly were materially false and misleading, and (iii) a claim that the
defendants should have disclosed the likely nonrenewal of the agreement. The
parties have executed a memorandum of understanding setting forth settlement
terms of the WMS Action. The settlement is subject to documentation and court
approval.
22
The Company has also asserted a third-party action against its insurance
company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company ('Mt. Hawley') based on Mt. Hawley's
disclaimer of coverage for liability from the WMS Action and for fees and
expenses up to the amount of the policy incurred in connection with the defense
of the WMS Action. In connection with the settlement of the WMS Action, the
Company has agreed to assign to the plaintiffs in the WMS Action 50% of the
proceeds, if any, recovered from Mt. Hawley.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission') has issued orders
directing a private investigation relating to, among other things, the Company's
earnings estimate for fiscal 1995 and its decision in the second quarter of
fiscal 1996 to exit the 16-bit portable and cartridge markets. The Company has
provided documents to the Commission, and the Commission has taken testimony
from Company representatives. The Company intends fully to cooperate with the
Commission in its investigation. No assurance can be given as to whether there
will be any litigation or, if so, as to the outcome of this matter.
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (the 'Department'),
following a field audit of the Company with respect to franchise tax liability
for its fiscal years ended August 31, 1989, August 31, 1990 and August 31, 1991,
has notified the Company that a stock license fee (plus interest and penalties)
of approximately $1.9 million, relating to the Company's outstanding capital
stock as of 1989, is due to the State. The Company is contesting the fee and a
petition denying liability has been filed. No assurance can be given as to the
outcome of this matter.
The Company is also party to various litigations arising in the course of
its business, the resolution of none of which, the Company believes, will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity or results of operations.
In conjunction with claims arising from certain of the Company's
acquisitions and the litigations described above for which the settlement
obligation is currently probable and estimable, the Company recorded a charge of
$23.6 million during the year ending August 31, 1997. No assurance can be given
that the Company will not be required to record additional charges in future
periods in conjunction with the litigations described above which have not been
settled or that the terms of the litigations that have been settled will be
documented and approved as currently anticipated. See 'Business--Recent
Developments' and Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
A portion of any settlement or award arising from or out of one or more of
the above litigations may be covered by the Company's insurance.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On September 17, 1997, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company, the stockholders (i) elected the following directors: Gregory E.
Fischbach (by a vote of 32,822,775 shares for and 1,956,442 shares withheld);
James Scoroposki (by a vote of 32,554,047 shares for and 2,225,170 shares
withheld); Kenneth Coleman (by a vote of 32,880,116 shares for and 1,899,101
shares withheld); Bernard J. Fischbach (by a vote of 32,524,179 shares for and
2,255,038 shares withheld); Robert H. Groman (by a vote of 32,223,530 shares for
and 2,555,687 shares withheld); Bruce W. Ravenel (by a vote of 32,890,666 shares
for and 1,888,551 shares withheld; Mr. Ravenel resigned from his position as a
director on October 3, 1997); James Scibelli (by a vote of 32,869,556 shares for
and 1,909,661 shares withheld); and Michael Tannen (by a vote of 32,559,430
shares for and 2,219,787 shares withheld); (ii) approved, by a vote of
16,468,368 shares for, 9,670,958 shares against and abstentions and broker
non-votes with respect to 8,639,891 shares, an increase of 10 million in the
number of shares with respect to which options may be granted under the
Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan (the 'Plan'); and (iii) ratified the
appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent auditors of the Company for
the year ended August 31, 1997 by a vote of 34,216,213 shares for, 455,366
shares against and abstentions with respect to 107,638 shares.
23
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Common Stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market National Market
System. On November 6, 1997, the closing sale price of the Common Stock was
$4.125 per share. As of such date, there were approximately 1,270 holders of
record of the Common Stock.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices for
the Common Stock for each of the periods indicated:
PRICE
----------------
PERIOD HIGH LOW
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------
FISCAL YEAR 1996
First Quarter...................................................................... $28.19 $19.56
Second Quarter..................................................................... 20.00 10.00
Third Quarter...................................................................... 13.63 7.63
Fourth Quarter..................................................................... 11.88 7.31
FISCAL YEAR 1997
First Quarter...................................................................... 8.63 3.06
Second Quarter..................................................................... 6.88 3.13
Third Quarter...................................................................... 5.88 2.94
Fourth Quarter..................................................................... 5.00 3.50
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on the Common
Stock and has no present intention to declare or pay cash dividends on the
Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Company is subject to various
financial covenants with its lenders that could limit and/or prohibit the
payment of dividends in the future. See 'Business--Convertible Note Offering'
'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations' and Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The
Company intends to retain earnings, if any, which it may realize in the
foreseeable future to finance its operations.
24
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following tables should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statement of the Company and the notes thereto and the 'Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations'
section appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31
--------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996(3) 1995(2) 1994(1) 1993
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE INFORMATION)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues......................................... $165,411 $161,945 $566,723 $480,756 $327,091
Cost of revenues..................................... 89,818 191,790 291,474 249,902 183,820
Gross profit (loss).................................. 75,593 (29,845) 275,249 230,854 143,271
Selling, advertising, general and administrative
expenses........................................... 118,993 183,722 180,957 142,941 88,878
Research and development expenses.................... 30,824 34,582 10,126 4,626 3,036
Operating interest................................... 1,749 6,417 3,957 1,979 1,183
Depreciation and amortization........................ 16,220 14,910 9,543 3,838 3,227
Goodwill writedown................................... 25,200 -- -- -- --
Litigation settlements............................... 23,550 -- -- -- --
Downsizing charge.................................... 10,000 5,000 -- -- --
(Loss) earnings from operations...................... (150,943) (274,476) 70,666 77,470 46,947
Other (expense) income, net.......................... (8,117) 5,609 5,608 (475) 1,138
(Loss) earnings before income taxes.................. (159,060) (268,867) 76,274 76,995 48,085
Net (loss) earnings.................................. (159,228) (221,368) 44,770 45,055 28,185
Net (loss) earnings per common and common equivalent
share.............................................. $ (3.21) $ (4.47) $ 0.86 $ 1.00 $ 0.63
Weighted average number of common and common
equivalent shares outstanding...................... 49,670 49,515 52,300 45,150 44,875
All common share information has been restated to reflect the three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50%
stock dividend distributed on August 23, 1993.
- ------------------
(1) Includes results of operations of Acclaim Comics from July 29, 1994
(2) Includes results of operations of Iguana from January 4, 1995 and Lazer-Tron
for the entire year
(3) Includes results of operations of Sculptured and Probe for the entire year
AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital (deficiency)......................... $(64,156) $(10,039) $200,455 $131,820 $ 80,564
Total assets......................................... 133,175 239,651 442,827 335,878 206,771
Current portion of long-term debt.................... 1,002 25,527 25,196 1,538 87
Long-term liabilities................................ 59,472 4,032 461 41,754 2,538
Stockholders' (deficiency) equity.................... (59,046) 93,589 314,707 175,243 96,867
25
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The Company is a developer, publisher and mass marketer of Software for use
with Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs. The Company operates its own
Software design studios and a motion capture studio, and markets and distributes
its Software in the major territories throughout the world. The Company's
operating strategy is to develop Software for the Entertainment Platforms and
Multimedia PCs that dominate the interactive entertainment market at a given
time or which the Company perceives as having the potential for achieving mass
market acceptance. The Company's strategy is to emphasize sports simulation and
arcade-style titles for Entertainment Platforms, and fantasy/role-playing,
adventure and sports simulation titles for Multimedia PCs. The Company intends
to continue to support its existing key brands (such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter,
NFL Quarterback Club '98, World Wrestling Federation and NBA Jam) with
the introduction of new titles supporting those brands and to develop one or
more additional key brands each year based on its original and licensed
properties, which may then be featured on an annual basis in successive titles.
The Company also engages in: (i) the development and publication of comic
books; (ii) the distribution of Software titles developed by other Software
publishers; (iii) the marketing of its motion capture technology and studio
services; and (iv) the development, marketing and distribution of coin-operated
video arcade games.
The Software industry is driven by the size of the installed base of
Entertainment Platforms, such as those manufactured by Nintendo, Sony and Sega,
and Multimedia PCs. The industry is characterized by rapid technological change,
resulting in hardware platform and related Software product cycles. No single
hardware platform or system has achieved long-term dominance in the interactive
entertainment market.
The rapid technological advances in game systems have significantly changed
the look and feel of Software as well as the Software development process.
According to Company estimates, the average development cost for a title for
Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs is currently between $1 million and
$2 million, an increase over the average development cost for a title on earlier
generation Entertainment Platforms. As a result of the Company's acquisitions of
Iguana, Sculptured and Probe in 1995 (two of which were completed in fiscal
1996), the Company's general and administrative expenses were substantially
higher in fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997 as compared to prior periods. See 'Risk
Factors.' Such expenses in the aggregate had a material adverse impact on the
Company's profitability in fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997.
The Company recorded a loss from operations of $150.9 million and a net
loss (on an after-tax basis) of $159.2 million for fiscal 1997. The net loss for
the year reflects, among other things, a charge of $23.6 million for certain
claims and litigations for which the settlement obligation is currently probable
and estimable, a write-down of $25.2 million to reduce the carrying value of
the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics to its estimated undiscounted future
cash flows, and downsizing charges of $10 million.
As a result of the industry transition to 32- and 64-bit Entertainment
Platforms, the Company's Software sales during fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997 were
significantly lower than in fiscal 1995. In addition, although the Company had
acquired three Software studios (and had incurred increases in fixed overhead
expenses), due to Software development lead times, the capacity of the studios
to develop titles to be marketed by the Company soon after their acquisition was
limited, and the Company continued to rely on independent studios for the
development of its titles and incurred royalty and other expenses relating
thereto. Accordingly, in fiscal 1997, management effected certain measures,
including expense reductions and consolidation of certain operations, to align
its operating expenses with anticipated revenues. See '--Operating Expenses.'
Management believes, based on publicly available information and its own
estimates, that the installed base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms was
approximately 3 million and 9 million units at the end of calendar 1996 and at
September 30, 1997, respectively. Although management anticipates that such
installed base will be approximately 13 million units by the end of calendar
1997 and that the Company's revenues in fiscal 1998 from sales of Software
therefor will be higher than in fiscal 1997, the Company's revenues from sales
of Software for the new Entertainment Platforms in fiscal 1998 will not be
comparable to its revenues from sales of 16-bit Software in fiscal 1994 or 1995.
No assurance can be given as to the future growth of the installed base of 32-
and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms or of the Company's results of operations and
profitability in future periods. See 'Risk Factors.'
26
Based on information available in 1994 and based on its historical
experience with respect to the transition from 8-bit to 16-bit platforms, the
Company believed that Software sales for 16-bit platforms would, although
continuing to decrease overall, still dominate the interactive entertainment
market in 1995 and that such sales would remain substantial through the 1996
holiday season. Accordingly, although the Company's strategy for the Christmas
1995 season was to develop Software for multiple Entertainment Platforms and
Multimedia PCs, the Company anticipated that substantially all of its revenues
in fiscal 1995 would be derived from its 16-bit Software sales. The Company also
anticipated that its sales of 32-bit and Multimedia PC Software in fiscal 1996
would grow as compared to fiscal 1995 but that the majority of its revenues in
fiscal 1996 would still be derived from 16-bit Software sales. However, the
16-bit Software market matured much more rapidly than anticipated by the
Company, the Company's Christmas 1995 16-bit Software sales were substantially
lower than anticipated and, by April 1996, the Company derived minimal profits
from such Software sales and made the decision to exit the 16-bit and portable
cartridge markets.
In connection with the Company's decision to exit the 16-bit and portable
Software markets in April 1996, the Company recorded a special cartridge video
charge of approximately $48.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 1996,
consisting of provisions of approximately $28.8 million (reflected in net
revenues), and approximately $20.1 million (reflected in cost of revenues),
respectively, to adjust accounts receivable and inventories at February 29, 1996
to their estimated net realizable values in conjunction with management's
decision to exit the portable and 16-bit cartridge market.
The Company recorded a loss from operations of $274.5 million and a net
loss (on an after-tax basis) of $221.4 million for fiscal 1996. The net loss for
the year reflected write-offs of receivables, the establishment of additional
receivables and inventory reserves, severance charges incurred in connection
with the downsizing of the Company and the reduction of certain deferred costs,
as well as an operating loss for the year resulting primarily from price
protection and similar concessions granted to retailers at greater than
anticipated levels in connection with the Company's 16-bit and 32-bit Software.
See 'Risk Factors.'
The Company has released, and may continue to release, 16-bit and/or
portable Software selectively to support its key brands and, if requested by a
retailer, may produce additional units of particular title(s) on a special order
basis. 16-bit and portable Software revenue represented 11% of gross revenues
for the year ended August 31, 1997.
The Company's ability to generate sales growth and profitability will be
primarily dependent on the growth of the Software market for 32- and 64-bit
Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs, the Company's ability to identify,
develop and publish 'hit' Software for Entertainment Platforms with significant
installed bases and Multimedia PCs, the success of the Company's cost reduction
efforts and its ability to develop and publish commercially viable titles after
giving effect to such efforts and, to a lesser extent, the development of, and
the generation of revenues from, the Company's other entertainment operations.
27
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain statements of consolidated
operations data as a percentage of net revenues for the periods indicated:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----- ------ -----
Domestic revenues............................................................. 49.7% 58.7% 74.8%
Foreign revenues.............................................................. 50.3 41.3 25.2
----- ------ -----
Net revenues.................................................................. 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of revenues.............................................................. 54.3 118.4 51.4
----- ------ -----
Gross profit (loss)........................................................... 45.7 (18.4) 48.6
Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses..................... 72.0 113.4 31.9
Research and development expenses............................................. 18.6 21.4 1.8
Operating interest............................................................ 1.1 4.0 0.7
Depreciation and amortization................................................. 9.8 9.2 1.7
Goodwill writedown............................................................ 15.2 -- --
Litigation settlements........................................................ 14.2 -- --
Downsizing charge............................................................. 6.1 3.1 --
----- ------ -----
Total operating expenses...................................................... 137.0 151.1 36.1
(Loss) earnings from operations............................................... (91.3) (169.5) 12.5
Other income (expense), net................................................... (4.9) 3.5 1.0
(Loss) earnings before income taxes........................................... (96.2) (166.0) 13.5
Net (loss) earnings........................................................... (96.3) (136.7) 7.9
NET REVENUES
The Company's gross revenues were derived from the following product
categories:
1997* 1996* 1995*
----- ----- -----
Portable Software........................................................................ 2.0% 8.0% 10.0%
16-bit Software.......................................................................... 9.0% 44.0% 74.0%
32-bit Software.......................................................................... 37.0% 32.0% 5.0%
64-bit Software.......................................................................... 33.0% -- --
Multimedia PC Software................................................................... 15.0% 12.0% 4.0%
Other.................................................................................... 4.0% 4.0% 7.0%
- ------------------
* The numbers in this chart do not give effect to sales credits and allowances
granted by the Company in the periods covered since the Company does not track
such credits and allowances by product category. Such credits and allowances
were material to the Company's results of operations in fiscal 1996.
Accordingly, the numbers presented may vary materially from those that would
be disclosed if the Company were able to present such information as a
percentage of net revenues.
The increase in the Company's net revenues from $161.9 million for the year
ended August 31, 1996 to $165.4 million for the year ended August 31, 1997 was
predominantly due to sales of the Company's N64 title, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter,
and lower returns and allowances.
The decrease in the Company's net revenues from $566.7 million for the year
ended August 31, 1995 to $161.9 million for the year ended August 31, 1996 was
predominantly due to reduced unit sales of 16-bit Software, increased returns
and allowances relating primarily to 16-bit Software and a reduction in average
unit selling prices for 16-bit Software.
The Company's revenues and operating results in fiscal 1996 and 1997
reflect principally the industry transition from 16-bit to 32- and 64-bit
Entertainment Platforms. Management believes, based on publicly available
information and its own estimates, that the installed base of 32- and 64-bit
Entertainment Platforms was approximately 3 million and 9 million units at the
end of calendar 1996 and at September 30, 1997, respectively. Although
management anticipates that such installed base will be approximately 13 million
units by the end of calendar 1997 and that the Company's revenues in fiscal 1998
from sales of Software therefor will be higher than in fiscal 1997, the
Company's revenues from sales of Software for the new
28
Entertainment Platforms in fiscal 1998 will not be comparable to its revenues
from sales of 16-bit Software in fiscal 1994 or 1995. No assurance can be given
as to the future growth of the installed base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment
Platforms or of the Company's results of operations and profitability in future
periods.
In fiscal 1997, the Company effected a variety of cost reduction measures
to reduce its operating expenses. Although the Company realized the benefits of
such measures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 in the form of reduced
operating expenses as compared to prior quarters, no assurance can be given that
such measures will not materially adversely affect the Company's ability to
develop and publish commercially viable titles, or that such measures, whether
alone or in conjunction with increased revenues, if any, will be sufficient to
generate operating profits in fiscal 1998 and beyond. See 'Risk Factors.'
A significant portion of the Company's revenues in any quarter are
generally derived from Software first released in that quarter or in the
immediately preceding quarter. In fiscal 1997, sales of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
accounted for approximately 33% of the Company's gross revenues. In fiscal 1996,
no single title accounted for a significant portion of the Company's gross
revenues and, in fiscal 1995, sales of NBA Jam Tournament Edition accounted for
approximately 19% of the Company's gross revenues.
In fiscal 1997, sales of Software manufactured by Interplay accounted for
approximately 9% of the Company's gross revenues. See 'Business--Distribution of
Affiliated Labels.'
The Company is substantially dependent on Sony, Sega and Nintendo as the
sole manufacturers of the hardware platforms marketed by them and as the sole
licensors of the proprietary information and technology needed to develop
Software for those platforms. For the years ended August 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997, the Company derived 47%, 29% and 41% of its gross revenues, respectively,
from sales of Nintendo-compatible Software, 46%, 36% and 12% of its gross
revenues, respectively, from sales of Sega-compatible Software and for the years
ended August 31, 1996 and 1997, 19% and 28% of its gross revenues, respectively,
from sales of Software for the Sony PlayStation.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit fluctuates as a result of three factors: (i) the number of
'hit' titles and average unit selling prices of the Company's inventory; (ii)
the Company's product mix (i.e., the percentage of sales of Multimedia PC
Software and Software for CD-based Entertainment Platforms as compared to sales
of Software for cartridge-based Entertainment Platforms); and (iii) the
percentage of foreign sales to third party distributors. All royalties payable
to Nintendo, Sony and Sega are included in cost of revenues.
The Company's gross profit is adversely impacted by increases in the level
of returns and allowances to retailers, which reduces the average unit price
obtained for its Software sales. Similarly, lack of 'hit' titles or a low number
of 'hit' titles, resulting in lower average unit sales prices, adversely impacts
the Company's gross profits.
The Company's margins on sales of Multimedia PC and other CD Software
(currently, the 32-bit Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn platforms) are higher
than those on cartridge Software (currently, the Nintendo N64 and GameBoy
platforms) as a result of significantly lower CD Software costs.
The Company's margins on foreign Software sales to third party distributors
are approximately one-third lower than those on sales that the Company makes
directly to foreign retailers.
Gross profit increased from $(29.8) million ((18)% of net revenues) for the
year ended August 31, 1996 to $75.6 million (46% of net revenues) for the year
ended August 31, 1997 primarily due to lower levels of returns and allowances.
Gross profit decreased from $275.2 million (49% of net revenues) for the
year ended August 31, 1995 to a gross loss of $(29.8) million ((18)% of net
revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1996 primarily due to increased returns
and allowances relating to 16-bit Software.
Management anticipates that the Company's future gross profit will be
affected principally by (i) the percentage of returns, sales credits and
allowances and other similar concessions in respect of the Company's Software
sales and (ii) the Company's product mix.
29
The Company purchases substantially all of its Software (other than
Software sold in Japan) at prices payable in United States dollars. Appreciation
of the yen could result in increased prices charged by Sony, Sega or Nintendo to
the Company (although, to date, none of them has effected such a price
increase), which the Company may not be able to pass on to its customers and
which could adversely affect its results of operations.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses decreased from
$183.7 million (113% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1996 to
$119.0 million (72% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1997. The
decrease is primarily attributable to personnel and other cost reduction efforts
initiated by the Company to reduce its operating expenses.
Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses increased from
$180.9 million (32% of net revenues) for fiscal 1995 to $183.7 million (113% of
net revenues) for fiscal 1996. The dollar increase is primarily attributable to
increased overhead expenses relating to the operations of the studios in fiscal
1996. The percentage increase is primarily attributable to reduced sales volume.
Research and development expenses decreased from $34.6 million (21% of net
revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1996 to $30.8 million (19% of net
revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1997 due to cost reduction efforts
initiated by the Company (resulting in the reduction of ATG's activities and
other research and development activities in the Company's Glen Cove location).
Research and development expenses increased from $10.1 million (2% of net
revenues) in fiscal 1995 to $34.6 million (21% of net revenues) in fiscal 1996
due to the increase in Software development resulting from the acquisition of
the three Software studios in calendar 1995. A substantial portion of such
expenses were previously included as royalties paid to independent Software
studios.
Operating interest expense decreased from $6.4 million (4% of net revenues)
for the year ended August 31, 1996 to $1.8 million (1% of net revenues) for the
year ended August 31, 1997. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreased
sales volume and the resulting lower outstanding balances under the Company's
principal credit facility.
Operating interest expense increased from $4.0 million (0.7% of net
revenues) for fiscal 1995 to $6.4 million (4% of net revenues) for fiscal 1996.
The increase was primarily attributable to higher outstanding balances under the
Company's principal credit facility.
Depreciation and amortization increased from $9.5 million (2% of net
revenue) for fiscal 1995 to $14.9 million (9% of net revenues) for fiscal 1996
and to $16.2 million (10% of net revenues) for fiscal 1997. The increase in both
years is primarily attributable to depreciation relating to fixed assets held by
the Software studios and to the reduction, in fiscal 1996, of the estimated
remaining life of goodwill relating to Acclaim Comics from forty to twenty
years.
Downsizing charges of approximately $10 million relating primarily to
employee severance, lease commitments for idle facilities and write-offs of
non-productive fixed assets were recorded in fiscal 1997. Management believes
that the Company has begun to realize operating expense reductions resulting
therefrom commencing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997.
Due to continuing operating losses incurred by Acclaim Comics, management's
assessment of the current state of the comic book industry and management's
current projections for Acclaim Comics' operations, in fiscal 1997, management
believed that there was an impairment in the carrying value of the goodwill
relating to Acclaim Comics. Accordingly, in the third quarter of fiscal 1997,
the Company recorded a write-down of $25.2 million to reduce the carrying value
of the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics to its estimated undiscounted
future cash flows.
In conjunction with certain claims and litigations for which the settlement
obligation is currently probable and estimable (see 'Business--Recent
Developments,' 'Risk Factors--Litigation' and 'Legal Proceedings'), the Company
recorded a charge of $23.6 million during the year ended August 31, 1997. No
assurance can be given that the Company will not be required to record
additional material charges in future periods in conjunction with the various
litigations to which the Company is a party.
30
SEASONALITY
The Company's business is seasonal, with higher revenues and operating
income typically occurring during its first, second and fourth fiscal quarters
(which correspond to the Christmas and post-Christmas selling season). The
timing of the delivery of Software titles and the releases of new titles cause
material fluctuations in the Company's quarterly revenues and earnings.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company used net cash in operating activities of approximately $29.2
million and $38.3 million during fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively. An income
tax refund of approximately $54 million related to the carryback of the
Company's loss for fiscal 1996 was included in the net cash used in operating
activities during fiscal 1997. See '--Overview.'
The Company used net cash from operating activities of approximately $38.3
million and $7.3 million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. The decrease in
net cash from operations in fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 was primarily
attributable to a decrease in cash received from customers. The decrease in cash
received from customers is primarily attributable to lower sales resulting from
the maturation of the 16-bit market and the related transition to 32- and 64-bit
platforms. See '--Overview.'
The Company derived net cash from investing activities of approximately
$14.5 million and $7.4 million during fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
increase in net cash from investing activities in fiscal 1997 as compared to
fiscal 1996 is primarily attributable to reduced expenditures for fixed assets,
offset by lower proceeds (approximately $10.2 million and $14.6 million in
fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, respectively) derived from the sale of marketable
securities (due to sales of a lower number of such securities).
The Company derived net cash from investing activities of approximately
$7.4 million and $26.4 million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
decrease in net cash from investing activities in fiscal 1996 as compared to
fiscal 1995 is primarily attributable to lower proceeds (approximately $14.6
million and $57.2 million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively) derived from
the sale of marketable securities (due to sales of a lower number of such
securities), partially offset by (i) higher cash associated with the acquisition
of certain subsidiaries (approximately $7.9 million from Sculptured and Probe in
fiscal 1996 as compared to $1.7 million from Lazer-Tron and Iguana in fiscal
1995), which reflects cash held by subsidiaries at the respective dates of
acquisition, and (ii) lower cash expended on the acquisition of fixed assets in
fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995. See Notes 5, 6 and 9 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company derived net cash from financing activities of approximately
$19.4 million and $5.0 million in fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively, and used
net cash in financing activities of approximately $9.6 million during fiscal
1995. The increase in net cash derived from financing activities in fiscal 1997
as compared to fiscal 1996 is primarily attributable to the offering in February
1997 of $50.0 million of 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes ('Notes') due March
1, 2002 with interest payable semiannually commencing September 1, 1997. The
Notes were sold at par with proceeds to the Company of $47.4 million, net of
expenses. The indenture governing the Notes contains covenants that, among other
things, substantially limit the Company's ability to incur additional
indebtedness, issue preferred stock, pay dividends and make certain other
payments. The Notes are convertible into shares of Common Stock at any time
prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $5.18
per share, subject to adjustment under certain conditions. The Notes are
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company (subject to the
rights of holders of senior indebtedness) at 104% of the principal balance at
any time on or after March 1, 2000 through February 28, 2001 and at 102% of the
principal balance thereafter to maturity.
In connection with its acquisition by the Company, Acclaim Comics entered
into a term loan agreement with Midland Bank plc ('Midland') for $40 million. On
February 26, 1997, the Company used $16 million of the proceeds from the
issuance of the Notes to repay in full the outstanding balance of the Midland
loan.
The increase in net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 1996 as
compared to fiscal 1995 is primarily attributable to (i) proceeds from mortgage
financing of the Company's headquarters in Glen Cove, (ii) the restructuring of
the Midland financing in fiscal 1995, which required pre-payment of a portion of
such
31
debt, and (iii) an increase in proceeds from short-term bank loans in fiscal
1996. See Notes 10 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company generally purchases its inventory of Sony, Nintendo and Sega
(to the extent not manufactured by the Company) Software by opening letters of
credit when placing the purchase order. At August 31, 1997, the amount
outstanding under letters of credit was approximately $5.4 million. Other than
such letters of credit, the Company does not currently have any material
operating or capital expenditure commitments.
The Company has a revolving credit and security agreement with BNY
Financial Corporation ('BNY'), its principal domestic bank, which agreement
expires on January 31, 2000. The credit agreement will be automatically renewed
for another year by its terms, unless terminated upon 90 days' prior notice by
either party. The Company draws down working capital advances and opens letters
of credit against the facility in amounts determined on a formula based on
factored receivables and inventory, which advances are secured by the Company's
assets. This bank also acts as the Company's factor for the majority of its
North American receivables, which are assigned on a pre-approved basis. At
August 31, 1997, the factoring charge was 0.25% of the receivables assigned and
the interest on advances was at the bank's prime rate plus one percent. As of
August 31, 1997, the Company was in default of various financial and other
covenants under its revolving credit agreement. The lender has waived these
defaults. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and 'Risk
Factors--Liquidity and Bank Relationships.'
The Company is also party to a mortgage arrangement with Fleet Bank
('Fleet') relating to its corporate headquarters. At August 31, 1997, the
outstanding principal balance of the Fleet loan was $3.7 million. See Note 12 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and 'Risk Factors--Liquidity and Bank
Relationships.'
Management currently anticipates, based on the anticipated continued growth
of the installed base of 32-and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms and the cost
reduction efforts effected by the Company, that the Company's cash flows from
operations will be sufficient to cover its operating expenses in fiscal 1998.
However, no assurance can be given as to the sufficiency of such cash flows in
fiscal 1998 or beyond. To provide for its short-and long-term liquidity needs,
the Company has significantly reduced the number of its employees, raised $47.4
million of net proceeds from the issuance of Notes, sold substantially all of
the assets of Lazer-Tron, is consolidating its studio operations to reduce their
overhead expenses and is currently pursuing various alternatives, including
further expense reductions and the sale of other assets. There can be no
assurance that further cost reductions will be effected or that additional sales
of assets can be effected on satisfactory terms. In addition, the Company's
future liquidity will be materially dependent on its ability to develop and
market Software that achieves widespread market acceptance for use with the
hardware platforms that dominate the market. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to publish titles for hardware platforms with significant
installed bases.
The Company is party to various litigations arising in the course of its
business, the resolution of none of which, the Company believes, will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, financial condition and
results of operations. The Company is also party to certain class action
litigations. In conjunction with certain claims and litigations for which the
settlement obligation is currently probable and estimable (see 'Business--
Recent Developments,' 'Risk Factors--Litigation' and 'Legal Proceedings'), the
Company recorded a charge of $23.6 million in the year ended August 31, 1997. No
assurance can be given that the Company will not be required to record
additional material charges in future periods in conjunction with the various
litigations to which the Company is a party. See Note 20(a) of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
32
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Acclaim
Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' (deficiency) equity
and cash flows for the years then ended. In connection with our audit of the
consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement
schedule for the years ended August 31, 1997 and 1996. These consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 Acclaim
Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion,
the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in
all material respects, the information set forth therein.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company's significant losses from
operations in fiscal 1997 and 1996 and its working capital and stockholders'
deficiencies at August 31, 1997 raise substantial doubt about its ability to
continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are
also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
The fiscal 1996 selected quarterly financial data in Note 21 contain
information that we did not audit, and, accordingly, we do not express an
opinion on that data. We attempted but were unable to review the quarterly data
in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants because we believe that the Company's internal control
structure policies and procedures for the preparation of interim financial
information during fiscal 1996 did not provide an adequate basis to enable us to
complete such a review.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
New York, New York
November 5, 1997
33
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors and Stockholders,
Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' (deficiency) equity and cash flows of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
and Subsidiaries for the year ended August 31, 1995. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash
flows of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended August
31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
We have also audited financial statement schedule II of Acclaim
Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended August 31, 1995. In our
opinion, the financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information required to be set forth therein.
As described in Note 20, the Company and certain officers have been named
as defendants in various class action claims, the outcome of which cannot
presently be determined. Accordingly, no provision for any liability that might
result upon the resolution of these matters has been made in the fiscal 1995
consolidated financial statements.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
New York, New York
December 8, 1995
34
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
AUGUST 31,
--------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents.......................... $ 26,254 $ 18,814
Marketable equity securities....................... -- 11,278
Accounts receivable--net........................... 18,729 20,478
Inventories........................................ 3,546 8,052
Prepaid expenses................................... 20,250 18,513
Income taxes receivable............................ -- 54,334
-------- --------
Total current assets.......................... 68,779 131,469
-------- --------
Other assets
Fixed assets--net.................................. 34,268 42,779
Excess of cost over net assets acquired--net of
accumulated amortization of $17,104 and $13,052,
respectively...................................... 23,547 54,939
Other assets....................................... 6,581 10,464
-------- --------
Total assets.................................. $133,175 $239,651
-------- --------
-------- --------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable............................. $ 17,007 $ 29,749
Short-term borrowings.............................. 643 5,321
Accrued expenses................................... 107,928 78,506
Income taxes payable............................... 4,840 724
Current portion of long-term debt.................. 1,002 25,527
Obligation under capital leases--current........... 1,515 1,681
-------- --------
Total current liabilities..................... 132,935 141,508
-------- --------
Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt..................................... 52,655 --
Obligation under capital leases--noncurrent........ 2,264 3,685
Other long-term liabilities........................ 4,553 347
-------- --------
Total liabilities............................. 192,407 145,540
-------- --------
Minority interest..................................... (186) 522
Stockholders' (deficiency) equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares
authorized; none issued........................... -- --
Common stock, $0.02 par value; 100,000 shares
authorized; 50,122 and 50,041 shares issued,
respectively...................................... 1,002 1,001
Additional paid in capital......................... 173,373 165,782
Accumulated deficit................................ (229,870) (70,642)
Treasury stock, 474 and 348 shares, respectively... (2,904) (1,813)
Foreign currency translation adjustment............ (647) (754)
Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities.... -- 15
-------- --------
Total stockholders' (deficiency) equity....... (59,046) 93,589
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
(deficiency) equity.......................... $133,175 $239,651
-------- --------
-------- --------
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
35
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- --------
NET REVENUES............................... $ 165,411 $ 161,945 $566,723
COST OF REVENUES........................... 89,818 191,790 291,474
--------- --------- --------
GROSS PROFIT (LOSS)........................ 75,593 (29,845) 275,249
--------- --------- --------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling, advertising, general and
administrative expenses............... 118,993 183,722 180,957
Research and development expenses........ 30,824 34,582 10,126
Operating interest....................... 1,749 6,417 3,957
Depreciation and amortization............ 16,220 14,910 9,543
Goodwill writedown....................... 25,200 -- --
Litigation settlements................... 23,550 -- --
Downsizing charge........................ 10,000 5,000 --
--------- --------- --------
Total operating expenses................. 226,536 244,631 204,583
--------- --------- --------
(LOSS) EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS............ (150,943) (274,476) 70,666
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income.......................... 2,186 3,845 2,131
Other (expense) income................... (5,702) 4,103 6,859
Interest expense......................... (4,601) (2,339) (3,382)
--------- --------- --------
(LOSS) EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES........ (159,060) (268,867) 76,274
--------- --------- --------
PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME
TAXES.................................... 882 (46,393) 31,625
--------- --------- --------
(LOSS) EARNINGS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST... (159,942) (222,474) 44,649
--------- --------- --------
MINORITY INTEREST.......................... 714 1,106 121
--------- --------- --------
NET (LOSS) EARNINGS........................ $(159,228) $(221,368) $ 44,770
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
NET (LOSS) EARNINGS PER COMMON AND COMMON
EQUIVALENT SHARE......................... $ (3.21) $ (4.47) $ 0.86
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON AND
COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING..... 49,670 49,515 52,300
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
36
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
PREFERRED
STOCK(1) COMMON STOCK
-------------- --------------
(ACCUMULATED FOREIGN
ISSUED ISSUED ADDITIONAL DEFICIT) CURRENCY
-------------- -------------- PAID-IN DEFERRED RETAINED TREASURY TRANSLATION
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL COMPENSATION EARNINGS STOCK ADJUSTMENT
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1994 -- -- 39,348 $ 787 $ 69,246 -- $ 106,571 $ (807) $ (554)
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
Net Earnings...................... -- -- -- -- -- -- 44,770 -- --
Issuances......................... -- -- 5,182 104 83,659 $(12,292) -- -- --
Deferred compensation expense..... -- -- -- -- -- 1,640 -- -- --
Exercise of Stock Options......... -- -- 628 13 4,170 -- -- -- --
Pooling of Interests with
Lazer-Tron...................... -- -- 1,123 22 10,609 -- 1,800 -- --
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock
Options......................... -- -- -- -- 1,101 -- -- -- --
Foreign Currency Translation
Gain............................ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,365
Unrealized Gain on Marketable
Equity Securities............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1995 -- -- 46,281 926 168,785 (10,652) 153,141 (807) 811
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
Net Loss.......................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (221,368) -- --
Issuances of Common Stock and
Options......................... -- -- 463 9 7,756 (7,765) -- -- --
Deferred compensation expense..... -- -- -- -- -- 3,304 -- -- --
Exercise of Stock Options and
Warrants........................ -- -- 552 11 3,711 -- -- -- --
Pooling of Interests with
Sculptured and Probe............ -- -- 2,745 55 (55) -- (2,415) -- --
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock
Options......................... -- -- -- -- 698 -- -- -- --
Employee shares returned or
repurchased..................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,006) --
Foreign Currency Translation
Loss............................ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,565)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable
Equity Securities............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1996 -- -- 50,041 1,001 180,895 (15,113) (70,642) (1,813) (754)
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
Net Loss.......................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (159,228) -- --
Issuances and Cancellations of
Warrants and Options............ -- -- -- -- 722 566 -- -- --
Deferred compensation expense..... -- -- -- -- -- 6,134 -- -- --
Exercise of Stock Options......... -- -- 81 1 169 -- -- -- --
Employee shares returned or
repurchased..................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,091) --
Foreign Currency Translation
Gain............................ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 107
Unrealized Loss on Marketable
Equity Securities............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1997 -- -- 50,122 $1,002 $181,786 $ (8,413) $ (229,870) $(2,904) $ (647)
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------
UNREALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) ON
MARKETABLE
EQUITY
SECURITIES TOTAL
-------------- ---------
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1994 -- $ 175,243
------ ---------
Net Earnings...................... -- 44,770
Issuances......................... -- 71,471
Deferred compensation expense..... -- 1,640
Exercise of Stock Options......... -- 4,183
Pooling of Interests with
Lazer-Tron...................... -- 12,431
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock
Options......................... -- 1,101
Foreign Currency Translation
Gain............................ -- 1,365
Unrealized Gain on Marketable
Equity Securities............... $2,503 2,503
------ ---------
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1995 2,503 314,707
------ ---------
Net Loss.......................... -- (221,368)
Issuances of Common Stock and
Options......................... -- --
Deferred compensation expense..... -- 3,304
Exercise of Stock Options and
Warrants........................ -- 3,722
Pooling of Interests with
Sculptured and Probe............ -- (2,415)
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock
Options......................... -- 698
Employee shares returned or
repurchased..................... -- (1,006)
Foreign Currency Translation
Loss............................ -- (1,565)
Unrealized Loss on Marketable
Equity Securities............... (2,488) (2,488)
------ ---------
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1996 15 93,589
------ ---------
Net Loss.......................... -- (159,228)
Issuances and Cancellations of
Warrants and Options............ -- 1,288
Deferred compensation expense..... -- 6,134
Exercise of Stock Options......... -- 170
Employee shares returned or
repurchased..................... -- (1,091)
Foreign Currency Translation
Gain............................ -- 107
Unrealized Loss on Marketable
Equity Securities............... (15) (15)
------ ---------
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1997 $ 0 $ (59,046)
------ ---------
------ ---------
- ------------------
(1) The Company is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of preferred stock at a par
value of $0.01 per share, none of which shares is presently issued and
outstanding.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
37
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) PROVIDED BY
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (Loss) Earnings.................... $(159,228) $(221,368) $ 44,770
--------- --------- --------
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET (LOSS)
EARNINGS TO NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED
BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Depreciation and amortization.......... 41,420 14,910 9,543
Loss (gain) on sale of marketable
securities.......................... 1,022 (3,690) (5,968)
Provision for returns and discounts.... 28,161 214,079 25,081
Deferred income taxes.................. -- 4,264 8,610
Minority interest in net (loss)
of consolidated subsidiary.......... (714) (1,106) (121)
Deferred compensation expense.......... 6,134 3,304 1,640
Non-cash inventory charges............. -- 25,753 --
Non-cash royalty charges............... 15,010 30,432 --
Litigation settlements................. 23,550 -- --
Other non-cash items................... 1,403 1,577 1,751
CHANGE IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET
OF EFFECTS OF ACQUISITIONS:
(Increase) in accounts receivable... (28,480) (28,123) (35,754)
Decrease (Increase) in
inventories....................... 1,299 (17,842) 1,298
(Increase) Decrease in prepaid
expenses.......................... (10,250) 6,759 (17,345)
Decrease (Increase) in other current
assets............................ 319 (19) (8,813)
(Decrease) in trade accounts
payable........................... (11,598) (21,046) (23,031)
(Decrease) Increase in accrued
expenses.......................... (1,056) (14,612) 580
Increase (Decrease) in income taxes
payable........................... 4,873 (31,572) (9,507)
Decrease in income taxes
receivable........................ 54,334 -- --
Increase in other long-term
liabilities....................... 4,553 -- --
--------- --------- --------
Total adjustments................... 129,980 183,068 (52,036)
--------- --------- --------
Net cash (used in) operating
activities..................... (29,248) (38,300) (7,266)
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition/divestiture of
subsidiaries, net................... 6,964 7,912 1,743
Sales of marketable equity
securities.......................... 10,241 14,599 57,160
Acquisition of fixed assets, excluding
capital leases...................... (2,671) (13,488) (29,862)
Disposal of fixed assets............... 334 133 284
Acquisition of other assets............ (340) (1,731) (2,919)
--------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by investing
activities........................ 14,528 7,425 26,406
--------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from convertible subordinated
notes............................... 47,400 -- --
Proceeds from mortgage................. -- 6,676 --
Payment of mortgage.................... (2,870) (223) (1,342)
Proceeds from short-term bank loans.... 12,761 15,873 11,304
Payment of short-term bank loans....... (17,095) (14,337) (8,769)
Exercise of stock options.............. 170 3,722 4,183
Payment of obligation under capital
leases.............................. (2,376) (496) (292)
Issuance of common stock............... -- 4 1,398
Payment of long-term debt.............. (19,000) (6,196) (16,046)
Other financing activities............. 458 -- --
--------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities.............. 19,448 5,023 (9,564)
--------- --------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash................................ 2,712 (83) 497
--------- --------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash........ 7,440 (25,935) 10,073
Cash at beginning of year.............. 18,814 44,749 34,676
--------- --------- --------
Cash at end of year.................... $ 26,254 $ 18,814 $ 44,749
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
38
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES--(CONTINUED)
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- --------
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH
INVESTING AND
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of equipment under capital
leases.............................. $ 391 $ 4,631 $ 91
CASH PAID DURING THE YEAR FOR:
Interest............................... $ (6,350) $ (8,756) $ (7,339)
Income taxes received (paid)........... 57,148 18,719 (22,127)
In fiscal 1995, the Company purchased all of the capital stock of Iguana
Entertainment, Inc. for $5,513, net of cash received. In connection with the
acquisition, liabilities assumed were as follows:
Fair value of assets acquired...... $ 9,179
Cash paid for the capital stock.... (5,513)
-------
Liabilities assumed................ $ 3,666
-------
-------
In fiscal 1995, the Company issued 4,349 shares of its common stock, valued
at $71,472 in exchange for 3,403 Class A common shares of Tele-Communications,
Inc.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
39
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
1. BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. Business
Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries ('Acclaim' or the
'Company') is a mass market entertainment company whose principal business to
date has been developing, publishing and distributing interactive entertainment
software. The Company also develops and publishes comic books, markets its
motion capture technology and studio services and distributes coin-operated
video arcade games.
B. Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Acclaim and
its majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
C. Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
D. Marketable Equity Securities
The Company determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity
securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each
balance sheet date. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the
Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity.
Held-to-maturity securities are stated at cost and investment income is included
in earnings. The Company classifies certain highly liquid securities as trading
securities. Trading securities are stated at fair value and unrealized holding
gains and losses are included in income. Securities that are not classified as
held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available-for-sale.
Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized
holding gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of
stockholders' equity. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific
identification method.
E. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of FIFO cost (first-in, first-out) or
market and consist principally of finished goods.
F. Prepaid Royalties
Royalty advances represent advance payments made to independent software
developers and licensors of intellectual properties. All such payments are
recoupable against future royalties in excess of minimum nonrefundable advances
made in respect of software developed or intellectual properties licensed under
the terms of the agreements. Prepaid royalties are expensed as selling expenses
at contractual royalty rates based on actual net product sales. That portion of
prepaid royalties deemed unlikely to be recovered through product sales is
charged to selling expenses. Royalty advances are classified as current and
noncurrent assets based on estimated net product sales within the next year.
G. Fixed Assets
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or,
where applicable, the terms of the respective leases, whichever is shorter. The
asset values of capitalized leases are included in fixed assets and the
associated liabilities are reflected as obligations under capital leases.
40
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
1. BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
H. Excess of Cost Over Net Assets Acquired
Excess of cost over net assets acquired is being amortized on the
straight-line basis over periods ranging from five to twenty years. As of August
31, 1997, the balance, net of accumulated amortization, is comprised of $21,220
related to the fiscal 1994 acquisition of Acclaim Comics, Inc., which is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years since the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1996, and previously over forty years, and $2,327 related to the
acquisition of Iguana Entertainment, Inc., which is being amortized over five
years (Note 5). It is the Company's policy to evaluate and recognize an
impairment of goodwill if it is probable that the recorded amounts are in excess
of anticipated undiscounted future cash flows.
Due to continuing operating losses incurred by Acclaim Comics, management's
assessment of the current state of the comic book industry and management's
current projections for Acclaim Comics' operations, in fiscal 1997, management
believed that there was an impairment in the carrying value of the goodwill
relating to Acclaim Comics. Accordingly, in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 the
Company recorded a write-down of $25,200 of goodwill to reduce the carrying
value of the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics to its estimated
undiscounted future cash flows.
I. Net Revenues
Revenues are recorded when products are shipped to customers. The Company
is generally not contractually obligated to accept returns, except for defective
product. However, the Company permits its customers to return or exchange
product and may provide price protection on products unsold by a customer.
Revenue is recorded net of an allowance for estimated returns, price concessions
and other discounts. Such allowance is reflected as a reduction to accounts
receivable when the Company expects to grant credits for such items; otherwise,
it is reflected as a liability.
J. 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
bases. 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 realized 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.
K. Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, such as fixed assets and certain
identifiable intangibles to be held and used or disposed of, for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows,
undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the
asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying
amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
L. Foreign Currency Translations
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at rates of
exchange at the end of the period, while results of operations are translated at
average exchange rates in effect for the period. Unrealized gains and losses
from the translation of foreign assets and liabilities are classified as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. Included in other income (expense)
are realized gains and (losses) from foreign currency transactions of $2,668,
($5,074), $2,917, ($2,832) and $5,092, ($4,576) in fiscal 1997, 1996, and 1995,
respectively. The Company does not enter into material foreign currency hedging
transactions.
41
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
1. BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
M. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
The Company records compensation expense for employee and director stock
options and warrants if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeds
the exercise price on the date of the grant. On September 1, 1996, the Company
adopted SFAS No. 123, 'Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation'. The Company has
elected not to implement the fair value based accounting method for employee and
director stock options and warrants, but has elected to disclose the pro forma
net earnings and pro forma earnings per share including employee and director
stock option and warrant grants made beginning in fiscal 1996 as if such method
had been used to account for stock-based compensation cost as described in SFAS
No. 123.
N. Financial Instruments
As of August 31, 1997, the fair value of certain financial instruments
including cash and equivalents, receivables, trade accounts payable, short-term
borrowings and certain other liabilities approximates book value due to the
short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of the Company's
mortgage note payable approximated fair value since this instrument has a prime
based interest rate that is adjusted for market rate fluctuations. The fair
value of the 10% convertible Subordinated Notes at August 31, 1997 was
approximately $40,000, based on a quoted market value.
O. Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
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. Among the more significant estimates included in these
financial statements are the estimated allowances for returns and discounts, the
estimated valuation of inventory and the recoverability of advance royalty
payments and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
P. Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications were made to prior period amounts to conform to
the current period presentation format.
2. LIQUIDITY
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company's
significant losses from operations in fiscal 1997 and 1996 and working capital
and stockholders' deficiencies at August 31, 1997 could impact the Company's
ability to meet its obligations as they become due.
The Company believed that the majority of its software revenues in fiscal
1996 and a portion of fiscal 1997 would be derived from 16-bit software sales.
However, the 16-bit software market matured much more rapidly than anticipated
by the Company (Note 3) and the installed base of new hardware platforms, such
as the Nintendo N64, from which the Company derived a significant portion of its
fiscal 1997 software revenues, was not yet significant compared to that for
16-bit software products. Due to these factors and the increased fixed operating
costs primarily attributable to the acquisition of software development studios,
the Company's results of operations and liquidity in fiscal 1997 were materially
adversely affected. Short-term liquidity concerns were alleviated in February
1997, when the Company received $47,400 from the issuance of unsecured 10%
Convertible Subordinated Notes (Note 12(A)) and in November, 1996 when it
received an income tax refund of approximately $54,000 related to the carryback
of its loss for fiscal 1996. The Company, to enhance its long-term
42
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
2. LIQUIDITY--(CONTINUED)
liquidity, in fiscal 1997 has significantly reduced the number of its personnel,
sold substantially all of the assets of its coin-operated redemption games
subsidiary, is consolidating certain of its studio operations to reduce their
overhead expenses and is also pursuing various alternatives, including the sale
of certain other assets and further expense reductions. In addition, through
October 31, 1997, the Company released a number of titles in the first quarter
of fiscal 1998, including two additional titles for the N64 hardware platform.
Shipments of these products, totaling approximately $40,000 were collateralized
under bank letters of credit. The Company's future long-term liquidity will be
materially dependent on its ability to develop and market new software products
that achieve widespread market acceptance for use with the hardware platforms
that dominate the market.
3. SPECIAL CARTRIDGE VIDEO CHARGE (UNAUDITED)
In fiscal 1996 the Company's revenues were adversely affected due to new
hardware platform introductions and the resulting shift from demand for 16-bit
software to 32- and 64-bit software and PC CD software compatible with the new
hardware systems. Due to the relatively longer development period relating to
16-bit and 32-bit software products, the Company's strategic decisions to
support certain 16-bit and portable hardware systems and develop certain
software products were made well in advance of the time it became apparent that
the transition period commenced.
In addition, in fiscal 1996, the Company did not release 'hits' for
hardware platforms with significant installed bases, as it had in prior years
and offered concessions (primarily discounts) to its customers at higher than
anticipated levels in order to manage 16-bit software inventory levels. Finally,
the Company exited the 16-bit and portable software markets in April 1996.
As a result, the Company recorded a special cartridge video charge in the
second quarter of fiscal 1996 of $48,947 to adjust accounts receivable and
inventories to their estimated net realizable values. Due to the continued and
accelerated deterioration of the 16-bit and portable cartridge business
throughout 1996, the Company revised its estimates in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1996 and recorded an additional charge of $65,031, primarily to adjust
accounts receivable and inventory to their revised estimated net realizable
values. The total charge of $113,978 for the year ended August 31, 1996 consists
of provisions of approximately $90,524 and $23,455, respectively, to adjust
accounts receivable and inventories related to 16-bit and portable Software to
their estimated net realizable values subsequent to the Company's decision to
exit such software market and is reflected as sales returns and allowances and
in cost of sales, respectively, in the statement of consolidated operations.
The following presents the effect of the special cartridge video charge
upon fiscal 1996 net revenues and cost of revenues:
1996
----------
Gross Revenues................... $ 376,024
Sales credits and allowances..... 123,555
----------
252,469
Special Cartridge Video Charge... 90,524
----------
Net revenues..................... $ 161,945
----------
Cost of revenues................. $ 168,335
Special Cartridge Video Charge... 23,455
----------
$ 191,790
----------
Gross Loss....................... $ (29,845)
----------
----------
43
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
4. LICENSE AGREEMENTS
The Company has various license agreements with Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Japan)
(Nintendo Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Nintendo of America, Inc., are
collectively herein referred to as 'Nintendo') pursuant to which it has the
nonexclusive right to utilize the 'Nintendo' name and its proprietary
information and technology in order to develop and market interactive
entertainment software ('Software') for use with various 8-bit, 16-bit and
portable Nintendo platforms in various territories throughout the world. The
Company also has an agreement with Nintendo to develop and market N64 Software
titles in the Western Hemisphere. The license agreements with Nintendo for the
different platforms expire at various times through 2000.
In April 1992, the Company entered into an agreement with Sega Enterprises
Ltd. ('Sega'), pursuant to which the Company received the nonexclusive right to
utilize the 'Sega' name and its proprietary information and technology in order
to develop and distribute software titles for use with various Sega platforms.
The Company exercised its option to extend the Sega Agreement, which agreement,
as amended, expired in December 1995. The Company is currently negotiating a new
agreement with Sega. In the interim, the Company and Sega are continuing to
operate under the terms of the expired Sega Agreement, and with respect to the
Sega Saturn hardware platform are operating under an oral agreement. The Company
believes that the impact, if any, of a new agreement with Sega will not have a
material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
In December 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with Sony Computer
Entertainment of America pursuant to which the Company received the nonexclusive
right to utilize its proprietary information and technology in order to develop
and distribute Software titles for use with the Sony PlayStation(TM) in North
America, Europe and Asia for a four year period expiring in December 1998.
5. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
Sculptured Software, Inc.
On October 10, 1995, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding
stock of Sculptured Software Inc., a software developer, pursuant to an
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 9, 1995 for 1,013 shares of the
Company's common stock.
The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests and
accordingly, the Company's financial statements for the year ended August 31,
1996 include the results of Sculptured. Prior period financial statements were
not restated as the acquisition had an immaterial effect upon previously
reported revenue and net income of the consolidated entities.
Probe Entertainment Ltd.
On October 16, 1995, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding
stock of Probe Entertainment Ltd., a software developer, pursuant to an
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 10, 1995 for 1,732 shares of the
Company's common stock.
The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests and,
accordingly, the Company's financial statements for the year ended August 31,
1996 include the results of Probe. Prior period financial statements were not
restated as the acquisition had an immaterial effect upon previously reported
revenue and net income of the consolidated entities.
Iguana Entertainment, Inc.
On January 4, 1995, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding
common stock of Iguana Entertainment, Inc., a developer of interactive video
games, pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December
20, 1994. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, the
operating
44
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
5. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES--(CONTINUED)
results of Iguana are included in the Statements of Consolidated Operations from
the acquisition date. The acquired assets and liabilities have been recorded at
their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.
In consideration for the Iguana stock, the Company paid $5,000 in cash. The
total cost of the acquisition was $7,342, (which includes direct acquisition
costs) of which $2,357 was allocated to identifiable net tangible assets. The
remaining balance of $4,985 represents the excess of the purchase price over the
fair value of the net assets acquired, which is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over five years.
Pro forma results of operations, assuming the acquisition had been made at
the beginning of each year presented, would not be materially different from the
consolidated results reported.
Lazer-Tron Corporation
On August 31, 1995, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding
common stock of Lazer-Tron Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of
coin-operated redemption games pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
March 22, 1995. Under the terms of the agreement, Lazer-Tron shareholders
received .314 of a share of the Company's common stock for each Lazer-Tron
share. Accordingly, the Company issued 1,123 shares of its common stock for all
the outstanding shares of Lazer-Tron common stock. Additionally, outstanding
options and warrants to acquire Lazer-Tron were converted to options and
warrants to acquire 318 shares of the Company's common stock.
The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests and,
accordingly, the Company's financial statements for the year ended August 31,
1995 have been restated to include the results of Lazer-Tron. Prior period
financial statements were not restated as the acquisition had an immaterial
effect upon previously reported revenue and net income of the consolidated
entities.
On March 5, 1997, the Company completed the sale of substantially all the
assets and certain liabilities of Lazer-Tron for $6,000 in cash. In connection
with the sale, the Company granted options to purchase 198 shares of Common
Stock to Lazer-Tron's employees under the 1988 Stock Option Plan with a fair
value of $720. Including related costs, no gain or loss resulted from this
transaction.
6. MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES
Marketable equity securities at August 31, 1996 consisted primarily of
Class A Common Shares of Tele-Communications, Inc. Such shares have been
classified as 'available for sale ' securities and accordingly are stated at
fair market value. Unrealized holding gains of $15 (net of income taxes of $11)
at August 31, 1996 are classified as a separate component of stockholders'
equity. In fiscal 1997, other expense includes realized losses from the sale of
marketable equity securities of $(1,022). In fiscal 1996 and 1995 other income
includes realized gains from the sale of marketable equity securities of $3,690
and $5,968, respectively.
On October 19, 1994, Acclaim Cable Holdings, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Company, entered into a Partnership Agreement (the 'Partnership
Agreement') with TCI GameCo Ventures, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of Tele-Communications, Inc. ('TCI'), for the creation of a Delaware limited
partnership (the 'Joint Venture'), the interests in which are indirectly held
65% by the Company and 35% by TCI. The Company and TCI are currently dissolving
the Joint Venture.
In connection with the execution of the Partnership Agreement, the Company
entered into an Exchange Agreement (the 'Exchange Agreement') with TCI and TCI
GameCo Holdings, Inc. ('TCI Sub'), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold
to TCI Sub 4,349 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange for 3,403
shares of Class A Common Stock of TCI.
45
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
7. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable are comprised of the following:
AUGUST 31,
---------------------
1997 1996
-------- ---------
Receivables assigned to factor......... $ 13,337 $ 55,099
Advances due (from) to factor.......... (3,780) 23,487
-------- ---------
Due from factor........................ 17,117 31,612
Unfactored accounts receivable......... 4,873 12,031
Accounts receivable--Foreign........... 12,434 20,229
Other receivables...................... 3,085 5,472
Allowances for returns and discounts... (18,780) (48,866)
-------- ---------
$ 18,729 $ 20,478
-------- ---------
-------- ---------
Pursuant to a factoring agreement, the Company's principal bank acts as its
factor for the majority of its North American receivables, which are assigned on
a pre-approved basis. At August 31, 1997, the factoring charge amounted to 0.25%
of the receivables assigned. The Company's obligations to the bank are
collateralized by all of the Company's and its North American subsidiaries'
accounts receivable, inventories and equipment. The advances for factored
receivables are pursuant to a revolving credit and security agreement, which
expires on January 31, 2000. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, which can
be canceled by either party upon 90-days notice prior to the end of the term,
the Company is required to maintain specified levels of working capital and
tangible net worth and may not incur losses in excess of specified amounts,
among other covenants. In February 1997, certain bank fees were paid with the
issuance of immediately exercisable warrants to purchase 200 shares of Common
Stock at an exercise price of $3.97 per share, which warrants expire on February
19, 2006. The fair value of the warrants of $568 was expensed in fiscal 1997.
The Company draws down working capital advances and opens letters of credit
(up to an aggregate maximum of $20 million) against the facility in amounts
determined on a formula based on factored receivables, inventory and cost of
imported goods under outstanding letters of credit. Interest was charged at the
bank's prime lending rate per annum on such advances. Effective November 8,
1996, interest is charged at the bank's prime lending rate plus one percent per
annum (9.5% at August 31, 1997) on such advances. As of August 31, 1997, the
Company was in default of certain covenants under its revolving credit facility,
which defaults have been waived by the lender.
Pursuant to the terms of certain distribution, warehouse and credit and
collection agreements, certain of the Company's foreign accounts receivable are
due from certain distributors. These receivables are not collateralized and as a
result management periodically monitors the financial condition of these
distributors. No additional credit risk beyond amounts provided for collection
losses is believed inherent in the Company's accounts receivable. At August 31,
1997 and 1996, the balance due from a distributor was approximately 25% and 19%,
respectively, of foreign accounts receivable.
46
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
8. PREPAID EXPENSES
Prepaid expenses are comprised of the following:
AUGUST 31,
------------------
1997 1996
------- -------
Royalty advances................................................................ $ 4,322 $ 6,783
Prepaid advertising costs....................................................... 1,470 2,868
Prepaid product costs........................................................... 8,826 2,879
Other prepaid expenses.......................................................... 5,632 5,983
------- -------
$20,250 $18,513
------- -------
------- -------
Prepaid advertising costs consist principally of advance payments in
respect of television and other media advertising. Advertising expenses are
charged to income as incurred. Prepaid product costs represent advance payments
against future product purchases in Europe.
9. FIXED ASSETS
The major classes of fixed assets are as follows:
AUGUST 31,
--------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
Buildings and improvements..................................................... $ 24,110 $ 24,724
Furniture, fixtures and equipment.............................................. 32,821 34,490
Automotive equipment........................................................... 1,296 1,680
-------- --------
58,227 60,894
Less: accumulated depreciation................................................. (23,959) (18,115)
-------- --------
$ 34,268 $ 42,779
-------- --------
-------- --------
The estimated useful lives of these assets are:
Buildings and improvements....................... 1 to 20 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment................ 1 to 7 years
Automotive equipment............................. 3 to 5 years
10. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
Short-term borrowings at August 31, 1997 consisted of $643 outstanding
under a short-term loan from a bank in France. The short-term loan provides for
borrowings of up to $660. The average annual interest rate applicable to the
loan for the year ended August 31, 1997 was approximately 5%. The loan was
repaid in September 1997. At August 31, 1996, short-term borrowings consisted of
notes payable to banks in Japan of $3,671 and $1,650 outstanding under lines of
credit with two domestic banks. The notes payable to banks in Japan matured
within 90 days and were collateralized by inward letters of credit from
distributors. The average annual interest rate applicable to the bank loans for
the year ended August 31, 1996 was approximately 2%. Such agreement also
provided that the bank has the right to offset cash of the Company collected
under the inward letters of credit and deposited with it against the associated
short-term notes. The credit agreement with one domestic bank provided for
borrowings of up to $2,000 for general working capital purposes and was due on
demand. Borrowings under the agreement bore interest at the bank's prime rate
plus one percent (9.25% at August 31, 1996) and were based upon a percentage of
eligible accounts receivable. The balance at August 31, 1996 was $1,300 which
was repaid in December 1996. A revolving line of credit agreement with the other
47
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
10. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS--(CONTINUED)
domestic bank provided for borrowings of up to $500 and was renewable yearly
with interest charged at one and one-half percent above the bank's prime rate
(9.75% at August 31, 1996). The balance at August 31, 1996 was $350.
11. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses are comprised of the following:
AUGUST 31,
-------------------
1997 1996
-------- -------
Accrued royalties payable and licensing obligations............................ $ 31,902 $28,090
Accrued selling expenses and sales allowances.................................. 22,941 30,804
Accrued litigation settlements (Note 20(a)).................................... 18,017 --
Accrued downsizing expenses.................................................... 11,300 5,000
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes.............................................. 2,010 2,229
Other accrued taxes............................................................ 6,077 4,290
Accrued interest expense....................................................... 2,569 --
Other accrued expenses......................................................... 13,112 8,093
-------- -------
$107,928 $78,506
-------- -------
-------- -------
In fiscal 1996, to enhance its long-term liquidity, the Company decided to
significantly reduce the number of its personnel and accrued $5,000 of
downsizing expenses for employee severance costs, the majority of which was paid
in fiscal 1997 in accordance with the accrual. In May 1997, the Company again
reduced its number of personnel and accrued an additional $10,000 for severance
and other costs associated with this downsizing of the Company. The majority of
the costs will be paid in fiscal 1998 and relate to employee severance, with the
remainder relating to lease commitments for idle facilities and write-offs of
non-productive fixed assets.
12. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
AUGUST 31,
------------------
1997 1996
------- -------
(A) 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2002................................. $50,000 --
(B) Term loan................................................................... -- $19,000
(C) Mortgage note............................................................... 3,657 6,527
------- -------
53,657 25,527
Less: current portion........................................................... 1,002 25,527
------- -------
$52,655 $ --
------- -------
------- -------
(A) In February 1997, the Company issued $50,000 of unsecured 10%
Convertible Subordinated Notes ('Notes') due March 1, 2002 with interest payable
semiannually commencing September 1, 1997. The Notes were sold at par with
proceeds to the Company of $47,400, net of expenses. The indenture governing the
Notes contains covenants that, among other things, substantially limit the
Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, pay
dividends and make certain other payments. The Notes are convertible into shares
of Common Stock prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion
price of $5.18 per share, subject to adjustment under certain conditions. The
Notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at the option of the Company (subject
to the rights of holders of senior indebtedness) at 104% of the principal
balance at any
48
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
12. LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)
time on or after March 1, 2000 through February 28, 2001 and at 102% of the
principal balance thereafter to maturity.
(B) In conjunction with the acquisition of Acclaim Comics, Inc. in July
1994, Acclaim Comics entered into a term loan guaranteed by the Company which
bore interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%. The Company used $16,000 of the
proceeds from the issuance of the Notes to repay the remaining outstanding
balance of the term loan.
(C) Interest on the mortgage note until April 30, 1997 was charged at the
bank's prime lending rate and is currently charged at the bank's prime lending
rate plus one percent per annum (9.5% at August 31, 1997). The mortgage note is
collateralized by a building (Corporate Headquarters) with a carrying value of
approximately $16,405. As of August 31, 1996 and November 30, 1996, the Company
was in default of various financial and other covenants with the mortgage
lender. The mortgage lender waived these past defaults, conditioned upon the
mortgage lender receiving $2,000 from the net proceeds from the issuance of the
Notes and the Company accelerating payment terms on the balance of the loan. The
Company used $2,000 of the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes to repay a
portion of the mortgage note and under the Note Modification Agreement dated
September 11, 1997 is obligated to make an additional accelerated payment of
$500 payable over nine months through January 1998 in addition to quarterly
payments of $181 payable until February 1, 2002.
13. OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL AND OPERATING LEASES
The Company is committed under various capital leases for equipment
expiring at various dates through 2006. Future minimum payments required under
such leases are as follows:
YEARS ENDING
AUGUST 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998......................................................................................... $ 1,806
1999......................................................................................... 1,455
2000......................................................................................... 402
2001......................................................................................... 282
2002......................................................................................... 199
Thereafter................................................................................... 241
-------
Total minimum lease payments................................................................. 4,385
Less: amount representing interest........................................................... 606
Present value of net minimum lease payments.................................................. $ 3,779
-------
-------
The present value of net minimum lease payments is reflected in the August
31, 1997 balance sheet as current and noncurrent obligations under capital
leases of $1,515 and $2,264, respectively.
49
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
13. OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL AND OPERATING LEASES--(CONTINUED)
The Company has operating leases for rental space and equipment which
expire on various dates through 2006. The leases provide for contingent rentals
based upon escalation clauses. Future minimum rental payments required under
such leases are as follows:
YEARS ENDING
AUGUST 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998.................................................................................... $ 2,831
1999.................................................................................... 2,628
2000.................................................................................... 2,299
2001.................................................................................... 1,871
2002.................................................................................... 1,383
Thereafter.............................................................................. 2,926
------------
Total minimum operating lease payments.................................................. $ 13,938
------------
------------
14. PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES
The provision for (recovery of) income taxes consists of the following:
1997 1996 1995
----- -------- -------
Current:
Federal.................................. $ -- $(52,808) $20,131
Foreign.................................. $ 860 1,453 (457)
State.................................... 22 -- 2,240
----- -------- -------
882 (51,355) 21,914
----- -------- -------
Deferred:
Federal.................................. 75 4,264 8,880
Foreign.................................. (75) -- (270)
----- -------- -------
-- 4,264 8,610
----- -------- -------
Charge in lieu of income taxes............. -- 698 1,101
----- -------- -------
Total income tax provision (benefit)....... $ 882 $(46,393) $31,625
----- -------- -------
----- -------- -------
The charge in lieu of income taxes relates to the tax benefit arising from
the exercise of nonqualified stock options and disqualifying dispositions of
incentive stock options.
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate with the
effective income tax rate follows:
1997 1996 1995
----- ----- ----
Statutory tax rate..................................... (35.0)% (35.0)% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax
benefit.............................................. -- -- 2.2
Increase in valuation allowance........................ 27.2 12.2 --
Net operating loss carryback benefit at less than
statutory rate....................................... -- 4.2 --
Nondeductible expenses................................. 6.8 0.9 2.1
Foreign tax rate differential, net of foreign tax
credits.............................................. -- 0.1 0.2
Other.................................................. 1.6 0.3 2.0
----- ----- ----
Effective income tax rate.............................. 0.6% (17.3)% 41.5%
----- ----- ----
----- ----- ----
50
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
14. PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES--(CONTINUED)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax
assets and deferred tax liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheets
as of August 31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
1997 1996
------------------------- -------------------------
DEFERRED DEFERRED
DEFERRED TAX DEFERRED TAX
TAX ASSETS LIABILITIES TAX ASSETS LIABILITIES
---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Reserves and allowances... $ 17,677 -- $ 13,711 --
Investment in subsidiary.. -- -- 2,879 --
Accrued expenses.......... 13,171 -- 1,750 --
Federal net operating loss
carryforwards........... 33,600 -- 8,750 --
Foreign net operating loss
carryforwards........... 10,903 -- 5,644 --
Other..................... 1,395 -- 806 $ 75
---------- --- ---------- -----------
76,746 -- 33,540 75
Valuation allowance....... 76,746 -- 33,465 --
---------- --- ---------- -----------
-- -- $ 75 $ 75
---------- --- ---------- -----------
---------- --- ---------- -----------
As of August 31, 1997, the Company has a U.S. tax net operating loss
carryforward of approximately $96,000 expiring in fiscal 2011 and 2012. At
August 31, 1997 the Company has provided a valuation allowance of $76,746
against its net deferred tax assets due to the Company's recent pre-tax losses
and lack of significant offsetting objective evidence that the deferred tax
assets are realizable. If the entire deferred tax asset were realized, $71 would
be allocated to paid-in capital with the remainder reducing income tax expense.
A provision for additional taxes on income which would become payable upon
the repatriation of the earnings from its foreign subsidiaries has not been
provided since, upon repatriation, the tax consequences of such distributions
would be substantially offset by available foreign tax credits.
15. (LOSS) EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AND COMMON SHARE EQUIVALENTS
(Loss) earnings per common share and common share equivalents are computed
by dividing net (loss) earnings by the weighted average number of common shares
and dilutive common share equivalents (stock options and warrants) outstanding.
The weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents used
in computing net (loss) earnings per common share for the years ended August 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 were 49,670, 49,515 and 52,300, respectively.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 'Earnings Per Share'
is required to be adopted for interim and annual periods ending after December
15, 1997. At that time, the Company will be required to change the method
currently used to compute earnings per share and restate all prior periods.
Basic and diluted earnings per share will replace primary and fully diluted
earnings per share. The dilutive effect of stock options and other common stock
equivalents will be excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share,
but will be reflected in diluted earnings per share. The implementation of SFAS
No. 128 would not have had an impact on fiscal 1997 net loss per share.
16. STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company adopted the 1988 Stock Option Plan which, as amended, provides
for the grant of up to 15,000 shares of its common stock to employees, directors
and consultants and expires in May 1998. On September 17, 1997, the stockholders
authorized an increase from 15,000 to 25,000 in the number of shares subject to
options under the plan. The exercise price per share of all incentive stock
options heretofore granted
51
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
16. STOCK OPTION PLAN--(CONTINUED)
has been the market price, or 110% thereof for certain employees, or, for
non-incentive options, not less than 85% of market price, of the Company's
common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price for all options granted to
employees in fiscal 1997 was at the market price of the common stock on the date
of grant. Generally, outstanding options become exercisable evenly over a three
year period from the date of grant (although this may be accelerated due to
retirement or death). Outstanding options must generally be exercised within ten
years from the date of grant or, with respect to incentive options, within five
years from the date of grant for certain employees. At August 31, 1997, options
to purchase approximately 5,460 shares were exercisable and no options to
purchase shares were available for future grant.
Transactions are summarized as follows:
SHARES UNDER OPTION
-------------------------- EXERCISE
INCENTIVE NON-INCENTIVE PRICE
--------- ------------- ------------
Outstanding, August 31, 1994....... 3,558 5,004 $ 0.89-21.75
--------- -------------
Conversion of Lazer-Tron Options... 108 27 $ 5.41-40.61
Granted............................ 1,596 2,861 $13.75-24.00
Exercised.......................... (464) (43) $ 1.95-17.92
Cancelled.......................... (427) (2,022) $ 3.92-20.63
--------- -------------
Outstanding, August 31, 1995....... 4,371 5,827 $ 0.89-40.61
--------- -------------
Granted............................ 1,239 2,799 $ 6.38-24.75
Exercised.......................... (384) (95) $ 0.89-17.92
Cancelled.......................... (241) (1,234) $ 1.95-26.88
--------- -------------
Outstanding, August 31, 1996....... 4,985 7,297 $ 1.95-37.42
--------- -------------
Granted............................ 8,754 5,242 $ 3.38-7.88
Exercised.......................... (80) (1) $ 1.95-5.92
Cancelled.......................... (7,976) (3,156) $ 1.95-40.61
--------- -------------
Outstanding, August 31, 1997....... 5,683 9,382 $ 1.95-24.00
--------- -------------
--------- -------------
The options outstanding as of August 31, 1997 are summarized in ranges as
follows:
Incentive Options:
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF INCENTIVE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS OUTSTANDING REMAINING LIFE
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ----------------
$1.95-3.94......................... $ 3.56 4,874 9
$3.95-5.92......................... $ 4.64 777 10
$5.93-13.75........................ $11.33 32 8
------
5,683
------
------
Non-Incentive Options:
NUMBER OF NON-
WEIGHTED AVERAGE INCENTIVE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS OUTSTANDING REMAINING LIFE
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ----------------
$1.95-3.94......................... $ 3.16 5,817 7
$3.95-9.49......................... $ 5.60 1,559 9
$9.50-24.00........................ $14.68 2,006 7
------
9,382
------
------
52
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
16. STOCK OPTION PLAN--(CONTINUED)
In addition, options to purchase 37 shares of common stock at $4.17 per
share, 31 shares of common stock at $2.08 per share, 11 shares of common stock
at $3.92 per share, 37 shares of common stock at $16 per share and 167 shares of
common stock at $3.375 per share were granted outside the 1988 Stock Option Plan
and are outstanding at August 31, 1997.
The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during
fiscal 1997 and 1996 was $2.49 and $5.09, respectively, on the date of grant
using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions: 1997--expected dividend yield of 0%, risk free interest rate of
5.94%, expected stock volatility of 96%, and an expected option life of 3 years;
1996--expected dividend yield of 0%, risk free interest rate of 6.03%, expected
stock volatility of 77%, and an expected option life of 3 years.
The Company applied APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its stock option
grants and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized in the
financial statements for its employee stock options which have an exercise price
equal to or greater than the fair value of the stock on the date of the grant.
Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the
grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company's net loss and
net loss per share would have been the following pro forma amounts:
1997 1996
--------- ---------
Net loss:
As reported............................................................... $(159,228) $(221,368)
Pro forma................................................................. $(163,593) $(221,440)
Net loss per share:
As reported............................................................... $ (3.21) $ (4.47)
Pro forma................................................................. $ (3.29) $ (4.47)
Pro forma net loss reflects only options granted in fiscal 1997 and 1996.
Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock options
under SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net loss amounts presented
above because compensation cost is reflected over the options' vesting period
and compensation cost for options granted prior to September 1, 1995 was not
considered.
17. EQUITY
At August 31, 1997 and 1996, 2,625 stock warrants were outstanding and
exercisable. The stock warrants entitle the holders thereof to purchase 1,500
shares of common stock at $2.42 per share and 1,125 shares of common stock at
$3.00 per share. The stock warrants expire in 2001.
In addition, outstanding stock warrants to purchase shares of Lazer-Tron
Corporation (Note 5) were converted into warrants entitling the holders thereof
to purchase 17 shares of common stock at $30.57 per share at August 31, 1997 and
1996, and 40 shares of common stock at $9.55 per share at August 31, 1997 and
1996. In addition, certain of such warrants entitle the holders thereof to
receive warrants to purchase 20 shares of common stock at $15.92 per share at
August 31, 1997 and 1996. These warrants expire at various times through 1999.
Deferred compensation at August 31, 1997 and 1996 includes $5,736 and
$8,194, respectively, which represents escrowed common stock on behalf of
certain executives pursuant to employment agreements. The common stock is
ratably released from escrow and the fair value of the common stock is recorded
as expense when earned over the five-year term of the agreements, and are
recoverable by the Company if the executive's employment with the Company is
terminated upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the respective
employment agreements.
53
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
17. EQUITY--(CONTINUED)
In fiscal 1996 the Company issued 463 shares of restricted common stock to
employees. The fair value of the common stock issued of $4,990 is being expensed
when earned over the five-year period that the restrictions lapse. In fiscal
1997, in accordance with the settlement of a claim against the Company, the
Company accelerated the vesting of certain restricted shares of common stock and
recorded the related deferred compensation as an expense in fiscal 1997. If
employment with the Company is terminated by the employee, any remaining
restricted shares will be returned to the Company. Deferred compensation
includes $1,495 at August 31, 1997 and $4,576 at August 31, 1996 related to such
restricted stock awards.
Also included in deferred compensation at August 31, 1997 and 1996 is
$1,182 and $2,343, respectively, related to fiscal 1996 grants of stock options
with exercise prices less than the fair value of the Company's common stock on
the date of grant. Total deferred compensation was $2,775, which will be
expensed at varying amounts through 1999.
18. MAJOR SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Suppliers and Customers
The Company is substantially dependent on Nintendo as the sole manufacturer
of N64, SNES and Game Boy hardware and a significant portion of the Software for
those platforms and as the sole licensor of the proprietary information and the
technology needed to develop the Software for those platforms; on Sega as the
sole manufacturer of Saturn, Genesis, Master System, Game Gear and Sega CD
hardware and a portion of Software for those platforms and as the sole licensor
of the proprietary information and the technology needed to develop Software for
those platforms; and on Sony as the sole manufacturer of PlayStation hardware
and all of the Software for that platform. In fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995,
the Company derived 41%, 29% and 47% of its gross revenues, respectively, from
sales of Nintendo-compatible products, in fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
Company derived 12%, 36%, and 46% of its gross revenues, respectively, from
sales of Sega-compatible products and in fiscal years 1997 and 1996, the Company
derived 28% and 19% of its gross revenues, from sales of Sony-compatible
products.
The Company markets its products primarily to mass merchandise companies,
large retail toy store chains, department stores and specialty stores. No one
customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues for the year ended August 31,
1996. Sales to one customer represented 12% and 11% of revenues for the years
ended August 31, 1997 and 1995, respectively.
B. Related Party Transactions
Sales commissions are payable to two companies owned or controlled by one
of the Company's principal stockholders for sales obtained by these companies.
These commissions amounted to approximately $535, $515 and $2,249 for the years
ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of which $66 and $1 are
included in accrued expenses at August 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
54
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
19. OPERATIONS IN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
The Company is primarily engaged in one industry segment, the development,
marketing and distribution of Software products. The following information sets
forth geographic information for the Company's net revenues, (loss) earnings
from operations and identifiable assets.
UNITED STATES EUROPE JAPAN OTHER ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Year ended August 31, 1997:
Sales to unaffiliated customers........ $ 82,158 $72,401 $ 8,348 $ 2,504 -- $ 165,411
Transfers between geographic areas..... 4,269 -- -- 90 $ (4,359) --
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Total net revenues..................... $ 86,427 $72,401 $ 8,348 $ 2,594 $ (4,359) $ 165,411
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
(Loss) earnings from operations........ $(154,877) $ 4,146 $ (687) $ 475 -- $ (150,943)
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Identifiable assets at August 31,
1997................................. $ 108,132 $24,055 $ 859 $ 129 -- $ 133,175
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Year ended August 31, 1996:
Sales to unaffiliated customers........ $ 57,742 $86,043 $14,945 $ 3,215 -- $ 161,945
Transfers between geographic areas..... 6,368 -- -- 91 $ (6,459) --
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Total net revenues..................... $ 64,110 $86,043 $14,945 $ 3,306 $ (6,459) $ 161,945
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
(Loss) earnings from operations........ $(281,159) $ 6,041 $ 1,369 $ (727) $ -- $ (274,476)
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Identifiable assets at August 31,
1996................................. $ 204,749 $23,415 $ 9,442 $ 2,045 $ -- $ 239,651
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Year ended August 31, 1995:
Sales to unaffiliated customers........ $ 428,868 $95,556 $27,274 $15,025 $ -- $ 566,723
Transfers between geographic areas..... 11,388 102 -- -- (11,490) --
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Total net revenues..................... $ 440,256 $95,658 $27,274 $15,025 $(11,490) $ 566,723
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Earnings from operations............... $ 45,457 $17,732 $ 1,872 $ 5,605 $ -- $ 70,666
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Identifiable assets at August 31,
1995................................. $ 410,873 $19,259 $10,462 $ 2,233 $ -- $ 442,827
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Export sales from the U. S. have been insignificant during each of the
years in the three year period ended August 31, 1997.
20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) Legal Proceedings and Claims
The Company and certain of its directors and/or executive officers were
sued in an action entitled Digital Pictures, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment,
Inc.; Gregory E. Fischbach; and Anthony Williams filed in December 1996 in the
United States Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of California. The
plaintiff seeks an accounting and compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages
in an amount equal to at least $8 million based on allegations that the
defendants falsified sales, failed to provide timely statements and to pay
amounts the Company owes the plaintiff pursuant to the July 1994 Sales and
Distribution Agreement between the Company and the plaintiff under which the
plaintiff granted the Company the exclusive worldwide right to sell and
distribute the plaintiff's software titles for a term of five years. In
addition, the plaintiff alleges, among other things, fraud and negligent
misrepresentation. The case is scheduled for trial in January 1998. The Company
intends to defend this action vigorously.
The Company was also sued in an action entitled Sound Source Interactive,
Inc. v. Acclaim Distribution, Inc.; Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.; and DOES 1
through 100, inclusive filed in December 1996 in the Superior Court of the State
of California for the County of Los Angeles. The plaintiff claims compensatory,
general, special and consequential damages in excess of $22 million and punitive
damages based on allegations that the defendants breached (i) the Sales and
Distribution Agreement dated as of June 15, 1995 between ADI and the plaintiff
(the 'Sales and Distribution Agreement') under which the plaintiff granted ADI
the exclusive right to sell and distribute the plaintiff's software titles by,
among other things, providing the plaintiff with false
55
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED)
accounting statements, misrepresenting product orders, and failing to return or
account for software titles shipped by the plaintiff to ADI and wrongfully
retaining restocking and distribution fees; and (ii) the Termination Agreement
dated March 31, 1996 between the plaintiff and ADI pursuant to which the Sales
and Distribution Agreement was terminated by, among other things, failing to
account, failing to pay monies due and failing to return or account for software
titles shipped by the plaintiff to ADI. In addition, the plaintiff alleges,
among other things, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. The Company intends
to defend this action vigorously.
The Company was also sued in an action entitled Spectrum Holobyte
California, Inc.; Microprose Software, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. filed
in January 1997 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
California. In that complaint, plaintiffs Spectrum Holobyte California, Inc.
('Spectrum') and Microprose Software, Inc. ('Microprose') allege that the
Company breached a confidential settlement agreement among the parties dated
November 4, 1996 (the 'Settlement Agreement'). The purpose of the Settlement
Agreement was to resolve a suit brought by the Company in 1996, which included
counterclaims by Spectrum and Microprose, regarding each party's allegations of
infringement of its exclusive rights to intellectual property licensed to it by
Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The property involves the characters, depictions and
game methodology of Magic: The Gathering, a popular fantasy adventure story and
card game created by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Plaintiffs allege that the
Company breached the Settlement Agreement by failing to release the appropriate
number of games of Magic: The Gathering--BattleMage in the United States and the
United Kingdom by January 10, 1997, the date provided for in the Settlement
Agreement. Plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages, attorneys' fees and
costs. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously.
In January 1997, the Company was sued in an action entitled Ocean of
America, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. in the Supreme Court of the State
of New York, County of Nassau, and an amended complaint was filed in March 1997.
The plaintiff alleges non-payment under a license agreement entered into between
the plaintiff and the Company, and seeks damages in the aggregate amount of
approximately $6.5 million plus costs, expenses and legal fees. The parties are
currently negotiating settlement terms with respect to this action.
The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or
executive officers were sued in various complaints filed in December 1995, which
were consolidated into an action entitled In re: Acclaim Ent. Shareholder
Litigation, in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of New
York. The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of the Company's stockholders, claim
unspecified damages arising from the Company's December 4, 1995 announcement
that it was revising results for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 to
reflect a decision to defer $18 million of revenues and $10.5 million of net
income previously reported on October 17, 1995 for the fiscal year ended August
31, 1995. The parties have agreed on settlement terms, subject to documentation
and court approval.
By summons and complaint dated December 11, 1995, certain of the Company's
current and former directors and/or executive officers were named as defendants,
and the Company was named as a nominal defendant, in a shareholder derivative
action (the 'Derivative Action'). The Derivative Action was brought on behalf of
the Company (as nominal defendant), alleging that the individual defendants
violated their fiduciary duties to the Company in connection with the Company's
revision of its revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995. Plaintiff
alleges that the individual defendants (1) breached their duty of care and
candor, (2) caused the Company to waste corporate assets, and (3) breached their
duty of good faith, and, accordingly, seeks unspecified damages. The parties
have agreed on settlement terms, subject to documentation and court approval.
The Company's subsidiary, Lazer-Tron, was sued in an action entitled Eric
Goldstein, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. Lazer-Tron
Corporation, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Morton
Grosser, Bob K. Pryt and Roger V. Smith in the Superior Court of the State of
California, County
56
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED)
of Alameda, Eastern Division. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, breach
of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, negligence and negligent misrepresentation.
In addition, certain former directors and officers of Lazer-Tron have been named
as defendants in an action entitled Adrienne Campbell, individually and on
behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F.
Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Morton Grosser, Bob K. Pryt, Roger V. Smith and Does 1
through 50, inclusive, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County
of Alameda. The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of Lazer-Tron's shareholders,
claim damages based on allegations that, as a result of lack of due diligence by
the named defendants in fully investigating the proposed acquisition by the
Company of Lazer-Tron, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to
Lazer-Tron's shareholders. These two actions have been consolidated (as so
consolidated, the 'Lazer-Tron State Actions').
The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or
executive officers also are defendants in an action entitled Adrienne Campbell
and Donna Sizemore, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated,
v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., Anthony R. Williams, James Scoroposki, and
Robert Holmes (the 'Campbell Action'), which was commenced in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of California. In that action,
plaintiffs, two former shareholders of Lazer-Tron, filed a class action
complaint on December 8, 1995 on behalf of all former Lazer-Tron shareholders
who exchanged their Lazer-Tron stock for Common Stock pursuant to the August 31,
1995 merger transaction. Plaintiffs allege violations of Sections 10(b), 14(a)
and 14(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sections 11 and 12(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. On October 8, 1996,
the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the transfer of the
Campbell Action from the Northern District of California to the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York for coordinated or
consolidated pretrial proceedings with the action entitled In re Acclaim Ent.
Shareholder Litigation discussed above.
The parties to the Lazer-Tron State Actions and the Campbell Action have
entered into a settlement agreement, which was approved by the Superior Court of
the State of California and will become final after the expiration of an appeal
period and the entry of a dismissal order relating to the Campbell Action by the
Eastern District of New York.
The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or
executive officers were sued in various complaints filed in April 1994, which
were consolidated into an action entitled In re: Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
Securities Litigation (the 'WMS Action'). The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class
of the Company's stockholders, consisting of all those who purchased the Common
Stock for the period January 4, 1994 to March 30, 1994, claim damages arising
from (i) the Company's alleged failure to comply with the disclosure
requirements of the securities laws in respect of the Company's relationship
with WMS Industries Inc. ('WMS') and the status of negotiations on and the
likelihood of renewal of an agreement with WMS, pursuant to which WMS granted
the Company a right of first refusal to create software for 'computer games',
'home video games' and 'handheld game machines' based on arcade games released
by WMS through March 21, 1995, (ii) statements made by the Company's
representative that rumors relating to the nonrenewal of the agreement were
'unsubstantiated' and that talks between the Company and WMS were continuing,
which allegedly were materially false and misleading, and (iii) a claim that the
defendants should have disclosed the likely nonrenewal of the agreement. The
parties have executed a memorandum of understanding setting forth settlement
terms of the WMS Action, subject to documentation and court approval.
The Company has also asserted a third-party action against its insurance
company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company ('Mt. Hawley') based on Mt. Hawley's
disclaimer of coverage for liability from the WMS Action and for fees and
expenses up to the amount of the policy incurred in connection with the defense
of the WMS Action. In connection with the settlement of the WMS Action, the
Company has agreed to assign to the plaintiffs in the WMS Action 50% of the
proceeds, if any, recovered from Mt. Hawley.
57
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission') has issued orders
directing a private investigation relating to, among other things, the Company's
earnings estimate for fiscal 1995 and its decision in the second quarter of
fiscal 1996 to exit the 16-bit portable and cartridge markets. The Company has
provided documents to the Commission, and the Commission has taken testimony
from Company representatives. The Company intends fully to cooperate with the
Commission in its investigation. No assurance can be given as to whether there
will be any litigation or, if so, as to the outcome of this matter.
In October 1997, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the
former sole shareholder of Sculptured, pursuant to which, among other things,
his employment with Sculptured was terminated, the Company agreed to make
certain payments and issue shares of common stock to him and transferred the
trademark and name 'Sculptured' and 'Sculptured Software' to him in exchange for
the release of claims, if any, arising from the Company's 1995 acquisition of
Sculptured.
The Company is also party to various litigations arising in the course of
its business, the resolution of none of which, the Company believes, will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity or results of operations.
In conjunction with those litigations and claims arising in connection with
certain of the Company's acquisitions for which the settlement obligation is
currently probable and estimable, the Company recorded a charge of $23,550
during the year ended August 31, 1997. Of the $22,570 of accrued litigation
settlements at August 31, 1997, approximately $10,955 will be paid in cash and
approximately $11,615 will be paid with non-cash items, such as warrants and
Common Stock, if settlements are finalized in accordance with the proposed
terms. In the balance sheet, $18,017 is included in accrued expenses and $4,553
is included in other long-term liabilities. The cash portions of the settlements
are expected to be paid over various periods ranging from at the time of final
settlement to over the three years after final settlement. The warrants to be
issued generally will have exercise prices of $0.50 less than the fair market
value of the stock on the day the price is set, will be exercisable for three
years and provide for a cashless net option exercise. One settlement agreement
provides that, based on the market value of the stock during the three year
period following final settlement, additional shares of Common Stock could be
issued or a portion of the shares issued could be returned to the Company.
A portion of any settlement or award arising from or out of one or more of
the above litigations may be covered by the Company's insurance.
The Company may incur charges in connection with litigations which have not
yet been settled or for settled litigations if not documented and approved as
currently anticipated and an adverse result in such litigations could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
(b) At August 31, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries had outstanding letters
of credit aggregating approximately $5,400 for the purchase of merchandise. The
Company's subsidiaries had independent line of credit facilities totalling
approximately $10,000 with various banks at August 31, 1997.
(c) Trade accounts payable include $4,060 and $3,100 at August 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively, which were collateralized under outstanding letters of
credit.
(d) The Company has established an Employee Savings Plan (the 'Plan') effective
January 1, 1995, which qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan is available to all U.S. employees
who meet the eligibility requirements. Under the Plan, participating employees
may elect to defer a portion of their pretax earnings, up to the maximum allowed
by the Internal Revenue Service (up to the lessor of 15% of compensation or
$9,500 for calendar year 1997). All amounts vest immediately. Generally, the
Plan assets in a participant's account will be distributed to a participant or
his or her beneficiaries upon termination of employment, retirement, disability
or death. All Plan administrative fees are paid by the Company.
58
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED)
Generally, the Company does not provide its employees (other than certain
officers) any other postretirement or postemployment benefits, except
discretionary severance payments upon termination of employment.
(e) The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain of its
directors and officers which provide for annual bonus payments based on
consolidated income before income taxes, in addition to their base compensation.
21. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth certain quarterly financial information for
fiscal 1997:
QUARTER ENDED
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOVEMBER 30, FEBRUARY 28, MAY 31, AUGUST 31,
1996 1997 1997 1997 TOTAL
------------ ------------ ------- ---------- --------
Gross Revenues....................... $ 63,095 $ 59,110 $48,503 $ 22,864 $193,572
Sales credits and allowances......... 9,757 6,800 6,887 4,717 28,161
------------ ------------ ------- ---------- --------
Net revenues......................... 53,338 52,310 41,616 18,147 165,411
Cost of revenues..................... 24,792 27,761 25,466 11,799 89,818
Net loss............................. (19,000) (16,842) (69,704) (53,682) (159,228)
Net loss per share................... $ (0.38) $ (0.34) $ (1.40) $ (1.08) $ (3.21)
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company recorded litigation
settlement expenses of $15,250.
During the second half of fiscal 1996, the deterioration of the 16-bit
cartridge and portable software market accelerated. Retail inventories were
higher than anticipated and the Company's sales of its 16-bit products, as well
as its other software products, continued to require more retail incentives,
including price concessions. As a result, the Company's financial statements in
the fourth quarter include several adjustments to accrue additional sales
credits and allowances, reduce inventory to its net realizable value and write
off prepaid royalties. The Company also accrued the costs associated with a
reduction in its work force and to increase goodwill amortization. On a pre-tax
basis, these fourth quarter adjustments are as follows:
Adjustments to estimated net realizable value of 16-bit cartridge and portable software
accounts receivable and inventory......................................................... $ 65,000
Adjustments to estimated net realizable value of other accounts receivable and inventory.... 29,000
Write-offs of prepaid royalties............................................................. 31,000
Write-off of capitalized software costs..................................................... 8,000
Provision for severance costs............................................................... 5,000
Accelerated amortization of goodwill........................................................ 300
--------
$138,300
--------
--------
A portion of these adjustments relate to prior quarters. However, the
Company was unable to determine a reasonable method to allocate the adjustments
since a combination of customer retail sales practices, sales concessions
originating outside the Company's financial reporting process and changing
16-bit and portable software market conditions make more accurate estimates of
the period in which these charges belong impractical to determine.
59
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
21. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)--(CONTINUED)
The following table sets forth certain quarterly financial information for
fiscal 1996:
QUARTER ENDED
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOVEMBER 30, FEBRUARY 29, MAY 31, AUGUST 31,
1995 1996 1996 1996 TOTAL
------------ ------------ ------- ---------- --------
Gross Revenues....................... $154,162 $104,377 $66,310 $ 51,175 $376,024
Sales credits and allowances......... 19,715 86,451* 3,671 104,242* 214,079
------------ ------------ ------- ---------- --------
Net revenues......................... 134,447 17,926 62,639 (53,067) 161,945
Cost of revenues..................... 80,295 56,422* 25,806 29,267* 191,790
Net (loss) earnings.................. 595 (55,771) (3,968) (162,224) (221,368)
Net (loss) earnings per share........ $ 0.01 $ (1.12) $ (0.08) $ (3.28) $ (4.47)
- ------------------
* Includes amounts relating to the special cartridge video charge as follows:
QUARTER ENDED (IN MILLIONS)
------------------------------------
FEBRUARY 29, AUGUST 31,
1996 1996 TOTAL
------------ ---------- ------
Sales credits and allowances................................... $ 28.8 $ 61.7 $ 90.5
Cost of revenues............................................... 20.1 3.3 23.4
----- ----- ------
$ 48.9 $ 65.0 $113.9
----- ----- ------
----- ----- ------
The sum of the quarterly net earnings per share amounts do not equal the
annual amount reported, as per share amounts are computed independently for each
quarter and for the twelve months based on the weighted average common and
common equivalent shares outstanding in each such period.
60
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On July 24, 1996, at the recommendation of its Audit Committee (the 'Audit
Committee'), the Board of Directors of Acclaim adopted a resolution (i) not to
retain Grant Thornton LLP ('GT') as the Company's independent auditors for the
fiscal year ending August 31, 1996 and (ii) to engage KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
('KPMG') as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending August
31, 1996. GT was so advised on July 25, 1996.
The reports of GT on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of
and for the two years ended August 31, 1995 and 1994 did not contain an adverse
opinion or a disclaimer of opinion nor were they qualified or modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that the report of GT
on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995
contains a modification as to uncertainty relating to the eventual outcome of
certain class action lawsuits in which Acclaim and certain of its officers and
directors have been named as defendants. See Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
During the Company's two most recent fiscal years ended August 31, 1995 and
in the interim period from September 1, 1995 through July 24, 1996 there were no
disagreements with GT on any matter of accounting principles or practices,
financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which
disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of GT, would have caused them
to make reference thereto in their report(s) on the Company's financial
statements for such fiscal year(s) or for such interim period, except:
(a) A matter, which was resolved to GT's satisfaction, in respect of the
timing of the recognition of certain revenues from nonrefundable, recoupable
exclusivity fees, which had been included in revenues for the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1995 in the October 1995 announcement by the Company of its financial
results for fiscal 1995. The Audit Committee and/or senior management of the
Company, on the one hand, and GT, on the other hand, had several discussions in
respect of such matter. The matter was resolved by the Company revising such
announced financial results to exclude such revenues from its financial results
for fiscal 1995.
(b) A matter, which was resolved to GT's satisfaction, in respect of the
balance sheet presentation of a $19 million loan from Midland Bank plc. As of
August 31, 1995, the Company did not meet a financial ratio covenant in the loan
agreement relating to such loan. The Company's senior management and GT
discussed this matter, which was resolved by the Company reclassifying the $19
million loan from long term debt to current liabilities.
In addition, GT proposed several audit adjustments that were not recorded
by the Company because they were considered by the Company and GT to be
immaterial to the Company's consolidated financial statements for fiscal 1995
taken as a whole.
On July 31, 1996, the Company received a letter from GT in which GT claimed
for the first time that, in connection with their review of a Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of the Company, certain matters 'may have resulted in
additional disagreements and/or reportable events had [they] completed their
review procedures.' A copy of GT's letter is filed as an exhibit to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 1996.
During the Company's two most recent fiscal years ended August 31, 1995 and
the interim period from September 1, 1995 through July 24, 1996, there were no
'reportable events' as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K
('Regulation S-K') promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except
as follows:
By letter dated April 15, 1996, GT advised the Company that they had
noted certain internal control structure matters that related to
significant deficiencies in the design or operation of the Company's
internal control structure, relating to the quality and depth of financial
management, analysis of significant estimates, lack of internal audit
function and accounting for capitalized software costs, that, in their
judgment, could adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial data consistent with the assertions of
management in the Company's financial statements.
In May 1996, KPMG was retained to conduct a review of certain internal
controls to identify and assist the Company to implement any additional
necessary steps to strengthen its internal controls.
A member of the Audit Committee and/or senior management has discussed
the subject matter of each item described above with GT, and the Company
has authorized GT to respond fully to all inquiries of KPMG concerning the
subject matter thereof.
61
In response to GT's letter of July 31, 1996, the Company notes the
following:
(a) Notwithstanding the fact that GT was not retained to perform
formal reviews of the Company's financial statements for the first, second
and third quarters of fiscal 1996, GT provided the Company with extensive
advice and consultation regarding the appropriate presentation of such
quarterly financial statements and also advised on the accounting theories
and methodologies applied; and
(b) In connection with GT's review of the Company's quarterly
financial statements for each of the first three quarters of fiscal 1996 in
respect of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, GT advised the
Company on Tuesday, July 23, 1996, that it had completed its review
procedures, that there were no outstanding issues for further discussion
and that GT would release its consent in connection with the Form S-3. In
addition, on Tuesday, July 23, 1996, the Company delivered to GT its
management representation letter, which generally signifies the completion
of the review procedure. The Company delivered to GT a copy of the Proxy
Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on
August 7, 1996. On July 24, 1996, the Company was advised by GT that, upon
review of the Proxy Statement, GT noted that auditors had not yet been
retained for fiscal 1996 and accordingly, GT would not release its consent
unless they were appointed as the Company's auditors for fiscal 1996. GT
subsequently raised the matters discussed in GT's letter, which are
disputed by the Company as indicated above.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth information concerning each of the directors
and executive officers of the Company(1):
PRINCIPAL
NAME OCCUPATION AGE
- ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------ ---
Gregory E. Fischbach............................ Co-Chairman of the Board; President and Chief 55
Executive Officer of the Company
James Scoroposki................................ Co-Chairman of the Board; Senior Executive Vice 49
President, Secretary and Treasurer of the
Company
J. Mark Hattendorf.............................. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and 47
Accounting Officer
Bernard J. Fischbach............................ Attorney 52
Michael Tannen.................................. Chief Executive Officer and President of Tannen 57
Media Ventures
Robert H. Groman................................ Attorney 54
James Scibelli.................................. President of Roberts & Green, Inc. 47
Kenneth Coleman................................. Senior Vice President of Silicon Graphics, Inc. 54
- ------------------
1. Anthony Williams, age 39, has been Executive Vice President of the Company
since July 1996. Prior to such time and for more than the preceding five
years, Mr. Williams held a variety of positions with the Company. See
'Executive Compensation--Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and
Change-in-Control Arrangements.'
Gregory E. Fischbach, a founder of the Company, has been Chief Executive
Officer of the Company since its formation, a member of the Board of Directors
since 1987 and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 1989. Mr.
Fischbach was also President of the Company from its formation to January 1990
and has been President of the Company since October 1996. From June 1986 until
January 1987, he was President of RCA/Ariola International, responsible for the
management of its record operations outside the U.S. and in charge of its
seventeen operating subsidiaries.
62
James Scoroposki, a founder of the Company, has been Senior Executive Vice
President since December 1993, a member of the Board of Directors since 1987 and
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 1989 and Secretary and
Treasurer of the Company since its formation. Mr. Scoroposki was also Chief
Financial Officer of the Company from April 1988 to May 1990 and Executive Vice
President of the Company from formation to November 1993. Since December 1979,
he has also been the President and sole shareholder of Jaymar Marketing Inc.
('Jaymar'), a sales representation organization. See 'Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions.'
J. Mark Hattendorf has been the Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company since July 1996. Mr. Hattendorf has resigned
from his positions with the Company effective as of November 7, 1997. From
October 1995 to June 1996, Mr. Hattendorf served as Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Prodigy Services Company, an online consumer services
company. From September 1993 to October 1995, Mr. Hattendorf served as Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Herbalife International Inc., a
nutritional direct selling organization. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Hattendorf
served as a full time financial consultant to Canal+, a French entertainment
company engaged, among other things, in international satellite television
broadcasting. See 'Executive Compensation-- Employment Contracts, Termination of
Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements.'
Bernard J. Fischbach has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1987
and has been engaged in the private practice of law in Los Angeles, California
since 1976 with Fischbach, Perlstein, Lieberman & Yanny and its predecessor
firms. See 'Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.'
Michael Tannen has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1989 and
is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tannen Media Ventures,
a media investment company. Since 1988, Mr. Tannen has also been the President
and Chief Executive Officer of InterVision, Inc., a subsidiary of Millicom
Incorporated, a company involved in publishing, television production and home
video distribution and sales. From June 1992 to October 1996, Mr. Tannen served
as Chief Executive Officer of Kinnevik Media Ventures, Ltd., a media service
subsidiary of A.B. Kinnevik, a Swedish conglomerate engaged, among other things,
in international satellite television broadcasting, cable television networks
and cellular mobile telephone and paging operations. From June 1992 to October
1996 Mr. Tannen also served as Chief Executive Officer of Television Holdings
International, S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of A.B. Kinnevik.
Robert H. Groman has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1989
and has, for more than the preceding five years, been a partner in the general
practice law firm of Groman, Ross & Tisman, P.C. (and its predecessor firms)
located on Long Island, New York. See 'Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions.'
James Scibelli has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1995 and
has, since March 1986, served as president of Roberts & Green, Inc., a New York
financial consulting firm offering a variety of financial and investment
consulting services.
Kenneth L. Coleman has been a member of the Board of Directors since July
1997 and is currently Senior Vice President, Customer and Professional Services,
for Silicon Graphics, Inc. For more than the past five years, Mr. Coleman has
held several positions at Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Since November 1996, the Board of Directors has an Executive Committee (the
'Executive Committee'), the members of which are Messrs. Tannen, Groman,
Scibelli, B. Fischbach and Scoroposki. The Executive Committee has such powers
as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors from time to time. It is
charged with meeting with the management of the Company on a regular basis
regarding the Company's plans for fiscal 1998 and monitoring management's
efforts in this regard.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee (the 'Audit Committee'), the
members of which are Messrs. Tannen, Groman, Scibelli and Coleman. The Audit
Committee has such powers as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors
from time to time. It is charged with recommending to the Board of Directors the
engagement or discharge of independent public accountants, reviewing the plan
and results of the auditing engagement with the officers of the Company, and
reviewing with the officers of the Company the scope and nature of the Company's
internal accounting controls.
The Board of Directors also has a Compensation and Stock Option Committee
(the 'Compensation Committee'), the members of which are Messrs. Scibelli and
Coleman. The Compensation Committee has such powers as may be assigned to it by
the Board of Directors from time to time. It is charged with determining
compensation packages for the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Executive
Vice President of the Company, establishing salaries, bonuses and other
compensation for the Company's executive officers and with administering the
Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan (the 'Plan') and the Company's 1995 Restricted
Stock Plan, and recommending to the Board of Directors changes to the Plan.
63
Messrs. Gregory E. and Bernard J. Fischbach are brothers. There is no
family relationship among any other directors or executive officers of the
Company.
In February 1995, Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki entered into a
voting agreement with TCI Sub pursuant to which each party agreed to vote all
shares beneficially owned by it in favor of those individuals nominated by the
Board of Directors of the Company for election to the Board of Directors at any
annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company at which directors
are to be elected provided that, subject to certain exceptions, such nominees
include Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki (or their designees or
successors) and one individual proposed by TCI Sub. From February 1995 until his
resignation on October 3, 1997, Bruce Ravenel, President and Chief Executive
Officer of TCI.Net, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TCI, was a
director of the Company.
The Company has agreed with each of Messrs. G. Fischbach and Scoroposki,
pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements, to use its best
efforts to cause him to be elected as a director.
There is no other arrangement or understanding pursuant to which any person
has been elected as a director or executive officer of the Company.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes all plan and non-plan compensation awarded
to, earned by or paid to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and its four
other executive officers (together, the 'Named Executive Officers') who were
serving as executive officers during and at the end of the last completed fiscal
year ended August 31, 1997 for services rendered in all capacities to the
Company and its subsidiaries for each of the Company's last three fiscal years:
Long Term
Compensation
Awards
------------
Annual Compensation Securities
------------------------------ Underlying All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Options # Compensation*
- -------------------------------------------------- ---- -------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Gregory E. Fischbach, ............................ 1997 $775,000 $ -0- -0- $21,600
Co-Chairman and 1996 775,000 -0- 150,000 19,200
Chief Executive Officer 1995 775,000 2,775,000 150,000 19,200
James Scoroposki, ................................ 1997 500,000 -0- -0- 5,500
Co-Chairman, Senior 1996 500,000 -0- 150,000 5,100
Executive Vice President, 1995 500,000 2,350,000 150,000 4,600
Treasurer and Secretary
J. Mark Hattendorf ............................... 1997 275,000 -0- 315,000 -0-
Executive Vice President and 1996 250,000 -0- -0- (1) -0-
Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
Robert Holmes(2) ................................. 1997 605,000 -0- -0- -0-
1996 605,000 -0- -0- 6,000
1995 550,000 2,350,000 325,000 6,000
Anthony Williams, ................................ 1997 225,000 -0- 392,500(3) 2,300
Executive Vice President 1996 225,000 -0- -0- 2,100
1995 225,000 45,000 140,000 2,000
- ------------------
* Represents dollar value of insurance premiums paid by the Company during the
fiscal year with respect to term life insurance for the benefit of the Named
Executive Officers.
(1) On October 28, 1996, the Company granted to Mr. Hattendorf options to
purchase an aggregate of 165,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price
of $3.94 per share, which options are included in fiscal 1997 and were
granted in lieu of, and subject to the cancellation of, options previously
granted in fiscal 1996. Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his positions with
the Company effective as of November 7, 1997. Pursuant to an agreement
effective as of November 7, 1997 between the Company and Mr. Hattendorf, the
Company agreed to grant Mr. Hattendorf options to purchase 165,000 shares of
Common Stock exercisable at a price of $3.9735 per share, which options will
vest upon grant and remain exercisable for one year from the date of grant.
All other options granted to Mr. Hattendorf expired effective as of November
7, 1997.
(2) Mr. Holmes relinquished his position as President of the Company on October
3, 1996. See '--Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and
Change-in-Control Arrangements.'
(3) On October 28, 1996, the Company granted to Mr. Williams options to purchase
an aggregate of 392,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.94
per share, which options are included in fiscal 1997 and were granted in
lieu of, and subject to the cancellation of, options previously granted.
64
No restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights or long-term
incentive plan awards (all as defined in the proxy regulations promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission) were awarded to, earned by, or paid to
the Named Executive Officers during any of the Company's last three fiscal
years.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth information with respect to grants of stock
options to purchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Company's 1988 Stock
Option Plan (the 'Plan') granted to the Named Executive Officers during the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1997.
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
----------------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
NUMBER OF AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
SECURITIES PERCENT OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING TOTAL OPTIONS OPTION TERM
OPTIONS GRANTED TO EXERCISE ----------------------------
GRANTED EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION 5% 10%
NAME (#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) DATE ($) ($)
- ----------------------------- ---------- ------------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------
Gregory E. Fischbach......... -0- N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
James Scoroposki............. -0- N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
J. Mark Hattendorf(1)........ 165,000 1.2% $ 3.94 10/28/2006 $ 424,970 $ 1,061,770
150,000 1.1% 4.88 2/26/2007 246,087 824,995
Robert Holmes(2)............. -0- N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Anthony Williams............. 392,500 2.8% 3.94 10/28/2006 1,010,915 2,525,726
All Stockholders(3).......... -- -- -- -- 124,893,442 316,504,503
- ------------------
(1) Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his positions with the Company effective as
of November 7, 1997. Pursuant to an agreement effective as of November 7,
1997 between the Company and Mr. Hattendorf, the Company agreed to grant Mr.
Hattendorf options to purchase 165,000 shares of Common Stock exercisable at
a price of $3.9735 per share, which options will vest upon grant and remain
exercisable for one year from the date of grant. All other options granted
to Mr. Hattendorf expired effective as of November 7, 1997.
(2) Mr. Holmes relinquished his position as President of the Company on October
3, 1996.
(3) These figures were calculated assuming that the price of the 49,648,000
shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on August 31, 1997 increased
from $4.00 per share at compound rates of 5% and 10% per year for ten years.
The purpose of including this information is to indicate the potential
realizable value at the assumed annual rates of stock price appreciation for
the ten-year option term for all of the Company's stockholders.
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL
YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information with respect to each exercise of
stock options during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 by the Named
Executive Officers and the value at August 31, 1997 of unexercised stock options
held by the Named Executive Officers.
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT FISCAL IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE YEAR-END (#) FISCAL YEAR-END ($)
NAME ON EXERCISE (#) REALIZED(1) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------------- --------------- ----------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Gregory Fischbach.................. -0- $ -0- 1,515,000/150,000 $ 1,414,689/-0-
James Scoroposki................... -0- -0- 1,575,000/150,000 1,414,689/-0-
J. Mark Hattendorf(2).............. -0- -0- -0-/315,000 -0-/10,313
Robert Holmes(3)................... -0- -0- 1,550,418/108,334 920,919/-0-
Anthony Williams................... -0- -0- 183,333/359,167 301,771/22,448
- ------------------
(1) Fair market value of securities underlying the options at fiscal year end
minus the exercise price of the options.
(2) Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his positions with the Company effective as
of November 7, 1997. Pursuant to an agreement effective as of November 7,
1997 between the Company and Mr. Hattendorf, the Company agreed to grant Mr.
Hattendorf options to purchase 165,000 shares of Common Stock exercisable at
a price of $3.9735 per share, which options will vest upon grant and remain
exercisable for one year from the date of grant. All other options granted
to Mr. Hattendorf expired effective as of November 7, 1997.
(3) Mr. Holmes relinquished his position as President of the Company on October
3, 1996.
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
Directors who are not also employees of the Company receive a $10,000
annual fee, reimbursement of expenses for attending meetings of the Board and
generally receive an annual grant of options to purchase 18,750 shares under the
Plan. See 'Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.' In addition, options
may be granted under the Plan to non-employee directors who render services to
the Company and who are not also members of the Compensation Committee. In
fiscal 1997, Mr. Bernard J. Fischbach received options under the Plan to
purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.875 per share
in consideration of services rendered to the Company.
65
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has employment agreements with each of Gregory Fischbach and
James Scoroposki, providing for Mr. Gregory Fischbach's employment as President
and Chief Executive Officer and for Mr. Scoroposki's employment as Senior
Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, for terms expiring in August
2000.
The agreements with Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki provide for
annual base salaries of $775,000 and $500,000, respectively, for the term of the
agreements. In addition, each of the agreements provides for annual bonus
payments to Mr. Fischbach in an amount equal to 3.25% of the Company's net
pre-tax profits for each fiscal year and to Mr. Scoroposki in an amount equal to
2.75% of the Company's net pre-tax profits for each fiscal year. The agreement
with Mr. Scoroposki specifically allows him to devote that amount of his
business time to the business of certain sales representative organizations
controlled by him as does not interfere with the services to be rendered by him
to the Company. The sales representative organizations under his control have
officers and employees who oversee the operations of such organizations. Mr.
Scoroposki attends board meetings of such companies but has no active
involvement in their day to day operations. Under the agreements, the Company
provides each of Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki with $2 million term
life insurance and disability insurance.
If the employment agreement of either of Messrs. Gregory Fischbach or
Scoroposki is terminated within one year after occurrence of a change in control
of the Company (other than a termination for cause) or if either of Messrs.
Gregory Fischbach or Scoroposki terminates his employment agreement upon the
occurrence of both a change in control of the Company and a change in the
circumstances of his employment, he would be entitled to receive severance
benefits in an amount equal to the total of (i) three years' base salary and
(ii) three times the largest bonus paid to him for the three fiscal years
immediately preceding any such termination of his employment.
The Company has an agreement in principle with Mr. Holmes for his
employment as President and Chief Operating Officer, which provides for a
current annual base salary of $605,000. The term of the agreement expires on
August 31, 1999. The agreement guarantees Mr. Holmes a 10% annual increase in
his base salary for the term of the agreement. In addition, the agreement
provides for annual bonus payments equal to 2.75% of the Company's net pre-tax
profits for each fiscal year. The Company provides Mr. Holmes with a $2 million
term life insurance policy and disability insurance. Under the agreement with
Mr. Holmes, if his employment is terminated within one year after the occurrence
of a change in control of the Company (other than a termination for cause) or if
he terminates his agreement upon the occurrence of both a change in control of
the Company and a change in the circumstances of his employment, he would be
entitled to receive severance benefits in an amount equal to the total of (i)
three years' base salary and (ii) three times the largest bonus paid to him for
the three fiscal years immediately preceding any such termination of his
employment. In October 1996, Mr. Holmes relinquished his roles as President and
Chief Operating Officer, but remains an employee of the Company under the
existing agreement in principle as a special advisor to the Board reporting to
Mr. Gregory Fischbach. On February 3, 1997, Mr. Holmes resigned his position as
a director of the Company and of its subsidiaries. The Company has had
discussions with Mr. Holmes with respect to negotiating his severance from the
Company.
The Company also has an agreement in principle with Mr. Williams for his
employment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Accounting
Officer, which provides for a current annual base salary of $225,000. In July
1996, Mr. Williams relinquished his roles as Chief Financial and Accounting
Officer, but retains his role as Executive Vice President under the terms of the
existing agreement in principle. The agreement expires in August 1999. Mr.
Williams is also entitled to a bonus in an amount to be determined at the
discretion of the Board of Directors if the Company achieves certain financial
performance objectives. The Company provides Mr. Williams with a $1 million term
life insurance policy and disability insurance. If Mr. Williams' employment in
terminated within one year after the occurrence of a change in control of the
Company (other than a termination for cause) or if he terminates his agreement
upon the occurrence of both a change in control of the Company and a change in
the circumstances of his employment, he would be entitled to receive severance
benefits in an amount equal to the total of (i) one year's base salary and (ii)
two times the bonus paid to him for the fiscal year immediately preceding any
termination of his employment. The Company has had discussions with Mr. Williams
with respect to negotiating his severance from the Company.
66
Each of the agreements with Messrs. Gregory Fischbach, Scoroposki, Holmes
and Williams provides that, in the event of a change in control of the Company,
all options theretofore granted to each of them shall vest and become
immediately exercisable and the Company has agreed to indemnify each of them
against any excise taxes imposed on such executive by section 4999(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (including all applicable taxes on
such indemnification payment).
Each of the agreements with Messrs. Gregory Fischbach, Scoroposki, Holmes
and Williams prohibits disclosure of proprietary and confidential information
regarding the Company and its business to anyone outside the Company both during
and subsequent to employment. In addition, the employees agree, for the duration
of their employment with the Company and for one year thereafter, not to engage
in any competitive business activity, nor to persuade or attempt to persuade any
customer, software developer, licensor, employee or other party with whom the
Company has a business relationship to sever its ties with the Company or reduce
the extent of its relationship with the Company.
In addition, at the end of their respective terms, if the agreements with
each of Messrs. Gregory Fischbach, Scoroposki, Holmes and Williams are not
renewed on substantially similar terms, the employee would be entitled to
receive severance benefits in an amount equal to the total cash compensation
paid to him during the 12-month period immediately preceding such termination of
his employment.
The Company has an employment agreement with Mr. Hattendorf for his
employment as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, which provides for a
current annual base salary of $275,000. Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his
positions with the Company effective as of November 7, 1997. Pursuant to an
agreement effective as of November 7, 1997 between the Company and Mr.
Hattendorf, the Company agreed to grant Mr. Hattendorf options to purchase
165,000 shares of Common Stock exercisable at a price of $3.9735 per share,
which options will vest upon grant and will remain exercisable for a period of
one year from the date of grant. All other options previously granted to Mr.
Hattendorf expired immediately upon the termination of his employment with the
Company.
BENEFIT PLANS
The Company does not have a pension plan. For information with respect to
options granted to executive officers of the Company under the Company's 1988
Stock Option Plan, see page 65.
COMPLIANCE WITH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Company believes that, during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997,
all filing requirements under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the 'Exchange Act') applicable to its officers, directors and greater than
ten percent beneficial owners were complied with on a timely basis, except that
Mr. Hattendorf's annual report on Form 5 was filed a week late.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The members of the Compensation Committee are Kenneth Coleman and James
Scibelli, who are intended to be 'non-employee directors' within the meaning of
Rule 16b-3(b)(3)(i) promulgated under the Exchange Act and 'outside directors'
within the contemplation of section 162(m)(4)(C)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended.
67
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information as of November 7, 1997
(except as otherwise indicated) with respect to the number of shares of Common
Stock beneficially owned by each person who is known to the Company to
beneficially own more than 5% of the Common Stock, the number of shares of
Common Stock beneficially owned by each director of the Company and each
executive officer of the Company, and the number of shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by all executive officers and directors of the Company as a
group. Except as otherwise indicated, each such stockholder has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by such
stockholder.
PERCENT OF
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF COMMON STOCK
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1) OUTSTANDING
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------
Gregory E. Fischbach(2)(3) ............................................... 7,648,151 14.4%
One Acclaim Plaza
Glen Cove, New York 11542
James Scoroposki(3)(4) ................................................... 7,102,451 13.4
One Acclaim Plaza
Glen Cove, NY 11542
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.(5) ..................................... 6,949,400 13.9
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.(6) ............................................. 6,868,611 13.0
World Financial Center
North Tower
250 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10281
TCI GameCo Holdings, Inc.(3) ............................................. 4,348,795 8.7
Terrace Tower II
5619 DTC Parkway
Englewood, CO 80111
Bernard J. Fischbach(7) .................................................. 356,276 *
1925 Century Park East
Suite 1260
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Robert H. Groman(8) ...................................................... 100,000 *
196 Peachtree Lane
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
Michael Tannen(8) ........................................................ 94,875 *
90 Riverside Drive, #5B
New York, NY 10024
James Scibelli(9) ........................................................ 44,500 *
2936 Bay Drive
Merrick, NY 11566
Kenneth L. Coleman ....................................................... -0- -0-
2011 North Shoreline Blvd.
Mountain View, CA 94043
68
PERCENT OF
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF COMMON STOCK
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1) OUTSTANDING
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------
J. Mark Hattendorf(8) .................................................... 55,000 *
One Acclaim Plaza
Glen Cove, NY 11542
Anthony R. Williams(10) .................................................. 281,500 *
One Acclaim Plaza
Glen Cove, NY 11542
All executive officers and directors as a group (9 persons)(11)........... 15,333,925 27.0%
- ------------------
* Less than 1% of class.
(1) Includes shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options which are exercisable within the next 60 days.
(2) Includes 2,827,500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options, 36,276 shares held as co-trustee of
trusts for the benefit of Mr. Scoroposki's children and 156,276 shares settled by Mr. Gregory Fischbach in
trust for the benefit of his children. Each of Mr. Gregory Fischbach and Mr. Scoroposki has agreed to vote,
or cause to be voted, all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by him in the manner in which all shares
of Common Stock beneficially owned by the other are voted on all matters presented to a vote of stockholders
at any annual or special meeting of the Company's stockholders.
(3) Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki and TCI GameCo Holdings, Inc. ('TCI Sub'), an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Tele-Communications, Inc. ('TCI'), have entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which they
have agreed to vote all shares beneficially owned by each of them in favor of those individuals nominated by
the Board of Directors of the Company for election to the Board of Directors at any annual or special meeting
of the stockholders of the Company at which directors are being elected provided that, subject to certain
exceptions, such nominees include Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki (or their designees or successors)
and one individual proposed by TCI Sub. Until his resignation effective October 3, 1997, Bruce Ravenel,
President and Chief Executive Officer of TCI.Net, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TCI, was a
director of the Company.
(4) Includes 2,827,500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options, 156,276 shares held as co-trustee
of trusts for the benefit of Mr. Gregory Fischbach's children and 36,276 shares settled by Mr. Scoroposki in
trust for agreed to vote, or cause to be voted, all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by him in the
manner in which all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the other are voted on all matters presented
to a vote of stockholders at any annual or special meeting of the Company's stockholders.
(5) Information in respect of the beneficial ownership of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. has been derived from
its Schedule 13-G, dated February 12, 1997, filed on its behalf and on behalf of Capital Research and
Management Company ('CRMC') with the Commission. The Company has been advised that (a) CRMC is a registered
investment adviser and an operating subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., (b) at February 12,
1997, CRMC exercised investment discretion with respect to 3,635,000 shares of Common Stock, which were owned
by various institutional investors and (c) CRMC has no power to direct the vote of such shares. Capital
Guardian Trust Company, a bank as defined in Section 3(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the 'Securities
Act') and a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. is the beneficial owner of 3,292,900
shares of Common Stock as the result of serving as the investment manager of various institutional accounts.
(Footnotes continued on next page)
69
(Footnotes continued from previous page)
(6) Information in respect of the beneficial ownership of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ('ML&Co.') has been derived
from Amendment No. 3 to its Schedule 13-G, dated February 14, 1997, filed on its behalf and on behalf of
Merrill Lynch Group, Inc. ('ML Group'), Princeton Services, Inc, ('PSI'), Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
L.P. d/b/a Merrill Lynch Asset Management ('MLAM') and Merrill Lynch Technology Fund, Inc. ('MLTF') with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission'). Based solely on such Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13-G,
ML&Co., ML Group and PSI are parent holding companies, MLAM is a registered investment adviser and MLTF is a
registered investment company (for which MLAM acts as investment adviser), which has an interest that relates
to greater than 5% of the Common Stock.
(7) Represents 200,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options and 156,276 shares held as co-trustee of trusts
for the benefit of Mr. Gregory Fischbach's children.
(8) Represents shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(9) Includes 37,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(10) Includes 261,500 shares issuable on exercise of options.
(11) Includes 6,403,875 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Mr. James Scoroposki, an officer, director and principal stockholder of the
Company, is the sole stockholder, a director and president of a sales
representative organization selling interactive entertainment software and a 50%
stockholder, a director and executive vice president of another sales
representative organization selling interactive entertainment software. Such
sales representative organizations act as sales representatives for the Company,
receive commissions from the Company with respect to interactive entertainment
software sold by them and will continue to do so during the fiscal year ending
August 31, 1998. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, the commissions paid
by the Company to these sales representative organizations amounted to
approximately $535,000. The agreements between the Company and these sales
representatives are on terms that are at least as favorable to the Company as
could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. In addition to
representing the Company's titles, these companies also represent competitors of
the Company who distribute interactive entertainment software, and derive most
of their revenue from representing companies other than the Company.
Mr. Scoroposki is also the sole shareholder of The Crescent Club, which
provides restaurant services and related entertainment and meeting facilities to
the Company and will continue to do so for the fiscal year ending August 31,
1998. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, payments made by the Company to
The Crescent Club amounted to approximately $66,000.
The firm of Fischbach, Perlstein, Liebermann & Yanny, of which Bernard J.
Fischbach is a partner, performs legal services for the Company and will
continue to do so for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1998. Payments made by
the Company for said services amounted to approximately $885,000 for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1997. In addition, in fiscal 1997, Mr. B. Fischbach
received options under the Plan to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $4.875 per share in consideration of services rendered to the
Company.
The firm of Groman, Ross & Tisman, P.C. of which Robert H. Groman is a
partner, also performs legal services for the Company and will continue to do so
for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1998. Payments made by the Company for
said services amounted to approximately $38,000 for the fiscal year ended August
31, 1997.
70
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) and (d) 1. Financial Statements:
The following Financial Statements of the Company are included in Part II:
Item 8
Reports of Independent Auditors.
Consolidated Balance Sheets--August 31, 1997 and 1996.
Statements of Consolidated Operations--Years Ended August 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995.
Statements of Consolidated Stockholders' (Deficiency) Equity--Years
Ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows--Years Ended August 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(a) and (d) 2. Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II Allowance for Returns and Discounts
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, or
not required, or because the required information is included in the
Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(b) Current Reports on Form 8-K:
None.
(c) Exhibits:
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on April 21, 1989, as amended (Registration
Number 33-28274) (the '1989 S-1'))
3.2 -- Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.2 to the 1989 S-1)
3.3 -- Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4(d) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on May 19, 1995 (Registration Number
33-59483) (the '1995 S-8')
3.4 -- Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to the 1995
S-8)
4 -- Specimen form of the Company's Common Stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1989, as amended (File No.
0-16986) (the '1989 10-K'))
10.1 o -- Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 1994 between the Company and Gregory Fischbach;
Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 8, 1996, between the Company and G. Fischbach (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31,
1996 (File No. 0-16986) (the '1996 10-K'))
10.2 o -- Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 1994 between the Company and J. Scoroposki; Amendment
No. 1, dated as of December 8, 1996, between the Company and J. Scoroposki (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to the 1996 10-K)
10.3 o -- 1988 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's 1995 S-8)
10.4 -- Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1993, between the Company, Acclaim
Distribution Inc., LJN Toys, Ltd., Acclaim Entertainment Canada, Ltd. and Arena Entertainment Inc.,
as borrowers, and BNY Financial Corporation, as lender, as amended and restated on February 28, 1995
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended February 28, 1995 (File No. 0-16986) (the '1995 10- Q'))
71
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.5 -- Restated and Amended Factoring Agreement, dated as of February 28, 1995, between the Company and BNY
Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 1995 10-Q)
10.6* -- License Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1994, by and between Sony Computer Entertainment of
America and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the 1996 10-K)
21 -- Subsidiaries of Registrant
- ------------------
* Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain information
contained in this exhibit.
o Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be
identified pursuant to Item 14(a)3 of this report.
72
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, thereunto duly authorized.
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By: GREGORY FISCHBACH November 7, 1997
Gregory Fischbach
Co-Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
By: J. MARK HATTENDORF November 7, 1997
J. Mark Hattendorf
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
through November 7, 1997
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
GREGORY FISCHBACH Co-Chairman of the Board; Chief November 7, 1997
Gregory Fischbach Executive Officer; President; Director
JAMES SCOROPOSKI Co-Chairman of the Board Executive Vice November 7, 1997
James Scoroposki President; Treasurer; Secretary;
Director; and Acting Chief Financial and
Accounting Officer effective November 8,
1997
BERNARD J. FISCHBACH Director November 7, 1997
Bernard J. Fischbach
MICHAEL TANNEN Director November 7, 1997
Michael Tannen
ROBERT GROMAN Director November 7, 1997
Robert Groman
JAMES SCIBELLI Director November 7, 1997
James Scibelli
KENNETH L. COLEMAN Director November 7, 1997
Kenneth L. Coleman
73
SCHEDULE II
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
ALLOWANCE FOR RETURNS AND DISCOUNTS
(IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
BALANCE AT PROVISIONS FOR BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OF RETURNS AND RETURNS AND END OF
PERIOD PERIOD DISCOUNTS DISCOUNTS PERIOD
- ------------------------- ------------ -------------- ----------- ----------
Year ended
August 31, 1995........ $ 35,327 $ 25,081 $ 40,773 $ 19,635
Year ended
August 31, 1996........ $ 19,635 $214,079 $ 158,348 $ 75,366*
Year ended
August 31, 1997........ $ 75,366 $ 28,161 $ 65,847 $ 37,680*
- ------------------
* As of August 31, 1997 and 1996, $18,900 and $26,500 were included in accrued
sales allowances.