Back to GetFilings.com



 


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


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

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2004

Commission File Number 1-9750

Sotheby’s Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 Michigan
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 38-2478409
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 

 38500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
(Address of principal executive offices)
  
48303
(Zip Code)
 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (248) 646-2400

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 o.

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes x No o.

As of July 30, 2004, there were outstanding 45,352,487 shares of Class A Limited Voting Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, and 17,848,354 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Registrant. Each share of Class B Common Stock is freely convertible into one share of Class A Limited Voting Common Stock.

 





TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

PAGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I:

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Income Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

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

28

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

53

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

54

 

 

 

 

PART II:

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

55

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

56

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

 

57

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

58

 

 

 

 




SOTHEBY’S HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

June 30,
2004

 

June 30,
2003

 

June 30,
2004

 

June 30,
2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction and related revenues

 

$

166,337

 

$

107,580

 

$

225,439

 

$

145,713

 

License fee revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,000

 

 

 

Other revenues

 

 

3,190

 

 

2,838

 

 

5,520

 

 

5,897

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total revenues

 

 

169,527

 

 

110,418

 

 

275,959

 

 

151,610

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs of services

 

 

19,276

 

 

14,938

 

 

26,470

 

 

21,665

 

Salaries and related costs

 

 

49,842

 

 

36,042

 

 

89,081

 

 

69,575

 

General and administrative expenses

 

 

24,046

 

 

22,336

 

 

49,571

 

 

44,027

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

5,604

 

 

6,257

 

 

11,510

 

 

12,518

 

Retention costs

 

 

 

 

2,865

 

 

285

 

 

6,344

 

Net restructuring charges

 

 

27

 

 

(450

)

 

146

 

 

5,341

 

Special charges

 

 

772

 

 

593

 

 

1,284

 

 

1,376

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total expenses

 

 

99,567

 

 

82,581

 

 

178,347

 

 

160,846

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

69,960

 

 

27,837

 

 

97,612

 

 

(9,236

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

532

 

 

1,055

 

 

1,102

 

 

1,628

 

Interest expense

 

 

(8,395

)

 

(7,884

)

 

(16,805

)

 

(15,021

)

Other (expense) income

 

 

(270

)

 

(35

)

 

419

 

 

401

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

 

 

61,827

 

 

20,973

 

 

82,328

 

 

(22,228

)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

21,021

 

 

7,776

 

 

27,991

 

 

(7,776

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

40,806

 

 

13,197

 

 

54,337

 

 

(14,452

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations (Note 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations before taxes

 

 

2,623

 

 

1,844

 

 

39,273

 

 

1,889

 

Income tax expense

 

 

952

 

 

845

 

 

14,413

 

 

861

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

1,671

 

 

999

 

 

24,860

 

 

1,028

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

42,477

 

$

14,196

 

$

79,197

 

 

($13,424

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.88

 

 

($0.24

)

Earnings from discontinued operations

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.41

 

 

0.02

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.23

 

$

1.29

 

 

($0.22

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.87

 

 

($0.24

)

Earnings from discontinued operations

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.40

 

 

0.02

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.68

 

$

0.23

 

$

1.27

 

 

($0.22

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

61.7

 

 

61.6

 

 

61.6

 

 

61.5

 

Diluted

 

 

62.3

 

 

61.6

 

 

62.2

 

 

61.5

 


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


3



SOTHEBY’S HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

June 30,
2004
(UNAUDITED)

 

December 31,
2003

 

June 30,
2003
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 


 


 


 

A S S E T S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

147,233

 

$

62,498

 

$

47,541

 

Restricted cash

 

 

6,423

 

 

8,179

 

 

10,771

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,286, $6,052 and $6,469

 

 

486,113

 

 

231,968

 

 

330,118

 

Notes receivable and consignor advances, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,448, $1,600 and $1,144

 

 

69,919

 

 

82,253

 

 

57,477

 

Inventory, net

 

 

14,659

 

 

14,848

 

 

12,111

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

6,050

 

 

5,117

 

 

11,537

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

67,334

 

 

45,904

 

 

42,405

 

Assets held for sale (Note 3)

 

 

 

 

29,244

 

 

18,901

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total Current Assets

 

 

797,731

 

 

480,011

 

 

530,861

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable

 

 

20,363

 

 

26,689

 

 

24,058

 

Properties, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $106,294, $98,310, and $85,440

 

 

239,093

 

 

248,261

 

 

252,760

 

Goodwill

 

 

13,504

 

 

13,565

 

 

13,373

 

Investments

 

 

28,221

 

 

28,678

 

 

29,678

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

69,154

 

 

101,684

 

 

92,357

 

Other assets

 

 

3,620

 

 

2,582

 

 

2,963

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total Assets

 

$

1,171,686

 

$

901,470

 

$

946,050

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L I A B I L I T I E S  A N D  S H A R E H O L D E R S ’  E Q U I T Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to consignors

 

$

457,670

 

$

255,198

 

$

311,539

 

Credit facility borrowings

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

20,000

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

 

98,985

 

 

82,145

 

 

77,805

 

Deferred revenues

 

 

4,709

 

 

4,787

 

 

5,071

 

Accrued income taxes

 

 

13,250

 

 

4,441

 

 

4,181

 

York Property capital lease obligation

 

 

119

 

 

113

 

 

107

 

Deferred gain on sale of York Property

 

 

1,129

 

 

1,129

 

 

1,129

 

Settlement liabilities

 

 

13,531

 

 

5,281

 

 

16,795

 

Liabilities held for sale (Note 3)

 

 

 

 

14,794

 

 

9,030

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

589,393

 

 

387,888

 

 

445,657

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of unamortized discount of $422, $461 and $498

 

 

99,578

 

 

99,539

 

 

99,502

 

Settlement liabilities

 

 

61,641

 

 

75,498

 

 

61,642

 

York Property capital lease obligation

 

 

172,108

 

 

172,169

 

 

172,227

 

Deferred gain on sale of York Property

 

 

19,938

 

 

20,502

 

 

21,087

 

Other liabilities

 

 

18,320

 

 

18,466

 

 

17,085

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total Liabilities

 

 

960,978

 

 

774,062

 

 

817,200

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock, $0.10 par value

 

 

6,310

 

 

6,173

 

 

6,154

 

Authorized shares—125,000,000 of Class A and 75,000,000 of Class B, Issued and outstanding shares—45,287,616, 45,052,339 and 45,014,513 of Class A, and 17,853,548, 16,681,150 and 16,549,650 of Class B at June 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003, respectively

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

222,287

 

 

204,567

 

 

202,521

 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

 

657

 

 

(78,540

)

 

(71,309

)

Deferred compensation expense

 

 

(13,948

)

 

(1,507

)

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(4,598

)

 

(3,285

)

 

(8,516

)

 

 



 



 



 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

210,708

 

 

127,408

 

 

128,850

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

$

1,171,686

 

$

901,470

 

$

946,050

 

 

 



 



 



 


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


4



SOTHEBY'S HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

54,337

 

 

($14,452

)

Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash used by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

11,510

 

 

12,518

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

27,991

 

 

(7,776

)

Tax benefit of stock option exercises

 

 

224

 

 

 

Restricted stock compensation expense

 

 

2,369

 

 

 

Asset provisions

 

 

1,797

 

 

(976

)

Asset write-offs

 

 

27

 

 

589

 

Other

 

 

2,606

 

 

1,334

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in accounts receivable

 

 

(253,565

)

 

(48,585

)

Decrease in inventory

 

 

2,166

 

 

1,314

 

Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(20,908

)

 

(2,452

)

Increase in other long-term assets

 

 

(564

)

 

(594

)

Decrease in short-term and long-term settlement liabilities

 

 

(8,457

)

 

(49,733

)

Increase in due to consignors

 

 

202,650

 

 

36,460

 

Decrease in accrued income taxes

 

 

(2,075

)

 

(503

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities

 

 

15,982

 

 

(22,626

)

Operating Cash Flow from discontinued operations (Note 3)

 

 

(3,916

)

 

(2,689

)

 

 



 



 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

 

32,174

 

 

(98,171

)

 

 



 



 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funding of notes receivable and consignor advances

 

 

(89,702

)

 

(38,840

)

Collections of notes receivable and consignor advances

 

 

104,497

 

 

53,489

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(5,001

)

 

(3,241

)

Proceeds from sale of domestic real estate brokerage business (Note 3)

 

 

53,863

 

 

 

Proceeds from York Property sale-leaseback

 

 

 

 

167,054

 

Decrease in investments

 

 

877

 

 

688

 

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

 

 

1,261

 

 

(1,994

)

Investing Cash Flow from discontinued operations (Note 3)

 

 

1,011

 

 

1,051

 

 

 



 



 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

 

66,806

 

 

178,207

 

 

 



 



 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from credit facility borrowings

 

 

65,000

 

 

107,000

 

Repayments of credit facility borrowings

 

 

(85,000

)

 

(187,000

)

Decrease in York Property capital lease obligation

 

 

(55

)

 

(1,532

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

2,676

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Net cash used by financing activities

 

 

(17,379

)

 

(81,532

)

 

 



 



 

Impact of consolidating variable interest entity

 

 

487

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(258

)

 

1,240

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

81,830

 

 

(256

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

65,403

 

 

48,718

 

 

 



 



 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

147,233

 

$

48,462

 

 

 



 



 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing Operations

 

$

147,233

 

$

47,541

 

Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

921

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

147,233

 

$

48,462

 

 

 



 



 


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


5



SOTHEBY’S HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1.

Basis of Presentation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by Sotheby’s Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company committed to a plan to sell its domestic real estate brokerage business, Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. (“SIR”). On February 17, 2004, the Company consummated the sale of SIR. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of SIR are classified as held for sale in the December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003 Consolidated Balance Sheets, and its operating results are reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Income Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (see Note 3).

 

The Company has concluded that an entity with whom its Finance segment has outstanding loans and to whom the Company provides management consulting services meets the definition of a variable interest entity under Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, as revised. As primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, the Company was required to consolidate the entity as part of the Auction segment beginning on March 31, 2004 (see Note 16).

 

In the opinion of the management of the Company, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements included herein, have been made.


6



2.

Seasonality of Business

 

The worldwide art auction market has two principal selling seasons, spring and fall. Consequently, first and third quarter results of the Auction segment typically reflect lower Aggregate Auction Sales (as defined below) and lower operating results than the second and fourth quarters due to the fixed nature of many of the Company’s operating expenses. Aggregate Auction Sales represents the hammer price of property sold at auction by the Company plus buyer’s premium. The table below demonstrates that approximately 80% of the Company’s Aggregate Auction Sales are derived from the second and fourth quarters of the year.

 

 

 

Percentage of Annual
Aggregate Auction Sales

 

 

 


 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 


 

January – March

 

12

%

11

%

13

%

April – June

 

34

%

38

%

45

%

July – September

 

7

%

12

%

7

%

October – December

 

47

%

39

%

35

%

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

100

%

100

%

100

%

 

 


 


 


 

3.

Discontinued Operations

 

In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company committed to a plan to sell SIR, its domestic real estate brokerage business. On February 17, 2004, the Company consummated the sale of SIR to a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (“Cendant”). SIR was the principal component of the Company’s former Real Estate segment.

 

In conjunction with the sale, the Company entered into an agreement with Cendant to license the Sotheby’s International Realty trademark and certain related trademarks for an initial 50-year term with a 50-year renewal option (the “License Agreement”). The License Agreement is applicable to Canada, Israel, Mexico, the United States (the “U.S.”) and certain Caribbean countries.

 

The total consideration paid by Cendant at closing for SIR’s company-owned real estate brokerage business and affiliate network, as well as the License Agreement and the International Options (as defined below) was $100.7 million, consisting of $98.9 million in cash and the assumption of a $1.8 million note payable. Net cash proceeds from the sale, after deducting $4.7 million in transaction costs, were $94.2 million. In addition to the consideration received at closing, the License Agreement provides for an ongoing


7



 

license fee during its term based on the volume of commerce transacted under the licensed trademarks.

 

The consideration received at closing was allocated among each of the following components based on a valuation of their respective fair values: (i) SIR’s company-owned real estate brokerage business and affiliate network, (ii) the License Agreement and (iii) the International Options. Based on this valuation, $55.1 million was allocated to SIR’s company-owned real estate brokerage business and affiliate network, $45 million was allocated to the License Agreement and $0.6 million was allocated to the International Options.

 

As a result of the sale of SIR’s company-owned real estate brokerage business and affiliate network, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $32.3 million, consisting of the $55.1 million in allocated proceeds less SIR’s closing book value and transaction related costs. The $32.3 million pre-tax gain is recorded within income from discontinued operations before taxes in the Company’s Consolidated Income Statements. As a result of this gain, the Company utilized approximately $12.7 million of the net Deferred Tax Asset related to its net operating loss carryforwards.

  

The $45 million of proceeds allocated to the License Agreement represents a one-time non-refundable upfront license fee received by the Company as consideration for entering into the License Agreement. The Company has no significant future performance obligations associated with the non-refundable upfront license fee. As a result, the Company recognized license fee revenue of $45 million in the first quarter of 2004, which is classified within the continuing operations section of the Consolidated Income Statements. This classification is consistent with how the Company will report ongoing license fees earned during the term of the License Agreement, as well as license fee revenue earned in the future from other potential licensing opportunities. As a result of this one-time license fee, the Company utilized approximately $15 million of the net Deferred Tax Asset related to its net operating loss carryforwards during the first quarter of 2004. The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $2.1 million related to the consummation of the License Agreement in the first quarter of 2004, which are recorded within General and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Income Statements.


8



 

The other non-U.S. offices of the Company’s real estate brokerage business, which are not significant to the Company’s overall operations, continue to operate as Sotheby’s International Realty under current management. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of such offices are not classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and their operating results are not reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Income Statements. Cendant has options to acquire most of these offices and a license to use the related trademarks in other countries outside the U.S. during the five-year period following February 17, 2004 for a nominal amount (the “International Options”). The fair value of these options is being marked to market on a quarterly basis with any changes in fair value recorded in the Consolidated Income Statements. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, there was no change in the fair value of the International Options.

 

The following is a summary of the operating results of SIR for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Revenues

 

$

3,857

 

$

8,616

 

$

13,969

 

$

15,044

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs of services

 

 

 

 

1,227

 

 

635

 

 

2,424

 

Salaries and related costs

 

 

 

 

2,605

 

 

4,347

 

 

5,137

 

General and administrative expenses

 

 

466

 

 

2,377

 

 

1,945

 

 

4,504

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

 

 

537

 

 

 

 

1,076

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total expenses

 

 

466

 

 

6,746

 

 

6,927

 

 

13,141

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Operating income

 

 

3,391

 

 

1,870

 

 

7,042

 

 

1,903

 

Gain on sale of SIR

 

 

(768

)

 

 

 

32,293

 

 

 

Other expense

 

 

 

 

(26

)

 

(62

)

 

(14

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income from discontinued operations before taxes

 

 

2,623

 

 

1,844

 

 

39,273

 

 

1,889

 

Income tax expense

 

 

952

 

 

845

 

 

14,413

 

 

861

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income from discontinued operations

 

$

1,671

 

$

999

 

$

24,860

 

$

1,028

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



9



 

According to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement related to the transaction, the Company is due to receive amounts collected by Cendant for the closing of real estate transactions subsequent to February 17, 2004 that were under contract prior to that date. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, revenues from discontinued operations included $3.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively, of such amounts.

 

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of SIR as of December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003:

 

 

 

December 31,
2003

 

June 30,
2003

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

2,905

 

$

921

 

Restricted cash

 

 

1,157

 

 

1,572

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

901

 

 

691

 

Properties, net

 

 

10,679

 

 

10,712

 

Goodwill

 

 

10,089

 

 

3,338

 

Other current assets

 

 

3,513

 

 

1,667

 

 

 



 



 

Assets held for sale

 

$

29,244

 

$

18,901

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

10,956

 

$

6,980

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

3,838

 

 

2,050

 

 

 



 



 

Liabilities held for sale

 

$

14,794

 

$

9,030

 

 

 



 



 


4.

Segment Reporting

 

The Company’s continuing operations are organized under two business segments – Auction and Finance. The domestic operations of the Company’s real estate brokerage business, which were sold on February 17, 2004, have been classified as discontinued operations and are no longer included in this presentation. Such operations were the principal component of the Real Estate segment. The non-U.S. offices of the Company’s remaining real estate brokerage activities are not a reportable operating segment because they are not significant to the Company’s overall operations and are included in “All Other.” (See Note 3 for further information on discontinued operations.)

 

The table below presents revenues for the Company’s operating segments, as well as a reconciliation of segment revenues to total revenues from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:


10



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction

 

$

166,337

 

$

107,580

 

$

225,439

 

$

145,713

 

Finance

 

 

1,865

 

 

1,290

 

 

3,081

 

 

2,777

 

All Other

 

 

1,325

 

 

1,548

 

 

2,439

 

 

3,120

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment revenues

 

 

169,527

 

 

110,418

 

 

230,959

 

 

151,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unallocated amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License fee revenue (see Note 3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,000

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues from continuing operations

 

$

169,527

 

$

110,418

 

$

275,959

 

$

151,610

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

The table below presents income (loss) before taxes for the Company’s operating segments, as well as a reconciliation of segment income (loss) before taxes to income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction

 

$

64,066

 

$

25,974

 

$

44,100

 

($5,364

)

Finance

 

 

269

 

 

(561

)

 

 

(815

)

All Other

 

 

(395

)

 

(485

)

 

(450

)

(932

)

 

 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss) before taxes

 

 

63,940

 

 

24,928

 

 

43,650

 

(7,111

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unallocated amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License fee revenue (see Note 3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,000

 

 

License Agreement transaction costs (see Note 3)*

 

 

(96

)

 

 

 

(2,142

)

 

Unallocated expenses related to discontinued operations**

 

 

 

 

(363

)

 

 

(865

)

Special charges (see Note 12)

 

 

(772

)

 

(593

)

 

(1,284

)

(1,376

)

Amortization of discount - DOJ antitrust fine (see Note 12)

 

 

(506

)

 

(584

)

 

(1,038

)

(1,191

)

Amortization of discount - Discount Certificates (see Note 12)

 

 

(712

)

 

 

 

(1,427

)

 

Net restructuring charges (see Note 13)

 

 

(27

)

 

450

 

 

(146

)

(5,341

)

Retention costs

 

 

 

 

(2,865

)

 

(285

)

(6,344

)

 

 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

 

$

61,827

 

$

20,973

 

$

82,328

 

($22,228

)

 

 



 



 



 


 



11



*

Represents transaction costs related to the consummation of the License Agreement, which are not allocated to the Company’s operating segments. This is consistent with how the related license fee revenue is presented for segment reporting purposes.

**

Represents amounts previously allocated to the Company’s discontinued domestic real estate brokerage business (see Note 3), which represent expenses of the Company’s ongoing operations.

 

The table below presents assets for the Company’s operating segments, as well as a reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated assets as of June 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003:

 

 

 

June 30,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

June 30,
2003

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction

 

$

1,016,282

 

$

651,150

 

$

731,660

 

Finance

 

 

77,736

 

 

107,678

 

 

84,595

 

All Other

 

 

2,464

 

 

1,574

 

 

2,257

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment assets

 

 

1,096,482

 

 

760,402

 

 

818,512

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unallocated amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

75,204

 

 

106,801

 

 

103,894

 

Assets held for sale (see Note 3)

 

 

 

 

29,244

 

 

18,901

 

Unallocated assets related to discontinued operations***

 

 

 

 

5,023

 

 

4,743

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Assets

 

$

1,171,686

 

$

901,470

 

$

946,050

 

 

 



 



 



 


***

Represents amounts previously allocated to the Company’s discontinued domestic real estate brokerage business (see Note 3), which represent assets of the Company’s ongoing operations.

5.

Receivables

 

Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable primarily relates to the Company’s Auction segment. Under the standard terms and conditions of the Company’s Auction Sales, the Company is not obligated to pay consignors for items that have not been paid for by the purchaser. If the purchaser defaults on payment, the Company has the right to cancel the sale and return the property to the owner, re-offer the property at auction or negotiate a private sale.

 

At June 30, 2004, approximately $69.4 million, or 14%, of the net Accounts Receivable balance was due from one purchaser and is due to be collected in equal payments of $34.7 million in November 2004 and January 2005.


12



 

Notes Receivable and Consignor Advances – The Company provides certain collectors and dealers with financing generally secured by works of art that the Company either has in its possession or permits the borrower to possess. Although the Company’s general policy is to make secured loans at loan to value ratios (principal loan amount divided by the low auction estimate of the collateral) of 50% or lower, the Company will lend at loan to value ratios higher than 50%. The Company generally makes two types of secured loans: (1) advances secured by consigned property to borrowers who are contractually committed, in the near term, to sell the property at auction (a “consignor advance”); and (2) general purpose term loans to collectors or dealers secured by property not presently intended for sale. The consignor advance allows a consignor to receive funds shortly after consignment for an auction that will occur several weeks or months in the future, while preserving for the benefit of the consignor the potential of the auction process. The general purpose secured loans allow the Company to establish or enhance a mutually beneficial relationship with dealers and collectors. The loans are generally made with full recourse to the borrower. In certain instances, however, loans are made with recourse limited to the works of art pledged as security for the loan. To the extent that the Company is looking wholly or partially to the collateral for repayment of its loans, repayment can be adversely impacted by a decline in the art market in general or in the value of the particular collateral. In addition, in situations where the borrower becomes subject to bankruptcy or insolvency laws, the Company’s ability to realize on its collateral may be limited or delayed by the application of such laws. Under certain circumstances, the Company also makes unsecured loans to collectors and dealers. Included in Notes Receivable and Consignor Advances are unsecured loans totaling $5.4 million, $11.3 million and $14.6 million at June 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003, respectively.

 

In certain situations, the Company also finances the purchase of works of art by certain art dealers through unsecured loans. The property purchased pursuant to such unsecured loans is sold by the dealer or at auction with any net profit or loss shared by the Company and the dealer. Interest income related to such unsecured loans is reflected in the results of the Finance segment, while the Company’s share of any profit or loss is reflected in the results of the Auction segment. The total of all such unsecured loans was $4.7 million, $7.8 million and $10.9 million at June 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003, respectively. These amounts are included in the total unsecured loan balances provided in the previous paragraph.


13



 

At June 30, 2004, two consignor advances comprised approximately 14% and 12%, respectively, of the net Notes Receivable and Consignor Advances balance.

 

The weighted average interest rates earned on Notes Receivable and Consignor Advances were 7.7% and 5.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The weighted average interest rates earned on Notes Receivable and Consignor Advances were 6.1% and 5.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increases in the weighted average interest rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 were principally due to $1 million in interest income recognized in the second quarter of 2004 as a result of the collection of a disputed client loan, for which there was no comparable event in the prior year.

 

Changes in the Allowance for Credit Losses relating to Notes Receivable and Consignor Advances for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for credit losses at January 1

 

$

1,600

 

$

1,573

 

Change in loan loss provision

 

 

(49

)

 

103

 

Write-offs

 

 

(103

)

 

(537

)

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 



 



 

Allowance for credit losses at June 30

 

$

1,448

 

$

1,144

 

 

 



 



 


 

Receivable from Cendant – As of June 30, 2004, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets included a $3.6 million receivable due from Cendant related to the sale of the Company’s domestic real estate brokerage business to Cendant on February 17, 2004 (see Note 3).


14



6.

Goodwill

 

Goodwill related to the Company’s continuing operations is entirely attributable to the Auction segment. For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, changes in the carrying value of such Goodwill were as follows:

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Balance as of January 1

 

$

13,565

 

$

13,215

 

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

 

 

(61

)

 

158

 

 

 



 



 

Balance as of June 30

 

$

13,504

 

$

13,373

 

 

 



 



 


7.

Credit Arrangements

 

Bank Credit Facilities – On March 4, 2004, the Company used existing cash balances to repay the remaining $20 million in borrowings outstanding under the senior secured term facility of its former credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”.)

 

Additionally, on March 4, 2004, the Company entered into a new senior secured credit agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation (the “GE Capital Credit Agreement”). The GE Capital Credit Agreement is available through March 4, 2007 and provides for borrowings of up to $200 million provided by an international syndicate of lenders.

 

Borrowings under the GE Capital Credit Agreement are available for the funding of the Company’s ordinary working capital requirements and general corporate needs. The Company paid commitment and arrangement fees of $3.0 million related to the GE Capital Credit Agreement, which are being amortized to interest expense over the three-year term of the agreement.

 

The Company’s obligations under the GE Capital Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, as well as the assets of its subsidiaries in the U.S. and the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”). The GE Capital Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants requiring the Company to not exceed $10 million in annual capital expenditures and to have a quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0. The financial covenant relating to capital expenditures is first effective for the year ending December 31, 2004, while the financial covenant relating to


15



 

the fixed charge coverage ratio tests was first effective for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. The GE Capital Credit Agreement also has a covenant that prohibits the Company from making dividend payments. The Company is in compliance with its covenants.

 

At the option of the Company, borrowings under the GE Capital Credit Agreement generally bear interest equal to: (i) 1.25% plus the higher of the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or (ii) LIBOR plus 2.75%. Beginning on March 31, 2005, the applicable interest rate charged for borrowings under the GE Capital Credit Agreement may be adjusted up or down depending on the Company’s performance under the quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio tests.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the GE Capital Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $20 million under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the weighted average interest rate charged on outstanding borrowings was approximately 6.2%. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, the weighted average interest rates charged on outstanding borrowings were approximately 5.1% and 5.4%, respectively.

 

Senior Unsecured Debt – In February 1999, the Company issued a tranche of long-term debt securities (the “Notes”), pursuant to the Company’s $200 million shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for an aggregate offering price of $100 million. The ten-year Notes have an effective interest rate of 6.98% payable semi-annually in February and August.

 

The Notes have covenants that impose limitations on the Company from placing liens on certain property and entering into certain sale-leaseback transactions. The Company is in compliance with these covenants.

 

An event of default related to the GE Capital Credit Agreement does not, in and of itself, constitute an event of default under the Indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued.


16



 

If and to the extent required under the Indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued and subject to certain exceptions contained in the Indenture, the security documents executed in connection with the GE Capital Credit Agreement provide that the obligations under the Notes shall be secured equally and ratably with that portion of the obligations under the GE Capital Credit Agreement that exceed the permitted exceptions contained in the Indenture.

 

Interest Expense – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, interest expense consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit Facility Borrowings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on outstanding borrowings

 

$

 

$

266

 

$

298

 

$

1,248

 

Amortization of credit facility fees

 

 

625

 

 

497

 

 

966

 

 

1,277

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Sub-total

 

 

625

 

 

763

 

 

1,264

 

 

2,525

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on York Property capital lease obligation

 

 

4,478

 

 

4,481

 

 

8,957

 

 

7,159

 

Interest expense on long-term debt

 

 

1,738

 

 

1,737

 

 

3,476

 

 

3,474

 

Amortization of discount - DOJ antitrust fine (see Note 12)

 

 

506

 

 

584

 

 

1,038

 

 

1,191

 

Amortization of discount - Discount Certificates (see Note 12)

 

 

712

 

 

 

 

1,427

 

 

 

Other interest expense

 

 

336

 

 

319

 

 

643

 

 

672

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

8,395

 

$

7,884

 

$

16,805

 

$

15,021

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

Other interest expense principally relates to interest accrued on the unfunded obligation under the Company’s Benefit Equalization Plan.


17



8.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

The Company makes contributions to a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all U.K. employees (the “U.K. Plan”). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the components of net periodic pension cost were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

1,662

 

$

1,487

 

$

3,334

 

$

2,920

 

Interest cost

 

 

2,786

 

 

2,346

 

 

5,588

 

 

4,608

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(4,104

)

 

(3,621

)

 

(8,232

)

 

(7,114

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

66

 

 

60

 

 

133

 

 

118

 

Amortization of actuarial loss

 

 

261

 

 

 

 

524

 

 

 

Amortization of transitional asset

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Sub-total

 

 

671

 

 

269

 

 

1,347

 

 

527

 

Special termination benefits

 

 

 

 

37

 

 

13

 

 

282

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net periodic pension cost

 

$

671

 

$

306

 

$

1,360

 

$

809

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

The special termination benefits are reflected in the Consolidated Income Statements principally within Net Restructuring Charges.

 

Total contributions to the U.K. Plan in 2004 are expected to be approximately $2.8 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, total contributions to the U.K. Plan were approximately $1.4 million.

 

Effective April 1, 2004, the U.K. Plan was closed to new employees. From that date, a defined contribution plan was made available to new employees.

9.

Derivative Instruments

 

The Company utilizes forward exchange contracts to manage exposures related to foreign currency risks, which primarily arise from short-term foreign currency denominated intercompany balances. Generally, such intercompany balances are centrally funded and settled through the Company’s global treasury function. The Company’s objective for holding such derivative instruments is to minimize foreign currency risks using the most effective methods to eliminate or reduce the impacts of these exposures.


18



 

The forward exchange contracts entered into by the Company are used as economic cash flow hedges of the Company’s exposure to short-term foreign currency denominated intercompany balances. Such forward exchange contracts are typically short-term with settlement dates no more than one month from their inception. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, and are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, which is based on referenced market rates. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s forward exchange contracts are recognized currently in earnings and are generally offset by the revaluation of the underlying intercompany balances in accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.”

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the assets relating to the Company’s forward exchange contracts were approximately $28,000 and $38,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2003, the Consolidated Balance Sheets included an asset of approximately $0.3 million relating to the Company’s forward exchange contracts. These assets are recorded within Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and reflect the fair value of the outstanding forward exchange contracts.

10.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Employment Agreements – During the second half of 2003 the Company entered into employment agreements with a number of employees, which expire in June 2006. Such agreements provide, among other benefits, for minimum salary levels, as well as incentive bonuses which are payable only if specified Company and individual goals are attained. The aggregate commitment for future salaries for the entire three-year period, excluding incentive bonuses, is approximately $10.1 million, of which approximately $3.7 million had been paid through July 30, 2004.

 

Lending Commitments – In certain situations, the Company enters into legally binding arrangements to lend, primarily on a collateralized basis and subject to certain limitations and conditions, to potential consignors and other individuals who have collections of fine art or other objects (see Note 5). Unfunded commitments to extend additional credit were approximately $10.5 million at June 30, 2004.


19



 

Legal Actions – The Company becomes involved, from time to time, in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, any such claims and lawsuits are not currently expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.

 

(See Notes 11 and 12 for other commitments and contingencies.)

11.

Auction Guarantees

 

On certain occasions, the Company will guarantee to the consignor a minimum price in connection with the sale of property at auction. The Company must perform under its guarantee only in the event that the property sells for less than the minimum price and, therefore, the Company must pay the difference between the sale price at auction and the amount of the guarantee. If the property does not sell, the amount of the guarantee must be paid, but the Company has the right to recover such amount through the future sale of the property. Generally, the Company is entitled to a share of the excess proceeds if the property under guarantee sells above a minimum price. In addition, the Company is obligated under the terms of certain guarantees to loan a portion of the guaranteed amount prior to the auction.

 

In the first quarter of 2003, the Company adopted the recognition and measurement provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,” for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company had outstanding auction guarantees totaling approximately $6.5 million, the property relating to which had a mid-estimate sales price of approximately $8.0 million. The property under such guarantees is being offered at auction in November 2004. As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the carrying amount of the liability related to the Company’s auction guarantees was approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2003, the carrying amount of the liability for the Company’s auction guarantees was approximately $25,000. The liability related to the Company’s auction guarantees is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities.


20



 

As of August 2, 2004, the Company had outstanding auction guarantees totaling approximately $19.4 million, the property relating to which had a mid-estimate sales price of approximately $21.9 million. The property under such guarantees will be offered at auction in November 2004 and June 2005. As of August 2, 2004, $3.0 million of the guaranteed amount had been advanced by the Company.

12.

Special Charges and Settlement Liabilities

 

Special Charges – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded the following Special Charges related to the investigation by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), other governmental investigations and the related civil antitrust litigation:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal and other professional fees

 

$

330

 

$

44

 

$

480

 

$

552

 

Settlement administration costs

 

 

256

 

 

549

 

 

419

 

 

574

 

Loss on redemption of Discount Certificates

 

 

186

 

 

 

 

385

 

 

 

Settlement of U.S. Antitrust opt out claim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

250

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

772

 

$

593

 

$

1,284

 

$

1,376

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the legal and other professional fees noted above are principally the result of the Canadian Competition Bureau’s continuing investigation regarding anti-competitive practices relating to commissions charged by the Company and Christie’s International, PLC (“Christie’s”) for auction services. In the opinion of management, this investigation is not currently expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.

 

On April 10, 2003, the Company and Christie’s entered into a settlement agreement with one of the parties that opted out of the class action settlement in civil antitrust litigation brought against the Company and Christie’s relating to commissions charged for auctions in the U.S. (the “U.S. Antitrust Litigation”). In the first quarter of 2003, the Company recorded $0.25 million in Special Charges as a result of the completion of the settlement of this claim.


21



 

Settlement Liabilities – In accordance with the U.S. Antitrust Litigation settlement agreement, the Company issued to the class of plaintiffs vendor’s commission discount certificates (“Discount Certificates”) with a face value of $62.5 million. The Court determined that the $62.5 million face value of the Discount Certificates had a fair market value of not less than $50 million, which equals the amount that was recorded in the Consolidated Income Statements as Special Charges in the third quarter of 2000. The Discount Certificates are fully redeemable in connection with any auction conducted by the Company or Christie’s in the U.S. or the U.K. and may be used to satisfy consignment charges involving vendor’s commission, risk of loss and/or catalogue illustration. The Discount Certificates will expire on May 14, 2008 and cannot be redeemed subsequent to that date; however, any unused Discount Certificates may be redeemed for cash at their face value at any time between May 15, 2007 and May 14, 2008. The $12.5 million discount on the face value of the Discount Certificates is being amortized to interest expense over the four-year period prior to May 15, 2007, the first date at which the Discount Certificates are redeemable for cash. As of June 30, 2004, the outstanding face value of unused Discount Certificates that the Company could be required to redeem was $59.3 million and the carrying value of such Discount Certificates was $50.5 million.

 

In February 2001, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York imposed on the Company a fine of $45 million payable to the DOJ without interest over a period of five years. As a result, in the third quarter of 2000, the Company recorded Special Charges of $34.1 million, which represents the present value of the fine payable. The $10.9 million discount on the amount due is being amortized to interest expense over the five-year period during which the fine is being paid. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had funded $18 million of the fine and the remaining $27 million of the fine is payable as follows: $12 million due on February 6, 2005 and $15 million due on February 6, 2006. As of June 30, 2004, the carrying value of the fine payable to the DOJ was $24.6 million.


22



 

As of June 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003, Settlement Liabilities consisted of the following:

 

 

 

June 30,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

June 30,
2003

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount Certificates (net)

 

$

3,200

 

$

1,330

 

$

13,000

 

DOJ antitrust fine (net)

 

 

10,331

 

 

3,951

 

 

3,795

 

 

 



 



 



 

Sub-total

 

 

13,531

 

 

5,281

 

 

16,795

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount Certificates (net)

 

 

47,330

 

 

49,845

 

 

37,000

 

DOJ antitrust fine (net)

 

 

14,311

 

 

25,653

 

 

24,642

 

 

 



 



 



 

Sub-total

 

 

61,641

 

 

75,498

 

 

61,642

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

75,172

 

$

80,779

 

$

78,437

 

 

 



 



 



 


 

The current portion of the liability for the Discount Certificates is based on management’s estimate of redemptions expected during the twelve-month period after the current balance sheet date.

 

Amounts charged to Settlement Liabilities during the six months ended June 30, 2004 were as follows:

 

 

 

Discount
Certificates
(net)

 

DOJ
Antitrust
Fine
(net)

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability at January 1, 2004

 

$

51,175

 

$

29,604

 

$

80,779

 

Cash payment to DOJ

 

 

 

 

(6,000

)

 

(6,000

)

Redemption of Discount Certificates

 

 

(2,457

)

 

 

 

(2,457

)

Amortization of discount

 

 

1,427

 

 

1,038

 

 

2,465

 

Loss on redemption of Discount Certificates

 

 

385

 

 

 

 

385

 

 

 



 



 



 

Liability at June 30, 2004

 

$

50,530

 

$

24,642

 

$

75,172

 

 

 



 



 



 


13.

Restructuring Liability

 

During the fourth quarter of 2002, management approved plans to further restructure the Auction segment, as well as to carry out additional headcount reductions in certain corporate departments (the “2002 Restructuring Plan”). The goal of the 2002 Restructuring Plan was to improve profitability through further cost savings and other strategic actions. The 2002 Restructuring Plan has been fully implemented and the remaining liability, which is recorded within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, is expected to be funded by the end of 2004. Amounts charged to the restructuring liability through June 30, 2004 were as follows:


23



 

 

 

Employee
Termination
Benefits

 

Lease and
Contract
Termination
Costs

 

Asset
Provisions

 

Other
Costs

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

 

$

4,007

 

$

124

 

$

 

$

50

 

$

4,181

 

Cash payments

 

 

(46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(46

)

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Liability at December 31, 2002

 

 

3,969

 

 

124

 

 

 

 

50

 

 

4,143

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

5,219

 

 

500

 

 

495

 

 

319

 

 

6,533

 

Asset write-offs

 

 

 

 

 

 

(495

)

 

 

 

(495

)

Cash payments

 

 

(6,502

)

 

(621

)

 

 

 

(343

)

 

(7,466

)

Adjustments to liability

 

 

(1,471

)

 

(3

)

 

 

 

(25

)

 

(1,499

)

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

 

 

311

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

311

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Liability at December 31, 2003

 

 

1,526

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

1,527

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

38

 

 

47

 

 

 

 

61

 

 

146

 

Cash payments

 

 

(1,401

)

 

(47

)

 

 

 

(62

)

 

(1,510

)

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

 

 

(32

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(32

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Liability at June 30, 2004

 

$

131

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

131

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 


14.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The Company’s comprehensive income (loss) includes the net income (loss) for the period, as well as other comprehensive income (loss), which consists of the change in the foreign currency translation adjustment account during the period. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

42,477

 

$

14,196

 

$

79,197

 

($13,424

)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(669

)

 

1,149

 

 

(1,313

)

1,791

 

 

 



 



 



 


 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

41,808

 

$

15,345

 

$

77,884

 

($11,633

)

 

 



 



 



 


 



24



15.

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock Option PlansThe Company accounts for the 1987 Stock Option Plan and 1997 Stock Option Plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Accordingly, compensation cost related to stock option grants to employees has been recognized only to the extent that the fair market value of the stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option at the date of the grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss), as reported

 

$

42,477

 

$

14,196

 

$

79,197

 

($13,424

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income (loss), net of tax effects

 

 

1,428

 

 

 

 

1,572

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

 

(2,059

)

 

(1,981

)

 

(3,207

)

(4,053

)

 

 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income (loss)

 

$

41,846

 

$

12,215

 

$

77,562

 

($17,477

)

 

 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share, as reported

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.23

 

$

1.29

 

($0.22

)

 

 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share, pro forma

 

$

0.68

 

$

0.20

 

$

1.26

 

($0.28

)

 

 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share, as reported

 

$

0.68

 

$

0.23

 

$

1.27

 

($0.22

)

 

 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share, pro-forma

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.20

 

$

1.25

 

($0.28

)

 

 



 



 



 


 



25



 

Option Exchange Program – In February 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved an exchange offer of cash or restricted stock under the 2003 Restricted Stock Plan for stock options to eligible employees that held certain stock options under the Company’s 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “Exchange Offer”) and the Exchange Offer was tendered during the first half of 2004.

 

The total amount of options that were cancelled as a result of the Exchange Offer was approximately 5.6 million and the number of shares of restricted stock that were issued was approximately 1.1 million shares. These shares were issued upon acceptance of the Exchange Offer at the closing market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of issuance and are being expensed over a four-year vesting period. The total amount of the compensation expense related to the restricted stock issuance, assuming that all restricted shares vest, will be approximately $14.1 million, of which $1.9 million was recognized in the second quarter of 2004. The cash payment made in conjunction with the Exchange Offer was approximately $2.2 million and was expensed in full upon acceptance on March 31, 2004.

16.

Variable Interest Entity

 

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued a revision to FIN No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”), which was originally issued in January 2003. FIN 46, as revised, provides guidance on the consolidation of certain entities when control exists through other than voting (or similar) interests and was effective immediately with respect to entities created after January 31, 2003. For certain special purpose entities created prior to February 1, 2003, FIN 46, as revised, became effective for financial statements issued after December 15, 2003. FIN 46, as revised, is effective for all other entities created prior to February 1, 2003 beginning with financial statements for reporting periods ending after March 15, 2004. FIN 46, as revised, requires consolidation by the majority holder of expected losses, expected residual returns, or both of the activities of a variable interest entity (“VIE”).

 

The Company has concluded that an entity with whom its Finance segment has outstanding loans of approximately $3.5 million and to whom the Company provides management consulting services meets the definition of a VIE under FIN 46, as revised. As primary beneficiary of the VIE, the Company was required to consolidate the entity as part of the Auction segment beginning on March 31, 2004.


26



The entity is an art gallery which is engaged in business as a broker/dealer in works of art. The Company provides management consulting services to the entity in exchange for a management fee, which is equal to 50% of the entity’s net income (excluding the management fee and certain other specified revenues and expenses). Included in the Company’s consolidated assets as of June 30, 2004 is inventory with a carrying value of approximately $3.8 million. Such inventory consists entirely of artwork and is the collateral for the $3.5 million in outstanding loans discussed above, which are eliminated in the consolidation. The Company has no equity investment in the entity.

The Company accounts for its interest in the entity on a quarter lag applied on a consistent basis. As of March 31, 2004, the entity had total assets of $5.6 million, total liabilities of $4.9 million and capital of $0.7 million.


27



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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003

Note 4 (“Segment Reporting”) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

Seasonality

The worldwide art auction market has two principal selling seasons, spring and fall. Accordingly, first and third quarter results of the Auction segment typically reflect lower Aggregate Auction Sales (as defined below) and lower operating results than the second and fourth quarters due to the fixed nature of many of the Company’s operating expenses. (See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”).

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations are financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP and also on a non-GAAP basis. When material, the Company excludes the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates when comparing current year results to the prior year. Consequently, such period-to-period comparisons are provided on a constant dollar basis by eliminating the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates since the prior year. Management believes the use of this non-GAAP financial measure provides a more meaningful discussion and analysis of material fluctuations in the Company’s operating results. Additionally, management utilizes this non-GAAP financial measure in analyzing its operating results.

Overview

In the first half of 2003, global economic uncertainties partially attributable to the impending war with Iraq had an adverse impact on the key property gathering period for the spring auction season and negatively impacted the Company’s results of operations, as discretionary sellers postponed selling plans and buyers took a more cautious approach to their collecting. Beginning in the autumn of 2003, however, as public confidence improved along with the quality and quantity of consignments around the world, the international art market recovered and the Company experienced significantly better results in


28



the fourth quarter of 2003 and the first half of 2004 when compared to the same periods in the prior years. Management currently expects the recovery in the international art market to continue.

Management currently expects the recovery in the international art market to continue and is encouraged by the level of consignments thus far for the fall auction season, which include a number of outstanding single-owner sales. However, it is unlikely that Auction segment results for the second half of 2004 will be at the level achieved in the first half of the year. Aggregate Auction Sales for the second half of the year are traditionally lower than the first half due to the timing of certain sales in the Company's sales calendar. Additionally, we do not expect another private sale such as the landmark private sale of the Forbes Collection of Faberge in February 2004, or a replication of the May 2004 single-owner sale of property of the Greentree Foundation, both as discussed in more detail below. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.)

The Company’s pre-tax results from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 are summarized below (in thousands of dollars):

 

  

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

  

 

2004

 

2003

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction and related revenues

 

$

166,337

 

$

107,580

 

$

58,757

 

55

%

License fee revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

Other revenues

 

 

3,190

 

 

2,838

 

 

352

 

12

%

Total revenues

 

 

169,527

 

 

110,418

 

 

59,109

 

54

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

99,567

 

 

82,581

 

 

16,986

 

21

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

69,960

 

 

27,837

 

 

42,123

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest expense and other

 

 

(8,133

)

 

(6,864

)

 

1,269

 

18

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

 

$

61,827

 

$

20,973

 

$

40,854

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

  

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

  

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction and related revenues

 

$

225,439

 

$

145,713

 

$

79,726

 

55

%

License fee revenue

 

 

45,000

 

 

 

 

45,000

 

 

*

Other revenues

 

 

5,520

 

 

5,897

 

 

(377

)

-6

%

Total revenues

 

 

275,959

 

 

151,610

 

 

124,349

 

82

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

178,347

 

 

160,846

 

 

17,501

 

11

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

97,612

 

 

(9,236

)

 

106,848

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest expense and other

 

 

(15,284

)

 

(12,992

)

 

2,292

 

18

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

 

$

82,328

 

 

($22,228

)

$

104,556

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


*

Represents a change in excess of 100%.

The improvement in the Company’s results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 when compared to the prior year was due to increased profitability in the Auction segment principally resulting from a significant increase in auction sales during the spring auction season, as well as a higher level of private treaty revenues. Also favorably influencing the comparison of first half results to the prior year is a


29



$45 million one-time license fee earned in the first quarter of 2004 in conjunction with the sale of the Company’s domestic real estate brokerage business (see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”). The overall improvement in the Company’s results for the periods was partially offset by increased incentive bonus costs.

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Company’s pre-tax income from discontinued operations was $39.3 million; a significant improvement when compared to the same period in 2003 when the Company’s discontinued operations had pre-tax income of approximately $1.9 million. This improvement was largely due to a pre-tax gain of $32.3 million recognized on the sale of the Company’s discontinued domestic real estate brokerage business. (See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

Please refer to the discussion below for a more detailed discussion of the significant factors impacting the Company’s results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004.

Sale of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.

In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company committed to a plan to sell its domestic real estate brokerage business, Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. (“SIR”). On February 17, 2004, the Company consummated the sale of SIR to a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (“Cendant”). SIR was the principal component of the Company’s former Real Estate segment.

In conjunction with the sale, the Company entered into an agreement with Cendant to license the Sotheby’s International Realty trademark and certain related trademarks for an initial 50-year term with a 50-year renewal option (the “License Agreement”). The License Agreement is applicable to Canada, Israel, Mexico, the United States (the “U.S.”) and certain Caribbean countries.

The total consideration paid by Cendant at closing for SIR’s company-owned real estate brokerage business and affiliate network, as well as the License Agreement and the International Options (as defined below) was $100.7 million, consisting of $98.9 million in cash and the assumption of a $1.8 million note payable. Net cash proceeds from the sale, after deducting $4.7 million in transaction costs, were $94.2 million. In addition to the consideration received at closing, the License Agreement provides for an ongoing license fee during its term


30



based on the volume of commerce transacted under the licensed trademarks. (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for a discussion of the Company’s expected use of the proceeds received at closing.)

The consideration received at closing was allocated among each of the following components based on a valuation of their respective fair values: (i) SIR’s company-owned real estate brokerage business and affiliate network, (ii) the License Agreement and (iii) the International Options. Based on this valuation, $55.1 million was allocated to SIR’s company-owned real estate brokerage business and affiliate network, $45 million was allocated to the License Agreement and $0.6 million was allocated to the International Options.

As a result of the sale of SIR’s company-owned real estate brokerage business and affiliate network, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $32.3 million, consisting of the $55.1 million in allocated proceeds less SIR’s closing book value and transaction related costs. The $32.3 million pre-tax gain is recorded within income from discontinued operations before taxes in the Company’s Consolidated Income Statements. As a result of this gain, the Company utilized approximately $12.7 million of the net deferred tax asset related to its net operating loss carryforwards.

The $45 million of proceeds allocated to the License Agreement represents a one-time non-refundable upfront license fee received by the Company as consideration for entering into the License Agreement. The Company has no significant future performance obligations associated with the non-refundable upfront license fee. As a result, the Company recognized license fee revenue of $45 million in the first quarter of 2004, which is classified within the continuing operations section of the Consolidated Income Statements. This classification is consistent with how the Company will report ongoing license fees earned during the term of the License Agreement, as well as license fee revenue earned in the future from other potential licensing opportunities. As a result of this one-time license fee, the Company utilized approximately $15 million of the net deferred tax asset related to its net operating loss carryforwards during the first quarter of 2004. The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $2.1 million related to the consummation of the License Agreement in the first quarter of 2004, which are recorded within general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statements.


31



The other non-U.S. offices of the Company’s real estate brokerage business, which are not significant to the Company’s overall operations, continue to operate as Sotheby’s International Realty under current management. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of such offices are not classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and their operating results are not reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Income Statements. Cendant has options to acquire most of these offices and a license to use the related trademarks in other countries outside the U.S. during the five-year period following February 17, 2004 for a nominal amount (the “International Options”). The fair value of these options is being marked to market on a quarterly basis with any changes in fair value recorded in the Consolidated Income Statements. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, there was no change in the fair value of the International Options.

(See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)


32



Revenues

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, revenues from continuing operations consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Auction and related revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction commission revenues

 

$

149,097

 

$

96,723

 

$

52,374

 

54

%

Auction expense recoveries

 

 

6,978

 

 

5,279

 

 

1,699

 

32

%

Private treaty revenues

 

 

3,054

 

 

1,523

 

 

1,531

 

 

*

Principal activities

 

 

2,834

 

 

658

 

 

2,176

 

 

*

Catalogue subscription revenues

 

 

2,622

 

 

2,310

 

 

312

 

14

%

Other

 

 

1,752

 

 

1,087

 

 

665

 

61

%

Total auction and related revenues

 

 

166,337

 

 

107,580

 

 

58,757

 

55

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License fee revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance segment revenues

 

 

1,865

 

 

1,290

 

 

575

 

45

%

Other

 

 

1,325

 

 

1,548

 

 

(223

)

-14

%

Total other revenues

 

 

3,190

 

 

2,838

 

 

352

 

12

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

169,527

 

$

110,418

 

$

59,109

 

54

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key performance indicators:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate Auction Sales **

 

$

1,120,083

 

$

580,084

 

$

539,999

 

93

%

Net Auction Sales ***

 

$

972,867

 

$

499,560

 

$

473,307

 

95

%

Auction commission margin ****

 

 

15.3

%

 

19.4

%

 

N/A

 

-21

%

Average loan portfolio

 

$

75,252

 

$

88,943

 

 

($13,691

)

-15

%


 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Auction and related revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction commission revenues

 

$

187,682

 

$

129,004

 

$

58,678

 

45

%

Auction expense recoveries

 

 

8,581

 

 

7,079

 

 

1,502

 

21

%

Private treaty revenues

 

 

16,316

 

 

2,759

 

 

13,557

 

 

*

Principal activities

 

 

5,069

 

 

449

 

 

4,620

 

 

*

Catalogue subscription revenues

 

 

4,765

 

 

4,160

 

 

605

 

15

%

Other

 

 

3,026

 

 

2,262

 

 

764

 

34

%

Total auction and related revenues

 

 

225,439

 

 

145,713

 

 

79,726

 

55

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License fee revenue

 

 

45,000

 

 

 

 

45,000

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance segment revenues

 

 

3,081

 

 

2,777

 

 

304

 

11

%

Other

 

 

2,439

 

 

3,120

 

 

(681

)

-22

%

Total other revenues

 

 

5,520

 

 

5,897

 

 

(377

)

-6

%

Total revenues

 

$

275,959

 

$

151,610

 

$

124,349

 

82

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key performance indicators:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate Auction Sales **

 

$

1,353,280

 

$

781,006

 

$

572,274

 

73

%

Net Auction Sales ***

 

$

1,173,673

 

$

672,815

 

$

500,858

 

74

%

Auction commission margin ****

 

 

16.0

%

 

19.2

%

 

N/A

 

-17

%

Average loan portfolio

 

$

85,149

 

$

91,893

 

 

($6,744

)

-7

%



33



Legend:

*

Represents a change in excess of 100%.

**

Represents the hammer price of property sold at auction plus buyer’s premium.

***

Represents the hammer price of property sold at auction.

****

Represents total auction commission revenues as a percentage of Net Auction Sales.

Auction and Related Revenues

Auction and related revenues increased $58.8 million, or 55%, to $166.3 million and $79.7 million, or 55%, to $225.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the favorable impact of foreign currency translations on auction and related revenues was $7.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of favorable foreign currency translations, auction and related revenues increased $51.6 million, or 48%, to $159.1 million and $68.9 million, or 47%, to $214.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

The increased level of auction and related revenues during the periods was principally due to higher auction commission revenues and, to a lesser extent, increased private treaty revenues and principal activities, as explained in more detail below.

Auction Commission Revenues – Auction commission revenues increased $52.4 million, or 54%, to $149.1 million and $58.7 million, or 45%, to $187.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the favorable impact of foreign currency translations on auction commission revenues was $6.4 million and $9.6 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of favorable foreign currency translations, auction commission revenues increased $46 million, or 48%, to $142.7 million and $49.1 million, or 38%, to $178.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

The higher level of auction commission revenues during the periods was largely attributable to a significant increase in auction sales; partially offset by a decrease in auction commission margin. See “Aggregate Auction Sales” and “Auction Commission Margin” below for a detailed discussion of these key performance indicators.


34



Private Treaty Revenues – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, private treaty revenues increased $1.5 million and $13.6 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. The higher level of private treaty activity for these periods reflects the traditionally variable nature of such sales, as well as management’s expanded efforts in this area.

Most significantly, results for the first half of 2004 include the landmark private sale of the Forbes Collection of Faberge in February 2004. Also favorably influencing the comparison of private treaty revenues to the prior year is the May 2004 sale of a collection of Old Master Drawings to the Louvre, as well as the private sale of Raphael’s “Madonna of the Pinks” to the National Gallery in London and the private sales from a collection of masterpiece sculpture that was on exhibit at the exclusive Isleworth Club in Florida, both of which occurred in the first quarter of 2004.

Principal Activities – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, principal activities increased $2.2 million and $4.6 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. These increases were due, in part, to a $1.8 million gain recognized in May 2004 on the sale of a painting purchased by the Company for investment purposes, for which there was no comparable event in the prior year, as well as an increased level of guarantees issued for the spring auction season and a higher degree of success for such guarantees when compared to the prior year. Also favorably impacting the comparison of first half results to the prior year is a $2.2 million gain recognized in January 2004 on the sale of property purchased by an art dealer through an unsecured loan from the Company, for which there was no comparable event in the prior year. In certain situations, property purchased pursuant to such unsecured loans is sold by the dealer or at auction with any net profit or loss shared by the Company and the dealer.

The level of principal activities in a period is largely attributable to the economic environment, the supply of quality property available for investment and resale and the demand by buyer’s for such property, as well as the level of auction guarantees issued by the Company.

Aggregate Auction Sales – Aggregate Auction Sales increased $540 million, or 93%, to $1,120.1 million and $572.3 million, or 73%, to $1,353.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the favorable impact of foreign currency translations on Aggregate Auction Sales was $38.2 million and $58.5 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of


35



favorable foreign currency translations, Aggregate Auction Sales increased $501.8 million, or 87%, to $1,081.9 million and $513.8 million, or 66%, to $1,294.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

The overall increase in Aggregate Auction Sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, was principally the result of an improving economy and art market. Specifically, results for the periods include approximately $213.1 million in Aggregate Auction Sales attributable to the single-owner sale of property of the Greentree Foundation, which included the record breaking sale of Picasso’s “Garçon à la Pipe” for $104.2 million and for which there was no comparable sale in the prior year. Results for the period also significantly benefited from a $90.2 million, or 72%, increase in Aggregate Auction Sales from the various-owner spring Impressionist and Contemporary sales in New York. In 2003, such sales produced dramatically lower results when compared to prior years due in part to economic uncertainties related to the build up to the war in Iraq. The comparison to the prior year was also favorably impacted by a $53.7 million, or 56%, improvement in the June Impressionist and Contemporary sales in London, as well as significantly better second quarter results generated by the Company’s salesrooms in Hong Kong, Geneva, Italy and Amsterdam.

Auction Commission Margin – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the Company experienced decreases of 21% and 17%, respectively, in auction commission margin when compared to the same periods in the prior year. These decreases were principally due to the fact that a significant portion of the increase in auction sales was at the high-end of the Company’s business where auction commission margins are traditionally lower. Specifically, several of the Impressionist and Contemporary collections offered during the spring season carried lower auction commission margins than comparable sales in the recent past. This is primarily due to the competitive environment, as well as the Company’s decision to reduce its auction guarantee risk through sharing arrangements with partners, whereby the Company reduces its financial exposure under the auction guarantee in exchange for sharing in the auction commissions with the partner. Both of these factors significantly contributed to a $19.3 million increase in auction commissions owed by the Company as a result of sharing arrangements with unaffiliated third parties.


36



License Fee Revenue

In the first quarter of 2004, the Company recognized income of $45 million related to a one-time license fee received as consideration for entering into an agreement with Cendant to license the Sotheby’s International Realty trademark and certain related trademarks. (See “Sale of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.” above and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

Other Revenues

For the three months ended June 30, 2004, other revenues increased $0.4 million, or 12%, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was principally due to a $0.6 million, or 45%, increase in Finance segment revenues, as discussed in more detail below; partially offset by a reduction in art education revenues resulting from the sale of the Company’s United Kingdom (“U.K.”) art education business in the third quarter of 2003.

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, other revenues decreased $0.4 million, or 6%, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease was principally due to a reduction in art education revenues, as explained above, partially offset by a $0.3 million, or 11%, increase in Finance segment revenues, as discussed in more detail below.

Finance Segment Revenues – The overall increase in Finance segment revenues for the periods was principally due to $1 million in interest income recognized in the second quarter of 2004 as a result of the collection of a disputed client loan, for which there was no comparable event in the prior year; partially offset by a decrease in the average loan portfolio balance. See “Average Loan Portfolio” below for a detailed discussion of this key performance indicator.

Average Loan Portfolio – The Finance segment’s average loan portfolio balance decreased $13.7 million, or 15%, and $6.7 million, or 7%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. These decreases were due in part to the limited availability of capital to fund new loans prior to the Company entering into its new senior secured credit agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation on March 4, 2004. As discussed in more detail below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” the Company’s present intention is to expand the Finance segment’s loan portfolio.


37



(See statement on Forward Looking Statements.)

Expenses

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, expenses from continuing operations consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):

 

  

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

  

 

2004

 

2003

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Direct costs of services

 

$

19,276

 

$

14,938

 

$

4,338

 

29

%

Salaries and related costs

 

 

49,842

 

 

36,042

 

 

13,800

 

38

%

General and administrative expenses

 

 

24,046

 

 

22,336

 

 

1,710

 

8

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

5,604

 

 

6,257

 

 

(653

)

-10

%

Retention costs

 

 

 

 

2,865

 

 

(2,865

)

-100

%

Net restructuring charges

 

 

27

 

 

(450

)

 

477

 

 

*

Special charges

 

 

772

 

 

593

 

 

179

 

30

%

Total expenses

 

$

99,567

 

$

82,581

 

$

16,986

 

21

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

  

 

2004

 

2003

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Direct costs of services

 

$

26,470

 

$

21,665

 

$

4,805

 

22

%

Salaries and related costs

 

 

89,081

 

 

69,575

 

 

19,506

 

28

%

General and administrative expenses

 

 

49,571

 

 

44,027

 

 

5,544

 

13

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

11,510

 

 

12,518

 

 

(1,008

)

-8

%

Retention costs

 

 

285

 

 

6,344

 

 

(6,059

)

-96

%

Net restructuring charges

 

 

146

 

 

5,341

 

 

(5,195

)

-97

%

Special charges

 

 

1,284

 

 

1,376

 

 

(92

)

-7

%

Total expenses

 

$

178,347

 

$

160,846

 

$

17,501

 

11

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


*

Represents a change in excess of 100%.

Direct Costs of Services

Direct costs of services (consisting largely of corporate marketing and sale marketing expenses, as well as catalogue production and distribution costs) increased $4.3 million, or 29%, to $19.3 million and $4.8 million, or 22%, to $26.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translations on direct costs was $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translations, direct costs increased $3.5 million, or 23%, to $18.5 million and $3.4 million, or 16%, to $25.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.


38



The increased level of direct costs is consistent with the higher level of Aggregate Auction Sales and private treaty activity during the three and six months ended June 30, 2004. In particular, direct costs for the second quarter of 2004 include approximately $1.2 million in catalogue production, advertising and promotional costs related to the single-owner sale of property from the Greentree Foundation, for which there was no comparable sale in the prior year. The overall increase in direct costs for the first half of the year was partially offset by approximately $0.9 million in cost reductions achieved as a result of the elimination of direct costs associated with the Company’s former e-commerce and U.K. art education activities.

Salaries and Related Costs

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, salaries and related costs consisted of the following:

 

  

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

  

 

2004

 

2003

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Full-time salaries

 

$

24,247

 

$

24,553

 

 

($306

)

-1

%

Employee benefits

 

 

4,173

 

 

3,656

 

 

517

 

14

%

Payroll taxes

 

 

3,395

 

 

2,681

 

 

714

 

27

%

Option Exchange

 

 

1,944

 

 

 

 

1,944

 

 

*

Incentive bonus costs

 

 

12,697

 

 

1,889

 

 

10,808

 

 

*

Other

 

 

3,386

 

 

3,263

 

 

123

 

4

%

Total salaries and related costs

 

$

49,842

 

$

36,042

 

$

13,800

 

38

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Full-time salaries

 

$

49,338

 

$

49,083

 

$

255

 

1

%

Employee benefits

 

 

8,791

 

 

7,518

 

 

1,273

 

17

%

Payroll taxes

 

 

6,362

 

 

5,362

 

 

1,000

 

19

%

Option Exchange

 

 

4,094

 

 

 

 

4,094

 

 

*

Incentive bonus costs

 

 

14,122

 

 

2,144

 

 

11,978

 

 

*

Other

 

 

6,374

 

 

5,468

 

 

906

 

17

%

Total salaries and related costs

 

$

89,081

 

$

69,575

 

$

19,506

 

28

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


*

Represents a change in excess of 100%.

Salaries and related costs increased $13.8 million, or 38%, to $49.8 million, and $19.5 million, or 28%, to $89.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translations on salaries and related costs was approximately $1.9 million and $4.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency


39



translations, salaries and related costs increased $11.9 million, or 33%, to $47.9 million and $15.0 million, or 22%, to $84.6 million. These increases were principally due to significantly higher incentive bonus costs and, to a lesser extent, the Company’s option exchange program and increased costs for employee benefits and payroll taxes; partially offset by lower full-time salaries (excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translations). See discussion below for a more detailed explanation of each factor contributing to the variances versus the prior year.

Incentive Bonus Costs – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, incentive bonus costs increased $10.8 million and $12.0 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. The significant increase in incentive bonus costs is consistent with the Company’s substantial improvement in second quarter results, as well as performance-based compensation awarded principally in the first quarter of 2004 in connection with the high level of private treaty transactions during the period.

Option Exchange Program - In February 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved an exchange offer of cash or restricted stock under the 2003 Restricted Stock Plan for stock options to eligible employees that held certain stock options under the Company’s 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “Exchange Offer”) and the Exchange Offer was tendered during the first half of 2004.

The total amount of options that were cancelled as a result of the Exchange Offer was approximately 5.6 million and the number of shares of restricted stock that were issued was approximately 1.1 million shares. These shares were issued upon acceptance of the Exchange Offer at the closing market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of issuance and are being expensed over a four-year vesting period. The total amount of the compensation expense related to the restricted stock issuance, assuming that all restricted shares vest, will be approximately $14.1 million, of which $1.9 million was recognized in the second quarter of 2004. The cash payment made in conjunction with the Exchange Offer was approximately $2.2 million and was expensed in full upon acceptance on March 31, 2004.

Employee Benefits – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, employee benefits increased $0.5 million, or 14%, and $1.3 million, or 17%, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. The higher level of employee benefits was due in part to increases of $0.4 million and $0.8 million in costs related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plan for U.K. employees for the three and six months


40



ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year (see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”). Also unfavorably impacting the comparison to the prior year are $0.6 million in severance costs incurred in the first quarter of 2004 related to headcount reductions in Continental Europe. These increases were partially offset by an overall lower level of employee benefits as a result of headcount reductions subsequent to March 31, 2003.

Full-Time Salaries – For the three months ended June 30, 2004, full-time salaries decreased $0.3 million, or 1%, to $24.2 million, when compared to the same period in the prior year. For the three months ended June 30, 2004, the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translations on full-time salaries was $1.1 million. Excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translations, full-time salaries decreased $1.4 million, or 6%, to $23.1 million.

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, full-time salaries increased $0.3 million to $49.3 million, when compared to the same period in the prior year. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translations on full-time salaries was $2.8 million. Excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translations, full-time salaries decreased $2.5 million, or 5%, to $46.5 million.

The lower level of full-time salaries was principally due to savings achieved as a result of headcount reductions subsequent to March 31, 2003.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased $1.7 million, or 8%, to $24.0 million, and $5.5 million, or 13%, to $49.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translations on general and administrative expenses was approximately $1.2 million and $2.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Excluding the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translations, general and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million, or 2%, to $22.8 million and $2.8 million, or 6%, to $46.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.


41



The overall increase in general and administrative expenses was largely due to higher professional fees primarily resulting from $2.1 million of transaction costs incurred in the first quarter of 2004 related to the consummation of the License Agreement (see “Sale of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.” above and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”), as well as professional fees incurred during the first half of 2004 related to the Company’s ongoing implementation of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Also unfavorably impacting the comparison to the prior periods were increases in non-recurring client goodwill gestures and authenticity claims of $1.6 million and $1.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Additionally, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the Company experienced a slight increase in travel and entertainment costs principally as a result of a higher level of travel in conjunction with the successful spring auction season.

The overall increase in general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 was partially offset by an insurance recovery of approximately $4 million related to the collateral underlying a loan for which the Company recorded a loan loss reserve of $9 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 and subsequently wrote off in the first quarter of 2001. Also favorably impacting the comparison of general and administrative expenses to the prior year are cost savings achieved as a result of the discontinuation of the Company’s former e-commerce and U.K. art education activities.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.7 million, or 10%, to $5.6 million and $1.0 million, or 8%, to $11.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year principally due to fixed assets that became fully depreciated subsequent to the first quarter of 2003. This decrease is consistent with the lower level of capital spending by the Company in recent years.


42



Retention Costs

In 2001 and 2002, the Company implemented retention programs to certain key employees upon fulfillment of full-time employment through certain dates. All amounts related to the retention programs were amortized over the related contractual service periods. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Company recognized retention costs of $0.3 million. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, the Company recognized retention costs of $2.9 million and $6.3 million, respectively.

The final cash payment of $0.4 million due under the retention programs was made in January 2004 and, as a result, the retention programs have concluded.

Net Restructuring Charges

During the fourth quarter of 2002, management approved plans to further restructure the Auction segment, as well as to carry out additional headcount reductions in certain corporate departments (the “2002 Restructuring Plan”). The goal of the 2002 Restructuring Plan was to improve profitability through further cost savings and other strategic actions, as described below. Net annual cost savings achieved as a result of the 2002 Restructuring Plan were approximately $17 million. See below for a more detailed discussion of these cost savings.

In December 2002, the Company committed to the termination of approximately 60 employees as a result of the 2002 Restructuring Plan and recorded restructuring charges of $4.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2002, principally consisting of $4.0 million in employee termination benefits, as well as $0.2 million in lease termination and other costs. These headcount reductions impacted the Auction segment primarily in North America, as well as certain corporate departments. Estimated annual savings achieved in salaries and related costs as a result of the headcount reductions and attrition were approximately $5 million.

In February 2003, as part of the 2002 Restructuring Plan, the Company and eBay entered into an agreement pursuant to which separate online auctions on sothebys.com were discontinued on April 30, 2003. As a result, the Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2003 consisting of approximately $1.0 million for employee termination benefits, $0.5 million for a minimum guaranteed fee owed to eBay for which the Company would receive no future economic benefit and approximately $0.5 million for impairment losses related to certain technology assets. These actions resulted in estimated net annual cost savings of approximately $8 million, which


43



have been achieved principally through lower salaries and related costs resulting from the termination of approximately 30 employees and through attrition. Additionally, savings have been achieved in direct costs of services and general and administrative expenses.

During 2003, as part of the 2002 Restructuring Plan, management committed to approximately 40 additional headcount reductions in Europe in the Auction segment. As a result, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $3.7 million and $0.5 million in the first and fourth quarters of 2003, respectively, for employee termination benefits. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2004, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $0.1 million for employee termination benefits, lease termination costs and other incremental costs incurred in the first quarter of 2004 related to this phase of the 2002 Restructuring Plan. These actions resulted in estimated annual cost savings of approximately $4 million, which have been achieved principally through lower salaries and related costs.

During the first quarter of 2003, as part of the 2002 Restructuring Plan, the Company entered into an agreement to outsource the operation of its mainframe computer systems. In conjunction with the decision to outsource such operations, management committed to the termination of six employees in the corporate Information Technology department and, as a result, the Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2003 for employee termination benefits. These actions have resulted in estimated net annual cost savings of approximately $0.3 million. Such savings, have been achieved primarily through lower salaries and related costs.

(See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

Special Charges

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded the following Special Charges related to the investigation by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), other governmental investigations and the related civil antitrust litigation:


44



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Legal and other professional fees

 

$

330

 

$

44

 

$

480

 

$

552

 

Settlement administration costs

 

 

256

 

 

549

 

 

419

 

 

574

 

Loss on redemption of Discount Certificates

 

 

186

 

 

 

 

385

 

 

 

Settlement of U.S. Antitrust opt out claim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

250

 

Total

 

$

772

 

$

593

 

$

1,284

 

$

1,376

 


(See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements,” for information on special charges.)

Net Interest Expense

For the three months ended June 30, 2004, net interest expense increased $1.0 million, or 15%, compared to the same period in 2003. This increase was primarily the result of the amortization of $0.7 million in interest expense related to the vendor’s commission discount certificates issued as part of the U.S. Antitrust Litigation settlement in May 2003 (see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”). Also unfavorably influencing the comparison to the prior year is $0.7 million in interest income related to a delinquent client account that was determined to be collectible in the second quarter of 2003, for which there was no comparable event in the current year.

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, net interest expense increased $2.3 million, or 17%, compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to $1.8 million in additional interest expense related to the York Property capital lease obligation, which was initially recorded in February 2003, as well as $1.4 million in interest expense related to the vendor’s commission discount certificates issued as part of the U.S. Antitrust Litigation settlement in May 2003 (see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”). Also unfavorably influencing the comparison to the prior year is $0.7 million in interest income related to a delinquent client account that was determined to be collectible in the second quarter of 2003, for which there was no comparable event in the current year. These increases were partially offset by a $1.3 million reduction in interest expense associated with the Company’s credit facility principally as a result of decreased average outstanding borrowings and lower amortization of credit facility fees.


45



(See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the effective tax rate related to continuing operations was approximately 34%, when compared to an effective tax rate of 37% and 35%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003. The decreases in the effective tax rate resulted primarily from a difference in foreign tax rates, as well as changes during the periods in the difference between income or loss calculated for tax purposes and income or loss calculated according to generally accepted accounting principles.

FACILITIES REVIEW

Management remains committed to further reducing costs. Accordingly, the Company continues to analyze, and when sensible, implement solutions that can bring efficiencies and cost savings to its business. For example, management is continuing to analyze its current premises, in particular the York Property, for both its current and future business needs in an effort to reduce its overhead costs.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AS OF JUNE 30, 2004

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (see Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

For the six months ended June 30, 2004, total cash and cash equivalents related to the Company’s continuing and discontinued operations increased approximately $81.8 million primarily due to the factors discussed below.

Net cash provided by operations was approximately $32.2 million during the first half of 2004 and was principally due to the Company’s net income from continuing operations. Also influencing cash provided by operations during the period was a $253.6 million increase in accounts receivable, partially offset by a $202.7 million increase in due to consignors, both principally resulting from auction sales occurring during the spring auction season. Additionally, during the first half of 2004, prepaid expenses and other current assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $20.9 million and $16.0 million, respectively. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets was principally attributable to a $12.5 million receivable due from the Company’s partner in an auction guarantee. Also contributing to the increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets was a $4 million insurance recovery accrued during the second quarter of 2004, as discussed in more detail above in the discussion on “General and Administrative Expenses.” The increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was principally attributable to a higher accrual of incentive bonus costs related to the improvement in the Company’s second quarter results.

Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $66.8 million during the first half of 2004 and was principally due to the collection of maturing client loans during the first half of 2004, as well as the proceeds received from the sale of the Company’s domestic real estate brokerage business on February 17, 2004 (see “Sale of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.” above and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”). These investing cash inflows were partially offset by the funding of consignor advances during the period.


46



Net cash used by financing activities was approximately $17.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and was principally due to the net repayment of credit facility borrowings.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table summarizes the Company’s material contractual obligations and commitments as of June 30, 2004.

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

Total

 

Less Than
One Year

 

1 to 3
Years

 

3 to 5
Years

 

After
5 Years

 

 

 

 

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

 

 

Long-term debt (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments

 

$

100,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

100,000

 

$

 

Interest payments

 

 

33,802

 

 

6,875

 

 

13,750

 

 

13,177

 

 

 

Sub-total

 

 

133,802

 

 

6,875

 

 

13,750

 

 

113,177

 

 

 

Other commitments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

York Property capital lease

 

 

415,971

 

 

18,025

 

 

37,920

 

 

39,224

 

 

320,802

 

Operating lease obligations

 

 

86,766

 

 

14,384

 

 

22,391

 

 

15,067

 

 

34,924

 

DOJ antitrust fine (2)

 

 

27,000

 

 

12,000

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

Auction guarantees (3)

 

 

6,500

 

 

6,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment agreements (4)

 

 

6,750

 

 

3,375

 

 

3,375

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-total

 

 

542,987

 

 

54,284

 

 

78,686

 

 

54,291

 

 

355,726

 

Total

 

$

676,789

 

$

61,159

 

$

92,436

 

$

167,468

 

$

355,726

 


(1)

Represents the aggregate outstanding principal and semi-annual interest payments due on the Company’s long-term debt. (See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

(2)

Represents the remaining fine payable to the DOJ. (See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

(3)

On certain occasions, the Company will guarantee to the consignor a minimum price in connection with the sale of property at auction. The Company must perform under its guarantee only in the event that the property sells for less than the minimum price and, therefore, the Company must pay the difference between the sale price at auction and the amount of the guarantee. If the property does not sell, the amount of the guarantee must be paid, but the Company has the right to recover such amount through the future sale of the property. (See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

(4)

Represents the remaining commitment for future salaries related to employment agreements with a number of employees, excluding incentive bonuses. (See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)


47



The vendor’s commission discount certificates (the “Discount Certificates”) that were distributed as part of the U.S. Antitrust Litigation settlement (see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”) are fully redeemable in connection with any auction that is conducted by the Company or Christie’s International, PLC in the U.S. or the U.K. The Discount Certificates may be used to satisfy consignment charges involving vendor’s commission, risk of loss and/or catalogue illustration. The Discount Certificates will expire on May 14, 2008 and cannot be redeemed subsequent to that date; however, any unused Discount Certificates may be redeemed for cash at their face value at any time between May 15, 2007 and May 14, 2008. As of June 30, 2004, the outstanding face value of unused Discount Certificates that the Company could be required to redeem was approximately $59.3 million.

Additionally, in certain situations, the Company makes short-term commitments to consignors to extend additional credit. However, potential consignor advances related to such commitments are subject to certain limitations and conditions. The total amount of such commitments was approximately $10.5 million as of June 30, 2004. (See Notes 5 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company utilizes forward exchange contracts to manage exposures related to foreign currency risks, which primarily arise from short-term foreign currency denominated intercompany balances. Generally, such intercompany balances are centrally funded and settled through the Company’s global treasury function. The Company’s objective for holding such derivative instruments is to minimize foreign currency risks using the most effective methods to eliminate or reduce the impacts of these exposures.

The forward exchange contracts entered into by the Company are used as economic cash flow hedges of the Company’s exposure to short-term foreign currency denominated intercompany balances. Such forward exchange contracts are typically short-term with settlement dates no more than one month from their inception. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, and are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, which is based on referenced market rates. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s forward exchange contracts are recognized currently in earnings and are


48



generally offset by the revaluation of the underlying intercompany balances in accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.”

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the assets relating to the Company’s forward exchange contracts were approximately $28,000 and $38,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2003, the Consolidated Balance Sheets included an asset of approximately $0.3 million relating to the Company’s forward exchange contracts. These assets are recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets and reflect the fair value of the outstanding forward exchange contracts.

(See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)

CONTINGENCIES

See Notes 10, 11 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” for information on contingencies.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As discussed in more detail above, on February 17, 2004, the Company consummated the sale of its domestic real estate brokerage business and received net cash proceeds of approximately $94.2 million. (See “Sale of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.” above and Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”) On March 4, 2004, the Company used existing cash balances to repay the remaining $20 million in borrowings outstanding under the senior secured term facility of its former credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). Additionally, on March 4, 2004, the Company entered into a new senior secured credit agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation (the “GE Capital Credit Agreement”). The GE Capital Credit Agreement is available through March 4, 2007 and provides for borrowings of up to $200 million provided by an international syndicate of lenders.

Borrowings under the GE Capital Credit Agreement are available for the funding of the Company’s ordinary working capital requirements and general corporate needs. The Company paid commitment and arrangement fees of $3.0 million related to the GE Capital Credit Agreement, which are being amortized to interest expense over the three-year term of the agreement.


49



The Company’s obligations under the GE Capital Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, as well as the assets of its subsidiaries in the U.S. and the U.K. The GE Capital Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants requiring the Company to not exceed $10 million in annual capital expenditures and to have a quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0. The financial covenant relating to capital expenditures is first effective for the year ending December 31, 2004, while the financial covenant relating to the fixed charge coverage ratio tests was first effective for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. The GE Capital Credit Agreement also has a covenant that prohibits the Company from making dividend payments. The Company is in compliance with its covenants.

At the option of the Company, borrowings under the GE Capital Credit Agreement generally bear interest equal to: (i) 1.25% plus the higher of the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or (ii) LIBOR plus 2.75%. Beginning on March 31, 2005, the applicable interest rate charged for borrowings under the GE Capital Credit Agreement may be adjusted up or down depending on the Company’s performance under the quarterly fixed charge coverage ratio tests.

As of June 30, 2004, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the GE Capital Credit Agreement.

The Company generally relies on operating cash flows supplemented by borrowings to meet its liquidity requirements. With the cash proceeds received upon the consummation of the sale of SIR and borrowings available under the GE Capital Credit Agreement, the Company has considerably more liquidity and financial flexibility than it has had in the recent past. It is the Company’s present intention to use this additional liquidity to expand its loan portfolio. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.)

The Company currently believes that operating cash flows, current cash balances and borrowings available under the GE Capital Credit Agreement will be adequate to meet its short-term and long-term commitments, operating needs and capital requirements through March 4, 2007.

The Company’s short-term operating needs and capital requirements include peak seasonal working capital requirements, other short-term commitments to consignors, the funding of the Company’s client loan portfolio and the funding of capital expenditures, as well as the short-term commitments to be funded prior to July 1, 2005 included in the table of contractual obligations above.


50



The Company’s long-term operating needs and capital requirements include the potential funding of the Company’s client loan portfolio and the funding of capital expenditures beyond the next twelve months and through March 4, 2007, as well as the funding of the Company’s long-term contractual obligations and commitments included in the table of contractual obligations above through March 4, 2007.

In addition to the short-term and long-term operating needs and capital requirements described above, the Company is obligated to fund the redemption of the Discount Certificates distributed as part of the U.S. Antitrust Litigation settlement (see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”). As discussed above, the Discount Certificates are fully redeemable in connection with any auction that is conducted by the Company or Christie’s in the U.S. or the U.K. The Discount Certificates may be used to satisfy consignment charges involving vendor’s commission, risk of loss and/or catalogue illustration. The Discount Certificates will expire on May 14, 2008 and cannot be redeemed subsequent to that date; however, any unused Discount Certificates may be redeemed for cash at their face value at any time between May 15, 2007 and May 14, 2008. As of June 30, 2004, the outstanding face value of unused Discount Certificates that the Company could be required to redeem was approximately $59.3 million.

FACTORS AFFECTING OPERATING RESULTS AND LIQUIDITY

Operating results from the Company’s Auction and Finance segments, as well as the Company’s liquidity, are significantly influenced by a number of factors, many of which are not within the Company’s control. These factors, which are not ranked in any particular order, include:

The overall strength of the international economy and financial markets and, in particular, the economies of the U.S., the U.K., and the major countries or territories of Continental Europe and Asia (principally Japan and Hong Kong);

Interest rates, particularly with respect to the Finance segment’s client loan portfolio and the Company’s credit facility borrowings;

The impact of political conditions in various nations on the international economy and financial markets;


51



Government laws and regulations which the Company is subject to, including, but not limited to, import and export regulations, cultural patrimony laws and value added sales taxes;

The effects of foreign currency exchange rate movements;

The seasonality of the Company’s auction business;

Competition with other auctioneers and art dealers, specifically in relation to the following factors: (a) the level of expertise of the dealer or auction house with respect to the property, (b) the extent of the prior relationship, if any, between the seller and the firm, (c) the reputation and historic level of achievement by a firm in attaining high sale prices in the property’s specialized category, (d) the breadth of staff expertise, (e) the desire for privacy on the part of sellers and buyers, (f) the amount of cash offered by a dealer, auction house or other purchaser to purchase the property outright compared with the estimates, guarantees or other financial options offered by the Company, (g) the time that will elapse before the seller will receive sale proceeds, (h) the desirability of a public auction in order to achieve the maximum possible price, (i) the amount of commission proposed by dealers or auction houses to sell a work on consignment, (j) the cost, style and extent of presale marketing and promotion to be undertaken by a firm, (k) recommendations by third parties consulted by the seller, (l) personal interaction between the seller and the firm’s staff and (m) the availability and extent of related services, such as tax or insurance appraisal and short-term financing;

The amount of quality property being consigned to art auction houses (and, in particular, the number of single-owner sale consignments), as well as the ability of the Company to sell such property, both of which factors can cause auction and related revenues to be highly variable from period-to-period;

The demand for fine arts, antiques and collectibles;

The success of the Company in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, who have or can develop relationships with certain potential sellers and buyers;

The demand for art-related financing;


52



The restrictive covenants in the Company’s bank credit facility and senior unsecured debt, which could adversely affect the Company’s business by limiting its flexibility;

The impact of any decline in the equity markets or decrease in interest rates on the assets and obligations of the Company’s U.K. defined benefit pension plan;

The uncertainty in future pension costs related to the Company’s U.K. defined benefit pension plan;

The impact of the variability in taxable income between the various jurisdictions where the Company does business on the effective tax rate; and

The ability of the Company to utilize its deferred tax assets.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains certain forward looking statements, as such term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to future events and the financial performance of the Company. Such statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, resulting in the possibility that the actual events or performance will differ materially from such predictions. Major factors which the Company believes could cause the actual results to differ materially from the predicted results in the forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, the factors listed above under “Factors Affecting Operating Results and Liquidity”, which are not ranked in any particular order.

ITEM 3:

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company continually evaluates its market risk associated with its financial instruments and forward exchange contracts during the course of its business. The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, notes receivable, consignor advances, credit facility borrowings, long-term debt, the fine payable to the United States Department of Justice and the settlement liability related to the Discount Certificates issued in connection with the U.S. Antitrust Litigation.


53



At June 30, 2004, a hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening of the United States dollar relative to all other currencies would result in a decrease or increase in cash flow of approximately $5.3 million. Excluding the potential impact of this hypothetical strengthening or weakening of the United States dollar, the market risk of the Company’s financial instruments has not changed significantly as of June 30, 2004 from that set forth in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

At June 30, 2004, the Company had $82.1 million of notional value forward exchange contracts outstanding. Notional amounts do not quantify risk or represent assets or liabilities of the Company, but are used in the calculation of cash settlements under such contracts. As of June 30, 2004, the asset relating to the Company’s forward exchange contracts was not material. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements,” for additional information on the Company’s use of derivative instruments.

The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to forward exchange contracts, but the Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations given their high credit ratings.

ITEM 4:

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of June 30, 2004, the Company has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2004. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


54



PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1:

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In April 1997, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) began an investigation of certain art dealers and major auction houses, including the Company and its principal competitor, Christie’s International PLC (“Christie’s”). The Company has pled guilty to a violation of the United States (“U.S.”) antitrust laws in connection with a conspiracy to fix auction commission rates charged to sellers in the U.S. and elsewhere and, on February 2, 2001, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York accepted the Company’s plea and imposed on the Company a fine of $45 million payable without interest over a period of five years. The Company has funded $18 million of the fine payable to the DOJ, and the remaining $27 million of the fine is payable as follows: (a) $12 million due February 6, 2005 and (b) $15 million due February 6, 2006. The Canadian Competition Bureau is continuing to conduct an investigation regarding anti-competitive practices relating to commissions charged by the Company and Christie’s for auction services.

The Company also becomes involved, from time to time, in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business.

Management does not believe that the outcome of any of the pending claims or proceedings described above will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.

(See Notes 10 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements.”)


55



ITEM 6:

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

(i)

On May 7, 2004, the Company reported on Form 8-K that it had held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

 

(ii)

On May 10, 2004, the Company reported on Form 8-K that it had issued a press release discussing its results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.



56



SIGNATURE

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

 

 

 

SOTHEBY’S HOLDINGS, INC.



 

By:

 
/s/ Michael L. Gillis

 

 

 

Michael L. Gillis
Senior Vice President,
Controller and Chief
Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

August 6, 2004

 


57



Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.

Description

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


58