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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 33-76716
GENERAL MEDIA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 13-3750988
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(State of incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
11 PENN PLAZA, NEW YORK, NY 10001.
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(Address of principal executive offices)
(212) 702-6000
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(Registrant's telephone number)
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SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE
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Indicate by check mark whether 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 each shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. YES |X| NO | |
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. |N/A|
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's common stock, par value $.01 per
share, held by non-affiliates of the Registrant is estimated to be approximately
$345,000.
As of March 28, 2002, there were 477,401 shares outstanding of the Registrant's
common stock, par value $.01 per share and 10,906 shares outstanding of the
Registrant's Class A preferred stock, par value $.01 per share.
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GENERAL MEDIA, INC.
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS....................................................... 3
Item 2. PROPERTIES..................................................... 11
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................. 11
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY
HOLDERS........................................................ 12
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S EQUITY STOCK AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.................................... 12
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA........................................ 15
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ..................................... 16
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK ............................................ 31
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.................... 31
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE .......................................... 32
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT............. 32
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION......................................... 34
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT................................................. 37
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED
TRANSACTIONS................................................... 37
PART IV
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND
REPORTS ON FORM 8-K............................................ 39
SIGNATURES..................................................... S-3
2
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
IN GENERAL
General Media, Inc. ("General Media"), together with its subsidiaries
(General Media and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the
"Company"), is a publishing, online and entertainment company engaged in the
publication and sale of men's magazines, the sale of various adult-oriented
online products and services, the sale of various adult-oriented entertainment
products and services, and the licensing of its trademarks to publishers in
foreign countries and for use on various consumer products and services. Until
March 2, 1999, it was also engaged in the publishing and sale of automotive
magazines and an automotive television series. The automotive magazines were
sold on March 2, 1999. In December 1999, the Company launched a new magazine,
Mind & Muscle Power ("Power") targeting the men's health magazine market.
Results were below expectations and the publication was suspended after the
November 2000 issue.
General Media International, Inc. ("GMI") owns 99.5% of the common stock
of the Company. GMI, together with its subsidiaries other than the Company (such
subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Other GMI Subsidiaries"),
engages in operations that are organized into the Real Estate Group (which owns
various properties and real estate holdings), and the Fine Arts Group (which
buys, sells and holds for sale a substantial inventory of works of art). GMI
formed General Media, a Delaware corporation, in November 1993 to implement a
new operating and financing plan, which included (i) the transfer to General
Media of the stock of certain subsidiaries that formed a portion of the
publishing and the entertainment segments of GMI and (ii) the private offering
of senior debt securities and common stock purchase warrants (the "Private
Offering"). See "Market for the Registrant's Equity Stock and Related
Stockholder Matters." Such plan enabled GMI to, among other things, direct
resources to certain subsidiaries within its publishing and entertainment
segments and improve operational and financial flexibility by replacing
short-term debt with fixed-rate, long-term debt.
On March 29, 2001 (the "Closing Date") the Company refinanced the senior
debt securities and common stock warrants. Under a refinancing agreement, the
Company exchanged $51.5 million principal amount of senior debt securities and
any warrants held by exchanging noteholders (the "Consenting Holders") for new
notes (the "Series C Notes") and preferred stock meeting certain specified terms
and conditions. The remaining $0.5 million of principal amount of senior debt
securities that were not exchanged were retired by payments made to the holders
on March 29, 2001. Any remaining warrants were exercised or expired.
The Series C Notes will mature on March 29, 2004, bear interest at a rate
of 15% per annum from and after January 1, 2001 and require amortization
payments ranging from a total of $3.7 million during the first year following
the Closing Date to a total of $6.5 million in the second year following the
Closing Date and $4.6 million in the first three quarters of the third year
following the Closing Date. In addition, further amortization equal to 50% of
excess cash flow in each year is required. The Company has pledged substantially
all of its assets as collateral for the Series C Notes.
The preferred stock issued to exchanging Noteholders carries an initial
liquidation preference of $10 million, provides for "paid-in-kind" dividends at
a 13% per annum rate and is convertible, after 2 years following the Closing
Date, into 10% of the Company's common stock on a fully diluted basis in the
third year, 12.5% of the Company's common stock on a fully diluted basis in the
fourth year, and 15% of such common stock on a fully diluted basis during the
fifth year. The preferred stock is mandatorily redeemable by the Company
(subject to the aforementioned conversion rights) at the end of the fifth year.
The preferred stock may be optionally
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redeemed by the Company at a discount during the first and second years
following the Closing Date, at redemption prices of $6 million if redeemed in
the first year and $10 million in the second year, and may be optionally
redeemed at increasing premiums during the third, fourth and fifth years,
provided that the Series C Notes are paid in full at or before the time of any
redemption.
The Company is currently engaged in activities in three industry segments:
publishing, online and entertainment. The publishing segment of the Company is
engaged in the publication of Penthouse magazine and four (five before January
2000) affiliate magazines (the "Affiliate Publications" and together with
Penthouse magazine, the "Mens Magazines"), the licensing of the Company's
trademarks, until March 1999, the publication of four specialty automotive
magazines and, until October 2000, the publication of Mind and Muscle Power
("Power") magazine. The online segment is engaged in the sale of memberships to
the Company's Internet site (the "Internet Site"), the sale of advertising
banners posted on the Internet Site and, starting in 2001, the sale of
adult-oriented consumer products through the Company's online store. The
entertainment segment of the Company provides a number of adult-oriented
entertainment products and services, including pay-per-call telephone lines,
digital video discs ("DVD's"), video cassettes and pay per view programming.
The net revenues, income from continuing operations and identifiable
assets attributable to each of the Company's industry segments are presented in
Note 13 of the Notes TO Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV,
Item 14.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - PUBLISHING SEGMENT
PENTHOUSE MAGAZINE AND THE AFFILIATE PUBLICATIONS
Penthouse magazine was founded by Robert Guccione, who first published the
magazine in London in 1965 and in the United States in 1969. Penthouse magazine
offers its readers a combination of photography, investigative journalism,
fiction, illustration, humor, politics, art and business.
To capitalize on the name recognition of Penthouse magazine, the Company
established five Affiliate Publications. Each of the Affiliate Publications is
further described below.
Forum: A monthly publication in digest form that includes adult
information, advice and entertainment provided by authors, journalists and
medical and legal experts. The magazine is published domestically and licensed
in Europe and Australia. In addition, the Company publishes several special
digest issues of Forum each year. Forum is sold at newsstands and through
subscriptions.
Variations: A monthly publication in digest form that features articles
detailing the latest trends in adult entertainment. In addition, the Company
publishes several special digest issues of Variations each year. Variations is
sold at newsstands and through subscriptions.
The Girls of Penthouse: A bi-monthly full-sized publication featuring
photographs of the most popular models who have appeared in Penthouse magazine.
The Girls of Penthouse is sold at newsstands and through subscriptions.
Penthouse Letters: A monthly full-sized publication featuring letters
written by readers describing their erotic experiences and fantasies. Penthouse
Letters is sold at newsstands and through subscriptions.
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Hot Talk: A bi-monthly full-sized publication that featured adult
entertainment articles and letters describing erotic telephone conversations. In
December 1999, the Company discontinued publication of Hot Talk.
Circulation.
In 2001, Penthouse magazine had a domestic average monthly circulation of
approximately 652,000 copies and the Affiliate Publications had a combined
domestic average monthly circulation of approximately 397,000 copies. The table
below presents domestic average monthly circulation figures for Penthouse
magazine and the Affiliate Publications for the years ended December 31, 1997
through 2001.
PENTHOUSE MAGAZINE AND THE AFFILIATE PUBLICATIONS
DOMESTIC AVERAGE MONTHLY CIRCULATION
(COPIES IN THOUSANDS)
Penthouse Magazine Affiliate Publications
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Total
Year Ended Domestic
December 31, Newsstand Subscription Total Newsstand Subscription Total Circulation
- ------------ --------- ------------ ----- ---------- ------------ ----- -----------
1997.... 533 379 912 554 50 604 1,516
1998.... 578 438 1,016 475 50 525 1,541
1999.... 552 405 957 391 49 440 1,397
2000.... 490 289 779 364 52 416 1,195
2001.... 389 263 652 334 63 397 1,049
Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications are primarily sold
through newsstand distribution by convenience stores, bookstores and newsstands.
Approximately 48% of Penthouse's newsstand sales are derived from convenience
stores, 15% are from bookstores and 12% are from newsstand distribution
channels. Newsstand copies sold as a percentage of total copies sold of
Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications were approximately 69% for the
year ended December 31, 2001.
The number of magazine copies sold on newsstands varies monthly, depending
on, among other things, the cover, pictorials and editorial content.
Approximately 16% of total newsstand copies are sold internationally.
Newsstand revenues for Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications
were $33.8 million, $39.6 million and $38.1 million for the years ended December
31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, representing approximately 52% of the
Company's net revenues for these periods, respectively, after excluding net
revenues attributable to the Automotive Magazines.
In recent years, domestic newsstand circulation for men's magazines has
been declining. From 1997 to 2001, Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate
Publications domestic average monthly newsstand circulation decreased by 33%.
The Company believes that the loss of several newsstand distribution outlets due
to the change in social climate toward men's magazines, together with certain
advances in electronic technology, including the proliferation of retail video
outlets and the increased market share of cable television and the internet, as
well as ongoing consolidations of companies in the magazine distribution
industry have largely contributed to the overall decrease in circulation.
This decrease in domestic average monthly circulation for Penthouse
magazine and the Affiliate Publications has been partially offset, however, by
the Company's ability to maintain consistent cover price
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increases and the recapture of certain convenience store distribution channels.
Penthouse magazine, for example, has steadily increased its cover price from
$7.99 per issue for three issues, $6.99 per issue for three issues and $5.99 per
issue for six issues in 1999 to $8.99 per issue for four issues and $7.99 per
issue for eight issues in 2001. The Company regularly price tests its magazines
and adjusts cover prices accordingly.
While newsstand circulation is the Company's principal means of
distribution for Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications, the Company
has sought to increase their subscription circulation. The price of a twelve
month subscription to Penthouse magazine ranged from $39.95 to $46.00 in 2001,
depending upon the source of the subscription. The Company attracts new
subscribers to its magazines primarily through its own direct mail advertising
campaigns, and through subscription agent campaigns. The Company recognizes
revenues from its magazine subscriptions over the term of the subscriptions.
Subscription revenues for Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate
Publications were $7.3 million, $6.9 million and $7.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, representing approximately
11%, 9% and 9% of the Company's net revenues for these periods, after excluding
net revenues attributable to the Automotive Magazines.
Advertising.
Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications are relatively less
dependent on advertising revenues than many other magazines, as approximately
67% of their respective revenues are generated from newsstand sales, while
approximately 15% are generated from subscription sales and approximately 16%
are generated from advertising. Advertising revenues for Penthouse magazine and
the Affiliate Publications were $8.3 million, $8.8 million and $9.4 million for
the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, representing approximately
13%, 12% and 13% of the Company's net revenues for these periods, respectively,
after excluding net revenues attributable to the Automotive Magazines.
In 2001, Penthouse magazine's advertising pages increased by 9% from the
prior year, while advertising revenues decreased by 6% from 2000. This decrease
was primarily due to less pay-per-call advertising in 2001. In 2000, Penthouse
magazine's advertising pages decreased by 10% from the prior year while
advertising revenues decreased by 0.5% from 1999.
Penthouse magazine also includes advertising for the Company's products,
primarily its own pay-per-call telephone lines, DVD's, video cassettes, internet
products and pay-per-view programming.
The Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") issued regulations in August
1996 which prohibits the publication of tobacco advertisements containing
drawings, color or pictures. The regulation does not apply to a magazine which
is demonstrated to be an "adult publication". An adult publication is one (i)
whose readers younger than 18 years of age constitute no more than 15% of total
readership, and (ii) is read by fewer than two million persons younger than 18
years of age, in each case as measured by competent and reliable survey
evidence. The Company restricts the sale of its magazine to persons 18 years of
age or older. It believes that its magazines qualify as adult publications and
that the regulations do not apply to them. In April 1997, the Federal District
Court for the Middle District of North Carolina struck down the regulations on
the grounds that although the FDA could regulate nicotine it had not been
granted the power to regulate advertising. On appeal, the Fourth U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals struck all the legislation on the grounds that the FDA lacked
the authority to regulate tobacco products at all. The decision was upheld by
the U.S. Supreme Court in March 2000.
6
FOREIGN EDITION LICENSING
The Company has sought to expand its readership through foreign edition
licensing arrangements pursuant to which the Company licenses the Penthouse
brand name and trademarks to publishers in foreign countries. Licensees
typically use pictorials from the Company's library and provide their own
editorial content to create the foreign editions. The Company, however, oversees
the finished product to insure quality control and to maintain the spirit of the
domestic edition. Under current licensing arrangements, the Company generally
receives a one-time up-front fee and a royalty based upon a percentage of both
circulation and advertising revenues, subject to certain minimum payments. In
2001, the Company received revenues from licensing agreements with publishers in
Australia, Brazil , Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Holland,
Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
Revenues from licensing of foreign editions were $2.1 million, $2.1
million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, representing approximately 3% of the Company's net revenues for
these periods, respectively, after excluding net revenues attributable to the
Automotive Magazines.
AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINES
The Company published four domestic automotive titles (the "Automotive
Magazines") until March 1999, that had a combined average monthly circulation of
approximately 749,000 copies. These titles were Four Wheeler, Stock Car Racing,
Open Wheel and Drag Racing Monthly.
Revenues for the Automotive Magazines were $4.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999, representing 6% of the Company's net revenues for this
period.
MEN'S HEALTH & FITNESS
In December 1999, the Company launched a new magazine entitled Mind &
Muscle Power ("Power"). Results were below expectations and the publication was
suspended after the November 2000 issue.
Revenues for Power were $1.2 million and $0.2 million for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, representing 1.6% and 0.2% of the
Company's net revenues for these periods.
PRODUCTION, PRINTING, NEWSSTAND DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTION FULFILLMENT
The Company employs a staff of professionals to oversee the production,
printing, distribution and fulfillment of its magazines. Through the use of
state-of-the-art production equipment, economies of scale in printing contracts
and efficiencies in subscription solicitation and fulfillment, the Company is
able to efficiently publish and distribute all of its publications. The
Company's systems for both graphics and editing are also state-of-the-art,
utilizing the services of only ten employees.
Up until November 2001, the Company's magazines, with the exception of
Forum and Variations, were printed by R. R. Donnelley Corporation ("Donnelley")
pursuant to several agreements (the "Agreements") which, after giving effect to
an extension and amendment dated July 1997, were to expire in December 2003. In
October 2001, Donnelley released the Company from the Agreements when it made
the decision to close the printing plants that printed the magazines. Pursuant
to an agreement dated October 12, 2001, the Company began using
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Quebecor World to print these magazines effective for magazines printed starting
in December 2001. In 2000, Forum and Variations were printed by Access Printing
and in 2001 Forum and Variations were printed by Transcontinental Impression.
Should the Company wish to change printers, it believes that other printers of
similar quality could be engaged.
The newsstand distribution of the Company's magazines is handled by Curtis
Circulation Company ("Curtis Circulation") pursuant to an agreement that expires
in November 2005 or upon prior notice by either the Company or Curtis
Circulation. Curtis Circulation distributes the Company's publications through a
network of approximately 225 marketing representatives to independent
wholesalers, as well as to other channels of distribution. Curtis Circulation
also provides the Company with other services, including management information
and promotional and specialty marketing services. The Company receives a cash
advance from Curtis Circulation at the time each issue is released for sale. The
Company recognizes revenue from newsstand sales based on its estimate of copy
sales at such time as the issue is released for sale and adjusts the estimate
periodically based upon actual sales information. Each issue is settled with
Curtis Circulation one hundred and eighty days after the off-sale date based
upon the number of magazines actually sold, compared to the estimated number of
copies sold that Curtis Circulation used to determine its cash advance.
Effective July 1, 1999, Curtis Circulation exercised its option to assume
the international newsstand distribution of the Company's magazines.
Accordingly, the Company terminated its international distribution agreement
with Worldwide Media Services, Inc. in accordance with the terms of that
agreement. The consolidation of its distribution under Curtis Circulation has
helped to streamline the Company's operations and has been beneficial to the
Company.
The Company's subscription fulfillment is currently provided by Palm Coast
Data Service, Inc. ("PCD"). PCD performs the following services: receiving,
verifying, balancing and depositing payments from subscribers and agents;
maintaining master files on all subscribers and agents by magazine; issuing
bills to subscribers and agents and sending renewal notices to subscribers;
issuing labels; packaging and mailing magazines as directed by the Company; and
furnishing various reports to monitor all aspects of the subscription
operations.
Subscription copies of the magazines are delivered through the U.S. Postal
Service as second class mail. The Company experienced a general postal rate
increase of 6% in January 1999, 9.9% in January 2001 and 2.6% in July 2001. A
postal rate increase of 11.6% will go into effect in July 2002.
ONLINE SEGMENT
In August 1995, the Company launched a pay service, Penthousemag.com, on
the Internet. Customers are sold a membership ranging from 2 days to one year,
at prices ranging from $9.99 to $120.00. Revenues received from the sale of
memberships to the Company's Internet Site are recognized over the term of the
membership. The membership gives the customer access to adult-oriented
photographs, video feeds and chat rooms via a personal identification number
that expires according to the membership period selected. Memberships are
billed to the customers' credit card in accordance with the Federal
Communications Commission's safe harbor provision. The Company also hosts
several other third party Internet sites that also provide adult-oriented
entertainment. Under these agreements, the Company provides a banner on its
Internet Site as well as hosting and billing services for these third party
providers who are responsible for the content and maintenance of their site. In
return the Company receives a portion of the paid membership fees to these
sites in accordance with the agreements. In January 2000 the Company also began
selling advertising banners on its Internet Site. Net revenues from the
internet for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 were $9.8
8
million, $12.8 million and $12.8 million, respectively, representing 15%, 17%
and 17% of the company's net revenues for these periods, respectively, after
excluding net revenues attributable to the Automotive Magazines.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - ENTERTAINMENT SEGMENT
The Company's entertainment segment produces and distributes
adult-oriented entertainment products, including pay-per-call telephone lines,
DVD's, video cassettes and pay-per-view programming. Revenues of the
entertainment segment were $2.9 million, $3.3 million and $3.8 million for the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, representing 4%, 4%
and 5% of the Company's net revenues for these periods, respectively, after
excluding net revenues attributable to the Automotive Magazines.
The Company provides adult-oriented entertainment through pay-per-call
telephone lines which feature both recorded audio programs and live operators on
900 and 800 number telephone lines. The Company's recorded audio programs are
created and broadcast by independent service bureaus. The operators on the live
telephone lines are employed by the service bureaus and are not employees of the
Company.
The Company's 900 number telephone lines are romantic in nature and
feature programs where users can listen to computerized conversations, speak
with live operators and participate in live one-on-one talk, dating and chat
lines. The 900 number telephone calls are billed directly to the caller's
telephone number and typically cost between $3.95 and $4.95 per minute. The
Company's 800 number telephone lines are explicit and uncensored in nature and
include certain live Penthouse party lines and live one-on-one talk, dating and
chat lines and typically cost $4.95 per minute. The 800 number telephone calls
are billed to credit cards in accordance with the Federal Communications
Commission safe harbor provisions, which require that such telephone calls be
billed to credit cards to insure that calls are not made by minors.
The Company develops, produces and distributes products for the domestic
and international home video and pay-per-view markets. Since 1990, the Company
has produced 89 videos, which were released for domestic distribution through
Warner Home Video, a subsidiary of Time Warner, Inc. up to June 1999. In June
1999, the Company entered into an agreement with Image Entertainment, whereby
the Company licensed the domestic distribution of its catalog titles on DVD for
a non-recoupable up-front license fee of $0.9 million and a royalty fee based on
the number of units sold. The Company is amortizing the up-front licensing fee
over the term of the contract. In June 1999 the Company also entered into an
agreement with Image Entertainment, whereby the Company licensed the domestic
distribution of its full length feature film, Caligula, on DVD for a recoupable
up-front license fee of $0.1 million against a royalty fee based on the number
of units sold thereafter. The upfront license fee under this agreement was fully
recouped during the year 2000 and the Company is continuing to earn royalties
over and above the up-front license fee. In July 2000 the Company entered into
an agreement with Image Entertainment whereby the Company licensed the foreign
distribution of its video cassettes and DVD's for a recoupable up-front license
fee of $0.5 million against a royalty fee based on the number of units sold
thereafter. The up-front license fee under this agreement was fully recouped
during 2001 and the Company is continuing to earn royalties over and above the
up-front license fee. The video cassettes and DVD's are also offered for sale
through the Penthouse store on the Company's internet site and are advertised in
the Company's magazines. These videos are generally approximately 60 minutes in
length, have a level of explicitness greater than "R" and feature Penthouse
centerfold models. Many of the Company's videos are also sold internationally
through licensing arrangements. In 1999, the Company entered into agreements
with BET Action PPV, HBO, Viewer's Choice and various smaller independent
pay-per-view channels. Revenues received from these agreements based on the
number of pay-per-view purchases and fixed amounts per program and were $0.1
million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999, respectively.
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SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS
Paper is the primary raw material used in the production of the Company's
magazines. The Company uses a variety of high quality coated and uncoated paper
that is purchased from a number of suppliers. The Company believes that there
are several alternative suppliers in the event of its inability to purchase from
its present suppliers.
TRADEMARKS
The Company's trademarks are essential to the Company's current business
operations and future expansion. The trademarks, which are renewable
indefinitely, include Penthouse, Forum, Variations, Penthouse Letters, Girls of
Penthouse, Mind & Muscle Power, Hot Talk, Penthouse Comix and Penthouse Max.
SEASONALITY
The Company's business is generally not seasonal in nature. Issues of
Penthouse magazine with female celebrity covers or pictorials, however, have
historically resulted in higher newsstand sales than non-celebrity issues. Sales
of the Company's video cassette products may vary based upon the timing of the
release of new videos.
DEPENDENCE ON CUSTOMERS
No customer of the Company accounted for more than ten percent of the
Company's net revenues in 2001, 2000 or 1999, and no part of the business is
dependent upon a single customer or a few customers, the loss of any one or more
of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company. However, one
advertising agency placed $2.0 million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million in
advertising revenues in Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications in
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. These revenues represent 3% of the Company's
net revenues in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, after excluding net revenues
attributable to the Automotive Magazines.
COMPETITORS
Magazine publishers face intense competition for both circulation and
advertising revenues. The main competitors of Penthouse magazine and the
Affiliate Publications are magazines that primarily target a male audience.
Other types of media that carry advertising also compete for advertising with
the Company's magazines.
Competition in the internet business comes many different competitors.
The Company's advantage in this area is the Penthouse trademark and the low cost
of advertisement for its internet service in its own magazines. Few other
magazine publishers have either more adult-oriented magazines or a comparable
combined circulation for such magazines.
Competition in the pay-per-call business is generally limited to a few
major competitors. The Company's advantage in this area is the low cost of
advertisement for such pay-per-call service in its own magazines.
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EMPLOYEES
As of March 28, 2002, the Company employed 107 full-time employees, none
of whom are members of a union, and 6 part-time employees.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The Company's principal corporate offices for the publishing, online and
entertainment segments are located in New York City at 11 Penn Plaza. The
Company leases office space at various locations, as set forth below.
Approx. Lease
Location Principal Use Sq. Ft. Expiration
- -------- ------------- Occupied Date
-------- ----------
11 Penn Plaza, Principal Corporate, Publishing, 49,000 March 11, 2009
New York, New York Production and Sales Office
Chicago, Illinois Sales Office 800 March 31, 2002
Los Angeles, California Sales Office 250 March 31, 2002
The Company has a ten-year and seven month lease for its principal
corporate offices which commenced on August 11, 1998 and requires annual lease
payments of $1.7 million until December 31, 2001 and thereafter of $1.9 million
until the expiration of lease. The Company believes that its principal corporate
offices are suitable and adequate for its current business operations and that,
upon expiration of the lease, it will be able to obtain similarly suitable and
adequate office space in Manhattan at a competitive price.
The Company also uses a 17,000 square foot townhouse located in New York
City (the "Townhouse"), owned by GMI and Robert C. Guccione, for Company related
activities, including business meetings and promotional and marketing events.
Pursuant to a Properties and Salary Allocation Agreement among the Company, GMI
and a GMI subsidiary (the "Properties and Salary Allocation Agreement"), the
Company reimbursed GMI approximately $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million
in 2001, 2000 and 1999 respectively for the use of such property. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Internal Revenue Service has completed an audit of GMI's Federal
income tax returns for 1986 through 1990. The audit resulted in a tax deficiency
totaling $35,000 plus interest, which was paid in October 1999. As a result of
the audit, the net operating loss carryforward was reduced by $95,600. GMI's
Combined New York State Franchise Tax Returns for the years 1993 through 1996
are in the process of being audited by The New York State Department of Taxation
and Finance. The Companys' management does not expect a material adverse outcome
from this audit. Subsequent years' Federal, New York State and other tax returns
filed by GMI are subject to audit by governmental authorities. Under the terms
of a Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement among the Company, GMI and the
Other GMI Subsidiaries (the "Tax Sharing Agreement"), GMI and the Other GMI
Subsidiaries will be liable for any payments due as a result of these audits
through fiscal 1993. Since each member of a consolidated tax group is jointly
and severally liable for Federal income taxes of the entire group, the Company
may be liable for taxes of GMI or other members of the consolidated group.
11
On January 23, 1997, the Company filed in United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York an action under the Racketeer Influenced and
Corrupt Organizations Act alleging, among other things, that certain defendants
conspired to defraud the Company by fraudulently backdating a contract (the "DEC
Contract") which awarded exclusive rights to develop a "live" Penthouse internet
site to defendant Deluxe Entertainment Corp. ("DEC"). On January 24, 1997 DEC
served a demand on the Company for arbitration under the DEC contract on the
issues of breach and damages. The DEC Contract provides a minimum damage award
of $30 million in addition to incidental, consequential and punitive damages and
compensation for lost profits. In July 1998 the United States District Court
granted DEC's motion for arbitration. DEC and the Company have mutually agreed
to indefinitely postpone this arbitration subject to reinstatement by either
party on six months notice to the other. The Company intends to vigorously
defend itself in the arbitration should it be reinstated. In the opinion of
management, the outcome of these proceedings is not reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.
On December 3, 2001, Network Telephone Services ("NTS") filed in Los
Angeles Superior Court (the "Court") a complaint against Robert C. Guccione, GMI
and the Company (collectively the "Defendants") asserting breach of promissory
note, breach of written guarantee, and a declaration of rights and injunctive
relief arising out of a promissory note and several other agreements between NTS
and the Defendants. NTS seeks damages in the amount of approximately $1.1
million, interest at the rate of 9% per annum from September 1, 2001 and
attorneys fees. The Defendants have until April 22, 2002 to file their answer to
the complaint. However, the Court has ordered the case to mediation, which
mediation is to be completed no later than June 17, 2002. The Company is in
negotiations with NTS to renew its pay-per-call service and advertising
agreements, which renewal could provide for the settlement of this litigation.
In the event these agreements cannot be negotiated at fair market rates and
damages are assessed against the Company, it will seek to recover any amounts
paid to NTS from Robert C. Guccione and GMI. In the opinion of management, the
outcome of these proceedings is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
The Company's subsidiaries are parties to various other pending legal
proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of
these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that
these proceedings are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
None.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S EQUITY STOCK AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
As of March 28, 2001, 475,000 shares of the Company's $.01 par value
common stock (the "Common Stock") issued and outstanding were owned by one
holder, GMI, and an additional 2,401 shares of Company's Common Stock were held
by two former Warrant holders who converted common stock purchase warrants into
Common Stock on December 22, 2000. There is no established public trading market
for the Common Stock.
Holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends out of
funds legally available for payment thereof in such amounts per share as may be
declared by the Company's Board of Directors, subject to
12
the restrictions contained in an Indenture (the "Indenture"), dated December 21,
1993, which was entered into by the Company and IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust
Company, as trustee, in connection with the issuance of Series A 10 5/8% Senior
Secured Notes Due 2000 (the "Series A Notes") in the aggregate principal amount
of $85 million in the Private Offering. Pursuant to the Indenture, that was
extended and amended on March 29, 2001 in connection with an exchange of the
Senior Secured Notes as more fully described below, the Company may not declare
a dividend on the Common Stock, subject to certain exceptions, unless it meets
certain financial covenants set forth therein. The Company's subsidiaries,
however, are permitted to make inter-company dividends on their shares of common
stock. The Company did not declare any dividend for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1999, 2000 or 2001.
Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 21, 1993,
among the Company, Jefferies & Company, Inc. and Furman Selz Incorporated (the
"Underwriters"), the Company consummated an exchange offer in July 1994 to
exchange the Series A Notes for Series B 10 5/8% Senior Secured Notes Due 2000
(the "Series B Notes"), which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Series B Notes were substantially identical to the Series A Notes (including
principal amount, interest rate and maturity), except that the Series B Notes
were freely transferable.
The Company also issued in the Private Offering 187,506 common stock
purchase warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase an aggregate of 25,000 shares of
Common Stock (approximately 5% of the outstanding Common Stock) (the "Warrant
Shares"). In July 1995 the Company repurchased 5,000 Warrants. On December 22,
2000, the holders of 18,009 Warrants exercised them, at an exercise price of
$.01 per Warrant Share, for 2,401 shares of the Company's Common Stock. 104,076
Warrants expired without being timely exercised in accordance with the Warrant
agreement. The due date of the remaining 60,421 Warrants, which were held by the
holders of the Series B Notes, was extended as part of the negotiations for the
refinancing of the Notes.
On March 29, 2001 (the "Closing Date") the Company refinanced the Series B
Notes and Warrants. Under the refinancing agreement, pursuant to the exemption
from registration contained in Section 3(a) (9) of the Securities Act of 1933,
the Company exchanged $51.5 million of principal amount of Series B Notes and
any Warrants held by Consenting Holders for new notes (the "Series C Notes") and
preferred stock meeting certain specified terms and conditions. The remaining
$0.5 million of principal amount of senior debt securities that were not
exchanged were retired by payments made to the holders on March 29, 2001.
The Series C Notes will mature on March 29, 2004, bear interest at a rate
of 15% per annum from and after January 1, 2001 and require amortization
payments ranging from a total of $3.7 million during the first year following
the Closing Date to a total of $6.5 million in the second year following the
Closing Date and $4.6 million in the first three quarters of the third year
following the Closing Date. In addition, further amortization equal to 50% of
excess cash flow in each year is required. The Company has pledged substantially
all of its assets as collateral for the Series C Notes. The Indenture was
amended to reflect the above mentioned payments and to reflect the March 29,
2004 maturity of the Series C Notes.
The 9,905 shares of preferred stock issued to exchanging Noteholders
carries an initial liquidation preference of $10 million, provides for
"paid-in-kind" dividends at a 13% per annum rate and is convertible, after 2
years following the Closing Date, into 10% of the Company's common stock on a
fully diluted basis in the third year, 12.5% of the Company's common stock on a
fully diluted basis in the fourth year, and 15% of such common stock on a fully
diluted basis during the fifth year. The preferred stock is mandatorily
redeemable by the Company (subject to the aforementioned conversion rights) at
the end of the fifth year. The preferred stock may be optionally redeemed by the
Company at a discount during the first and second years following the Closing
Date, at redemption prices of $6 million if redeemed in the first year and $10
million in the second year, and may be
13
optionally redeemed at increasing premiums during the third, fourth and fifth
years, provided that the Series C Notes are paid in full at or before the time
of any redemption.
There is no established public trading market for the Series C Notes, the
Company's common stock or its preferred stock. The Company does not intend to
list the Series C Notes or its equity securities on any securities exchange.
14
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (a).
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------
(In millions)
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
OPERATING DATA:
Net revenue $103.8 $105.1 $78.8 $76.0 $65.4
Operating income (loss) 7.4 5.5 (0.8) 11.8 7.3
Debt restructuring expenses 9.6
Interest expense, net 9.3 9.4 7.2 6.4 7.7
Gain on sale of Automotive Magazines - - 30.7 - -
Income (loss) before extraordinary item (1.9) (3.9) 19.2 3.2 (9.9)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of debt,
net of income taxes of $15 in 1999 and $465 in
2000 0.7 0.6
Net income (loss) (1.9) (3.9) 19.9 3.8 (9.9)
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and amortization $1.9 $1.8 $0.9 $0.7 $0.6
Capital expenditures 0.3 2.8 0.6 0.2 0.1
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (b) (b) 3.5 1.7 (b)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets $42.6 $41.9 $30.3 $32.8 $25.8
Current maturities of senior debt securities - - 51.8 2.9 5.8
Senior debt securities, less current maturities 79.5 79.6 - 49.1 43.3
Manditorily redeemable convertible preferred stock 9.5
Total stockholders' deficiency (73.8) (78.1) (56.7) (52.7) (63.9)
15
(a) Certain amounts reported for prior periods have been reclassified to
conform to the current year's presentation.
(b) For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 2001, earnings were
insufficient to cover fixed charges by $2,526,000, $4,396,000 and
$10,255,000, respectively.
For a more detailed description of the Company's financial position, results of
operations and accounting policies, please refer to Part II. Item 7.
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and Part II. Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Financial Reporting Release No. 60, which was recently released by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, requires all companies to include a
discussion of critical accounting policies or methods used in the preparation of
the consolidated financial statements. In addition, Financial Reporting Release
No. 61 was recently released by the SEC, which requires all companies to include
a discussion to address, among other things, liquidity, off-balance sheet
arrangements, contractual obligations and commercial commitments. The following
discussion is intended to supplement the summary of significant accounting
policies included in Note 1 of the Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements.
These policies were selected because they represent the more significant
accounting policies and methods that are broadly applied in the preparation of
the consolidated financial statements. Revenues, expenses, accrued liabilities
and allowances related to certain of these policies are initially based on our
best estimates at the time of original entry in our accounting records.
Adjustments are recorded when our actual experience differs from the expected
experience underlying the estimates. These adjustments could be material if our
experience were to change significantly in a short period of time. We make
frequent comparisons of actual experience and expected experience in order to
mitigate the likelihood of material adjustments.
a. Revenue Recognition - Sales of magazines for retail distribution are
recorded on the on-sale date of each issue based on an estimate of
the revenue for each issue of the magazine, net of estimated
returns. These estimates are based upon several factors, including
but not limited to historical trends, days on sale and special
editorial or pictorial content. Estimated revenues are adjusted to
actual revenues as actual sales information becomes available.
Actual sales information generally becomes available ninety days
after the on-sale date for U.S. and Canadian sales and final
settlement occurs one hundred and eighty days after the off-sale
date for U.S., Canadian and international sales.
Advances in the amounts of $1,000,000 and $3,000,000 relating to two
distribution agreements for the Company's magazines are being
recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the ten year
terms of each of the related contracts. An advance in the amount of
$900,000 relating to a licensing agreement for domestic sales of the
Company's digital video disc versions of its video products is being
recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the seven year
term of the agreement.
b. Accrued Retail Display Allowances - Retail display allowances are
payments made to convenience stores, bookstores and newsstands as an
incentive to handle and sell magazines. The formula used to
calculate the allowance is negotiated on an individual basis with
each outlet owner and varies accordingly. However each formula is
based on a combination of a percentage of sales dollars and an
amount per copy sold. Accruals for retail display allowances are
recorded as a selling expense on the on-
16
sale date based upon past experience using the estimated sales of
each issue, net of estimated returns. As new information becomes
available the accruals are adjusted accordingly. Accrued retail
display allowances at December 31, 2000 and 2001 were $2,365,000 and
$1,407,000, respectively.
c. Income Taxes - In preparing our financial statements we make
estimates of our current tax exposure and temporary differences
resulting from timing differences for reporting items for book and
tax purposes. We recognize deferred taxes by the asset and liability
method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability
method, deferred taxes are recognized for differences between the
financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at
enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the
differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of
a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date. In addition, valuation allowances are
established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
amounts expected to be realized. In consideration of our net loss in
the current year and lack of historical ability to generate taxable
income to utilize our deferred tax assets, we have recorded a full
valuation allowance.
d. Other Loss Reserves - We have numerous other loss exposures, such as
accounts receivable and circulation shortfall reserves. Establishing
loss reserves for these matters requires the use of estimates and
judgment in regards to risk exposure and ultimate liability. We
estimate losses under the programs using consistent and appropriate
methods; however, changes to our assumptions could materially affect
our recorded liabilities for loss. Where available we utilize
published credit ratings for our debtors to assist us in determining
the amount of required reserves.
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 144, " Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". This statement is effective for the fiscal
years beginning after December 31, 2001. The supercedes SAFS 121, " Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed Of", while retaining many of the requirements of such statements. The
Company does not believe that this statement will have a material effect on the
Company's financial statements.
Certain provisions of The Emerging Issues Task Force pronouncement EIFT 01-9, "
Accounting for Considering Given by a vendor to a Customer (Including a
Reseller of the Vendor's Products)", are effective for fiscal periods beginning
after December 15, 2001. The Company is evaluating the impact that this
pronouncement will have on the Company's financial statements as it relates to
retail display allowances.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGUATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The Company does not utilize off the balance sheet financing other than
operating lease arrangements for office premises and related equiptment. The
following table summarizes all commitments under contractual obligations as of
December 31, 2001:
---------------Obligations due-------------
Total 1 2-3 4-5 Over 5
Amounts Year Years Years Years
---------------(In millions)---------------
Senior Secured Notes $49.1 $5.8 $43.3 $ - $ -
Operating Leases 13.6 1.9 3.7 3.8 4.3
Other Long-Term Liabilities 1.0 0.2 0.5 0.2 -
----- ---- ----- ---- ----
Total Cash Obligations $63.7 $7.9 $47.5 $4.0 $4.3
===== ===== ===== ===== ======
Interest On Senior Secured Notes $14.5 $7.0 $7.5 $ - $ -
===== ===== ===== ===== ======
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 2001, the Company had $2.4 million in cash and cash
equivalents, compared to $6.4 million at December 31, 2000. During the year
ended December 31, 2001, the Company provided $4.1 million in cash flows from
operating activities. However the Company paid $3.2 million in advances to an
affiliated company, incurred $2.0 million in debt issuance costs and paid $2.9
million in mandatory principal payments for its Series C Notes, resulting in a
net decrease in its cash balance at December 31, 2001. At December 31, 2001, the
Company's current liabilities exceeded current assets by $22,331,000.
The Company's Series C Notes require interest payments of approximately
$7.0 million and amortization payments of $5.8 million during the next year. The
management of the Company does not believe it can generate sufficient funds from
operations to make all of the required payments. In the event that the Company
is unable to make these payments, the trustee under the Indenture could assume
control over the Company and substantially all of its assets including its
registered trademarks. The Company is currently in discussions with holders of
the Series C Notes for a reduction in the amount of the debt service payments.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining a
reduction in the debt service payments.
The Company has undertaken the following actions to attempt to achieve
profitability and improve cash flow:
- On February 28, 2002, the Company reduced its workforce by 39
employees (26% of total workforce). This action is expected to
reduce the amount of cash required for salary and benefit expenses
by an estimated $1.8 million during 2002 and an estimated $2.5
million on an annualized basis.
17
- Reduce production costs of its magazines by changing the paper
grades on its magazines and by changing their design to improve
production efficiencies, thereby saving an estimated $0.5 million in
cash during 2002 and an estimated $0.8 million on an annualized
basis.
- Reduce the amount of cash expended to promote subscriptions of the
Affiliate Publications and reduce the amount of cash expended on
other selling, general and administrative expenses by an estimated
$1.4 million for 2002 and an estimated $1.6 million on an annualized
basis.
- Improve revenue by adding additional special issues of its
magazines. Based on past experience, this action is expected to
generate an estimated $0.1 million in additional cash during 2002.
Since the above actions will not generate sufficient improvements to cash
flow to meet current debt service requirements, the Company is contemplating
additional actions, including seeking other sources of financing, to provide
cash. However, there can be no assurances that management will be able to
achieve such a result.
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.1 million for both the
years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. Net cash provided by operating
activities for the year ended December 31, 2001 was derived by adjusting the net
loss for the period by the effect of restructuring expenses and non-cash items
as well as a decrease in circulation accounts receivable due to the timing of
advance payments from the Company's newsstand distributor and lower paper
inventory levels. This was partially offset by increased spending on
subscription acquisition drives and increased payments of interest on the Notes
during the year ended December 31, 2001. The net cash provided by operating
activities for the year ended December 31, 2000 was primarily the result of
income from operations for the period after adjusting for the effect of non-cash
items, the timing of advance payments from the Company's newsstand distributor
and improved collections of accounts receivable. This was partially offset by
decreased accounts payable and accrued expenses due to the timing of payments to
vendors and higher paper inventory levels. The increased purchase of paper in
2000 was made to take advantage of discounted prices and favorable credit terms
offered by one of the Company's paper suppliers.
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2001 was
$0.1 million, compared to cash used in investing activities of $0.2 million for
the year ended December 31, 2000. The cash used in investing activities for the
years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 was the result of capital expenditures
made during the respective periods.
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows used in financing activities were $8.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 2001, compared to cash flows used in financing activities of
$3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. Cash used in financing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2001 was primarily the result of the
payment of debt issuance costs of $2.0 million related to the refinancing of the
Company's Series C Notes (See Notes 5 and 6 of the Notes To Consolidated
Financial Statements), advances of $3.2 million to GMI during the year ended
December 31, 2001 and the repayment of $2.9 million of principal amount of the
Notes. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2000
was primarily the result of $2.9 million of advances to GMI during the period
and debt issuance costs of $0.2 million related to the refinancing of the
Company's Series C Notes. GMI repaid $4.5 million of advances during the year
ended December 31, 2000 by a transfer of 100% of the outstanding stock of a
subsidiary of GMI whose net assets consist of works of art and other
18
valuables which were appraised at $1.8 million and by the Company's utilization
of $2.7 million of GMI's net operating loss carryforwards in accordance with the
tax sharing agreement between the affiliated companies (See Note 9 of the Notes
To Consolidated Financial Statements). Affiliated company advances at December
31, 2001 increased $3.2 million from December 31, 2000. These balances regularly
result from the impact of certain cost sharing and expense allocation agreements
with GMI and its subsidiaries, whereby certain costs, such as shared corporate
salaries and overhead, are paid by the Company and a portion charged to GMI and
its subsidiaries as incurred. These charges generally result in amounts due to
the Company, and are to be repaid sixty days after the end of each quarter in
accordance with the terms of an expense sharing agreement. In light of the
changes to the Indenture made in connection with the refinancing, which had the
effect of permitting an increase in amounts which may be due from affiliates,
the Company intends to amend the expense sharing agreement in the near future.
The ability of the Company to realize repayment of its advance is dependant upon
the success of GMI in refinancing its existing debt obligations, most of which
are currently in default. At December 31, 2001, the Company has a loan
receivable from the principal shareholder of GMI of $1.0 million. The loan is
evidenced by a promissory note, bears interest at 11% per annum, and is payable
on December 31, 2002.
The ability of the Company to incur additional debt is severely limited by
the terms of its Series C Notes and the Indenture. Pursuant to the Indenture,
the Company may not declare a dividend on its common stock, subject to certain
exceptions, unless it meets certain financial covenants set forth therein.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
The Company is currently engaged in activities in three industry segments:
publishing, online and entertainment. The publishing segment of the Company is
engaged in the publication of Penthouse magazine and four (five before January
2000) affiliate magazines, the licensing of its trademarks to publishers in
foreign countries and for use on various consumer products and services. The
Company suspended publication of the Affiliate Publication Hot Talk in December
1999 due to the poor financial performance of the magazine and the Automotive
Magazines were sold on March 2, 1999. In December 1999, the Company launched
Power magazine which targeted the men's health magazine market. Results were
below expectations and the publication was suspended after the November 2000
issue. The online segment is engaged in the sale of memberships to the Company's
Internet Site, the sale of advertising banners posted on the Internet Site and,
starting in 2001, the sale of adult-oriented consumer products through the
Company's online store. The entertainment segment of the Company produces a
number of adult-oriented entertainment products and services, including
pay-per-call telephone lines, DVD's, video cassettes and pay-per-view
programming.
The Company's revenues were $65.4 million for the year ended December 31,
2001, compared to revenues of $76.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2000, a decrease of $10.6 million. Newsstand revenues were $33.8 million and
$40.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, a
decrease of $6.4 million. Of this decrease, $0.5 million is due to the
suspension of publication of Power Magazine. Newsstand revenues from Mens
Magazines were $33.8 million and $39.6 million for the year ended December 31,
2001 and 2000, respectively. Advertising revenues were $8.3 million and $9.5
million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, a decrease
of $1.2 million. Of this decrease, $0.7 million is due to the suspension of
publication of Power Magazine. Advertising revenues from Mens Magazines were
$8.3 million and $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, a decrease of $0.5 million. Subscription revenues were $7.3
million and $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, an increase of $0.4 million. The increase in subscription revenues
is attributable to Mens Magazines. Revenues for the online segment were $9.8
million and $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, a decrease of $3.0 million. Revenues for the Entertainment Segment
were $2.9 million and
19
$3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, a
decrease of $0.4 million. Revenues from the Company's video business were $2.1
million and $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, a decrease of $0.1 million. Revenues from the Company's
pay-per-call business were $0.7 million and $1.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, a decrease of $0.4 million.
Income from operations was $7.3 million and $11.8 million for the year
ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 respectively, a decrease of $4.5 million.
Income from operations was impacted by:
- - an increase in reserves for bad debts of $2.6 million consisting of
reserves of approximately $1.9 million related to loans and advances to
affiliated companies, approximately $0.4 million related to royalties
receivable and approximately $0.3 million related to receivables from
subscription agents,
- - a decrease in the number of mens magazines sold,
- - decreased revenues from the online and entertainment segments,
- - an increase in revenue from two additional issues of Girls of Penthouse,
- - an increase in the subscription price of Penthouse Magazine,
- - decreased production costs and distribution costs as a result of a
decrease in the number of newsstand copies printed and lower paper costs,
- - decreased selling, general and administrative expenses due to decreased
retail display allowance expense, salaries and benefits, bank charges,
legal expenses and public relation expenses, partially offset by increased
subscription acquisition expense, insurance expense and professional fees.
Other income (expense) was $(17.3) million for the year ended December 31,
2001 compared to net other income (expense) of $(6.4) million for the year ended
December 31, 2000. Included in other income (expense) for the year ended
December 31, 2001 are debt restructuring expenses of $9.6 million related to the
refinancing of the Company's Notes on March 29, 2001 (see Note 5 of the Notes To
Consolidated Financial Statements). Other income (expense) also includes
interest expense of $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared
to interest expense of $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, an
increase of $1.1 million. The increase is primarily due to an increase in the
interest rate paid on the Company's Senior Secured Notes as a result of the
refinancing of the Notes. The interest rate on the Series C Notes issued on
March 29, 2001 is 15% compared to an interest rate of 10-5/8% on the Notes which
were retired on that date. The new rate went into effect on January 1, 2001.
Included in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2000 are amortized
debt issuance costs and discounts of $0.9 million.
As a result of the above discussed factors, net loss before income tax
expense (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2001 was $10.0 million,
compared to a net income of $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2000.
20
The net revenues and income from operations of the Company were (in
millions):
Income (loss)
Net Revenue from operations
------------- ---------------
Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
------------- -------------
2000 2001 2000 2001
---- ---- ---- ----
Publishing Segment $59.9 $52.7 $14.4 $13.5
Online Segment 12.8 9.8 8.1 5.9
Entertainment Segment 3.3 2.9 1.8 1.2
----- ----- ----- -----
$76.0 $65.4 $24.3 $20.6
Corporate Administrative Expenses (12.5) (13.3)
----- ----- ----- -----
$76.0 $65.4 $11.8 $7.3
===== ===== ===== =====
PUBLISHING SEGMENT
The net revenues and income from operations of the Publishing Segment were
as follows (in millions):
Income (loss)
Net Revenue from operations
-------------- ---------------
Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
-------------- -------------
2000 2001 2000 2001
---- ---- ---- ----
Penthouse Magazine and
the Affiliate Publications $56.6 $50.7 $13.5 $11.9
Foreign edition licensing 2.1 2.1 1.7 1.7
Power Magazine 1.2 (0.1) (0.8) (0.1)
----- ----- ----- -----
$59.9 $52.7 $14.4 $13.5
===== ===== ===== =====
PENTHOUSE MAGAZINE AND THE AFFILIATE PUBLICATIONS
Revenues for Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications were $50.7
million and $56.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, a decrease of $5.9 million. Newsstand revenue was $33.8 million
and $39.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, a
decrease of $5.8 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease
in the number of copies of Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications
sold, partially offset by an increase in the cover price of Penthouse, Penthouse
Letters and Variations magazines. Newsstand sales have been adversely affected
by the weakness in the economy in 2001 and by the ongoing consolidations of
companies within the magazine distribution industry which have for several years
resulted in a reduction in the number of outlets carrying the Company's
magazines. To attempt to offset this decline, the Company has implemented
special marketing strategies aimed at developing new outlets for its magazines
and rewarding growth in sales by distributors. Advertising revenue was $8.3
million and $8.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, a decrease of $0.5 million. The decrease in advertising revenue is
primarily attributable to a decrease in the average rate per page of advertising
pages sold in Penthouse magazine, partially offset by an increase in the number
of advertising pages sold in this publication. Subscription revenue was $7.3
million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, an increase of $0.4 million. The increase is due to an increase in
the net revenue per copy sold of the Penthouse magazine, partially offset by a
decrease in the number of subscription copies sold of Penthouse
21
magazine and the Affiliate Publications. In the third quarter of 1999, the
Company increased the subscription price for Penthouse magazine and reduced
discounts offered to its subscription agents to improve the profitability of
subscriptions sold. This change has had the effect of increasing the net revenue
per copy for subscriptions over the past nine quarters as old subscriptions
expire and they are replaced by new subscriptions sold at the increased rate.
This increase has been partially offset by a decrease in the number of
subscription copies sold during the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to
the year ended December 31, 2000.
Publishing-production, distribution and editorial expenses were $24.2
million and $28.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, a decrease of $4.0 million. Paper costs were $8.4 million and
$11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, a
decrease of $2.9 million. Print costs were $8.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2001, compared to $9.5 million for the year ended December 31,
2000, a decrease of $0.8 million. The decreases are due primarily to a decrease
in the number of copies printed, a decrease in the price of paper, and a
decrease in the number of pages per issue, partially offset by paper and
printing costs for two additional issues of Girls of Penthouse in 2001 and
increased printing costs due to price increases for inflation contained in the
Company's contracts with its printers. Distribution costs were $4.2 million for
both the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. Editorial costs were $2.9
million and $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, a decrease of $0.4 million.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $14.5 million for the
year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $14.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000, a decrease of $0.2 million. The decrease is primarily due to
a decrease in retail display allowance of $0.7 million and a decrease in salary
and benefit expense of $1.0 million, partially offset by an increase in
subscription costs of $1.1 million, consulting expenses of $0.1 million,
fulfillment expenses of $0.1 million, other taxes of $0.1 million and newsstand
rack expense of $0.1 million during the year ending December 31, 2001.
Trends - Penthouse and the Affiliate Publications
The Company has experienced a steady decline in the number of newsstand
copies of Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications sold over the past
several years. From 1997 to 2001, Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate
Publications domestic average monthly newsstand circulation decreased by 33%.
The Company believes that the loss of several newsstand distribution outlets due
to the change in social climate toward men's magazines, together with certain
advances in electronic technology, including the proliferation of retail video
outlets and the increased market share of cable television and the internet, as
well as ongoing consolidations of companies in the magazine distribution
industry, have largely contributed to the overall decrease in circulation. The
Company has raised the cover prices of the magazines and reduced production
costs to partially offset this decline. The Company believes that the most
significant consolidations likely in the magazine distribution industry have
already taken place. The Company also believes that newsstand sales will improve
slightly during 2002, as a result of special marketing strategies it has
implemented aimed at developing new outlets for its magazines and rewarding
growth in sales by distributors and as a result of the economic recovery
expected to occur during the second half of 2002. These positive trends are
expected to be partially offset by a continued loss of outlets due to various
factors, including changes in the ownership of chains of convenience stores,
which can result in a loss of business if a new owner no longer wishes to carry
adult oriented products.
The advertising revenues of Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate
Publications have also declined over the past several years. The primary reason
for the decrease in advertising revenue has been the decrease in the average
monthly circulation of the Company's magazines over the past several years,
which has the effect of decreasing advertising rates. In addition, there has
been a steady decrease in pay-per-call advertising over the past several years
as competition in the pay-per-call industry has caused rates per minute to
decrease and as pay-per-
22
call services have attracted less of an audience in recent years. The Company
believes that despite this trend, advertising revenue will remain fairly stable
during 2002 as magazine circulation begins to increase for the reasons stated
above and as the market for advertising improves as a result of the economic
recovery expected in the second half of 2002. However the Company expects
advertising revenue to decline in following years as a result of the decreasing
demand for pay-per-call services.
The Company has also experienced a steady decline in number of sales of
subscription copies of Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications over
the past several years. The Company believes the reasons for the decrease are
similar to the reasons for the declining newsstand sales, but has also resulted
from increases in the subscription prices of the magazines and lowered discounts
offered to subscription agents. The Company increased the subscription prices of
the magazines and lowered discounts to subscription agents in order to increase
the profitability of subscription sales. The Company is not planning to increase
the subscription prices for the magazines in the foreseeable future and expects
the number of subscription sales to remain fairly stable during 2002. However,
the 11.6% increase in postal rates that will go into effect in July 2002 is
expected to reduce the profitability of subscription sales by approximately
$350,000 on an annualized basis. The Company will attempt to partially offset
the effect of this increase by reducing its subscription related promotional
expenses.
The Company has been steadily reducing its publishing-production,
distribution and editorial expenses over the past several years by reducing the
number of copies printed, reducing the number of pages per issue and changing
the grades of paper used to produce the magazines. These expenses are expected
to decrease further in 2002 as a result of further changes made in paper grades
on some of the magazines. The Company expects printing costs to increase due to
price increases for inflation contained in the Company's contracts with its
printers. The Company projects that paper prices, which have been decreasing
during 2001, will remain stable during 2002. However, paper prices are volatile
and a large increase in prices could have a material adverse affect on the
Company's cash flows and profitability.
Selling, general and administrative expenses are expected to decrease as a
result of a reduction in the number of employees in 2002. In future years,
selling, general and administrative expenses are expected to increase at about
the same rate as inflation.
FOREIGN EDITION LICENSING
Revenues from licensing of foreign editions were $2.1 million for both the
years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $0.4 million for both
the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000.
Trends - Foreign Edition Licensing
Revenue from licensing of foreign editions has remained fairly stable over
the past several years. While declining circulation at mens magazines around the
world has resulted in lower royalty payments per licensee each year, the Company
has been able to maintain its licensing revenue by adding new licensees to
offset the declining royalty payments. The Company expects this trend to
continue and for foreign edition licensing revenue to remain fairly consistent
during 2002.
23
In 2002 and future years, selling, general and administrative expenses for
foreign edition licensing are expected to increase at about the same rate as
inflation.
POWER MAGAZINE
Publication of Power magazine was suspended after the November 2000 issue.
Revenues for Power magazine were $1.2 million for the year ended December 31,
2000, consisting of newsstand revenues of $0.5 million and advertising revenues
were $0.7 million, respectively.
Publishing-production, distribution and editorial expenses were $1.3
million for the year ended December 31, 2000.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $0.7 million for the
year ended December 31, 2000.
ONLINE SEGMENT
Revenues for the online segment were $9.8 million and $12.8 million for
the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, a decrease of $3.0
million. The decrease is due to a decrease in the sale of memberships to the
Internet Site of $3.4 million, partially offset by an increase in advertising
revenues from banners in the Internet Site of $0.1 million and online store
revenue of $0.3 million during the year ending December 31, 2001. The company
experienced a decline in new members due to weakness in the U.S. economy during
the year ended December 31, 2001 and due to its use of more aggressive credit
card validation methods in order to comply with Visa's more stringent
requirements regarding chargeback levels. To offset this decline the company has
intensified its efforts to attract more advertisers to the Internet Site, which
has resulted in increased advertising revenue during the year ended December 31,
2001 and has implemented more varied pricing plans to attract new members and
retain existing members.
Direct costs were $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and
$0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, respectively, a decrease of
$0.2 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in fees paid
to content providers of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.
Selling general and administrative expenses were $3.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 2001, compared to $4.1 million for the year ended December
31, 2000, a decrease of $0.6 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to
lower bank charges of $0.8 million and decreased consulting fees of $0.2
million, partially offset by increased salaries and benefits of $0.4 million
during the year ended December 31, 2001.
Trends - Online Segment
Revenues from the online segment leveled off in 2000 and then declined in
2001 primarily as a result of the use of more aggressive credit card validation
methods required to comply with Visa's requirements, and the weakness in the
U.S. economy during the year ended December 31, 2001. The Company does not
believe it will need to intensify its validation methods any further in the
near term to meet Visa's requirements and expects that 2002 revenue from the
online segment will be slightly higher than those achieved in 2001. In
addition, the marketing initiatives stated above and the anticipated economic
recovery during the second half of 2002 are expected to help increase sales of
memberships in 2002. However, Visa has the right to modify the maximum
chargeback level at any time. Should Visa decide to reduce the maximum
chargeback level, the Company may need to intensify its validation methods
further to meet the new requirements, which would result in a decrease in the
number of customers who would be accepted as members of the Internet Site. In
addition, MasterCard and
24
Discover have not set maximum chargeback levels for their credit card
transactions. If MasterCard or Discover decides to establish a maximum
chargeback level, the Company may need to intensify its validation methods
further to meet their requirements. The Company currently applies the same
validation techniques to the credit card transactions of all three companies
even though MasterCard and Discover have not established a maximum chargeback
level. There is also the possibility that one or more of the credit card
companies may decide to stop processing adult on-line internet transactions
altogether, which most likely would result in a decrease in the online revenue.
Revenues from advertising banners in the Internet Site are expected to remain
consistent with 2001 and revenue from the online store is expected to increase
slightly in 2002 as more products are added to the store.
Direct costs are expected to remain about the same during 2002. Selling,
general and administrative expenses are expected to decrease in 2002 due to a
reduction in the number of employees and in future years to increase at about
the same rate as inflation.
ENTERTAINMENT SEGMENT
Revenues from the Entertainment Segment were $2.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 2001, compared to $3.3 million for the year ended December
31, 2000, a decrease of $0.4 million. The Company's video business revenues were
$2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $2.2 million for
the year ended December 31, 2000, a decrease of $0.1 million. Revenues for the
year ended December 31, 2001 were lower because the company re-released many of
its older movies on DVD format during the prior year causing sales to be higher
during the prior period. Revenues from the Company's pay-per-call business were
$0.7 million and $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, a decrease of $0.4 million. Revenues for the year ended December
31, 2001 were lower due to lower billable minutes.
Direct costs were $0.6 million for both years ended December 31, 2001 and
2000 respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $0.9 for both years
ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 respectively.
Trends - Entertainment Segment
Revenues from the Entertainment Segment have been declining over the past
few years primarily as a result of a steady decrease in demand for pay-per-call
services. The Company expects pay-per-call revenue to continue to decline during
2002 and thereafter. The Company's video business revenues have been fairly
consistent over the past few years and are expected to remain around the same as
in 2001.
Direct costs are expected to increase at about the same rate as inflation
in 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses are expected to decrease
in 2002 due to a reduction in the number of employees.
CORPORATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are corporate
administrative expenses which includes executive, legal, human resources,
finance and accounting, management information systems, costs related to the
operation of the corporate and executive offices and various other expenses.
Corporate administrative expenses were $13.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2001 compared to $12.5 million for the year ended December 31,
2000, an increase of $0.8 million. This increase is primarily attributable to
increased bad debts expense of $1.9 million, consisting of a reserve of $1.1
million against an unsecured loan receivable from an entity which is owned by
GMI's principal shareholder and a reserve of $0.8 million against the amount
due from GMI and the Other GMI Subsidiaries (See Note 12 of the Notes To
Consolidated Financial Statements), and an increase in insurance expense of
$0.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in legal fees of $0.6 million,
salary expense of $0.5 million, travel expense of $0.1 million and promotional
expense of $0.1 million.
25
Trends - Corporate Administrative Expense
Corporate administrative expenses are expected to decrease during 2002 due
to a reduction in the number of employees.
RENT EXPENSE FROM AFFILIATED COMPANY
Rent expense from affiliated company represents charges from an affiliated
company for the use by the Company of the affiliate's facilities. The charge is
based upon the Company's proportionate share of the operating expenses of such
facilities. Rent expense from affiliated companies was $0.6 million and $0.5
million for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
The Company's revenues were $76.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2000, compared to revenues of $78.8 million for the year ended December 31,
1999, a decrease of $2.8 million. Absent the sale of the Automotive Magazines,
revenues would have shown an increase of $2.1 million. Newsstand revenues were
$40.2 million and $39.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, an increase of $1.0 million. The Automotive Magazines accounted
for $1.0 million of 1999 newsstand revenues. Newsstand revenues for Mens
Magazines were $39.6 million and $38.1 million for the year ended December 31,
2000 and 1999, respectively, an increase of $1.5 million. Advertising revenues
were $9.5 million and $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and
1999, respectively, a decrease of $3.1 million. Of this amount, $3.0 million is
attributable to a loss of advertising revenue from the sale of the Automotive
Magazines. Advertising revenues from Mens Magazines decreased $0.6 million.
Advertising revenues from Power magazine was $0.7 million and $0.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, an increase of $0.6
million. Subscription revenues were $6.9 million and $7.8 million for the year
ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, a decrease of $0.9 million. Of
this decrease, $0.8 million is attributable to the sale of the Automotive
Magazines and $0.1 million is attributable to a decline in subscription revenues
from the Mens Magazines. Revenues for the Entertainment Segment were $16.1
million and $16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, a decrease of $0.5 million. Revenues from the Company's video
business were $2.2 million and $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000
and 1999, respectively, a decrease of $0.2 million. Revenues from the Company's
pay-per-call business were $1.1 million and $1.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, a decrease of $0.4 million. Revenues
from the Company's internet business were $12.8 million for both the year ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999.
Income from operations was $11.8 million for the year ended December 31,
2000, compared to a loss from operations of $0.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999. Income from operations were impacted by:
- - an increase in the newsstand cover price of Penthouse Magazine,
- - an increase in the newsstand cover price of Penthouse Letters Magazine,
26
- - an increase in the newsstand cover price of Variations Magazine, -
- - an increase in the subscription price of Penthouse Magazine,
- - decreased production costs and distribution costs as a result of a
decrease in the number of newsstand copies printed and a decrease in the
number of pages per issue,
- - increased revenues from advertising banners on the Company's internet
site,
- - a suspension of publication of Hot Talk in December 1999 which was an
unprofitable publication,
- - decreased selling, general and administrative expenses due to decreased
consulting fees, attorney fees, commission expense, advertising expense,
retail distribution allowance expense, promotional expense, bad debt
expense and
- - reduced salary expenses caused by a reduction in the number of employees
as a result of restructuring the Company's operations.
Other income (expense) of $6.4 million for the year ended December 31,
2000 compared to net other income (expense) of $23.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999. Included in other income (expense) for the year ended
December 31, 1999 is a before tax gain of $30.7 million from the sale of the
Automotive Magazines. Included in interest expense is the amortization of debt
issuance costs and discounts of $0.9 million for the year ended December 31,
2000 compared to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.
As a result of the above discussed factors, net income before income tax
expense (benefit)for the year ended December 31, 2000 was $5.5 million,
compared to a net income of $22.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.
The net revenues and income from operations of the Company were (in
millions):
Income (loss)
Net Revenue from operations
--------------- ---------------
Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
--------------- ---------------
1999 2000 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ----
Publishing Segment $62.2 $59.9 $5.6 $14.4
Online Segment 12.8 12.8 7.2 8.1
Entertainment Segment 3.8 3.3 1.2 1.8
----- ----- ----- -----
$78.8 $76.0 $14.0 $24.3
Corporate Administrative Expenses (14.8) (12.5)
----- ----- ----- -----
$78.8 $76.0 $(0.8) $11.8
===== ===== ====== =====
27
PUBLISHING SEGMENT
The net revenues and income from operations of the Publishing Segment were
as follows (in millions):
Income (loss)
Net Revenue from operations
--------------- ---------------
Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
--------------- ---------------
1999 2000 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ----
Penthouse Magazine and
the Affiliate Publications $55.1 $56.6 $4.4 $13.5
Foreign edition licensing 2.0 2.1 1.6 1.7
Power Magazine 0.2 1.2 (0.8) (0.8)
Automotive Magazines 4.9 0.4
----- ----- ---- -----
$62.2 $59.9 $5.6 $14.4
===== ===== ==== =====
PENTHOUSE MAGAZINE AND THE AFFILIATE PUBLICATIONS
Revenues for Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications were $56.6
million and $55.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, an increase of $1.5 million. Newsstand revenue was $39.6 million
and $38.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively,
an increase of $1.5 million. The increase is primarily attributable to an
increase in the cover price of Penthouse magazine offset by a decrease in the
number of copies of Penthouse magazine sold and revenue lost due to the
suspension of publication of Hot Talk magazine effective December 1999.
Advertising revenue was $8.8 million and $9.4 million for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, a decrease of $0.6 million. The
decrease in advertising revenue is primarily attributable to a decrease in the
number of advertising pages sold in Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate
Publications partially offset by an increase in the average advertising rate per
page in these publications. Subscription revenue was $6.9 million and $7.0
million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, a decrease
of $0.1 million due primarily to a decrease in the number of subscription copies
sold of Penthouse magazine and the Affiliate Publications, offset by an increase
in the net revenue per copy sold of the Penthouse and the Affiliate
Publications. In the third quarter of 1999 the Company increased the
subscription price for Penthouse magazine and reduced discounts offered to its
subscription agents to improve the profitability of subscriptions sold. As a
result of this action, the Company experienced a decrease in the number of
subscription copies sold, with an offsetting increase in net revenue per copy
during the year ended December 31, 2000.
Publishing-production, distribution and editorial expenses were $28.2
million and $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, a decrease of $3.0 million. Paper costs were $11.3 million and
$11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, a
decrease of $0.4 million. Print costs were $9.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000, compared to $11.3 million for the year ended December 31,
1999, a decrease of $1.8 million. The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in
the number of copies printed and a decrease in the number of pages per issue, as
discussed above, partially offset by an increase in the cost of printing.
Distribution costs were $4.2 million and $4.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999 respectively, a decrease of $0.7 million. Editorial
costs were $3.3 million and $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000
and 1999, respectively, a decrease of $0.1 million.
28
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $14.7 million for the
year ended December 31, 2000, compared to $19.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999, a decrease of $4.8 million. The decrease is primarily due to
a decrease in salary and benefit expense of $1.4 million, in subscription costs
of $1.0 million as a result of fewer direct subscription mailings, in
promotional expenses of $0.7 million, in advertising expenses of $0.5 million,
in commission expenses of $0.5 million, and in retail distribution allowance of
$0.3 million during the year ending December 31, 2000.
FOREIGN EDITION LICENSING
Revenues from licensing of foreign editions, which are included in net
revenues - other, were $2.1 million and $2.0 million for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, an increase of $0.1 million.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $0.4 million for both
the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999.
POWER MAGAZINE
Revenues for Power magazine were $1.2 million for the year ended December
31, 2000 compared to $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.
Newsstand and subscription revenues were $0.5 million and $21,000 for the years
ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Advertising revenues were $0.7
million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
Publishing-production, distribution and editorial expenses were $1.3
million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. Paper costs were $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Printing costs were $0.4 million and
$0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Distribution costs were $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Editorial costs were $0.3 and $0.1
million for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $0.7 million and $0.2
million for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
ONLINE SEGMENT
Revenues for the online segment were $12.8 million for both the years
ended December 31, 2000 and 1999. Revenues from the sale of memberships to the
Company's internet site decreased by $0.6 million during the year ended December
31, 2000, offset by increased advertising revenue of $0.6 million from banners
on the Internet Site during the same period. The Company experienced a decline
in new members due its use of more aggressive scubbing methods in order to
comply with Visa's more stringent requirements regarding chargeback levels.
Memberships were also impacted by the decision of American Express to withdraw
from the adult entertainment business, which eliminated one possible payment
option for customers. To attempt to offset this decline the company intends to
intensify its marketing efforts and to offer more promotional incentives to
attract new customers and advertisers to the Internet Site.
Direct costs were $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and
$1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, respectively, a decrease of
$0.4 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in fees paid
to content providers of $0.3 million and decreased costs of $0.1 million for
content purchased for use on the Internet Site.
29
Selling general and administrative expenses were $4.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 2001, compared to $4.5 million for the year ended December
31, 2000, a decrease of $0.4 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to
decreased consulting fees of $0.8 million and decreased web hosting charges of
$0.2 million, partially offset by increased bank charges of $0.6 million.
ENTERTAINMENT SEGMENT
Revenues from the Entertainment Segment were $3.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 2000, compared to $3.8 million for the year ended December
31, 1999, a decrease of $0.5 million. The Company's video business revenues were
$2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 compared to $2.4 million for
the year ended December 31, 1999, a decrease of $0.2 million. The decrease was
primarily due to lower revenue from pay per view agreements during the year
ended December 31, 2000. Revenues from the Company's pay-per-call business were
$1.1 million and $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, a decrease of $0.3 million. Revenue for the year ended December
31, 2000 was lower due to higher chargebacks and reserve rates, lower billable
minutes and the termination of certain contracts with respect to the Company's
smaller service bureaus.
Direct costs were $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000,
compared to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, a decrease of
$0.9 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to decreased costs due to a
change to a new national wholesale distributor of DVD's and video cassettes.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $0.9 million and $1.3
million for the year ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999,
respectively, a decrease of $0.4 million. This decrease is primarily
attributable to decreased consulting expenses of $0.2 million and decreases in
other various selling, general and administrative expenses of $0.2 million..
CORPORATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are corporate
administrative expenses which includes executive, legal, human resources,
finance and accounting, management information systems, costs related to the
operation of the corporate and executive offices and various other expenses.
Corporate administrative expenses were $12.5 million for the year ended December
31, 2000, compared to $14.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, a
decrease of $2.3 million. This decrease is primarily attributable to decreased
expenses of $0.1 million as a result of the sale of the Automotive Magazines,
decreased legal fees of $1.0 million, decreased consulting expenses of $0.6
million, decreased salary expenses of $0.5 million and decreased insurance
expense of $0.4 million, offset by an increase of $0.3 million in various other
corporate administrative expenses.
RENT EXPENSE FROM AFFILIATED COMPANY
Rent expense from affiliated company represents charges from an affiliated
company for the use by the Company of the affiliate's facilities. The charge is
based upon the Company's proportionate share of the operating expenses of such
facilities. Rent expense from affiliated companies was $0.5 million for both the
years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999.
30
ADDITIONAL SEGMENT INFORMATION
See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information on the Company's business segments.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contains
forward-looking statements as to expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives and
future financial performance, and assumptions underlying or concerning the
foregoing. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and
are based on certain assumptions, which could cause actual results or outcomes
to differ materially from those expressed in the forward looking statements. The
following are important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to
differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements: (a)
government actions or initiatives, including (1) attempts to limit or otherwise
regulate the sale of adult-oriented materials, including print, video and online
materials; (2) regulation of the advertisement of tobacco products, or (3)
significant changes in postal regulations or rates, (b) increases in paper
prices; (c) increased competition for advertisers from other publications and
media or any significant decrease in spending by advertisers generally, or with
respect to the adult male market; (d) effects of the consolidations taking place
among businesses which are part of the magazine distribution system; (e)
uncertainty with regard to the future market for entertainment, e-commerce and
advertising by way of the Internet, (f) the impact on advertising sales of a
slow-down or possible recession in the economy, an increasingly competitive
environment and competition from other content and merchandise providers; (g)
the impact of terrorist attacks; and (h) the ability of the Company to generate
sufficient cash from future operations to make all the payments required under
the Series C Notes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance in these
forward-looking statements, which reflect management's opinions only as of the
date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release
the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates.
Management does not believe that it has any foreign currency rate risk.
Interest Rates-As of December 31, 2000, the Company had debt of $52.0
million with a fixed rate of 10 5/8%. On March 29, 2001 the Company exchanged
$51.5 million of this debt for new debt with a fixed rate of 15% and retired
$0.5 million of the debt. In July, October and December 2001, the Company
retired $0.7 million, $1.1 million and $0.7 million of the new debt,
respectively in accordance with the requirements of the Series C Notes. The
Company is subject to market risk based on potential fluctuations in current
interest rates.
Foreign-Exchange Rate Risk-The Company does not believe it has exposure to
foreign exchange rate risk because all of its financial instruments are
denominated in U.S. dollars.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
See page F-1 for an index to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
31
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
The directors of the Company serve until the next annual meeting of
stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. The executive
officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors in the absence of
employment agreements. The following information is submitted with respect to
each director and executive officer of the Company at March 28, 2002.
Date Date
Elected Elected to
Positions Presently Held with the as Present
Name Age Registrant Director Office
- ------------------ -------- ------------------------------------- -------- ----------
Robert C. Guccione 71 Director, Chairman of the Board, 1993 1993
Publisher, Chief Executive Officer
Nina Guccione 42 Director, Executive Vice President, 2000 2000
Assistant Secretary
John D. Orlando 48 Director, Senior Vice President, 1999 1998
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Laurence B. Sutter 58 Senior Vice President, General -- 1997
Counsel, Secretary
William F. Marlieb 73 Director 1993 --
Phyllis Schwebel 74 Director 1993 --
Jerry Siano 68 Director 2000 --
The business experience for the last 5 years of the current directors and
executive officers of the Company and those individuals who were directors or
executive officers during 2001 is presented below.
ROBERT C. GUCCIONE has been a Director, Chairman of the Board, and Publisher of
the Company since 1993 and has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company since
April 1999. Mr. Guccione was also Chief Executive Officer prior to January 1998.
Mr. Guccione founded Penthouse Publications in London in 1965 after having
served as managing director and editor-in-chief of London American, a weekly
newspaper.
32
JOHN C. PREBICH was a Director, President and Chief Operating Officer from May
2000 to January 2002. Prior to his appointment to that position, Mr. Prebich was
Managing Director of the Company from August 1999 to May 2000. Since 1990, he
has been the Chairman of the Board, owner and Publisher of KC Publishing, Inc.
NINA GUCCIONE has been a Director, Executive Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of the Company since November 2000. Ms. Guccione was a Director,
Executive Vice President, President- New Media and Secretary of the Company from
February 1998 to April 2000. Prior to her appointment to that position, Ms.
Guccione was Executive Vice President- New Media and Secretary of the Company
from 1996 to February 1998. Ms. Guccione has served in various capacities within
the Company for in excess of five years. Ms. Guccione is the daughter of Robert
C. Guccione.
JOHN D. ORLANDO has been a Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of the Company since August 1998 and a Director since March 1999.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Orlando was the President of Konica
Environmental Products Division of Konica Graphic Imaging International, Inc.
(Konica) from 1997 to 1998 and was the Senior Vice President-Chief Financial
Officer-Treasurer and Secretary of Konica from 1987 to 1997. Mr. Orlando is a
certified public accountant.
LAURENCE B. SUTTER has been a Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company since May 2000. Prior to his appointment to his current
position, Mr. Sutter was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary of the Company since January 1997. Prior to his appointment to that
position, Mr. Sutter was Associate Counsel/Publications and Assistant Secretary.
Mr. Sutter has been employed by the Company or its affiliates since 1982 and has
been a practicing attorney since 1977.
WILLIAM F. MARLIEB is a Director of the Company. Mr. Marlieb was
President/Marketing, Sales and Circulation of the Company until his retirement
in April 1997. He has been associated with the Company or its affiliates for 24
years. Prior to joining an affiliated company in 1973, he was President of
Tilley Marlieb Advertising, Inc. Mr. Marlieb is a past President and Chairman of
the Advertising Club of New York.
JOHN L. DECKER was a Director of the Company from November 1993 until July 2001.
Since 1983, he has been President of Decker & Associates, the publisher of
Advertiser and Agency magazines. From 1978 to 1983, Mr. Decker was Senior Vice
President and Group Publisher of Knapp Communications, which is responsible for
the advertising and circulation of Architectural Digest, Bon Appetit, Go and
Home magazines. Mr. Decker received his B.S. in Economics from Villanova
University.
PHYLLIS F. SCHWEBEL is a Director of the Company. Since 1992, she has been
President of The Garth Company, a strategic marketing organization. From 1983
through 1991, Ms. Schwebel was Manager of Market Research for Time magazine and
Manager of Corporate Management Research for Time Inc. Ms. Schwebel is a member
of the Board of Directors of the American Advertising Federation and immediate
past Chairman of its Counsel of Governors. She holds a B.A. from The City
University of New York.
JERRY SIANO is a Director of the Company. Since 1995 he has been Chief Executive
Officer of DiLeondro, Siano & Caserta LLC, which is an advertising agency. Prior
to that position he was Chairman of the Board of N.W. Ayer. Mr. Siano holds a
Bachelors Degree from The University Of The Arts.
33
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The following table summarizes the compensation for services rendered to
the Company during fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 by (i) the Company's Chief
Executive Officer, Robert C. Guccione, and (ii) each of the Company's other most
highly compensated executive officers whose total annual salary and bonus
exceeded $100,000 and whose compensation is required to be disclosed under
S.E.C. rules. The compensation for all such officers represents the amounts paid
by the Company in respect thereof pursuant to the Properties and Salary
Allocation Agreement (for Mr. Guccione) and the Expense Allocation Agreement
(for all other such officers). See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."
Name and Principal Position Annual Compensation
- --------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
Year Salary(1) Bonus Other(2)
-------- ---------------- -------- -------------
Robert C. Guccione (3) 2001 $ 1,295,462 $ 356,972
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 2000 $ 1,850,444 $ 277,139
and Publisher 1999 $ 1,530,000 $ 674,124
John C. Prebich (4) 2001 $ 475,000 $114,000
President and Chief Operating Officer 2000 $ 327,019 $142,500
Nina Guccione 2001 $ 95,000
Executive Vice President and 2000 $ 264,904
Assistant Secretary 1999 $ 190,000
John D. Orlando 2001 $ 236,510
Senior Vice President-Chief 2000 $ 222,263
Financial Officer and Treasurer 1999 $ 190,000 $ 9,500
Lawrence B. Sutter 2001 $ 176,831
Senior Vice President, General Counsel 2000 $ 166,985
and Secretary 1999 $ 159,015 $ 6,000
(1) Executive officer compensation is determined pursuant to the allocation
provisions of the Properties and Salary Allocation Agreement and the
Expense Allocation Agreement referred to above. The allocations were
approved by the nonemployee members of the Board of Directors of the
Company. See "Compensation Committee Interlock and Insider Participation
in Compensation Decisions" and "Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions."
(2) Other compensation represents life insurance premiums paid on behalf of
Mr. Guccione, under split dollar policy arrangements.
34
(3) See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" for a
description of amounts advanced by the Company to the Other GMI
Subsidiaries, indirectly wholly owned by Mr. Guccione and a trust for the
benefit of his children, in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
(4) Employment terminated in January 2002. In addition, the Company advanced
$286,000 and $254,000 in 2000 and 2001 to KC Publishing, Inc., a company
wholly owned by Mr. Prebich. See Note 12 of the Notes To Consolidated
Financial Statements.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors who are also employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
do not currently receive any additional compensation for serving as a director
or committee member or for attending Board or committee meetings. All other
directors receive an annual retainer of $5,000 plus $1,500 for each Board
meeting and committee meeting attended.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCK AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION IN COMPENSATION
DECISIONS
During 2001, two non-employee directors, Mr. Decker and Ms. Schwebel (the
"Non-employee Members"), who have never served as officers of the Company or
been employees of the Company, acted as the Company's Compensation Committee.
Mr. Decker acted in this capacity until he resigned from his position as a
director on July 19, 2001. On March 27, 2002, Mr. Siano, a non-employee
director, was elected to serve on the Company's Compensation Committee.
The salary of Mr. Guccione is determined and paid by GMI. The Non-employee
Members reviewed and approved the reimbursement of GMI by the Company in an
amount equal to the portion of the salary of Mr. Guccione allocated to the
Company pursuant to the Properties and Salaries Allocations Agreement. In
addition, the Non-employee Members reviewed and approved the expenses allocated
to the Company for its use of the Townhouse pursuant to the Properties and
Salary Allocation Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."
35
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
The General Media Communications, Inc. Employees' Retirement Savings Plan
and Trust (the "Plan") is a tax-exempt defined contribution (401(k) plan
covering all employees of GMI and its affiliates (including the Company) who
have completed 1,000 hours of service in one plan year and are twenty-one years
of age or older. GMI may make discretionary contributions to the Plan from its
current profits, before profit-sharing costs and income taxes, in each plan
year, in such amounts as authorized by the Board of Directors of GMI, provided
that the amount of the contribution for each plan year does not exceed 3% of the
qualified earnings of each participant. Participants may contribute up to 15% of
their annual wages before bonuses and overtime up to a maximum pre-tax
contribution of $10,500 in 2001. Participant's accounts are credited with the
participant's contribution and an allocation of (a) GMI's contribution, if any,
(b) Plan earnings, and (c) forfeitures of terminated participants' nonvested
accounts, if any. Allocations are based on participant earnings on account
balances. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can
be provided from the participant's account. Participants are immediately vested
in their pre-tax contributions plus actual earnings thereon. Vesting in the
remainder of their accounts begins after completing two years of service and
vests in equal amounts until the participant has completed five years of
service, at which time the participant becomes 100% vested. Under the Plan,
participating employees can allocate funds in their account among several
investment options. Upon termination of service, a participant may elect to
receive an amount equal to the vested value of his or her account, in either a
lump-sum or in monthly, quarterly, or semiannual payments from the Plan over a
period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the participant and his or
her spouse. As of December 31, 2001, Robert Guccione, Lawrence Sutter and Nina
Guccione were 100% vested in profit sharing contributions made by GMI. Amounts
contributed by GMI, if any, on behalf of employees who performed services for
the Company are reimbursed to GMI by the Company pursuant to the Expense
Allocation Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." The
Company did not make any contributions to the Plan in fiscal years 1999, 2000
and 2001.
36
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
As of March 28, 2002, 475,000 shares of the Company's issued and
outstanding Common Stock were held by GMI, 2,401 shares of the Company's Common
Stock were held by two former Warrant holders who converted common stock
purchase Warrants into Common Stock on December 22, 2000 and 10,906 shares of
the Company's Class A Preferred Stock were held by the Consenting Holders. The
following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of GMI's common stock as of March 28, 2002.
GMI Shares Percent
Name and Address Common Stock(1) Beneficially Owned of Class
- -------------------------------- --------------- ------------------ --------
Robert C. Guccione
16 East 67th Street Class A 6.67 66.7%
New York, New York 10022 Class B 0.00 0.0
Robert C. Guccione Family Class A 3.33 33.3
Trust No. 1 Class B 1.62 100.0
C/O ATC Trustees (Cayman) Ltd.
Cayside, 2nd Floor
Harbor Drive
George Town, Cayman Islands, BWI
(1) Holders of Class A and Class B common stock have equal voting rights and
are entitled to one vote per share.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation,
if there should be a payment Event of Default under the indenture governing the
Company's Series C Notes, the holders of the Company's Class A Preferred Stock
would be entitled to appoint a majority of the members of the Company's Board of
Directors for as long as such Event of Default shall continue.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
GMI owns (together with Robert C. Guccione, who owns a 1% interest and
utilizes such facilities as his residence and his executive offices) a
Townhouse. The Townhouse is used for various Company related activities,
including business meetings, client entertainment, charitable functions,
magazine photography sessions and promotional and marketing events. Expenses of
maintaining the Townhouse, as well as any applicable debt service requirements,
are the responsibility of GMI. Pursuant to the Properties and Salary Allocation
Agreement among the Company, GMI and a GMI subsidiary, the Company reimbursed
GMI in the amounts of approximately $0.5 million in both 1999 and 2000, and $0.6
million in 2001, for the use of the Townhouse for Company purposes. See
"Compensation Committee Interlock and Insider Participation in Compensation
Decisions."
The Properties and Salary Allocation Agreement also provides that the
salary of Mr. Guccione is determined and paid by GMI. Pursuant to this
agreement, the Company reimburses GMI for a portion of such salary based upon an
allocation of the relative business time spent by Mr. Guccione on GMI related
business and on Company related business. In 2001, 2000 and 1999, the Company
reimbursed GMI in the amounts of
37
approximately $1.3 million, $1.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for the
allocable amount of Mr. Guccione's salary.
GMI, the Company and the Other GMI Subsidiaries are parties to the Tax
Sharing Agreement pursuant to which such parties file consolidated federal,
state and local income tax returns so long as permitted by the relevant tax
authorities. The Tax Sharing Agreement sets forth the methodology for allocating
income taxes and the use of net operating losses ("NOLs") between the Company,
GMI and the Other GMI Subsidiaries. The Company, however, is not required to pay
income or franchise taxes (except certain alternative taxes) to the extent that
it can utilize a portion of the NOLs of GMI and the Other GMI Subsidiaries
pursuant to the terms of the Tax Sharing Agreement. Prior to 2000, the Company
was not required to reimburse GMI and the Other GMI Subsidiaries for the use of
the NOLs generated by these entities. In addition, the Tax Sharing Agreement
provides that GMI and the other GMI Subsidiaries indemnify the Company from any
income or franchise tax liabilities of the consolidated group in excess of the
$26 million arising during years ending through December 31, 1993.
The Company, GMI and the Other GMI Subsidiaries also have entered into an
Expense Allocation Agreement, which sets forth the methodology for allocating
common expenses as among the parties to the Expense Allocation Agreement
including expenses related to the use of and occupancy costs for the Company's
principal corporate offices in New York City. Pursuant to the Expense
Allocation Agreement, items of common expense are allocated primarily on the
basis of estimates of time spent and space occupied by relevant personnel,
including executive personnel (other than Mr. Guccione), data processing,
accounting, production and sales support and administrative personnel. The
Company pays such combined expenses and allocates to GMI and the Other GMI
Subsidiaries the portions due by such companies. Costs incurred directly by
subsidiaries of the Company solely for their benefit are paid directly by such
companies, as are direct costs incurred by the Other GMI Subsidiaries solely
for their benefit. The amount receivable under the Property and Salary
Allocation Agreement and the Expense Allocation Agreement at December 31, 2000
and 2001 was $1.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively, as $3.0 million was
advanced by the Company to GMI and the Other GMI subsidiaries in 1999, $2.9
million in 2000 and $3.2 million in 2001. In 2001, the Company established a
reserve of $0.8 million against the amount due from GMI and the Other GMI
Subsidiaries as collectability is not fully assured. As discussed more fully in
Note 5 of the Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements, on March 27, 2000,
the Company received a payment of approximately $0.8 million toward this
balance through the transfer of the outstanding stock of a subsidiary of GMI.
In October 1997, Mr. Guccione was granted a loan in the amount of $1.2
million from NTS, a company that had simultaneously entered into an agreement
with the Company to provide services for the Company's pay-per-call business.
The loan was in consideration of Mr. Guccione personally guaranteeing all
material obligations of the Company under the agreement. Mr. Guccione defaulted
on this loan when it became due upon the Company's refinancing of its Senior B
Notes in March 2001. As provided in the agreement, NTS began to apply payments
due the Company on its pay-per-call services to the loan. At December 31, 2001,
the remaining principal balance of the loan and unpaid interest thereon amounted
to $887,000. As more fully described in Note 10 of the Notes To Consolidated
Financial Statements, NTS filed a complaint against Robert C. Guccione, GMI and
the Company (the "Defendants") seeking damages in connection with this loan and
with respect to claims that the Defendants had breached agreements with NTS.
At December 31, 2001, the Company had a $1.0 million loan receivable from
Mr. Guccione, pursuant to a promissory note. Such loan bears interest at 11% per
annum and is due on December 31, 2002.
At December 31, 2001, the Company had a $1.1 million loan receivable from
a foreign company which is principally owned by Mr. Guccione, which amount has
been fully reserved at December 31, 2001 as collectability is not assured.
38
Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31,
2001 are approximately $0.4 million of receivables from KC Publishing, Inc., a
company owned by the Company's former President and Chief Operating Officer. The
Company has established a full reserve against these receivables as
collectibility is not assured.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) The following documents are being filed as part of this Report:
(1) See page F-1 for an index of consolidated financial statements.
(2) See page F-1 for an index of financial statement schedules.
(3) Exhibits:
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
*3.2 -- By-Laws of the Company.
3.3 -- Amended And Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company, filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware
on March 29, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2000).
*4.2 -- Indenture, dated as of December 21, 1993, between the
Company and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as
trustee ("Trustee"), containing, as exhibits, specimens
of Series A Notes and Series B Notes.
*4.4 -- Security Agreement, dated December 21, 1993, between the
Company and Trustee.
*4.5 -- Pledge Agreement, dated December 21, 1993, between the
Company and Trustee.
*4.6 -- Copyright Security Agreement, dated December 21, 1993,
between the Company and Trustee.
*4.7 -- Trademark Security Agreement, dated December 21, 1993,
between the Company and Trustee.
4.8 -- First Supplemental Indenture, dated May 19, 1999, among
the Company, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors and IBJ
Whitehall Bank & Trust, as trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000).
4.9 -- Second Supplemental Indenture, dated March 29, 2001,
among the Company, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors and
The Bank Of New York, as trustee, containing, as
exhibits, specimens of Series C Notes (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended
39
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
December 31, 2000).
4.10 -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 29,
2001, between the Company and the holders of the
Company's Class A Preferred Stock (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000).
4.11 -- Amendment To Security Agreement, dated as of March 29,
2001, among the Company, each of the Subsidiary Grantors
and The Bank Of New York, as collateral agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2000).
+*10.1 -- Distribution Agreement, dated September 19, 1977, among
Curtis Circulation, Penthouse International, Ltd., Forum
International, Ltd., Viva International, Ltd., Penthouse
Photo World, Ltd. and Penthouse Poster Press, Ltd.;
Amendment No. 1, undated; Amendment No. 2, dated
September 8, 1982; Amendment No. 3, dated March 18,
1985; and Amendment No. 4, dated February 1, 1986.
*10.8 -- Properties and Salary Allocation Agreement, dated
December 21, 1993, among the Company, GMI and Locusts on
the Hudson River Corp.
*10.9 -- Expense Allocation Agreement, dated December 21, 1993,
among the Company, GMI and the Other GMI Subsidiaries.
*10.10 -- Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, dated
December 21, 1993, among the Company, GMI and the Other
GMI Subsidiaries.
+10.11 -- Circulation Subscription Fulfillment Services Agreement,
dated September 15, 1994, between Palm Coast Data, Ltd.,
Penthouse International, Ltd., Omni Publications
International, Ltd., Longevity International, Ltd., Four
Wheeler Publishing, Ltd., Stock Car Racing Publications,
Inc., Open Wheel Publications, Inc., Super Stock
Publications, Inc., Forum International, Ltd. and
Variations Publishing International, Ltd.; Amendment,
dated September 16, 1994 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994).
10.13 -- Agreement of Lease between M393 Associates LLC and
General Media, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form-10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998).
10.15 -- Amendment To Distribution Agreement, dated November 8,
1995, among Curtis Circulation Company, Penthouse
International, Ltd., Forum International, Ltd., Four
Wheeler Publishing, Ltd., Penthouse Letters, Ltd., Omni
Publications International, Ltd., Variations
International, Ltd., Girls Of Penthouse Publications,
Inc., Longevity International, Ltd., Hot Talk
Publications, Ltd., Stock Car Racing Publishing, Ltd.,
Super Stock And Drag Racing Illustrated Publishing,
Ltd., and Open Wheel Publishing, Ltd.
40
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
++10.16 -- Printing Agreement, dated October 12, 2001 between
Quebecor World, Inc. and General Communications, Inc.
(to print Penthouse, Girls Of Penthouse and Penthouse
Letters).
++10.17 -- Printing Agreement, dated April 26, 2001 between
Transcontinental Printing and General Media
Communications, Inc. (to print Penthouse - Canadian
Version, Forum and Variations and Forum and Variations
Specials)
12.1 -- Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
21.1 -- Subsidiaries of the Company.
- ----------
* Previously filed with Registration Statement No. 33-76716 on Form S-4, and
incorporated herein by reference to such Registration Statement.
+ Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain
information contained in this exhibit.
++ Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain
information contained in this exhibit.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the fourth
quarter of 2001.
(c) Exhibits:
See paragraph (a)(3) above for a listing of items filed as exhibits
to this Form 10-K as required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
(d) Financial Statement Schedules:
See page F-1 for an index of financial statement schedules filed as
part of this Form 10-K.
41
GENERAL MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
Page
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants F-2
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2000 and 2001 F-3 - F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
Ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001 F-5
Consolidated Statement of Stockholder Deficiency for the Years
Ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001 F-7 - F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9 - F-26
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants on Schedule S-1
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts S-2
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required
information is contained in the financial statements or notes thereto.
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
GENERAL MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of General Media,
Inc. (a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of General Media
International, Inc.) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder deficiency and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of General Media,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As shown in the financial statements,
at December 31, 2001, the Company's current liabilities exceeded current assets
by $22,331,000. In addition, it is unlikely that the Company can generate
sufficient funds from operations to make all the mandatory payments required by
its Series C Notes during 2002. These factors, among others, as discussed in
Note 2 to the financial statements, raise substantial doubt about the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these
matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include
any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
New York, New York
March 8, 2002
F-2
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
(amounts in thousands)
ASSETS 2000 2001
------- -------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,425 $ 2,431
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $1,301 in 2000
and $1,852 in 2001 6,220 3,340
Inventories 6,323 4,447
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,896 1,855
------- -------
Total current assets 20,864 12,073
WORKS OF ART AND OTHER COLLECTIBLES 2,270 2,270
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - AT COST,
net of accumulated depreciation and amortization 2,890 2,420
OTHER ASSETS
Due from affiliated companies 1,389 3,805
Rent security deposits 1,562 1,496
Deferred subscription acquisition costs, net 690 1,282
Loan to shareholder 1,000 1,000
Loan to affiliated company 1,086
Deferred debt issuance costs, net 165
Other 896 1,440
------- -------
6,788 9,023
------- -------
$32,812 $25,786
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-3
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
December 31,
(amounts in thousands)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER DEFICIENCY 2000 2001
---------- --------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of Senior Secured Notes $ 2,943 $ 5,800
Accounts payable 9,799 12,439
Accrued retail display allowances 2,365 1,407
Deferred revenue 10,151 9,551
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 3,994 2,442
Accrued interest - Senior Secured Notes 2,763 1,840
Income taxes payable 964 925
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 32,979 34,404
SENIOR SECURED NOTES, less current maturities 49,057 43,257
UNEARNED REVENUE 1,702 1,433
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 1,223 1,130
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK 9,450
REDEEMABLE WARRANTS 582
STOCKHOLDER DEFICIENCY
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized, 1,000,000
shares; issued and outstanding, 477,401 shares 5 5
Capital in excess of par value 3,071 1,822
Accumulated deficit (55,807) (65,715)
-------- --------
(52,731) (63,888)
-------- --------
$ 32,812 $ 25,786
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-4
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31,
(amounts in thousands)
1999 2000 2001
-------- -------- --------
Net revenues $ 78,811 $ 76,001 $ 65,433
-------- -------- --------
Operating costs and expenses
Publishing - production, distribution and
editorial 34,449 29,624 24,240
Entertainment - direct costs 2,494 1,244 1,050
Selling, general and administrative 40,472 31,479 28,333
Bad debts expense 757 563 3,312
Rent expense from affiliated companies 542 540 571
Depreciation and amortization 941 714 600
-------- -------- --------
Total operating costs and expenses 79,655 64,164 58,106
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from operations (844) 11,837 7,327
Other income (expense)
Debt restructuring expenses (9,579)
Interest expense (7,969) (6,865) (8,003)
Interest income 762 495 289
Gain on sale of Automotive Magazines 30,657
-------- -------- --------
Total other income (expense), net 23,450 (6,370) (17,293)
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before provision for income
taxes and extraordinary item 22,606 5,467 (9,966)
Income tax expense (benefit) 3,390 2,239 (58)
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item 19,216 3,228 (9,908)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of
debt, net of income taxes of $15 in 1999
and $465 in 2000 671 571
-------- -------- --------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 19,887 $ 3,799 $ (9,908)
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-5
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER DEFICIENCY
Years ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
(amounts in thousands)
Capital in
Common excess of Accumulated
stock par value deficit Total
--------- -------------- ------------- --------
Balance - December 31, 1998 $5 $1,418 $(79,493) $(78,070)
Net income for the year 19,887 19,887
Contribution to capital by Parent Company 1,480 1,480
-- ------- -------- --------
Balance - December 31, 1999 5 2,898 (59,606) (56,703)
Net income for the year 3,799 3,799
Exercise of warrants 173 173
-- ------- -------- --------
Balance - December 31, 2000 5 3,071 (55,807) (52,731)
- ------- -------- --------
Net loss for the year (9,908) (9,908)
"Paid in kind" dividends on mandatorily
redeemable preferred stock (1,000) (1,000)
Accretion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (249) (249)
-- ------- -------- --------
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2001 $5 $1,822 $(65,715) $(63,888)
== ======= ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-6
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31,
(amounts in thousands)
1999 2000 2001
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss) $ 19,887 $ 3,799 $ (9,908)
-------- -------- --------
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization 941 714 600
Debt restructuring costs 9,579
Bad debts expense 757 563 3,312
Amortization of unearned revenue (1,023) (364) (268)
Interest on loan to shareholder (77) (95) (110)
Amortization of bond costs 971 873
Income taxes forgiven by affiliated companies 1,480
Income taxes reimbursable to affiliated companies 2,718
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment
of debt (686) (1,036)
Gain on disposition of Automotive Magazine
assets (30,657)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable 138 18 1,454
Inventories 135 (1,800) 1,876
Other current assets 1,562 (422) 41
Other assets 1,788 (807) (905)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and
other current liabilities (5,233) (3,061) 130
Accrued interest on Senior Secured Notes 2,763 (923)
Income taxes payable 765 (55) (39)
Deferred revenue 220 236 (600)
Other long-term liabilities 1,150 73 (93)
-------- -------- --------
(27,769) 318 14,054
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities (7,882) 4,117 4,146
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures (638) (232) (130)
Proceeds from sale of Automotive Magazines 35,000
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities 34,362 (232) (130)
-------- -------- --------
F-7
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
Year ended December 31,
(amounts in thousands)
1999 2000 2001
--------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities
Advance to affiliated companies $ (2,971) $(2,911) $(3,216)
Debt issuance costs (165) (1,961)
Purchase of Senior Secured Notes (26,600) (2,943)
Repayments from affiliated companies 2,118
Loan to shareholder (54)
Repayment from shareholder 200 11 110
-------- ------- -------
Net cash used in financing activities (27,253) (3,119) (8,010)
-------- ------- -------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (773) 766 (3,994)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 6,432 5,659 6,425
-------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,659 $ 6,425 $ 2,431
======== ======= =======
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for
Interest $ 6,996 $ 3,200 $ 8,911
Income taxes 1,120 236 17
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Noncash issuance of mandatorily redeemable convertible
preferred stock $ 8,200
Noncash "paid in kind" dividends on mandatorily
redeemable preferred stock 1,000
Noncash expiration of redeemable common stock warrants
Noncash accretion of mandatorily redeemable preferred 582
stock to liquidation preference 249
Noncash repayment by affiliated companies $ 1,800
Exercise of warrants for stock not yet issued (related
stock issued in early 2001) 173
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-8
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General Media International, Inc. ("GMI") is the holder of 99.5% of the
common stock of General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company"). On
March 29, 2001 the Company issued 9,905 shares of mandatorily redeemable
convertible preferred stock to third parties (See Note 7). General Media,
Inc. and Subsidiaries is a publishing, online and entertainment company
engaged in the publication and sale of men's magazines, the sale of
various adult-oriented online products and services, the sale of various
adult-oriented entertainment products and services, the licensing of its
trademarks to publishers in foreign countries and for use on various
consumer products and services, and until March 1999, the production and
sale of automotive magazines and an automotive television series.
Penthouse is the Company's most significant trademark and is used
extensively by its publishing, online, entertainment and foreign edition
licensing operations. In December 1999, the Company launched a new
magazine called Mind & Muscle Power ("Power") which targeted the men's
health magazine market. Results were below expectations and the
publication was suspended after the November 2000 issue. The Company's
operations are located primarily in New York City, and the Company has a
broad customer base.
A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in
the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements
follows:
a. Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and all its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
b. Revenue Recognition
Sales of magazines for retail distribution are recorded on the
on-sale date of each issue based on an estimate of the revenue for
each issue of the magazine, net of estimated returns. Estimated
revenues are adjusted to actual revenues as actual sales information
becomes available. The Company receives an advance payment from its
distributor on the on-sale date of each issue.
Revenues from advertising are recognized on the on-sale date of each
issue in which the advertising was included.
F-9
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 1 (CONTINUED)
Revenues from the sale of magazine subscriptions are recognized over
the term of the subscriptions.
Revenues from the sales of films and videocassettes are recognized
in the period in which the product is shipped. Returns are generally
not material.
Revenues from product and trademark licensing are recorded in the
period in which earned.
Revenues from the sale of memberships to the Company's internet site
are recognized over the term of the membership.
Revenues from pay-per-call programs are recorded in the period in
which the calls are made.
c. Inventories
Paper and printing costs are valued at the lower of cost (first-in,
first-out method) or market. Editorials and pictorials are valued at
actual cost. Film and programming costs are the direct cost of
production, less amounts amortized over the expected period of
revenue, generally twelve to eighteen months from the film release
date.
d. Works of Art and Other Collectibles
Works of art and other collectibles are carried at lower of cost or
estimated fair value. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, all works of
art and collectibles are recorded at cost.
e. Deferred Subscription Acquisition Costs
The costs of acquiring subscriptions related to direct response
marketing are deferred and amortized over the life of the
subscriptions, generally twelve months. Amortization of these costs
is done on a cost-pool-by-cost-pool basis over the period as
future revenues are expected to be recognized.
f. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided
by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of
the assets. Furniture and equipment and computer hardware and
software are depreciated over five years and leasehold improvements
are depreciated over the life of the lease.
F-10
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 1 (CONTINUED)
g. Cash Equivalents
The Company considers its money market funds with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
h. Management Charges
The Company incurs shared common indirect expenses for the benefit
of GMI and affiliated companies, including accounting, personnel,
data processing, employee relations and other administrative
services. In addition, the Company is charged by GMI and its
subsidiaries for other corporate overhead costs, executive
compensation and costs which principally relate to office space,
including interest charges and depreciation. These allocations are
based on factors determined by management of the Company to be
appropriate for the particular item, including estimated relative
time commitments of managerial personnel, relative number of
employees and relative square footage of all space occupied.
In the opinion of management, the results of operations of the
Company reflect all of the Company's costs, including salaries,
rent, depreciation, legal and accounting services and other general
and administrative costs.
i. Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial
Instruments
The Company's financial instruments that are exposed to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash
equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its
cash and temporary cash investments with high credit quality
institutions. In general, such balances generally exceed the FDIC
insurance limit. Management of the Company provides credit, in the
normal course of business, to a significant number of advertisers
in the tobacco, alcohol and adult entertainment industries. The
Company routinely assesses the financial strength of its customers
and newsstand distributors and, as a consequence, believes that its
trade accounts receivable exposure is limited. The carrying value
of financial instruments (principally consisting of cash and cash
equivalents and receivables) approximates fair market value due to
its short-term nature. There is no established public trading
market for the Company's Senior Secured Notes and it would by
impractical to estimate fair value at December 31, 2001 without
incurring excessive cost.
F-11
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 1 (CONTINUED)
No customer of the Company accounted for more than ten percent of
the Company's net revenues in 1999, 2000 or 2001, and no part of the
business is dependent upon a single customer or a few customers, the
loss of any one or more of which would have a material adverse
effect on the Company.
j. Income Taxes
The Company makes estimates of its current tax exposure and
temporary differences resulting from timing differences for
reporting items for book and tax purposes. The Company recognizes
deferred taxes by the assets and liability method of accounting for
income taxes. Under the assets and liability method, deferred taxes
are recognized for differences between the financial statement and
tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted statuatory tax rates
in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to
reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date
k. Use of Estimates
In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as
well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
l. Reclassification of Prior Periods
Certain amounts in the 1999 and 2000 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the 2001 presentation.
NOTE 2 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND LIQUIDITY
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which
contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company's cash
balance was $2,431,000 at December 31, 2001, compared to $6,425,000 at December
31, 2000. During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company provided
$4,146,000 in cash flows from operating activities. However the Company paid
$3,216,000 in advances to an affiliated company, incurred $1,961,000 in debt
issuance costs and paid $2,943,000 in mandatory principal payments for its
Series C Notes, resulting in a net decrease in its cash balance at December 31,
2001. At December 31, 2001, the Company's current liabilities exceeded current
assets by $22,331,000.
The Company's Series C Notes require interest payments of approximately
$7,045,000 and amortization payments of $5,800,000 during the next year. The
management of the Company does not believe it can generate sufficient funds from
operations to make all of the required payments. In the event that the Company
is unable to make these payments, the trustee under the Indenture could assume
control over the Company and substantially all of its assets including its
registered trademarks. The Company is currently negotiating with the holders of
the Series C Notes (the "Holders") for a reduction in its debt service payments.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining a
reduction in the debt service payments.
In view of the matters described in the preceding paragraph, recoverability of
a major portion of the recorded asset amounts shown in the accompanying blance
sheets is dependent upon the Company's ability to obtain financing and
continued operations of the Company. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset
amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary
should the Company be unable to continue in existence.
The Company has undertaken the following actions to attempt to achieve
profitability and improve cash flow:
F-12
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 2 (CONTINUED)
- - On February 28, 2002, the Company reduced its workforce by 39 employees
(26% of total workforce). This action will reduce the amount of cash
required for salary and benefit expenses.
- - Reduce production costs of its magazines by changing the paper grades on
its magazines and by changing their design to improve production
efficiencies.
- - Reduce the amount of cash expended to promote subscriptions and reduce the
amount of cash expended on other selling, general and administrative
expenses.
- - Improve revenue by adding additional special issues of its magazines.
Since the above actions will not generate sufficient improvements to cash flow
to meet current debt service requirements, the Company is contemplating
additional actions, including seeking other sources of financing, to provide
cash. However, there can be no assurances that management will be able to
achieve such a result.
NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES
Inventories include the following at December 31:
2000 2001
-------- --------
--------(in thousands)-------
Paper and printing $3,432 $1,411
Editorials and pictorials 2,271 2,239
Film and programming costs 620 797
-------- --------
$6,323 $4,447
======== ========
NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment as of December 31, consist of:
2000 2001
-------- ------
--------(in thousands)-------
Furniture and equipment $6,253 $6,253
Leasehold improvements 1,871 1,871
Computer hardware and software 2,772 2,902
Other 66 66
-------- --------
10,962 11,092
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (8,072) (8,672)
-------- --------
$2,890 $2,420
======== ========
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was
$838,000, $714,000 and $600,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999,
2000 and 2001, respectively.
F-13
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 5 - SENIOR SECURED NOTES
On December 21, 1993, the Company issued $85,000,000 of Senior Secured
Notes (the "Notes") at an issue price equal to 99.387% of the principal
amount of the Notes. As part of the issuance of the Notes, the Company
issued 85,000 common stock purchase warrants to the purchasers of the
Notes and sold to the underwriter at a discount 102,506 warrants (the
"Warrants"). The Warrants, having an expiration date of December 22, 2000,
entitled the holders to purchase in the aggregate 25,000 shares of the
Company's common stock at the exercise price of $0.01 per share. The
Warrants also gave the holders the right to require the Company to
purchase for cash all of the Warrants at their fair value. At the time of
issuance, the Company recorded the Warrants at their fair value.
The Notes were collateralized by a first priority security interest in all
intellectual property rights (including copyrights and trademarks) and
substantially all other intangible and tangible assets of the Company,
other than accounts receivable, inventory and cash equivalents.
In July 1995, the Company repurchased $5,000,000 face amount of its
outstanding Notes, including 5,000 warrants, for cash of $4,050,000. In
May 1999, the Company repurchased $28,000,000 face amount of its
outstanding Notes for cash of $26,600,000. The remaining Notes matured on
December 31, 2000 and bore interest at 10-5/8% per annum, which was
payable semiannually.
During the first three months of 2000, the Company made non-permitted
advances of approximately $1,005,000 to GMI that caused non-compliance
with certain covenants of the indenture. This amount was repaid in full
with interest on March 27, 2000 by a transfer of the outstanding stock of
a subsidiary of GMI whose net assets, consisting of works of art and other
collectibles, had an appraised value of $1,800,000 at the time of
transfer. The remaining balance of $795,000 was applied against the
outstanding receivable from GMI.
On December 22, 2000, 18,009 of the Warrants were converted into 2,401
shares of the Company's Common Stock and 104,076 Warrants expired without
being timely exercised in accordance with the Warrant agreement. The due
date of the remaining 60,421 Warrants held by holders of the Notes was
extended as part of the negotiations for refinancing the Notes. The
exercise of the 18,009 Warrants was recorded in December 2000 as a
reduction in redeemable warrants and a contribution to capital of
$173,000. The expiration of the 104,076 Warrants was recorded in the
financial statements in December 2000 as an extraordinary gain from
extinguishment of debt of $571,000, net of income tax of $465,000.
On March 29, 2001 (the "Closing Date"), the Company refinanced the Notes.
Under the refinancing agreement, the Company exchanged the $51,507,000 of
principal amount of Notes and any Warrants held by Noteholders (the
"Consenting Holders") for Series C Notes and mandatorily redeemable
convertible preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock") with a liquidation
preference of $10,000,000 (See
F-14
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 5 (CONTINUED)
Note 7) meeting certain specified terms and conditions. The remaining
$493,000 principal amount of Notes that were not exchanged were retired by
payments made to the holders on March 29, 2001.
The Series C Notes will mature on March 29, 2004, bear interest at a rate
of 15% per annum from and after January 1, 2001 and require amortization
payments of $5,800,000 during 2002 and $6,500,000 during 2003, with the
balance due in 2004. In addition, further amortization equal to 50% of
excess cash flow in each year is required. The Company made amortization
payments of $2,943,000 during the year ended December 31, 2001.
The indenture under the original Notes (the "Indenture") has been
extended to the March 29, 2004 maturity of the Series C Notes. The
original Indenture contained covenants, that will continue to the new
maturity date, which, among other things, (i) restrict the ability of the
Company to dispose of assets, incur indebtedness, create liens and make
certain investments, (ii) require the Company to maintain a consolidated
tangible net worth deficiency of no greater than $81,600,000, and (iii)
restrict the Company's ability to pay dividends unless certain financial
performance tests are met. The Company's subsidiaries, which are
guarantors of the Senior Secured Notes under the Indenture, however, were
and continue to be permitted to pay intercompany dividends on their
shares of common stock. The ability of the Company and its subsidiaries
to incur additional debt is severely limited by such covenants. The
Indenture was amended in conjunction with the issuance of the Series C
Notes to reflect the above mentioned payments, to reflect the March 29,
2004 maturity of the Series C Notes, to provide additional "Change of
Control" events (requiring the commencement of an offer to purchase
Notes), to provide additional flexibility as to the nature of, but also
to set a fixed dollar limit for, "Owner Payments", and to require
Noteholder consent to entering into new lines of business or for sales or
other conveyances of the Penthouse trademark (other than ordinary course
licensing) or other assets for net proceeds in excess of $500,000. In
addition, the related Security Agreement was amended to grant additional
security interests in inventory and accounts receivable as well as a
security interest in proceeds of the sale of certain real property owned
by GMI(after payment of existing debt obligations thereon) and on any
proceeds to the Company from payment on split dollar life insurance on
the life of the Company's principal beneficial owner. As of December 31,
2001, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.
NOTE 6 - DEBT RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES
In connection with the refinancing of the Company's debt, as more fully
described in Note 5 above, the Company recorded debt restructuring
expenses of $9,579,000 consisting of a fee of approximately $1,030,000 to
Consenting Holders as well as their legal fees and related expenses of
approximately $177,000, legal fees and expenses for the Company's own
lawyers and representatives of approximately $754,000 and the fair market
value of 9,905 shares of Preferred Stock of $8,200,000 issued to the
Consenting Holders, as more fully described in Note 7 below, less the
remaining $582,000 of liability associated with 60,421 Warrants
surrendered in connection with the refinancing.
F-15
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 7 - MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
On March 29, 2001, the Company issued 9,905 shares of Preferred Stock to
the Consenting Holders at a fair market value of $8,200,000. The Preferred
Stock carries a liquidation preference of $10,000,000, provides for
"paid-in-kind" dividends at a 13% per annum rate and is convertible at the
option of the holders, after two years following the Closing Date, into
10% of the Company's common stock on a fully diluted basis in the third
year, 12.5% of the Company's common stock on a fully diluted basis in the
fourth year, and 15% of such common stock on a fully diluted basis during
the fifth year. The Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable by the
Company (subject to the aforementioned conversion rights) at its
liquidation preference including the "paid-in-kind" dividends at the end
of the fifth year.
The Preferred Stock may be optionally redeemed by the Company at a
discount during the first and second years following the Closing Date at
redemption prices of $4,000,000 if redeemed in the first six months,
$6,000,000 thereafter in the first year and $10,000,000 in the second
year, and may be optionally redeemed at increasing premiums of 110%, 115%
and 120% during the third, fourth and fifth years, respectively, provided
that the Series C Notes are paid in full at or before the time of any
redemption.
The recorded value net of issuance costs are being accreted using the
effective interest method through the March 29, 2006 mandatory redemption
date of the Preferred Stock. For the year ended December 31, 2001, the
Company recorded $249,000 of such accretion. For the year ended December
31, 2001, the Company also recorded "paid-in-kind" dividends of
approximately $1,000,000. Both the accretion of the Preferred Stock and
the "paid-in-kind" dividends are reflected in the accompanying financial
statements as an increase in Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred
Stock and a decrease in Capital In Excess Of Par Value.
F-16
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 8 - SALE OF AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINES
On March 2, 1999 (the "Closing Date"), the Company sold substantially all
of the assets, exclusive of net newsstand and advertising accounts
receivable, of its wholly-owned subsidiary, General Media Automotive
Group, Inc. ("GMAG"), to EMAP Petersen, Inc. ("EMAP") for $35,000,000 in
cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities and deferred subscription
liabilities, as defined in the Asset Sale and Purchase Agreement between
EMAP and GMAG dated as of February 9, 1999 (the "Asset Purchase
Agreement"). There are no material relationships between EMAP and the
Company or any of its affiliates, any director or officer of the Company,
or any associate of any such director or officer. The sale price was
subject to an adjustment, that was determined to be $156,000 in the
Company's favor, which is the amount that net working capital, as defined
in the Asset Purchase Agreement, deviated from $1,500,000. The Company
recorded an after-tax gain of approximately $27,000,000 on the sale.
On April 27, 1999, the Company tendered an Offer To Purchase and Consent
Solicitation Agreement (the "Offer") to the registered holders (the
"Noteholders") of the Notes. The Offer solicited consents from
Noteholders for the adoption of certain proposed waivers and amendments
to the Indenture, and solicited the Noteholders consent to the Company's
offer to purchase for cash, on a pro rata basis, $28,000,000 in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes from the proceeds received from the sale of
the Automotive Magazines (the "Sales Proceeds"). The purchase price
offered was $0.95 for each $1.00 in principal amount of Notes tendered
and accepted pursuant to the Offer, plus accrued interest through and
including the date of purchase. The Offer further requested the
Noteholders to consent to the release to the Company for general working
capital of approximately $2,700,000 remaining from the Sales Proceeds,
after giving effect to the purchase of the Notes contemplated in the
Offer and costs associated with the sale of the Automotive Magazines. In
May 1999, a majority of the Noteholders consented to the waivers and
amendments to the Indenture and tendered the full $28,000,000 in
principal amount of Notes for purchase by the Company for cash of
$26,600,000. The remaining cash of approximately $2,700,000 was released
to the Company for general working capital purposes.
The effect of this Offer was a reduction in Notes outstanding of
$28,000,000, a reduction in interest expense in Fiscal 1999 of
approximately $1,800,000, a net gain of $671,000 on the retirement of the
Notes and a reduction in available cash of approximately $28,000,000. The
gain of $671,000 net of income taxes of $15,000 has been reflected in the
consolidated statements of operations as an extraordinary item.
F-17
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES
The income tax provision for the year ended December 31 consists of:
1999 2000 2001
------- ------- ------
------------(in thousands)----------
Current
Federal $ 1,519 $ 1,580 $
State 1,871 673 25
Foreign (14) (83)
------- ------- ----
$ 3,390 $ 2,239 $(58)
======= ======= ====
The Company incurred a taxable loss of approximately $1,475,000 for the
year ended December 31, 2001. The state income tax provision for the year
ended December 31, 2001 is comprised of minimum taxes. The benefit in the
foreign tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2001 is the result
of a favorable settlement of a foreign tax audit from a prior year.
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax
determined by applying the applicable U.S. statutory rate to earnings
before income taxes, as a result of the following:
1999 2000 2001
---- ---- ----
Statutory Federal income tax rate 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
Net operating loss and other tax benefits for which no
current tax benefit is being realized (34.0)
State taxes, net of Federal income tax 5.6 7.4
Net change in valuation allowance for deferred taxes 7.2 2.2
Utilization of Federal AMT credit carryforward (2.3)
Foreign tax refund (.3)
Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards (31.8)
-------- -------- --------
Effective tax rate 15.0% 41.0% --%
======== ======== ========
F-18
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 9 (CONTINUED)
Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between
the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the
deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
2000 2001
------ -------
--(in thousands)--
Deferred tax assets
Debt financing costs $ $ 2,874
Allowance for doubtful accounts 426 740
Deferred rent - 11 Penn Plaza 105 151
Accrued bonuses 170 100
Accrued severance 130
Net operating loss carryforwards 590
----- -------
Gross deferred tax asset 831 4,455
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation (86) (46)
----- -------
Gross deferred tax liability (86) (46)
----- -------
Valuation allowance (745) (4,409)
----- -------
Net deferred tax asset $ -- $ --
===== =======
The Company has established a full valuation allowance with respect to the
future realization of net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of
the Company's ability to generate sufficient future taxable income.
The Company and its subsidiaries are included in the consolidated Federal
income tax return of GMI. The provision for income taxes (benefit) in the
accompanying statements of operations is allocated to the Company from GMI
as if the Company filed separate income tax returns. Since each member of
a consolidated tax group is jointly and severally liable for Federal
income taxes of the entire group, the Company may be liable for taxes of
GMI or other members of the consolidated group. Under the terms of a Tax
Sharing and Indemnification Agreement (the "Agreement"), the Company is
required to remit income taxes to GMI beginning in the year in which the
Company's Senior Secured Notes are paid to the extent that the Company
utilizes the net operating losses ("NOL's") of GMI to reduce its income
tax liabilities. At January 1, 2001, GMI had available for Federal income
tax purposes NOL's aggregating approximately $86,987,000 which can be used
by the Company to reduce future income taxes, as long as the Company is a
member of GMI's consolidated group, which will expire in tax years ending
2007 to 2020. The Company's ability to utilize net operating losses may be
limited in the future due to the additional issuance of GMI's common stock
or other changes in control, as defined in the
F-19
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 9 (CONTINUED)
Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. To the extent that the
Company utilizes such NOL's, the Company is required to pay GMI, within
thirty days after the Company pays the group consolidated tax liability,
an amount that would have been paid in taxes had such NOL's not been
available.
The Internal Revenue Service has completed an audit of GMI's Federal income
tax returns for the years ended 1986 through 1990. This audit resulted in a
tax deficiency totaling $35,000 plus interest, which was paid in October
1999. As a result of the audit, the net operating loss carryforward was
reduced by $95,600. GMI's Combined New York State Franchise Tax Returns for
the years 1993 to 1996 are in the process of being audited by The New York
State Department of Taxation and Finance. GMI's management does not expect
a material adverse outcome from this audit. Subsequent years' Federal, New
York State and other tax returns filed by GMI are subject to audit by
governmental authorities.
NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
On January 23, 1997, the Company filed in United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York an action under the Racketeer Influenced
and Corrupt Organizations Act alleging, among other things, that certain
defendants conspired to defraud the Company by fraudulently backdating a
contract (the"DEC Contract") which awarded exclusive rights to develop a
"live" Penthouse internet site to defendant Deluxe Entertainment Corp.
("DEC"). On January 24, 1997 DEC served a demand on the Company for
arbitration under the DEC contract on the issues of breach and damages.
The DEC Contract provides a minimum damage award of $30 million in
addition to incidental, consequential and punitive damages and
compensation for lost profits. In July 1998 the United States District
Court granted DEC's motion for arbitration. DEC and the Company have
mutually agreed to indefinitely postpone this arbitration subject to
reinstatement by either party on six months notice to the other. The
Company intends to vigorously defend itself in the arbitration should it
be reinstated. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these
proceedings is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
On December 3, 2001, Network Telephone Services ("NTS") filed in Los
Angeles Superior Court (the "Court") a complaint against Robert C.
Guccione (the Company's Chairman and GMI's principal shareholder), GMI
and the Company (collectively the "Defendants") asserting breach of
promissory note, breach of written guarantee, and a declaration of rights
and injunctive relief arising out of a promissory note and several other
agreements between NTS and the Defendants. NTS seeks damages in the
amount of approximately $1.1 million, interest at the rate of 9% per
annum from September 1, 2001 and attorneys fees. The Defendants have
until April 22, 2002 to file their answer to the complaint. However the
Court has ordered the case to mediation, with the mediation to be
completed no later than June 17, 2002. The Company is in negotiations
with NTS to renew its pay-per-call service and advertising agreements,
which renewal could provide for
F-20
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 10 (CONTINUED)
the settlement of this litigation. In the event these agreements cannot be
negotiated at fair market rates and damages are assessed against the
Company, it will seek to recover any amounts paid to NTS from Robert C.
Guccione and GMI. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these
proceedings is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
There are various lawsuits claiming amounts against the Company. It is the
opinion of the Company's management that the ultimate liabilities, if any,
in the outcome of these cases will not have a material effect on the
Company's financial statements.
Leases
The Company leases office space in several cities under operating leases
expiring at various dates through March 2009. Rent expense under operating
leases was $1,956,000, $1,821,000 and $1,856,000 during the years ended
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively. Minimum lease commitments
are set forth below:
Year ending December 31, (in thousands)
2002 $ 1,890
2003 1,869
2004 1,864
2005 1,896
2006 1,896
Thereafter 4,271
-------
$13,686
=======
F-21
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 10 (CONTINUED)
Letter of Credit
In connection with the lease for its corporate office, the Company was
required to maintain a standby letter of credit for approximately
$1,322,000 at December 31, 2001 for the purpose of collateralizing future
lease payments. The letter of credit, which is collateralized by a similar
balance in a restricted cash account included in rent security deposits,
will be reduced annually in accordance with the lease agreement, but will
be required to remain open throughout the life of the lease. The balance
in the Company's letter of credit account was $1,396,000 at December 31,
2001.
Employee Benefit Plan
The Company's employees may participate in a GMI-sponsored employee
profit-sharing and deferred compensation 401(k) benefit plan. The plan
covers substantially all employees and permits employees to defer up to
15% of their salary up to statutory maximums. The plan also provides for
GMI and the Company to make contributions to a profit-sharing fund solely
at GMI's or the Company's discretion. There were no Company contributions
to the plan for the years ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001.
NOTE 11 - UNEARNED REVENUE
During 1994 and 1995, the Company received amounts aggregating $1,000,000
and $3,000,000, respectively, relating to two distribution agreements for
the Company's products. The advance in 1994 of $1,000,000 represents an
incentive to sign a ten-year agreement with a distributor covering the
foreign distribution of the Company's magazines. The other advance,
totaling $3,000,000, represents an incentive to sign a ten-year agreement
with the distributor covering domestic distribution of the Company's
magazines. These incentive advances are being recognized as revenue on a
straight-line basis over the term of the related contract.
During 1999, the Company received amounts aggregating $900,000 and
$100,000, respectively, relating to two licensing agreements for domestic
sales of the Company's digital video disc ("DVD") versions of its video
products. The non-recoupable $900,000 advance represents an incentive to
sign a seven-year agreement with a distributor covering domestic
distribution of the DVD versions of the Company's video products. This
advance is being recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the
term of the agreement. The $100,000 recoupable advance represents an
incentive to sign a seven-year agreement with a distributor covering
domestic distribution of the DVD version of a full-length movie owned by
the Company. This advance was recognized as revenue as the Company's
products were sold through the distributor during 1999 and 2000.
F-22
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 11 (CONTINUED)
During 2000, the Company received a recoupable advance in the amount of
$500,000 which represents an incentive to sign a seven-year licensing
agreement with a distributor covering foreign distribution of the DVD
versions of the Company's video products and worldwide distribution of
the videocassette versions of the Company's video products. This advance
was recognized as revenue as the Company's products were sold through the
distributor during 2000 and 2001.
NOTE 12 - RELATED PARTIES
Included in the accompanying statements of operations are allocated
expenses for use by the Company of facilities owned by affiliated
companies. Rent expense payable to affiliated companies was $542,000,
$540,000 and $571,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and
2001, respectively.
On November 26, 1993, the Company entered into a Property and Salary
Allocation Agreement (the "Agreement") with GMI and an affiliate of GMI,
pursuant to which the Company is charged for the cost of utilizing
facilities owned by GMI and an affiliate of GMI. The charges are based
upon an estimate of the portion of the executive offices used by the
Company and the cost of utilizing comparable facilities as determined by
the nonemployee members of the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Agreement also provided that the Company is charged for the salary of
the Chairman of the Board of the Company, which is paid by GMI. The
amount of salary charged to the Company is based upon an estimate of the
time devoted to Company matters. In 2001, 2000 and 1999, the Company
reimbursed GMI in the amounts of approximately $1,295,000, $1,850,000
and $1,530,000, respectively, for the allocated amounts of the chairman's
salary.
On November 26, 1993, the Company entered into an Expense Allocation
Agreement (the "Agreement") with GMI and its subsidiaries, which requires
the Company to pay certain shared common indirect expenses. Under the
Agreement, GMI and its subsidiaries are required to reimburse the
Company, within 60 days after each quarter-end, for any payments made by
the Company on its behalf. In light of the changes to the Indenture made
in connection with the refinancing, which had the effect of permitting an
increase in amounts which may be due from affiliates, the Company intends
to amend the Agreement in the near future. The amount of shared common
indirect expenses charged to GMI and its subsidiaries is based upon
factors determined by management of the Company to be appropriate for the
particular item, including relative time commitments, relative number of
employees and square footage of space occupied. The amount receivable
under the Property and Salary Allocation Agreement and the Expense
Allocation Agreement, which is non-interest bearing, at December 31, 2000
and 2001 was $1,389,000 and $3,805,000(net), respectively, as
approximately $2,971,000 was advanced by the Company to GMI and it
subsidiaries in 1999, approximately $2,911,000 in 2000 and approximately
$3,216,000 in 2001. As discussed more fully in Note 5, on March 27, 2000,
the Company received a payment of approximately $795,000 toward this
balance through the transfer of the outstanding stock of a subsidiary of
GMI whose net assets consist of works of art and other collectibles. In
2001, the Company established a reserve of $800,000 against an amount due
from GMI and its subsidiaries as collectibility is not fully assured.
F-23
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 12 (CONTINUED)
The Company has an unsecured loan receivable in the amount of $1,086,000
from an entity which is owned by GMI's principal shareholder, which amount
has been fully reserved at December 31, 2001 as collectibility is not
assured.
In October 1997, GMI's principal shareholder was granted a loan in the
amount of $1,200,000 from NTS, a company that had simultaneously entered
into an agreement with the Company to provide services for the Company's
pay-per-call business. Upon the refinancing of the Company's Senior
Secured Notes in March 2001, the principal shareholder defaulted on the
repayment which resulted in NTS applying monies due the Company from its
pay-per-call business towards the repayment of this loan. As more fully
described in Note 10 , NTS filed suit in December 2001 regarding this
matter. At December 31, 2001, the loan balance was approximately $887,000.
The Company had $1,000,000 of loans receivable as of both December 31,
2000 and 2001, from GMI's principal shareholder, pursuant to a promissory
note. Such loan bears interest at 11% per annum and is due on December 31,
2002.
Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31,
2001 are approximately $418,000 of receivables from KC Publishing, Inc., a
company owned by the Company's former President and Chief Operating
Officer. The Company has established a full reserve against these
receivables as collectibility is not assured.
NOTE 13 - SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company is currently engaged in activities in three industry segments:
publishing, online and entertainment. The publishing segment of the
Company is engaged in the publication of Penthouse magazine and four
affiliate magazines (the "Affiliate Publications" and, together with
Penthouse magazine, the "Men's Magazines"), the licensing of the Company's
trademarks to publishers in foreign countries and for use on various
consumer products and services and until March 1999, the publication of
four specialty automotive magazines. From December 1999 to October 2000,
the Company also published Mind and Muscle Power Magazine. The online
segment is engaged in the sale of memberships to the Company's Internet
site (the "Internet Site"), the sale of advertising banners posted on the
Internet Site and, starting in 2001, the sale of adult-oriented consumer
products through the Company's online store. The entertainment segment of
the Company provides a number of adult-oriented entertainment products and
services, including pay-per-call telephone lines, digital video discs
("DVD's"), videocassettes and pay-per-view programming.
F-24
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 13 (CONTINUED)
Corporate
and
reconciling
Publishing Online Entertainment items Consolidated
------------------------------( in thousands)------------------------------
2001
REVENUES FROM CUSTOMERS $52,713 $9,827 $2,893 $65,433
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION 502 82 16 600
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS 13,529 5,870 1,212 (13,284) 7,327
DEBT RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES 9,579 9,579
INTEREST EXPENSE 356 7,647 8,003
INTEREST INCOME 289 289
SEGMENT PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 13,173 5,870 1,212 (30,221) (9,966)
SEGMENT ASSETS 12,341 237 1,056 12,152 25,786
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 74 56 130
2000
Revenues from customers $59,874 $12,840 $3,287 $76,001
Depreciation and amortization 602 76 36 714
Income (loss) from operations 14,424 8,082 1,806 (12,475) 11,837
Interest expense 461 6,404 6,865
Interest income 495 495
Segment profit (loss) before income taxes 13,963 8,082 1,806 (18,384) 5,467
Extraordinary gain, net of income taxes 571 571
Segment assets 17,537 216 1,112 13,947 32,812
Capital expenditures 153 79 232
1999
Revenues from customers $62,213 $12,774 $3,824 $78,811
Depreciation and amortization 664 192 85 941
Income (loss) from operations 5,594 7,230 1,159 (14,827) (844)
Gain on sale of Automotive
Magazines 30,657 30,657
Interest expense 300 7,669 7,969
Interest income 762 762
Segment profit (loss) before income taxes 35,951 7,038 1,351 (21,734) 22,606
Extraordinary gain, net of income taxes 671 671
Segment assets 17,059 188 1,264 11,793 30,304
Capital expenditures 610 25 3 638
The Corporate and reconciling items column represents corporate administrative
expenses such as executive, human resources, finance and accounting, management
information systems, costs related to the operation of the corporate and
executive offices, interest expense, interest income, debt restructuring
expenses (in 2001) and extraordinary gains, net of income taxes (in 2000 and
1999), resulting in the segment profit (loss) shown. Corporate and reconciling
items included in segment assets include all cash, deferred debt issuance costs,
loan to shareholder and loan to affiliated company.
F-25
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)
December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001
NOTE 13 (CONTINUED)
The market for the Company's products is worldwide; however 90% of the Company's
revenue is derived from U.S.-based sources.
NOTE 14-IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". This statement is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 31, 2001. This supercedes SFAS 121, "Accounting for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed
Of", while retaining many of the requirements of such statement. The Company
does not believe that this statement will have a meterial effect on the
Company's financial statements.
Certain provisions of The Emerging Issues Task Force pronouncement EITF 01-9,
"Accounting for Consideration Given by the Vendor to a Customer(Including a
Reseller of the Vendor's Products)", are effective for fiscal periods beginning
after December 15, 2001. The Company is evaluating the impact that this
pronouncement will have on the Company's financial statements as it relates to
retail display allowances.
F-26
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON SCHEDULE
Board of Directors
GENERAL MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements of
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries, referred to in our report dated March 8,
2002, we have also audited Schedule II as of December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001,
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. In our
opinion, this schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
New York, New York
March 8, 2002
S-1
General Media, Inc. and Subsidiaries
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
(amounts in thousands)
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Additions
--------------------------------
Charged to
Balance at Charged to other Balance at
beginning costs and accounts - Deductions - end of
Description of year expenses describe describe year
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------- --------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS $ 1,301 $ 943 $ 392(a) $1,852
ALLOWANCE FOR INTERCOMPANY AND ======= ======= ====== ======
RELATED PARTY NOTES $ -- $ 1,886 $ -- $1,886
======= ======= ====== ======
Year ended December 31, 2000
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,122 $ 427 $ 248(a) $1,301
======= ======= ====== ======
Year ended December 31, 1999
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 918 $ 724 $ 520(a) $1,122
======= ======= ====== ======
(a) Accounts written off, net of recoveries.
S-2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GENERAL MEDIA, INC.
By: /s/ Robert C. Guccione March 28, 2002
------------------------------------------------
Robert C. Guccione,
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
and Publisher
(Principal Executive Officer)
By: /s/ John D. Orlando March 28, 2002
------------------------------------------------
John D. Orlando,
Senior Vice President-
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Robert C. Guccione
- -------------------------- Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive March 28, 2002
Robert C. Guccione Officer, Publisher and Director
/s/ Nina Guccione
- -------------------------- Executive Vice President, Assistant March 28, 2002
Nina Guccione Secretary and Director
/s/ John D. Orlando
- -------------------------- Senior Vice President- Chief Financial March 28, 2002
John D. Orlando Officer and Director
/s/ William F. Marlieb Director March 28, 2002
- --------------------------
William F. Marlieb
/s/ Phyllis Schwebel Director March 28, 2002
- --------------------------
Phyllis Schwebel
/s/ Jerry Siano Director March 28, 2002
- --------------------------
Jerry Siano
S-3
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Sequential
No. Description Numbering
------- ----------- ----------
*3.2 -- By-Laws of the Company.
3.3 -- Amended And Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company, filed with the Secretary of State
of Delaware on March 29, 2001 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2000).
*4.2 -- Indenture dated as of December 21, 1993, between
the Company and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company,
as trustee ("Trustee"), containing, as exhibits,
specimens of Series A Notes and Series B Notes.
*4.4 -- Security Agreement, dated December 21, 1993,
between the Company and Trustee.
*4.5 -- Pledge Agreement, dated December 21, 1993, between
the Company and Trustee.
*4.6 -- Copyright Security Agreement, dated December 21,
1993, between the Company and Trustee.
*4.7 -- Trademark Security Agreement, dated December 21,
1993, between the Company and Trustee.
4.8 -- First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 19,
1999, among the Company, each of the Subsidiary
Guarantors and IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust, as
trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2000).
4.9 -- Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March
29, 2001, among the Company, each of the
Subsidiary Guarantors and The Bank Of New York, as
trustee, containing, as exhibits, specimens of
Series C Notes (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000).
4.10 -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March
29, 2001, between the Company and the holders of
the Company's Class A Preferred Stock
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2000).
4.11 -- Amendment To Security Agreement, dated as of March
29, 2001, among the Company, each of the
Subsidiary Grantors and The Bank Of New York, as
collateral agent (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000).
+*10.1 -- Distribution Agreement, dated September 19, 1977,
among Curtis Circulation, Penthouse International,
Ltd., Forum International, Ltd., Viva
International, Ltd., Penthouse Photo World, Ltd.
and Penthouse Poster Press, Ltd.; Amendment No. 1,
undated; Amendment No. 2, dated September 8, 1982;
Amendment No. 3, dated March 18, 1985; and
Amendment No. 4, dated February 1, 1986.
i
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Sequential
No. Description Numbering
------- ----------- ----------
*10.8 -- Properties and Salary Allocation Agreement, dated
December 21, 1993, among the Company, GMI and
Locusts on the Hudson River Corp.
*10.9 -- Expense Allocation Agreement, dated December 21,
1993, between the Company, GMI and the Other GMI
Subsidiaries.
*10.10 -- Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, dated
December 21, 1993, among the Company, GMI and the
Other GMI Subsidiaries.
+10.11 -- Circulation Subscription Fulfillment Services
Agreement, dated September 15, 1994, between Palm
Coast Data, Ltd., Penthouse International, Ltd.,
Omni Publications International, Ltd., Longevity
International, Ltd., Four Wheeler Publishing,
Ltd., Stock Car Racing Publications, Inc., Open
Wheel Publications, Inc., Super Stock
Publications, Inc., Forum International, Ltd. and
Variations Publishing International, Ltd.;
Amendment, dated September 16, 1994 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994).
10.13 -- Agreement of Lease between M393 Associates LLC and
General Media, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
1998).
10.15 -- Amendment To Distribution Agreement, dated
November 8, 1995, among Curtis Circulation
Company, Penthouse International, Ltd., Forum
International, Ltd., Four Wheeler Publishing,
Ltd., Penthouse Letters, Ltd., Omni Publications
International, Ltd., Variations International,
Ltd., Girls Of Penthouse Publications, Inc.,
Longevity International, Ltd., Hot Talk
Publications, Ltd., Stock Car Racing Publishing,
Ltd., Super Stock And Drag Racing Illustrated
Publishing, Ltd., and Open Wheel Publishing, Ltd.
++10.16 -- Printing Agreement, dated October 12, 2001, among
Quebecor World, Inc. and General Media
Communications, Inc. (to print Penthouse, Girls of
Penthouse and Penthouse Letters).
++10.17 -- Printing Agreement, dated April 26, 2001, between
Transcontinental Printing and General Media
Communications, Inc. (to print Penthouse -
Canadian Version, Forum, Variations and Forum and
Variations Specials
12.1 -- Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
21.1 -- Subsidiaries of the Company.
------------------
- - Previously filed with Registration Statement No. 33-76176 on Form S-4, and
incorporated herein by reference to such Registration Statement.
+ Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain
information contained in this exhibit.
++ Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain
information contained in this exhibit.
ii