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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For fiscal year ended September 30, 2000
Commission file number 0-21630
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ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
ARIZONA 86-0704792
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
4707 E. Baseline Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85040
(602) 337-3700
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No __
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant (14,949,611 shares) based on the closing price of the registrant's
Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on December 20, 2000, was
$42,008,407. For purposes of this computation, all officers, directors and 10%
beneficial owners of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates. Such
determination should not be deemed to be an admission that such officers,
directors or 10% beneficial owners are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.
As of December 20, 2000, there were outstanding 16,964,029 shares of
registrant's common stock, par value $.01 per share.
Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the registrant's definitive
Proxy Statement for the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this Report.
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ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS....................................................... 1
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES..................................................... 26
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................. 27
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS............ 27
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS............................................ 28
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA........................................ 29
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...................................... 30
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK..... 37
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.................... 37
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE............................ 38
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT............. 38
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION......................................... 38
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT..................................................... 38
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS................. 38
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM
8-K............................................................ 38
SIGNATURES ............................................................. 41
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.............................. F-1
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STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements contained in this report on Form 10-K that are not
purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of
applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements
regarding our "expectations," "anticipation," "intentions," "beliefs," or
"strategies" regarding the future. Forward-looking statements also include
statements regarding revenue, margins, expenses, and earnings analysis for
fiscal 2001 and thereafter; our strategy to refocus on our core products and
licenses; our product and distribution channel development strategies; the
success of particular product or marketing programs; revenue generated as a
result of licensing arrangements; and liquidity and anticipated cash needs and
availability. All forward-looking statements included in this report are based
on information available to us as of the filing date of this report, and we
assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our actual
results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Among the
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the factors
discussed in Item 1, "Special Considerations."
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
We are the worldwide leader in the design and sale of licensed
motorsports collectible and consumer products. Our products include die-cast
scaled replicas of motorsports vehicles, apparel (including t-shirts, hats, and
jackets), and souvenirs. We market our products through our U.S., German,
Australian, and United Kingdom subsidiaries under an extensive portfolio of
license arrangements with various drivers, team owners, sponsors, sanctioning
bodies, and others, including the following:
- NASCAR Winston Cup Points champions Dale Earnhardt, Jeff
Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Bill Elliott, and Rusty
Wallace, as well as NASCAR drivers Ricky Rudd, Tony Stewart,
and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.;
- NASCAR team owners Robert Yates Racing, Richard Childress
Racing Enterprises, Joe Gibbs Racing, Evernham Motorsports,
MB2 Motorsports, and Dale Earnhardt, Inc.;
- National Hot Rod Association, or NHRA, champions John Force
and Kenny Bernstein;
- Formula One teams McLaren International Limited, Williams
Grand Prix, and Benetton Formula 1 Ltd.;
- the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, or NASCAR,
Indy Racing League, or IRL, and World of Outlaws; and
- race track operators such as Indianapolis Motorspeedway and
Silverstone Circuits Limited.
Third parties manufacture all of our motorsports collectibles and most of our
apparel and souvenirs, generally utilizing our designs, tools, and dies. We
screen print and embroider a portion of the licensed motorsports apparel that we
sell.
We market our products to
- approximately 10,000 specialty retailers throughout the world,
either directly or through our wholesale distributor network;
- to motorsports enthusiasts directly through our Racing
Collectibles Club of America, or Collectors' Club, which is
operated by QVC and which had approximately 171,000 members as
of September 30, 2000; and
- through trackside souvenir stores, promotional programs for
corporate sponsors, and direct response television.
We also distribute certain of our products to mass-market retailers through our
in-house sales force and wholesale distributors. We have a license agreement
with Hasbro, Inc., a multi-billion dollar toy and game manufacturer, under which
Hasbro sells a line of motorsports-related products in the mass-merchandise
market.
Our products and promotional programs capitalize on the popularity of
motorsports. We focus on developing long-term relationships with and we engage
in efforts to license the most popular drivers, team owners, and other
personalities in each top racing category, their sponsors, car manufacturers,
various sanctioning bodies, and others in the motorsports industry. We develop
opportunities to market licensed collectible and consumer products that appeal
to motorsports enthusiasts. We believe that our license agreements with top race
car drivers and other motorsports personalities, teams, and sponsors
significantly enhance the consumer appeal and marketability of our products.
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Historically, our business concentrated on designing and marketing
die-cast collectibles featuring NASCAR Winston Cup drivers and vehicles. Since
1995, we have aggressively expanded our lines of die-cast collectibles to
include replicas of motorsports vehicles from Formula One, NHRA drag racing,
NASCAR's "Busch" and "Craftsman Truck" racing series, CART racing, United States
Auto Club, or USAC racing, World of Outlaws sprint car racing, and motorcycle
racing. Through a series of acquisitions and licensing arrangements between
fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1999, we expanded our product offerings and distribution
channels. During that time period, the motorsports industry experienced a period
of rapid growth, evidenced by increased attendance at racing events, expanded
television coverage of racing events, and growth of speedways in major
metropolitan areas around the nation. Our annual net sales increased 93.2%
during fiscal 1998 and 36.0% during fiscal 1999. Growth in the motorsports
industry has slowed during fiscal 2000.
During fiscal 2000, our net sales decreased 25.6% from fiscal 1999 as a
result of industry conditions, reduced promotional activity and marketing
programs, delays in product deliveries, and reduced product offerings due to our
refocus on our core products. As a result of these conditions and non-recurring
charges arising from our continuing restructuring efforts related to achieving
cost reductions and other strategic corporate decisions, we incurred a net loss
of $58.1 million. Through management changes and analysis of our business and
financial condition, we are attempting to return our company to profitability
based on our strategic direction and execution of our operating plan. During
the next several fiscal quarters, we will focus on the core activities that have
historically produced strong sales and profits.
We continue to pursue a strategy designed to enhance our leadership
position in the motorsports collectible and consumer products industry. Key
aspects of this strategy include (a) focusing on our core licensed motorsports
products that appeal to racing enthusiasts, (b) focusing on products that we can
market under our key existing licensing arrangements, (c) developing promotional
programs for corporate sponsors, and (d) strengthening and developing our
existing distribution channels.
Our company was incorporated in Arizona in 1992. Our principal
executive offices are located at 4707 East Baseline Road, Phoenix, Arizona
85040, and our telephone number is (602) 337-3700. All references to our
business operations in this report include the operations of Action Performance
Companies, Inc. and our subsidiaries and operating divisions.
OUR BUSINESS
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Motorsports racing consists of several distinct segments, each with its
own organizing bodies and events. The largest segment in the United States, in
terms of attendance and media exposure, is stock car racing, which is dominated
by NASCAR. The other principal segments in the United States are
- drag racing, with NHRA the most prominent organizing body;
- open wheel racing, controlled by Championship Auto Racing
Teams, or CART, and the IRL;
- dirt track racing, which includes the World of Outlaws and
USAC;
- sports car racing, which includes the United States Road
Racing Championship and the American Le Mans Series; and
- motorcycle racing, which includes the American Motorcycle
Association.
Internationally, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile governs
the Formula One Grand Prix championship as well as Formula 3000, GT, World Rally
Championships, and other popular motorsports series. Formula One racing uses
handcrafted, open-wheeled cars that look similar to Indy racers, but are the
most technologically advanced and expensive racing vehicles in the world. The
Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme governs the World Championship Grand
Prix, Superbike World Championship, and other motorcycle racing events
throughout the world.
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Millions of racing fans attend racing events in North America or tune
in to televised racing events each year. Motorsports television coverage
currently is provided by broadcast and cable television networks, including NBC,
ABC, CBS, ESPN, TBS, TNN, and Speedvision, a motorsports cable network, in
addition to regional sports networks. In November 1999, NASCAR entered into a
six-year contract valued at more than $400 million per year with NBC, Fox, and
TBS for broadcast coverage of NASCAR Winston Cup races beginning in 2001.
Internationally, Formula One events are broadcast worldwide to approximately 130
countries.
Since 1996, new speedways have been opened in the Los Angeles,
Dallas/Ft. Worth, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Chicago metropolitan areas.
Additional speedways have been announced for the New York and Denver
metropolitan areas. These new speedways are bringing NASCAR, CART, and other
major motorsports events to new geographic markets with much larger population
bases than many of the traditional NASCAR venues located in the southeastern
United States.
STRATEGY
We pursue a strategy designed to continue our leadership position in
the motorsports collectible and consumer products industry and to provide top
race car drivers and other licensors with a broad range of revenue-producing
opportunities. Key aspects of this strategy include the
following:
Focusing on Core Licensed Motorsports Products
We intend to focus our sales efforts on products that historically have
been popular with motorsports enthusiasts. These products include the
traditional die-cast collectibles and licensed motorsports apparel. We
participate in the retail mass-merchandise market through a license agreement
with Hasbro, under which Hasbro manufactures and markets, with our assistance, a
line of motorsports products that do not compete with our core products.
Historically, we have invested substantial resources in tooling each
year. These investments enable us to produce die-cast products of high quality
and with great detail. Our strategy to refocus on our core products will allow
us to stabilize our annual investments in tooling.
Focusing on Existing Licensing Arrangements
We intend to focus on relationships with existing licensors in order to
further our position as the leader in the motorsports marketplace. We currently
have licensing arrangements with several of the top race car drivers (including
Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett, John Force, Tony
Stewart, Bobby Labonte, and Al Unser, Jr.), car owners, manufacturers,
sanctioning bodies, race track operators, and corporate sponsors. These
licensing arrangements enable us to manufacture and distribute distinctive
collectibles and other products to motorsports enthusiasts. We believe that
these relationships provide us with a competitive advantage.
Developing Promotional Programs
We plan to continue to provide marketing services to create
promotional programs. Promotional programs typically involve special productions
of our licensed die-cast replicas, apparel, souvenirs, or other consumer
products. We have successfully completed large-scale promotional programs
featuring Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Harley Davidson motorcycles, Home Depot in
partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Major League Baseball, Universal Studios,
and United Parcel Service. We plan to expand our efforts to develop promotional
programs, including those with major corporate sponsors. Programs with corporate
sponsors are intended to increase brand awareness and name recognition of the
corporate sponsor.
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Strengthening Our Existing Distribution Channels
We plan to continue to strengthen our existing distribution channels.
In addition to our wholesale distribution network and direct sales to
motorsports enthusiasts through our Collectors' Club, our distribution channels
include
- trackside souvenir stores,
- direct response television through our agreement with QVC,
- direct sales to corporate sponsors and race track operators,
- mass merchandising channels for our licensed motorsports
apparel and other products through large retailers, such as
Wal-Mart and K-Mart, and
- catalog merchandising programs targeted at corporate
motorsports sponsors.
We believe that targeting products to specific market niches,
distributing our products through the distribution channels of major corporate
sponsors of motorsports, and expanding our distribution of products in
international markets will represent increasingly important distribution
channels in the future.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Die-Cast Scaled Replica Vehicles
We design and market scaled replicas of motorsports-related vehicles
that are constructed using die-cast bodies and chassis with free-spinning wheels
and tires. We design our die-cast replicas as high-quality collectible items and
not as toys. We market our die-cast racing collectibles under approximately 300
active licenses with race car drivers, team owners, and sponsors as well as
under license agreements with NASCAR, IRL, Ford Motor Company, several divisions
of General Motors Corp., and others. The die-cast collectibles that we offer
relate to NASCAR Winston Cup, "Busch," and "Craftsman Truck" racing series;
Formula One; NHRA drag racing; GT and other sports car racing; USAC racing; and
"World of Outlaws" sprint car racing. We also produce die-cast replicas of
certain factory production cars. Our die-cast collectibles consist primarily of
the following:
SCALE PRODUCT APPROXIMATE SIZE
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1:12 Racing Vehicles 15 inches
1:16 Pit Wagons 7 inches
1:18 Racing Vehicles 11 inches
1:24 and 1:25 Racing Vehicles 8 inches
1:24 and 1:25 Dually Trucks with Trailers 26 inches
1:32 Racing Vehicles 6 inches
1:43 Racing Vehicles and Production Cars 5 inches
1:64 Racing Vehicles 3 inches
1:64 Vehicle Transporters 13 inches
1:96 Vehicle Transporters 9 inches
1:8 Pedal Cars 10 inches
1:9 Racing Motorcycles 23 inches
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Our die-cast replicas typically range in price at retail from
approximately $10.00 to $99.00 per item, depending on size, type of vehicle, and
level of detail. A 1:24th scale replica of an actual racing vehicle typically
retails for $45.00. Certain of our more highly detailed die-cast collectibles
retail for as much as $400.00. We offer our die-cast collectibles primarily
through our wholesale distributor network to specialty retailers, through our
Collectors' Club, direct response television through our relationship with QVC,
our trackside stores, and through corporate promotional programs.
We enhance the collectible value and appeal of our products through
various measures. These measures include (a) designing die-cast collectibles
that include features that are not offered by our competitors; (b) limiting the
quantities of each collectible item that we produce and sell; (c) specifying, on
certain products themselves and on the packaging material of certain other
die-cast collectibles, the quantity of that limited-edition item actually
produced; (d) offering certain items only through our Collectors' Club; and (e)
designing packaging concepts to improve the display of each collectible item.
Motorsports Consumer Products
We market various licensed motorsports apparel, souvenirs, and other
consumer products, including t-shirts, jackets, hats, coffee mugs, pins, key
chains, knives, coolers, and tote bags. Each of the motorsports consumer
products generally feature the name, likeness, and car number of a popular race
car driver.
Our licensed motorsports apparel items utilize creative designs that
are printed or applied to high-quality shirts, hats, jackets, and other
products. We design and sell our motorsports apparel products in sizes ranging
from infant to youth to men's and women's adult sizes.
We design our motorsports consumer products primarily for distribution
through retail outlets, trackside stores, direct response television through our
relationship with QVC, and promotional programs with corporate sponsors of
racing teams and racing events.
Promotional Programs
We provide marketing services designed to create promotional programs
for large corporate sponsors that advertise in motorsports, as well as companies
that have not previously advertised in motorsports. Many corporations sponsor
racing vehicles or events and advertise at motorsports events and in
motorsports-related media in order to increase awareness of their brands among
consumers and to encourage consumers to purchase their products. We provide
design and creative services, graphic artists, and the capacity to deliver a
wide array of promotional products, such as die-cast replicas, t-shirts, and
hats. We also provide in-house marketing and distribution support for our
promotional programs, including in-bound order processing, order fulfillment,
sweepstakes processing, and redemption programs.
We develop and implement extensive promotional programs that feature
special, one-time themes or events intended to provide our company, the
corporate sponsor, and other licensors with unique marketing opportunities. Our
company and the corporate sponsors market a broad variety of specially designed
die-cast
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vehicles and other collectibles, apparel, and souvenirs based on these programs.
Some examples of these programs are as follows:
- we developed a program for the Coca-Cola Company in which Dale
Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. competed against one another
for the first time at the Coca-Cola 500 in Japan;
- we collaborated with Home Depot to develop a promotion in
which Tony Stewart drove a specially painted car in a program
that benefited Habitat for Humanity;
- we combined efforts with artist Peter Max and General Motors
Service Parts Operations in a merchandising promotion
surrounding a special paint scheme designed by Peter Max for
Dale Earnhardt's car. The promotion was part of a nationwide
program to promote Goodwrench Service Plus Dealers;
- we developed the "Tribute to Freedom in the Millennium"
program with the United States Armed Services, Lowe's Motor
Speedway, and various teams and drivers to pay tribute to the
five branches of the United States Armed Services and assist
them in their recruiting efforts. As part of the promotion,
our products were sold in Military base exchange stores;
- we collaborated with United Media and Jeff Gordon to create a
promotion celebrating the PEANUTS 50th Anniversary in which
Jeff Gordon drove a specially painted PEANUTS car;
- we teamed up with Major League Baseball to implement
promotions in which Jeremy Mayfield drove a specially painted
Major League Baseball/World Series car and Bobby Labonte drove
a specially painted Major League Baseball All-Star Game car;
- we collaborated with Universal Studios and various teams and
drivers to create the "Monsters of the Speedway" program in
which select drivers in four different racing series drove
specially painted cars celebrating the world's most famous
horror film characters and Halloween; and
- we combined efforts with Universal Studios to promote the
motion picture release of "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole
Christmas" in which Terry Labonte and John Force drove
specially painted cars bearing images of "The Grinch" and
other film characters.
For some programs, the corporate sponsors use our products either as
free or low-cost awards with the purchase of their own products or in
sweepstakes, employee gifts, or other promotions. Die-cast replica vehicles that
we develop and sell for these programs are not sold through our wholesale
distribution network or through our Collectors' Club.
Mass-Merchandise License
We have a license agreement with Hasbro that gives Hasbro the right to
produce motorsports-related products specifically designed for the
mass-merchandise market. Under this license, Hasbro markets a line of die-cast
replicas of racing vehicles, which was jointly developed by our company and
Hasbro, under the "Winner's Circle" brand name. The mass-market die-cast
products manufactured and marketed by Hasbro are completely distinct from our
other products and do not compete directly with our limited-edition motorsports
die-cast collectible products. Under the agreement, Hasbro may market other
licensed motorsports products, including radio-controlled cars, slot car sets,
games (such as electronic and CD-ROM interactive games), plush toys, figurines,
play sets, walkie talkies, and other items similar to products that Hasbro
currently markets under the "Kenner," "Tonka," and "Milton Bradley" brand names.
Chase-branded Apparel
During fiscal 1998, we acquired an 80% interest in Chase Racewear,
L.L.C., a motorsports-related apparel and licensing company. Chase licenses
apparel and clothing accessories that bear "Chase" brand marks, including "Chase
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Authentics," "Competitor's View," and a stylized "C," which is generally
embroidered on the shirt cuff or pocket. NASCAR drivers including Dale
Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett, Terry Labonte, Bobby
Labonte, and others, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to ensure that
licensed apparel products bearing their names, likenesses, or signatures will
also bear "Chase" brand marks. These drivers also have agreed to endorse
Chase-branded apparel as the exclusive trackside apparel of top NASCAR drivers.
We sell certain of our Chase-branded apparel on a wholesale basis to NASCAR
Thunder stores, auto parts distributors, corporate sponsors of motorsports, and
specialty retail shops as well as to major discount stores, such as Wal-Mart,
K-Mart, and Target. Our license with VF Knitwear, a major apparel manufacturer,
grants VF Knitwear the exclusive right to use the "Chase Authentics" brand and
the stylized "C" mark for all motorsports-related apparel products distributed
through major department stores, traditional apparel stores, and sport and
athletic specialty stores. VF Knitwear pays us a royalty based on its sales of
Chase-branded products. This license agreement extends through 2008, and VF
Knitwear holds an option to extend the license for two successive five-year
terms. Under the agreement, VF Knitwear's rights will become non-exclusive under
certain conditions. VF Knitwear also holds the non-exclusive right to use the
"Competitors View" mark in all national and regional discount department stores.
SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
We market our die-cast collectibles worldwide to approximately 10,000
specialty retailers through our wholesale distributor network; through our
Collectors' Club; through direct response television through our relationship
with QVC; through trackside stores; and through corporate promotional programs.
We market our motorsports consumer products primarily through an in-house sales
force and independent representatives to approximately 10,000 specialty
retailers and to major discount and department stores, retail automotive product
outlets, and convenience stores; through direct trackside sales to race fans;
and through promotional programs with corporate sponsors.
Wholesale Distribution
Die-Cast Collectibles. We currently market our die-cast collectibles on
a wholesale basis through 18 distributors operating in the United States and 45
distributors operating in 45 countries throughout the world. The distributors
solicit orders for our die-cast products from approximately 5,000 specialty
retailers throughout the United States and approximately 5,000 specialty
retailers in other countries throughout the world. The retailers include stores
specializing in motorsports collectibles and apparel and stores specializing in
other sports collectible items, and a limited number of hobby shops. We
advertise our die-cast collectibles in newspapers and magazines covering
motorsports and the collectibles markets. We also take measures to increase
consumer awareness of our products through radio and television advertising,
including promotion of our collectibles on "home shopping" television programs
(such as QVC Network's "For Race Fans Only" program) and advertising during
popular television programs of interest to motorsports enthusiasts.
Consumer Products. Our in-house sales force and independent
representatives market certain motorsports consumer products on a wholesale
basis to major discount and department stores, such as Wal-Mart and K-Mart, to
automotive retail stores, and to convenience stores. We also utilize our
distributor network as well as an in-house sales force and independent
representatives to market our motorsports apparel, souvenirs, and other consumer
products on a wholesale basis to the same specialty retailers that sell our
die-cast collectibles.
Collectors' Club
We market certain of our die-cast collectibles exclusively through our
Collectors' Club. Members of the Collectors' Club pay a lifetime membership fee
that entitles them to receive a membership kit, a monthly magazine, catalogs,
and other special sales materials highlighting our collectibles and other
products. Membership in the Collectors' Club increased from approximately 22,000
members in September 1994 to approximately 171,000 members as of September 30,
2000. We advertise the Collectors' Club in publications that focus on
motorsports or the collectibles industry and through limited radio and
television advertisements. We
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strive to increase collector interest in Collectors' Club products and to
enhance the value of these products as collectibles by:
- offering many items exclusively through our Collectors' Club,
- offering a limited number of each collectible, and
- limiting the number of a particular item that each member may
purchase.
During September 2000, we entered into a ten-year outsourcing and
exclusive supply agreement with QVC, Inc. under which QVC assumed
responsibilities for the day-to-day marketing and distribution operations of the
Collectors' Club over a phase-in period ending in January 2001. We will be QVC's
exclusive supplier for motorsports memorabilia offered by the Collector's Club,
and QVC will be the exclusive distributor for our Collectors' Club products,
including distribution over the Internet. Beginning in October 2000, QVC assumed
the day-to-day operations of the Collectors' Club, including the following:
- production of the Collectors' Club catalog;
- promotion of the Collectors' Club and its products;
- daily maintenance of the Collectors' Club database;
- operation of the call center;
- inventory warehousing; and
- order processing and fulfillment.
Under the agreement, we retain ultimate control over the
decision-making processes regarding pricing, production quantities, marketing,
and promotion of the products to be sold to Collectors' Club members. We produce
and consign our inventory with QVC, which sells and retains 20% to 40% of the
revenue generated based upon quantity of products shipped and whether products
are sold through direct response television. QVC retains all membership fees
paid and has the exclusive opportunity to sell club products over interactive
television and its web site after the initial sales window reserved for club
members has expired. For this purpose, we sell QVC agreed-upon production
surplus of Collectors' Club products for resale at wholesale prices.
Trackside Sales
We currently operate 26 fully equipped trackside stores to capitalize
on the large base of potential customers that attend NASCAR-sanctioned races and
other events throughout the United States. Some or all of our mobile trackside
stores travel to each NASCAR Winston Cup race (32 events in 2000) as well as to
other selected racing events. Each mobile trackside store is decorated with the
logos and color scheme of a particular racing team and driver and sells a
complete assortment of licensed motorsports apparel, souvenirs, and die-cast
collectibles dedicated to that team and driver. These mobile stores represent
the only authorized trackside opportunities for racing enthusiasts to purchase
motorsports products using the name and likeness of the driver and racing team
featured in each store.
Corporate Promotional Programs
We create promotional programs for large corporate sponsors of
motorsports. We continually pursue new opportunities to create promotional
programs, and we continually engage in discussions with major race car drivers
and corporate sponsors in our effort to develop additional programs. See Item 1,
"Our Business - Products and Services - Corporate Promotional Programs."
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Wind-down of Operations of goracing.com, our Internet subsidiary
We refocused goracing.com to deliver our merchandise to motorsports
fans, and no longer will offer motorsports-related content, services, or
features in the form of motorsports news and entertainment online. As part of
our new relationship with QVC, QVC will provide club members the opportunity to
purchase Collectors' Club product to club members over the Internet.
During fiscal 1999, we developed the goracing.com network to serve as a
comprehensive online destination for all motorsports fans. Our goracing.com
network offered a broad range of news, information, affinity programs and
features and consisted of a variety of motorsports-related web sites that we
developed and maintained, as well as web sites of third parties. As part of our
effort to refocus our goracing operations, during fiscal 2000 we reduced fixed
costs related to goracing.com infrastructure, including personnel, facilities,
and equipment. We subleased to a third party approximately 65,000 square feet of
leased space in Tempe, Arizona and all of our leased equipment related to our
goracing operations. In addition, during November 2000, we sold all of the
assets of our Fantasy Cup auto racing game business, which we acquired in
October 1999. The sale of these assets generated approximately $4.2 million in
cash.
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Die-cast Scaled Replica Vehicles
We design each die-cast collectible that we market. Many of our
die-cast collectibles include features such as opening hoods and trunks,
detailed engines, and working suspensions. We also devote a significant amount
of time and effort to the production of our die-cast collectibles to ensure that
the resulting products display a level of quality and detail that is superior to
competing products. For example, we produce most of our die-cast collectibles
with pad printing instead of stickers or decals.
Our design artists take numerous photographs of the actual racing cars,
trucks, and other vehicles to be produced as die-cast replicas. Working from
these photographs, our artists and engineers use computer software to create
detailed scale renderings of the vehicles. After approval of the rendering by
the vehicle owner, driver, team sponsor, and other licensors whose approval may
be required, we supply computerized renderings to one of our manufacturers in
China. The manufacturer produces a sample or model, which we then inspect for
quality and detail. After final approval, the manufacturer produces the die-cast
replicas, packages them, and ships the finished products to us or, in certain
instances, directly to our customers.
A substantial portion of our die-cast collectibles are manufactured
under an exclusive agreement with one third-party manufacturer in China. The
term of the agreement currently extends through October 31, 2006 and
automatically renews for five successive one-year terms unless terminated by
either party by giving written notice to the other party at least 90 days prior
to the end of the then-current term.
We own a significant portion of the tooling that the third-party
manufacturer uses to produce die-cast collectibles for our company, and we have
partial control over the production of our die-cast collectibles under the
manufacturing agreement. We invested approximately $10.0 million in fiscal 1999
and $10.7 million in fiscal 2000 in tooling for our proprietary lines of
die-cast collectibles. We believe the breadth and quality of the tooling program
provides us with a competitive advantage in the motorsports collectible market.
Although we have made substantial investments in tooling to date, we do not
intend to make substantial additional investments in tooling in the near future
as part of our effort to focus on our core products.
We believe that our primary overseas manufacturer of die-cast
collectibles is dedicated to high quality and productivity as well as support
for new product development. There are significant risks inherent in relying on
a single manufacturer for a substantial portion of our die-cast products. See
Item 1, "Special Considerations - We depend on third-party manufacturers and
shippers."
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We obtain the die-cast collectibles marketed by MiniChamps and die-cast
collectibles sold under the "Brookfield" trademarks from three other
manufacturers in China. We currently do not have a formal, long-term arrangement
with any of these manufacturers.
Motorsports Consumer Products
We currently obtain substantially all of our licensed motorsports
apparel, souvenirs, and other consumer products on a purchase order basis from
approximately 200 third-party manufacturers and suppliers located primarily in
the United States. We also screen print and embroider a portion of the licensed
motorsports apparel that we sell. The apparel and souvenir suppliers present
product ideas and artistic designs to us. We then select those products and
artistic designs that we believe will appeal to motorsports enthusiasts and
distinguish our apparel and souvenir products from those of our competitors. We
engage in a bidding process for certain items, such as embroidered hats or
t-shirt blanks, in order to negotiate favorable prices and other terms. We also
purchase and resell certain finished items, such as tote bags and coolers, from
domestic and foreign companies that have licenses for those items with the
drivers and other licensors.
We work closely with the third-party apparel and souvenir manufacturers
in order to ensure that the products conform to design specifications and meet
or exceed our quality requirements. We believe that a number of alternative
manufacturers for each of these products are readily available in the event that
we are unable to obtain products from any particular manufacturer. We own the
tooling and dies used to manufacture certain of our motorsports consumer
products. As we develop new motorsports consumer products that require
specialized tooling, we intend to build or purchase the new tooling that will be
required to permit the third-party manufacturers to produce those items.
LICENSES
We focus on developing long-term relationships with and we engage in
comprehensive efforts to license the most popular drivers, team owners, and
other personalities in each top racing category, their sponsors, various
sanctioning bodies, and others in the motorsports industry. We develop
opportunities to market innovative collectible and consumer products that appeal
to motorsports enthusiasts. We believe that our license agreements with top race
car drivers and other licensors significantly enhance the consumer appeal and
marketability of our products. By aligning our company with top racing
personalities and providing them with a broad range of revenue opportunities, we
believe that we will be able to leverage those relationships to attract
additional licensors in order to generate increased revenue for our company as
well as increased earnings for the licensors.
Significant Driver License and Endorsement Agreements; Significant Team Owner
Licenses
We have long-term license agreements with NASCAR Winston Cup Points
champions Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Bill
Elliott, and Rusty Wallace and ten-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force.
These licenses generally provide us with a right of first refusal to market
certain die-cast, apparel, and other products bearing the driver's name and
likeness. The license agreements also generally provide that, to the extent that
we exercise our right of first refusal, the driver will not personally market
and will not permit others to market, through the same channels of distribution
used by our company, any products bearing the driver's likeness that are the
same or similar to products marketed by our company. Each of the license
agreements requires us to pay the licensor royalties based on a percentage of
the wholesale or retail price of licensed products that we sell. Certain of the
license agreements also provide for minimum guaranteed royalty payments each
year during the term of the agreement. These agreements, as well as many of our
other significant license agreements, give the licensors the right to terminate
or significantly shorten the term of the agreements if our business is sold or
transferred or if there is a significant change in our management team.
We have personal service and endorsement agreements with popular race
car drivers. During the term of the endorsement agreements, we have the right to
use the driver's name, likeness, signature, and endorsement in connection with
the advertisement, promotion, and sale of the die-cast collectibles and other
products approved by
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the driver and marketed by our company. The following table sets forth certain
information with respect to the personal service and endorsement agreements
described above:
DRIVER EXPIRATION DATE
------ ---------------
Jeff Gordon and an affiliate December 31, 2005
Of Mr. Gordon
Ray Evernham December 31, 2005
Al Unser, Jr. December 31, 2002
We also have license agreements with several of the most popular NASCAR
race car team owners, including Robert Yates Racing, Inc.; Richard Childress
Racing Enterprises, Inc.; Redline Sports Marketing, Inc. (the licensing entity
for the Joe Gibbs race team); Evernham Motorsports, LLC; MB2 Motorsports, LLC;
and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. The team owner licenses provide us with either the
exclusive right or a right of first refusal to market certain products bearing
the likeness and number of each owner's Winston Cup cars and other racing
vehicles. To the extent that we exercise our right of first refusal, the team
owner licenses provide that the licensor will not permit others to market,
through the same distribution channels used by our company, any of the licensed
products. Certain of the team owner licenses also provide that the licensors
will not directly market any of the licensed products through such channels.
Each of the license agreements with the team owners requires us to pay the
licensor royalties based on a percentage of the wholesale or retail price of
licensed products that we sell. Certain of the license agreements also provide
for minimum guaranteed royalty payments to the licensors.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
license agreements with the drivers and team owners described above:
LICENSOR DRIVER EXPIRATION DATE
-------- ------ ---------------
Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt November 7, 2011
Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
Jeff Gordon and Jeff Gordon December 31, 2005
JG Motorsports, Inc.
Rusty Wallace and Rusty Wallace December 31, 2004
Rusty Wallace, Inc.
John Force and John Force December 31, 2005
John Force Racing
Robert Yates Racing, Inc. Dale Jarrett December 31, 2012
Ricky Rudd
Richard Childress Racing Dale Earnhardt December 31, 2007
Enterprises, Inc. Mike Skinner
Redline Sports Marketing, Bobby Labonte December 31, 2002
Inc. (Joe Gibbs race team) Tony Stewart
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Steve Park December 31, 2002
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Michael Waltrip through 2005)
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LICENSOR DRIVER EXPIRATION DATE
-------- ------ ---------------
Evernham Motorsports, LLC Bill Elliott, Jr. December 31, 2005
MB2 Motorsports, LLC Ken Schrader December 31, 2001
Additional Product Licenses
In addition to the driver and team owner licenses described above, we
currently maintain approximately 150 licenses with various other drivers, car
owners, sponsors, and manufacturers. Other popular drivers under license with
our company include NASCAR Winston Cup driver Terry Labonte; Jerry Nadeau; Jeff
Burton and Mark Martin Historical Car Programs; IRL Driver Al Unser, Jr.; NHRA
drag racers Kenny Bernstein, Tony Pedregon, Larry Dixon, and Jerry Toliver; and
NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle driver Matt Hines. We also have licenses with Formula
One teams McLaren International Ltd., Williams Grand Prix, and Benetton Formula
Ltd., as well as with other popular team owners, car sponsors, NASCAR, CART,
World of Outlaws, Ford Motor Company, several divisions of General Motors Corp.,
DaimlerChrysler, and PACCAR, Inc. (the manufacturer of Kenworth and Peterbilt
trucks). These licenses generally provide for the following:
LICENSES WITH LICENSES WITH LICENSES WITH
RACE CAR DRIVERS TEAM OWNERS MANUFACTURERS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TERM : One to three years. One to three years. Two or more years.
RIGHTS GRANTED: Use of the driver's name, Use of the car number and Right to reproduce the
photograph, likeness, and autograph. colors. body styles of cars or
trucks.
RENEWAL: Individual agreements either renew Same. Same.
automatically, may be renewed or
extended upon written request by our
company, or expire at the end of the
specified term.
PAYMENTS TO Either (i) a fixed dollar amount, Same. Same.
LICENSORS: which may include a substantial
advance to the licensor; (ii) a
fixed amount per item that we sell
pursuant to the license; (iii) a
percentage of the net sales for a
program or a percentage of our
wholesale price per item that we
sell pursuant to the license; or
(iv) a combination of the above.
The license agreements with various sponsors generally provide for
terms of one to three years and permit us to reproduce the sponsors' decals and
logos as they appear on the cars or trucks. Although we directly or indirectly
pay license fees to the primary sponsors of most of the racing vehicles, the
license agreements with certain sponsors do not require us to pay the licensors
because of the advertising value provided to the licensor as a result of having
its decals and logos displayed on our products. When appropriate, we strive to
renew existing agreements or to enter into new license agreements with existing
or new drivers, team owners, car sponsors, and other licensors and to develop
new product programs pursuant to our license agreements in our effort to
maintain our leadership position in the motorsports licensed products industry.
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Hasbro License Agreement
The license agreement between our company and Hasbro covers the sale by
Hasbro in the mass-merchandise market of specific motorsports-related products
for which we have or will secure exclusive or non-exclusive licenses from race
car drivers, team owners, manufacturers, and sponsors. The Hasbro license
provides us with a source of revenue from the mass-merchandise market without
committing substantial resources to manufacturing and marketing activities or
subjecting our company to the risks inherent in the mass-merchandise market.
Under the Hasbro license, we are responsible for acquiring and maintaining the
license rights with the licensors, and Hasbro is responsible for all costs and
other arrangements relating to tooling, manufacturing, transportation,
marketing, distribution, and sales of licensed products. Hasbro is responsible
for and pays or reimburses our company for all license fees and royalties,
including advances and guarantees, paid to licensors for licensed products. The
licensed products consist of (i) miniature toy die-cast replicas of motorsports
vehicles, and (ii) all other products that Hasbro may market as licensed
motorsports products, including, for example, radio-controlled cars, slot car
sets, games (including electronic and CD-ROM interactive games), puzzles, plush
toys, figurines, play sets, walkie talkies, and other products, for which Hasbro
pays a specified royalty.
Hasbro's focus under the Hasbro license has been to develop, with our
assistance, a line of motorsports die-cast products for the retail
mass-merchandise market. Hasbro funds all capital requirements for this product
line and manufactures, distributes, and markets the products under the "Winner's
Circle" brand name. The mass-market die-cast products manufactured and marketed
under the Hasbro license are distinct from our current products and do not
compete directly with our limited-edition motorsports die-cast collectible
products.
Other Significant License Arrangements
Revell License Agreement. We have a license agreement with
Revell-Monogram, Inc. that gives us the exclusive right to use the "Revell
Racing," "Revell Select," and "Revell Collection" trademarks in connection with
sales of NASCAR, NHRA, and certain other motorsports-related die-cast
collectibles in the United States and Canada. The license also gives us a
non-exclusive right to use the Revell trademarks described above in connection
with up to $5.0 million per year of sales of NASCAR, NHRA, and certain other
motorsports-related die-cast products outside the United States and Canada. The
term of the Revell license runs through December 31, 2007, at which time it will
automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party elects to
terminate by giving written notice at least 90 days prior to the end of the
initial term or any successive one-year term.
NASCAR License Agreement. We have a licensing agreement with NASCAR
that gives us the non-exclusive right to use the "NASCAR" name and logo on all
of our NASCAR-related products and product packaging as well as on related
sales, marketing, and promotional materials. We pay NASCAR royalty payments
based on a percentage of the wholesale or retail price of licensed products that
we sell, with minimum guaranteed royalty payments in each year through 2000. The
licensing arrangement expires on (i) October 7, 2003 with respect to licensed
products that bear both the NASCAR mark and the name, image, or likeness of a
NASCAR driver, team, or track, and (ii) on December 31, 2000 with respect to all
other licensed products. The license agreement with NASCAR will automatically
renew for two additional five-year terms unless it has been terminated in
accordance with its terms.
CART License Agreement. We have a license agreement with the licensing
affiliate of CART. Because CART provides the licensing rights of the sanctioning
body as well as all participating drivers, race teams, and tracks, the CART
license provides us with (a) exclusive (subject to certain pre-existing
licenses) licensing rights to the CART and "FedEx Championship Series" logos;
(b) exclusive (subject to certain pre-existing licenses) licensing rights to
five of the top race teams and their drivers; and (c) non-exclusive licensing
rights for a minimum of 75% of the other teams and drivers participating in
CART-sanctioned race events. The rights granted permit us to develop and market
a line of CART-based die-cast collectible vehicles and the exclusive rights to
market or sublicense a broad range of CART-based toy products, including plastic
and remote control vehicles, action figures, miniature helmets, board games,
plush toys, and puzzles. We pay the licensor royalty payments based on a
percentage of the wholesale or retail price of licensed products that we sell,
with minimum royalty payments each year during the term of the agreement. The
CART license expires on December 31, 2003.
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We will have the right to renew the CART license for an additional five-year
term if we achieve certain minimum sales requirements.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway License Agreement
We have a license agreement with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Corporation, the owner and operator of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the
host of the Indianapolis 500 and U.S. Grand Prix, that gives us the
non-exclusive right to use the IRL teams, drivers, and drivers' likeness on our
die-cast replicas and other motorsports products and apparel. The license
agreement extends through 2003. Under the agreement, we must pay IMS a royalty
based on a percentage of our net sales of licensed product, subject to
guaranteed minimum royalty payments by us.
COMPETITION
The motorsports collectible and consumer product industry is extremely
competitive. We compete with major domestic and international companies, some of
which have greater market recognition and substantially greater financial,
technical, marketing, distribution, and other resources than we possess. Our
motorsports die-cast collectibles compete with die-cast and other motorsports
collectibles and, to a certain extent, die-cast replicas of motorsports vehicles
that are sold through mass retail channels. Our motorsports apparel and
souvenirs compete with similar products sold or licensed by drivers, team
owners, sponsors, and other licensors with which we currently do not have
licenses as well as with sports apparel licensors and manufacturers in general.
Emerging companies also may increase their participation in these markets. Our
promotional products compete for advertising dollars against other specialty
advertising programs and media, such as television, radio, newspapers,
magazines, and billboards.
We believe that our relationships and licenses with top race car
drivers, car owners, and other popular licensors represent a significant
advantage over our competitors in the motorsports collectible and consumer
products industry. We strive to expand and strengthen these relationships and to
develop opportunities to market innovative licensed collectible and consumer
products that appeal to motorsports enthusiasts. Our ability to compete
successfully depends on a number of factors both within and outside our control.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Our business depends upon valuable trademarks and other rights that we
license from third parties. Our performance and ability to compete also depend
to a significant degree on the value of our various tradenames and marks, as
well as our proprietary technology and other rights. We are seeking protection
of our significant service marks and trademarks in the United States, including
various "Action" names and logos, "goracing.com," and other names and logos. We
may not be able to secure protection for our service marks or trademarks that we
have not already registered. Our competitors or others may adopt product or
service names similar to any service marks or trademarks, which could impede our
ability to build brand identity and could lead to customer confusion. Our
inability to protect trade names and marks adequately could have a material
adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We may receive notices from third parties that claim aspects of our
business infringe their rights. While we are not currently subject to any such
claim, any future claim, with or without merit, could result in significant
litigation costs and diversion of resources, including the attention of our
management, and could require us to enter into royalty and licensing agreements.
These royalty and licensing agreements, if required, may not be available on
terms acceptable to us or at all. In the future, we also may need to file
lawsuits to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade
secrets, or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of
others. Such litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in
substantial costs and diversion of our resources.
INSURANCE
We maintain a $2.0 million product liability insurance policy to cover
the sale of our die-cast and other products. We maintain an additional $25.0
million commercial umbrella liability coverage. We also maintain a
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$6.0 million insurance policy to cover our molds and dies located at our
third-party manufacturer in China and a $5.0 million insurance policy to cover
lost revenue in the event of certain interruptions of business with our overseas
manufacturer of die-cast collectibles. We believe that our insurance coverage is
adequate.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 20, 2000, we had 519 full-time employees. This reflects
a reduction from 648 full-time employees as of December 20, 1999. The reductions
were made in connection with our efforts to reduce operating costs associated
with our business and our Internet operations. We have experienced no work
stoppages, and we are not a party to a collective bargaining agreement. We
believe that we maintain good relations with our employees.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding each of
our executive officers.
NAME AGE POSITION HELD
---- --- -------------
Fred W. Wagenhals........... 59 Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief
Executive Officer
R. David Martin............. 54 Chief Financial Officer and Director
Melodee L. Volosin.......... 36 Executive Vice President - Sales and
Director
John S. Bickford, Sr........ 54 Executive Vice President - Strategic
Alliances and Director
Fred W. Wagenhals has served as our Chairman of the Board, President,
and Chief Executive Officer since November 1993 and served as Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer from May 1992 until September 1993 and as
President from July 1993 until September 1993.
R. David Martin has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August
2000 and as a director since December 2000. Mr. Martin joined Deloitte & Touche
in June 1968 and served as a partner of that firm from August 1978 until May
2000. Mr. Martin is a Certified Public Accountant.
Melodee L. Volosin has served as our Executive Vice President - Sales
since December 1999 and as a director since January 1997. Ms. Volosin served as
our Vice President - Wholesale Division from September 1997 until December 1999.
Ms. Volosin served as the Director of our Wholesale Division from May 1992 to
September 1997. Ms. Volosin's duties include managing all of our wholesale
distribution of die-cast collectibles and other products, including advertising
programs and budgeting.
John S. Bickford, Sr. has served as our Vice President - Strategic
Alliances since July 1997 and as a director of our company since January 1997.
Mr. Bickford also served as a consultant to our company from January 1997 to
June 1997. From 1976 to the present, Mr. Bickford has served as President of
MPD Racing Products, Inc., which manufactures race car parts for distribution
through speed shops and high-performance engine shops. Mr. Bickford served as
President of Bickford Motorsports, Inc., which provided consulting and special
project coordination services to race car drivers, car owners, and other
businesses, from 1990 until 1997. Mr. Bickford also published Racing for Kids
magazine during 1996 to 1997. Mr. Bickford also served as General Manager of
Jeff Gordon, Inc. from 1990 to 1995. Mr. Bickford currently serves as a director
of Equipoise Balancing, Inc,. a privately held company.
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SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The following factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this
report, should be carefully considered in evaluating our company and our
business.
A VARIETY OF FACTORS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATING RESULTS.
A wide variety of factors could adversely impact our operating results.
These factors include the following:
- our ability to identify popular motorsports personalities,
teams, and other licensors and to enter into and maintain
mutually satisfactory licensing arrangements with them;
- the racing success of the key motorsports personalities,
teams, and other licensors with whom we have license
arrangements;
- our ability to identify trends in the motorsports collectibles
and consumer markets and to create and introduce on a timely
basis products and services that take advantage of those
trends and that compete effectively on the basis of price and
consumer tastes and preferences;
- our ability to design and arrange for the timely production
and delivery of our products;
- our ability to identify, develop, and implement special
merchandising and marketing programs on a timely basis;
- the level and timing of orders placed by customers;
- our ability to expand our distribution channels and to
effectively manage the growth of our operations;
- seasonality; and
- competition and competitive pressures on prices.
Many of the factors described above are beyond our control.
OUR BUSINESS DEPENDS ON OUR RELATIONSHIPS AND LICENSE ARRANGEMENTS WITH KEY
LICENSORS.
We market our products under licensing arrangements with race car
drivers, team owners, sponsors, automobile and truck manufacturers, NASCAR,
NHRA, IRL, and other entities. The licensing arrangements vary in scope and
duration, but generally authorize us to sell specified licensed products for
short periods of time. Some license agreements require us to pay minimum
royalties or other fixed amounts regardless of the level of
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sales of products licensed under that agreement or the profitability of those
sales. The success of licensing arrangements depends on many factors, including
the following:
- the continued popularity of motorsports in general,
- the reasonableness of license fees in relationship to revenue
generated by sales of licensed products,
- the continued popularity of the licensors,
- the continued performance, public image, and health of the
individual drivers.
A driver's popularity could be adversely affected if the driver fails to
maintain a successful racing career or engages in behavior that the general
public considers objectionable.
In addition, our ability to enforce our rights under licensing
agreements may be limited by the interpretation and enforcement of those
agreements. Some license agreements contain provisions that allow the licensor
to terminate the agreement upon the occurrence of certain events, including a
change in the driver's team owner or sponsor, a change of control of our
company, or a significant change in our management team. The termination,
cancellation, or inability to renew or enforce material licensing arrangements,
or the inability to develop and enter into or enforce new licensing
arrangements, would have a material adverse effect on our business.
WE DEPEND ON THE POPULARITY OF THE MOTORSPORTS INDUSTRY IN GENERAL AND NASCAR
RACING IN PARTICULAR.
The growth rate of the motorsports industry and its appeal to consumers
has a significant effect on the sales of motorsports merchandise and corporation
sponsorship. Motorsports competes for television viewership, attendance,
merchandise sales, and sponsorship funding with other sports, entertainment, and
recreational events. The competition in the sports, entertainment, and
recreation industries is intense.
Sales of die-cast replicas and other licensed merchandise related to
NASCAR racing represented approximately 70.0% of our revenue in fiscal 2000.
Although we have expanded our product lines to include vehicles from other
segments of motorsports, we expect that products related to NASCAR racing will
continue to account for a significant percentage of our revenue for the
foreseeable future. As a result, the popularity of NASCAR-sanctioned racing is
important to the success of our business.
The motorsports industry experienced a slowing growth rate during our
2000 fiscal year. This recent decrease in growth of the motorsports industry has
had a material adverse effect on our business, and any continued growth decline
of the motorsports industry, and NASCAR racing in particular, would continue to
have a material adverse effect on our business.
OUR STRATEGY TO REFOCUS ON OUR CORE PRODUCTS MAY BE UNSUCCESSFUL.
In the past, a significant portion of our success resulted from our
ability to continue to develop and introduce on a timely basis new products and
services that compete effectively in terms of price and that address customer
tastes, preferences, and requirements. During fiscal 2000, we made the strategic
decision to refocus our efforts on our core products and licenses. We believe
that during the current downturn in the motorsports market, we have a better
opportunity to return to profitability if we focus on our core products and do
not make significant investments in new products or services. Our efforts may be
unsuccessful, and our assessment of the motorsports industry may be incorrect.
In the event that we are incorrect, we may lose opportunities to generate
revenue on new products and services related to motorsports.
WE DEPEND ON THIRD-PARTY MANUFACTURERS AND SHIPPERS.
We depend upon third parties to manufacture all of our motorsports
collectibles and most of our consumer products. In particular, we rely on one
manufacturer, which operates a single facility in China, to produce most of our
die-cast products. Although we own most of the tools, dies, and molds used in
the
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manufacturing processes of our collectible products and own the tooling and dies
used to manufacture certain of our consumer products, we have limited control
over the manufacturing processes themselves. As a result, any difficulties
encountered by the third-party manufacturers that result in product defects,
production delays, cost overruns, or the inability to fulfill orders on a timely
basis could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We obtain die-cast products from our primary manufacturer in China
under an agreement that extends through October 31, 2006, and that automatically
renews for successive one-year terms unless terminated by either party giving
written notice to the other at least 90 days prior to the end of the
then-current term. We do not have long-term contracts with any other of our
third-party manufacturers.
Because we own most of the tools and dies used in the manufacturing
process, we believe that we would be able to secure other third-party
manufacturers to produce our products in the event that either party terminates
that agreement. Our operations would be adversely affected, however, by of the
following:
- the loss of our relationship with certain of our current
suppliers, including particularly our primary manufacturer of
die-cast products;
- the disruption or termination of the operations of one or more
of our current suppliers; or
- the disruption or termination of sea or air transportation
with our China-based die-cast manufacturers, even for a
relatively short period of time.
For example, MiniChamps experienced significant delays in completing production
of certain 1998 product lines as a result of the transition of those products to
new manufacturers. Those delays resulted from the time required to move and
install the tools, dies, and molds at the new manufacturers' facilities as well
as the additional time required to train the new manufacturers' personnel and to
achieve satisfactory quality control levels.
Significant damage to the facilities of our third-party manufacturers,
particularly the facilities used by our die-cast product manufacturers in China,
also could result in the loss of or damage to a material portion of our key
tools, dies, and molds in addition to production delays while new facilities
were being arranged and replacement tools, dies, and molds were being produced.
We do not maintain an inventory of sufficient size to provide protection for any
significant period against an interruption of supply, particularly if we are
required to obtain alternative sources of supply.
We do not directly purchase the raw materials used to manufacture most
of our products. We may, however, be subject to variations in the prices we pay
our third-party manufacturers for products if their raw materials, labor, and
other costs increase. Although to date we have been able to increase the prices
at which we sell our products in order to cover the increased prices that we pay
for such products, we may not be able to continue to pass along such price
increases to our customers in the future.
We also depend upon a number of third-party shippers, such as the U.S.
Postal Service, United Parcel Service, and Federal Express, to deliver goods to
us and our customers. Strikes or other service interruptions affecting our
shippers would have a material adverse effect on our ability to deliver
merchandise on a timely basis.
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A DECLINE IN WORKING CAPITAL, A REDUCTION IN EQUITY, AND A
REDUCTION IN OUR RESOURCES, ALL OF WHICH MAY IMPEDE OUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN OR
ATTRACT ADEQUATE CAPITAL TO SUPPORT OUR OPERATIONS.
Historically, we have financed our operations and our growth through
cash generated by operations, debt and equity financings, and the issuance of
our common stock in acquisitions. We may require additional capital in excess of
cash resources, cash generated by operations, and funds available to us through
our existing credit facility in order to sustain or expand our operations. We
cannot predict the timing or amount of any such capital requirements at this
time. Although we have been able to obtain adequate financing on acceptable
terms in the past when necessary, such financing may not continue to be
available on acceptable terms. As a result of our operations during fiscal 2000,
we have experienced a decline in working capital, a reduction in equity, and a
reduction in our human resources, all of which have placed a strain on our
business. Based on these factors, we do not believe that we have the same level
of access to capital as we have had in prior years. If such financing is not
available on satisfactory terms, we may be unable to operate our business as
desired, which may adversely affect our operating results. Debt financing
increases expenses and must be repaid regardless of operating results. Equity
financing could result in additional dilution to existing shareholders.
OUR GROWTH HAS PLACED A SIGNIFICANT STRAIN ON OUR BUSINESS.
Sales of our collectible and consumer products are subject to changing
consumer tastes, and customers for our promotional items generally do not commit
to firm orders for more than a short time in advance. We may increase our
expenditures in anticipation of future orders that do not materialize, which
would adversely affect our profitability. Demand for popular products or
services may result in increased orders on short notice, which would place an
excessive short-term burden on our resources.
Between our 1993 and 1999 fiscal years, our business operations
underwent significant changes and growth, including the expansion of our
collectible product lines, the acquisition of our motorsports consumer product
lines, the acquisition or development of expanded distribution channels, and
significant investments in
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tooling and licensing arrangements. Our growth placed a significant strain on
our management systems and resources and contributed to operating losses when
industry growth slowed during fiscal 2000.
OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO RESPOND TO RAPID MARKET CHANGES.
The markets for our products and services are subject to rapidly
changing customer tastes, a high level of competition, seasonality, and a
constant need to create and market new products and services, especially related
to our core licensors. Demand for motorsports collectible and consumer products
depends upon a wide variety of factors, including the following:
- the popularity of drivers, teams, and other licensors,
- the popularity of current product and service concepts or
themes,
- cultural and demographic trends,
- marketing and advertising expenditures, and
- general economic conditions.
Because these factors can change rapidly, customer demand also can shift
quickly. We frequently are able to successfully market new products or services
for only a limited time.
Our ability to increase our sales and marketing efforts to stimulate
customer demand and our ability to monitor third-party manufacturing
arrangements in order to maintain satisfactory delivery schedules and product
quality are important factors in our long-term prospects. Because of the amount
of time and financial resources that may be required to bring new products or
services to market, we may not always be able to accurately forecast required
inventory levels or to respond to changes in customer tastes and demands. We
could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
and operating results if we are unable to respond quickly to market changes or a
slowdown in demand for our products or services.
WE FACE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH QVC AND THE
OUTSOURCING OF OUR COLLECTORS' CLUB OPERATIONS.
We outsource the distribution of Collectors' Club products through QVC
under a ten-year exclusive agreement expiring in 2011. Historically, we operated
all aspects of the Collectors' Club, including production of the monthly
catalog, promotion of the Collectors' Club, inventory warehousing, and order
processing and fulfillment. Although we will remain responsible for acquisition
of licenses, product selection, development, and manufacturing, since October
2000 QVC has handled the day-to-day operation and marketing of the Collectors'
Club. Accordingly, we face risks associated with our agreement with QVC,
including the following:
- potential damage to the reputation of our Collectors' Club;
- reduced expertise in dealing with Club members and overall
levels of customer service;
- reduced sales generated from Club products; and
- risk of inventory obsolescence together with reduced control
over distribution of product.
QVC may be unsuccessful in its efforts to operate our Collectors' Club. Any
failure by QVC to operate our Collectors' Club successfully could result in
decreases in club membership or reputation, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business.
OUR REDUCTION OF OUR goracing.com INTERNET OPERATIONS MAY RESULT IN LITIGATION
OR FURTHER OBLIGATION TO OUR COMPANY.
During May 2000, we refocused goracing.com exclusively on delivering
our merchandise to motorsports fans, and no longer offer motorsports-related
content, services, or features. As part of our effort to refocus our
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goracing operations, we reduced fixed costs related to goracing.com
infrastructure, including personnel, facilities, and equipment. We face risks
associated with our rapid wind-down of our Internet operations, including the
following:
- reliance on our sublease with a third-party that assumed our
liabilities under goracing's leased office space and
equipment;
- elimination of goracing's contractual obligations; and
- potential litigation from third parties and former employees.
We may not be successful in our efforts to reduce our Internet operations, and
our efforts may result in litigation or further obligation to our company, all
of which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
WE MAY EXPERIENCE SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN SALES THAT COULD AFFECT OUR EARNINGS
AND THE TRADING PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
We may experience seasonality in our business, which could result in
unfavorable quarterly earnings comparisons and affect the trading price of our
common stock. Because the auto racing season is concentrated between the months
of February and November, the second and third calendar quarters of each
calendar year (our third and fourth fiscal quarters) generally are characterized
by higher sales of motorsports products. We also are increasing our efforts to
develop large corporate promotional programs. These programs typically result in
significant levels of revenue and income, which may increase quarter-to-quarter
variations in our operating results. As a result of these and other factors, we
may experience seasonality and quarterly fluctuations in our business, which
could result in unfavorable quarterly earnings comparisons and affect the
trading price of our common stock. Fluctuations in quarterly sales may require
us to take temporary measures, including changes in personnel levels, borrowing
amounts, and production and marketing activities. These factors and any seasonal
and cyclical patterns that emerge in consumer purchasing could result in
unfavorable quarterly earnings comparisons. As a result, it is difficult to
predict our future revenue and operating results. Any shortfall in revenue or
fluctuations in operating results may have a material adverse effect on our
business and stock price. You should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons
of our operating results as an indication of future performance.
WE FACE A VARIETY OF RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION OF
NEW BUSINESS OPERATIONS.
We completed a number of acquisitions during fiscal 1997, fiscal 1998,
and fiscal 1999. We have consolidated substantially all of the operations of the
U.S.-based acquired entities into our operations in Phoenix, Arizona and the
Charlotte, North Carolina vicinity. We continue to coordinate and integrate
certain of the administrative, information systems, sales and marketing, and
other operations of our acquired companies with our operations. Although our
short-term strategy does not anticipate any acquisitions, we may wish to acquire
complementary businesses, products, services, or technologies in the future. We
may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, make acquisitions
on commercially acceptable terms, or have adequate capital to do so.
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The integration of the management, personnel operations, products, services,
technologies, and facilities of any businesses that we may acquire in the future
could involve unforeseen difficulties. These difficulties could disrupt our
ongoing business, distract our management and employees, and increase our
expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, and operating results.
We conduct due diligence reviews of each acquired business, and we
obtain representations and warranties regarding each acquired business.
Unforeseen liabilities and difficulties, however, can arise in connection with
the operation of acquired businesses. Contractual or other remedies may not be
sufficient to compensate us in the event unforeseen liabilities or other
difficulties arise. In addition, our ability to enforce our rights or remedies
in connection with acquisitions of businesses outside the United States may be
limited by the interpretation and enforcement of those agreements under the laws
of countries other than the United States.
We strive to take advantage of the opportunities created by the
combination of acquired operations to achieve significant revenue opportunities
and substantial cost savings, including increased product offerings and
decreased operating expenses as a result of the elimination of duplicative
facilities and personnel associated with sales, marketing, administrative,
warehouse, and distribution functions. Significant uncertainties, however,
accompany any business combination. We may not be able to achieve revenue
increases; integrate facilities, functions, and personnel in order to achieve
operating efficiencies; or otherwise realize cost savings as a result of
acquisitions. The inability to achieve revenue increases or cost savings could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and
operating results.
We frequently engage in discussions with various motorsports-related
and other businesses regarding our potential acquisition of those businesses. In
connection with these discussions, we and each potential acquisition candidate
exchange confidential operational and financial information, conduct due
diligence inquiries, and consider the structure, terms, and conditions of the
potential acquisition. In certain cases, the prospective acquisition candidate
agrees not to discuss a potential acquisition with any other party for a
specific period of time and agrees to take other actions designed to enhance the
possibility of the acquisition. Potential acquisition discussions frequently
take place over a longer period of time and often involve difficult business
integration and other issues, including in some cases retention of management
personnel and related matters. As a result of these and other factors, a number
of potential acquisitions that from time to time appear likely to occur may not
result in binding legal agreements and may not be consummated.
MARKETS FOR OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ARE EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE, AND WE CANNOT
ASSURE YOU THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY IN THE FUTURE.
The motorsports collectible and consumer products markets are extremely
competitive. We compete with major domestic and international companies. Some of
these competitors have greater market recognition and substantially greater
financial, technical, marketing, distribution, and other resources than we
possess. We cannot assure you that we will continue to be able to compete
successfully in the future.
Our motorsports die-cast collectibles compete with die-cast and other
motorsports collectibles and, to a certain extent, die-cast replicas of
motorsports vehicles that are sold through mass retail channels. Our motorsports
apparel and souvenirs compete with similar products sold or licensed by drivers,
owners, sponsors, and other licensors with which we currently do not have
licenses as well as with sports apparel licensors and manufacturers in general.
Emerging companies also may increase their participation in these motorsports
markets. Our promotional programs must compete for advertising dollars against
other specialty advertising programs and media, such as television, radio,
newspapers, magazines, and billboards.
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Certain of our competitors may be able to devote greater resources to
marketing and promotional campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing or inventory
availability policies, and devote substantially more resources to their business
than we do. The markets for motorsports collectible products are intensely
competitive, and we expect competition to intensify in the future.
WE FACE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS, INTERNATIONAL TRADE,
EXCHANGE, AND FINANCING.
We obtain most of our products from overseas manufacturers,
particularly one third-party manufacturer of die-cast collectibles and other
replicas in China. During fiscal 2000, we derived approximately 70% of our
revenue from products that were manufactured by this third-party manufacturer.
Because most of our products are manufactured overseas, we face risks in
addition to the risks generally created by obtaining our products from third
parties. We maintain business operations in Germany and Great Britain, and we
market motorsports collectible products throughout the world. Our reliance on
third-party manufacturers to provide personnel and facilities in China; our
maintenance of personnel, equipment, and inventories abroad; and our plans to
expand our product sales in international markets expose us to certain economic
and political risks. These risks include the following:
- management of a multi-national organization,
- compliance with local laws and regulatory requirements, as
well as changes in such laws and requirements,
- restrictions on the repatriation of funds,
- employment and severance issues,
- overlap of tax issues,
- the business and financial condition of the third-party
manufacturers,
- political and economic conditions abroad, and
- the possibility of
-- expropriation or nationalization of assets,
-- supply disruptions,
-- currency controls,
-- exchange rate fluctuations, and
-- changes in tax laws, tariffs, and freight rates.
Protectionist trade legislation in either the United States or foreign
countries, such as a change in the current tariff structures, export compliance
laws, or other trade policies, could adversely affect our ability to purchase
our products from foreign suppliers or the price at which we can obtain those
products. In November 1999, the United States and China signed an agreement that
will lift trade barriers between the two countries and that advances China's
efforts to join the World Trade Organization. Special interest groups have
raised objections to these efforts and we cannot be certain whether or to what
extent trade relations with China will continue to improve. Any developments
that adversely affect trade relations between the United States and China in the
future could impact our ability to obtain die-cast collectible products from our
manufacturers.
All of our purchases from our foreign manufacturers are denominated in
U.S. dollars or in Hong Kong dollars, which are pegged to the U.S. dollar. As a
result, the foreign manufacturers bear any risks associated with exchange rate
fluctuations subsequent to the date we place orders with those manufacturers. An
extended period of financial pressure on overseas markets or a devaluation of
the Chinese currency that results in a financial setback to our overseas
manufacturers, however, could have an adverse impact on our operations.
Purchases of die-cast products from the China-based manufacturers generally
require us to provide an international letter of credit in an amount equal to
the purchase order. Although we currently have in place financing arrangements
in an amount that we consider adequate for anticipated purchase levels, the
inability to fund any letter of credit required by a supplier would have an
adverse impact on our operations.
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Substantially all of our sales are denominated in either U.S. dollars,
Deutschmarks, or British pounds sterling. As a result, international customers
for our products bear any risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations
subsequent to the date the order is placed. We may, however, experience losses
as a result of exchange rate fluctuations between the dollar and the Deutschmark
or the pound. In the future, we may seek to limit such exposure by entering into
forward foreign exchange contracts or engaging in similar hedging strategies.
Any currency exchange strategy may be unsuccessful in avoiding exchange-related
losses, and the failure to manage currency risks effectively may have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. In
addition, revenue earned in foreign countries may be subject to taxation by more
than one jurisdiction, which would adversely affect our earnings.
The "Euro" currency was introduced in certain Economic and Monetary
Union countries in January 1999. All EMU countries are expected to be operating
with the Euro as their single currency by 2002. We intend to monitor the impact,
if any, that introduction of the Euro currency will have on our internal systems
and the sale of our products and to take appropriate actions to address those
issues if required. We cannot predict the impact, if any, that introduction of
the Euro will have on our business, financial condition, or results of
operations.
WE DEPEND ON MANAGEMENT AND OTHER KEY PERSONNEL.
Our development and operations to date have been, and our proposed
operations will be, substantially dependent upon the efforts and abilities of
our senior management, particularly Fred W. Wagenhals, our Chairman of the
Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of services of one or
more of our key employees, particularly Mr. Wagenhals, could have a material
adverse effect on our company. We maintain key person insurance on the life of
Mr. Wagenhals in the amount of $3.0 million. We do not maintain such insurance
on any of our other officers.
WE MUST BE ABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN SKILLED EMPLOYEES.
Our success depends on our ability to continue to attract, retain, and
motivate skilled employees. We may be unable to retain our key employees or
attract, motivate, or retain other qualified employees in the future. Any
failure to attract and retain key employees will materially and adversely affect
our business.
WE HAVE SIGNIFICANT INDEBTEDNESS.
As of September 30, 2000, we had outstanding approximately $109.8
million of indebtedness. This indebtedness includes $100.0 million principal
amount of 4-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005 and approximately $9.8
million of other secured and unsecured indebtedness. In the future, we may face
risks related to servicing our debt obligations as interest or principal
payments become due. If we are unable to service our debt, we will be required
to restructure or refinance our debt or pursue alternative sources of financing,
which may include selling additional equity securities. We may not be able to
successfully implement alternative strategies on satisfactory terms in the event
that it becomes necessary to do so.
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WE HAVE LIMITED PROTECTION OF OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, AND OTHERS COULD
INFRINGE ON OR MISAPPROPRIATE OUR RIGHTS.
We regard our trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, and other
intellectual properties as critical to our success. Our failure to adequately
protect our intellectual property could materially and adversely affect our
business, operating results, and financial position. Our intellectual property
rights primarily consist of our trade names, logos, and art. We have copyright
protection for all original material that we produce to promote our products and
services.
We have registered trademarks for certain of our "Action" names and
logos. We have applied for federal registration in the United States for various
other "Action" names and logos, as well as "goracing.com" and other marks. Our
ability to prevent others from using trademarks or names similar to marks and
names that we use may be adversely impacted if our marks are regarded as
descriptive or weak. Our inability to obtain trademark protection for our marks
and names could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We may not be able to obtain effective trademark, service mark,
copyright, and trade secret protection in every country in which we make our
products and services available. We may find it necessary to take legal action
in the future to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights or to
defend against claims of infringement. Policing unauthorized use of our
proprietary rights is difficult. Litigation can be very expensive and can
distract our management's time and attention, which could adversely affect our
business. In addition, we may not be able to obtain a favorable outcome in any
intellectual property litigation.
As part of our confidentiality procedures, we generally enter into
agreements with our employees and consultants. These agreements may be
ineffective in preventing misappropriation of technology and could be
unenforceable. Misappropriation of our intellectual property or the litigation
costs associated with our intellectual property could have a material adverse
effect on us.
THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND NOTES MAY BE EXTREMELY VOLATILE.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated dramatically. The
trading price of our common stock in the past has been, and in the future could
be, subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors, including
the following:
- quarterly variations in our operating results,
- actual or anticipated announcements of new products or
services by our company or our competitors,
- changes in analysts' estimates of our financial performance,
- general conditions in the markets in which we compete, and
- worldwide economic and financial conditions.
The stock market also has experienced extreme price and volume
fluctuations that have affected the market prices for many rapidly expanding
companies and that often have been unrelated to the operating performance of
such companies. These broad market fluctuations and other factors may adversely
affect the market price of our common stock.
The trading price of our subordinated notes will depend on the factors
described above as well as on other factors, such as prevailing interest rates,
perceptions of our creditworthiness, the market price of our common stock into
which the subordinated notes are convertible, and the market for similar
securities. As a result, the market price of our subordinated notes may trade at
a discount from their principal amount based on such factors.
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HOLDERS OF OUR SUBORDINATED NOTES AND HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK WILL BE
SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE NOTES.
Our subordinated notes are general unsecured obligations, subordinated
in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness. As a
result of this subordination, in the event of any insolvency, liquidation or
reorganization of our company or upon acceleration of the subordinated notes due
to an event of default (as defined in the indenture governing the notes), the
assets of our company will be available to pay obligations on the notes only
after the administrative expenses of any bankruptcy proceeding and all senior
indebtedness, if any, have been paid in full. As a result, there may not be
sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on the notes and any of our other
subordinated indebtedness then outstanding. The indenture does not prohibit or
limit the ability of our company and our subsidiaries to incur additional
indebtedness, including senior indebtedness. The incurrence of such indebtedness
could adversely affect our ability to pay our obligations under the notes. In
addition, the notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. As a result,
the notes effectively rank junior to all creditors of our subsidiaries.
Upon the occurrence of certain adverse events, each holder of
subordinated notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of such
holder's notes. If such an event were to occur, we may not have sufficient
financial resources or may not be able to arrange financing to pay the
repurchase price for all subordinated notes tendered by holders thereof. Our
ability to repurchase the notes in such event may be limited by law, the
indenture, and the terms of other agreements relating to borrowings that
constitute senior indebtedness, as such indebtedness or agreements may be
entered into, replaced, supplemented, or amended from time to time. We may be
required to refinance senior indebtedness in order to make any such repurchase
payments. If we are prohibited from repurchasing the subordinated notes, such
failure would constitute an event of default under the indenture, which may
constitute a further default under certain of our existing agreements relating
to borrowings and the terms of other indebtedness that we may enter into from
time to time. In such circumstances, the subordination provisions in the
indenture would prohibit payments to the holders of the subordinated notes.
Furthermore, we may not have the financial ability to repurchase the
subordinated notes in the event that maturity of senior indebtedness is
accelerated as a result of a default under the applicable loan or similar
agreement. The repurchase of subordinated notes under the circumstances
described above, or our inability to repurchase subordinated notes as required,
could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and operating
results.
RIGHTS TO ACQUIRE SHARES WILL RESULT IN DILUTION TO OTHER HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON
STOCK.
As of December 20, 2000, options to acquire a total of approximately
1,280,000 shares of our common stock were outstanding under our stock option
plans. We also offer our employees the opportunity to buy our common stock at a
discount under our employee stock purchase plan. Holders of our subordinated
notes have the right to convert their notes into an aggregate of 2,074,688
shares of common stock at a conversion price of $48.20 per share. Holders of
stock options, employees who participate in the purchase plan, and holders of
subordinated notes will have the opportunity to profit from an increase in the
market price of our common stock, with resulting dilution in the interests of
other holders of common stock. The existence of such stock options, notes, and
our purchase plan could adversely affect the terms on which we can obtain
additional financing, and the option holders, note holders, and purchase plan
participants can be expected to buy shares at a time when we, in all likelihood,
would be able to obtain additional capital by offering shares of common stock on
terms more favorable to us than those provided by such options, notes, and the
purchase plan.
SALES OF ADDITIONAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK COULD HAVE A DEPRESSIVE EFFECT ON THE
MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
Sales of substantial amounts of common stock by our shareholders, or
even the potential for such sales, may have a depressive effect on the market
price of our common stock. Of the 16,964,029 shares of common stock outstanding
as of December 20, 2000, 14,824,039 shares currently are eligible for resale in
the public market without restriction or further registration unless held by an
"affiliate" of our company, as that term is defined under applicable securities
laws. The 2,139,990 remaining shares of common stock outstanding are "restricted
securities," as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the securities laws, and
may be sold only in
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compliance with Rule 144, pursuant to registration under the securities laws, or
pursuant to an exemption therefrom. We have registered an aggregate of
approximately 472,300 shares of such "restricted securities" for resale pursuant
to an effective registration statements. Affiliates also are subject to certain
of the resale limitations of Rule 144. Generally, under Rule 144, each person
who beneficially owns restricted securities with respect to which at least one
year has elapsed since the later of the date the shares were acquired from us or
an affiliate of our company may, every three months, sell in ordinary brokerage
transactions or to market makers an amount of shares equal to the greater of 1%
of our then-outstanding common stock or the average weekly trading volume for
the four weeks prior to the proposed sale of such shares. Approximately
1,962,000 shares held by certain of our officers and directors currently are
available for sale under Rule 144.
IT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR A THIRD PARTY TO ACQUIRE US, EVEN IF THE ACQUISITION
WOULD BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF SHAREHOLDERS.
Our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and Arizona law contain
provisions that may have the effect of making more difficult or delaying
attempts by others to obtain control of our company, even when those attempts
may be in the best interests of our shareholders. Our articles of incorporation
also authorize our board of directors, without shareholder approval, to issue
one or more series of preferred stock, which could have voting, liquidation,
dividend, conversion, or other rights that adversely affect or dilute the voting
power of the holders of common stock. In addition, many of our license
agreements are subject to termination in the event of a change in control of our
company.
OUR OPERATING RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT.
Some of the statements and information contained in this report
concerning future, proposed, and anticipated activities of our company,
anticipated trends with respect to our revenue, operating results, capital
resources, and liquidity or with respect to the markets in which we compete or
the motorsports industry in general, and other statements contained in this
report regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking
statements, as that term is defined in the securities laws. Forward-looking
statements, by their very nature, include risks and uncertainties, many of which
are beyond our control. Accordingly, actual results may differ, perhaps
materially, from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include
those discussed elsewhere under this Item 1, "Special Considerations."
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We lease a newly constructed, approximately 140,000 square foot
building in Phoenix, Arizona. We have used approximately 38,000 square feet of
this facility for our corporate headquarters and approximately 102,000 square
feet for warehouse space and packaging operations. As a result of the changes in
our operations resulting from our agreement with QVC, which reduced the need for
warehouse space, packaging operations, and our call center, we are currently
attempting to sublease substantially all of our warehouse space and 50% of our
office space. The initial term of the lease expires in August 2007, with two
five-year renewal options.
We also lease a newly constructed, approximately 121,000 square foot
facility in the Charlotte, North Carolina, vicinity for our operations in that
area. We utilize approximately 42,000 square feet of the new facility for
offices and approximately 79,000 square feet for warehouse space and
distribution operations. The initial term of the lease expires in June 2018,
with four five-year renewal options.
We currently lease two facilities in Atlanta, Georgia, for our Image
Works operations. One facility consists of approximately 77,400 square feet, of
which we utilize approximately 14,000 square feet for offices and approximately
63,400 square feet for manufacturing and warehouse operations. The lease on this
facility expires in January 2001. The second facility consists of approximately
21,900 square feet, of which we utilize approximately 19,400 square feet for
warehouse and distribution operations and approximately 2,500 square feet for
offices. The lease on this facility expires in February 2001.
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We own a newly constructed, approximately 55,000 square foot facility
in Aachen, Germany, for our MiniChamps operations. We utilize approximately
39,000 square feet of this facility for our European warehouse and distribution
operations and approximately 16,000 square feet for office space.
We lease approximately 10,000 square feet of office space in the
London, England metropolitan area for our international licensing and apparel
distribution operations. The lease on this office expires in December 2009.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On March 4, 1997, two class action lawsuits were filed against our
company and approximately 28 other defendants in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The lawsuits allege that the
defendants engaged in price fixing and other anti-competitive activities in
violation of federal antitrust laws. The alleged class of plaintiffs consists of
all purchasers of souvenirs or merchandise from licensed vendors at any NASCAR
Winston Cup race or supporting event during the period commencing January 1,
1991. We were named as a defendant based upon actions alleged to have been taken
by Sports Image, Robert Yates Promotions, Inc., and Creative Marketing &
Promotions, Inc. prior to our acquisitions of those entities. The actions were
subsequently consolidated by order of the court. The caption of the consolidated
action is "In re Motorsports Merchandise Antitrust Litigation" and the files are
maintained under Master File No. 1-97-CV-0569-CC. The plaintiffs requested
injunctive relief and monetary damages of three times an unspecified amount of
damages that the plaintiffs claim to have actually suffered. In order to avoid
further expense and the distraction of our management that protracted litigation
might create, on September 30, 1999, our company and the plaintiffs entered into
a memorandum of understanding with respect to the settlement of this lawsuit. In
connection with the settlement, we recorded a non-recurring pretax charge of
$3.6 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 to reflect the financial
terms of the settlement, as well as legal and other expenses related to the
lawsuit and settlement. During September 2000, the court approved a settlement
between the plaintiffs and our company. The principle financial terms of the
settlement require us to pay approximately $1.9 million in cash and
approximately $1.1 million in coupons in consideration of the dismissal and
release with prejudice of our company and our affiliates. We paid the cash
portion of the settlement during June 2000. Race fans may redeem the $1.1
million in coupons in connection with the purchase of products at our trackside
stores over the course of the 2001 and 2002 Winston Cup race seasons. In the
event the entire $1.1 million is not redeemed by the end of the 2002 season, 25%
of the balance will be paid in cash to a charity of the settling parties'
choice, which will satisfy our obligations in full.
On November 30, 1999, a class action lawsuit was filed against our
company in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, case
No. CIV'99 2106 PHXROS. Fred W. Wagenhals our Chairman of the Board, President,
and Chief Executive Officer, and Tod J. Wagenhals and Christopher S. Besing,
former directors and officers of our company, also were named as defendants. The
lawsuit alleges that our company and the other defendants violated the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by (a) making allegedly false statements about
the state of our business and the shipment of certain products to a customer or
(b) participating in a fraudulent scheme that was intended to inflate the price
of our common stock. The alleged class of plaintiffs consists of all persons who
purchased our publicly traded securities between July 27, 1999 and December 16,
1999. The plaintiffs are requesting an unspecified amount of monetary damages.
We have filed a motion to dismiss this lawsuit, which is scheduled to be heard
by the court during April 2001. We intend to vigorously defend the claims
asserted in the lawsuit.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
Our common stock has been quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "ACTN" since April 27, 1993. The following table sets forth the high
and low sales prices of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market during
the calendar quarters indicated.
COMMON STOCK
------------
HIGH LOW
---- ---
1998:
First Quarter............................. $38.88 $30.75
Second Quarter............................ 37.13 25.91
Third Quarter............................. 37.25 23.13
Fourth Quarter............................ 37.63 18.63
1999:
First Quarter............................. $48.00 $27.88
Second Quarter............................ 42.00 26.88
Third Quarter............................. 37.06 17.75
Fourth Quarter............................ 23.69 9.25
2000:
First Quarter............................. $16.00 $ 7.75
Second Quarter............................ 13.75 5.81
Third Quarter............................. 10.94 2.86
Fourth Quarter (through December 20, 2000) 4.06 2.25
As of December 20, 2000, there were approximately 399 holders of record
of our common stock. On December 20, 2000, the closing sales price of our common
stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $2.81 per share.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical financial data presented below as of and for
the five years ended September 30, 2000 are derived from our consolidated
financial statements, which have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants. The selected financial data should be read in
conjunction with Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements
and the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997(1) 1998(2) 1999(3) 2000(4)
---- ------- ------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales:
Collectibles ....................... $ 40,904 $ 68,932 $ 142,026 $ 214,429 $ 149,032
Apparel and souvenirs .............. 1,961 60,430 106,712 119,922 99,322
Other(5) ........................... 1,351 1,018 3,139 8,094 6,339
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net sales ........................ 44,216 130,380 251,877 342,445 254,693
Cost of sales ......................... 25,296 80,995 157,079 210,768 205,690
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit .......................... 18,920 49,385 94,798 131,677 49,003
Selling, general and administrative
expenses ........................... 9,262 24,564 45,344 68,036 107,942
Settlement costs (6) .................. -- 5,400 950 3,600 --
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles ........................ 4 1,286 4,392 6,818 16,753
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
9,266 31,250 50,686 78,454 124,695
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss)from operations .......... 9,654 18,135 44,112 53,223 (75,692)
Interest income (expense) and other,
net ................................ 216 (1,225) (3,134) (6,328) (6,987)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before (benefit)
provision for income taxes ......... 9,870 16,910 40,978 46,895 (82,679)
Provision for income taxes
(benefit from) ..................... 3,917 6,764 16,391 18,526 (24,592)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) ..................... $ 5,953 $ 10,146 $ 24,587 $ 28,369 $ (58,087)
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net income (loss) per common
share, assuming dilution(7) ........ $ 0.46 $ 0.69 $ 1.48 $ 1.65 $ (3.52)
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average number of
common shares, assuming
dilution(7) ........................ 13,028 14,624 16,647 19,179 16,515
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(8) . 44.7x 8.2x 8.3x 7.7x (8)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital ....................... $ 18,094 $ 56,975 $ 86,939 $ 107,797 $ 64,524
Total assets .......................... 31,649 141,325 305,934 335,747 255,917
Total debt ............................ 365 22,586 135,596 111,921 109,843
Shareholders' equity .................. 26,996 103,168 136,432 172,991 102,718
- -----------
(1) Fiscal 1997 results include the results of operations of Sports Image,
Inc., Motorsports Traditions Limited Partnership and Creative Marketing
and Promotions, Inc., Robert Yates Promotions, Inc., Image Works, Inc.,
and motorsports collectibles product lines of Simpson Products, Inc.,
beginning as of their respective dates of acquisition.
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32
(2) Fiscal 1998 results include the results of operations of the purchase
of assets related to sale of merchandise licensed to Rusty Wallace, the
purchase of assets from Revell Monogram, Inc., and the acquisitions of
Brookfield Collectors Guild, Inc., Chase Racewear, L.L.C., Paul's Model
Art/MiniChamps, and Performance Plus Nutritional, L.L.C., beginning as
of their respective dates of acquisition.
(3) Fiscal 1999 includes the results of operations of Intellectual
Properties Group, Inc., Tech 2000 Worldwide, Inc., and Goodsports
Holdings Pty Ltd., beginning as of their respective dates of
acquisition.
(4) Fiscal 2000 results include the results of operations of Fantasy Sports
Enterprises, Inc. Also includes $64.8 million of restructuring and
other charges.
(5) Includes royalty and license fees beginning in fiscal 1997.
(6) Represents settlement costs and related legal and other expenses.
(7) Adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected as a stock
dividend on May 28, 1996, and restated to reflect the adoption of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share."
(8) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings consist of income before provision for income taxes plus fixed
charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense (including the
amortization of debt issuance costs) plus that portion of rental
payments on operating leases deemed representative of the interest
factor. Due to losses in fiscal 2000, earnings did not provide at least
a one to one coverage to fixed charges. The coverage deficiency is
$82,381.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
We design and market licensed motorsports products, including die-cast
scaled replicas of motorsports vehicles, apparel, and souvenirs. Our vehicles
are replicas of cars driven by individual drivers and are principally NASCAR and
NHRA replicas although such vehicles also include sprint car, CART and Formula
One replicas. Third parties manufacture all of our motorsports vehicles and most
of our apparel and souvenirs, generally utilizing our designs, tools, and dies.
We screen print and embroider a portion of the apparel that we sell in our
Atlanta facility. Formula One vehicles and apparel are designed and marketed in
our subsidiaries in Germany and the United Kingdom.
Our company was incorporated in Arizona in May 1992 and we began
marketing die-cast collectibles in July 1992.
Prior to fiscal 1997, our revenue consisted primarily of sales of
die-cast vehicles. During fiscal 1997 and 1998 we acquired companies that sold
either die-cast or other collectibles or licensed motorsports apparel and
souvenirs. As a result of these acquisitions and our subsequent efforts to
develop new product lines and distribution channels, sales of collectible
products represented approximately 59% and 63% of net sales in fiscal 2000 and
1999 and sales of apparel and souvenirs represented approximately 39% and 35%
of net sales in such periods.
The following factors, among other factors, have an impact on our
revenue: the popularity and performance of drivers and teams under license, the
popularity of motorsports and NASCAR in particular, and the general demand for
licensed sports merchandise.
Cost of sales consists primarily of the cost of products procured from
third-party manufacturers, royalty payments to licensors, and depreciation of
tooling and dies. Significant factors affecting our cost of sales as a
percentage of net sales include
- - the overall percentage of net sales represented by sales of die-cast
collectible products, which typically carry higher gross margins than
our other products,
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33
- - the percentage of sales of die-cast collectible products represented by
sales through the Collectors' Club, which typically carry higher gross
margins than sales of such products through wholesale distributors, and
- - the effect of amortizing the fixed cost components of cost of sales,
primarily depreciation of tooling and dies, over varying levels of net
sales.
In addition, product is purchased generally at prices intended to yield a
specific margin. Our margins may vary, however, based upon higher than
anticipated freight charges, additional charges related to order quantities,
cancellation of specific purchase orders, and discounted sales.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
percentage of total revenue represented by certain expense and revenue items.
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Sales
Collectibles .................... 92.5% 52.9% 56.4% 62.6% 58.5%
Apparel and souvenirs ........... 4.4 46.3 42.4 35.0 39.0
Other ........................... 3.1 0.8 1.2 2.4 2.5
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net sales ..................... 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of sales ...................... 57.2 62.1 62.4 61.5 80.8
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Gross profit ....................... 42.8 37.9 37.6 38.5 19.2
Selling, general and administrative
expenses ........................ 21.0 18.8 18.0 19.9 42.4
Settlement costs ................... -- 4.2 0.4 1.1 --
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles ..................... -- 1.0 1.7 2.0 6.5
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) from operations ...... 21.8 13.9 17.5 15.5 (29.7)
Interest income (expense) and other,
net ............................. 0.5 (0.9) (1.2) (1.2) (2.6)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Minority interest .................. -- -- (0.1) (0.6) (0.1)
Income (loss) before provision for
(benefit from) income taxes ..... 22.3 13.0 16.3 14.3 (32.4)
Benefit from provision for
Income taxes .................... 8.8 5.2 6.5 5.4 (9.7)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net income ......................... 13.5% 7.8% 9.7% 8.3% (22.7)%
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
We incurred a $28.3 million loss in the fourth quarter and a $58.1
million loss for the year ended September 30, 2000 due to a material decline in
revenue, costs associated with abandoning our goracing.com Internet strategy,
costs associated with our reorganization in order to achieve a cost structure
consistent with anticipated revenue volumes, and a strategic decision to focus
on core drivers and core programs. The loss includes special charges of $32.3
million for the fourth quarter and $64.8 million for the fiscal year as set
forth below and in "Restructuring and Other Charges" below.
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RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
In fiscal 2000, we recorded charges of approximately $17.5 million
arising from our decision to abandon our goracing.com Internet strategy,
including withdrawal of its initial public offering. The charges include
provisions for the write-off of goodwill, endorsements and sponsorship
commitments, and employee severance and termination costs.
In addition to the goracing.com charge, we recorded other charges
totaling approximately $47.3 million in fiscal 2000. These charges are comprised
of a $13.3 million write-down related to excess inventories based in part on
anticipated sponsorships, driver and marketing programs which did not
materialize; $6.1 million of additional receivable reserves based on current
information regarding the uncollectibility of certain customer account balances;
a $3.0 million provision for vendor discounts which were anticipated but not
received due to lower than anticipated volumes; tooling write-downs and
amortization of $8.5 million arising from a change in the estimated useful lives
of tooling equipment and the write off of obsolete items; write downs of prepaid
royalties and sponsorship fees of $7.8 million, reflecting, in part, our
decision to concentrate future production on core drivers and core programs; and
approximately $8.6 million in other asset impairments.
The charges discussed above are reflected in the accompanying statement
of operations for the year ended September 30, 2000 as follows:
Amount
------ Inclusion in accompanying
goracing.com related charges: (in millions) Statement of Operations
-----------------------
Restructuring
Accounts receivable and prepaids....... $ 1.5 Selling, general, and administrative
Initial public offering withdrawal..... 2.3 Selling, general, and administrative
Other.................................. 0.3 Selling, general, and administrative
Goodwill and intangibles............... 7.6 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles
-----
11.7
-----
Other charges
Inventory write-downs.................. 13.3 Cost of sales
Vendor discounts....................... 3.0 Cost of sales
Tooling write-down .................... 1.9 Cost of sales
Tooling amortization ................. 6.6 Cost of sales
Prepaid royalty and sponsorship fees... 7.8 Cost of sales
Accounts receivable.................... 6.1 Selling, general, and administrative
Other assets........................... 4.3 Selling, general, and administrative
Goodwill and intangible impairments.... 1.9 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles
Other.................................. 0.4 Other income and other, net
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Equity investments..................... 2.0 Other income and other, net
-----
47.3
-----
Cash charges:
goracing.com related
Professional fees........................ 0.8 Selling, general, and administrative
Employee severance and termination costs. 0.7 Selling, general, and administrative
Endorsements and sponsorships............ 4.3 Selling, general, and administrative
-----
5.8
-----
$64.8
=====
Accrued amounts on the accompanying balance sheet as of September 30, 2000 are
as follows:
Initial Payments Remaining
Accrual to date Accrual
------- ------- -------
Employee severance charges....... $ 0.7 $ 0.6 $ 0.1
Professional fees................ 0.8 0.7 0.1
Endorsements and sponsorships.... 4.3 3.8 0.5
----- ----- -----
$ 5.8 $ 5.1 $ 0.7
===== ===== =====
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1999
We incurred a loss of $58.1 million for the fiscal year ended September
30, 2000 compared with net income of $28.4 million for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1999. The fiscal year 2000 loss included $64.8 million of special
charges as discussed in "Restructuring and Other Charges" above.
Net sales decreased to $254.7 million in fiscal 2000, a decline of
25.6% from the $342.4 million reported for fiscal 1999. The decrease reflected a
general decline in sports licensed merchandise sales, a decline in the number of
promotional programs, and a decline in sales for certain licensed products that
had enjoyed materially increased sales in the previous year.
Cost of sales for fiscal 2000 were $205.7 million or 80.8% of sales
compared with $210.8 million for fiscal 1999 or 61.5% of sales. Before special
charges, cost of sales was $173.1 million or 68.0% of sales. This percentage was
greater than the percentage for 1999 because of increased freight costs as a
percentage of cost of sales, increased manufacturing costs due to change orders,
and lower order quantities and sales of product at discounted prices.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $107.9 million or
42.4% of sales for fiscal 2000 compared with $68.0 million for fiscal 1999 or
19.9% of sales. Excluding special charges, such expenses were $87.6 million for
fiscal 2000 or 34.4% of sales. The increase before special charges of $19.6
million for fiscal 2000 was principally due to the costs of operating
goracing.com prior to abandoning our Internet strategy, the costs of operating
Fantasy Sports, which was acquired in fiscal 2000, and an increase in
sponsorships and additional professional fees. The percentage increase was also
due to the reduction in sales volume without a corresponding reduction in such
costs.
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles was $16.8 million for
fiscal 2000 compared with $6.8 million for fiscal 1999. Excluding the special
charge for the write-off of the goracing.com and Simpson Products, Inc.
intangible, amortization was $7.3 million for fiscal 2000.
Minority interest was $0.3 million for fiscal 2000 compared with $1.9
million for fiscal 1999, principally reflecting lower income from our 80% owned
German subsidiary.
We recorded an income tax benefit of $24.6 million for fiscal 2000,
representing 30.0% of the pre-tax, loss compared with a tax provision of $18.5
million for fiscal 1999, representing 39.5% of the pre-tax income.
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36
The percentage income tax benefit for fiscal 2000 was less than the
percentage tax provision for fiscal 1999 principally because of the special
charges for the write-off of intangibles that did not have a tax basis and
because no benefit was recorded for state and federal tax jurisdictions.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1998
Net sales increased 35.9% to $342.4 million for the year ended
September 30, 1999 from $251.9 million for the year ended September 30, 1998. We
attribute the improvement in sales during fiscal 1999 primarily to (1) our
ability to capitalize on the continued strong growth in the base of motorsports
enthusiasts and to produce and sell increased quantities of souvenirs, apparel,
and die-cast collectible goods; (2) additional revenue from promotional programs
for die-cast, apparel, and souvenirs; (3) expanded sales through our retail
trackside operations and mass retail channels; (4) a full year's revenue from
our international operations; and (5) an increase in Collectors' Club
membership. The number of members in the Collectors' Club increased to
approximately 167,000 members at September 30, 1999 from approximately 148,200
members at September 30, 1998.
Gross profit increased to $131.7 million in fiscal 1999 from $94.8
million in fiscal 1998, representing 38.5% and 37.6% of net sales, respectively.
The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales resulted primarily
from (a) greater economies of scale as a result of the larger production runs
associated with the corporate promotional programs conducted during fiscal 1999,
which decreased costs of sales as a percentage of sales for those products; and
(b) an increase in sales, as a percentage of total sales, of die-cast products,
which typically provide higher gross margins than our other products.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $68.0 million
in fiscal 1999 from $45.3 million in fiscal 1998, representing 19.9% and 18.0%
of net sales, respectively. The increase in such expenses as a percentage of
sales resulted primarily from (a) development and other operating costs related
to the launch of our Internet operations in fiscal 1999; (b) increased
depreciation expenses of approximately $6.3 million associated with capitalized
costs added in fiscal 1998 and (c) increased expenses for facilities and
personnel, particularly in our Charlotte operations.
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles increased to $6.8
million for fiscal 1999 from $4.4 million for fiscal 1998. The increase in
amortization of goodwill and other intangibles is related to (1) an
approximately $800,000 expense recorded in connection with the acquisitions of
Tech 2000 and Goodsports during fiscal 1999 and (2) an additional $1.6 million
of amortization of goodwill and other intangibles associated with our fiscal
1998 acquisitions, which were expensed over the entire year in fiscal 1999. We
amortize the goodwill and other intangible assets over periods of three to 25
years.
Interest income (expense) and other, net, changed to a net expense of
approximately $4.4 million for fiscal 1999 from a net expense of approximately
$2.9 million for fiscal 1998. The change was primarily attributable to an
increase in interest expense of approximately $1.4 million related to the
convertible subordinated notes.
PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for
the years ended September 30, 1999 and 2000 present our results of operations as
if the acquisition of Fantasy Sports had occurred as of October 1, 1998.
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37
Pro forma results are as follows:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30
------------
1999 2000
---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Net sales ....................................... $ 345,048 $ 254,748
Net income (loss) ............................... 32,004 (58,070)
Net income (loss) per common share, diluted ..... $ 1.66 $ (3.52)
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly results of
operations for each of the eight quarters in the fiscal years ended September
30, 1999 and 2000. All quarterly information was obtained from unaudited
financial statements not otherwise contained in this report. We believe that all
necessary adjustments have been made to present fairly the quarterly information
when read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto included elsewhere in this report. The operating results for any quarter
are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
FISCAL 1999
---------------------------------------------------------
1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER(1)
----------- ----------- ----------- --------------
Net sales ....................... $ 71,566 $ 78,928 $101,524 $ 90,427
Gross profit .................... 25,735 29,995 40,836 35,111
Income from operations .......... 9,678 12,393 20,957 10,195
Net income ...................... $ 4,923 $ 6,504 $ 11,570 $ 5,372
Net loss per common share,
assuming dilution ............ $ 0.29 $ 0.38 $ 0.64 $ 0.31
Weighted average number of common
shares, assuming dilution .... 16,878 17,179 19,297 17,137
FISCAL 2000
------------------------------------------------------------
1ST QUARTER(2) 2ND QUARTER 3RD QUARTER(3) 4TH QUARTER(4)
-------------- ----------- -------------- --------------
Net sales ....................... $ 64,781 $ 58,069 $ 76,055 $ 55,788
Gross profit (loss) ............. 19,895 18,165 14,991 (4,048)(5)
Loss from operations ............ (2,348) (6,517) (27,671) (39,156)
Net loss ........................ $ (2,129) $ (4,138) $(23,571) $(28,250)(6)
Net loss per common share,
assuming dilution ............ $ (0.13) $ (0.25) $ (1.44) $ (1.73)
Weighted average number of common
shares, assuming dilution .... 16,909 16,748 16,358 16,366
- --------------------
(1) Includes a one-time charge of approximately $3.6 million for costs and
legal and other expenses related to the settlement of a lawsuit.
(2) Includes $2.3 million charge related to the withdrawal of the
goracing.com initial public offering.
(3) Includes $15.2 million of goracing.com related charges and other
charges of $15.0 million of asset write-downs and impairments.
(4) Includes $32.2 million of special, principally non-cash charges related
to restructuring, costs associated with a reorganization, and a
decision to refocus on our core drivers and core programs.
(5) Our cost of sales was $59.8 million during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2000, or 107% of sales compared with $55.3 million during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, or 61.2% of sales. Before special
charges, fourth quarter cost of sales were $39.6 million, or 71.0% of
sales. The increase in the percentage of sales during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2000 related to increased freight costs and sales of
product at discounted prices.
(6) Loss from operations reflects the factors described in footnote (5)
above as well as increases in selling, general, and administrative
expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $34.9
million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, or 62.6% of sales,
compared with $22.7 million during fiscal 1999, or 25.1% of sales.
Excluding special charges during fiscal 2000, such expenses were $24.8
million, or 44.4% of sales. The percentage increase was in part due to
the reduction in sales without a corresponding reduction in such costs.
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38
Our revenue and operating results may be subject to quarterly and other
fluctuations as a result of a variety of factors. As a result of the fiscal 1999
and 2000 acquisitions, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our
past financial results may not necessarily be meaningful and should not be
relied upon as an indication of future performance.
SEASONALITY
Because the auto racing season is concentrated between the months of
February and November, the second and third calendar quarters of each year (our
third and fourth fiscal quarters) generally are characterized by higher sales of
motorsports products.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our working capital position decreased to $64.5 million at September
30, 2000 from $112.1 million at September 30, 1999. The decrease of $47.6
million is primarily attributable to cash used in operations, capital
expenditures, including tooling of $10.7 million, the cost of acquiring Fantasy
Sports of $3.5 million, the repurchase of common stock of $6.5 million, royalty
payments of $3.7 million, and the cash component of special charges of $5.1
million.
On March 24, 1998, we sold $100.0 million of 4-3/4% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2005. The subordinated notes are convertible, at the
option of the holders, into shares of common stock at the initial conversion
price of $48.20 per share, subject to adjustments in certain events. Interest on
the notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The
notes mature on April 1, 2005. The notes are general unsecured obligations of
our company, subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior
indebtedness, as defined in the notes. The indenture governing the notes does
not limit or prohibit our company or our subsidiaries from incurring additional
debt, including senior indebtedness. We have the option to redeem the notes in
whole or in part at any time on or after April 1, 2001, at redemption prices set
forth in the indenture governing the notes. Upon the occurrence of a "change in
control" or a "termination of trading," as defined in the indenture, the holders
of the subordinated notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or
any part of such holders' notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued
and unpaid interest.
On January 11, 1999, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of
Goodsports Holdings Pty. Ltd., an Australian-based marketer of Formula
One-related apparel and other merchandise. The consideration paid by our company
consisted of the assumption of certain liabilities and contingent payments of up
to $3.6 million to be paid over a four-year period based upon the attainment of
certain performance objectives. We do not believe that any amounts will be paid
under these contingent payment commitments.
On March 28, 2000, we signed a series of sublease agreements whereby a
third-party assumed responsibility for all long-term lease obligations related
to goracing.com's infrastructure, including its physical facility and all
related computer equipment. We remain the guarantor under the terms of the
original agreement.
During March 2000, we entered into an agreement with a third party to
provide web-hosting environments for our company. The agreement provides for a
three-year term, however, we terminated the agreement pursuant to its terms
prior to December 2000. Monthly fees under this agreement were $87,000. Also
during March 2000, we entered into a service agreement with our web hosting
provider under which we are committed to purchase $2.0 million worth of normal
business services over a two-year period. As of September 30, 2000, we had
fulfilled $751,000 of our $2.0 million purchase commitment.
In December 1999, our Board of Directors approved a program in which we
may repurchase up to $40.0 million of our common stock in the open market or in
privately negotiated transactions. The initial term of the repurchase program
will be one year, subject to extension by the Board of Directors depending on
market conditions.
We are a defendant in various lawsuits, including a securities class
action lawsuit filed in November 1999. We have not made provisions in the
financial statements with respect to the securities class action lawsuit
36
39
we are defending. The settlement of the securities class action lawsuit or the
imposition of any damages in that lawsuit could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations and financial position.
From time to time, we also are subject to certain asserted and
unasserted claims encountered in the normal course of business. We believe that
the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our
financial position or results of operations. We cannot provide assurance,
however, that damages that result in a material adverse effect on our financial
position or results of operation will not be imposed in these matters.
We anticipate that our capital expenditures in fiscal 2001 will
principally relate to expenditures for tooling. Our capital expenditures are not
anticipated to exceed $17 million.
We expect to file a federal income tax return claim in January 2001 of
approximately $14 million. The amount of the refund claim will depend on final
tax calculations and may differ materially from the above amount. We expect to
receive the tax refund within 45 days after filing as provided for in the
applicable tax law.
On September 29, 2000, we entered into a loan and security agreement
with a subsidiary of Bank One, providing for borrowings of up to $30.0 million,
subject to the limitation of a calculated borrowing base. The loan agreement
replaced our previous credit agreement with First Union National Bank of North
Carolina. The loan agreement consists of a $30.0 million revolving line of
credit, which includes up to $15.0 million of stand-by letters of credit. The
line of credit bears interest at a base rate plus 50 basis points, or LIBOR plus
250 basis points. A commitment fee of 0.5% of the average unused line of credit
and 1.75-2.5% of the average unused letters of credit is payable annually on the
loan. The loan agreement matures December 2002. We had outstanding letters of
credit of approximately $4.6 million as of September 30, 2000 and $6.0 million
as of September 30, 1999. The loan is secured principally by our inventory,
receivables, and equipment and restricts the payment of dividends. The agreement
contains covenants that require us to meet certain financial tests principally
related to tangible net worth and EBITDA. Following our fourth quarter loss, we
were in violation of these covenants. We have received a waiver of these
covenant violations, and an amendment that reduces the assets available to be
included in the calculated borrowing base by $5.0 million. As a result of this
reduction and our intention of reducing outstanding receivables, we believe that
the calculated borrowing base will generally be less than $30.0 million. We
believe that the revised borrowing base will be adequate to cover our letter of
credit and other liquidity needs for the next 12 months after considering
anticipated cash flow from operations. An adverse change in economic conditions
could materially affect our anticipated cash flow from operations.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our exposure to market risk is limited to interest rate risk associated
with our credit instruments and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated
with our foreign operations. We do not currently use and we have not
historically used derivative financial instruments to manage or reduce market
risk.
At September 30, 2000, we had $100 million outstanding under our
convertible subordinated notes at an interest rate of 4.75%, and approximately
$10.0 million of debt outstanding at various rates and terms, principally under
promissory notes and capital leases. Interest rates on these credit instruments
are fixed and comparable to current market rates.
The functional currencies for our foreign operations are the
Deutschmark, Australian Dollar, and British Pound Sterling. As such, changes in
exchange rates between those currencies and the U.S. dollar could adversely
affect our future earnings. Given the level of income we currently derive from
our foreign operations, we consider this exposure to be minimal. A 10% change in
exchange rates would not have a significant impact on our future earnings.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Reference is made to the financial statements, the notes thereto, and
reports thereon, commencing at page F-1 of this report, which financial
statements, notes, and report are incorporated herein by reference.
37
40
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this Item relating to directors of our
company is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to
be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for
our 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The information required by this Item
relating to our executive officers is included in Item 1, "Our Business -
Executive Officers."
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by
reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation
14A of the Exchange Act for our 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by
reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation
14A of the Exchange Act for our 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by
reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation
14A of the Exchange Act for our 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(b) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(1) Financial Statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated
Financial Statements on page F-1 of this Report.
(2) The Financial Statement Schedule II -- VALUATION AND
QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS is listed in the Index to Consolidated
Financial Statements and Schedule on page F-1 of this report.
(c) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Not applicable.
38
41
(d) EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
- ------ -------
3.1 First Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of
Registrant(1)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant(1)
4.1 Form of Certificate of Common Stock(2)
4.2 Indenture dated as of March 24, 1998, between Action Performance
Companies, Inc. and First Union National Bank, as Trustee, including
forms of Notes(3)
10.4.2 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated through January 16,
1997(4)
10.8 Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with the Directors of
the Registrant(2)
10.27 Manufacturing Agreement between the Registrant and Early Light
International Co. Ltd. dated November 1, 2000
10.37 License Agreement dated as of November 7, 1996, among SII
Acquisition, Inc., Dale Earnhardt, and Action Performance Companies,
Inc.(6)
10.43 Credit Agreement dated as of January 2, 1997, among Action
Performance Companies, Inc., Sports Image, Inc., MTL Acquisition,
Inc., and First Union National Bank of North Carolina(7)
10.43A Amendment and Consent to Credit Agreement dated March 18, 1998, by
and among Action Performance Companies, Inc., various subsidiary
guarantees, and First Union National Bank of North Carolina(3)
10.43B Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 5, 1998,
among Action Performance Companies, Inc., certain subsidiaries and
affiliates, as guarantors, and First Union National Bank(8)
10.49 Standard Form Industrial Lease dated April 8, 1997, between
Hewson/Breckner-Baseline, L.L.C. and Action Performance Companies,
Inc.(9)
10.50 Lease Agreement dated July 9, 1997, by and between Performance Park
Partners, LLC and Sports Image, Inc.(9)
10.52 1998 Non-qualified Stock Option Plan(3)
10.53 Purchase Agreement dated March 18, 1998 among Action Performance
Companies, Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, CIBC
Oppenheimer Corp., EVEREN Securities, Inc. and Piper Jaffray Inc.(3)
10.54 Registration Rights Agreement dated March 24, 1998, by and among
Action Performance Companies, Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery
Securities LLC, CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., EVEREN Securities, Inc., and
Piper Jaffray Inc.(3)
10.55 Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated October 7, 1998, issued to the
National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.(10)
10.56 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan(11)
10.57 Standard Form Industrial Lease (Single Tenant) dated June 28, 1999,
between H-B Tempe, L.L.C. and Action Performance Companies, Inc.(12)
10.58 Master Lease Agreement dated August 9, 1999 between General Electric
Capital Corporation and goracing.com, inc., together with Schedule
No. 01, Commitment Letter dated October 4, 1999, and Corporate
Guaranty by Action Performance Companies, Inc.(12)
10.59 Distribution Agreement dated September 13, 2000 by and between the
Registrant and QVC, Inc.
10.60 Sublease dated March 28, 2000 by and between Action Performance
Companies, Inc., and Integrated Information Systems, Inc.
10.61 Equipment Sublease dated March 28, 2000 by and among goracing.com,
inc., Action Performance Companies, Inc., and Integrated Information
Systems, Inc.
10.62 Equipment Sublease dated March 28, 2000 by and between Integrated
Information Systems, Inc. and goracing.com, inc.
10.63 Loan and Security Agreement dated September 29, 2000 by and among
Action Performance Companies, Inc., certain subsidiaries and
affiliates, as guarantors, and American National Bank and Trust
Company of Chicago.
10.64 Pledge Agreement dated October 2, 2000 by and between Racing
Collectibles Club of America, Inc., and American National Bank and
Trust Company of Chicago.
39
42
10.65 Pledge Agreement dated October 2, 2000 by and between Action
Performance Companies, Inc., and American National Bank and Trust
Company of Chicago.
10.66 Pledge Agreement dated October 2, 2000 by and between goracing.com,
inc., and American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago.
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
21 List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939 on Form T-1(13)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
- --------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-QSB for the
quarter ended March 31, 1996, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on May 2, 1996.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 and amendments thereto (Registration No. 33-57414-LA).
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on May 15, 1998.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on May 15, 1997.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the year
ended September 30, 1994, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 22, 1994.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 22, 1996, as amended by
Form 8-K/A filed on January 13, 1997.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 1997, as amended by
Form 8-K/A filed on February 24, 1997.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
ended September 30, 1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 29, 1998.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
ended September 30, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 22, 1997.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended December 31, 1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 16, 1999.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-82879).
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
ended September 30, 1999, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 29, 1999.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-53413).
40
43
SIGNATURES
In accordance with 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.
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
Date: December 28, 2000 /s/ Fred W. Wagenhals
-----------------------------------------
Fred W. Wagenhals, Chairman of the Board,
President, and Chief Executive Officer
In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has
been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in
the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature Capacity Date
- --------- -------- ----
/s/ Fred W. Wagenhals Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief December 28, 2000
- -------------------------- Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Fred W. Wagenhals
/s/ R. David Martin, Jr. Chief Financial Officer and Director December 28, 2000
- -------------------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
R. David Martin, Jr.
/s/ Melodee L. Volosin Executive Vice President - Sales and Director December 28, 2000
- --------------------------
Melodee L. Volosin
/s/ John S. Bickford Vice President - Strategic Alliances and Director December 28, 2000
- --------------------------
John S. Bickford
/s/ Jack M. Lloyd Director December 28, 2000
- --------------------------
Jack M. Lloyd
/s/ Robert H. Manschot Director December 28, 2000
- --------------------------
Robert H. Manschot
/s/ Edward J. Bauman Director December 28, 2000
- --------------------------
Edward J. Bauman
Managing Director of MiniChamps and Director December __, 2000
- --------------------------
Paul G. Lang
41
44
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
PAGE
----
Report of Independent Public Accountants ................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2000 and 1999 .............. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
Ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 ................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years
Ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 ................................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 ................................. F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................. F-7
Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ...........................F-20
F-1
45
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Action Performance Companies, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ACTION
PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC. (an Arizona corporation) and subsidiaries as of
September 30, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended September 30, 2000. 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. 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 financial position of Action Performance Companies,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2000 and 1999, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index of
financial statements is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities
and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied
in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly
states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth
therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
December 1, 2000
F-2
46
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND 1999
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
2000 1999
---- ----
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents .................................................. $ 22,758 $ 58,523
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,392
and $1,421, respectively ................................................. 22,901 44,988
Inventories ................................................................ 32,017 45,310
Prepaid royalties .......................................................... 7,262 7,271
Estimated income tax receivable ............................................ 14,000 --
Deferred tax asset ......................................................... 5,905 2,415
Prepaid expenses and other assets .......................................... 1,942 4,852
--------- ---------
Total current assets ..................................................... 106,785 163,359
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net ................................................... 48,204 56,162
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES, net ........................................... 94,894 111,634
LONG-TERM DEFERRED TAX ASSET .................................................. 1,423 --
OTHER ASSETS .................................................................. 4,611 8,906
--------- ---------
$ 255,917 $ 340,061
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable ........................................................... $ 16,510 $ 20,127
Accrued royalties .......................................................... 9,998 13,519
Accrued expenses ........................................................... 14,250 14,889
Current portion of long-term debt .......................................... 1,503 2,713
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities ................................................ 42,261 51,248
--------- ---------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Deferred tax liability ..................................................... -- 4,314
Convertible subordinated notes ............................................. 100,000 100,000
Other long-term debt ....................................................... 8,340 9,208
--------- ---------
Total long-term liabilities .............................................. 108,340 113,522
--------- ---------
MINORITY INTEREST ............................................................. 2,598 2,300
--------- ---------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
and outstanding .......................................................... -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; 16,964,029
shares issued (16,929,085 in 1999) ......................................... 170 169
Additional paid-in capital ................................................. 102,813 102,555
Treasury Stock at cost, 592,000 shares ..................................... (6,520) --
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ....................................... (6,639) (714)
Retained earnings .......................................................... 12,894 70,981
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity ............................................... 102,718 172,991
--------- ---------
$ 255,917 $ 340,061
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated balance sheets.
F-3
47
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, 1999, AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Sales:
Collectibles ................................................ $ 149,032 $ 214,429 $ 142,026
Apparel and souvenirs ....................................... 99,322 119,922 106,712
Other ....................................................... 6,339 8,094 3,139
--------- --------- ---------
Net sales ................................................. 254,693 342,445 251,877
Cost of sales .................................................. 205,690 210,768 157,079
--------- --------- ---------
Gross profit ................................................... 49,003 131,677 94,798
--------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses ................ 107,942 68,036 45,344
Settlement costs ............................................ -- 3,600 950
Amortization of goodwill and
other intangibles ......................................... 16,753 6,818 4,392
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses .................................. 124,695 78,454 50,686
--------- --------- ---------
(Loss) income from operations .................................. (75,692) 53,223 44,112
--------- --------- ---------
Other (expense) income:
Minority interest in earnings ............................... (298) (1,930) (189)
Interest income and other, net .............................. (398) 2,531 2,588
Interest expense ............................................ (6,291) (6,929) (5,533)
--------- --------- ---------
Total other expense, net .................................. (6,987) (6,328) (3,134)
--------- --------- ---------
(Loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes.. (82,679) 46,895 40,978
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes ...................... (24,592) 18,526 16,391
--------- --------- ---------
NET (LOSS) INCOME .............................................. (58,087) 28,369 24,587
--------- --------- ---------
Other comprehensive (loss) income - currency
translation adjustment ................................. (5,925) (2,396) 1,682
--------- --------- ---------
Comprehensive (loss) income .................................... $ (64,012) $ 25,973 $ 26,269
========= ========= =========
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic ....................................................... $ (3.52) $ 1.69 $ 1.52
========= ========= =========
Diluted ..................................................... $ (3.52) $ 1.65 $ 1.48
========= ========= =========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic ....................................................... 16,515 16,789 16,135
========= ========= =========
Diluted ..................................................... 16,515 19,179 16,647
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
48
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
ACCUMULATED
COMPRE-
ADDITIONAL HENSIVE
COMMON STOCK TREASURY PAID-IN RETAINED INCOME/
SHARES AMOUNT STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS (LOSS) TOTAL
------ ------ ----- ------- -------- ------ -----
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 ...... 15,952,083 $160 $ -- $ 84,984 $ 18,025 $ -- $103,169
Common stock issued upon exercise
of options ..................... 426,315 4 -- 1,633 -- -- 1,637
Tax benefit from stock options ... -- -- -- 4,100 -- -- 4,100
Common stock issued in
private placements ............. 44,840 -- -- 1,257 -- -- 1,257
Other comprehensive income,
translation adjustment ......... -- -- -- -- -- 1,682 1,682
Net income ....................... -- -- -- -- 24,587 -- 24,587
---------- ---- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 ...... 16,423,238 164 -- 91,974 42,612 1,682 136,432
Common stock issued upon exercise
of options ..................... 332,922 3 -- 3,835 -- -- 3,838
Tax benefit from stock options ... -- -- -- 2,450 -- -- 2,450
Common stock issued in conjunction
with purchase of businesses .... 172,925 2 -- 4,296 -- -- 4,298
Other comprehensive loss,
translation adjustment ......... -- -- -- -- -- (2,396) (2,396)
Net income ....................... -- -- -- -- 28,369 -- 28,369
---------- ---- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 ...... 16,929,085 169 -- 102,555 70,981 (714) 172,991
Common stock issued upon exercise
of options ..................... 20,918 1 -- 129 -- -- 130
Tax benefit from stock options ... -- -- -- 19 -- -- 19
Common stock issued through
employee stock purchase plan ... 14,026 -- -- 110 -- -- 110
Repurchase of common stock
for treasury ................... -- -- (6,520) -- -- -- (6,520)
Other comprehensive loss, currency
translation adjustment ......... -- -- -- -- -- (5,925) (5,925)
Net loss ......................... -- -- -- -- (58,087) -- (58,087)
---------- ---- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 ...... 16,964,029 $170 $(6,520) $102,813 $ 12,894 $(6,639) $102,718
========== ==== ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
49
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income ...................................... $(58,087) $ 28,369 $ 24,587
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to
net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes ................................ (9,227) 159 (1,090)
Non cash restructuring and special charges ........... 58,988
Depreciation and amortization ........................ 25,111 22,946 11,839
Gain on sale of property and equipment ............... (176) -- --
Tax benefit from stock options ....................... 19 2,450 4,100
Undistributed earnings to minority
shareholders ....................................... 298 1,930 189
Change in assets and liabilities, net of
businesses acquired:
Accounts receivable ................................ 10,920 (8,065) (12,937)
Estimated income tax receivable .................... (14,000) -- --
Inventories ........................................ (561) (9,067) (14,406)
Prepaid royalties .................................. (7,771) (3,725) (120)
Prepaid expenses and other assets .................. (3,531) (2,157) (1,233)
Accounts payable ................................... (2,757) 6,731 (373)
Accrued royalties .................................. (3,502) 2,931 4,106
Accrued expenses and other ......................... (5,245) 5,418 2,994
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (9,521) 47,920 17,656
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment .................. (17,362) (26,693) (21,687)
Proceeds from sale of equipment ...................... 1,963 155 383
Acquisition of businesses less cash acquired
and other intangibles ............................... (3,063) (4,738) (55,885)
Collections (issuance) on notes receivable ............ 1,080 1,043 (15)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) investing activities ............. (17,382) (30,233) (77,204)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on line of credit ......................... -- -- 9,600
Payments on line of credit ........................... -- -- (9,600)
Net proceeds from issuance of
common stock upon exercise of stock options ......... 130 3,838 1,637
Net proceeds from issuance of
common stock through employee stock purchase plan ... 110 -- --
Repurchase of common stock for treasury .............. (6,520) -- --
Issuance of convertible subordinated notes, net of
offering expenses ................................... -- -- 96,500
Payments on long-term debt, net ...................... (2,015) (24,143) (7,096)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities . (8,295) (20,305) 91,041
-------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents .......................... (567) 274 56
-------- -------- --------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents .............. (35,765) (2,344) 31,549
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year ......... 58,523 60,867 29,318
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year ............... $ 22,758 $ 58,523 $ 60,867
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
50
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
(1) THE COMPANY
OPERATIONS
Action Performance Companies, Inc., an Arizona corporation, and its U.S.,
German, Australian and United Kingdom subsidiaries (the "Company") designs and
markets licensed motorsports products, including die-cast scaled replicas of
motorsports vehicles, apparel, and souvenirs. The Company also develops
promotional programs for sponsors of motorsports that feature the Company's
die-cast replicas or other products that are intended to increase brand
awareness of the products or services of the corporate sponsors.
The Company markets its products to approximately 10,000 specialty retailers
throughout the world either directly or through its wholesale and dealer
distributor network; to motorsports enthusiasts through its Racing Collectables
Club of America; and through mobile trackside souvenir stores, and promotional
programs for corporate sponsors.
In fiscal year 2000, the Company has experienced a significant decline in the
sale of its motorsports products and other factors that have negatively impacted
revenues, operating results, cashflows and liquidity. In response to these
conditions, the Company has undertaken several restructuring initiatives
including a reduction in employees and cost savings initiatives, sales and the
winding down of certain operations and has recorded impairments to the carrying
value of certain assets (See Note 3).
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Certain reclassifications have been made in prior period financial statements to
conform to the current presentation.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement
exists, delivery has occurred, fee is fixed or determinable and collectability
is probable. Generally, all of these conditions are met at the time the Company
ships products to customers. Customer deposits received in advance of delivery
are deferred and recognized when the related product is shipped.
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations
of credit risk, consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. The Company
places its cash with federally insured institutions and limits the amount of
credit exposure to any one institution. Concentrations of credit risk with
respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers
comprising the Company's credit base and the geographical dispersion of the
customers.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for
doubtful accounts, inventory values, depreciation, amortization, prepaid royalty
allowances, sales returns, taxes and contingencies. Estimates also affect the
reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable
approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial
instruments. Except for the Convertible Subordinated Notes, the carrying amounts
of long-term debt approximate fair value based on current market prices for
similar debt instruments. The fair value of the Company's Convertible
Subordinated Notes on September 30, 2000 and 1999 was approximately $26.5
million and $65.0 million, respectively, based on current market information.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant
market information about the financial instrument. These estimates are
subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant
judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in
assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.
F-7
51
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Financial information relating to the Company's foreign subsidiaries is reported
in accordance with FAS No. 52 "Foreign Currency Translation." The financial
statements of non-U.S. subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the
functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these non-U.S. subsidiaries are
translated at exchange rates in effect as of each balance sheet date, and
related revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect
during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly
as a component of shareholder's equity.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company classifies as cash equivalents all highly liquid investments with
original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents principally
consist of commercial paper.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or
estimated market value. Inventories consist of the following at September 30,
2000 and 1999 (in thousands):
2000 1999
---- ----
Raw Materials (apparel blank stock) ..................... $ 4,595 $ 2,370
Work in Process (apparel in process) .................... -- --
Finished Goods (diecast collectibles and finished apparel 27,422 42,940
------- -------
$32,017 $45,310
======= =======
Diecast collectible inventory includes the cost of purchased product and
freight-in. Apparel and other inventory costs includes the cost of purchased
product.
The Company depends upon third parties to manufacture all of its diecast
collectible and most of its apparel and other products. Most significantly, the
Company relies upon one manufacturer to produce approximately 80% of its diecast
collectible product. Any difficulty experienced by this manufacturer in it's
ability to produce and deliver the Company's diecast collectible product could
have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets,
which range from one to thirty years. Depreciation of tooling and molds is
included in cost of sales, all other depreciation is included in selling,
general and administration.
Property and equipment consist of the following at September 30, 2000 and 1999
(in thousands):
Estimated
Useful
2000 1999 Life
---- ---- ----
Land ............................ $ 1,650 $ 1,650
Building ........................ 5,686 3,111 30 years
Tooling and molds ............... 74,421 63,745 1-3 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 22,678 22,508 3-5 years
Autos and truck ................. 5,266 3,927 5 years
Leasehold improvements .......... 3,010 4,534 10 years
--------- ---------
112,711 99,475
Less - accumulated depreciation . (64,507) (43,313)
--------- ---------
$ 48,204 $ 56,162
========= =========
During fiscal 2000, the Company revised its estimate of the useful lives of
certain tooling equipment from 5 and 2 years to 3 and 1.5 years respectively.
The revision was based on current information pertaining to the remaining
economic useful lives of these assets, taking into consideration factors such as
changes in the timing of the introduction of auto body design changes by the
major U.S. automobile manufactures and the increased rate at which tooling
equipment is being used in the manufacturing process. As a result of this change
in accounting estimate an additional depreciation charge of approximately $6.6
million (See Note 3) was recorded in fiscal 2000. This change in estimate is
accounted for in the period of change as well as in future applicable periods.
Maintenance and repairs of approximately $771,000, $738,000, and $697,000 for
the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, were charged to
expense as incurred. The cost of renewals and betterments that materially extend
the useful lives of assets or increase their productivity are capitalized.
F-8
52
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired
in business combinations and is amortized using the straight-line method over
periods ranging from seven to twenty-five years which represents the Company's
estimate of the estimated economic lives of the assets. Other intangibles,
which consist of licenses and sponsorships, are amortized using the
straight-line method over their contractual lives, which range from three to
fifteen years. Amortization expense of $16.8 million, including special charges
of approximately $9.5 million (see Note 3) $6.8 million, and $4.4 million is
included in the accompanying financial statements for the years ended September
30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 respectively. The following table sets forth the
components of goodwill and other intangibles as of September 30, 2000 and 1999
(in thousands).
Amortization
Period (Years) 2000 1999
-------------- ---- ----
3-5 ..................... $ 3,190 $ 3,882
6-10 ..................... 13,899 20,610
11-15 ..................... 15,922 12,294
16-25 ..................... 80,008 87,344
--------- ---------
113,019 124,130
Less accumulated amortization (18,125) (12,496)
--------- ---------
$ 94,894 $ 111,634
========= =========
LICENSE AGREEMENTS
Amounts advanced under various licensing agreements are recorded as prepaid
royalties at the time the advance is made. Royalties are recognized as expense
at the contractually stated royalty rate as the related sales are made.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company periodically evaluates long-lived assets and certain identifiable
intangible assets to be held and used in operations for impairment whenever
events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
fully recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the sum of the
expected long-term undiscounted cash flows compared to the carrying amount of
the long-lived assets being evaluated. In 2000, $9.5 million of impairments were
recorded. These impairments primarily relate to a $7.6 million charge for the
goracing.com restructuring and a $1.9 million charge relating to the Simpson
product line. (See also Note 3)
TREASURY STOCK
On December 17, 1999, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
$40.0 million of common stock in the open market or privately negotiated
transactions. The initial term of the repurchase program was one year. Through
September 30, 2000, 592,000 shares at a cost of $6.5 million have been
repurchased. Through December 1, 2000 an additional 180,000 shares at a cost of
$542,000 have been repurchased.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The supplemental cash flow disclosures and non-cash transactions for the years
ended September 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998 are as follows (in thousands):
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid .............................................. $ 6,276 $ 4,279 $ 4,690
Income taxes paid .......................................... 2,332 12,052 10,600
Non-cash transactions:
Common stock issued in acquisitions ........................ -- 4,298 --
Debt and liabilities incurred or
assumed in acquisitions .................................. 833 3,999 29,002
Acquisition of property and equipment
under notes payable and
capital leases ........................................... -- 1,078 2,961
Common stock issued in connection
with licensing and sponsorship
agreements ............................................... -- -- 1,257
Notes receivable issued in settlement of accounts receivable 1,043 -- --
F-9
53
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Net (loss) income per common share is computed based on the weighted average
number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding using the
treasury stock method, except when common share equivalents have an
anti-dilutive effect. The Company's convertible subordinated Notes (see Note 5)
were antidilutive for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2000 and 1998. The
calculation of diluted net (loss) income per common share for the years ended
September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 is as follows (in thousands, except per share
data):
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Shares:
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding ............................................. 16,515 16,789 16,135
Additional shares assuming conversion of:
Stock options .................................................. -- 315 512
Convertible subordinated notes payable ......................... -- 2,075 --
-------- -------- --------
Diluted weighted average shares
outstanding .................................................... 16,515 19,179 16,647
======== ======== ========
Net (loss) income ................................................ $(58,087) $ 28,369 $ 24,587
Interest, net of tax, on convertible subordinated notes payable -- 3,216 --
-------- -------- --------
Net (loss) income attributable to diluted
weighted average shares outstanding ............................. $(58,087) $ 31,585 $ 24,587
======== ======== ========
Diluted (loss) earnings per share ................................ $ (3.52) $ 1.65 $ 1.48
======== ======== ========
The diluted share base for the year ended September 30, 2000 excludes
incremental shares of 142,000 related to employee stock options. These shares
are excluded due to their antidilutive effect as a result of the Company's loss
from continuing operations during 2000.
LEASES
In fiscal year 2000, the Company entered into several arrangements to sublease
its facilities and equipment to others under non-cancellable operating leases.
Lease revenue received and earned from these subleases approximate lease rent
incurred on the applicable original leases for the year ended September 30,
2000.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (SAB 101) which
addresses certain criteria for revenue recognition. SAB 101, as amended by SAB
101A and SAB 101B, outlines the criteria that must be met to recognize revenue
and provides guidance for disclosures related to revenue recognition policies.
The Company has implemented the applicable provisions of SAB 101. The impact of
adopting the provisions of SAB 101 was not material to the accompanying
financial statements.
In September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a consensus on Issue
00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs (Issue 00-10). Issue
00-10, requires that all amounts billed to customers related to shipping and
handling should be classified as revenues. In addition, Issue 00-10, specifies
that the classification of shipping and handling cost is an accounting policy
decision that should be disclosed pursuant to APB 22, Disclosure of Accounting
Policies. A company may adopt a policy of including shipping and handling costs
in cost of sales. If shipping and handling costs are not included in costs of
sales, a company should disclose both the amount of such cost and the line item
in the statement of operations which includes those costs. Issue 00-10 will be
effective for the Company no later than the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2001. The Company has yet to quantify the impact of
adopting Issue 00-10 on Net Sales and on Cost of Sales for 2000, 1999 and 1998.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including
certain derivative instruments embedded in the Company's contracts) be recorded
in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value.
The statement requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized
currently in income unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special
accounting for qualifying hedges allows derivative gains and losses to offset
related results on the hedged item in the statement of operations and require
that the Company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness
of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS
No. 137 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Deferral
of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133," shall be effective for all
fiscal quarters of the Company's September 30, 2001 fiscal year. SFAS No. 133
cannot be applied retroactively. The Company does not expect that the adoption
of this statement will have a material impact on its financial position or
results of operations.
F-10
54
(3) RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
As noted in Note 1, during fiscal year 2000 the Company experienced a
significant downturn in its core business and other factors, which adversely
impacted the Company and its operations. In response to these conditions the
Company has undertaken several restructuring and other cost cutting measures as
described below.
In fiscal 2000, the Company recorded charges of approximately $17.5 million
arising from its decision to abandon its internet strategy, relating to
goracing.com. The charges include provision for the write-off of goodwill,
endorsements, sponsorship commitments, employee severance and termination costs,
and the withdrawal of the initial public offering of goracing.com.
In addition to the goracing.com charge, the Company recorded other charges
totaling approximately $47.3 million in fiscal 2000. These charges are comprised
of $13.3 million related to inventories due, in part, to anticipated
sponsorships, driver and marketing programs which did not materialize as
anticipated; $6.1 million of additional receivable reserves provided based on
revised estimates of the collectibility of certain customer account balances; a
$3.0 million provision for vendor discounts which were anticipated but not
received due to lower than anticipated volumes; tooling write-downs and
amortization of $8.5 million arising from a change in the estimated useful lives
of tooling equipment and the write off of obsolete items; write downs of prepaid
royalties and sponsorship fees of $7.8 million, reflecting, in part, the
Company's decision to concentrate future production on core drivers and core
programs; and approximately $8.6 million in other asset impairments.
The charges discussed above are reflected in the accompanying statement of
operations for the year ended September 30, 2000 as follows:
Inclusion in accompanying
Amount Statement of Operations
------ -----------------------
(in millions)
Non-cash charges:
Goracing.com related
Accounts receivable and prepaids.............. $ 1.5 Selling general and administrative
Initial public offering withdrawal............ 2.3 Selling general and administrative
Other......................................... 0.3 Selling general and administrative
Goodwill and intangibles...................... 7.6 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles
-------
11.7
-------
Other charges
Inventory write-downs......................... 13.3 Cost of sales
Vendor discounts.............................. 3.0 Cost of sales
Tooling write-down............................ 1.9 Cost of sales
Tooling amortization.......................... 6.6 Cost of sales
Prepaid royalty and sponsorship fees.......... 7.8 Cost of sales
Accounts receivable........................... 6.1 Selling general and administrative
Other assets............................... 4.3 Selling general and administrative
Goodwill and intangible impairments........... 1.9 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles
Other......................................... 0.4 Other income and other, net
Equity investments............................ 2.0 Other income and other, net
-------
47.3
-------
Cash charges:
Goracing.com related
Professional fees............................. 0.8 Selling general and administrative
Employee severance and termination costs...... 0.7 Selling general and administrative
Endorsements and sponsorships................. 4.3 Selling general and administrative
-------
5.8
-------
$ 64.8
=======
Accrued amounts on the accompanying balance sheets at September 30, 2000 are as
follows:
Initial Payments Remaining
Accrual to date Accrual
------- ------- -------
Employee severance charges ................ $0.7 $0.6 $0.1
Professional fees ......................... 0.8 0.7 0.1
Endorsements and sponsorships ............. 4.3 3.8 0.5
---- ---- ----
$5.8 $5.1 $0.7
==== ==== ====
F-11
55
(4) ACQUISITIONS AND LICENSING AGREEMENTS
From fiscal 1996 through fiscal 1999 the Company was party to several
acquisitions as described below. These acquisitions, except for Intellectual
Properties Group, Inc., were accounted for as purchases, represent an aggregate
base purchase price, including assumed liabilities, of approximately $151.8
million. The Company also recorded goodwill of approximately $124.1 million in
connection with these acquisitions.
ACQUISITIONS DATE BUSINESS
------------ ---- --------
Sports Image, Inc. November 1996 Markets and distributes licensed motorsports
apparel and souvenirs; trackside sales; Dale
Earnhardt fan club
Motorsport Traditions Limited Partnership January 1997 Markets and distributes licensed motorsports
and Creative Marketing and Promotions, apparel and souvenirs; trackside sales
Inc.
Robert Yates Promotions, Inc. July 1997 Markets and distributes licensed motorsports
apparel and souvenirs; trackside sales
Image Works, Inc. July 1997 Manufactures and markets licensed motorsports
apparel through the mass-merchandise markets
Motorsports collectibles product lines of August 1997 Manufactures and markets licensed "mini-helmets"
Simpson Products, Inc. and other motorsports collectibles and souvenirs
Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. October 1997 10 year licensing agreement with motorsports
licensor
Assets related to sales of merchandise December 1997 Markets and distributes licensed motorsports
licensed by NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace apparel and souvenirs; trackside sales
Assets related to motorsports December 1997 Manufactures and markets "Revell" licensed die-cast
die-cast collectible product lines of collectibles; strategic alliance with Revell
Revell-Monogram, Inc. involving extensive product licensing and distribution
arrangements
Brookfield Collectors Guild, Inc. January 1998 Markets and distributes licensed motorsports
collectibles and ensembles
Chase Racewear, L.L.C. May 1998 Licensed motorsports apparel and accessories
Paul's Model Art/MiniChamps August 1998 Markets and distributes die-cast replicas of
Formula One and GT race cars as well as factory
production cars, driver figurines, and other
motorsports collectibles
Performance Plus Nutritional, L.L.C. September 1998 Develops and markets driver-endorsed nutritional
products, including vitamins, energy bars, and
energy drinks
Intellectual Properties Group, Inc. October 1998 Creates and develops promotional programs for
corporate sponsors of motorsports
Tech 2000 Worldwide, Inc. November 1998 Operates the "goracing.com" Internet web site;
designs, develops, implements, and maintains
motorsports-related and other Internet web sites,
including electronic commerce capabilities
Goodsports Holdings Pty Ltd. January 1999 Markets and distributes licensed Formula One
apparel and related products
ACQUISITION OF FANTASY SPORTS ENTERPRISES, INC. IN FISCAL 2000
On October 15, 1999, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and
assumed certain liabilities of Fantasy Sports Enterprises, Inc. ("Fantasy
Sports") for approximately $3.5 million in cash. Fantasy Sports operates Fantasy
Cup Auto Racing through its Web site at www.fantasycup.com. In connection with
the acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of approximately $4.0 million, to
be amortized straight-line over a 15 year life. This transaction was accounted
for as a purchase. On November 16, 2000, Fantasy Sports was sold to Leisure
Holdings LTD. for an aggregate sale price of $4.2 million. This transaction
resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $4.0 million, which
approximated Fantasy Sports' recorded book value of net assets.
F-12
56
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
The following unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations data for the
years ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 present the results of operations of the
Company as if the acquisitions of Fantasy Sports had occurred as of October 1,
1998. Pro forma results are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
2000 1999
---- ----
Revenue ........................................ $ 254,801 $ 345,048
Net (loss) income attributable to diluted shares
outstanding ................................... (58,070) 32,004
Net (loss) income per common share, diluted .... $ (3.52) $ 1.66
(5) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Long-term debt at September 30, 2000 and 1999 consists of the following (in
thousands):
2000 1999
---- ----
4-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005 ....... $ 100,000 $ 100,000
Unsecured acquisition notes payable, interest ranging
from 6% to 8% ........................................ 7,617 7,250
Notes payable, interest ranging from 7.9% to 8.5%,
secured by property and equipment .................... 2,215 4,489
Obligations under capital leases of vehicles and
equipment, interest from 8.0% to 9.5%, payable monthly 11 182
--------- ---------
Total ................................................ 109,843 111,921
Less: current portion ............................... (1,503) (2,713)
--------- ---------
$ 108,340 $ 109,208
========= =========
CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES
On March 24, 1998, the Company sold $100.0 million of the Notes. The Notes are
convertible, at the option of the holders, into shares of Common Stock at the
initial conversion price of $48.20 per share, subject to adjustments in certain
events. The Notes are generally unsecured obligations of the Company,
subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness
of the Company, as defined in the Notes. The Indenture governing the Notes does
not limit or prohibit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, including
senior indebtedness, by the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company, at its
option, may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time on or after April
1, 2001, at redemption prices set forth in the Indenture governing the Notes.
Upon the occurrence of a "change in control" or a "termination of trading," as
defined in the Indenture, the holders of the Notes will have the right to
require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such holders' Notes at 100%
of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The net proceeds to
the Company from this offering were approximately $96.5 million, after deducting
offering expenses and the Initial Purchasers' discount of 3.0%. The offering
expenses and Initial Purchasers discount are included in other assets in the
accompanying financial statements and are being amortized into interest expense
using the effective interest rate method.
CREDIT FACILITY
On September 29 2000, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement
(the "Agreement") with a subsidiary of Bank One (Bank One), providing for
borrowings up to $30.0 million subject to the limitation of a calculated
borrowing base. The loan agreement replaced the Company's previous credit
agreement with First Union National Bank of North Carolina. The Bank One credit
facility consists of a $30.0 million revolving line of credit, which includes up
to $15.0 million of stand by letters of credit. The line of credit bears
interest at the Bank One corporate base plus 0.50 percent or LIBOR plus 2.5
percent. A commitment fee of 0.5% of the average unused line of credit and 1.75
- - 2.5% of the average unused letters of credit is payable annually on the credit
facility. The credit facility matures December 2002. The Company had outstanding
purchase commitments of approximately $4.6 and $6.0 under letter of
credit/bankers acceptance facility as of September 30, 2000 and 1999
respectively. The Agreement is secured principally by inventory, receivables and
equipment and restricts the payment of dividends. The agreement contains
covenants, which require the Company to meet certain financial tests principally
related to tangible net worth and EBITDA. As a result of the fourth quarter
loss, the Company was in violation of these covenants. The Company has received
a waiver of these covenant violations and the Agreement has been amended to
reduce the certain assets available to be included in the calculated borrowing
base by $5,000,000. As a result of this reduction and the Company's intention of
reducing outstanding receivables, the Company believes that the calculated
borrowing base will generally be less than $30.0 million.
F-13
57
FUTURE MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT
Aggregate future maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending
September 30,
-------------
2001 ....... $ 1,503
2002 ....... 1,562
2003 ....... 1,254
2004 ....... 1,119
2005 ....... 100,965
Thereafter.. 3,440
--------
Total $109,843
========
(6) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
ISSUANCE OF STOCK IN PRIVATE PLACEMENTS AND LICENSING AGREEMENTS
In October 1997, the Company issued 34,940 shares of Common Stock valued at
$28.62 per share to Richard Childress Racing, Inc. (See Note 3). In February
1998, the Company issued 9,900 shares of Common Stock valued at $26.00 per share
in connection with a race car sponsorship.
STOCK OPTIONS
Under the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan"), the Board of
Directors may from time to time grant to key employees, consultants, and
independent contractors who provide valuable services to the Company (i)
incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options to purchase shares of
the Company's Common Stock, (ii) stock appreciation rights, (iii) shares of the
Company's Common Stock, or (iv) cash awards. The 1993 Plan also includes an
automatic program providing for automatic grants of stock options to
non-employee directors of the Company. The exercise price for all incentive
stock options granted under the 1993 Plan may not be less than the fair market
value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of the grant, except that the
option price may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company's
Common Stock on the date of the grant in the case of incentive stock options
granted to any person possessing more than 10% of the combined voting power of
the Company's Common Stock or any parent or subsidiary corporation. In the case
of non-statutory stock options, the exercise price may not be less than 85% of
the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of the grant.
Options granted under the 1993 Plan generally have a six-year term. Options that
were granted prior to July 1995 are fully vested and exercisable. The option
agreements for options granted beginning in July 1995 generally provide that
one-third of the options vest and become exercisable on each of the first,
second, and third anniversaries of the date of grant. A total of 2,750,000
shares of Common Stock may be issued pursuant to the 1993 Plan. The 1993 Plan
expires in 2001.
Under the Company's 1998 Non-qualified Stock Option Plan (the "1998 Plan"), the
Board of Directors may from time to time grant to key employees of the Company,
other than directors or executive officers, non-statutory stock options to
purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock. The exercise price, term, vesting
conditions, and other terms for all stock options granted under the 1998 Plan
will be determined at the time of grant by the Board of Directors or a board
committee appointed to administer the 1998 Plan. A total of 500,000 shares of
Common Stock may be issued pursuant to the 1998 Plan. The 1998 Plan expires in
2008.
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans at September 30,
2000, 1999, and 1998 and for the years then ended is presented in the table
below:
2000 1999 1998
-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
Wtd Wtd Wtd
Number Avg Number Avg Number Avg
of Exercise of Exercise of Exercise
Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
------ ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
Outstanding at
beginning of year ... 996,387 $21.52 930,811 $14.61 1,032,710 $ 6.58
Granted ............... 491,500 8.94 419,500 28.50 503,500 27.92
Exercised ............. (20,918) 6.16 (332,924) 11.53 (425,990) 4.01
Canceled .............. (187,194) 27.48 (21,000) 26.64 (179,409) 30.63
---------- ------ ---------- ------ ---------- ------
Outstanding at
end of year ......... 1,279,775 16.27 996,387 21.23 930,811 14.61
========== ====== ========== ====== ========== ======
Options exercisable
at end of year ...... 659,323 17.47 460,668 14.88 563,058 9.79
========== ====== ========== ====== ========== ======
Options available
for grant ......... 1,020,038 174,360 572,860
Weighted average
fair value of
options granted .. $ 7.43 $ 13.93 $ 11.74
F-14
58
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range as of September 30, 2000 are
as follows:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
---------------------------------------- ------------------------
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Remaining Average Average
Range of Options Contractual Exercise Options Exercise
Exercise Prices Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price
--------------- ----------- ---- ----- ----------- -----
$1.25 - $11.06 653,627 1.9 $ 7.71 258,627 $ 6.61
11.07 - 25.81 198,985 4.2 19.14 166,649 18.92
25.82 - 29.50 328,163 6.7 26.31 176,985 26.36
29.51 - 36.88 99,000 7.9 33.74 57,062 34.90
--------- --------
1.25 - 36.88 1,279,775 5.8 16.27 659,323 17.47
========= ========
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under APB No. 25,
under which no compensation expense has been recognized, as all options have
been granted with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company's
Common Stock on the date of grant. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123 for
disclosure purposes in fiscal 1997. For SFAS No. 123, the fair value of each
option grant has been estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following assumptions:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Volatility ...................................................... 112.64% 7.12% 54.71%
Risk-free interest rate ......................................... 5.25 5.75 6.34
Dividend rate.................................................... 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Expected life of options......................................... 6 years 3 years 3 years
Options generally vest equally over three years. Had compensation costs been
determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, utilizing the assumptions detailed
above and amortizing the resulting fair value of stock options granted over the
respective vesting period of the options, the Company's net (loss) income and
per share amounts would have been the following pro forma amounts:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Net (loss) Income:
As Reported ..................................................... $(58,087) $ 28,369 $ 24,587
Pro Forma ....................................................... $(60,597) $ 25,056 $ 22,460
Basic EPS:
As Reported ..................................................... $ (3.52) $ 1.69 $ 1.52
Pro Forma ....................................................... $ (3.67) $ 1.49 $ 1.39
Diluted EPS:
As Reported ..................................................... $ (3.52) $ 1.65 $ 1.48
Pro Forma ....................................................... $ (3.67) $ 1.47 $ 1.35
(7) PENSION PLAN AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
In October 1994, the Company established a defined contribution plan that
qualifies as a cash or deferred profit sharing plan under Sections 401(a) and
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan is available to substantially all
domestic employees. Under the plan, participating employees may defer from 1% to
15% of their pre-tax compensation. The Company contributes fifty cents for each
dollar contributed by the employee, with a maximum contribution of 2% of the
employee's defined compensation. In addition, the plan provides for an annual
employer profit sharing contribution in such amounts as the Board of Directors
may determine. The Company expensed approximately $191,000, $206,000 and
$141,000 under the plan for the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.
In March 1999, the Company's stockholders approved, and the Company adopted, the
Action Performance Companies, Inc. 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("Purchase
Plan"). Under the Purchase Plan, the Company has reserved 1,800,000 shares of
the Company's common stock for sale to the employees. The Purchase Plan allows
eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at the lesser of 85% of
the fair value of such shares at the beginning or end of each semi-annual
offering period. Purchases are limited to 15% of an employee's eligible
compensation, subject to a maximum limitation of $25,000 annually.
F-15
59
The Purchase Plan commenced on August 1, 1999. As of September 30, 2000 and
1999, employee withholdings were approximately $43,000 and $24,000, with share
purchases to be made on a semi-annual basis.
The Company has no other programs that require payment by the Company of
post-employment benefits to current or retired employees.
(8) INCOME TAXES
The Company provides for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes." SFAS No. 109 requires the use of an asset and liability approach in
accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded
based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets
and liabilities and the tax rates in effect when these differences are expected
to reverse. The principal differences arise as a result of the use of
accelerated depreciation and amortization methods for federal income tax
reporting purposes, certain inventory costs required to be capitalized for tax
purposes, and certain reserves expensed currently for financial reporting
purposes.
SFAS No. 109 requires the reduction of deferred tax assets by a valuation
allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than
not that some or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. The
ultimate realization of this deferred tax asset depends on the Company's ability
to generate sufficient taxable income in the future. A valuation allowance of
approximately, 5.0 million has been recorded for net operating losses generated
by the Company's U.K. subsidiary, for state net operating losses and for
deferred tax assets related to reserves as of September 30, 2000.
The Company has capital loss carryforwards of $1,033,000 which will expire on
September 30, 2005.
The (benefit) provision for income taxes consists of the following for the years
ended September 30 (in thousands):
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Current:
Federal ........................... $(15,765) $ 14,877 $ 15,300
State ............................. -- 849 2,181
Foreign ........................... 400 2,641 --
-------- -------- --------
(15,365) 18,367 17,481
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision (9,227) 159 (1,090)
-------- -------- --------
(Benefit) provision for income taxes .. $(24,592) $ 18,526 $ 16,391
======== ======== ========
Reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company's effective rate
for the years ended September 30 are as follows:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Statutory federal rate ............ (35.0)% 35.0% 35.0%
State taxes, net of federal benefit (2.0) 2.0 4.0
Foreign ........................... -- 2.0 --
Other non deductible expense ...... 2.0 0.5 1.0
Valuation allowance ............... 5.0 -- --
------ ------ ------
(30.0)% 39.5% 40.0%
====== ====== ======
The components of deferred taxes are as follows at September 30 (in thousands):
2000 1999
---- ----
CURRENT DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (LIABILITIES):
Inventory cost capitalization ............ $ 869 $ 665
Reserves and accruals .................... 8,752 2,243
Valuation allowance ...................... (3,716) (493)
------- -------
5,905 2,415
------- -------
LONG-TERM DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (LIABILITIES):
Deferred compensation .................... 220 25
Intangible asset capitalization .......... 2,183 --
Capital loss carryforward ................ 752 --
State net operating losses .... 1,102 --
Foreign net operating losses .. 2,583 493
Accelerated tax depreciation .. (1,248) (3,212)
Accelerated tax amortization .. (2,817) (1,620)
Reserves and accruals ......... (457) --
Valuation allowance ...................... (895) --
------- -------
1,423 (4,314)
------- -------
Net deferred tax asset/(liability) ......... $ 7,328 $(1,899)
======= =======
F-16
60
The accompanying balance sheets as of September 30, 2000 include an income tax
receivable of $14.0 million representing estimated tax refunds available from
carrying back the current year loss to prior years in which the Company had
taxable income.
(9) SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company has two reportable segments based on geographic points of
distribution: Domestic and Foreign. The Company's reportable segments are based
on operating divisions operating geographically within the continental United
States as "Domestic" and abroad as "Foreign." The Company evaluates performance
and allocates resources based on segment profits (losses). The accounting
policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2,
"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." Segment profits are comprised of
segment net revenues less cost of goods sold and selling, general and
administrative expenses. Excluded from segment profits, however, are settlement
costs, interest income and interest expense. Financial information for the
Company's reportable segments is as follows:
Domestic Foreign Total
-------- ------- -----
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 (IN THOUSANDS)
Collectibles ................................................................ $ 129,371 $ 19,661 $ 149,032
Apparel and souvenirs ....................................................... 89,831 9,491 99,322
Other ....................................................................... 6,014 325 6,339
--------- --------- ---------
Total segment revenue ..................................................... 225,216 29,477 254,693
Segment losses ............................................................ (72,888) (2,804) (75,692)
Depreciation and amortization included
in segment losses (Includes restructuring charges, see Note 3) .......... 40,215 2,896 43,111
Total Assets .............................................................. 216,572 39,345 255,917
Domestic Foreign Total
-------- ------- -----
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 (IN THOUSANDS)
Collectibles ................................................................ $ 185,147 $ 29,282 $ 214,429
Apparel and souvenirs ....................................................... 113,606 6,316 119,922
Other ....................................................................... 7,669 425 8,094
--------- --------- ---------
Total segment revenue ..................................................... 306,422 36,023 342,445
Segment profits ........................................................... 50,657 6,166 56,823
Depreciation and amortization included
in segment profits ...................................................... 19,243 3,703 22,946
Total Assets .............................................................. 296,849 43,212 340,061
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 (IN THOUSANDS)
Collectibles ................................................................ $ 140,445 $ 1,581 $ 142,026
Apparel and souvenirs ....................................................... 106,712 -- 106,712
Other ....................................................................... 3,139 -- 3,139
--------- --------- ---------
Total segment revenue ..................................................... 250,296 1,581 251,877
Segment profits ........................................................... 44,772 290 45,062
Depreciation and amortization included
in segment profits ...................................................... 11,688 151 11,839
Total Assets .............................................................. 269,596 36,338 305,934
Reconciliation of segment profits (losses) to consolidated income (loss) before
taxes, is as follows: (in thousands)
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
Segment (losses) profits .................................................... $ (75,692) $ 56,823 $ 45,062
Settlement costs ............................................................ -- 3,600 950
Total other expense, net ..................................................... (6,987) (6,328) (3,134)
--------- --------- ---------
Consolidated (loss) income before taxes ..................................... $ (82,679) $ 46,895 $ 40,978
========= ========= =========
(10) LEGAL SETTLEMENTS
In March 1998, the Company agreed to settle a lawsuit with Petty Enterprises,
Inc. and an affiliate of Petty Enterprises, Inc. Under the financial terms of
the settlement, the Company paid a total of approximately $700,000 to Petty
Enterprises, Inc. as payment in full for royalties and other fees in connection
with licenses for future sales of licensed products. The accompanying 1998
financial statements include a charge of $950,000 incurred as a result of this
settlement and related charges.
F-17
61
In March 1998, the Company and other defendants settled an environmental lawsuit
with the State of Arizona. Under the agreement, the former shareholders of F.W.
& Associates, Inc., including Fred W. Wagenhals, the Company's Chairman of the
Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, paid an aggregate of $800,000 to
the state and certain parties seeking indemnity from the Company. The Company
did not incur any costs in connection with this settlement.
On March 4, 1997, two class action lawsuits were filed against the Company and
approximately 28 other defendants in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia. The lawsuits allege that the defendants engaged in
price fixing and other anti-competitive activities in violation of federal
anti-trust laws. The alleged class of plaintiffs consists of all purchasers of
souvenirs or merchandise from licensed vendors at any NASCAR Winston Cup race or
supporting event during the period commencing January 1, 1991. The Company was
named as defendant based upon actions alleged to have been taken by Sports
Image, Robert Yates Promotions, Inc., and Creative Marketing & Promotions, Inc.
prior to the acquisitions of those entities. The actions were subsequently
consolidated by order of the court. The caption of the consolidated action is
"In re Motorsports Merchandise Antitrust Litigation" and the files are
maintained under Master File No. 1-97-CV-0569-CC. The plaintiffs requested
injunctive relief and monetary damages of three times an unspecified amount of
damages that the plaintiffs claim to have actually suffered. In order to avoid
further expense and the distraction of Company management that protracted
litigation might create, on September 30, 1999, the Company and the plaintiffs
entered into a memorandum of understanding with respect to the settlement of
this lawsuit. In connection with the settlement, the Company recorded a
non-recurring pretax charge of $3.6 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal
1999 to reflect the financial terms of the settlement, as well as legal and
other expenses related to the lawsuit and settlement. During September 2000, the
court approved a settlement between the plaintiffs and the Company. The
principle financial terms of the settlement require the Company to pay
approximately $1.9 million in cash and approximately $1.1 million in coupons in
consideration of the dismissal and release with prejudice of our company and
affiliates. The Company paid the cash portion of the settlement during June
2000. Race fans may redeem the $1.1 million in coupons in connection with the
purchase of products at the Company's trackside stores over the course of the
2001 and 2002 NASCAR race seasons. In the event the entire $1.1 million is not
redeemed by the end of the 2002 season, 25% of the balance will be paid in cash
to a charity of the settlement parties' choice, which will satisfy the Company's
obligations in full.
(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases certain equipment and office space under noncancellable
operating leases. Rent expense related to these lease agreements totaled
approximately $5.7 million, $4.8 million, and $3.1 million for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998 respectively.
Future lease receipts and payments under noncancellable operating leases and
subleases are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending Lease Sublease
September 30, Payments Receipts
------------- -------- --------
2001........................... $ 3,590 $2,482
2002........................... 3,173 2,070
2003........................... 2,700 368
2004........................... 2,191 334
2005........................... 2,003 111
Thereafter..................... 14,081 0
------- ------
Total $27,738 $5,365
Certain of the Company's licensing agreements require the Company to make
minimum annual guaranteed royalty payments through the term of the agreements.
To date, the Company has recovered such minimum annual guaranteed royalty
payments through normal product sales. Royalties paid in connection with these
licensing agreements, including guaranteed minimums, were approximately $48.4
million $49.7 million and $28.4 million for the fiscal years ended September 30,
2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company expects that future amounts
payable under these licensing agreements will approximate historical amounts.
There can be no assurance, that the Company will generate sufficient product
sales in the future to recover minimum royalty payments.
Future minimum annual guaranteed royalty payments under various licensing
contracts are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending
September 30,
-------------
2001........................... $15,440
2002........................... 12,856
2003........................... 11,393
2004........................... 11,446
2005........................... 11,087
Thereafter..................... 12,915
-------
Total $75,137
=======
F-18
62
The Company has entered into contractual agreements providing severance benefits
to certain key employees in the event of a potential change of Company ownership
or termination of employment. Commitments under these arrangements totaled
approximately $1.8 million at September 30, 2000.
The Company is subject to certain other asserted and unasserted claims
encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the
resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
On January 11, 1999, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of
Goodsports Holding Pty. LTD., an Australian-based marketer of Formula One,
related apparel and other merchandise. The consideration paid by the Company
consisted of the assumption of certain liabilities and contingent payments of up
to $3.6 million to be paid over a four year period based upon the attainment of
certain performance objectives. The Company does not currently anticipate that
any payments will be due under this contingent liability.
On March 28, 2000, the Company signed a series of sublease agreements whereby a
third-party assumed responsibility for certain operating lease obligations
related to goracing.com's infrastructure, including its physical facility and
all related computer equipment. The Company remains the guarantors under the
terms of the original agreement.
On March 28, 2000 the Company entered into an agreement whereby a third party
was to provide web-hosting environments. The agreement provides for a three year
term, however the Company can terminate for any reason upon two months notice.
The monthly fee under this agreement is $87,000. Prior to December 1, 2000, the
Company elected its option to terminate this agreement. Also on March 28, 2000,
the Company entered into a service agreement with its web hosting environment
provider. Under this agreement the Company is committed to purchase $2.0 million
worth of normal business services over a two year period. As of September
30,2000 the Company had fulfilled $751,000 of the $2.0 million purchase
commitment.
On November 30, 1999, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company in
the United Stated District Court for the District of Arizona, case
No. CIV'99 2106 PHXROS. Fred W. Wagenhals, director and officer of the Company,
and Tod J. Wagenhals and Christopher S. Besing, former directors and officers of
the Company, also were named as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the Company
and the other defendants violated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by
(a) making allegedly false statements about the state of the Company's business
and the shipment of certain products to a customer, or (b) participating in a
fraudulent scheme that was intended to inflate the price of the Company's
common stock. The alleged class of plaintiffs consists of all persons who
purchased the Company's publicly traded securities between July 27, 1999 and
December 16, 1999. The plaintiffs are requesting an unspecified amount of
monetary damages. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit,
which is scheduled to be heard by the court during April 2001. The Company
intends to vigorously defend the claims asserted in the lawsuit.
(12) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company owns a building in Tempe, Arizona, containing approximately 46,000
square feet, which the Company utilized for its corporate, administrative, sales
offices, and warehouse facilities prior to September 1997. Prior to March 1998,
Fred W. Wagenhals, a shareholder, director, and officer of the Company, owned a
one-third interest in F.W. Investments, a partnership that owned this facility.
In March 1998, Mr. Wagenhals became the sole owner of this facility. The Company
paid F.W. Investment or Mr. Wagenhals rent of approximately $120,000 and
$175,000 for the years ended September 30, 1999, and 1998, respectively.
During fiscal 1998, the Company made a refundable deposit of $900,000 to
Mr. Wagenhals towards the purchase of the facility. During 1999 the Company paid
the remaining balance of $1.2 million as final payment and purchase of the
facility. The land and building are included in property and equipment in the
accompanying financial statements. This building is currently held for sale and
during fiscal year 2000 the Company reduced the recorded value to estimated
current market value.
F-19
63
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
- ------ -------
3.1 First Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Registrant(1)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant(1)
4.1 Form of Certificate of Common Stock(2)
4.2 Indenture dated as of March 24, 1998, between Action Performance
Companies, Inc. and First Union National Bank, as Trustee, including forms
of Notes(3)
10.4.2 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated through January 16,
1997(4)
10.8 Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with the Directors
of the Registrant(2)
10.27 Manufacturing Agreement between the Registrant and Early Light
International Co. Ltd. dated November 1, 2000
10.37 License Agreement dated as of November 7, 1996, among SII Acquisition,
Inc., Dale Earnhardt, and Action Performance Companies, Inc.(6)
10.43 Credit Agreement dated as of January 2, 1997, among Action Performance
Companies, Inc., Sports Image, Inc., MTL Acquisition, Inc., and First
Union National Bank of North Carolina(7)
10.43A Amendment and Consent to Credit Agreement dated March 18, 1998, by and
among Action Performance Companies, Inc., various subsidiary guarantees,
and First Union National Bank of North Carolina(3)
10.43B Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 5, 1998, among
Action Performance Companies, Inc., certain subsidiaries and affiliates,
as guarantors, and First Union National Bank(8)
10.49 Standard Form Industrial Lease dated April 8, 1997, between
Hewson/Breckner-Baseline, L.L.C. and Action Performance Companies, Inc.(9)
10.50 Lease Agreement dated July 9, 1997, by and between Performance Park
Partners, LLC and Sports Image, Inc.(9)
10.52 1998 Non-qualified Stock Option Plan(3)
10.53 Purchase Agreement dated March 18, 1998 among Action Performance
Companies, Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, CIBC Oppenheimer
Corp., EVEREN Securities, Inc. and Piper Jaffray Inc.(3)
10.54 Registration Rights Agreement dated March 24, 1998, by and among Action
Performance Companies, Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, CIBC
Oppenheimer Corp., EVEREN Securities, Inc., and Piper Jaffray Inc.(3)
10.55 Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated October 7, 1998, issued to the National
Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.(10)
10.56 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan(11)
10.57 Standard Form Industrial Lease (Single Tenant) dated June 28, 1999, between
H-B Tempe, L.L.C. and Action Performance Companies, Inc.(12)
10.58 Master Lease Agreement dated August 9, 1999 between General Electric Capital
Corporation and goracing.com, inc., together with Schedule No. 01,
Commitment Letter dated October 4, 1999, and Corporate Guaranty by Action
Performance Companies, Inc.(12)
10.59 Distribution Agreement dated September 13, 2000 by and between the
Registrant and QVC, Inc.
10.60 Sublease dated March 28, 2000 by and between Action Performance Companies,
Inc., and Integrated Information Systems, Inc.
10.61 Equipment Sublease dated March 28, 2000 by and among goracing.com, inc.,
Action Performance Companies, Inc., and Integrated Information Systems,
Inc.
10.62 Equipment Sublease dated March 28, 2000 by and between Integrated Information
Systems, Inc. and goracing.com, inc.
10.63 Loan and Security Agreement dated September 29, 2000 by and among
Action Performance Companies, Inc., certain subsidiaries and
affiliates, as guarantors, and American National Bank and Trust Company
of Chicago.
10.64 Pledge Agreement dated October 2, 2000 by and between Racing Collectibles
Club of America, Inc., and American National Bank and Trust Company of
Chicago.
64
10.65 Pledge Agreement dated October 2, 2000 by and between Action Performance
Companies, Inc., and American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago.
10.66 Pledge Agreement dated October 2, 2000 by and between goracing.com, inc., and
American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago.
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
21 List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
on Form T-1(13)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
- --------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-QSB for the quarter
ended March 31, 1996, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on May 2, 1996.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 and amendments thereto (Registration No. 33-57414-LA).
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on May 15, 1998.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on May 15, 1997.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the year
ended September 30, 1994, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 22, 1994.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 22, 1996, as amended by
Form 8-K/A filed on January 13, 1997.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 1997, as amended by Form
8-K/A filed on February 24, 1997.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on December 29, 1998.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on December 22, 1997.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended December 31, 1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 16, 1999.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-82879).
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 1999, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on December 29, 1999.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-53413).